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FREE
TAKE ME HOM
E
East Kent
IN THIS ISSUE
What’s on this
November &
December
RECRUITING NOW
Successful ‘business mum’ is Talking to kids
seeking 5 working partners to work
part-time from home, alongside
about climate
and without compromising family change
commitments or current career.
If you have a supervisory,
managerial, sales, marketing,
Eco Christmas
recruitment or self-employed gift guide
background, or you wish to develop
an extraordinary lifestyle
call Vicki King Act of kindness
07501 433 922
advent calendar
Issue 12 November/December 2019
familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families East Kent
East Kent
Managing Editor Rebecca Carr
editor@familieseastkent.co.uk
07789 882 467
Advertising Amanda Biggs
amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk
07835 848066
What’s On Guide Laura Vass
assistant@familieseastkent.co.uk
Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd
Cover image: Depositphotos
Readership 40,000 local parents, carers
Contents
and teachers every issue
UPCOMING ISSUES
January/February 2020
Early years - Family travel - School Open
4. News
Days - Clubs & classes and much more....
Booking deadline 2 December 6. Talking to children about climate change
7. Flexible working options
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Stay in
touch Families east kent magazine 8. It’s party time
10. What’s on this Christmas in East Kent
© Families East Kent 2019
Families East Kent is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise
company. All franchised magazines in the group are
independently owned and operated under licence. Families
14. What’s on in November & December
is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House,
Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD.
The contents of Families East Kent are fully protected by 15. Act of kindness advent calendar
copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter
may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of
Families East Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation
of this magazine, but Families East Kent ; our distributors,
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Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of and events happening in East Kent and look out for some great
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Distributors Wanted
Next Issue Jan/Feb 2020
Early Years I Education I Travel Ashford, Canterbury, Whistable, Herne Bay & Faversham
Clubs & classes I Feb Half Term
Are you looking for some extra income? Do you have a few hours spare
over 1 - 2 days every two months within school hours?
Families East Kent Magazine is looking for distributors
to deliver our magazine to local schools, nurseries
and family attractions. If you live in the area,
are reliable and trustworthy, have a car
and would like to earn extra money, email
editor@familieseastkent.co.uk for more
information and routes available.
Book now call 07835 848066
amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk Starting January 2020 Good rates of pay
2 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.uk
“Playful,
imaginative
& original”
Noah, Audience Member and Dad
13 December - 24 December
Folkestone Quarterhouse
Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1BN
Ticket prices: Adult £8 | Children £7 | Family £27 | Schools £5
Box Office 01303 760750 www.creativefolkestone.org.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 3
News
The Tiger Who Came to
Tea hits the screen this
Christmas
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s
book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas
adapted as a half-hour animated film for Channel 4.
It will feature a star studded cast of voices including
Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin
Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.
The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.
Letter from Santa For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale of the tiger that shows up at young
Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so
All children love to receive a letter far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I
addressed to them in the post, but what think I’d better go now,” and departing.
could be more special than a letter from
Father Christmas? Here are two ways of Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to
making this happen. Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every
family’s imagination watching it.”
Royal Mail Letter to Santa
For children to receive a FREE letter from
Santa via the Royal Mail children must post
their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.
New Sleepy Tales for children
The book publisher Penguin Random House has
Envelopes must have either a first or collaborated with The Children’s Sleep Charity to create
second class stamp and be addressed to collections of Sleepy Tales audiobooks designed to help
Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, children relax before bedtime.
Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must
include your child’s full name and address. For children ages 3 to 6 years, Ladybird Sleepy Tales
and for children aged 7+, Puffin Sleepy Tales, they
Visit www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters- are stories with a difference. Part soundscape, part
to-santa descriptive narrative, they use relaxing sounds and
soothing narrators’ voices to conjure calming settings
NSPCC Santa Letter and landscapes to help children feel calm and positive at
Children can also receive a personalised the end of the day.
reply from Santa via his elves at the
NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 Each tale is 15 minutes long and has been created to be interesting enough to hold
donation to the charity. The letter is ordered children’s attention, but not too exciting.
online and must be placed by 9 December.
Sleepy Tales are designed to become part of a child’s bedtime routine, and can be listened
Visit https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/ to before or after reading a bedtime story. Children can listen on their own, or with a parent,
letter-from-santa for more information. as a way to wind down.
DOWNLOAD OUR MAGAZINE If you have any local news to share with our
Don’t miss an issue! readers and would like to include it in our
Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at January/February issue,
www.issuu.com please email it by 2 December for consideration to
editor@familieseastkent.co.uk
Step up for Safe
Streets
UK Road Safety Week 2019,
takes place between 18 and 24
November, will encourage road
users to ‘step up’ and play a part
in the creation of a safe and
healthy future on our roads.
Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on a British
road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable.
This year, the annual event aims to encourage everyone to Step
Up for Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the
amazing design-led solutions that can help end suffering on our
roads.
The focus is on how design can stop human error from causing
death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and
cycling, and can make sure that the air is clean. Vintage inspired high quality knitwear for the
modern day baby and toddler
For more information and to get your free Action Pack, visit www.
roadsafetyweek.org www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn
4 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.uk
News
‘Mothers
should The Mamma
do most Coach
childcare’
Pregnancy and Parenting
Surprisingly, according to can be challenging times
the British Social Attitudes with many people finding
Survey carried out by the the stress and anxieties it
National Centre for Social causes too much to cope
Research, around half of people (51%) in the UK think that the best with. Preparing for a baby,
option for a family with a pre-schooler is for the mother to do most whether it is your first or
of the childcare. fourth can be both joyous
and terrifying, with worries
When deciding how a family with a pre-school age child should best about birth, being a good enough parent
organise work and family life, only 16% of those surveyed favour and having enough love and money for
arrangements that represent an equal split of childcare and work more children being top of the list.
between parents.
Many parents juggle their jobs and
32% think mothers should work part-time and fathers full-time,
19% think mothers should stay at home and fathers should work children on tight budgets without much,
full-time, 9% think that the mother and father should both work if any support and the stresses of modern
part-time and 6% favour both parents working full-time. day life and parenting leave parents feeling like they’re failing or not
good enough. Finding the layers of stress overflowing into our daily
Nancy Kelley, Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for lives with not enough time to fit in times to de-stress often results in
Social Research, comments: “Despite considerable social change, a pressure cooker effect and we become ill, short-tempered, have
and strong policy intervention, we still have some way to go in chronic pain and look for ways to ease the stress that are actually
supporting women to flourish in their careers and men to take a doing more harm, like drinking alcohol or over-eating.
more active role in caring for children.”
