Free sport = very tired children

Just back from a morning of free sport at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre. I have two very tired children!

We tried out badminton, gymnastics and table tennis at the Community Games, and we used bikes to power a blender to make our own smoothies. We watched some brilliant trampolining and signed up to be Sports Makers. (Eek! I'm not particularly sporty so that will certainly be interesting).

It was fun - but we found it almost by accident and it really wasn't publicised very well. At one point we were the only ones there. I even overheard people say that it must be a private party, because there were no signs and nobody to explain what was going on.

It's a real shame, but there is another free Community Games at Edenbridge Leisure Centre on 14 April. Hopefully a few more people will know about it and it will be a bit more of a success . . .

Calling all bloggers . . .

Fancy trying your hand at blogging? I'm looking for volunteer bloggers to review free things for families to do around Kent - especially in East Kent and around the Kent coast.

If you have a passion for all things free you're just the person I need! It doesn't matter if you haven't blogged before, and you don't need to commit to more than one post a month. You won't be on your own either, I'll be on hand to help and offer ideas if you need them.

Get in touch if you'd like to find out more.

All new no price tags

I haven't posted for a while and that's because there are changes afoot at no price tags.

It'll all be a bit swankier - if you have any ideas that you think could make no price tags even better please let me know!

Be in it to win it: Baby & toddler show tickets up for grabs

Oooh I've got some tickets for the Baby and Toddler show to give away. Hip hip hooray!

Thanks to lovely Karen at BoobieMilk, I have five pairs of tickets for the show at Glow, Bluewater from 5-7 October. And they could be yours.

As well as lots of companies showing off their baby and toddler wares, there are free workshops on just about anything you'll ever need to know about having a family. And loads of restaurant offers too.

To be in with a chance to win, just click on the box below and tell me your favourite free thing to do in Kent.

The competition closes on Saturday 29 September at 5am. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoying the last of the sunshine at Barden Lake

Ooh I took Calum out cycling this weekend. We went set off in Tonbridge and followed the cycle path (regional route 12) through Haysden Country Park and past Barden Lake.

It was lovely! It was sunny and it seemed like everyone was out on their bikes enjoying the last few days of summer.

The route is really easy and runs alongside the footpath so you don't have to worry about knocking over walkers. And you're almost immediately cycling past fields and through woods so it really feels like you're on an adventure.

We stopped off at a little clearing with lots of hills and bumps, where Calum tried out his cycling skills. And then off to the cafe for an ice cream. Hooray!!

The route goes out through the park and on to Penshurst. We tried it, but part of it is on a windy country road. I freaked out when a car zoomed round a corner and decided we might try it another time (hmmm - maybe not!)

Don't be put off though. I'm sure if you're a confident cyclist and don't see danger at every turn you'd have a great time!

Take a look at the Explore Kent website for more cycling routes.

Haysden Country Park
Lower Haysden Lane
Tonbridge
TN11 9BE

Peril at Ightham Mote

Stunning views - worth the peril??

I'm making it a bit of a mission to explore our local woods this autumn.

Autumn is just about my favourite season and I love the idea of seeing all the leaves changing colour, rooting around for blackberries and checking out weird fungi.

And as with every one of my missions, I have (of course!) made it my family's mission.

And so it was that we headed to Ightham Mote, in search of woody adventure.




Blackberry picking

There are three 'official' walks through the woods outside Ightham Mote. They're all free, but you do have to pay for parking in the National Trust car park. The upside of that is that there is a little cafe and a picnic area - a perfect spot to prepare for the perilous walk ahead - or recover from the perilous walk. Whichever suits you best.

The lady at the Ightham Mote reception told us that the longest walk (still only two and a half miles) had lovely views, so we decided to try that one.

What she didn't tell us was that the lovely views came with a huge drop (no barriers - eeks!) that actually made me feel a bit sick. I had to sit down. And hold onto both little no-price-taggers like a woman possessed.

Add to this the fact that you have to cross a road twice (with no warning), and that the path really isn't pushchair-friendly and I would say it is definitely not a walk for people with small children. Unless you don't mind heights and are prepared for a bit of unexpected traffic.

The views are really lovely though, and we all loved picking blackberries and spider-spotting (lots and lots of spiders). And we completely recovered after a post-walk drink at The Plough in Ivy Hatch - their beer garden has a sand pit, badminton, petanque and chickens.

It made up for the peril, but I think we might have all enjoyed it just as much without fearing for our lives.

Check out the Woodland Trust website to find out where your nearest woods are.


