Lambeth - What's on for the family - December 7th/8th 2013

Good afternoon or evening...or whenever you are reading this. The cold weather brought with it aches and pains, colds and bugs and so we have been rather out of action which is a shame as there have been some goodies over the last couple of weeks.

Not to worry, Christmas soon. Check out this weekend's things to do:

SATURDAY (7^th December)

It's the winter fair time of year!

The Horniman museum has their Christmas Fair this weekend  on both Saturday and Sunday. You can write Santa a letter and make a Christmas angel for a small fee. Santa's grotto is to be booked (check out the website) and the weekly chance to explore objects is also one. Visit Sunday for carol singing and storytelling. And for those looking for pressies, the market will be there!

It runs from 10:30 to 4:30. Catch the P4 from Brixton to the museum.

More christmas fun at the  Crystal Palace Food Market, on Hayes Lane. Head there to hear carols at 12 and from 12 - 3pm, the people from Untapped will be around for ceramic Christmas tree decoration painting.

The buses 3, 417, 249, 432 and 322 take you into the Crystal Palace area.

 Don't want a fair? Then pop into the Minet Libary for some under-fives storytime and play at 11am and for over-fives, there is crafts at  2:30pm. The library is located on 52 Knatchbull Rd, London SE5 9QY. Buses 36, 185 and 436 to Camberwell New Road, Buses 3, 59, 159  and 133 along the Brixton road. It's a ten minute walk from there. Give them a ring to make sure it is still on: 020 7926 6073.

SATURDAY (8^th December)

Head to Vauxhall City Farm. this weekend for their Christmas Open Day. There will be family activities and crafts, living nativity stable as well as all the animals to chat at. It’s open from 11am to 4pm. 

To get there catch a 2, 88 or 196. The area is also served by the overground and underground.

And finally, there is the Winter Fair at Brockwell Park from 11am to 3pm. Great for present shopping and the chance to meet santa (he has got a very busy weekend)!

This event is located in Brockwell Hall (the cafe at the top of the park). Buses to the main park entrance at Herne Hill include  3, 196, 322, 68 and 37. You can also catch the overground to Herne Hill.

So enjoy your weekend and say hello to santa from me! 

Lambeth - What's on for the family - November 16th/17th 2013

Another weekend of things to do coming your way! So let’s take a look  

SATURDAY (16^th November)

Pop up to Crystal Palace Food Market, on Hayes Lane, for some action storytelling from 11:30 to 12pm. This costs £1 per child. After that, stick around for some free crafting fun with books! The people from Untapped will be around from 12-3pm and the weather is looking good for Saturday!

The buses 3, 417, 249, 432 and 322 take you into the Crystal Palace area. 

Whilst the weather is nice and the autumnal landscape is beautiful, then take the family for a walk. We recommend you check out the Capital Ring Walk. Section 4 is a pleasant walk between Crystal Palace and Streatham. Check out the website to download a map and directions which include facts about the area.

The walk starts at Crystal Palace Train Station.

And staying in Crystal Palace, take the little ones to the Crystal Palace Park Farm, located on Ledrington Road, SE19 2BS. Open from 12 -4pm on Saturday and Sunday, get the kids to practice their animal noises!

If Crystal Palace is too far away, check out Vauxhall City Farm. Little ones love talking to the animals. It’s open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 4pm. 

To get there catch a 2, 88 or 196. The area is also served by the overground and underground.

As mentioned before, it’s a lot harder to find free or cheap things for the little ones to do as the weather gets colder.

  

SUNDAY (17^th November)

For those who like old vehicles and kids who like buses, visit  Merton Bus garage which is celebrating 100 years!  On this open day, there will a chance to have a look at some heritage buses and ride on one.

The event runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm at Merton bus depot, High Street, London, SW19 1DN and the 57 bus will take you from Streatham to the event.

Take a visit to the Tate Britain and check out Liminal  - a family event every weekend between 11 til 3pm. Go to the information desk for details. Website says it "invites families into a physical, material and social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration"

 A number 2 or 88 bus ride across the river takes you to view some art. 

Another regular indoor event is the National Gallery's Sunday Magic Carpet Storytelling. Suitable for under-fives, it runs at 10:30am and repeats at 11:30 am.

The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. Hop on the number 3 bus or 159 to get there.  

Have a good one!