As a mother of 4 boys (including twins), and a therapist, Sophie
More info: www.natcen.ac.uk Burch knows all too well how our anxiety and stress levels can
overflow and get the better of us, slowing us down until we begin
to become slightly dysfunctional or worse, unable to cope. She also
One in seven 5 year olds not knows that our valuable NHS services are at capacity with many
protected against measles people having to wait long periods of time before they can be seen
by a CBT therapist or Councellor. This is why, it’s important to have
One in seven 5 year olds may not be protected against potentially a “bridging” service for parents to access; a light therapy service
life threatening measles, Public Health England (PHE) has warned. for mild to moderate symptoms that gives people the chance to be
heard, to learn simple, effective mental wellbeing coping skills and
PHE has revealed that about 30,000 children may have started importantly to feel held in a safe space where they can express
primary school with no protection against measles, mumps themselves without judgement. Half of new parents mental health
and rubella, while 90,000 may have had only the first of the two problems don’t get picked up by the overstretched NHS; this needs
vaccines necessary for protection. to change.
There were 230 cases of measles in England in the first quarter of Sophie runs antenatal courses that include life, wellbeing and
2019, many linked to visiting European countries during holiday relationship coaching through into the fourth trimester, giving
periods. As a result of these outbreaks, the UK has now lost its
couples the skills to be resilient to the curveballs of pregnancy,
measles-free status, just three years after the virus was eliminated.
PHE is urging all parents to check their child’s Red Book to make birth and early parenting. She also run postnatal mental wellbeing
sure there is a record of two MMR doses and the 4-in-1 booster groups, online coaching and 1:1 therapy for new parents and any
vaccine. If not, parents should contact their GP practice to arrange parent struggling with anxiety, low mood, fears and other mental ill
any further vaccinations. health issues.
More info: www.nhs.uk/NHS vaccinations Get in touch for a free chat to see if Sophie can help or signpost
you to where you can get support. Always go to your GP first if you
are not feeling yourself, and they will refer you on to one of their
Record low services. If you have to wait, contact Sophie and work through it
until you get the recommended help.
Sudden Infant
Deaths Email sophie@themammacoach.com or visit www.themammacoach.
com or www.burchtherapy.com.
Sudden infant deaths,
the syndrome in which
otherwise seemingly
healthy babies die
unexpectedly before their first birthday, has dropped to its lowest
level on record, according to a report from the Office of National
Statistics (ONS). Parenting life can be hard at
times can’t it? Are you feeling
Records of what used to be called ‘cot death’ began in 2004, when Anxious, Stressed, Fearful or
the rate was 0.5 deaths per 1,000 births. The 2017 figure is 0.27 per Over-worried? I can help pop
1,000 births meaning the figure has almost halved since the records you back into balance. 1:1 online
began. therapy sessions to suit you.
The ONS said the fall in unexplained deaths may be due to factors Check out my website and take
such as fewer expectant mothers smoking and more awareness of the first step to feeling better.
safer sleeping practices.
sophie@themammacoach.com
The term ‘cot death’ is no longer used, due to the suggestion that www.themammacoach.com
sudden infant death can only happen when a baby is in its cot. The www.burchtherapy.com
term now used is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
More info: www.ons.gov.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 5
Parenting
Talking to
children
about
climate
change
Valentina Gianella
Being a parent is a tough job. The best cure for fear. Stop using disposable Who is
trickiest part is making sure we tell our plastic; start using re-fillable water Greta Thunberg?
children the truth, without simultaneously bottles; make sure you recycle correctly;
causing them to be either over-anxious or re-use; exchange instead of buying new Greta is a child who loves to be “in the
delusional about the future. It applies to things; save energy; save water; walk know” about what is happening to our
an extensive range of aspects in life, and and cycle more; use public transport or planet.
climate change is a relatively new but shared transportation. Show your child
undeniable one. we can all make a difference and that if She comes from a family of scientists
everyone does the same, the future looks and artists, she has studied the facts, and
My children were 10 and 7 years old more positive. she is not afraid of being in the spotlight.
when we first started talking about This combination worked well when she
the environmental challenges facing “What is climate change?”- How decided it was time to speak out and gain
humanity. Even as a journalist who has to answer attention from the world about the danger
dealt with such topics for years, I was we are facing and what we should be
frankly terrified of this task. Writing an The earth is our home, and it is nestled doing to avoid it.
article is one thing: facing their worried within a precious shelter that is called
questions was entirely another. the atmosphere. Inside the atmosphere, Where can we learn more about
we and other creatures can breathe and this?
Then, a young girl showed up. Greta live. For nearly 200 years we have used
Thunberg was everywhere online, with something called fossil fuel (carbon
her yellow raincoat and a straightforward Sometimes, the news can be challenging
and oil), which we burn in order to fuel for children to understand because it only
concept: we have to DO something to our working world, in everything from
save our planet, or there’s going to be illuminates part of a problem. Also, some
factories to transportation. Every time headlines can be scary. Suggest that your
trouble. Action: that was the key. If you we burn fossil fuels, or cut down trees,
know that there is something you can child come to you with their questions
the atmosphere temperature rises a tiny and look for scientific sources together.
do about a problem – even the smallest bit because the gas (mostly a gas called
thing, anything that is within your power – Bookshops and the internet (reliable
carbon dioxide) that comes from this websites such as www.climatekids.nasa.
you feel less hopeless. Less scared. burning becomes trapped inside the gov) can give a wider view. Look for
atmosphere. This means the earth cannot sources that have been translated in a
Here are some of the questions that release the heat that it receives from the
children and their parents have been way that is understandable for younger
sun. This is called Global Warming. ages.
asking me about Climate Change and the
answers that seem to help them. As the temperature rises, the climate
changes. This brings heavy rains or
My child gets anxious about severe drought, diverts the sea currents
the future of humankind: what and disrupts the natural habitat of many
should I say? species. It also means that the sea level
is rising due to the ice melting in the
Talk frankly, but also help them Poles. All of these are the main effects of Valentina Gianella is the author
understand the everyday actions that Climate Change. of We Are All Greta: Be Inspired
we can all take to tackle the main issues to Change the World published
related to Climate Change. Action is the What can help me communicate by Laurence
the key facts to my child? King and is
available from
It helps to introduce a hero character www.amazon.
that allows children to engage their co.uk, www.
imagination while they absorb abstract laurenceking.
information. Greta Thunberg is a perfect com and all
medium for these concepts. Discover good book
other children who have also made a stores.
difference – like William Kamkwamba,
who inspired the book and film The Boy ISBN:
Who Harnessed the Wind. 9781786276131
£9.99
6 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.uk
Lifestyle
Finding a flexible job that works for you
By Mandy Garner
Time becomes an increasingly precious commodity once you have children. For many that means looking to
reduce or re-arrange their working hours to give themselves the time they need to enjoy family life.
