Browse the siteWELCOME TO MUM'S GUIDE TO ROMFORD!
From bumps to teens, we have it covered! This is your one-stop site for everything you need to know about living in Romford with children including children's activities, things to do and other local services such as health, education and party providers & supplies!
Whether you have lived in Romford for years or are new to the area, this website will help connect you with great activities for you and your children, help you to discover what's going on in your area and hopefully help to keep the kids busy and entertained. It will also direct you to details of local medical centres, libraries, Children's Centres, fitness clubs, nurseries and schools - and so much more.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as that's another great way to keep up to date with what's happening locally.
In the meantime, if you run a local business or event that's relevant to children and families I'd love to hear from you and get you listed on the site.
NEW - you can now add RECOMMENDATIONS for your favourite businesses! Use our category menu or the search bar to find the listing you want to recommend and click the "Add recommendation" button. You'll be asked to register the first time and then you can add recommendations for as many businesses as you like.
Macbeth
7th February
- 28th February
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, Hornchurch
I SPY - February Half Term
15th February
- 23rd February
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
Get Hands on with History
15th February
- 23rd February
Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden
Half Term at The Museum of London Docklands
(FREE)
15th February
- 23rd February
The Museum of London at Docklands, West India Quay
Lambing Week at Barleylands
15th February
- 23rd February
Barleylands Farm, Billericay
Kids Go For Free This Half Term
17th February
- 21st February
Secret Nuclear Bunker, Brentwood
February Half Term at Cedars
17th February
- 23rd February
Cedars Nature Centre, Waltham Cross
Fairies & Dragons at Marsh Farm
17th February
- 23rd February
Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers
A Magical Half Term at Old MacDonald's Farm
17th February
- 23rd February
Old MacDonalds Farm, Brentwood
Spring Babies at Old MacDonald's Farm
17th February
- 6th April
Old MacDonalds Farm, Brentwood
FREE Bug Hunt
(FREE)
17th February
- 21st February
Upminster Garden Centre, Upminster
Make some headlines at The Liberty
(FREE)
17th February
- 21st February
The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford
Ice Princess Afternoon Tea
17th February
- 22nd February
Liana's Tea Room at Langtons, Hornchurch
Sports Explorer Backpacks
(FREE)
18th February
- 22nd February
Valence House Museum, Dagenham
Archery at Noak Hill Sports Complex
18th February
- 19th February
Noak Hill Sports Complex, Romford
Winning Wings Trail
18th February
- 23rd February
Bedfords Park, Havering atta Bower
Stories & Steam
18th February
- 20th February
Kent & East Sussex Railway Company, Tenterden
Winter Birds at Thames Chase
18th February
- 19th February
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Upminster
Family Forest School
19th February
Essex Wildlife Trust Langton, Basildon
Beaks & Squeaks
19th February
Wellgate Community Farm, Romford
Birdbox Building
19th February
Thorndon Countryside Centre, Brentwood
Circus workshop
19th February
Studio Fly Harlow, Harlow
Half Term Sport - Netball
19th February
Frances Bardsley Academy, Romford
Swim 4 Disability
19th February
Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre, Romford
Make a Stringed Puppet at Myplace
19th February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Pinnochio Musical Theatre Workshop at Myplace
19th February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Youth Sport - Make It Happen Basketball Skills Clinic
19th February
Brittons Academy Astro Turf Pitch, South Hornchurch
Youth Sport - Make It Happen Basketball 3V3 Tournament
19th February
Brittons Academy Astro Turf Pitch, South Hornchurch
Trampolining - Central Park Leisure Centre
19th February
Central Park Leisure Centre, Harold Hill, Romford
2 Day Karate Course
19th February
- 20th February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Sunnside Workshop at LUSH
19th February
LUSH, Romford
Clay Day - Fairkytes
19th February
Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
Unicorn Dream Catchers - Myplace
19th February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Para Multi Arts - Fairkytes
19th February
Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
February Half Term at Rainham Hall
19th February
Rainham Hall, Rainham
Kids for £1 - Epping Ongar Railway
19th February
- 23rd February
Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar
TeaTots - Cake Decorating
19th February
Teatots in Mercury Mall, Romford
Kids Spring Bulb Potting Workshop
19th February
Bonnetts Garden Village, Brentwood
Wildlife Explorers: Bird Bingo
19th February
Bedfords Park, Romford
Bird Feeder Drop In
19th February
Bedfords Park, Romford
Riverbank Kids Club
19th February
Collier Row Gospel Hall, Romford
Nerf & Fortnight Fun
19th February
Engayne Primary School, Upminster
River Dipping
20th February
Ingrebourne Valley, Hornchurch
Children's Gingerbread Making Workshop
20th February
Rainham Hall, Rainham
Picnic Party with the Snow Queen
20th February
Hertford Theatre, The Wash
Obstacle Circuits
20th February
Wild Forest, Kelvden Hatch, Brentwood
Mosaic Making
20th February
Valence House Museum, Dagenham
Autism Friendly Mosaic Making
20th February
Valence House Museum, Dagenham
Half Term Sport - West Ham Football Camp
(FREE)
20th February
Brittons Academy Astro Turf Pitch, South Hornchurch
Para Multi Sports
20th February
YMCA Thames Gateway, Romford
Make Finger Puppets and Stage at Myplace
20th February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Youth Sport - West Ham Football
20th February
Brittons Academy Astro Turf Pitch, South Hornchurch
Kids Circle Weaving
20th February
Crafty Arts, Romford
Portraits Workshop - Fairkytes
20th February
Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
Create & Play Mornings - Under The Sea
20th February
Queens Theatre, Romford
Musical Theatre Masterclass S20
20th February
Queens Theatre, Hornchurch
February Half Term at Rainham Hall
20th February
Rainham Hall, Rainham
TeaTots - Meet Chase & Skye
20th February
Teatots in Mercury Mall, Romford
Birdhouse Decorating
20th February
Bonnetts Garden Village, Brentwood
Twit Twoo Owl Babies
20th February
Bedfords Park, Romford
Feathery Drop In
20th February
Bedfords Park, Romford
Three Art Thursday 'Three Kids'
(FREE)
20th February
The Mercury Mall Shopping Centre, Romford
*Open Night* Haverettes All Girls Marching Band
(FREE)
20th February
Redden Court School, Cotswold Road
Farmer for a Day at Wellgate Farm
20th February
Wellgate Community Farm, Romford
Table Tennis at Myplace
21st February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Youth Sport - Mini Snooker & Pool Tournament
21st February
Myplace, Harold Hill, Romford
Youth Sport - Street Wheelz
(FREE)
21st February
Central Park, Harold Hill
Happy Hearts Crafts
21st February
Havering Museum, Romford
Lush Pud Workshop
21st February
LUSH, Romford
Lush Pud Workshop
21st February
LUSH, Romford
Storytime at The Pink Parachute
21st February
The Pink Parachute, Hornchurch
Animal Mask Making - Fairkytes
21st February
Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
Street Dance - Fairkytes
21st February
Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
Audley End New Play Area Opening!
21st February
- 22nd February
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden
Mothers Day Event
21st February
- 22nd February
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden
TeaTots - Plate Decorating
21st February
Teatots in Mercury Mall, Romford
Super Science and Games
21st February
Bedfords Park, Romford
Thames Chase presents A Stargazing Adventure
21st February
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster
Den Building & Campfire Cooking
21st February
Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre, Hornchurch
Half Term Kids Party
21st February
M & B Sports and Social Club, Romford
Victorious Vikings
22nd February
Valence House Museum, Dagenham
Stick Man Meet and Greet
(FREE)
22nd February
Weald Country Park, Brentwood
Table Top Sale
(FREE)
22nd February
The Billet, Hornchurch
Papalarny The Magic Man
22nd February
Queens Theatre, Hornchurch
Festival of Food & Culture
(FREE)
22nd February
The Mercury Mall, Romford
Stories & Steam
22nd February
- 23rd February
Kent & East Sussex Railway Company, Tenterden
Superhero Academy
(FREE)
22nd February
Stratford Centre, Stratford
Ellie's Kids Club
(FREE)
23rd February
Exchange Ilford, Ilford
Forest School Sunday
23rd February
Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre, Hornchurch
Mini Open Mic
(FREE)
23rd February
Heart & Soul, 80-84 Market Place
Raiders vs Bracknell Bees
23rd February
Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre, Romford
SEND & Siblings at Teatots!
