Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Explore the Lee Valley this winter
Activities in Lee Valley – January, February and March 2017
January 2017
London Indoor Games
Once again Lee Valley Athletics Centre is organising the London Indoor Games for the U17 and U15/U13 championships. . Come and support the athletes in action!
Date: Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 January.
Time: from 10:00
Price: £7.90 per event; free to spectate
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR
Tel: 020 8344 7230; www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics
A Walk in the Park
Three Mills to Olympic Park Loop. Marking 50 years of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, join a Walk in the Park and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Three Mills Island before heading towards the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
These are social and leisurely walks and all are welcome, including the dog! No need to book, just turn up.
Date: Sunday, 15 January 2017
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Price: FREE
Three Mill Lane, Bromley by Bow, London, E3 3DU. To find out more: www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 03000 030610.
For more information about Lee Valley’s 50th Anniversary walks, head to visitleevalley.org.uk/whatson or call 03000 030 610 for more information.
Bittern Roost Watch
Join the conservation team for a visit to the Bittern Information Point in Fishes Green, River Lee Country Park where you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an elusive Bittern coming in to roost. After a brief introductory talk, the group will move to the hide for refreshments and to hopefully see a Bittern amongst the other wildlife on view.
Date: Sunday 22 January
Time: 15:45 - dark
Meet Fishers Green car park, River Lee Country Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EG To find out more: www.visitleevalley.org.uk
Ultimate Snowdrop Sale
A chance to snap up snowdrops priced from as little as £5 to sums of £1,000 per plant! Come to Myddelton House Gardens for their annual snowdrop sale, where a select range of nurseries will be selling both common and rare snowdrops. This sale is a must for early snowdrop purchases, but you need to be quick as another fast and furious sale is expected!
Date: Saturday 28 January
Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2 9HG
www.visitleevalley.org.uk/gardens
London Indoor Games
Once again, Lee Valley Athletics Centre is organising the London Indoor Games for a range of age groups- U20/Senior individual championships. Either take part in the games or come down to watch some great athletes compete.
Date: Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 January
Time: from 10:00
Price: £7.90 per event; free to spectate
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR
Tel: 020 8344 7230; www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics
February 2017
Gardeners’ Coffee Morning - Snowdrops
Myddelton House Gardens,
Join the gardeners for a seasonal tour of Myddelton House Gardens, complete with a hot drink and a slice of cake. See the gardens’ impressive collection of snowdrops on the first tour of the New Year.
Date: Wednesday 1 February
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Price: £10
Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2 9HG
www.visitleevalley.org.uk/gardens
A Walk in the Park - Winter Birds II
As part of its 50 walks to mark its 50 years, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is hosting this free, leisurely walk through the 26 mile long Regional Park in 2017, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the vibrant green, open spaces found across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
Join the Rangers and experts from East London Birders to look at the winter residents in the west of the Lee Valley Regional Park.
Date: Sunday 5 February
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Meet at Pindar car park, River Lee Country Park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt,
Hertfordshire, EN8 9AJ.
No need to book, just turn up. To find out more: www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 03000 030610.
For more information about Lee Valley’s 50th Anniversary walks, head to visitleevalley.org.uk/whatson or call 03000 030 610 for more information.
Birthday Bonanaza, Lee Valley Park Farms
Say hello to the 300 furry and feathered friends at Lee Valley Park Farms and help to celebrate the farm’s 40th birthday this half term, as the farm opens the gates for the start of the 2017 season. Catch up with all the animals and see who has been sleeping in the farmyard and whose been plodding around the paddocks over winter. Families can enjoy a host of fun activities on the farm, including meeting cheeky Meerkats, llamas, guinea pigs, rabbits and exotic species such as Bearded Dragons, as well as taking a ride on Tex the Tractor to a working dairy farm. Little ones can also get up close to some of the smaller animals.
Lee Valley Park Farms: open daily until 29 October 2017
Date: Saturday 11 February – Sunday 12 February- 40th Birthday Bonanza!
Saturday 11 February –Sunday 19 February – Half Term Week
Time: 10:00-17:00
Price: Standard entry for all: £9 including Adult (18+), Child (2 - 17), Concession (senior citizen or registered disabled); Under 2s go FREE.