So what are the alternatives to the traditional full-time job? Well, these days there are many different options.
Flexible Working Requests the hours in your regular job and run a
franchise or self-employed job on the side
Firstly, you could seek some form either on a permanent basis or until your
of flexibility in your existing job. It’s self-employed work is earning enough to
important to be open-minded as to what support you. Another advantage of the
that might look like, whether it could be portfolio approach is that it gives you time
part-time hours, some home working, to experiment with different work options.
flexible start and finish times, annualised It could also allow you to re-train for
hours, compressed hours (longer days another career while still earning.
but fewer of them), or a combination of
several possibilities. Self-Employment
In order to make a formal flexible working and thinking broadly about any possible
available job that might fit around your You could, of course, choose to jump
application you will need to show you straight into self-employed work. If so,
have thought through the implications family’s needs. Talk to others and look into
industries you may not have considered ensure you do your business research
of any changed working pattern on your well. You could also consider becoming a
employer and colleagues. Are there, for before.
franchisee, which means that you would
instance, parts of your job that could have the freedom associated with running
be delegated to others to enable them Check out family-friendly websites to see
who the most flexible employers are and your own business with fewer of the
to get experience? Could you use the risks of going it alone since the franchise
flexible working process to review your read around about what other parents
do. Sites like www.workingmums.co.uk will provide a tried and tested business
job and hone in on where you can have model.
the most effect? If you can show that have a regular jobs alert and case studies
you have thought your case through of working parents which can give you
suggestions of where to look that you Families East Kent Magazine is currently
carefully, weighing up your own and your available as a franchise opportunity. You
employer’s needs, you are more likely to might not have thought of before.
can work flexible hours from home and
be successful. work around your family commitments.
Once you have honed sectors and types
of jobs you might be interested in, you Families East Kent Magazine is a premium
Bear in mind that flexible working free magazine for parents with kids 0-12
legislation currently only applies to those could join LinkedIn professional groups
and check out company websites and years and is published 6 times per year. It
who have been in position for six months. is also part of a group established in 1990
social media. Thorough research is key to
securing the right job for you. and has 40 local titles around the UK. To
If this is not you or if you do not want to enquire for more details, email rebecca at
permanently change your hours - perhaps editor@familieseastkent.co.uk
you only need some temporary flexibility If the sector you are interested in requires
- then you could ask for changes in your you to retrain, you could look into whether
there is any on the job training. The important thing is to be creative and
working pattern on a more informal basis. to try to think out of the box about your
skills. Go back to basics and rediscover
Be Creative Portfolio Career what those skills are, who you are, what
you like doing. A good coach can help
Another way around the flexible working Another potential option is the so-called you work your way through all the above
issue is to switch jobs or even careers. portfolio career where you juggle several options.
Having children means that all your part-time or freelance/self-employed jobs,
creative skills will be in play most of the creating a kind of tapestry which gives Mandy Garner is Editor of www.
time, including when it comes to your you flexibility around drop-off and pick-up workingmums.co.uk where you can find
work life. You could try listing your skills times. You could, for instance, reduce more suggestions on flexible working.
Could this be your ideal job? East Kent
FREE
TAKE ME HOME
Work flexible hours from home and around your family!
Families East Kent is a premium free If you are interested in:
magazine for parents with childen 0 - 12
in East Kent and it’s now looking for a new IN THIS ISSUE
owner. • running your own business RECRUITING NOW
Successsful ‘business mum’ is
seeking 5 working partners to work
part-time from home, alongside
Summer Fun for all
the family
and;
and without compromising family
commitments or current career. The benefits of
Lose weight for summer!
If you have a supervisory, Forest School
Caroline
managerial, sales, marketing,
recruitment or self-employed
background, or you wish to develop Fruity summer
an extrordinary lifestyle, 07967 347484
The East Kent franchise area covers Ashford,
Please call Vicki King
snacks ideas
07501 433 922 As seen on TV ‘The Crash Diet Experiment’
Issue 4 July/August 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
Canterbury, Dover, Faversham, Folkestone,
Families East Kent
• learning the skills of print
familiesonline.co.uk
Margate, Ramsgate and all areas publishing, copy writing, design, sales,
inbetween. social media and business management
Families East Kent Magazine is part of the
brand-leading Families Magazine franchise Then call us today for more information on
group, which was established in 1990 and 07789 882467 or email your interest to
has 40 local titles around the UK. editor@familieseastkent.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 7
Parties
It’s PARTY time
Party entertainers are a great idea for a birthday party. They mean less
stress and more time for you to enjoy your child’s celebration. But you may
still need invitations, decorations, food and some activity ideas. So, if your
child has their heart set on a themed party here are tips for popular themes.
Science Party
Science parties are a great way for introducing
science concepts to young children. There
are companies which can provide spectacular
science parties at your home but here are
some accompaniments you may need.
Decorations
Spell out the birthday child’s name using the
periodic table.
Hang up educational science posters like the
Circus Party periodic table which can be downloaded for
Kids love to clown around and have fun so why
Prince and Princess Party free.
If you have one, display a whiteboard for
not try a circus party? A prince and princess party is all about make- working out problems such as ingredients for a
believe and dressing up. Think gold and silver, potion or volcano.
Decorations jewels and gems! Use coloured balloons for different planets –
Create a balloon archway around a doorway. add cardboard for Saturn’s rings.
Invitations
Create the illusion of being under a big top by
hanging bunting from the where the walls meet Create royal proclamations to invite your Costumes
the ceiling, with the other ends of the bunting guests using coloured paper, ribbon and some
meeting in the centre of the ceiling. candle wax. Either hand write or print out on a Oversized white shirts can become lab coats.
computer. Print out name tags with monikers added like
Arrange toy animals like elephants and lions ‘Professor Julia.’
around the room. Decorations
Party Food
Welcome your guests by rolling out a length of
Food red carpet or any fabric that looks grand. Rocket and Star Sandwiches and Pizzas –
use a cookie cutter to cut sandwiches or pizza
Serve popcorn in decorated paper cups. A drawbridge made from cardboard or a slices into rockets or stars.
balloon archway also adds finesse.