Ightham Mote
Mote Road,
Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT

Parking: £2

Fabulous free summer

Sooo long since my last blog - it's been a very busy summer.

We've been making the most of some of the great free things that have been on over the lasr six weeks.

We've been on bat walks, checked out gloworms and found terrapins in a Maidstone Park.

Calum's shown off his acting skills and made ghosts at Sevenoaks library.

We've checked out the bouncy castle making its rounds, seen some Olympic marathon action and seen rare newts at Bough Beech.

We've made jumping frogs and an insect house. We've all tried our hands at archery (I hit the target - whoop!)

We've been for walks, made sand castles on the beach and spent time at the swings.

It's been a lovely (almost!) free summer holiday - I hope you've had a great one too.

 Keep an eye on my facebook page so that you know what's coming up over the next few weeks.

Free fun through the holidays

My two would rather play frisbee than bounce

We're just back from a free family day at Otford Park - there was lots to do for children of all ages (although my two decided that our own frisbee and the swings that are always there were fun enough . . .)

Bouncy castle for older children

It was organised by Spring House and there are plenty more throughout the summer (check out my terrible photo with all the dates). Check the times before you go - we got there at 11am, half an hour after it was supposed to start and it wasn't in full swing until noon.

Not complaining though - with a free bouncy castle and lots of play things for little ones it was a great way to spend a few hours in lovely Otford.

Lots of shade and fun for little tots

My terrible photo of what's on - I will get a better version!

No Price Tags at the Olympics

Credit: MoHotta18

No tickets for the Olympics? Never fear! I've got some of the best, free (of course!) ways to enjoy the sporting event of the year . . .

Road cycling: 28 July - 1 August
Head to the Mall to watch the start and finish of the men's and women's road cycling - we're tipped for a medal so it's definitely one to watch.

Race Walk: 4, 11 August
Speed walking!! Again, stop off at the Mall to see the winners cross the finish line. I think my little ones (and I!!!) will really enjoy watching to see if anyone breaks the rules of the race and forgets to keep one foot on the floor at all times.

Triathlon: 4, 7 August
Hyde Park is the venue for this triple race - it's likely to be crowded but you will get to see top athletes running, swimming and cycling, as they go for gold.

Marathon: 5, 12 August
The marathon will pass just about every tourist spot in the capital - from Trafalgar Sqaure to St Paul's - a bit more serious than the usual London marathon and certainly won't last as long!

Swimming marathon: 9-10 August
The swimmers are set to race for two hours (!!!) as they swim six laps around Hyde Park's Serpentine. The south side of the lake will be open to spectators without tickets.

Paralympic Games - Marathon: 9 September
The Mall is obviously the place to be this summer, with the Paralympic Games marathon starting and finishing here too!

London 2012 Live Sites
There are five official Live Sites across London showing live coverage of the Games (with a bit of entertainment as well!) There are lots more throughout the capital to try too.

Fancy an Oyster?

Whitstable Oyster Festival

So it's officially festival time in Kent - here's a taster of what's on this weekend and (of course) they're free. Hooray!

Saturday and Sunday

Whitstable Oyster Festival
I love Whitstable, so I really don't need an excuse to go. But if you do, the Oyster Festival starts tomorrow and goes on through next week. Perfect if you're looking for something to do in the first week of the very long summer holidays!

There's absolutely lots to do. Some activities are paid for but there are plenty of free things to try out too.

Some of this weekend's highlights include the Oyster Parade (with music, giants, performers and more), Taiko drumming and the Whitstable Brewery Beer Festival (free entry during the day). There are lots of things for children, as well as markets and of course plenty of oysters.

I really want to go and see the Grotters and Glows (lots of glowing oyster shells on the beach) and the fireworks on Thursday . . .


Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival and Regatta
The carnival and regatta runs through next week too. There's a mix of sailing, open-air concerts, fireworks and more this year.

Olympic fever

The Olympic torch is heading our way - check to see if you're on the route.

Boats, bikes and beach (well . . . kind of) in Tonbridge

Tonbridge Park (the old racecourse) is our very favourite west Kent park - it's got lots of open space for kite flying (lots of people out today) and playing sport. Its playground is great with a good mix of things for older and younger children, a massive sand pit (a bit soggy this morning!) and zip wires.

The mini steam train runs in the afternoon on summer weekends and is always a hit - although you have to pay to ride it. And there's even a castle to explore.

Add to that a skate park, outdoor gym (ha ha), basketball and tennis courts, fishing and mini-golf, and there really is something for just about anyone.