23rd February
Teatots, Romford
Special Needs Gymnastics Classes
23rd February
Noak Hill Sports Complex, Romford
Latch - On weekly drop in at The Pink Parachute
(FREE)
25th February
The Pink Parachute, Hornchurch
If you are running a local event for families or children you can add the details to our site for free.
Romford's newest soft play has arrived!
Located upstairs in Romford Shopping Hall, Kiddiewinks Soft Play officially opens to the public on 17th February - just in time for half term!
The baby/toddler area is a great size. It is suitable for 0-4 year olds and has a sensory area, slide, foam building blocks, rollers, interactive screens and a trampette.
The larger section, for older children has too many elements to list! Aimed at 4 - 8 year olds, children will find stepping stones, rollers, biff bags, rope climbing, look out towers, a huge slide and a sky tunnel high above the seating area! Older children can use the soft play IF they are accompanying younger siblings.
A special menu has been created with offerings from 3 of the nearby cafes inside the shopping hall. Food can be ordered at the tills and will be delivered to Kiddiewinks by the cafe staff.
On a recent visit, local Mum Hayley told us 'We loved Kiddiewinks! Big, clean with lots of variety to keep all ages entertained. There’s also great food options using other local businesses. We will definitely return!'
Kiddiewinks will also be offering parties 7 days per week. Parties include 90 minutes of play and 30 minutes in the party room. You are welcome to bring a party entertainer to the party room if you wish. Parties start at £11 per child which includes a cold buffet and £13 per child for a hot buffet. Menus are available on the website.
Michelle Fitzgibbons, Marketing Manager of Kiddiewinks Soft Play told me "We are delighted with the initial response from parents in the local area. Party and pre bookings have been rolling in since we have gone live."
During half term it is advisable to pre book your visit as it will no doubt be very busy. Party enquiries can be made on 01708 760714.
This is it! We are finally bringing you the much talked about Mum's guide to Romford Awards.
We are excited to bring you these brand new Awards aimed at recognising and celebrating the local people, businesses and organisations that help make Romford and the surrounding area such a great place for families.
Nominations have now closed and we are busy collating and counting almost 1000 nominations and over 30 recommendations.
We will announce the shortlisted businesses soon, ready for voting to begin on Friday 28th February.
This year's categories are:
Best Activity Class or Group for Under 5s
Award for the best activity class or group for children under 5, including parent and toddler groups.
Best Activity Class or Group for School-age Children
Award for the best activity class, group or club for children of school age, either primary or secondary school.
Best Holiday Club or Class
Award for the best club, class or camp that runs during the school holidays for children in any age group.
Best Pre/Post-natal Support Service
Award for the business, individual or organisation that provides the best service for pre or post-natal mothers, and can include anything to do with pregnancy and post-pregnancy, including groups and classes.
Best Lifestyle Service for Parents
Award for the business, individual or organisation that provides the best service of any type (not necessarily child-related) to local parents. The business or service does not have to be exclusively aimed at parents but can simply be one that provides a service that caters for a busy parent's lifestyle.
Best Party and Celebrations Provider
Award for the business or individual that provides the best venue, entertainment or party-related product (e.g. cakes, catering, decorations, tableware).
Most Family-friendly Café/Restaurant
Award for the café or restaurant which caters best for families.
Best Local Shop
Award for the local shop, whether child-related or not, that gives customers extra-special service either by way of the staff, products, facilities and extra services or a combination of all of these.
Best Local Event
Award for the best local event within a distance of 10 miles from the centre of Romford that caters for families and children.
Local Volunteer of the Year
Award for a volunteer who goes the extra mile to make Romford and the surrounding area an amazing place for children and families. (Either the role or the organisation they volunteer for must relate to or benefit children and/or families in Romford and the surrounding area*.) We all know someone who works tirelessly for their community, who puts themselves out to make things better for our families and who deserves to be nominated.
Those with the most nominations in each category will make the shortlist for the final voting round. Nominations close at midnight on Saturday 15th February 2020.
The final voting round will open on Saturday 29th February 2020 on the website. Full terms and conditions for the 2020 Awards are available here. *Please see our terms and conditions for the definition of "surrounding area".
