The half-term holidays are heaven in this house. Everyone is shattered, overworked and the kids are usually snotty (let’s be honest) with the ever-changing outdoor temperatures. Lola sleeps late and I revel in not doing the school run. But if we aren’t jetting off it’s lovely to inject a little culture amidst the sleepy, sofa-filled afternoons and blustery beach walks we all so love. And this half term that’s easier than ever. Best of England, which launched with the aim of providing a carefully curated portfolio of independent businesses throughout the country (think pubs, restaurants, vineyards, places to stay, antique treasure troves and family days out), have come up with their top English favourite family-friendly museums, which we thought we’d share in case you need a little inspiration……

The Jerwood Gallery, Hastings

The Jerwood Gallery is a modern building located in the utterly charming and historic old town of Hastings. Home to the Jerwood Collection of modern British art, the gallery is fabulous for art fanatics, but it is also suitable for less experienced visitors and families visiting with younger children. There’s even a children’s trail to help you explore the gallery, its collection and exhibitions so they won’t feel they’re being dragged around a grown up exhibition and are much more likely to get involved with what they’re seeing.

The Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne

The Towner Art Gallery is an award winning contemporary art gallery and museum in Eastbourne. Every summer, they present a major exhibition, with recent shows including Eric Ravilios, John Piper and Peggy Angus. Open since 1923, The Towner collection now numbers over 4,000 art objects including oil paintings, watercolours, works on paper, etchings, prints, sculpture, wood cuts and ceramic objects and is one of the most significant public art collections in the South East. The museum is very welcoming to kids and families with regular activities and workshops to keep the little ones busy. There is a cafe on the top floor with views over Eastbourne and entry is free. (Note the gallery is closed on Mondays).
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

Pallant House Gallery is located in the historic town of Chichester, tucked away behind East and South street. It may not have the reputation of The Tate but this gallery holds one of the most significant collections of Modern British Art in the country. Aside from its exhibition programme, it also offers an array of talks, workshops for both children and adults, tours, a specialist on-site bookshop and an on-site restaurant with courtyard garden.

The Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Ditchling

Situated in the attractive town of Ditchling, The Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is an unmissable stop for those on the art trail in Sussex. The Museum has a fantastic collection of local artwork and artifacts that focus on showcasing Ditchling’s finest artist’s work. In 2012 the buildings were part of a massive renovation project and have been beautifully finished. The Museum also has a large open café and shop, serving delicious locally sourced cakes and drinks. As well as exhibitions and galleries the Museum also hold a variety of workshops and events including regular art clubs for young people.

The De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill

The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea has become a modernist icon on the South Coast and provides a fantastic program of contemporary arts, renowned musicians and learning activities. The building was the result of an architectural competition held in 1934 and, as well as browsing through the art work or watching live music, you can enjoy some delicious food in the Café Bar, which overlooks the beautiful coastline. A large veranda is gorgeous on summery days and, as family days out go, this is a fabulous option.

If your children are of a certain age, you may feel a break away over the May half term break is out the question, thanks to the hours they’re expected to revise for upcoming exams. Surely studying by the pool or expecting any reading to be done beachside is out the question? Well, maybe not.

Thanks to its new partnership with innovative mentoring and private tuition company Oppidan Education, The Peligoni Club’s stunning Greek surroundings will serve as a classroom so you can enjoy some much-needed sun and a family holiday totally guilt-free.  Oppidan’s team of mentors will provide fun group seminars and one-to-one tutoring sessions to students preparing for common entrance and summer exams, so you can read by the pool knowing your children are, in fact, studying. They’ll, in turn, thank you for their new found friends and a break from the confines of their bedroom.

The Peligoni Club itself is on the Greek island of Zakynthos, where it has established itself as a leading lifestyle club. It’s a small, family-owned place and the accommodation is villa-based rather than defined by hotel rooms, but that only makes it more inviting for family holidays somehow. With everything from a kids’ club to a creche, endless water sports activities to a spa, gym and on-site restaurants, there’s also plenty of reason to book in when not on studying, too.

So, how does all this work exactly? Well, though their ‘invisible learning’ approach, Oppidan will swap desks for sun loungers, hone trigonometry formulas around the tennis court, refine ebb and flow understanding on the beach and challenge students to scrabble by the pool. And this does, before you scoff, yield impress results. Oppidan boast an impressive 95% success rate at placing children in their first choice of school, so even the most panicked of parents will be able to relax and take a break themselves.

