Red Kite Days Surrey

10/01/2024

Oatlands Park Weybridge

We decided to make the most of the January sunshine, but didn’t realise just how cold it was outside 🥶❄️

A quick trip to a new park, but even Isabella felt the cold and was asking to come home. The whole time here she was clutching onto her cheese straw 🙊

Set within 4 acres of park with outdoor pool and play areas, Oatlands Park is set back on its own drive on the south side of Oatlands Drive - this is opposite the

The facilities include:
⭐️ Toddler swings
⭐️ Zip line
⭐️ Roundabout
⭐️ Small climbing frame with slide
⭐️ Bouncing rockers
⭐️ Larger climbing frame, with ladder and slide
⭐️ Children’s swings

🦮 Great place to also take the dog for a little stroll too.

🅿️ Street parking just outside

🤷🏼‍♀️ Do you have a favourite park in the area?

📍 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 9PR

08/01/2024

Pickles play cafe

Do you work full time and miss out on exploring toddler groups, stay and plays, and other children events?

👏🏻 Well I’ve got some great news - there is a new stay and play which is open on Friday and Saturday mornings in Shepperton.

Check out my full review here - https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/pickles-play-cafe/

⏰ Sessions are run on Friday morning between 9.30am-1.30pm and Saturday 9.30am-12pm starting on Friday 12th January 2024!

Run by Suzanne who is a primary school teacher and a mum herself, she has created a calm, friendly and engaging stay and play.

🧸 The main room had a selection of different toys for the children to explore:
Role playing
Sensory toys
Fine and gross motor skills
Soft play and ball pit
Musical toys

🧸 If you have a younger child (crawling or sitting baby) then there is a separate room for them. This room has:
Play mats,
Sensory toys,
Musical items for them to play with,
Baby books.

ℹ️ The toys will be on rotation, so from one week to the next there will be different products to explore, this is fantastic as means if you visit regularly then each visit will be different and the children will be kept engaged each time.

💡 Watch this space as Suzanne has lots of ideas on how to transform Pickles Playcafe.

☕️Serving a selection of hot and cold refreshments

🅿️ There is also ample free parking just outside the church or in the surrounding area.

📍 The Parish Centre, St Nicholas Church, Shepperton, TW17 9JY

06/01/2024

The Nutcracker

I had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful classic The Nutcracker, performed at G Live, Guildford on their opening night. Last chance to see is today - 6th Jan https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/event/the-nutcracker-ballet-at-g-live-guildford/

This UK tour features the performing artists of Mergaliyev Classical Ballet . Artistic Directors Yassaui and Sophie Mergaliyev are delighted to present a company of international dancers as part of an ongoing ambition to develop talented artistes.

❄️ Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. There are dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King in the ultimate festive entertainment.

💃 The settings were always dramatic, full of height and depth, making us feel that we were right there in the heart of the show. The set design is vibrant, flexible and moves slickly from one scene to the next allowing the story to move along at a good pace and no song or scene outstaying their welcome.

🩰 It is no surprise then that dancers floated effortlessly across the stage, as light as a feather! The rapidity of steps was equalled by the nimblest of string passagework from the orchestra.

I felt privileged to have witnessed this production and I will return on their next tour. Their performance has opened my eyes to the magnificent world of ballet.

03/01/2024

Arborfield Recreation Ground

Today we travelled a little further afield, but found a really nice park in which we spent the morning playing and getting some much needed fresh air.

Click here to see our adventure and what we thought of the park - https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/arborfield-recreation-ground/
(Link in bio) 🥰

Outside of the park there is:
⭐️ A large playing field,
⭐️ A picnic shelter,
⭐️ Large wooden climbing obstacle,
⭐️ A zip line,
⭐️ A basket swing

Inside the park there is a lot of different equipment to keep various ages occupied - this was great for us as there were things for both my 2year old and 3year old. ⭐️ The usual selection of swings,
⭐️ A roundabout,
⭐️ Wooden obstacle course,
⭐️ A smaller climbing frame with slide
⭐️ Castle with cargo net, slide and interactive sections

🦮 If you have a four legged friend then this is a great place to walk them too, either around the field itself or through the wooded area.

🌳 You can also explore the path and brook that runs alongside the grounds, accessing it in the far left hand corner. This also takes you to woodland and farmland, from where there are various rambling routes to discover.

🅿️ There is a free car park just outside the park which is very handy, and there is plenty of spaces.

ℹ️ There are no toilet facilities or cafe on site.