Decorate the cake with a clowns face Celestial Cupcakes - use edible glitter to dust
Choose a colour theme for your balloons.
Use icing pens to draw balloons on cupcakes. cupcakes.
Make the table the focus. A canopy made from
Hot dogs, funny-face pizza and animal-shaped inexpensive voile, or a net curtain hung from Sweet Rockets – fill plastic test tubes with
biscuits add to the atmosphere. the ceiling, will look eye-catching. Wrap fairy sweeties.
lights around the table or scatter it with glittery
confetti. Activities
Activities
Pin the Red Nose on the Clown – children Food Erupting Volcanoes - children make a small
pin their red nose onto a clown poster whilst volcano from play dough. Then insert a small
blindfolded. Watermelon Magic Wands – cut watermelon container such as jar or film canisters (available
into star shapes, and serve on top of skewers. cheaply on Amazon) into the centre of each
Juggling - use tennis balls to teach juggling or volcano. Into each container, put one teaspoon
spin plastic plates on top of a broom handle. Crown-shaped Biscuits and Sandwiches of bicarbonate of soda, a squirt of dish washing
- wrap a cake tin with foil, and add four turrets up liquid and a few drops of red food colouring.
Musical Clown Noses – children skip around made from foil-wrapped cardboard tubes. Add one tea spoon of vinegar and kapow!
the room to music. When it stops, they have to
find a clown nose and the person who doesn’t Royal Sweets - pile red, white and blue sweets Mini Lava Lamps - fill jars or bottles about a
find a nose is out. or cupcakes onto a cake stand. ¼ full with water. Add food colouring and mix.
Almost fill jars with oil. When the oil and water
Clown Face Painting Competition - children have separated, drop in a fizzing tablet like Alka
paint their own faces, making themselves look Activities Seltzer or Vitamin C. Watch as the tablet floats
like clowns. down slowly to the water, dissolve and create
Make crowns and tiaras - decorate paper bubbles of gas that carry some of the coloured
crowns with sequins and glitter. water to the top. Add a few tablets at a time!
Circus Crafts
Make medieval prince/princess hats - provide Magic Potion Station - Gather safe ingredients
Balloon animals – buy a pack of long balloons some pastel-coloured card, elastic and cheap such as washing up liquid, vinegar, bicarbonate
and search for free video tutorials online. net or voile, to transform into cone-shaped, of soda, glitter, food colouring, spoons and
medieval prince/princess hats. mixing bowls/glass jars and arrange them so
Circus finger puppets - download and print
out circus characters. Get children to colour Royal Party Games - Play Pin the Tail on the children can mix their own potions.
them in and cut them out. Cut a 2cm wide strip Dragon or the Jewel on the Tiara, Musical
of paper long enough to go round the middle of Thrones, or The Queen Says (instead of Simon
each child’s finger. Glue/Sellotape strip into a Says). Advertise with us and reach
circle. Attach the character onto the front.
Royal Treasure Hunt - Hide gold chocolate 40,000+ local parents
Clown Hats - cut circles out of bright, thick coins around the house or garden. Someone
card to make into cone shapes, as well as small has stolen the king’s gold and the children must and carers. Call Amanda
circles in different colours to be glued on. Glue find it!
a pompom at the top of the hat. Punch holes on 07835 848066
either side to thread elastic through.
8 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.ukParties
Jungle Party Space Party
A great theme for boys and girls ages 2 to 8
and lovers of the Lion King or the Jungle Book. Many children become fascinated by all things Superhero Party
space. If this applies to your child, a space-
themed party may take off! You don’t need to be a super parent to make
Invitations sure your kids have fun at a superhero party.
Purchase some cheap animal masks and write Invitations Invitations
invitations on the back.
Buy space-themed invitations or make them Superhero party invitations can be bought
Decorate the envelopes with coloured stripes by placing a picture of an astronaut on the or make your own. Buy superhero masks,
or spots. front of a note card. Stick a picture of the handwrite the party details on a notecard or
birthday child’s face on the astronaut. For party decorative shipping tag and tie onto the masks.
information, use ‘Launch Date,’ ‘Lift off Time,’
Costumes ‘Scheduled Return to Earth,’ ‘RSVP to Mission Costumes
Control Headquarters’ etc.
Ask children to come dressed as their favourite
animal or perhaps a jungle explorer. Children come dressed as their favourite
Decorations superhero, or transform into one on arrival
Have them make animal masks when they using a selection of masks and capes which
arrive. Buy space posters, models/inflatable space you can buy cheaply. Capes can be decorated
craft, cut out and hang star and planet shaped with markers and printables you have
Make tails using rope with a knot in the end cards. downloaded.
(lion or giraffe) or old tie or strip of cloth
(monkey). Hang black and blue streamers and balloons.
Decorations
Turn each child into a jungle beast with face Decorate the table with a black table cloth,
painting. sprinkled with star and/or planet-shaped Lay the table with red, blue and yellow table
confetti. cloths. Stick to three primary colours with
balloons too for a real comic book effect.
Decorations Download official NASA transmissions to play
in the background! Classic superhero terms such as ‘Kapow’,
‘Boom,’ as well as posters can be downloaded
Gather your potted plants together and hang to print and use to decorate walls.
green streamers to create a jungle in one part Food
of a room. Superhero inflatables are cheap and can be
Alien Juice and Rocket Fuel - green and red hung in the room.
Place and hang cuddly animal toys around the
room. squash or fizzy drinks.
Decorate a plain white paper table cloth with Star Cakes/Biscuits - decorate cakes/biscuits Food
spots or stripes and sprinkle with plastic bugs with star sprinkles.
Use brightly coloured cups and plates.
and snakes. Flying Saucer Sandwiches – cut small pittas
into saucers or star/planet shapes. Superhero Chips - make cones from
downloadable comic book pages to serve
Food Rocket Fruit Sticks - for the rocket nose use chips, dippers or other party food.
a strawberry; for the body, alternate slices of
Snake sandwiches – cut using a circular banana and strawberry; for its end, shape a Superhero Cupcakes can be obtained from
cookie cutter. Arrange on a platter in a snake piece of melon into fins. supermarkets.
shape using the ends of cucumber to make the
head and tail. Use olive slices or pepper circles Superhero Fruit Sticks - foods such as
pineapple, green grapes and watermelon fit
for eyes and a strip of ham for the tongue. Activities the colour scheme; put them on sticks with
Jungle Juice – squash coloured red or green. superhero labels attached to the end.
