Splish, splash, hop and all things glittery

Orla's wonderful Christmas decoration

Last Friday Orla and I tried out one of Spring House's free offerings. Splish, splash, hop is a great messy play session for babies to two-year-olds.

There was an amazing amount for the little ones to do - we tried our hand at Christmas decoration making (check out the photo of Orla's first ever glittery creation!) Sooo pleased we didn't attempt that at home . . .

Add to that sand pits, fabulously glittery play-doh and painting, along with colouring, toys and books, and you have a fun-filled morning for just about any tot.

Orla loved the sensory corner, with its different textures and water-filled light thing (sure it has a technical name, it was filled with fish and bubbles too).

At around 10am all the babies sat down for a little snack. And then Orla unfortunately went into meltdown because we'd missed her morning sleep so we hurriedly, and quite noisily, left.

We got a really nice welcome from the staff there. Most of Spring House's events have a limited amount of places so you need to get there early, but you won't have hundreds of children to contend with.

Spring House is just behind the hospital, through the top right hand corner of the main car park. It is sign-posted but can be a bit difficult to find if you haven't been there before.

Spring House has lots of free events for the under fives, and I'll be trying out more over the next few weeks. So keep an eye out for more reviews.

Splish, splash, hop
Spring House Family Centre
Hospital Road
Sevenoaks TN13 3PT

(0-2 years) Friday 9.15am - 10.45am
(2+ years) Friday 11.15am - 12.30pm

Maracas, tambourines . . . and the wheels on the bus

Quadrapop

On a damp and grey Thursday morning Orla and I headed off to the centre of Sevenoaks for a spot of singing.

We sneaked into the library late to find around 20 grown ups and their babies shaking maracas and singing nursery rhymes.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme used to be in the main part of the library, but it's now in the gallery upstairs. So everyone's singing skills are a little bit less on show than they were, and there's less chance of your tot getting lost among the books (happened to me more than once).

The volunteers that help to run the session look like they are really enjoying themselves, and there are lots of little instruments for the children to play with.

There was a bit of chatter towards the end as some of the grown ups and children (including mine!) got a bit restless. And the set-up could be a bit better - most of the adults sit on chairs in a circle while the little ones play in the middle.

But Orla loved it and even though she's far too little to join in the singing, she certainly made up for it with the shakers. And we got to sing some of our favourite songs, so Baby Bounce and Rhyme has definitely passed the no price tags test.


Baby Bounce & Rhyme 11 - 11.30am Thursday
Sevenoaks Library
Buckhurst Lane
Sevenoaks TN13 1LQ
Car parking 90p for one hour

More free singing sessions run throughout the area - check your local library and Children's Centre for more details.

Fancy a walk?

Pushchairs and country walks don't always mix . . . if you fancy a walk this weekend check out this website. The walks listed are all around the Weald and perfect for people with buggies and toddlers.

Lord Mayor's Parade - here we come!

Ok so it's not exactly in Kent, but just 20 minutes on the train will get us to the centre of London and right in the middle of the Lord Mayor's Parade this Saturday.

We'll (fingers crossed) be getting there for the flotilla of 40 boats that'll be setting off from St. Katherine Dock at 9.30am.

There are processions most of the day and fireworks between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges from 5pm. And with special events and free guided walks around the square mile, I'm really hoping it will be a fabulous free day out.