And once the studying is done, what better way to celebrate than with London’s infamous, pint-sized party goers, Sharky and George, who will also be taking up residence at The Peligoni Club for the first time this summer. Guests aged 4 – 14 will be able to enjoy activities including treasure hunts upon the club’s Odyssey boat, building a lookout tower, Sharky & George’s own version of Battleships with boats, raft making and water sports which, for those who have been studying with Oppidan, will be particularly appreciated.

And where will you be? Relaxing in the sunshine, congratulation yourself on having achieved the ultimate in multi-tasking – holidaying and studying all in one hit.
http://www.peligoni.com/
http://www.oppidaneducation.com/

It’s only round the corner but there are some fabulous hotels, both near and far from home, that offer lashings of luxury for both you and your children that are still available. So, if you’re in need of some last minute half-term ideas, look no further…

The Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

Why Go? Made by and fit for a King, this stunning hotel is welcoming families this half-term to ‘holiday like royalty’ for less. Experience an authentic way of Moroccan living by staying with your family in a spacious and opulent riad in the heart of one of the world’s most exotic cities. The kid’s clubs offers an array of unique activities including mosaic painting, bead workshops, mask painting, arts & crafts, discos and dance classes, promising to delight all the little ones.

Family Offer: 50% Saving (available until 31^st March 2016):

• 2 Adults and 2 or 3 Children
• Book a Premier One Bedroom Riad for the parents and a second Premier one bedroom Riad for the children at 50% and receive an upgrade to a Privilege Two Bedroom Riad including breakfast.

Bookings: reservation@royalmansour.ma, +212 529 80 80 80

For other family-friendly holiday ideas in Marrakech, click here.

Loews Regency, New York

Why Go? Situated in Midtown Manhattan, the Loews Regency is conveniently located within walking distance of Central Park, iconic attractions and some of the city’s finest dining and shopping experiences, making it the perfect place for families to stay and explore this half-term. Featuring 379 renovated guest rooms including 58 suites, Loews Regency offers the perfect combination of luxury, comfort and style. There is a kid in all of us and Loews Regency New York celebrates this with their Loews Loves Kids initiative offering little ones a kid’s closet on arrival filled with toys and treasures to keep them entertained throughout their stay

Loews Regency New York Hotel is offering 15% off room rates when you stay 2 nights and 20% when you stay three nights or more. Even better, the offer is valid for any day of the week (based on availability).

Bookings: loewshotels.com/regency-hotel, +212 759 4100

For other family-friendly holiday ideas in New York, click here.

The Nam Hai, Vietnam

Why Go? Older children (seven and above) will relish the opportunity to learn about Vietnamese culture with one of The Nam Hai’s experiential adventures including a Minority Village Tour deep into the Central Vietnamese Highlands and A Day in The Life of a Farmer or Fisherman learning all about ancient Vietnamese fishing and farming methods as well as the opportunity to catch their own fish.

The Nam Hai is situated on the picturesque 1 kilometre stretch of pristine white sand beach of Ha My, near the historic town of Hoi An, and successfully combines the unique and gracious culture of Central Vietnam with innovative design, state-of-the-art technology, first class facilities and impeccable service. The Nam Hai boasts sixty one-bedroom villas as well as forty one-to-five bedroom pool villas, each enjoying a serene beachfront location with unobstructed views across the East Sea and nearby Cham Islands

Rate: Kuoni offers 6 nights with breakfast at the 5-star The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam in a one bedroom villa, including flights with Singapore Airlines from Heathrow, and internal flights and private transfers in resort. Prices for 13 February 2016 are from £6,881 per family, based on two adults and one child (under 12 years old) sharing one room.

Bookings: www.kuoni.co.uk,  01306 747008

For other family-friendly holiday ideas in Hoi An, click here.

The half term holiday is only round the corner but, fear not, if you’ve not yet booked there are still some excellent options available, both close-to-home and further afield. Herewith, some of our favourite half term holiday ideas for that delicious family week that punctuates the autumn and winter.

Far-Flung: Soneva Fushi Resort

Whereas some Maldivian resorts are designed for a quick ‘fly and flop’ experience, Soneva Fushi Resort is a destination in its own right. The island takes 45 minutes to circumnavigate by foot and, having been an island resort for over 15 years, the vegetation is lush and dense. The owners, Sonu (who founded Six Senses) and his wife Eva, have been involved every step of the way and they have embedded a sustainable ethos throughout. Within an hour of arriving at Soneva Fushi, shoes become obsolete and the barefoot luxury vibe will be fully embraced.