📍 Swallowfield Rd, Arborfield Cross, Arborfield, Reading RG2 9PU

02/01/2024

Light Up Your Senses 💡
Sensory Light Stay and Play ✨

Based inside The Warren UK Knaphill is a fun, exciting, colourful and sensory stimulation play club.

Setup in a magical setting where you can focus on slowing down your mind, and using your senses to explore things with your children.

This is also a great opportunity to socialise with other parents who are in the same boat, and navigating their way through parent hood. It’s amazing what a cup of coffee and a good natter can do to improve your mood, and most importantly let you know that you aren’t alone.

If you child struggles with crowds, loud noises, and sitting still - then this could be the answer for you. Plus the location is beautifully decorated too, it’s like being in a rabbits Warren.

The classes are split into two sessions -
Big Explorers - toddling to 3years
Discovered - ages 4years - 9years

Currently running on Monday & Thursdays (term time)
1.30pm - 3.00pm and 4.00pm - 5.30pm

02/01/2024

Zootastic Weekends Chessington World of Adventures Resort

My review from last year here https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/chessington-zootastic-weekends/

⭐️ At Chessington World of Adventures in the winter the rides are shut down and the park goes quiet. From November – March the park is closed. Apart from a few select weekends from January to March that open up as Zoo Days as part of their Chessington World of Adventures Zootastic Weekends.

⭐️ Although the main park itself is closed during these first few months of the year, when we visited there was a selection of rides open. It was just the right amount for the little ones to experience and get a taste of what the park has to offer. The rides open were : Canopy Capers, Griffin’s Galleon, Dragon’s Playhouse, Sea Dragons, Tomb Blaster, Adventure Tree Carousel, Elmer’s Flying Jumbos, Room on the Broom – A Magical Journey, Tiny Truckers, Blue Barnacle and AMAZU: Treetop Adventure.

⭐️ The YooHoo Children’s farm is a small walk through area with more common animals such as sheep, donkeys, pigs and rabbits. There are goats and sheep wandering freely among the guests so you can have a stroke. Noah loved trying to stroke the sheep but let’s just say that the sheep wasn’t that fond of him. This is a great little area as the children can get up close and personal with the animals.

⭐️ We were very fortunate on our visit that it was a dry sunny day and we did manage to see quite alot of animals during our visit. We saw Giraffes which are one of our favourite animals, lions, tigers, sea lions, monkeys, penguins, gorillas, and many more other fascinating animals.

⭐️ Aside from the Zoo and rides there are also a couple of opportunities for the little ones to play. Amazu Treetop Adventure is a fun climbing area where your little ones can run about up high near some of the monkeys that live at Chessington. Land of the Dragons also has a couple of areas which small children can explore themselves with parental supervision. The Dragon’s Playhouse next to Canopy Capers is a fun soft play area for children under 1.4m tall. There is a toddler area for little ones under 0.9m and a junior zone for those between 0.9m and 1.4m with a big slide, bouncy mat and high netted areas.

⭐️ Eating at Chessington World of Adventures Zootastic Weekends. The main restaurants were open when we visited but many of the little snack and drinks huts around the park were closed. Or if the weather is a little warmer then why not take a picnic as there are numerous picnic benches and places to sit and eat.

⭐️ There is a lot to do during your visit to Chessington and it really does have something for the whole family. Whether you prefer to just see the animals, enjoy the thrill of a ride or explore the play areas this is a day out which accommodates for everyone.

**If you’re looking for a quieter visit to Chessington than usual, the winter Zootastic weekends will be perfect for you. Just remember that the majority of the rides will also be closed.

**Please check the website to see the availability for the Zootastic Weekends**

📍 Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE

01/01/2024

Welcome to 2024. A new year of endless opportunities, and endless amounts of fun.

🥳 Do you have any New Year’s resolutions at all?

I always think I will and aim to do something, but then never actually stick to them 🤦🏼‍♀️ So this year I’m going to create a memories jar. Each week I will be writing down something we have achieved together, a fun family day out, something that made us all chuckle or even just something I am grateful for.

Then on New Years Eve we will empty the Jar, and remember all the good memories which we had created.

31/12/2023

🍾🥳🥂Thank you for being a part of my journey last year. Wishing you a New Year full of love, happiness, and all that you desire. May the canvas of 2024 be painted with moments of joy, success, and endless possibilities.
Happy New Year to you all 🍾🥳🥂

29/12/2023

Twixmas - that bit between Christmas and New Year that always seems to be wet and cold and the kids are driving you crazy! If you're looking for some indoor fun (do check they're open and book ahead) there are lots of ideas here from soft play to small world to trampolining

⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/best-soft-play-indoor-play-centres-in-surrey/

Gym Jams Soft Play Pirates Landing Wacky Kingdom Indoor Play Centre Kingston Chobham Adventure Farm Kidspace Croydon 360 Play Farnborough Munchkins Play Cafe Jump In Camberley - formerly Gravity Force Little Street Children's Role Play West Byfleet

27/12/2023

Active Antz at Bracknell Leisure Centre

Are you looking to escape the house but the weather is putting a dampener on your plans? Then why not check out Active Antz.