Mumsnet Brixton

I think it's universally acknowledged that parenthood can be a little isolating at times, especially in those early days and particularly if you have moved to a new area away from family and friends. I know that this was true for me; a young baby, the upheaval of moving away from the support network I had AND a boyfriend who works long hours meant that I felt lonely about 80% of the time.

Starved of adult interaction and other parents who just 'got it' (and after a hugely unsuccessful trip to the Ritzy's Big Scream), I took myself off to Mumsnet where I had a stroke of luck - the only local group that was currently active? You got it, Brixton. I remember breathing a sigh of relief and feeling so thankful that there were people who were local and wanted something similar.

After a little hesitation I signed myself up and Marie - the Ambassador for the lovely Brixton lot - welcomed me warmly to the group. Since then I don't think I've made one official Mumsnet meet up - timing as opposed to not wanting to - but I have met up with Marie briefly (on a street corner to hand over cake - don't ask) and she was a wonderfully genuine person who I felt I could arrange to go for a coffee with any time. Now we are in touch regularly about how we are getting our with our respective babies and it's so good to know that someone is just there (for me anyway!).

When I spoke with Marie about the Mumsnet group, she explained why she put herself forward as the group ambassador and it turns out that she was feeling isolated too. With a friend from her antenatal group and another she'd met through Netmums, she started posting meet up dates and slowly but surely, more people joined the group. Now, meet ups are arranged every other week at baby-friendly cafes for people to get together with or without their babies - this for me was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders as Baby A goes off on adventures a couple of times a week.

So, if you are feeling a little lost and in need of some adult interaction or moral support - or if you just fancy meeting some new people - then go ahead and sign up to the group here - there will always be someone there and I believe there is a meet up arranged for tomorrow morning...

Lambeth - What's on for the family - November 9th/10th 2013

Those leaves have nearly fallen off the trees. My view over Croydon is starting to appear as the trees in front of my house shed their summer coat. Winter nights are coming in fast and the time for hats and gloves is rapidly approaching.

So, on with the weekend!

SATURDAY (9^th November)

 It's the time of year where everything is moving indoors. However the big outdoor event this weekend is the Lord Mayor Show! Always good fun to watch. It starts at 11am from Mansion House near Bank and features buses, coaches, tractors, vintage cars, fire engines, the list goes on! 

If you still have energy. there are a free hour long walking tour of the city It starts at 3pm from no.1 Poultry which is near Mansion House and Bank underground station

 For those in the deep south of London - hop on a train to London bridge and get a bus from there. Those north of the borough, climb aboard a bus; the 133 will take you through Bank.

Staying in the city, St Pauls Cathedral is open for free today. This is a chance to view one of London's architectural gems without paying an arm and a leg. If you do want to visit the gallery, that costs £5/£3.

From Bank, you can catch a 76, 23 and 11

And after all that, don't forget the fireworks between Waterloo and Blackfriars at 5pm. If that doesn't make the children sleep well, than I don't know what will!

For those happy to visit the West End, Christmas has arrived at Covent Garden. Take the kids to pet a reindeer. Visiting hours are 12 to 4pm. 

Catch the number 3 bus or 159 to get to Trafalgar Square and catch an 11, 23 or 15 down the Strand to reach Covent Garden.

SUNDAY (10^th October)

As the outside world gets unfriendly, now is a good time to check out your local swimming pool.  We have a range of reviews on this site. 

• our review of Latchmere Leisure Centre
• our review of Brixton Recreation Centre 
• our review of Clapham Leisure Centre
• our review of Camberwell Leisure Centre 
• our review of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre 
• our review of Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre  

 Go and see for yourself what suits your family needs.
  
If you do fancy a good bus ride or train journey then you'll find the National Gallery's Sunday Magic Carpet Storytelling  is still running. Suitable for under fives, it runs at 10:30am and repeats at 11:30 am;

The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. Hop on the number 3 bus or 159 to get there. 

So that's a fairly quiet round up! Enjoy your weekend!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - October 19th/20th 2013

I’m back – fingers crossed that I can keep this up for a while! But, hey let’s get back to the weekend. It’s that lovely time of year when the leaves turn brown, a chill hits the air yet there are still things to do outdoors.

So what’s on?

SATURDAY (19^th October)

Head to the Southbank and make friends with some grazing goats! From 12pm head up to the wildflower meadow on Queen Elizabeth Hall roof gardens. There will be seed and woodworking activities with tea and food in the garden.