You’ll love: If sunbathing isn’t your thing, fear not. You can spend hours weaving around the island’s sand paths by bike past the giant banyan trees, there is a house reef full of marine life, beaches for all occasions, an outdoor cinema, a garden growing everything you could imagine, an observatory, a dive centre, a sensational spa, the yoga retreat and an eco centre. With seven dining options throughout the island and much of the produce made or grown on site, food is a serious past time. In between the fresh sushi and beachside BBQs, you’ll find yourselves lounging on your own private beach, snorkelling with a marine biologist, learning to free dive or enjoying sunset dolphin cruises.

Your kids will love: The kids’ club, The Den, factors in ‘family time’ throughout the day and children are made to feel very welcome throughout the entire island. Childcare is top notch, even when kids are too young for The Den which, for those old enough, offers everything from music lessons to snorkelling trips.  The Villa Suites are perfect for families, offering every luxurious touch you could want, whilst also feeling simple and calming. And they are big enough not to have to worry about a restless toddler. The outdoor saltwater pool offered the perfect respite to the afternoon sun and the upstairs terrace is a little haven for evenings spent stargazing.

To book this hotel, click here.

For other family-friendly hotels in the Maldives, click here.

Spa time: The One&Only Capetown

This might sound like a lot of effort (unless you’re based in South Africa, of course) but, remember, there is no jet lag when you head to Capetown from Europe, so it’s absolutely do-able over a half term. And, head to the city’s One&Only, you’ll be glad you undertook the flight. The swanky One&Only Capetown is a five-star resort that boasts 131 suites each with harbour or mountain views, three lavish penthouses with panoramic views and each room comes with personalised butler service. The resort itself has two purpose-built islands, one of which plays host to an award-winning spa and is conveniently situated close to a slew of retail, entertainment and harbourside activities. This One&Only offers endless facilities that will keep both parents and children well and truly occupied.

You’ll love: From Africa’s only Nobu restaurant where you’ll revel in outstanding Asian-fusion dining, to the Bastien Gonzalez Mani: Pedi: Cure studios in the hotel’s world-class spa, there are spoils aplenty.

Your kids will love: The OnlyKids club is definitely one of the finest on offer in the city. From daily excursions and activities for tiny tots, tweens and teens, to electronics and craft activities in the club, they’ll have a ball. They can even be chaperoned in the sprawling pool area, which will leave you with plenty of peace of mind. The spa has a child-friendly menu, too.

To book this hotel, click here.

For other family-friendly hotels in Capetown, click here.

City break: Ritz Carlton, Berlin

We’ve been hearing more and more good things about Berlin lately, especially for those traveling with young children and the Ritz Carlton is, without question, a fabulous five-star launch pad from which to explore the city. The hotel opened back in 2004 and, today, it’s deemed worthy even for a President, with Barack Obama and his family staying there during their visit in June 2013. No hotel is closer to the Tiergarten, Berlin’s equivalent to Central Park, which resides on one side of the Ritz Carlton. On the other is the busy Potsdamer Platz, where you’ll find fantastic restaurants, shops and even a large Legoland. Utterly spoiling, the Ritz Carlton pays very close attention to big and small guests, alike.

You’ll love: Take a seat at the hotel bar, Curtain Club, and order one of its refined cocktails, relax in the 24-hour spa or just stay under your fluffy eiderdown duvet and await brunch at the hotel’s own Brasserie Debrosses. Head out to one of the two cinema complexes at the nearby Sony Center or enjoy a bit of Beethoven at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the yellow-tiled concert-hall that is its home stretching into the sky within view from the Ritz.

They will love: Children receive special treatment at the Ritz Carlton and that starts right up from check-in at reception. They are welcomed with their very own child-size bathrobes and slippers, and invited to bake their own waffles or join a treasure hunt around the building. In addition, you will find a cosy play area and high chairs at the restaurant, Brasserie Debrosses. As there are no special pool times for children, it means they are welcome at anytime. Babysitting, prams, bottle warmers and extra cots are all available for guests on request.

To book this hotel, click here.

For other family-friendly hotels in Berlin, click here.

Close to home: Bovey Castle

The rooms and suites of the main house at Bovey Castle, a magnificent devon estate, are sure to thrill. Sumptuous, luxurious and extremely comfortable, they’ll suit you down to the ground. If you’re travelling with a large family, however, there is also the option of the three en-suite bedroom country lodges on the 4000-acre grounds of the castle. All housekeeping services are available, as they are in the main house, and the lodges sleep up to eight people. Each is self-catering, but also comes with a full lodge service menu so you can order whatever you want, at any time, and it’ll be delivered just like room service.

