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 - 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 - January 26th-27th 2013

Well, the snow was wonderful last weekend and a great excuse to run around outside making snowmen and throwing snowballs.

Will there be more snow for another weekend of fun or is it back to finding other things to do?

SATURDAY (26th January)

If it's not too cold, then head out to the Horniman museum in Forest Hill on the P4 from Brixton, for their Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting at 11am, there are lots of free activities including story telling for under fives and Garden bird bingo - suitable for all the family.

Happy to embrace the cold, then this weekend is Walk London's Winter Wanders Weekend, a chance to go on a free guided walk. Great for parents with buggy babies or older children happy to walk. Check out the website and pick a walk. Many are local to Lambeth

SUNDAY (27th January)

Have lots of energy to Junior Dig the Park at Brockwell Park in Herne Hill? Well, this weekend lend a hand creating loggeries and insect habitats . Meet at 10.30am at the Community Greenhouses.

They 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.

Head out of the area to the Museum of London for "Enter a Victorian Photograph" - a chance to create fictional Victorian characters, dress up as them and enter a photograph using the technology of blue screen. This is on at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 and it's free!

The museum is in the Barbican which can be reached by tube or bus (133 and 35) to Liverpool Street and a ten minute walk.

And finally I've mentioned it the last couple of weeks, so here's a reminder that the National Gallery has Sunday story time for under fives and art for older children. Boo-boo went with her dad last week and had a great time.

Boo-boo likes the painting!

Enjoy the weekend!

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

It's the weekend! Hooray! Time for some family fun. Except it's possible the snow is going to change what we can do this weekend. Anyway lets see what's on!

SATURDAY  (19th January)

Lambeth is rather quiet this weekend. Winter seems to lack one-off events in the area. If you don't fancy traveling too far, then take a visit to the library - get some books and films out and settle down at home as the weather gets cold.

Otherwise let's take a bus ride to get a bit of south London culture and head on the P4 to the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. They have two different family sessions on today - one which allows you to handle objects (free) and another which is about having a go at art (£3 a child).

Or head in the opposite direction to Bankside to visit the Tate Modern. Seek out the Clore Learning Centre where they have an open studio so the children can explore and create. It's open from 11am to 4pm.

To get to the Tate Modern on bus, the 45 which passes through Brixton stops at Blackfriars Bridge Road. Alternatively, there is always the tube to Southwark.

SUNDAY (20th January)

The Victoria and Albert Museum has a drop in design event about creating costumes. This is on all day in the lunch room.

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.

Get involved in a family activity at the National Gallery. They are also doing regular Sunday events for the family. 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 called postcards from Arcadia running at 11am to 12:20pm and 2am to 3:20pm.

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

Head down to the  British Museum for a free medieval animation workshop for kids age 7 +. There are two sessions - one starts at 11m and one at 2pm.

The British Museum is located at Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. Hop on the 59 bus to get there.

If the snow does arrive, then Brockwell Park is a good place for a bit of sleighing. However it gets very busy. If you can get out of the house, check out Spit-spot blog for some ideas of things to do.

Have a lovely weekend!

Ten things to do during the Christmas holidays 2012

Well, I'm sure the kids are still playing with their new toys  (and packaging) but if they are getting restless, here are a few suggestions:

1. Take a walk along the River Thames! The weather isn't as cold as it has been - Start at Lambeth Bridge (bus 3 will take you there) and finish at Blackfriars Bridge. (Bus 45 will take you home)

2. Get a little bit cultured! Visit the British Museum which is located at  Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. The number 59 bus will take you there. For those kids over 7, there is a chance to make your own secret code. For those with buggy babies or older children, take a free tour.

3. Have a swim at one of Lambeth's pools. Visit the Brixton Rec or Clapham Leisure Centre.

Swimming is hard work!

 4. Now is the time to see the Christmas lights! See them before the 5th of January!

5. Hop on the 118 bus through Streatham and Mitcham to visit Morden Park Hall! Free guided history tours at the weekend.

6. View some art! Head out to the Tate Modern! Catch the 59 or 45 bus.

Boo-boo becomes an art instillation!

7. Learn a bit of local history with a trip to the Museum of London. Visit Mr Scrooge and tell him of your Christmas complains. To get there catch 133 to Liverpool Street and walk there or catch the underground to Barbican.