The 59 and 68 to Waterloo will take you there. Or catch the tube or overground.

Fancy traveling further afield? Then head up to Russell Square for the Bloomsbury festival. Family activities on offer include:

• ·          The Indonesia Kontemporar at SOAS, University of London (10 Thornhaugh St, London WC1H 0XG) featuring music, dressing up, storytelling, crafts and food.
• ·         Turn your doodles into cartoons at the Cartoon Museum (25 Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH) from 12pm to 12:45pm and 2pm to 2:45pm.
• ·          Lots of walking tours – check the programme for more details. Great for parents with little babies in buggies or slings.
• ·         Love anything underwater? Then take a look around the Grant Museum of Zoology, (UCL, Rockefeller Building, University Street, London WC1e 6DE) from 1pm to 4pm, for their Life Under the Waves activities.

The buses 59 and 68 will take you to Euston which is close by. Festival continues through to Sunday.

And one more for those who want to stay closer to home, pop over to Myatts Fields for the Big Draw! From 1 to 4pm, draw with chalks around the bandstand and enjoy live music!

Myatts Fields on a rainy day.

 

Myatts Fields is located on Cormont Road( SE5 9RA). Buses 36, 185 and 436 to Camberwell New Road, Buses 3, 59, 159  and 133 along the Brixton road. It's a ten minute walk from there.

SUNDAY (20^th October)

Heading back into Lambeth, take a stop at Streatham Common Community Gardens, located next to the Rookery and enjoy their Apple and Squash day. From 12pm to 4pm, you can make juice and eat squash. Yum! Buses up that way include the 417 and 249. 

More apples? Then head down to the Globe to catch the Lion’s Part perform… as part of October Plenty and Borough Market Apple Day. There will also be traditional games, storytelling and an apple orchard. To get to Bankside on bus, the 45 which passes through Brixton stops at Blackfriars Bridge Road. Alternatively, there is always the tube to Southwark.

Green Man at Lion's Part performance

And finally if it’s raining, check out A Family at Wartime exhibition at the Imperial War Musem (Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ). It tells the real experiences of a family in Stockwell. The Museum is open from 10am to 6pm. The 3, 344, 59 and 159 buses pass the museum.

Have a good weekend!

Remember, Remember the 5th of November

It's that time of year when autumn has truly taken hold: dark mornings and darker evenings; the beautiful blue of a sky with the Sun sitting ever lower. The russet and golden tones dominate the trees; leaves litter the streets; scarves are pulled from the depths of the wardrobe to shield us against that autumnal chill; and when I catch a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament I think "what if?"

Now whilst I'm not sure how I feel about burning Fawke's effigy on a bonfire, I do think it gives us a reason to stop, think about and admire the stunning architecture that surrounds us here in London. I for one am thankful that the plot was foiled. 

With this in mind, I've been having a little look to see where you can catch some fireworks this year and boy have you been spoilt. With offerings from Vauxhall and Crystal Palace, to name just a couple, there is plenty of choice (and if you fancy braving the cold, you can definitely catch more than one display).

In what seems to be a controversial decision, Lambeth Council has organised this years event to take place in Brockwell Park once again. Despite some concerns over transport links (or lack of) it's set to be a good-un. This years theme is 'The Four Seasons'; different zones will be located on the park to represent Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and to top it off, the display itself has been created by the team behind the London Olympics fireworks!

Part of a two-week Fire Festival, Vauxhall Pleasure Garden will have a full evenings entertainment. Beginning with the lighting of the bonfire, you can expect gymnasts, artists and parkour dancers to provide an insight into the origins of fire. 

Hopping out of Lambeth, Battersea Park's popular display has a 'Shrieks and Skulls' themed night - what with it being so close to Halloween and all. Unlike other events organised by their respective Council, this is going to cost you and the sooner you book your tickets the better (£6.50 until 27th October and then the price increases). Under 10s go for free, but be aware that they still need a ticket!

Southwark Park's night kicks off at 5pm and throughout the evening you can expect to see fire and light performances as well as enjoy the family fun fair. Southwark, like Lambeth, have been able to host another Bonfire Night that is free - a good choice if you are saving those pennies for Christmas!

Perhaps the most family-friendly of all the offerings however, is Crystal Palace Park. With not one, but two displays, you may feel happier about having your little one out after dark. Whilst the main display is set to music and is full of the loudest fireworks you could imagine, the children's display will be using those that are quieter and more colourful. 