The park is great for cycling and is part of cycle route 12 - which goes through Haysden Country Park (another fabulous place to go with free things to do over the summer holidays) and on to Penshurst.

Calum zoomed round the big playing field on his bike today while Orla splashed about it the puddles. They both loved watching boats and people canoeing down the river.

Tonbridge Park
The Slade
Tonbridge TN9

Sunshine, cows and journey sticks at Open Farm Day

It was Open Farm Sunday this Sunday, and we had a lovely time at Romshed Farm in Underriver.

It was a rare day of sunshine so we packed a picnic and our wellies. We joined the tour a bit late, so we didn't hear much about their animals or their organic ways, but we did get to see their turkey chicks and ducklings. The piglets were hiding very well.

I spent a lot of the tour wrestling Orla away from the electric fences (toddler horror) and explaining to Calum why they were there in the first place.

Enjoying the puddles

After the tour we went for a walk past cows and sheep. By this point Orla was much more interested in the puddles than anything else (hooray for wellies!)

My winning stick

All the way round the farm we made journey sticks - something I've never seen before but will definitely do again. We collected things we found and attached them to a stick with a piece of string. Doesn't sound much, but it all ended up very competitive in my family.

Of course, my stick won.

Romshed Farm is holding an open evening on Thursday 28 June from 6pm - with bat walks, moth traps - and food and drink.

It's Open Farm Sunday

Hooray! We're going to a farm in Underriver today as part of Open Farm Sunday - visit the website to find out your nearest . . .

Beside the seaside

This weekend there were lots of free things to try - I really wanted to go Medieval at Badelsmere, Mr No Price Tags fancied the open day at Lullingstone.

But as the morning got hotter and hotter yesterday we realised it would be horrific to take two little ones out for the whole day.

So we decided the beach was our best bet. And instead of going for the day, we decided to go in the evening when it would be a bit cooler and less crowded.

As we drove down to Camber Sands hoards of people were leaving. We cruised past traffic jams and found somewhere (free - yay!) to park really easily.

The beach was still busy when we got there (I can't imagine how crowded it must have been during the day). We got ourselves a spot not far from the sea and had a fabulous evening - and dinner - by the sea.


A perfect way to end a very hot day!

Medieval battles, jubilee decorations and geocaching . . . what will you get up to this weekend?

Have you seen our playground review yet?

We have been a family of sickos for the last couple of weeks so we haven't been able to make the most of the free events I've been so excited about.

But the sun is shining, the children are (more or less) well, and I have more free things to share with you. And hopefully try out myself!

Here are just some of the activities Kent has to offer this weekend:

Friday

Baby Bounce and Rhyme
Tunbridge Wells Library, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NS
10 - 11am
Lots of nursery rhymes and other songs for your little one.


Heritage tree walk
Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7RN
10am - 12.30pm
Check out some of Mote Park's special heritage status trees - email moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk to book your place.


Friday Fun at the Museum
Tunbridge Wells Museum and Gallery, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NS
10.30 - 11.30am
Craft and story telling for 2 - 5 year olds.


Saturday

Badlesmere Lees Medieval Fayre (and Sunday)
Ashford Road A251, Badlesmere Lees, Nr. Faversham ME13 0NX
From midday
See medieval battles and enjoy stalls, live music and rides.


Sunday

Moth morning at Bough Beech
Bough Beech Visitor Centre & Nature Park, Bough Beech, Four Elms TN14 6LD
10am - 12pm
We went to a moth morning earlier this year and we really enjoyed it. There should be more moths this time too, because the weather has been so warm this week.


Explore South Blean Woods
Chartham Hatch CT4 7NT
10am - 12.30pm


Lullingstone Country Park Open Day
Castle Road, Eynsford DA4 0JF
11am - 3pm
Woodland walks, pond dipping, geocaching, scavenger hunt, face painting and live music.


Craft corner
Tunbridge Wells Museum and Gallery, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NS
1 - 3pm
Make your own jubilee decorations (for ages 8+)

Kent's best playgrounds?

We love playgrounds. We're always on the look out for good ones - especially when we're away from home for the day.

That's why I asked no price taggers to tell me their favourites. I will have definitely missed out some, so let me know where you and your family like to go!

Danson Park
Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6

We haven't tried this park yet, but it comes recommended by @_ginger1. As well as the great swings and play area, the park hosts a free 5K run every Saturday morning and a festival every July.