8.  The animals need to be fed even over the Christmas holiday! So go take a gander at the creatures  of Vauxhall City Farm. To get to Vauxhall, catch the 88, 36 , 2 or 196 bus.

9. Jump around at Soft Play! There's lots of choice- Bertie and Boo Adventure Island in Balham, Brixton Recreation Centre's massive structure and Peckham Pulse.

10.  Hop up to the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill on the P4 bus to check out their collections including the aquarium.

Have fun!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - December 8th-9th 2012

First week of December has already gone past. Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? I think I've sorted all the pressies out! So what's on for the weekend?

SATURDAY (8th December)

Dads, want to give mum a break? 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.

And while dad is at Manor Arms, mum can pop out to the Railway on Greyhound Lane and check out their Christmas Craft and Farmers Market from 12 to 6pm. Free Santa's grotto from 2til 3:30pm so get dad to bring the kids over for that time!

To get to the Railway, catch buses 109,118, 250 and 50. Currently the road is closed so get off on Streatham High Street.

Want to do something together as a family than head to Vauxhall City Farm Open Day. meet the animals, watch some demonstrations, visit Santa and have some mulled wine! Events run from 11am to 4pm.

The farm is located at 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS and can be reached by buses 2, 88 and 196. The area is also served by the Overground and Underground.

Or head over to Clapham and visit the Christmas Fun day at Under the Greenwood Tree shop. Events include storytime, writing a letter to Santa and face painting and run from 11am to 4:30pm. Some events need to be booked so call them on 020 7627 4557.

The shop is located at 11 The Polygon, SW4 0JG. The area is served by Clapham Common tube stations and buses 37, 345, 322, 35 and 88.

And finally pop to Brixton market for the  monthly Brixton Market Heritage Walk led by the Brixton Society. This is a good walk for parents with buggy babies. 

Ready for a walk around Brixton

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.

While you're in the area, pop into the Crafty Fox market at the Dogstar, Coldharbour Lane, SW9. Open from 11am til 5pm Saturday and Sunday!

SUNDAY (9th December)

Staying Lambeth local? Then head up the hill in Brockwell Park to the Brockwell Greenhouses to build yourself some Christmas Decorations with a Difference. The workshop is from 10:30 to 12:30 and a donation of £5 is welcome.

And whilst in Herne Hill, take a look at their Sunday City and Country Farmers Market from10am to 4 pm - foods and crafts. Buses into the area include 3, 196, 322, 68 and 37.

 Happy to hop on a bus, then head to the Southbank for a Chocolate Festival. A chance to let the children nibble lots of chocolate. It runs on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. Also check out the Christmas Market while you are down there. Travel here on the 59 or catch the Underground to Waterloo.

And finally, travel a little further to the Horniman Museum's Christmas Fayre! Do some more xmas shopping, lets the kids do some activities and listen to a choir sing carols. Head out on the P4 bus to Forest Hill.

 Happy weekend everyone!!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - November 3rd-4th 2012

Wow! Hasn't the year gone fast! November is here and Christmas just around the corner. Let see what the weekend has to offer.

SATURDAY (3rd November)

For those with kids under five, there's a fantastic day of art (called Tiny Tate) at the Tate Britain between 10am to 3pm. Hop on the buses 2, 185, 36, 436 and 88 or catch the tube to Pimlico.

Want a bit more art and happy to travel further? Then head to the Barbican to see Random International's Rain Room - an art installation where you control the rain! It is open between 11am - 8pm  and queues are big. So maybe one for a weekday visit!

Also visit the Lumacoustics' YrWall in the foyer  - a digital canvas which allows you to keep painting - fun for young and old!

And if you're up that way, check out the Museum of London for an event called Stories Retold which looks at how a story can go from a story to a book and back again. This is aimed at the over fives and is on at the following times: 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm. The event is repeated on Sunday.

To get to the Barbican and the Museum of London, catch the 133 to Liverpool Street and catch the 153 or 100. Or take the tube to Barbican Station (which has lifts!)

If you want to keep it local, pop to the Imperial War Museum and make a poppy to put in their poppy field. This activity is on from 11am to 5pm in the Atrium til the 11th November. The 3, 344, 59 and 159 buses pass the museum.


And a quick reminder that this weekend is the last chance to take a tour around Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. More information here.

SUNDAY (4th November)

Head up to West Norwood for this month's Feast. Shop at the different markets and let the kids run off some steam at the front of St Luke's Church. The event runs from 10am to 4pm.