Address: Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF
To book or to find out more: www.lvfarms.co.uk or 01992 892 781.
Minithon
Do you have a young budding athlete at home? A chance to get children to test their athletics skills in Lee Valley Athletics Centre’s competition for school years 3 to 7. Each competitor can choose up to three athletic disciplines to take part in, from hurdles to high jump, all scored using the same point type system as the heptathlon and decathlon. See if your little one can be the next Jessica Ennis and a medal winner!
Date: Saturday 25 February
Time: from 10:00
Price: £15; free to spectate
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR. Tel: 020 8344 7230; www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics
March 2017
Investec Schools Championships for Girls
See the top eight hockey teams in the U14, U16 and U18 age groups compete for the title of National Champions.
Date: Tues 28 Feb - Thurs 2 March
Price: From £6
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Leadmill Lane, Eton Manor, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3AD. www.visitleevalley.org.uk/hockeytennis; tel: 0300 003 0614
March Mayhem
As a special new season offer, Lee Valley White Water Centre is offering the chance to go white water rafting throughout March for just £38 instead of the usual price of £50. A must for anyone’s bucket list! Forget the beach and ride the waves of the Olympic Course, plunging into the crystal clear water…paddles first! White water rafting will leave you wanting more. (Offer not valid on Saturday).
Wed 1 - Fri 31 March, all day.
Price £38
Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN9 1AB.
www.gowhitewater.co.uk or call 03000 030 610.
Gardeners’ Coffee Morning - Spring Bulbs
Join gardeners for a tour with coffee, cake and useful gardening hints and tips. See a riot of spring colour as rare and striking bulbs jostle for your attention.
Date: Wednesday 1 March
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Price: £10
Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2. www.visitleevalley.org.uk/gardens
A Walk in the Park
Discover the north of Lee Valley Regional Park and take in the beautiful surroundings of Stanstead Innings during this leisurely and informative walk. The monthly walk programme is a part of Lee Valley's 50 walks to mark its 50th anniversary! Meet at Stanstead Innings car park, Marsh Lane, SG12 8HL.
Date: Sunday 5 March
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Price: FREE
For more information about Lee Valley’s 50th Anniversary walks, head to visitleevalley.org.uk/whatson or call 03000 030 610 for more information.
Indoor Open, U13 & U15
Looking for budding athletes. Why not enter the Lee Valley Open and put your best to the test in this multi-event open day. Choose from one or more athletic disciplines and battle it out to beat your personal best.
Date: 5 March
Time: from 10:00
Price: £6.50 per event; free to spectate
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR
Tel: 020 8344 7230; www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics
A Walk in the Park
Ranger Ramble on Leyton and Walthamstow Marshes
Join the site ranger for a leisurely paced walk exploring Leyton and Walthamstow Marshes - all part of this Green Flag award-winning site in the Lea Bridge area. The reserve is one of the few remaining pieces of London’s once widespread river valley grasslands, and a space to treasure for many reasons. There is no need to book, just simply turn up! The monthly walk programme is a part of Lee Valley's 50 walks to mark its 50th anniversary!
Date: Saturday, 11 March
Time: 13:00 - 15:00
Price: FREE
Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7QL. Meet at the Ice Centre car park, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7QL.
To find out more: www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 03000 030610
For information about Lee Valley’s 50th Anniversary walks, head to visitleevalley.org.uk/whatson
Ranger Drop-ins
Come and have a chat with the Lee Valley Ranger Team and find out about River Lee Country Park. Talk about your experiences, find out about upcoming events and activities or how to get involved.
Date: Saturday, 18 March 2017
Time: 13:00 - 15:00
Price: FREE
Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire
EN9 1AB
A Walk in the Park
This walk around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park explores scenic parkland and iconic Olympic venues. This is just one of a series of 50 walks to mark Lee Valley’s 50th anniversary!
Check out the full schedule of walks online. visitleevalley.org.uk/whatson or call 03000 030 610 for more information.
