Summer Fun

As August approaches we are well and truly into the school summer holidays, 6 weeks of quality time with your favourite little people!! But… as the weather continues in its miserable fashion and the voices stating “I’m bored!” begin to be heard throughout the house we take a look at what is happening around Richmond and London in the coming weeks that is sure to keep your kiddies entertained come rain or shine!

My advice is to check those weather forecasts daily, and at the slightest hint of a warm and sunny day get those buckets and spades packed up and head over to Twickenham Play Beach. Running from 23^rd July to 31^st August, 8am to 8pm and totally FREE!! Who wouldn’t love a day at the beach? You will find the play beach at Champions Wharf, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DU (near St Mary's Church). Make an appearance on Thursday 21^st August at 2:30- 3:30pm for a Free Storytime session at the beach.

For those older kids, 8 years and over, take them along to Teddington Pools, Vicarage Road, TW11 8EZ on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon at 2:30pm-3:30pm for Fun Time Floats, a ‘float extravaganza’ in the main pool. They’ll have a splashing good time and it’ll wear them out enough for a quiet afternoon and an early night! Littlies can enjoy the floats as well at Winkles and Shrimps toddler playtime in the learner pool, designed to build their confidence in the water. The sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30pm-3:30pm. Click here for further details and prices of all the activities at Teddington pools.

For outdoor fun visit the One O’Clock Club at Marble Hill Park. The drop in play sessions run every weekday from 1pm to 4pm and offer a busy happy play environment for children 0-5 years. While the tots are busy digging in the sand pit or riding the bikes, their older brothers and sisters can swing from ropes and climb to their hearts content at the Adventure Playground next door. This staffed adventure playground is the only one of its kind within the borough and will undoubtedly entertain your 5-15 year olds over the summer! Click here for prices and opening times.

Of course we all know that the sun isn’t always going to be shining… so what do you do with the kids on rainy days? Why not take them to the theatre to see some much loved favourites. ‘Angelina Ballerina; The Mousical’ is playing at Richmond theatre throughout August and September, with tickets ranging from £13.50 to £17.50. For something that will keep Mum and Dad amused as well why not try Shrek the Musical showing until March 31^st 2013 at the Royal Drury Lane Theatre. The show is for 4 years up and you can catch a 3pm matinee performance on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays!

Looks like you’re going to be busy- Enjoy!!

Kids Recipe of the Week- BBQ Chicken and Veg Skewers

• Cut chicken breasts (one per child) into small bite size chunks.
• Place into a bowl and drizzle over 3tbs honey, 4tbs soy sauce and 2 tsps fresh orange juice. Mix well, cover with cling film and place in the fridge for anything from a couple of hours to overnight.
• Alternate the chicken pieces on skewers with chopped up red and green peppers, mushrooms and courgettes (or whatever your little ones like!).
• Grill or BBQ for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through. 
• TIP: soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 mins before using to stop them burning.

Baby recipe of the Week- Chicken, Apple and Carrot Puree- From 7 months

• Gently Fry a chopped onion and one small chicken breast (cut into small pieces) in butter until the onions are soft and the chicken is beginning to brown.
• Add a peeled, cored and chopped apple and 2 peeled, chopped carrots.
• Add 250ml boiling water cover and simmer on a medium heat for 15- 20 minutes minutes.
• Puree to a consistency that suits your baby.
• TIP: Add a couple of tablespoons of your baby’s usual milk for a creamier consistency.