Don’t Drop the Asteroid - children must keep
Animal Cup Cakes – decorate cupcakes with all the asteroids (balloons) in the air while Super Juice - brightly coloured fruit juices
animal figurines. the music plays. When it stops, they grab or low sugar squash will keep super thirsts
an asteroid. You call out a colour. Whoever quenched!
has that coloured asteroid must pop it and
Games complete the challenge inside to win a prize.
The game continues until all have received a Activities
Sleeping Lions – children lie still and quiet prize.
on the floor pretending to be ‘sleeping lions.’ Pass the Kryptonite - children sit in a circle
A judge roams the room and any child that Hot Moon - children stand in a circle. One and pass around a green object (a painted
moves is ‘out.’ The winner is the last child starts the game by passing the ball. While rock or green bean bag), while the music plays.
‘asleep.’ the music plays, the players quickly pass the When it stops, whoever’s holding the kryptonite
ball around the circle. When it stops, the child is out! Give a prize to the last child left in the
Safari Animal Scavenger Hunt – beforehand holding the ball is out. Play continues until one game.
hide several plush jungle animals. Tell the child is left - the Hot Moon Champion!
children the safari animals have gone missing. Superhero Face Painting - you could get
Call out the name of a missing animal. When Solar System Challenge - children collect all a professional face painter or set up your
that animal has been retrieved, call out the the planets in our solar system and rush them own face painting stand and view online
name of another. back to their team’s star keepers. Then they video tutorials to transform your guests into
must put them in the correct order to win. superheroes.
Jungle Animal Charades – write the names
of jungle animals on note cards and place in Superhero Obstacle Course - jump through
a jungle hat. Each child pulls a card out of the a hoop; weave through cones; run with an egg
hat and tries to get the others to guess the and spoon; pop a balloon; crawl through a
name of the animal by acting it out. tunnel or walk along a balance beam.
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 9Family Christmas
Top board and card games to play
this Christmas
Christmas is the time to dust off your favourite games to play at home with your family and friends. With a
flurry of new games hitting our living room tables during recent years, the games market has seen something
of a revolution. Now there are hundreds of games available that employ brain-teasing strategies and flex your
investigatory muscles.
Claire Winter has picked some family board games that will help entice your children away from gadgets this
festive season.
Sherlock Holmes - Consulting The London Board Game Monopoly Cheaters Edition Pictionary
Detective Thames Murders
game The complexities of the London The new Cheaters Edition of This drawing game has been a
Underground system make this a Monopoly brings a fresh twist firm favourite since 1985. The
Gather your loved ones, and don great brain-challenging game for to the property trading game latest edition has been updated
your deerstalkers to play this players of all ages. The board itself that was initially designed to with two levels of clues for adults
fun mystery game. You have to is the London Underground map, warn players about the dangers and younger children, making it
solve the case by interviewing so while enjoying the race, you’ll of capitalism. This version a fun game for all ages. It also
witnesses, and tracing their steps also learn more about London. encourages cheating and has wipe clean markers and
through Victorian London. This Players must visit six of London’s subterfuge! It includes 15 cheat boards. Mattel has also released
is very much a challenge of the sightseeing hotspots, and the cards that allow players to steal Pictionary Air, which uses an app
mental ability of the players, rather winner is the first person to get money from the bank and avoid and augmented reality, but I prefer
than a game of chance. The details back to the mainline station where paying rent. the old school version!
are well-researched and give you they started.
a real sense of a bygone era. £17.74 Amazon £21.99 Amazon
£30 www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk
£34.90 Amazon
Dobble Chess and Draughts Speech Breaker Nudge
This fun picture card game is very According to academics, chess This challenging game for children Nudge is an incredibly simple, yet
popular in our house and it’s really boosts intelligence and creativity, age 14+ is great fun. You have to insanely addictive strategy game
addictive. It depends on speed so this Christmas teach your put on the game headset, talk for children age 14+ designed
of observation as players have to children the tactical games of into the microphone, and get to send you and your opponent
pick out one icon from a group Chess and Draughts to improve your teammates to guess who, over the edge. Designed with the
on a card that matches the same their mental agility. These timeless what, where without saying any environment in mind, the game
icon in a group on another card. games are also a great way to of the words on the cards. But… is made from 100% recyclable
This simple premise then forms share one-on-one time with your the microphone jams your speech materials including the game
the basis for five short mini- child. with a built-in delay. As you talk, board, single-colour packaging,
games, alternatively asking you to you’ll hear your delayed voice and fully biodegradable game
collect or discard cards as quickly £19.99 Amazon through the game headset, making discs.
as possible. Younger eyes and it harder to speak clearly. Really
reflexes are at a definite advantage hilarious! £9.99 www.nudgegames.co.uk
which means your 5 year old will
beat you fair and square! £25.52 Amazon
£12.99 Amazon
10 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.ukFamily Christmas
Eco Christmas Gift Guide
TODDLERS
Bamboo
Hungry Kids Set
By Claire Winter Make dinnertime
roar-some with
this cute plate,
2019 has definitely been the year to think about over-consumption; bowl, and cup set.
households around the country have gone Marie Kondo crazy, getting rid Dinosaur lovers will
of unwanted clutter. Many people are also avoiding buying plastic or fast relish munching
fashion and thinking about the things they purchase and consume. So why their meals from
this cute, eco-friendly set. All pieces are
don’t you consider buying some eco-friendly presents for your nearest and made from plant-based materials, including
dearest this festive season? bamboo and corn starch, making them fully
biodegradable, and super-safe for kids. They’re
also fully microwave and dishwasher proof.