You can see all the events below, with as much detail as is humanly possible! So take a look and let us know which event takes your fancy. Perhaps you've heard of another event that pips these? Don't be shy, sharing is caring and we'd love to hear what you're thinking of doing or not doing as the case may be!

It's also important to remember that safety is paramount on Bonfire Night. Keeping you safe are the good people @BonfireSafety; a beautifully designed, as well as informative, document has been filled with some little known facts, with some handy 'dos & don'ts' to keep you safe. Be sure to check it out here.

**If you are interested in going a little further afield then take a look at the spreadsheet created by IanVisits, he has gone the extra mile and collated all the information for you**

-----------------

Battersea Park

DATE: Saturday 2nd November

GATES: 18.00

BONFIRE: 19.30

DISPLAY: 20.00

PRICE: £6.50 until Sunday 27th Oct // £8 from Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November // £10 Saturday 2nd November before 6pm (buy tickets online), Children under 10 years go free, but still need a ticket.

-----------------

Brockwell Park

Dulwich Road

London

SE24 0NG

DATE: Tuesday 5th November

GATES: 17.00

PRICE: Absolutely free

-----------------

Crystal Palace Park

Thicket Road

London

SE20 8DT

DATE: Tuesday 5th November

GATES: 18.00

CHILDREN'S DISPLAY: 19.00

MAIN DISPLAY: 20.30

PRICE: £6 Adults // £4 Children (3-10yrs) // Children under 3 years go free.

-----------------

Southwark Park

Gomm Road

SE16

DATE: Tuesday 5th November

GATES: 17.00

DISPLAY: 19.00

CLOSE: 20.30

PRICE: Absolutely free!

-----------------

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

SE11 5HY

DATE: Friday 1st November

GATES: 18.30

BONFIRE: 19.00

STORY: 19.00

DISPLAY: 20.00

PRICE: Absolutely free!

-----------------

And then there were four...

With Ruth and Toddler Boo back in town and Baby A and me in tow, there is lots to be looking forward to as far as Little Lambeth is concerned. I for one am very excited!

Since moving to Lambeth a few months ago, I've struggled to find things to do with Baby A. It wasn't until I was pointed in the direction of this here blog that I realised just how much was going on. 

Thanks to Ruth, I'm now able to give a little something too and I'm glad that I have a very valid excuse to get out and about to experience things I might have been too nervous to do before. 

Keep an eye on the blog, there are lots of ideas floating about for up and coming posts - as well as a few drafts waiting in the wings. In between all of that, we'll try to keep you abreast of things happening in the local area. Don't forget Half Term is just around the corner so we'll be keeping our eyes and ears peeled for fun things to do with the family.

For now, check out the Sure Start Children Centre's page. We've been adding a little something, something for you all by linking in activity timetables for CC's across Lambeth. Hopefully to make it a little more convenient for you to access the information - it is a minefield!

We've signed up to Instagram (@LittleLambeth), it would be great to see your photos from around Lambeth. As ever, there is the Twitter (@little_lambeth) and Facebook presence so 'follow', 'hashtag', 'like', 'tweet', 'comment' and 'tag' away - it's always good to hear from you.

**In other news**

The creator of Little Lambeth has a new venture! By the sounds of it, Sarah is baking up a storm and I'm hoping to get my hands on some of her artisan gingerbread very soon. Have a gander at her Facebook page for Honey and the Moon and show your support for one of our own. We wish you the best of luck Sarah!

Taking Baby for a Swim Part 6: A review of Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre

Right, I’m back – just briefly though. Baby Boo is 18 months and is pretty much toddler Boo. So we thought we’d go and try out a few more pools for you. I can hear you thinking that this should be easier!

So where did we visit? Yes, Peckham Pulse with its hydrotherapy pool, had been a ‘to do’ for a long time.  It was so near to us and yet so far. However even though we are now living in the far reaches of Beulah Hill (technically Croydon) we thought we would head to the Pulse to satisfy the Little Lambeth readers.

Journey was fine. Our money was swapped at the desk for a ticket only to be told that the Hydrotherapy pool was closed. You WHAT? Yes I did think about going home but, no readers,  we were not here to just test the pool but to look at all the facilities that either make it heaven or hell.