You’ll love: Food-lovers will adore the Edwardian Grill and the Castle Bistro after kicking things off with a tipple in the Oak Bar. The SUNDARI spa is fabulous and offers almost every treatment imaginable. If you’re spoilt for choice, take inspiration from their “treatment of the month.” Built in 1926, the 18-hole golf course is a championship course right on the grounds of Bovey Castle, and the activities on offer range from hot air ballooning to falconry, cider and sloe-gin making to clay-pigeon shooting and archery to air rifle shooting.

They will love: Bovey Castle is the first, and maybe only, hotel in the world to offer its little guests LEGO Room Service. Literally, everything from DUPLO to LEGO Star Wars is delivered in-room to children wanting a fix of Lego playtime. During half-term and school holidays, Bovey Rangers’ activities are arranged by the hotel for children aged between for 7 and14 years of age. Children learn survival skills, photo orienteering, apple pressing, archery and hands-on sessions with reptiles and owls, all under the watchful eye of supervised event-leaders. Little ones aged from 3 – 7 will happily play in the Bovey Castle Playroom, which is loaded with dressing-up boxes, painting materials, books and even baking facilities.

To book this hotel, click here.

For other family-friendly hotels in the UK, click here.

Sian Gwilliam launched the fantastic website Creative Bus Stop to share her passion for the incredible cultural, creative and educational activities that are available in London and around the UK. She gave us some fantastic ideas for London fun last summer and she’s back with us again to chat what to do and where to go this half term and upcoming summer holiday.

1. Go Green at the Plantastic exhibition at The Horniman Museum

It’s the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, and for those in the know, Dan Pearson who won ‘Best Show Garden’ for his stunning Chatsworth Garden started his career in gardening when he was 5 years old, helping his Dad dig a pond. So let’s take inspiration from him, and visit the Plantastic exhibition at The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. From May 2015, Plantastic will be accompanied by specially designed and themed outdoor displays including a mass planting of sunflowers, a floral picture of the ‘anatomy’ of a flower, and a border themed around plants that attract pollinating insects.   Between 11-2.45pm daily in half term, join in the free craft Family Art Fun sessions too. A family ticket for the exhibition costs £16.50, so take a picnic and make a day of it.

2.  Join Alice and her Queen of Hearts in a Bethnal Green Wonderland 

In celebration of 150 years of this enchanting book, there are a range of Alice in Wonderland events happening around town this Spring. You can choose from free drop in daily events at our favourite museum The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, such as Storytelling at 10,30.11,15 and 12pm, or Mad Hatter’s Hat Making 10.30, 11.45, 14.00, 15.15 or join artist Miriam Baez to create a bonkers hat inspired by wonderful images and imaginings from Alice’s world£5 (with parent or carer / Sign up on the day / For ages 5-12. Not forgetting the Playing Card Print Workshop at 11.15, 12.30, 14.30, 15.45.The Alice Look will run from May 2 – November 1 2015 at London’s V&A Museum of Childhood.

There is also the show ‘Adventures in Wonderland’ in the Waterloo Vaults SE1 7NN (runs until August) for ages 5-11 . Les Petits invites the audience to find Alice and Wander through Wonderland in a fun-filled, interactive adventure for all the family.Cost: Adults £18.50, Children £12.50. If you’re still hungry for tea and cake after that lot, look out for the family opera Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in Holland Park from 16th July – 1st August and then Damon Albarn’s Wonder.land musical for the National Theatre, in Manchester 29th – 12 July which moves to London from 27th November 2015.

3. Put the Spark back into Electricity at the Royal Institution

Join Marty Jopson at the RI’s half term family event Zap, crackle and pop! Marty is the BBC One Show’s resident scientist and during the show he takes a journey through the story of electricity . From the Ancient Greeks through to Faraday’s genius, the show aims to put the spark back into electricity. A show chock full of demonstrations and a plucked chicken. Expect an electrifying performance in this family-friendly show. Thursday 18 June, (18:00 –19:15) Booking essential : Prices; Standard £12/ Concession £8/ Associate Members £6.

4. All Aboard the Cutty Sark Museum

As far as days out in London go, heading to Greenwich has to be high on the list. It’s easy to get to by public transport (Jubilee line, boat or DLR) there’s the food market which is real tasty, and then you can choose from the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Theatre, The Queens House, or just grab an ice-cream in Greenwich Park.