Date: Sunday 26 March
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Price: Free
Lee Valley VeloPark, Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3AB.
visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark or call 03000 030 610.
Lee Valley Pentathlon
Come along to this exciting pentathlon for U13s and U15s. With five different athletic disciplines from high jump to hurdles, this event is great for any ability.
Date: Sunday 26 March
Time: from 10:00
Price: £15; free to spectate
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR.
Tel: 020 8344 7230; www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics
Cycle the Olympic Way
Date: Sunday, 26 March 2017
Time: 10:00
Price: FREE
Booking needed
River Lee Country Park - Fishers Green, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EG
To find out more: www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 03000 030610.
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
Lee Valley White Water Centre: Afternoon tea at The Terrace Bar & Café
Sunday 26 March
Time: 10:00-17:00
Price £15
The Terrace Bar & Café, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN9 1AB.
www.gowhitewater.co.uk or call 03000 030610.
Mother's Day at the Farm
Visit the 300 furry and feathered friends at Lee Valley Park Farms. Families can enjoy a host of fun activities on the farm, including meeting llamas, guinea pigs, rabbits and exotic species such as Bearded Dragons, as well as taking a ride on Tex the Tractor to a working dairy farm.
Mums go free on Mother’s Day at the Farm.
Date: Sunday 26 March
Time: 10:00-17:00
Price: FREE for mums. Normal admission prices apply for the rest of the family.
Standard entry for all: £9 including Adult (18+), Child (2 - 17), Concession (senior citizen or registered disabled); Under 2s go FREE.
Lee Valley Park Farms: open daily until 29 October 2017
Address: Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF
To book or to find out more: www.lvfarms.co.uk or 01992 892 781.
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Other activities
Experience cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark
Book a cycling experience at Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Choose from cycling the track in the iconic velodrome, race on the road circuit, tackle the mountain bike trails or jump and bump on the berms of the BMX track. This is a perfect time to get fit and start training for a summer sportive in the VeloStudio, a suite of state-of-the-art static bikes. Ride the course of the Tour de France with the Sufferfest videos or train with a virtual instructor to music and pulsating lights. Look out for the Ride in Movie night on the first Wednesday of the month. Follow Twitter @LeeValleyVP for a chance to vote for your movie choice. For little ones, give them the best start on two wheels with VeloBalance and Pedal Up! sessions that take place in the centre of the track.
For further information, go to: visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark or call 03000 030 610.
Sculpture Trail
A six mile long sculpture trail, launched by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, is one of the latest highlights of a visit to leafy River Lee Country Park, filled with lakes and green spaces. The 15 handcrafted artworks along the six-mile trail include a Giant Chair, Bird Transition - a stone carving depicting local birds in the River Lee, The Shrine and a Viking Ship. www.visitleevalley.org.uk/sculptures
FootGolf
Try FootGolf at Lee Valley. Make your way around the 18 hole course using a football in groups of four. The object of the game is to get the ball into the hole using only your feet in the fewest number of shots possible. Combine power and precision to get the ball in that hole!
Price: Adult £10; Junior: (Under 16) and Concessions £5
Time: weekends and school holidays - 12:00 -13:45
Book online or call 020 8803 3611 to book your session.
Lee Valley Golf Course, Meridian Way, Edmonton N9 0AR.
In the country
For other ideas or a chance to get away from it all, there are plenty of walks or cycle routes in the Lee Valley, with over 30 walking routes and more than 20 cycle routes to find the perfect day out for the family. Bring the family and enjoy discovering the many and varied walks in the award winning open spaces. Go to www.visitleevalley.org.uk and download a range of recommended cycle and walking routes. Find out more: www.visitleevalley.co.uk or call 03000 030 610.
Stay the weekend
When visiting the Lee Valley and its attractions, including Lee Valley White Water Centre and the open spaces including River Lee Country Park, people can make a weekend of it by staying at one of three camping and caravan parks, including Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir, which offers a range of accommodation including Wigwams®, which are stylish timber cabins.
For more information, go to: www.visitleevalley.org.uk/camping
For more about all activities in the Lee Valley go to: www.visitleevalley.org.uk