So we decided to take the plunge (get it!) and go for a splash regardless. The changing rooms were easily sign posted and there were several decent size family rooms – one with a baby change piece of furniture. There were also lots of spaces to lock the buggies up as well as a few large lockers that looked like they could accommodate a folded pushchair. 

If you had visited with a tiny baby then there is space to change the baby and keep him/her with you in a family room. If you have come with a toddler, the family changing room offer the chance to let the kid run around without wandering off. 

We put our belongings in a locker and headed towards the pool. A quick ‘whoosh’ of the body under the shower and then we went to face the big, "full of kids because it’s the school holiday", pool!! One section had been roped off and had some floats. This was also the section with a small set of steps leading into the pool. But I wasn’t sure what the deal was so once the mum with the big kid realised I wanted to get into the pool, I went down the ladder with my child firmly clasped to me. 

So this wasn’t too bad but because we don’t really do the floaty baby seat thing or even the arm bands, I had to hold her which would be fine if she didn’t want to fight me and  escape.  My poor arms – water is my place to go to relax but not with a little one in tow! 

We carried on splashing around – or rather she splashed and I held onto her for dear life.  Lots of kids barged pass me and bumped into me. Really wasn’t too much fun but this wasn’t the fault of the visitors. Realistically I should have been in a baby pool.

So swim swum.  And splash sploshed. We got out, didn’t showered (as I was exhausted by this point), found the family room and changed with a minimal amount of wailing and fighting from my daughter.

So what do I think then? So really good basic facilities: big lockers, pushchair spaces with locks and large family rooms with baby change. Well done Peckham Pulse. I will be back to visit your hydrotherapy pool, one day ….soon.

Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre Information

Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre is located at 10 Melon Road Peckham, London, SE15 5QN

At the sports centre, adults (non-members)  pay £4.40 (peak) or £4.10 (off-peak) per swim and  junior (non-members) pay £1.50 (anytime), Family Swim (2 adults /2 children) is £9.10.

The centre can be contacted on  0844 893 3888

The opening times for parents and toddlers are:

Monday       3:00 to 4:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Tuesday       3:00 to 4:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Wednesday  12:00 to 1:00pm and 3:00 to 4:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Thursday     3:00 to 4:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Friday          3:00 to 4:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Saturday     1:00 to 2:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)
Sunday        8:00 to 9:00 and 1:00 to 2:00pm (Hydrotherapy Pool)

It's always worth phoning the pool to check it's open or that there hasn't been a change to the timetable.

.......................................................................

Want to know more about swimming with babies in the Lambeth area and beyond? Read the following:

• our review of Latchmere Leisure Centre
• our review of Brixton Recreation Centre 
• our review of Clapham Leisure Centre
• our review of Camberwell Leisure Centre 
• our review of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

Soft Play in Crystal Palace at Toddlers' World

I'm back! Well, not quite however I thought I'd let you know about my latest outing.

Baby Boo-boo's nursery is shut for part of Easter so it's been a chance for us to get out of the house. I decided that to avoid the mayhem of the Brixton Rec's soft play with big kids bouncing through the baby ball pit, I'd go check out another toddler's world for the under 5 yr olds. Having visited the one in Clapham, I expected more of the same - lots of plush new equipment and a gaggle of small children and parents enjoying it.

So we headed to the Crystal Palace National Sports centre with a new plan hatched about how we would get from the bus stop to the place avoiding the steps unlike our last sorry attempt. We caught the number 3 bus and got off the second to last stop. However as soon as we got off, I realised we would have to do serious back tracking to find a gentle slope down to the sports centre.

Sod this, I decided and we took the steps - bump, bump, bump and then some more... and some more! At least it was all down hill. We finally got to our location and entered the wonderful sports centre - I do love the architecture. We bought a ticket - £4.75 for the baby to play - and headed through the centre to the back.

An area was cordoned off using a large inflatable barrier and inside was a sparse collection of toys for the little uns to play with. It was quite different from the abundance of the very new toys at Clapham!  Some things seemed too old for the baby Boo-boo (who is one and walking), other things were for younger babies (sensory mats) or better for structured play (musical instruments). Many of the one o'clock clubs I've been to have better set ups than this and are free!

It wasn't a bad space and with a little bit of investment into a few new pieces it could feel like it was worth the entrance fee. For me it was a chance to let the baby run, walk and crawl around without too much to worry about so at the end of the day it fulfilled it's role.

If the centre wants a better attendance, than it should get a few new bits of equipment and make it look fun!!