BABIES £14.99 www.prezzybox.com
Baby Car Seat Wrap
This stylish, organic, baby car seat wrap is the perfect present to give ABC Wooden
parents peace of mind on winter car journeys. The ladies behind
Kura Organics realised that taking their newborns out in the car was
Blocks
A classic alphabet
more stressful than it should be. They found the amount of safety
and numbers blocks
advice about how to dress babies for travel overwhelming, so they
set. Beautifully
created this cosy wrap. Not only does it keep little ones warm and
crafted from solid
safe, it looks gorgeous too.
rubberwood, all the
£49.99 www.kura-organics.com
edges are smooth
so they are easy to
handle. This chunky
Sophie la Girafe Comforter Gift Set set features pastel
This charming gift set featuring an original Sophie la girafe® and designs of upper and lower case letters as well
comforter is a lovely gift for baby’s first Christmas. The 58-year-old as numbers from 0 to 9. Every block is hand
icon is loved by millions and is still made using traditional methods screen-printed, which makes each one unique.
from 100% natural rubber, derived from the sap of the hevea tree, and Designed to help strengthen motor skills,
decorated with food grade paint. critical thinking, develop pre-reading and early
£29.99 www.1two.co.uk counting skills, this is a beautiful, educational
toy made out of sustainable materials that will
give a toddler hours of fun.
TEENS £29.99 www.letoyvan.com
KIDS The Bear
Grylls MUM AND DAD
My First Snorkel
Blue Goose
Giant Bubble Experience
Coffee
Kit for Two Perfect for coffee
You can never Buy an fans, this new
be too old experience range of speciality,
to play with for your teen single-origin, and
bubbles. Dr Zigs instead of an actual gift. The Bear Grylls organic coffees in
is made in the UK by a small, Snowdonia- Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham is an innovative plastic-
based company. The bubble mixture is fully experience they will never forget. Snorkel free, compostable starch and wood bark
biodegradable and palm oil and phosphate- with some not-so-deadly Black Tip Reef capsules are perfect to go in coffee machines.
free. It also comes in 10x concentrate to Sharks and other marine life protected Compatible with Nespresso® original coffee
massively reduce packaging, while the 25cm by a see-through snorkel cage. Plus, a pod machines, these innovative capsules turn
wooden wands and rope used to create the percentage of every dive is donated to the into compost within twelve weeks.
bubble are made from sustainably-sourced Shark Trust to help shark conservation. £18.99 www.bluegoose.coffee
wood and unbleached cotton. They even £90 www.redletterdays.co.uk
make bubbles for dogs! Pukka Herbal Tea Christmas Advent
£19.99 www.drzigs.com ili Laptop Calendar
Stand The perfect advent calendar for all tea lovers,
This funky, featuring 24 Pukka organic herbal teas.
Tepee portable laptop Inspired by the power of plants, Pukka’s
The Little Green stand is the Christmas Calendar is a healthy alternative to
Sheep Teepee brainchild chocolate-filled advent calendars!
is a great gift of engineer £9.99 www.waitrose.com
for kids with a Celine Kerr and
big imagination. her husband DIYogi Yoga
This beautifully Zeno. The ili
designed
Mat
is a versatile
The ideal present
playhouse with a and elegant laptop stand. It is made out of
for a yogi or yogini.
striking scalloped natural, sustainable materials and also helps
The world’s first
edge is made out 100% cotton canvas and to improve posture when working from a
yoga mats that
wood. This great company ensures all of laptop, plus it’s light and portable.
people can write
their products are natural and chemical-free.
and draw on using markers. You can custom
Once playtime is done at home, the Teepee A fantastic gift for a teenager or adult, who
design your own mat or add designs before
adventures can continue on your travels, loves to spend hours on their laptop.
you give the gift. For every mat sold, £1 is
because each one comes with a handy cotton £39.99 www.ililaptopstand.com
donated to Clear Blue Sea, a not-for-profit
travel bag.
organisation, which develops an automated
£89.95 www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
solution to remove large quantities of plastic in
our oceans without affecting ocean wildlife.
£77 www.diyogi.com
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 11What’s on
What’s on
Your essential guide to family events in November & December
compiled by Laura Vass.
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with
the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have
changed since we went to print.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS of the holiday season. This beautiful
spectacle is well-worth a visit – head
22 November – 1 December down to the harbour to witness this
Look for a Book Christmas Event wonderful sight of boats and local
Whitefriars, Canterbury CT1 2TF businesses lit up for December.
Take part in this fantastic free event.
Hunt out the Christmas themed books, 5 – 22 December (Thurs-Sun only)
take them home to read and hide them Enchanted Walmer Castle 14 December 3 & 24 November
again for someone else to find. Walmer Castle, Deal CT14 7LJ Christmas Crafts Canterbury Christmas Fair
Make the most of winter evenings with Astor Theatre, Deal CT14 6AB The Westgate Hall, Canterbury
22 November – 30 December an enchanting experience of light, The Astor Theatre is hosting a CT1 2BT
Christmas at Bedgebury colour and sound as the gardens at Christmas-themed Family Crafternoon Taking place at the beautiful
Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst Walmer Castle are transformed into an from 1.30-2.30pm. £12 for a child and Westgate Hall, you’ll be able to shop
TN17 2SJ illuminated world. accompanying adult. Additional sibling a handpicked selection of products
Inspired by the landscape itself, it is £8. Booking is essential. Ages 4-12. from small businesses in Kent and East
a festive adventure in a world of trees 7 December Sussex. 10am.
on the illuminated winter trail and get Christmas Crafts 14 December
a glimpse Father Christmas and his elf Duke of York’s Royal Military School, RNLI Ramsgate Lifeboat Carol 9 November
along the way. Guston, Dover CT15 5EQ Service Neptune Christmas Market
The Astor Theatre is hosting a St George’s Church, Ramsgate Neptune Canterbury, Canterbury
23 November – 24 December Christmas-themed Family Crafternoon CT11 8RA CT1 3TY
Christmas at Hever Castle from 1.30-2.30pm. £12 for a child and Starting at 2pm, this service is Shop local food, drink, jewellery, crafts
Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG accompanying adult. Additional sibling approximately an hour long. The and more. 10am-4pm.
Take a magical journey down the rabbit £8. Booking is essential. Ages 4-12. service is running alongside the
hole and into the enchanting world of church’s Christmas tree festival, so take 9 November
Alice in Wonderland. See website for 7 & 8 December the time to browse the decorated trees Ashford Christmas Fair and Craft
available dates. Dickensian Christmas Festival and donate to some good causes. Market
Rochester Castle and Town Centre The Towers School,
30 November Uncover a feast of Victorian delights, 22 December Ashford TN24 9AL
Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto costumed characters and parades Christmas Disco With a range of seasonal stalls this
Woodnesborough Village Hall, as the town is transformed to a 19th Whitstable Castle, Tower Hill, market will be a great event for all.
