London Mums Blog

The Chelsea Physic Gardens (with kids)

Heavenly Idyll in Bustling Chelsea ... If you don’t mind keeping your children from trampling rare species of plants and herbs gathered from around the world.

From inside the walls of the Physic Gardens, one feels a surge of nostalgia taking in the views of ordered rows of trees, blossoms and plants set against the red brick walls of the gardens and the Victorian mansion blocks and houses outside.  One might even sappily confess to feeling what Chelsea may have been like during Queen Victoria’s reign.  The contrast of the grass and gravel paths, flowering shrubs, lazy willow branches to the unseen, but presence nonetheless, of chaotic traffic outside the garden makes the case for a trip to the Chelsea Physic Gardens.

Half term fun at the National Gallery

As you may know, the National Gallery does fab FREE children's events on Sundays. The good news is that they have scheduled some extras for the October half-term break. The best part is that you can book the half term events in advance.

WHAT: Magic Carpet storytelling

WHO: under-5s

WHEN: Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October 2009; 11.30am

COST: free!

WHAT: Light On The Water: Make an exciting panorama with boats floating on clear blue water under a dazzling sky. Join artist Harriet Mena Hill for layers of fun in this collage workshop.

Wild Child Potty larges it up at U2

So, that's it. I am officially Old. Not because I have reached yet another significant birthday. God no, I only made 40 two years ago thankyou very much, I'm in no hurry to reach - sudden sharp intake of breath - fi.. fiff... .

I can't even bring myself to write it, let alone say it.

Although of course by the time I do get to fi... my half cen... (there's no pretty way to say forty-ten, is there?) it will no doubt be the new 40. Or, if I'm lucky, have won the lottery, and am fortunate enough to live somewhere with continual soft-focus lighting, the new 38...

Heinz secret ability competition

Heinz is running a secret ability contest -- all you need to for a chance to win £1k is video your "secret ability" and enter it in the contest. If you don't have a secret ability, the fine print suggests you are allowed to make one up.

So far there are no entries so I'd say you'd have a darn good chance of winning if you entered.

Here's some inspiration if you need it:

This post is written by Susanna, a London Mums Blog founding contributor. You can read more at her blog,A Modern Mother.

This is a sponsored post.

The West End draws families by day; theatre goers by night

With some inside guidance, the West End is an extremely pleasant and child friendly destination for families, especially those with under 5’s in tow.  Museums, playgrounds and outdoor areas and some great family-friendly places to eat that are somewhat well suited for pushchairs and noisy children make The West End a great place to take little ones for the day.  Here is just a few of the temptations that call...
 
The National Gallery: While there are no exhibits in this museum particularly pitched to little ones, there is The Magic Carpet Ride for the Under 5’s.  Every Sunday, at 10:30 and 11:30, in the education wing (which is the opposite side of the entrance on Trafalgar Square) a docent gathers families for a prompt start to the activity.  After in introduction and discussion of the rules, the group walks through the galleries and sits in front of a work of art to listen to a story about the picture and sing a song.  It is priceless and FREE!!