To get you started why not start at the Cutty Sark. You can choose from free half-term events, and join them on a voyage of discovery on Cutty the world’s last surviving tea clipper. If you love hands-on activities, come and design your own weather mobile to take home or create a colourful fish on a dish. Under-5s go free to Cutty Sark and parts of the Royal Observatory. Entry to the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House is free.

This Bank Holiday weekend only you can join The Big Swing Dance On the Gardens & Vintage Market in Cutty Sark Gardens. It runs from May 23rd-25th from 11am – 6pm every day. Featuring swing dance lessons conducted by The London Swing Dance Society and The Shag Pile dance team. (Shag Pile Lessons from Sat 23rd 12-2.30pm/Sun 24th 12-5pm/Mon 25th 12-2pm) who will be bringing their exuberance and passion for all things swing to the gardens with a heavy emphasis on fun and good times to get everyone going! If you’re a pizza lover, you can’t go wrong with a visit to our favourite double decker pizza bus The Crust Conductor. They serve bespoke wood fire pizza, which really are made with cheesy love. If you want an extra helping of mushrooms, just mention the Creative Bus Stop, and ask for Jonny (the boss) and you will get treated like pizza royalty.

5. Take a Graffiti Tour

We really can’t get enough of the infectious graffiti art that keeps popping up all over town, especially around Camden, Shoreditch and the famous Southbank Skatepark. If you want to be down with the kids, you should book on a Camden Street Art Tour. They run all year long, and this half term they are running on Bank Holiday Monday (Am & PM), Thursday morning, Friday (AM & PM), Saturday morning and Sunday AM & PM). The amazing thing about these tours, is that each one is timeless, as due to the nature of street art, the art keeps reinventing itself. Remember the first rule of Street Art : ‘It’s not meant to last forever’. (£15 per ticket, suitable for all ages). EXCLUSIVE TO KODOMO AND CREATIVE BUS STOP READERS –  ENTER SAVE20 ON CHECK OUT AND GET 20% OFF YOUR TICKET.

6. The Southbank Loves You!

As hard as I try, it’s almost impossible not to share the love from the constantly changing line up of events that our Southbank Centre puts on for us all.  I recommend you arrive by foot (and scooter for the tiny tired legs) and either plant yourself near the Southbank Centre which is full of free tap water at the bar, and clean loos for the kids.  You can eat at one of the many chains (Wagamama, Eat, Giraffe, Canteen or Yo Sushi) but the queues are often long. To avoid the queues and a hefty bill, we always pack a few bagels and water for the kids, and venture to the food stalls at the Southbank Centre Market situated behind the Southbank Centre (Waterloo Station side). It is the most adventurous way to eat.

Shows

As it would be shy of me not to tell, here is the round up of Summer events you will find at your finger tips around the Bank of the South. Family Shows from critically-acclaimed theatre pop-up, Roundabout by Paines Plough, between the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Waterloo Bridge. Free events such as social dances, talks, workshops, and daily artistic activities. The iconic upside-down purple cow, the Udderbelly Festival (until 19 July) showing comedy, circus and family shows including the return of the popular show Bromance (24 June – 19 July). And (deep breath) London Wonderground(until 27 September) the festival renowned for showcasing the best circus and cabaret from across the world in a magnificent 1920s Spiegeltent. A major exhibition Carsten Höller: Decision, which will present a wide range of the artist’s work, including sculptures, installations and videos, which explore perception and decision making. The Poetry International Festival (23 – 26 July), the biennial festival co-founded by Ted Hughes in 1967. Meltdown (17 – 30 August), whose director this year is the multi-award-winning musician David Byrne, known for his eclectic collaborations and as a co-founder of the seminal new-wave band Talking Heads.

Eat

Bleeker St. Burger, recently rated the top 10 street food stalls in London, ) serving burgers, American Craft beer and milk-shakes, the return of SNOG frozen yoghurt sold from a restored pink 1967 Routemaster bus, Look Mum No Hands! serving coffee, fresh food and British Craft beer, and Bloody Oyster, serving oysters, Bloody Marys and cocktails from the top of a double-decker bus (situated between the Royal Festival Hall and Festival Village).

Play

You can’t really make a visit to London without getting your t-shirt very wet (towel essential trust me) and running through the popular fountain right outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms. Take a walk up the curly staircase to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, or bring your bucket and spade to the urban beach beside the river, it’s an institution, and all the kids just adore it.

