KidAround Diary Dates

FEBRUARY

Sat 28 Jan - Sat 4 Feb
National Storytelling Week
Look out for displays of new stock for children this week and have a go at the ‘missing words’ story sheet. Rochford Library. 01702 546688. Free Event

Wed 1 – Wed 29 (not Mondays)

Behind the Mask + The Return to Ipswich Art School

Works by Chinwe (Mask) and graphic artist Gareth Bayliss (Return). 10am-5pm. Ipswich Art School.
Details from www.cimuseums.org.uk Free Event

Wed 1 - Wed 29 (not Mon or Tue)

Iranian Embassy Siege Exhibition

See the weapons, equipment and clothing used by the SAS during their storming of the Iranian embassy in London in 1980. 10.30am-5pm. £4.75/£3/£15.50. Combined Military Services Museum, Station Road, Maldon, CM9 4LQ.
01621 841826

Wed 1

Penny’s Pre-school Playtime

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for Pre-school children and their families. 10Am-Noon. £5/child. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944. BE

Sat 4

Storytelling and Activities

Join us to hear Silly Suzie Goose and Look out Silly Suzie Goose by Peter Horacek. Followed by animal based craft activities. 11am-Noon. Normal admission charge. National Trust, Flatford – Bridge Cottage. 01206 298260.

Sat 4

Police Jackanory

Listen to police themed stories for National Storytelling Week then write your own! All ages. Drop in from 10.30am – 3pm. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150. essex.police.uk/museum
Free Event

Sat 4

Explore Saturdays

Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event.

Sat 4

From Pinhole Cameras to Digital Photographs

Tips on taking photos, pinhole camera construction and digital photography. Strictly 8+. 10.30-Noon. £8. Just Imagine Story Centre, 64 – 68 New London Road, Chelmsford. 01245 267748
www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk BE

Sun 5

Story Puppets

Celebrate National Storytelling Week by creating your own set of finger puppets with special visitors from Discover Children’s Story Centre. All ages. 11.30am-2.30pm. Valentines Mansion and Gardens Emerson Road, Ilford. 020 8708 8100. www.valentinesmansion.com. Email valentines@vision.rcl.org.uk. Free Event

Sun 5

Dunmow and Braintree NCT Nearly New Sale
A table top sale of nearly new high quality baby, toddler & maternity clothes, toys, books & equipment. 3:30pm (NCT members at 3pm)-5pm. £1.50/adult. Flitch Green Parish Hall, Little Dunmow, CM6 3GG. 01376 550517

Tue 7
NCT First Aid for Babies and Toddlers
Learn CPR techniques using baby sized mannequins. 8-10pm. £10/£15 (couple). St Mary's Centre, Church Rd, Dunmow, CM62AF. 07939 622416

Tue 7

Play Tuesdays

Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through music, dance and stories. Suitable for under 5s. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2pm. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event.

Tue 7

Tuesday Toddle

Join this popular session for accompanied preschool children. A gentle garden stroll is followed by indoor activity making something fabulous to take home. 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. £5 per adult and child, £3 per additional child. Max 3 children per adult. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 01245 605523. BE

Sat 11

Scarecrow Making

Old fashioned family fun. RHS provides the scarecrow kit, you provide the clothes. 10:15am, 11:45am & 1:15pm. Garden admission plus £7/kit. RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Chelmsford.
0845 6121253 www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall BE

Sat 11

NCT Nearly New Sale Registration

Register from 9am if you want to sell at the Colchester NCT Nearly New Sale on 24 March. For more information call 0844 243 6093 (Option 2) or email on nns.registration@colchester-nct.co.uk

Sat 11

FREE Taster Day

Fun fitness for children, adult IT classes, ballroom dancing, a country walk, camp fire and wood whittling, french conversation, creative writing, stop gap animation. 11am-3pm. Wormingford Community Education Centre 01206 522356 Free event

Sat 11

Pants Party

Back by popular demand. Riotous rhymes, fascinating knicker facts. 4+. 10.30am-Noon. £5. Just Imagine Story Centre, 64 – 68 New London Road, Chelmsford. 01245 267748 www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk BE

Sat 11

Explore Saturdays

Sat 11

Opening Weekend, Lee Valley Park Farms

Join the opening of the 2012 season! Meet all the animals, play in the tractor barn, the soft play area and the Jumping Pillow to bounce. The Orchard Café offers food. 10am-5pm. £7.50/£6/child. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey. 01992 892 781