How would you like to win 2 tickets to the ultimate NERF battle?
We have 2 pairs of tickets to give away - so 2 lucky winners!
To win, simple send an email with you name, email address and mobile number to [email protected]
FLING SOME FOAM at the Mercury shopping Mall Come and get stuck in to the ultimate Game of foam! Grab your Nerf blasters and engage with an opposing team in a series of exciting games and challenges! Enjoy the thrill and slide your way to victory in an epic multiplayer battle experience set in The Mercury Mall shopping centre after hours. All the fun of being in a shopping centre with out the need of shopping.
Think you’ve got what it takes to own the Games of Foam Bring your own blaster or use one of ours! Unlimited foam darts for all.
*Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults who are not participating do not need tickets. This will suit all ages from 7 upwards.
For full terms & conditions click here.
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At Kidz Camp Essex, we pride ourselves in offering a fun and inclusive childcare service for children aged 4 - 12 in Essex at our four fantastic venues in Colchester, Rayleigh, Southend and now in Romford at Hylands Primary School. We are open between 7:30am - 6pm, Ofsted registered with all our staff DBS checked and fully trained.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme allows 4 & 5 year olds to gain fundamental skills and knowledge, preparing them for starting school, whilst enjoying themselves.
We accept childcare vouchers, offer family savers, and provide a free lunch - making Kidz Camp Essex the perfect childcare solution.
All our activities and schedules are carefully thought out, ensuring your child will have a memorable break from school, gain new skills, socialise and make friends!
Our fun filled days include sports, crafts and daily special activities - providing not only a childcare service for our parents, but an experience where your child can have Fun, Learn and Create!
__________________________
To get more information about Kidz Camp Essex and to book your child's place you can click here to visit their website.
There are lots of options if you fancy an afternoon at the cinema. Take a look...
Vue Romford - The Brewery
🎞Dolittle
🎞Sonic The Hedgehog
🎞Spies in Disguise
🎞Little Women
Premiere Cinemas Romford - Mercury Mall
🎞Spies in Disguise
🎞Sonic The Hedgehog
🎞Dolittle
🎞Jumanji: The Next Level
🎞Spycies
🎞Paw Patrol: Ready, Race, Rescue
All 7 of our local Children's Centres have published new timetables for January and February. Click the links below for further information.
St Kilda's, Eastern Road, Romford
Collier Row, 28 Clockhouse Road, Romford
Hilldene, 267 Straight Road, Harold Hill, Romford
Elm Park, Diban Avenue, Hornchurch
Ingrebourne, Ashbourne Road, Romford
Chippenham Road, 85-89 Chippenham Road, Romford
Rainham Village, Rainham Primary School, Upminster Road South, Rainham
Why not browse through some of the listings we have recently added to the site...
If you are a local business/organistation you can add your listing to our site for free.
Here's the latest recommendations from our visitors and followers. If you'd like to add a recommendation for a business or organisation search for their listing here on the site and click on the Recommend This button.
Portraits and More Photographers
"I and my family had the opportunity to have our photos taken at the studios of Portraits and More at Romford. The lead , Jeff and team were on top of planning , set up and most especially, providing a fun experience, like none other, with regards to taking photos. My 2 year old daughter was so engaged during the photoshoot, with props all included. My family had a wonderful time at the studios. In addition the quality of pictures , especially in portrait form are of high quality, trust me when I say HIGH quality . I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PORTRAITS AND MORE to anyone who cares about the significance of capturing moments for eternity. "
JB Treat Carts
"Jb carts are a must for any party! They saved my husbands birthday party from being a total disaster with their professionalism and great customer service. Their waffles taste absolutely amazing and were the best feature at the party. The team are two very kind people who were professional, easy to talk to and just a pleasure to have serving us at our party. I recommend them because of this and hope many more people can enjoy their sweet treats and great customer service!"
Portraits and More Photographers
"I toke my 6 year old daughter and 1 year old son here to have their professional photos taken.
We have used lots of companies before, but I found Jeff and his team were amazing with the children. Very patient, no rushing around and the photos were amazing!
I am very grateful and have recommended amongst my friends.
If your local and want some beautiful photos of your children, that is a stress free and fun experience, Then portraits and more Is 100% the place to go!"
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