🐜 Active Antz has been designed to give you and your child time to play and learn from each other. Active Antz encourages you and your child to try a wide range of activities every week. These might range from singing, exploring soft play, crafts, jumping on bouncy castles and so much more.

Please see my full review here - https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/active-antz-at-bracknell-leisure-centre/

Set inside one of the main halls there is a lot of room for the children to run around and explore.
🚲 There were plenty of scooters and bikes,
⚽️ Balls to kick around,
🎳 Games to play,
🏃‍♀️ Open space for that freedom to explore,
🏰 Bouncy castle with slide
🧗‍♀️ Climbing apparatus for the children to explore,
🧸 There was also an area set aside for the smaller children which was all set up on floor mats making it nice and comfortable for them.

😀 We both really enjoyed our morning here, there is a lot for the children to explore, and there is lots of room for them to burn off energy. The free flowing play is ideal as they can do everything at their own pace, and switch from each activity as and when they wish to do so.

⏰ The running times for Active Antz is currently on on Mondays, Tuesday and Thursday mornings with three sessions at 9am, 10am and 11am.

🅿️ Free parking on site

📍 Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 9

27/12/2023

Really looking forward to seeing the Nutcracker ballet at G Live, Guildford

A magical festive story with a live orchestra too.

📅 5th and 6th Jan
📍 G Live Guildford

The festive delights of The Nutcracker will charm audiences of all ages this New Year at the G Live theatre in Guildford. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life, an enchanting adventure unfolds; a dramatic […]

24/12/2023

🎅🏻🎄🤶🏻🦌🎅🏻🎄🤶🏻🦌🎅🏻🎄🎅🏻🎄🤶🏻

We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Thanks You to everyone for following us, and joining in on our adventures.

We’ve had so much fun this year, from days out, soft plays, parks, toddler groups and lots of other exciting things, and we’ve met many lovely families along the way too 🤗

We can’t wait to see what adventures 2024 brings, and all of the exciting places we are going to explore.

I hope that you all have a lovely Christmas, and a Happy New Year too ✨

23/12/2023

What's your favourite Christmas film to snuggle up and watch together as a family?

Lots of ideas here - have you seen them all?

All the best Christmas movies to watch as a family from the old classics to the latest releases. Curl up on the soft and enjoy!

22/12/2023

Found this great link where you can record something to show the children on Christmas morning ✨

🦌Capture the magic of Reindeer at your house for the little ones to see 🦌

https://reindeerready.co.uk/

🎅🏻Thought I would share this link as you can show the children when Santa’s reindeers came to visit them 🎅🏻

22/12/2023

Yateley Common Country Park

🌳 We decided to venture outside for some fresh air and to stretch our legs. With a break in the weather, and it looking pretty dry we decided to try out Yateley Common. With heathland, woodland and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors.

https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/yateley-common-country-park/

🚲 You can walk, cycle and horse ride through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. Yateley Common also offers people the opportunity to fish, birdwatch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.

🚶We enjoyed walking around the common and seeing which wildlife we could spot, and also looking at the different trees and bushes too. A lot of fun was had puddle jumping aswell, the recent rain had provided lots of puddles for the children to enjoy too.

✈️ There was lots of activity in the sky too, as we were close to Blackbush Airport, we saw lots of planes flying over (Noah loved looking up at the sky and waving at everyone flying by) we were even lucky enough to spot a helicopter aswell, although took us a while to spot it through the clouds.


📍 Cricket Hill Lane, Yateley, Hampshire, GU46 6BB

21/12/2023

🎅🏻🦌🎁🎄🧝‍♀️🎅🏻🦌🎁🎄🧝‍♀️🎅🏻🦌🎁

We’ve been going to see Santa at Victoria Place Woking since Noah was born, and it’s now a tradition to pop along here whilst doing our Christmas shopping, and see the big man himself.

You can visit Santa in his Toyshop every day from now until 24th December 10am - 5pm. Although don’t forget that even Santa needs to have a lunch break too.

On their visit, little shoppers will receive a special gift and magical memories to last throughout the festive season.