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre Information

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is located at Ledrington Road  London, SE19 2BB.

Non-membership kids pay £4.75 a session.

The centre can be contacted on  020 8778 0131

The opening times of the Toddlers' World are:

Monday       10:00 to 12:00pm  
Tuesday       1:00 to 3:00pm
Thursday     10:00 to 12:00pm

.................................................................................

Want to know more about soft play facilities in the Lambeth area and beyond? Read the following:

• our review of soft play at Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre
• our review of soft play at Brixton Recreation Centre
• our review of soft play at Bertie and Boo Adventure Island

Little Lambeth Needs Your Help!!!

Hello readers!

I'm sure some of you are aware I've gone back to work recently. This has lead to a lack of time to write this blog - not so much because the work and looking after a little one gets in the way but the secret is I have another project - the London Mural Preservation Society - and typically it is demanding more of my time!

So to get to the point, I'm looking for anyone interested in writing for the blog or taking it over. Not only have you the opportunity to blog but there are two monthly local newspaper columns which need writing - yes it's all for free but there is lots of potential for the blog!

So get in touch if you are interested:

little_lambeth (at) yahoo.co.uk

Lambeth's New Real Nappies Scheme (and other nappy information!)

For expectant mums, one thing many take into consideration is whether to go for disposable nappies or reuseables. It's a tough question and only one you can answer.

However, if you are looking for advice and tips on what to get, then head to the Real Nappies for London Website which will answer all your questions on this matter.

Closer to home, head to Lambeth Council webpage and read about the Lambeth Real Nappies Scheme. There is an opportunity to talk to advisers and you can pick up a trial pack of three reuseable nappies. You will need to have proof of address and photo ID. Get in touch with them to find out more.

And for those who struggle with reuseables or don't feel it's the right thing for them, then check out this service which suggests it can recycle nappies! Is this the future? It would be interesting to see energy use and cost for all schemes.

Whatever you're choice, let's hope for a more environmentally friendly future which is easy on the planet, easy on the finances and easy on the parents.

"Sort my nappy out mummy!"

Lambeth - What's on for the family - March 9th/10th 2013

Nearly Mothering Sunday. Dads, don't forget to organise the kids. Mums, a reminder to the rest of the family probably wouldn't go amiss.

So what's on this weekend?

SATURDAY (9th March)

Looking for a nice local outing? Then head up to Crystal Palace and visit the park to check out the dinosaurs. Also take a look at the Crystal Palace Park farm run by Capel Manor. It opens between 12 and 4 both Saturdays and Sundays.

To get to Crystal Palace Park, hop on the number 3 which will take you outside the park.

Heading along on the number 3 bus route, check out the storytelling at Dulwich Books. It starts at 11am and lasts for up to 30 minutes.

For parents with buggies, join the Brixton Market Heritage walk. The tour starts at 2:30pm - meet at the corner of Beehive Place and Brixton Station Road. It cost £3 each and includes a free booklet.

Buses through Brixton include P4, P5, 188, 196, 59, 159, 3, 133, 333, 45, 345, and 37. Alternatively you can catch the tube or the overground into the area.

SUNDAY (10th March)

 

Are the kids tired of their current books? Then take a few down to the London Children's Bookswap at the Unicorn Theatre on Tooley Street, near London Bridge. The event, which also includes creative Bookmark making and other arts and crafts,  runs from 12pm to 4pm.

Buses 133 and 35 head up that way.

Alternatively head in the opposite direction and explore the Natural History Museum - there is so much for children to see - you can keep going back for more! They run lots of different family activities - read about them here.

The museum is located in South Kensington. The number 345 bus will take you there; alternatively take the train or tube to Victoria and catch the District Line.

So there's a few ideas to keep the kids (and parents busy). Enjoy your weekend.  

Parent Bloggers & Websites Part 1: Places to take the kids

In my conversations to local parents, I get the impression that the Little Lambeth is a really helpful blog so I thought I'd let you know about some of other blogs which I find useful when it comes to looking for places to take children.

SE19 Kids lets you know what's on in the Crystal Palace area. Great for families in the south of the borough.

For parents in Streatham, check out Tooting Baby's diary of what's on in the area. Also includes a list of baby friendly eateries and local places to go for a day out.

Looking for reviews of things to do in London, then check out London with a toddler, lots of entertaining stories about visits to different places in London. Also includes an ace googlemap so that it's easy to find the places that the author has visited.