Sat 11 – Sun 19

Half Term Opening

The farm is open daily from 10.30am-5.30pm with the usual children’s activities including pony rides, pony and cart, barrel bug and meet the animals. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. 01728 746475. www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Sun 12

Family Cycle Ride

A three mile guided cycle ride through River Lee Country Park, circling Seventy Acres Lake. Suitable for all abilities and little peddlers especially welcome. Please bring a puncture repair kit with you if you have one. 10am-12pm. Meet in Pindar Car Park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt. 01992 892781. Free Event. BE

Mon 13

A Story Re-telling

Delve into the story of tea and discover how far people went to bring the humble cup of tea to Britain. An interactive performance suitable for ages 7+. 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Main entrance foyer and “Traders” gallery, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event.

Mon 13 – Fri 17

Punch and Judy and Charles Dickens Birthday Celebrations

Celebrating the 350th birthday for Punch and Judy and the 200th for Charles Dickens. Come along and enjoy indoor fun and Victorian games. Call for prices. The Historic Dockyard Chatham 01634 823845

Mon 13 – Fri 17

Medieval Medicine and Surgery

Find out what it was like to visit a doctor in medieval times. You can drop by and help mix plague cures using herbs, or if you’re feeling brave you can watch the surgeon in action. 10am-4pm. Colchester Castle.
01206 282939. Free Event

Tue 14-Fri 17

Pirate week

Come to the Mansion and become a member of the crew, with different activities everyday, you can create your pirate outfit, hat, telescope, eye patch and parrot; you can even learn some pirate slang. Then come back all dressed-up on Friday and take part in the Mansion privateers experience. 4+. £1.50 per session. Various times. Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich 01473 433691 BE

Tue 14

Fun Fitness Session

Games, fun fitness session, stretches and cool down, drama, games. Suitable clothing is needed, plus a drink and a healthy snack. 5-8 years. £5. 10am-12pm. Wormingford Community Education Centre 01206 522356

Tue 14-Fri 17 Feb

Write like an Egyptian

Discover hieroglyphs and practice using reed brushes on papyrus with inks were made from grinded minerals. Show that you are worthy of writing in the sacred text of the gods. 6+. £2. Various times. Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich 01473 433691 BE

Tue 14-Thur 16

A Bird-Box in Your Hand

It’s National Nest Box week, so get creative and give a bird a home. Make a bird box and decorate it with your own unique design. Take it home and put it in a tree in your garden. 4+. £2 per session. Various times. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester 01206 282940 BE

Tue 14-Fri 17

Clay Toby Jugs

Get messy with clay to create your own Toby jug, with a character face of its own. Paint up your masterpiece to complete your lovely piece of crockery for your shelf. 4+. £2 per session. Various times. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester 01206 282940 BE

Tue 14

Chinese Caligraphy

Learn the ancient art of Chinese caligraphy using the traditional method of brush and ink. Drop-in. 11am-3pm. Suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied at all times. Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey. 01992 716882. Free Event

Tue 14

Family Nature Day – Basic Survival

Learn some basic skills like tracking, shelter building and fire lighting. Suitable for accompanied 6-12 year olds. 10am-Noon & 2-4pm. £5/child. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944 BE

Tue 14

Play Tuesdays – Tea Party

Come and play at the tea party and take part in activities for little ones to enjoy with family and friends. Suitable for under 5s. 10-30am-12.30pm & 1-2pm. Learning Space at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event.

Tue 14

Family Morning – Forest Fun

An adventure in the wood following a mud face trail, building animal homes, soil painting and lots more. 10.30am-12.30pm. £3.50/£1.50. Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Book on 01394 380113 or foxburroweducation@suffolkwildlifetrust.org BE

Tue 14

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Join in with songs and stories about the gardens at Valentines Mansion and make your own tissue flowers to take away. 2-5+families. 10.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-2.30pm. £2.50 child/parents & carers free. Valentines Mansion and Gardens Emerson Road, Ilford. 020 8708 2317 www.valentinesmansion.com. redbridge.gov.uk/museum. Bookings taken from 28 Nov 2011.