*Entry is free & there is no need to book – just turn up!*

Don’t forget to have a little dance with the singing reindeers too 🦌

✨ Have you given Santa your Christmas list yet? ✨

Woking Live What's on in Surrey

18/12/2023

Santa’s Magical Gift - Rhoda McGaw Theatre New Victoria Theatre Woking

What a way to get into the festive spirit! 🎅🏻🎭

Would you like to introduce your children to the world of theatre but don’t think they could sit still long enough?

Running from Sunday 17th December until Sunday 24th December 2023

This is a fun-filled 50-minute show - blending live theatre with a grotto experience and a free present for every child. It’s the perfect show for little ones with its bright colours, catchy songs and active cast! The length of the production is just right, it’s not too daunting a first theatre experience for little ones either.

Holly, Santa’s newest elf and Trixie the experienced elf are busy decorating Santa’s workshop in the lead up to Christmas, cutting out beautiful snowflakes from white paper. Holly reveals Lapland’s biggest secret, that once a year Santa sends a magical gift to one person who deserves it the most.

Holly writes her Christmas wish on a snowflake and places it on the window ledge before going to bed. That night a gust of wind takes the snowflake, and in the morning a large golden gift appears in its place. Christmas Eve finally arrives and Santa enters his workshop to a huge round of applause.

This is the first time that Noah and Isabella have ever sat still, they were completely mesmerised by the elves and their little eyes were fixated on the stage. They were giggling away to themselves, joining in with the singing and taking part when the audience were invited to do so.

It was made extra special when they were able to meet the main man himself Santa, and receive a special gift from.

Find all the best Christmas theatre and pantos here https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/surrey-big-panto-guide/

Victoria Place Woking

17/12/2023

Thank You Money Saving Central for sharing this list 👏🏻

🎅🏻 Places Where Kids Eat Free (or for £1) During Christmas Half Term 2023 🎅🏻

Have you tried any of these places before?

16/12/2023

⛄️The Snowman Tour Carrot Productions ⛄️

We were very lucky to catch The Snowman tour when they were visiting Guildford Cathedral today.

They brought The Snowman, and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, accompanied by a live orchestra comprising of some of the top musicians in the UK to the beautiful Cathedral.

There is one thing watching these films in the comfort of your own home, but seeing them in such a stunning location with a live orchestra - It was so moving and magical, I was completely spellbound.

I found myself completely fixated by the whole experience, even the little ones were completely taken aback by the whole production. It was truly a magical Christmas memory which we will treasure. When the song Walking In The Air came on, the whole room was silent and it was moving to listen to the amazing voice singing - it brought tears to my eyes.

Although the tour has now finished in Guildford, you can still get tickets for their upcoming shows.


Whats on in Guildford What's on in Surrey Surrey Live BBC Radio Surrey WHATS ON Surrey Sussex

16/12/2023

🎄 🦄

15/12/2023

🎄🎁🐶🎅🏻🐈🎄🎁🐶🎅🏻🐈🎄🎁🐶🎅🏻🐈🎄🎁

Today we headed to Millbrook Animal Centre (RSPCA), Chobham after seeing their shoe box appeal for donations, so that the animals in there care could receive Christmas presents too 🎅🏻🎁

Armed with shoeboxes, gift bags and snowman boxes, we headed off to deliver our little gifts to the dogs at Millbrook RSPCA.

These were very well received and the team thanked us for our kind donations. Although we couldn’t see the animals which are currently at the centre, we did get the opportunity to meet this handsome little man though 💙

Although our donation wasn’t much - it’s lovely to know that a couple of dogs will be receiving our presents and get to enjoy the excitement of feeling love at Christmas time.

There is still time to donate if you would like to do so,
Please see the link below for items which they would love

https://www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk/news/christmas-shoebax-appeal

I would like take the opportunity to wish all the staff, animals and volunteers at RSPCA MILLBROOK a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s hope that these animals can find their forever homes and next year they will have a warm, loving and cosy house for Christmas xx

Bisley & West End Village Community Group (Surrey) Knaphill Community - from Knaphill Residents Association

13/12/2023

🧚 Peter Pan New Victoria Theatre Woking 🪝

Prepare to embark upon a swash buckling adventure like no other. An absolute joy from start to finish, Peter Pan at The New Victoria Theatre promises a festive show to enjoy for all of the family.

🎭 Join the King of Ballroom Anton Du Beke as Smee and comedian Paul Chuckle as Starkey in this family treat as they take you on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

🧚‍♀️ Peter Pan will also star Nigel Ellacott as Mrs. Smee, Bob Harms as Captain Hook, Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink and Chloe Riley as Wendy.

