Summer fun, avoiding the boredom!!

Lazy Days in the Summer Haze…..
 
Not much chance of that with the school holidays on our doorstep! The summer holidays are both a blessing and a curse, whilst I love the extra time with my littles trying to find things to do that won’t break the bank can be hard work. That’s why I thought I would put together this list of things to do in the local area, there’s a bit of everything in here so hopefully it can help burn off some of their endless energy this summer 
 
Sport
Bexleyheath and Barnehurst Bowls Club – Open to all ages and new or experienced members are welcome, contact[email protected] or 07444 475417 for more info.
 
Danson Park Bowls – are looking for new members, all ages and experience welcome. Check out www.dansonparkbowls.co.uk for more information.
 
Bexley Parks Tennis League – running throughout the summer more info can be found at www.localtennisleagues.com
 
Dance Workshops – Monday to Thursday 10am-11am, Sidcup Park. Registration tickets can be bought at larksidcup.com
 
Family Social Bike Ride – Saturday the 16th September at 12pm, Sporting Club Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ. Social ride for the whole family, bikes are available for hire subject to availability and admission is free. Call 0203 8284920 or www.sportingclubthamesmead.co.uk for more information.

Bromley Tennis Centre are running lots of classes through the summer. Their timetable can be found here: https://www.bromleytenniscentre.co.uk/holiday-parties
 
Cinema/Theatre
The Reluctant Dragon – Open air theatre at Hall Place in Bexley, Saturday the 26th of August. Everyone knows St George gas to fight the dragon, but what happens when the dragon simply won’t fight back? Show starts at 2pm, tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for concessions, £8 for under 16’s and under 2’s are free. Call 01322 621238 to book.
 
Labyrinth – Open air cinema Wednesday the 8th of August. Rated U, show starts at approx. 8.30pm with gates opening at 7pm.There will be a full bar and food available on site at Hall Place Bexley. Tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment, call 0844 858 6767 or www.lunacinema.com
 
Moulin Rouge – Open air cinema Thursday the 9th of August. Rated 12, show starts at approx. 8.30pm with gates opening at 7pm.There will be a full bar and food available on site at Hall Place Bexley. Tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment, call 0844 858 6767 or www.lunacinema.com
 
As You Like It – Open Air Theatre Thursday the 30th of August at 7pm at Hall Place in Bexley. The critically acclaimed Pantaloons present their innovate and hilarious open air version of this Shakespearian classic. Tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for concessions, £8 for under 16’s and under 2’s are free. Call 01322 621238 to book.

Animal and Nature
Bat Walk – Thursday 16th of August at 8pm or Tuesday the 18th of September at 7pm at Hall Place in Bexley. A dusk walk through the gardens to see and hear these nocturnal animals, a bat detector is provided and there is tea and cake a the end. Advance tickets required, £10 for adults and £8 for 8-16 year olds. Call 01322 621238 to book.
 
Animal Magic – Monday July 30th – Friday the3rd August, one hour sessions at either 10am, 11.30am or 2pm at Hall Place in Bexley. Get up close and personal with bunnies, bearded dragons, hedgehogs, chicks and more with this amazing experience. Advance booking is required, tickets are £6 for a child and £4 for an adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 01322 621238 to book.
 
Thamesmeads Landscapes and Hidden Spaces – Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd August at 2pm on both days. A two hour walk through Thamesmead showing some of its less known beauty spots. Meet at the south east corner of Southmere Lake.
 
Summer Garden Trail- Wednesday 1st August – 31st August 10am – 4.30pm at Hall Place, Bexley. Compete the picture of hall place by copying the missing pieces hidden in the gardens. Tickets are £2.50 per trail (bring a pencil) and includes a small prize at the end. Call 01322 526574 for more info.

Coolings Green and Pleasant have daily flying displays and informative talks http://www.coolingsgreenandpleasant.co.uk/events/daily-flying-displays-willows/

Broadditch Farm has a scavenger hunt for £4 per work sheet, return the sheet to the shop to claim a prize! https://www.broadditch.co.uk/summer/ you could also get some fresh produce for tea.
 
Fun Days and Fairs
Annual Bank Holiday Charity Show – Mount Mascal Stables, Vicarage Rd, Bexley. 0208 3003947 or www.mountmascalstables.co.uk
 
Childrens Rides at Danson Park – Friday 20th July – Friday 31st of August at Danson Park 11am – 7pm weather permitting.
 
The Third Crossness Steampunk Convival – Saturday 1st September 10.30am – 6pm Bazalgettte Way. SE2 9AQ. Steampunk shenanigans, family and childrens craft tables, stalls, refreshments and more. Adults £15, £8 children aged 6-17. Book at www.crossness.org.uk or 0208 3113711
Thamesmead Community Market – 11th August and 9th September 12-4pm  at the Information Hub DA18 4BW. Craft and food stalls with free entry.
 
Charity Toy and Train Fair – Thursday 9th of August 5.30-9.30pm at Falconwood Community Centre, DA16 2PG, free entry.
 
Music and Imagination
Roar Music Academy – 30th July – 3rd August, 10 The Parade, Crayford, DA1 4JA. This week long course is just £60 amd designed to teach your children new musical skills. No experiences is necessary, call 01322 836606 or visit www.roarmusicacademy.com to book.
 
Fairy School – August 6/7/13/14/15/20/21/22/23rd at 10am or 2pm (2hr sessions) at Hall Place, Bexley. Calling all trainee fairies, in this enchanting school little ones can learn cake decorating, dancing, crafts and other magical skills. Suitable for 3-9 year olds advance booking is required. £10 per child and adults are free. Call 01322 621238 to book.

Pixie Manor is running at Ruxley, tickets can be purchased for several dates through the summer £9.99 for a child and £1.99 per adult. It is running now until 2nd September https://www.ruxley-manor.co.uk/events-attractions/pixie-manor/

 
Lark in the Park Sidcup also have a HUGE timetable of events going on which you can view and book here  including evenings out for the grownups if you manage to sneak away for a little while. I hope this list helps to keep the whole family entertained, if you know of anything happening in the area that I’ve missed let me know so I can share the fun.

The HOOP app has proved to be fabulous for me in the past, giving me some rainy day ideas such as Colour: The Rainbow Revealed at the Horniman Museium which I am excited to take the kids to!
 
Enjoy the summer smiles,
 
Clare x