Tue 14 – Fri 17

Pirate Week

Ahoy there! Come and become a member of the crew, with different activities every day and the Mansion Pirates Experience on Friday. Age 4+. Drop-in 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm. £1.50/pirate/session. Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. 01473 252246. BE for Friday

Tue 14 – Thur 16

A Bird Box In Your Hand

It’s National Nest Box week, so get creative and give a bird a home. Make a bird box and decorate it with your own unique design. £2/child. Natural History Museum, Colchester. 01206 282940. BE

Tue 14 – Fri 17

Clay Toby Jugs

Get messy with clay to create your own toby jug, with a character face of its own. 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. £2/person. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester.01206 282940. BE

Tue 14 – Fri 17

Scribe School

Discover hieroglyphs and practise using reed brushes on papyrus with inks made from ground minerals. Ages 6+. 10.30 & 11.30am; 1,2 & 3pm. £2/child. Ipswich Museum. 01473 433691. BE

Tue 14

James Robson – A Sailor’s Tale of Tea

Join sailor James Robson on an exciting voyage from China to Britain and hear of his life on board the Cutty Sark. An interactive performance suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. Main entrance foyer and “Traders” gallery, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event.

Tue 14

Science Fayre

Science Investigators are needed to help Greensward Academy students get stuck into Crucial Chemistry projects and Boggling Biology experiments. Ages 4-11. 10am-2.30pm. Hockley Library. 01702 203558 Free Event

Wed 15

Wildlife Wardens – Survival Skills

Fire lighting, camp fire cooking and charcoal making. For 10-15 year olds. 10.30am-2.30pm. £6. Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Book on 01394 380113 or foxburroweducation@suffolkwildlifetrust.org BE

Wed 15-Thur 16

Drumming Workshop

Make music inspired by the Behind the Mask exhibition and discover more about African drumming. Learn how to drum and simple techniques and cool moves. £2. Various times. Ipswich Art School, 01473 433691 BE

Wed 15

A Story Re-telling

Wed 15 & Thur 16

2 Day Drama Workshop

This course gives children the opportunity to practise drama techniques and build confidence, performing a small showcase for parents at the end of day 2. Suitable for those aged 8-11. 10am-3pm. £30/child. Hylands House, Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 01245 605523. BE

Wed 15

Scrapbook Safari

Discover the wildlife at Hylands followed by an indoor craft and scrapbooking session. Suitable for accompanied primary school aged childern. 10a]'#]m-Noon. £6 child – maximum of 3 children per adult. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 01245 605523. BE

Wed 15

Half Term Cookery and Craft Workshops

Themed cooking and craft workshops for children aged 5-9. 10am-2pm. Bake It Make It, Brentwood.

www.bakeitmakeit.co.uk. 01277 352898

Wed 15

Wonderful Water Gardens

Design your own mini-model based on the historic water garden features of Valentines Mansion complete with a shell-covered grotto, flowers and wildlife. 5-12 + families. 10.30am - 12noon and 1.30pm - 3.00pm. £2.50 child, parents & carers free. Valentines Mansion and Gardens Emerson Road, Ilford. Museum 020 8708 2317 or redbridge.gov.uk/museum. www.valentinesmansion.com

Wed 15

Victorian Photo Shoot

Visit their Victorian Photo Shoot, dress up as a Victorian Police Officer, and make a photo frame.All ages. Drop in from 10am – 4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150.
www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 15

Family Nature Day – Orienteering

Learn some very basic compass skills and follow our easy orienteering route. Suitable for accompanied 6-12 year olds. £5/child. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944 BE

Wed 15 & Thu 16

Amazing Art – Year of the Dragon

A chance for children to get creative making masks, money envelopes, fans and dragons. 10am-3pm. Normal garden admission plus £2/child. RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Chelmsford. 0845 612 1253 www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

Thu 16
Free Fun Play Day
Face painting, colouring competition, prizes for the best fancy dress outfit, special in-store offers & giveaways. 11am-3pm. ‘Its all Fun & Games’ Eld Lane, Colchester. 01206 560583 www.funandgamesdirect.co.uk

Thu 16

Family Nature Day – Den Building

Will your den be the best? Come and have a go! Suitable for accompanied 6 to 12 year olds. 10Am-Noon. £5/child. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944 BE

Thur 16

James Robson – A Sailor’s Tale of Tea

Thur 16

Ice breaker

Ice-breaker, circuit fitness, fun fitness, drama skills. Suitable clothing is needed, plus a drink and a healthy snack. 9-12 years. 1:15-3:15pm. £5. Wormingford Community Education Centre 01206 522356

Thur 16

Ellie Irving

Children and their parents are welcome to hear Ellie read extracts from “For the Record”, her first published children's book and to hear about her experience of writing for children. 2pm. Great Wakering Library. 01702 219438 Free Event