7.  Get Dirty Down at Fulham Palace

Have you ever been to Fulham Palace, you know the one which from around 700, (when the site was acquired by Bishop Waldhere), it served as a Bishop’s residence for over 12 centuries? I know you also knew that since Tudor times, the Palace was the Bishop of London’s country home, providing the Bishop and his family with a healthy rural retreat in summer months.

Well these days they not only look after the odd Bishop passing through West London, they also host lots of family events. On Bank holiday Monday (25 May between 1-4pm) you can join the Young Archaelogists Club (YAC) for a free drop in event (Ages 8+). Get your hands dirty and join the enthusiastic archaeologist volunteers on the Main Lawn for a hands-on session, introducing you to the world beneath your feet. There is also the Fulham Palace Fun Day, which is a free event on Wednesday 27 May, (10am-12pm and 1pm-3p). It will be a day of family fun including crafts, storytelling and dressing up! In partnership with H&F ALSS.

Looking forward don’t forget the annual Edwardian Garden Party on Sunday 21 June (1pm-4pm). The Bishops of London were well known for holding garden parties at Fulham Palace. Help them celebrate this tradition and come along for a day of family fun around the gardens. Take a turn on the swing boats, have your face painted, dance along to ragtime music and take part in some garden games and craft activities.

8. Join the Wild Network and Be A Wild Thing 

Project Wild Thing and The Wild Network is a people powered movement. The mission is simple to ‘reconnect kids with nature’.

It was born from the concern of a Dad called David Bond who became worried that his own kids’ waking hours are dominated by a cacophony of marketing, and a screen dependence threatening to turn them into glassy-eyed zombies. He was so worried he decided to create a campaign ‘Project Wild Thing’ and appointed himself Marketing Director for Nature. Like any self-respecting salesman, he enlisted the help of a number of bemused professionals, and began selling Nature to British families.

The film charts his humorous journey unearths some painful truths about modern family life. His product is free, plentiful and has proven benefits – but is Nature past its sell-by date? Watch the film, arrange a screening or even request a date for a Q&A with one of the Wild Thing team, who knows you could start a revolution in your own backyard, and all it would take is a launch party with a picnic in your local park.

Their website and App’s (for iOS/Andriod) give you hundreds of ideas of ways to have fun with nature. Or, you can download a free voucher on their site which promises that you spend time playing outside together (cute idea to put in a birthday card).

9.  Kiss A Hedgehoge in Hyde Park

This half term (and on other dates during the year) the award winning building that is the Isis Education Centre, bang in the middle of Hyde Park (to the north of the Serpentine) are hosting twoFREE Discovery Days dedicated to our much loved ‘Hedgehog Heroes‘. You can drop in any time between 11am and 3pm (on 27 & 28 May 2015) for a day of hedgehog themed activities including: Crafting a hedgehog from a paper plate, Paint or colour your own hedgehog picture, Learn to use radio tracking equipment (over 8s only), Help create a huge handprint hedgehog, Follow the Discovery Trail, to uncover prickly facts, Make a clay hedgehog and its very own habitat (for a suggested £2 donation) and finally learn and discover what you can do to help hedgehogs in your garden.

They also have an education day ‘Nature Explorers: Hedges & Hedgerows’ on Tuesday 26 May 2015: 10am – 3pm which is suitable for 8 to 11 year olds (15). Drop off at the Isis Education Centre for a fun filled (and educational!) day of outdoor games and activities this half term. Booking essential.

10. Theatre Tours and Puppet Theatre for your Little Angels

Please tell me you have been to The Little Angel Theatre in Islington? Not to be confused with the famous Little Angel pub in Henley On Thames! This Theatre is an institution in every way. Let me share a little of it’s history. In 1961 a troupe of enthusiastic puppeteers under the leadership of South African master, John Wright (Edgar Wright the film directors Dad), found a derelict temperance hall in Islington and transformed it into a magical little theatre, specially designed for children and for the presentation of marionette shows. It opened on Saturday 24th November 1961.

Today it hosts the most charming and well performed productions, as well as puppetry courses for kids and adults, and the cutest local summer parties right outside the theatre. Running until 28-June is The Paper Dolls. It is a show adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson. The magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music in this new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre. Suitable for age 3 to 7. Though worth noting is that they hold baby friendly shows, for babes under 3 (mostly Thursday 10.30, Saturday 11am and Sunday 11am check diary). Call box office for more info. £12 / £10 children and concessions £1.80 booking fee applies to all card transactions. Friday Fives: all tickets £5 for shows at 5pm on Friday .