Woodnesborough CT13 0FB century wonderland. Whitstable CT5 2BW
With stalls from local suppliers and Head along to the castle for a fun 9 November
crafters, seasonal refreshments and 7 & December packed Christmas Disco with music, Pilgrim’s Hospice Christmas Fair
winter warmers. Santa will be in Wartime Christmas Weekend games, dance routines, a special visit and Craft Market
residence for the day with his helpers, Royal Engineers Museum, from Father Christmas and possibly The Towers School, Faversham
so take your little ones along ahead of Gillingham ME7 1UR even some snow! The disco will run Road, Ashford TN24 9AL
the big day. 10am-3pm. Head along to the museum to discover from 4.30- 6.30pm Ages 4-9. £10 per With more than 50 dedicated craft
how Christmas was celebrated during child. Call 01227 281726 to book tickets. stalls to browse and buy from, and a
30 November the Second World War! Immerse further 25 stalls run by volunteers and
Christmas in the Park yourself in the festivities and browse CHRISTMAS MARKETS filled with donated goods. 10am-3pm.
Strode Park, Herne CT6 7NE the market for festive treats. Free entry but donations welcome.
There will be a variety of stalls, crafts, 1 – 3 November
gifts, food and entertainment. Children 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 – 31 December Kent Christmas Fair 16 November - 24 December
can visit Santa in his grotto as well as Winterland Margate Kent Event Centre, Detling Whitefriars Christmas Market
meeting his reindeer. 10.30am-3.30pm. Dreamland, Margate CT9 1XJ Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF Whitefriars, Canterbury CT1 2TF
Escape to a magical Christmas world Step into a creative world and With 68 cabins and a further 70 small,
30 November down by the sea this December as rediscover the art of enjoyable artisan businesses represented in a
CBeebies Christmas Show: Hansel Dreamland presents Winterland Christmas shopping. The Kent shared space, plus an additional week
and Gretel Margate. Frosted FM will be in full Christmas Fair offers a unique of trading, this is the biggest and
Ashford Picturehouse, Elwick Road, swing at the Roller Disco, playing opportunity to find special presents for longest-running Christmas market in
Ashford TN23 1AE Christmas classics from 1-5pm on special people; it is the perfect place to the city.
The show is an adaptation of fairy-tale Winterland Margate open days, so work your way through your Christmas
classic Hansel and Gretel and will strap on your skates and spin around list. 23 November
again feature many of CBeebies’ most the dance floor. Christmas Fair
popular talent. Audiences will also get Lympne Village Hall, Aldington
a chance to see exclusive, additional Road, Hythe CT21 4LE
content specially-made for the cinema. Christmas is coming to Artisan crafts, gifts, decorations,
pottery, cake stall, refreshments, games
30 November – 23 December Dreamland for children and big hamper raffle.
A Truly Magical Christmas
Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford Dreamland will be hosting Winterland 23 - 24 November
TN26 3RJ Margate, a festive extravaganza this Christmas Fayre
The Rare Breeds Centre is hosting The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX
December, with seasonal entertainment The weekend will be full of festive
Santa and his elves, as well as their
very own pantomime. Performances
and rides open on weekends and fun including the free ice rink and
are at 12 noon and 2 pm. Christmas school holidays, and a brand Christmas Land Train. Adults £4.50 and
new premium grotto experience for families. Under 12’s are free.
30 November – 24 December
Experience Christmas at Kent Life Guests can expect dazzling fairy light walks, a winter market with festive 23 November – 15 December
Kent Life, Sandling, Maidstone food and drinks, yuletide crafts, free festive film screenings, Christmas The Christmas Market
ME14 3AU trees, wreath making, and more. A selection of seasonal rides will also be Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Head along to Kent Life to join in the Browse the splendid array of seasonal
running during open days between 7-31 December. gifts, toys, festive decorations. Visits to
festive fun. In addition to the farm
activities, you can jump on board Father Christmas cost £17 and must be
the Land Train, driven by the Head There will also be a special giant Snow Globe that guests can climb booked in advance.
Elf, to take a tour of the farm. Father inside, and dogs will also be allowed on the park with their owners
Christmas will be visiting the farm on throughout the festive period. 29 November – 22 December
selected days through December. Folkestone Christmas Market
Frosted FM will be in full swing at the Roller Disco, playing Christmas Folkestone CT20 1TU
1 – 31 December With a range of quality seasonal treats
classics, so strap on your skates and spin around the dance floor. and gifts, this is a wonderful market
Ramsgate Illuminations
Royal Harbour, Ramsgate CT11 8LS to get you into the festive spirit. Open
The berth holders in the Royal Harbour The park is free to enter. Full details, ride wristbands and grotto tickets daily 10am-5pm. Visit Santa in his
decorate their vessels in celebration are available at dreamland.co.uk. grotto, check dates and times with the
organisers beforehand.
12 Families East Kent familiesonline.co.ukWhat’s on
1 December 14 December LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Christmas at Brogdale Lydden Christmas Market Children can meet Santa and get
Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Lydden Village Hall, CT15 7EX 15 November up-close with his reindeer, as well as
Faversham ME13 8XZ Market’s stalls selling locally produced Canterbury Christmas Light Switch explore the magical Christmas Grotto.
Christmas handmade crafts and local food, drink, decorations and gifts. On
produce market. Take a magical ride Christmas raffle and gifts for children. Longmarket, Canterbuy CT1 2JS 14 November – 24 December
on the Faversham Miniature Railway to 1-5pm. Prepare to watch Canterbury light up Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s grotto. 10am-4pm. and sparkle at the annual Christmas Bluewater, Greenhithe DA9 9ST
ICE SKATING Lights Switch-On event. The lights will Experience a world of majesty and
1 December be turned on between 5.30pm and fantasy at Bluewater’s 2019 Grotto,
Christmas Market 14 November – 5 January 5.50pm. based on the timeless festive story of
Sandwich Wildlife Park, Ice Skate at Bluewater The Nutcracker and the Realms. From
Sandwich CT13 0DG Bluewater, Greenhithe DA9 9ST 22 November £10.50 per child and times must be
This arts, crafts and gifts market will Take a trip to Bluewater’s spectacular Tankerton Late Night Shopping booked in advance.