😄 Anton Du Beke’s Smee offered brilliant comedy moments for both children and adults to enjoy, and teamed with Paul Chuckle they had us in absolute stitches.

👦🏼 They had the most beautiful scenes, and full of wonderment, is that of Peter and the three Darling children flying from their bedroom window across an ever changing landscape until they reach Never NeverLand, where the Lost Boys are waiting to greet them.

🏴‍☠️The set design, throughout the performance, is magical! The stage feels immersive, as if you are taking your own trip to Neverland. There are flames, fireworks, bangs, smoke, the lot!

✨With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, be part of the panto magic by booking your tickets today!

Find all the Surrey pantos and Christmas theatre shows here https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/surrey-big-panto-guide/

ℹ️ Currently showing at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Friday 8th December 2023 until Sunday 7th January 2024.

Is it your yearly tradition to visit the Pantomime as a family?

📍 The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Shopping Centre, Woking, GU21 6GQ

12/12/2023

Festive Fishers at Fishers Farm Park

Back in the summer we had the best day out at Fishers Farm, and when we heard that a special someone would be there this Christmas we knew we had to pop back.

Here’s the review from our summer visit.
https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/fishers-farm-park/

For the Festive Fisher, included in your admission price you get full access to the whole park which includes the soft play, animal barn, rides, play areas, and much more.
✨Most importantly it also gives you access to Santa's Grotto, where you can do
🍪 Gingerbread decorating,
🦌 Make some magical reindeer food,
💌 Post a letter in the North Pole post box,
🧝‍♀️ Go through elf security,
🎅🏻 Meet Santa himself,
❄️ Have a walk through the winter wonderland,
🎁 Choose a magical gift from the North Pole.

We had a great day out here and managed to pack lots of exciting things into our visit.
🐴 Both enjoyed a pony ride
🏎️ Quad bikes
🚜 Tractor rides
🎠 Fun fair rides - teacups and merry go round
🛝 Soft play
🎢 Outdoor rides
🐄 Meeting the farm animals
🏰 Outdoor play
🚂 Train ride

There is so much that you can pack into your visit here that there is just too much to write about. If you haven’t been before then I would 100% recommend a visit here.

*some of the activities are charged at a little extra, and you can buy tokens when you are there. For example the pony rides and quad bikes are a couple of tokens) *

📍 Fishers Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG

11/12/2023

🎄🎅🏻⛪️ 🎄🎅🏻⛪️🎄🎅🏻⛪️🎄🎅🏻⛪️🎄🎅🏻⛪️🎄🎅🏻⛪️

Our local church had a Christmas Tree festival this weekend, and it was magical seeing so many beautiful trees all lit up and twinkling around the church.

This was at Holy Trinity, West End, who are raising vital funds for Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care.

The trees were beautifully decorated by local clubs and businesses from the village - and they all did a superb job. It was a lovely way to bring the whole village together and enjoy some Christmas magic ✨

🎄Have you visited a Christmas Tree festival before?

Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care Parish Of Bisley And West End C Of E

10/12/2023

A brand-new magical Christmas family show comes to G Live, Guildford from next week 16th to 24th Dec.

Santa’s on His Sleigh! is a brand-new exciting Christmas show starring Santa, Snowdrop the Elf, Rudolph and featuring on screen his virtual little helper Head Elf Justy, played by Justin Fletcher.

A great alternative to panto and first theatre experience.

https://surrey.redkitedays.co.uk/event/santas-on-his-sleigh-at-g-live-guildford/

A brand-new magical Christmas family show comes to G Live in Guildford for 2023! Santa’s on His Sleigh! is a brand-new exciting Christmas show starring Santa, Snowdrop the Elf, Rudolph and featuring on screen his virtual little helper Head Elf […]

09/12/2023

Does your local McDonalds have a playarea?

☕️🍫 Trying to think of ways to entertain the little ones without spending a fortune this time of year is always hard, especially when the weather is hit and miss.

However I managed to enjoy a hot coffee all whilst the little ones played for free. All it cost was £2.29 for my toffee latte (which was delicious) I did also treat them to a hot chocolate too, as thought they needed warming up.

Bargain hour of playing for under £5 🤗
Who would have thought spending the morning at McDonald’s would be so much fun. Although it was fairly small it was fully enclosed so no escapees, there were table and chairs right by the play frame so I could sit and watch them play.

There was a large tunnel slide, roller foam blocks, a cargo net, hidey holes to climb through, and also some interactive toys on the walls. Plus you have the facilities in case of toilet breaks or if you do need any refreshments.

Does your McDonald’s have anything like this?