LattjoPop : A new space to eat, play and shop!

Most parents want somewhere to sit, have a cuppa, a cake and somewhere to let the kids run off some steam so the opening of LattjoPop, a family friendly cafe, in South Streatham is a great addition to the area. Located between Streatham Common and Norbury, on a quiet shopping parade, LattjoPop offers a large relaxing space  which includes room to park the buggies and a little kids play area. There is a big outdoor space which will be great when the weather warms up again.

 

The cafe area

Regular activities for parents and children are held each week including crafts, messy play and singing and storytime. Check out their website for the latest timetables. Special family activities such as seasonal crafts run throughout the year. The space can also be hired for birthday parties.

Making Christmas cards.

Not only is it a family café  but there are things to buy including cards, toys and jewellery offering a much needed opportunity to buy gifts in the South Streatham area. But LattjoPop isn’t just about selling food and gifts; it’s a place which supports local businesses by offering the possibility to rent the space to sell products, to run events or to use it as a hot desk space.

Space to sell

The retail boutique can accommodate two businesses a week to pop up and offer their products to local people. The back office room is available if you need a space to work.  The main café can be hired to run workshops as part of the daily LattjoPop family friendly café or can be taken over for a day or an evening to run an event such as an all-day sewing workshop. This is a really great opportunity for South Streatham and for those looking for a platform to promote and sell their products or services.  

I’m currently doing a free singing and storytime session on Fridays from 1pm to 2pm.  Come along and join in. Bring your instruments – it’s an opportunity to make noise.

Making music!

LattjoPop is located at 544 Streatham High Road, SW16; it is open Monday to Friday 10 til 5 and Saturday 10 til 4. For those interested in the business opportunity, contact Isra through the LattjoPop Facebook page or go and visit the shop.  For those looking to start out in business, there is a great opportunity here.  Let’s use it and not lose it! 

What's on for the family: 5th to 6th July 2014

What's this? Another weekend post? Oh yes, I've actually managed to get it together - enough to pull together a post giving you some highlights of what's going on in and around Lambeth this weekend!

SATURDAY:

• Telferscot Primary School: Telferscot Road, SW12 0HW
• @ 12pm - 3pm // Adults: £1, Children: FREE
• It's Summer Fiesta Time at this little primary school that's jam packed with lots of fun for the family: games, crafts and music workshops with Kinetico Bloco to name a few.
• Young Lambeth Cooperative: Windrush Square, Effra Road, SW2 1QJ
• @ 12pm - 5pm // FREE
• "The Young Lambeth Cooperative (YLC) will be having a Community Launch Party this Saturday 5th July at Windrush Square, 12pm-5pm. The aim of the event is to let the community know who we are, and get everyone signed up as members, so the community can have a say in where the funding goes for young people's services in Lambeth. We will be having food, a chance to sign up as a YLC member, live music & entertainment, and performances from local acts of all ages."
• "What is the YLC?
  The Young Lambeth Cooperative (YLC) is a membership organisation set up by the community and the council to be the new vehicle that commissions services for young people in Lambeth. Anyone aged 11 and over can sign up and become a member to have a say in what services should be provided for our young people."

SUNDAY

• Northcote Road Summer Fete 2014: Northcote Road.
• @ 11am - 5pm // FREE, but rides charge - £15 ride-all-day wristbands are available!
• You've got the Teacups, Astroglide and a new Toyset Roundabout to play on along with ping pong tables, a live entertainment stage and a market. They've even mapped everything out for you here.
• The event is supporting Ickle Pickles, a local children's charity - you can find them in the playzone!
• FYI you can get those wristbands from All Good Gifts and Hamptons International (both on Northcote Road)
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Omnibus Clapham, SW4 0QW
• @ 11am & 3pm // Adults: £9, Children £7
• Suitable for 5+
• Performance by Box Tale Soup, it has wonderful reviews and is sure to be lots of fun for young and old!
• West Norwood Feast: Norwood Road.
• @ 10am - 4pm // FREE
• With July being such a sporty month, West Norwood have incorporated it into this months theme. Head to the children's activity tables or Artisans and one of their lovely volunteers will paint the flag of your choice. 
• The garden at St Luke's will have the radio tuned in so you can listen to the Wimbledon final whilst munching on a slice of strawberries and cream cake - yum!

ACROSS THE WEEKEND

• Books About Town: All over the city.
• Books about town launched on Wednesday - benches shaped like open books are popping up all over London for everyone to find and enjoy.
• BookBenches feature stories linked to London and are based on some of the most iconic - from children's stories such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to adult titles including 1984.
• They've also launched a new website which includes family events, activities and quizzes, downloadable trail maps and information on each BookBench.
• We're particularly excited to check out the Riverside trail - The Gruffalo, Dr. Seuss, Paddington Bear and lots more to add!

