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Once the dust has settled and the batteries are running low in all the new toys, our next challenge is to keep the children entertained and occupied for the remainder of the holidays.
We have all been caught up in the build up to Christmas, whether it is with shopping, visiting Santa, finding great Christmas experiences for the kids and trying to plan our diaries around the crazy social lives of our children. Once the big day is over we still have TWO WHOLE WEEKS until they go back to school - in our house they aren't back until the 8th January. That's a lot of time to fill!
Budgets are always tight in January so we have been having a look through our listings and have put together a selection of ideas of things to do and places to go over the Christmas holidays that won't break the bank.
Take a look....
Hainault Forest Country Park
This is a terrific resource right on our doorstep. The park itself is vast with lots of opportunities to explore. There is a small farm area which is free to visit and there are interactive nature trails, sculpture trails and a coffee shop. You might need wellies and your wet weather wear for a day here in December/January but its a great place for the kids to burn of some energy.
Catch a movie
We are lucky enough to have two great cinemas in Romford both of which have a great selection of family films on over the next few weeks. Vue Romford in The Brewery - every film, every day £4.99.
Premier Cinema have a great family deal where a family of 4 can watch a *U, PG or 12A rated film for £14.
Go to see Mary Poppins Returns, The Grinch, Spiderman:Into the Spider-Verse, Nativity Rocks, Ralph Breaks The Internet to name but a few.
Sapphire Ice & Leisure
Romford's newest swimming pool is a popular spot! On a cold, wet, dreary day what better activity to keep the kids happy than swimming - or ice skating!
Thames Chase Community Forest
This is one of our favourite places to visit as a family. The paths are great for taking bikes and scooters (if its not going to be too muddy). There are some fantastic wooden structures to climb and explore as you walk/cycle round the site and a lovely cafe to look forward to upon your return to the Forest Centre.
Weald Country Park
Another great park to explore. You can feed the deer, visit the Stick Man Trail and explore the vast parkland area. There are amazing views from some parts of the park, picnic areas for days when the weather is behaving and lots of areas for the children to play and have a look at.
Raphael Park
Another fabulous outdoor space right on our doorstep. Kids can feed the ducks and geese, play in the play park (complete with its own zipline), visit Percy The Park Keeper and discover lots of wildlife. There is a cafe with outdoor seating by the play area and a restaurant near the Main Road entrance. Some areas of the park have been left wild but are free to explore.
Wellgate Community Farm
This is a free venue but they do rely completely on donations. It is open daily and you are welcome to pop along and meet Jesse the Jersey Cow, Dingle the Shetland Pony and lots of other farm animals. The paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Soft Play
For the younger kids, soft play is always popular and we are fortunate to have many options. Click the links to discover more information for Teatots, Kidspace, Frankies, Soft Play Essex and Owls.
This is just a random selection from our listings, for even more ideas click this link and have a browse.
Things To Do