showcase some of the best traders undercover outdoor ice rink. Perfect for and Light Switch On
Kent has to offer. 10am-4pm. Free. all the family to enjoy. Prices from £11 Whitstable CT5 2AJ 23 November – 24 December
adults and £9. Book in advance online. Tankerton will celebrate their first Santa’s Grotto
1 December Christmas Light Switch on event this Longacres Bybrook Barn Garden
Tides Christmas Fayre 29 November – 1 January year. Local businesses will support this Centre, Ashford TN24 9JZ
Tides, Park Avenue, Deal CT14 9UU Canterbury on Ice event by staying open late. Booking in advance is strongly
Tides will be hosting a Christmas Fayre Dane John Gardens, Canterbury suggested as tickets sell out fast. £6 to
in aid of the RNLI. A variety of stalls CT1 2WR 22 November visit Santa and receive a gift.
to browse, a bouncy castle and an The Dane John Gardens will provide Westwood Cross Light Switch On
enticing raffle. 12.30-4.30pm. a dramatic backdrop to the rink, with Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, 30 November – 24 December
twinkling lights and views available Broadstairs CT10 2BF (selected dates)
7 – 8 December from the city walkway. Children must The popular shopping centre will Santa Specials
Christmas at the Castle be 4 or over to skate and prices start at officially launch the season in style, Kent and East Sussex Railway,
Whitstable Castle, Tower Hill, £9 per child for 45 minutes on the ice. revealing the stunning new Christmas Tenterden TN30 6HE
Whitstable CT5 2BW Book in advance via the website. lights display and spectacular Toy Fort Take a magical steam train journey to
This is a traditional Christmas Fair with Grotto. meet Santa this Christmas on one of
stalls inside and outside. Children can 29 November – 2 January the popular Santa Special trains. From
visit the magical Christmas grotto! Ice Skating at Eastwell Manor 23 November £22 and babies under 18 months free.
Eastwell Manor, Ashford TN25 4HR Faversham Christmas Lights
8 December Eastwell Manor is hosting an outdoor Town Centre, Faversham 30 November – 24 December
Birchington Christmas Fair skating rink. An hour skating and skate Expect a beautiful blend of quaint town Santa’s Grotto
Station Road, Birchington CT7 9RE hire is £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for flair and good old fashioned Christmas Whitefriars Shopping Centre,
This is a festive family fun day with live under 12s. spirit at the Faversham Christmas light Canterbury CT1 2TF
music, children’s entertainment, carol switch on. Santa’s Grotto can be found admidst
singing and a traditional Christmas 1 December – 1 January the bustling Christmas market in the
market with local artisan gifts, food White Cliffs Christmas 24 November centre of Canterbury. Santa can be
and drink. ICE-travaganza Ramsgate Christmas Lights found here at weekends and then in the
The Port of Dover, Western Docks Switch On week from mid-December. £4 per child
8, 15 & 22 December (Cruise Terminal) CT17 9DQ King Street and Queen Street, and places should be booked online.
Faversham Christmas Market Open every day during December, the Ramsgate
Guildhall Market Place, Faversham historic Dover Marine Station will once With events starting from 11.30am, Selected Dates in December
Packed full of Faversham Market’s again be beautifully decked out with this is a whole day of fun Christmas Santa Specials
stalls selling locally produced food, Christmas decorations and will feature festivities for you to enjoy, culminating Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
drink, decorations and gifts, you can ice-skating on the fantastic indoor real in the switch on of the town Christmas Railway, TN28 8PL
get all your shopping done in one go! ice rink, Father Christmas in his grotto, lights. The miniature railway offers a range of
There will also be festive music and rides, market stalls, Christmas activities experiences to meet Santa. All include
entertainment.
AD_129729_The Snow Dragon_87x130mm.qxp_87x130
and many delicious food15/10/2019
outlets. 9am 16:00
30 November train travel and a visit to Santa in his
- 6pm. Sandwich Lights Switch On grotto at Dungeness. See website for
Sandwich Town Centre details. Prices from £20 per person.
This is a celebration for all the family,
with festive stalls, music, street Selected dates in December
entertainment and lots of food and Santa’s Grotto
Suitable drink. A lantern-lit parade around the Wildwood, Herne Common,
town will take place in early evening Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7LQ
for ages
and the lights switch on will be at 7pm. Santa will be at Wildwood on selected
3+
dates in December. Children will be
30 November entertained by his magical elves, visit
Whitstable Christmas Celebrations the reindeer and receive a quality soft
Various Locations in Whitstable toy and souvenir photograph, as well
Various organisations, attractions and as meeting Santa himself. Book in
businesses in the town will be hosting advance.
a range of Christmas activities for
residents to enjoy throughout the day. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 20-24 December
Elf Express
30 November Quex Activity Centre, Quex Park,
11 – 22 Dec Dover Christmas Celebrations Birchington CT7 0BH
Town Square, Dover Climb aboard the Elf Express and
The Christmas Light Switch-on is timed travel in style to Elf Tower. You will
for the finale of the celebrations at 5pm. then venture through the Magical
forest where you will be greeted by
1 December some cheerful elves. Your visit will then
Westgate Christmas Light Switch culminate with a visit to Santa for a
On Christmas story and gift. Slots must be
Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea pre-booked prices from £11 per child.
CT8 8QY
Open 11am-5pm, Station Road plays 1 – 23 December
host to a fantastic day for all the family. Father Christmas at the Hop Farm
Light switch on will be at 4.30pm. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood
TN12 6PY
7 December A visit to the Big Red Grotto will entail
Broadstairs Christmas Fayre and a visit with Father Christmas, a chance
Light Switch On to meet his jolly helpers. Children will
Pierremont Park and Hall, receive a gift, as well as the chance to
Broadstairs CT10 1JX participate in craft activities. £18 per
This is a traditional family event child. Book in advance.
with Christmas themed stalls, Santa
in his magical Grotto, music and 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 December
entertainment and the turning on of the December Santa Specials
Christmas lights at 5pm. Crampton Tower Museum, The
Broadway, Broadstairs CT10 2AB
WHERE IS SANTA? Book in at the Museum Kiosk on arrival
Tickets & Information from 12.15pm to see Santa. Admission
01227 769075 10 November – 24 December is £7 per child. This includes a visit to
Santa’s Grotto see the man himself, a carefully chosen
www.thegulbenkian.co.uk The Reindeer Centre, Tenterden gift and a miniature train ride (weather
TN26 3EQ permitting). No pre-booking required
The Grotto and centre are open every for this event.
day and no pre-booking is required.
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent 13You can also read