**DATE FOR THE DIARY**

If you've been living under a rock like me then you won't have realised that the annual Lambeth Country Show is happening on the 19th/20th July in Brockwell Park.

A fun weekend to be had by all it seems, so be sure to take a look here to see what's going on across the weekend.

That's all for now but be sure to keep checking back for updates!

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.

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Brockwell Park

Dulwich Road

London

SE24 0NG

DATE: Tuesday 5th November

GATES: 17.00

PRICE: Absolutely free

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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.

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Southwark Park

Gomm Road

SE16

DATE: Tuesday 5th November

GATES: 17.00

DISPLAY: 19.00

CLOSE: 20.30

PRICE: Absolutely free!

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Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

SE11 5HY

DATE: Friday 1st November

GATES: 18.30

BONFIRE: 19.00

STORY: 19.00

DISPLAY: 20.00

PRICE: Absolutely free!

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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!

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!

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

Feeling a bit warmer out there? When will Spring start to show it's pretty face? Hopefully soon.

Let's see what's on this weekend:

SATURDAY (9th February)

Today is National Libraries Day and some of the  libraries will be holding family activities.

 West Norwood Library, situated at14-16 Knights Hill, SE27 0HY, has the following activities:

 10 - 10:45am      Fun with Newspaper (6 months - 4 years) 
 11am - 1:45pm   Badge making and crafts

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.

 

Carnegie Library, located at 188 Herne Hill Road, SE24 0AG, has a special Storytime at 2pm with free tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards! 

Hop on the P4 bus to get to the library.
 

 Brixton Library, off Windrush Square, SW9,  will be holding crafts, activities, treasure hunts and storytime starting from 2pm.

If you are down Brixton way, pop into Art Nouveau, 77 Atlantic Road, SW9 for some bric-a brac, cake and tea.

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.

From Art Nouveau to Arts and Crafts, Tuesday saw the opening of a new exhibition at the Cuming Museum about ceramicists, the Martin Brothers. Many pieces of their work are full of strange creatures and funny faces which will be curious to children.

The museum always has lots of things to encourage children to interact with the exhibitions. It opens 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and is located at the Elephant and Castle end of the Walworth Road.

To get to the museum, you can catch a 35 or 45 along the Walworth Road or go to Elephant and Castle on the 133, 155 or 415 and it's a short walk from there. 

SUNDAY (10th February)

For classical music fun, head to the Southbank Centre and have a go at a musical instrument or join the Human Orchestra workshops from 10.30am to 2.30pm in Royal Festival Hall foyers.
The 59 to Waterloo will take you there.

And this weekend sees the beginning of the Chinese New Year and it's the year of the Snake! Visit Trafalgar Square to catch the entertainment on the stage from 1pm followed by fireworks at 5.55pm

Best view is from daddy's shoulders!

Also time to mentioned that if you head to Trafalgar Square you can 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 1pm and 2am to 4pm.

Found the magic carpet! Now when's the story time?

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 lovely weekend everyone!

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

The weeks are sailing past much helped by my return to work and being busy away from my job. I can’t believe we are in February already!

So what’s on this weekend?

SATURDAY (2nd February)

Yep, it’s still a slow winter season however there are things on that only take a bus ride for everyone to get there.

The weather is looking bright for Saturday so head out to Vauxhall City Farm to see how the animals area faring! It is open from 10:30 to 4pm (same times on Sunday too!)

Not too impressed by the hens,

The farm is located off Spring Gardens, Vauxhall, SW8. To get to there, catch the 88, 36 , 2 or 196 bus.

Looking for something indoors? Then the Southbank Centre is showing an animated family-friendly film called the Cunning Little Vixen  at 3:30pm in the Foyer spaces. The 59 to Waterloo will take you there.

SUNDAY (3rd February)

Cross the river to 2 Temple Place and create an indoor seashore as part of an exhibition about artists in Cornwall. Craft workshops are at 12:pm and 2pm. To get there, cross Waterloo Bridge and head right along the river front. 

Want to take a walk in the fresh air? Then head out to Sydenham Hill Woods and Cox's Walk. Enjoy a bit of countryside on the city. The P4 will take you to the entrance to Cox's Walk (which is near the Horniman museum).

Enjoy!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - January 12th-13th 2013

Taking a glance at the weekend weather, it looks like it's going to be a cold one.So I've had a look for indoor adventures to be had!