And finally, check out Clapham mums which covers the Clapham, to Clapham Junction area. It lists local activities and events and if you sign  up, you can get a card offering great local deals.

So there you go, a few more helpful hints. Let me know if you can think of anyone else to add to this list!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - March 2nd / 3rd 2013

Happy March! Doesn't spring time start soon?Certainly feels like it should be here soon?

SATURDAY (2nd March)

It's starting to feel like outdoor weather so catch up with the Saturday Morning Nature Explorers at the Brockwell Park Community Gardens From 10:30am to 12:30pm. Aimed at age 7-12, this week it's all about frogs (one of them comes from my old garden!) £2 donation per child.

The greenhouses are located not far from the cafe on the top of the hill in Brockwell Park. Buses to the main park entrance at Herne Hill include  3, 196, 322, 68 and 37. You can also catch the overground to Herne Hill.

Fancy a self led Saturday stroll? Then we recommend you check out the Capital Ring Walk - A route going through the greenery of London. Section 4 is a pleasant walk between Crystal Palace and Streatham. Check out the website to download a map and directions which include facts about the area.

The buses 3, 417, 249, 432 and 322 take you into the Crystal Palace area. The walk starts at Crystal Palace Train Station.
 
Fancy a little further afield? Then head for a river walk along the Wandle. Either catch the 118 towards Merton and get off for Morden Hall Park or catch the tube to Colliers Woods and head to Merton Abbey Mills to meet the River.

Maybe you want to stay indoors? Then take the kids to child-friendly pub Manor Arms for Punch and Judy Brunch. Doors open at 10am, show starts at 11am.

Manor Arms is located at 13 Mitcham Lane, SW16, 6LQ.You can catch the 333, 201 and 57 to the pub. It is also served by Streatham overground station.

SUNDAY (3rd March)

 

This Sunday, take the family to listen to some stories at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. Storytime is 11am to 1145am and 12:15pm to 1pm. Catch the P4 from Brixton to the museum.

 Looking for some art, then visit the Dulwich Picture gallery for some animation artplay, a creative session for parents and their children. It starts at 2pm and runs to 3:45pm. Hop on the P4 to take you through Dulwich Village, home of the gallery.

So there's a few things for you to do! Have fun!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - February 23rd-24th 2013

Hasn't it got cold again! Hope you have all had great half terms! Let see what we can do this weekend!

SATURDAY (23rd February)

My daughter turns one today - Happy birthday Boo-boo!

Crazy baby alert!

However, she's unwell so we won't be going anywhere. But you can. Take a trip to north Lambeth and visit the Garden Museum which has a free family activity of flower bulb planting. This session is on from 2pm to 4pm.

The Garden Museum is located on Lambeth Palace Rd SE1 7LB and can be reached by buses 3, 344, 360, 507 or C10.

 Following the River, wander along to the Southbank Centre who are currently running the Imagine Children's Festival. From 10:30am to 4pm, there are a group of children's illustrator and writers telling stories in the Clore Ballroom in the Royal Festival Hall. Visit the website for more details.

The 59 to Waterloo will take you there. Or catch the tube or overground.

Love dinosaurs and don't mind a trip into central London? Then take a look around the Grant Museum of Zoology, (UCL, Rockefeller Building, University Street, London WC1e 6DE) from 1pm to 5pm, for their Fantastic Fossils activities.

The buses 59 and 68 will take you to Euston which is close by.

SUNDAY (24th February)

Can the kids face the cold? If so, it's Junior Dig the Park at Brockwell Park. Wrap up warm and meet at the Community Greenhouses at 10:30am.

Buses into the area include 3, 196, 322, 68 and 37.

Want to stay indoors, then head to the Tate Britain in Pimlico . Every weekend they run Liminal, an interactive experience with sculpture for families running between 11am to 3pm. Ask at the Information desk when you get there.

Buses to Pimlico include the 185, 436, 36, 2 and 88.

Fancy a bit some art and storytelling? Then, pop to the National Gallery for family events. Under fives have the Magic Carpet Storytelling at 10:30am and 11:30 am; and five to eleven year old children have a hands-on art workshop running at 11am to 12:20pm and 2am to 3:20pm.

For both activities, meet in the Pigott Education Centre Foyer. The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. Hop on the number 3 bus or 159 to get there.

Have a good weekend!