Fri 17

Activity Day – “Live “n” Deadly”

Find the clues and solve the wildlife crime. For 6–10 year olds. 10am-2pm. Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Book on 01394 380113 or foxburroweducation@suffolkwildlifetrust.org BE

Fri 17

A Story Re-telling

Fri 17

Jack and the Beanstalk

HENS Theatre returns with another wonderful adaptation of a childhood favourite. 1.30-2.30pm. £10 (adults), £6 (children), under 3s on laps free. Hylands House, Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 01245 605523. BE

Fri 17

Birds of Prey

See fantastic birds of prey in the surroundings of the Natural History Museum. Hear about their lives in the wild and get up close to these fascinating creatures. 12, 1.30 & 2.30pm. £1.50/U3s free. Natural History Museum, Colchester. 01206 282940.

Sat 18

Daddy Cool
Join us today and celebrate with a Birthday Party activity session. 11-11:45am. Rochford Library. 01702546688. Free event

Sat 18

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a day of music, workshops and performances. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-4pm. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. 0208 312 6545. Free event

Sat 18

Explore Saturdays

Sat 18

The Giants Are Coming

This story telling event invites children and their families to use their imagination and create their own stories and poems. Visiting story teller Mike Dodsworth will be helping children and their families generate new stories. Ages 7-11. 10.30-11.30am. Hockley Library. 01702 203558 BE

Sat 18

Paws and Tails

Come along and celebrate the animal kingdom. Follow the woodland animal trail, measure up against lions, tigers, gorillas or elephants and try our quiz to find out which animal you are most like. Drop-in 10am-Noon. Rayleigh Library. 01268 775830 Free Event

Sat 18
Daddy Cool
Join us today and celebrate with a Birthday Party activity session. 11-11:45am. Rochford Library. 01702 546688. Free event.

Tue 21

Explore, Make & Do for Under 5’s

Come to Explore, Make and Do session and make some noise! Play musical instruments and make your own shaker to take home. 1-5+families. 11am–2pm. Valentines Mansion and Gardens Emerson Road, Ilford. 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com. Email valentines@vision.rcl.org.uk Free Event

Tue 21

Play Tuesdays

Tue 21

Big Gym for Toddlers

Run, climb and swing - a gym session for toddlers, with parents/carers. 9.30-10.30am. Dame Bradbury's School, Saffron Walden 01799 522348

Sat 25

History’s Hard Times

Journey through time, meet unhappy characters from the past and hear their stories, including a witch, plague victim, Celt, air raid warden and a gaoler. Drop-in 10am-4pm. Normal Castle admission. Colchester Castle.
01206 282939

Sat 25

Explore Saturdays

Sat 25

Saturday Space Explorers

This family workshop offers something new to make and take away to help you learn more about astronomy, including star charts, planet finders and more.. Ages 3+. 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm & 4.30pm.. Activity Space at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. 0208 312 6608. Free event.

Sat 25

Horrible Histories - The Rotten Romans

Horrible Histories rank amongst their most popular workshops and this time we are going back to ancient Rome! 10.30am-Noon. Ages 7+. £8 (includes copy of a Horrible History). Just Imagine Story Centre, 64-68 New London Road, Chelmsford. 01245 267748. www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk

Sat 25 - Wed 29

Garden for Wildlife

There will be information and displays to help you make your garden a wildlife haven. 10am-4pm. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944. Free Event

Sun 26

Family Nature Day – Bird Boxes

A fun afternoon making bug and bird boxes, bird feeders and planting seeds! Suitable for accompanied over 5’s. 2-4pm. £5/child. Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, Brentwood. 01277 232944 BE

Sun 26

Russian Family Spectacular

Enjoy this A family focused bustling bazaar of all things Russian, featuring music, food, crafts and a colorful children’s marquee. Trafalgar Square, London. Free Event

Tue 28

Play Tuesdays

MARCH

Fri 2

Absolute Angels Open Day

All prospective parents are invited to attend a “Want to know more, come and explore” session at Absolute Angels, Coggeshall. 1.30-3pm. 01376 562000.

Sun 18

Marvellous Mothers Day

Spoil your marvellous mum with a lovely lunch, flowers, chocolates and treatments while the rest of the family enjoy face painting, bouncy castles and beer & wine tasting. 11am-4pm. £6/£4/£20. Hedingham Castle. 01621 843689/749003. www.marvellousmothersday.co.uk