SATURDAY (12th January)

Went my dad was a kid back in the 1940s in America, a Saturday morning would be spent at the cinema, so in the tradition of parents and grandparents, why not take the kids to the pictures? I've mentioned in a previous post that the Clapham Picture House and Ritzy Cinema have kids club. The Odeon in Streatham has a Saturday and Sunday kid's screening. This weekend they are showing the Lomax at 11am. Prices range from £1 to £4 per child and adults go free.

The Streatham Odeon is located at 47-49 Streatham High Street, SW16. To get there, catch buses 133, 59, 109, 118, 333, 255 and 319.

Those with babies in buggies and happy to brave the cold, there is a January full of free walks run by Footprints of London. There are a few to choose from at the weekend. Click through and book yourself on one!

Looking for a bit more culture, then head to central London and visit the Wallace collection who are holding a family event called A Day in the Seventeenth Century. This includes meeting a 17th century Dutch merchant, making a delft tile or participating in an interactive music workshop.

The Wallace Collection is located at Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN, which is off Wigmore Street behind Selfridges. Catch buses 2, 137 or 159.

SUNDAY (13th January)

One of my favourite London Museums is the British Museum. There are so many things to look at from all over the world. This Sunday, children over 7 can get involved in a Manga Comic Workshop.

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

Another great central London outing is a trip to 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 running at 11am to 1pm and 2am to 4pm.

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

And for anyone who is prepared to travel further afield than my normal suggestions, we have the London Ice Sculpting Festival in Canary Wharf. Many different things to do and see, running all through the weekend!

I would recommend the tube for this one. Head out on the Jubilee line or pretend to drive the train by travelling on the Docklands Light railway!

Boo-boo wrapped up for her travels!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - January 5th-6th 2013

Happy New Year! Hope the first few days of this new year have been good. I'm back to work next week after a long maternity leave! Scary stuff.

However, lets see what we can do at the weekend:

SATURDAY (5th January)

Staying local, let the kids learn a bit about nature at the Brockwell Park Community greenhouses with the Saturday Morning Nature Explorers. Aimed at 7 to 12 year old, it runs from 10am to 12pm and cost £2  a child.

The Brockwell Park 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.

If you don't mind a little bit of a journey, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum for another chance to see performances from the Nutcracker.  It can be viewed in the lecture theatre at 11am, 1pm or 3pm.

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

SUNDAY (6th January) 

 

Take a trip to the West End and make a collage mask at the Photographer's Gallery. The family workshop runs from 2pm to 5pm.

The gallery is located at 16 – 18 Ramillies Street, W1F 7LW, near Oxford Circus. Buses to the area include the 88, 137, 159 and 3.

Heading to London's East End, visit the Geoffrye Museum and join in the farewell to Christmas festivities including making Epiphany puppets. The workshop runs from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Hop on the number 35 bus to Shoreditch. The museum is a five minute walk from there.

And finally, celebrate Twelfth Night outside Shakespeare's Globe, when the Holly man (the winter guise of the Green man) arrives on a boat up the Thames and toasts the people, the river and the Globe. The Bankside Mummers then perform a play. Head to the front of the globe for 2:45pm.

The Holly man arrives!

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.

Enjoy taking the decorations down and have a lovely weekend!

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

It's a bit of a slow weekend as many people remain on holiday and places stay shut.

However, visit my blog post of things to do over the Christmas period for some ideas.

SATURDAY (29th December)

Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum to catch a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. Or pop in for family fun at the Imagination Station. The number 345 bus will take you to South Kensington; alternatively take the train or tube to Victoria and catch the District Line.

If you don't fancy the V & A, then head to the Natural History Museum which has lots of family activities. An investigation of teeth and dinosaur diets sounds interesting!

Take a stroll through the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park: the market and Santa land is free! Buses 2, 36 and 137 will take you there.

SUNDAY (30th December)

 

Pop to the Museum of London to learn about London Bones. 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.

If the rain stops and you fancy a family walk, then 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 buses 3, 417, 249, 432 and 322 take you into the Crystal Palace area. The walk starts at Crystal Palace Train Station.

Hope you manage to stay entertained! Have a happy new year!

Lambeth - What's on for the family - November 17th-18th 2012

We are now heading into the Christmas Season. Mid-November marks the point where we might have to actually start thinking about turkey, Christmas crackers and presents for the family. But lets put that off for the moment. So what can we do this weekend?