West Norwood Feast seen from St Luke's steps.

To get to West Norwood, you can catch buses 2, 68, 315 432 and 322.  The area is also served by the overground at West Norwood Station.

For those with babies in buggies, first Sundays of the month are the West Norwood Cemetary tours. Learn about the famous people buried here. Meet at 11am at the Cemetary gates. Donations welcome.

Learning about the history of West Norwood Cemetery.

Alternatively head out on the P4 bus to Forest Hill and take a visit to the Horniman Museum for a World of Stories at the Hands On Base. This starts at 11am and lasts for 45 minutes.

So lots of possibilities! Enjoy them! Happy weekend!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - September 29th -30th 2012

Well, I hope you've all got the hats and gloves out of your cupboards because boy, is it getting a bit nippy! But me personally I love this time of year. It's a chance to swish my feet through a big pile of red, orange and brown fallen leaves.

So what can we do and where shall we go?

SATURDAY (29th September)

The current forecast for Saturday suggests the sun has still got his hat on and we will be seeing lots or rays of sunshine! So we can still do outside things! Hoorah!

Today sees a central Brixton event - something called Brixton Come Together (what a nice title). It will be held at St Matthews Church from 10am to 7pm. The facebook page and website mention activities for kids but what those are it doesn't say. I'm hoping for face paints and bouncy castle! For grown up, there will be music, poetry reading, cinema and discussion.If you are in the area, check it out! There is lots of transport into Central Brixton including the following buses: 2, 3, 196, 159, 118,  35,  37, 345, 45, 333, P4, 133 and 59.

It is also Lambeth Archives annual open day. Now I know it's not the first place I'd think of taking a child along to but it does say that there will be "fun children's activities" I can't imagine they are going to be able to squash a bouncy castle in Minet Library so I'm don't know what it'll be!

The archives and this event certainly is interesting for adults. For those with pushchairs, I'm sure you can manoeuvre your way around the stalls of Lambeth's different societies whilst the baby sleeps. There is not really any changing or eating facilities here but Myatt's Field Park, just a few minutes walk away, has a baby change in the toilet and a kiosk cafe (which does great cakes)!

The archives is located at the Minet Library, 52 Knatchbull Road, SE5 9QY. The event runs from 10am til 5pm. To get to the library, you'll want to catch one of the following buses along Brixton Road: 3, 59, 159  and 133.

And it seems we are having a special Lambeth themed Saturday as we have an event at the Oasis Adventure Playground in Stockwell, to celebrate 60 years of the Stockwell Bus Garage. A bus garage? I hear you say. Well, yes, this is a rather amazing and not so well known piece of architecture. At the time of building, it was the largest unsupported area under one roof in the whole of Europe!

 This event is part of the 'All aboard for Stockwell' project. It runs from 1 to 4pm and involves junk model making, sketching and fabric painting. The Oasis Adventure Playground is located at Larkhall Lane, Stockwell, SW8 2PD. Buses near by are the 2, 196, 88 or 155.

SUNDAY (30th September) 

The weather today isn't looking so good so lets look at what's indoors in South London. I would recommend hopping on a bus to the Horniman Museum which is located on the route of the P4.

This museum is a wonderful collection of objects from stuffed animals including the rather well known walrus (who has a twitter account) to puppets to masks to musical instruments; lots to keep big and little minds occupied. Most of the museum is free. They do have a paying aquarium which means lots of time playing spot the creature in the tank. The tickets cost £2.50 for adults and £1 for kids - sounds reasonable to me!

Alternatively, if you can bare the long bus ride, take a journey to South Kensington and the museums on the number 345. A chance to see how easy it is to get there by bus! This Sunday is the Big Draw, Big Make event at the Victoria and Albert Museum from 11am to 5pm. There will be talks, pop-up studios, famous children's illustrators to hand and lots of drawing sketching fun to be had.

 And just in case the sun is out, one more out of the area event is the Pearly Kings and Queen Harvest Festival located in Guildhall Yard. Someone has made a map early for you folks to get there! Catch the 133 to Moorgate and walk from there. The event starts at 1pm. There will be Morris dancers, a maypole dancing and a marching band. Try explaining pearly kings and queens to a small child -enjoy!

Whatever you do and where ever you head to, have a good one!