My toddler loves Danson Park in Bexleyheath. Lovely playground, lake, duck pond & lots of green for running about like a loon. @_ginger1


Grosvenor & Hilbert Park
Auckland Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1

Grosvenor and Hilbert Park has real variety in terms of surroundings - hidden nooks & crannies to run around in, plus nice cafe @FeeHorne


Shorne Woods adventure playground
Brewers Road, Gravesend DA12 3HX

A giant adventure playground for older children, and smaller swings and playthings for younger tots. This is the best playground we have found so far. Shorne Woods also has a trim trail and is perfect for little bikes.


Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground
Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BG

Tonbridge has a massive playground with kit for all ages. We love the giant sandpits and the zipwires. And Orla is going to try out the little climbing frames next time we go.

A trip to Tonbridge Park can easily turn into a day out, with lovely walks and bike rides through to Haysden Country Park.


Otford Playground
High Street, Otford TN14

Recommended by Bloomers, Otford swings have been repaired and are ready for action! Lovely views of the North Downs. And extra great in the summer if you like cricket as the Otford team plays on the field next to the playground.


Pennington Grounds
Pennington Road, Southborough TN4

Another recommendation - the park has zip wires and a good variety of activities not just swings and slides.

Another fantastic free week ahead . . .

I've just got back from a lovely walk around Knole Park - lots of puddles to splash in!

I have some great free things to share with you this week. I hope you get a chance to try some.

Wednesday
Mum & Co at St Nick's, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JA
9:45 - 11:30am 1:45 - 3:30pm (not completely free - £1 charge for each session)

Story time at Sevenoaks Library, TN13 1LQ
11.15 - 11.45am

Thursday
Spring tucker in the countryside
Cobtree Manor, Aylesford ME20 7AE
10am - 12:30pm

Friday
Baby Bounce and Rhyme at Tunbridge Wells Library, TN1 1NS
10 - 11am

Saturday
250 years of the Sandwich
Sandwich Festival

Orchid Walk at Darland Banks, Darland Ave Gillingham ME7 3ER
10am - 1pm

Mini beast hunt in Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7SU
10am - 12:30pm

Shorne Woods Country Park open day
Gravesend, DA12 3HX
11am - 3pm

Thornden Wood and the Wild Art Trail
Thornden Wood Road, Herne Bay CT6 7NZ
2 - 4pm

Sunday
Spring tucker in the countryside
Cobtree Manor, Aylesford ME20 7AE
10am - 12:30pm

Trosley Country Park open day
Meopham, DA13 0SG
11am - 3pm

Muddy walks at Shorne Woods



Calum and Orla take shelter!

So it's still raining. After a week or so in the house, we decided enough was enough and headed off to Shorne Woods Country Park, near Gravesend.

Not quite dressed for the weather (as always . . .) we took a short route round the woods. The path was easy to get round with a pushchair even though it was a bit muddy.

Unfortunately for us, Orla wasn't in the pushchair and, as we couldn't find her wellies, I spent a lot of the walk scooping her up before she launched herself into big muddy puddles. I wasn't that successful - but Orla had a great time.

The woods are part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And they really are a very pretty place to come for a walk or a bike ride.




Spider sculpture

You can also try your hand at fishing, or test your fitness on the trim trail that runs around the park.

It was cold today so we didn't stop off at the adventure playgrounds. There are two - one for little tots and another for older children. They look great and we'll definitely be back to try them out.

Instead we set off to the cafe. Hooray! It was very nice to have somewhere to warm ourselves up. There are baby changing facilities too.

Shorne Woods is holding an open day on Saturday 12 May.

Shorne Woods
Brewers Road
Gravesend
DA12 3HX


Parking: Monday - Friday £2.00. Weekends and Bank Holidays £2.50.

Free treats in store for the bank holiday



Turner Contemporary in Margate

Keith Marshall

We were away at the weekend so we didn't get to try any free things on offer - booo. Let me know if you did.

I have rooted out some great things for this bank holiday weekend . . . I really can't wait! Here are some of the best:

Saturday

Dawn chorus walk at Mote Park, Maidstone
5 - 8.30am

Flower festival (also Sunday and Monday)
The Drive Methodist Church Sevenoaks
10am - 5pm

Broadstairs May Fair (also Sunday and Monday)
From 10am

Rochester Chimney Sweeps' festival (also Sunday and Monday)

Family craft session
Edenbridge Library, Church Street, Edenbridge TN8 5BD
(10.30am - 12pm)

Sunday

Early Birds at Cobtree Manor Park, Aylesford
5.30 - 7.30am

Turner and the elements exhibition opens
Turner Contemporary, Margate