SATURDAY (17th November)

First up, a parents and buggy event - yes it's a free guided walk (called the CoolTan Arts' Largactyl Shuffle). Their walk is designed to encourage mental and physical wellbeing, through art, exercise, humour and history. This month''s theme is William Blake. The walk starts at 12pm at the Tate Modern and the walk leaders will be wearing high-viz vests. Contact them on the day 07985 658443 if you can't find them.

If you get up to the Tate modern earlier, you can always pop into their Under Fives Zone - a chance for the really little kids to explore art. Saturday opening for the Tate is 10am to 10pm.

Boo-boo becomes an art piece at the Tate!

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.

Whilst on my preambulations, I was handed a leaflet for the Young Socialists Autumn Fayre. Asides, from bric-a-brac, tombola and raffles, it includes the essentials for kids - a bouncy castle and face painting! The event is at Lambeth College, Brixton Centre at 56 Brixton Hill, SW2 1QS and starts at 12pm!

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.

Looking for nearly new kids items and christmas crafts? Then visit the Table Sale held  at St Margaret's Church, Barcombe Avenue, SW2 between 2.30-4.30pm. Organised by local Mums to sell their great quality stuff to other local parents. Let the kids root around for some new toys at bargain prices!

Buses to Streatham Hill include 159, 133, 137, 109, 118 and 59.

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.


SUNDAY  (18th November)

If the sun is shining, take an opportunity to learn a bit about the plants on Brockwell Park and have a bit of a forage. The Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses are running a Family Foraging Walk from 2pm at the greenhouses. There is a suggested donation of £2.50 per child. Contact Beth on 07427 685714.

Brockwell park  can be reached by bus route 2, 3, 68, 37 and 196 as well as the overground at Herne Hill.

Happy to go a little further afield, then pop up to the London Eye to visit the Christmas Market which will be on from this weekend to Christmas Eve. Opening times are 10am to 10pm. This German style market has over 80 chalets selling gifts and food with two designed especially with children in mind. There will be a free choir performance at 1:30pm and 7:00pm to put you in the Christmas Spirit,

To get to the London Eye, catch the 159, 77 and 12 or take the tube to Waterloo.

And finally, want to travel even further? Than head to the Victoria and Albert (V &A) Museum. As the days get colder, this is a day out with lots to see and do and it's indoors!. The V & A offers  family packs for children to help navigate and enjoy the collections, including a pack for the under-fives. Pick these up at the main entrance.

The V& A museum is located in South Kensington which can be reached by the underground or bus 345.

Have a wonderful weekend! May it be full of smiles!

A visit to the Barbican (or what I did at the weekend)

Once a week, I give you guys a list of where you could go to at the weekend and sometimes my family and I manage to do some of these things. This week, we popped into the Barbican specifically to catch Random International's Rain Room.

We had heard the queues were big and manged to get there for 11am when the piece opens however we only waited 50 mins before we got in. It really is very much a novelty thing but still fun and impressive. And the wait wasn't too bad when you have giant cups of hot chocolate (must remind the other half that a pint of liquid is not a good idea when you are waiting in a long queue)!

Surrounded by rain but still dry!

We were also lucky to be visiting when it was the Natural Circuits Barbican Weekender which had lots of free workshops and spectacles to watch or interact with. Many were aimed at all ages so there were lots of families around.

First up we had a go at the Lumacoustics Yrwall - a digital graffiti wall. Although the opportunity has come along for me to have a go at spraying a can, I have yet to take it up so this was my moment (although I disguised it as Boo-boo's thing). It was fun.

Boo-boo has a go at painting!

We had some lunch, fed the child and watch a dance perform (verdict:curious) and then headed to see the Black Country Atelier's 3-D printers. There were participants customising set shapes which would then be created in 3-D using the printers. It was all very Star Trek.

Ohh! 3-D printers!

We then popped down to a dance floor where our body movements were turned into patterns on the screen in front of us.

Making dance shapes for the wall.

And next up we went to have a look at the conservatory (the second largest in London). I do love a good greenhouse. Unfortunately we could only look around the one level as there was no way we could get the buggy up the stairs. Still we saw Koi carp, finches and lots of plants!

In the Conservatory! (not Triffids)

 And then..... I got tired and we went home...

...but what fun we had.

This event was just on for the weekend but the Rain Room is open til 3rd March 2012.

The conservatory opens on a Sunday between 11am to 5:30pm.

The Barbican has several exhibition spaces, a theatre, library and cinema. It really is a great space to visit and often host to weekend events for family activities. You can register with them to receive news of events.

To get there from Lambeth, hop on the 133 or 35 to Liverpool Street. It's a ten minute walk from there or you can catch a bus  (153 or 100) straight to the Barbican.