October 2023 • Vision RCL

Half Term is just around the corner, and Vision have you covered with a range of activities and events for the family. Take a look at our top five this October for ideas and tips on what you can to for local entertainment, fun and adventure in Redbridge.

A full listing of events for children and families can be found on our Kids Activities page

1. Shows at Redbridge Drama Centre

Come down to Redbridge Drama Centre this October Half Term and embark on a special journey

Two people looking over Roald Dahl books

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

All around the world Roald Dahlʼs words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Can these stories be restored by using imagination, play and a heart full of tenderness?

Monday 23 October, Showings at 11am – 12pm and 1pm – 2pm

Suitable for all ages

All tickets £11.50

2. Drama Workshops

Have you ever wanted to take to the big stage or learn something new? Our drama workshops this Half Term are a fun way to learn new skills and have fun.

Wizarding Workshop

Learn how to be a wizard in this magical workshop, which aims to develop your childs acting skills while casting incantations.

Thursday 26 October, 10am – 4pm
Redbridge Drama Centre
For children in Year 3- Year 6
£45

Drama Days

Brace yourself for fun filled, energetic drama days where your child will get the opportunity to learn acting, improvisation and storytelling skills.

Friday 27 October, 10am – 4pm
Redbridge Drama Centre
Recommended for Years 5 – Year 6
£45

3. Sports Activities

Swim Crash Course

Get ready to make a splash this Half Term with our swimming sessions across Redbridge leisure centres. Our swimming crash courses are extremely popular, so make sure that you book your session in advance to avoid disappointment.

Our swimming sessions are taking place in:

Monday 23 – Friday 27 October

For ages 3-14

£37 Per child

Cycling sessions at Redbridge Cycling Centre
Cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh Autumn air while staying active.

Put the pedal to the metal with our cycling sessions at Redbridge Cycling Centre. We have a number of courses for those at different levels, providing the opportunity to learn to cycle or to develop your skills. Take a look at the sessions we’re offering this October and find something that suits you:

Balance Bike Skills
Monday 23 October
Ages 3-6
Price including bike: £12.50

NEW! – Ready Set Ride
Monday 23 October – Wednesday 25 October
Ages 3-6
3 sessions including equipment: £25

Novice Go-ride Skills
Tuesday 24 October
Ages 5-10
£12.50 per child

BMX Skills
Wednesday 25 October
Ages 7-14
£12.50 per child

Mountain Bike Skills
Thursday 26 October
Ages 7-14
£12.50 per child

Road Bike Skills
Friday 27 October
Ages 8-14
£12.50 per child

Water Sports at Fairlop

Join us at Fairlop Waters Outdoor Activity Centre as our popular Water Sports Camps return. The multi-activity week includes sailing, kayaking, canoeing, raft building, bell boating and orienteering. 

Water Sports Camp

Monday 23 October – Friday 27 October
Ages 8-16
5 day week camp: £220

4. Halloween Activities

Owls Play Centre Halloween Party

Are you ready for a spectacular spooky party? Then come down and join us for our special Halloween Party, which includes play at Owls Play Centre, a special appearance from our very own Wizard to play party games, party dances, magic tricks, balloon modelling and more!

Friday 27 October
Under 2s £6.00
Child 2-10 years £10.00

Fairlop Waters Halloween Spooky Trail

Get into the Halloween spirit with our spooky trails – perfect for little adventurers this October. Collect an activity pack and get a prize and hot chocolate!

Saturday 21 to Saturday 29 October
10am – 4pm
Activity packs are £5 per child

We also have a Halloween trail at Hainault Forest, along with Halloween themed arts and crafts sessions throughout the holiday, visit the Hainault Forest website for more information.

5. Adventures at Redbridge Libraries

Redbridge Libraries will be hosting a number of events as part of Black History Month including interactive workshops, drop in craft sessions, African drumming workshops and much more. As well as that, our robotics workshops are back – for tech enthusiasts wanting to learn more about robotics and develop their skills, as well as our Lego workshops which are perfect for beginners.

These are only a few highlights of what we have to offer this Half Term, there is so much more on offer. For a full listing of events for children and families this October visit our kids events page.

World Mental Health Day, is observed on 10 October each year, created to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote global mental well-being. It serves as a vital platform for individuals, organisations, and communities to come together and address the challenges surrounding mental health.

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure is delighted to host a series of well being events at Valentines Mansion and Gardens to mark World Mental Health Day.

Come and take part in these free events set in the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of Valentines Mansion. Events include, Yoga and Relaxation, Mindful Arts and Crafts, Tea & Talk with Public Health England and Wellbeing Workshop with Mind.

The aims of World Mental Health Day align perfectly with our mission to prioritise mental health and well-being for all. We believe that mental health is as important as physical health and that addressing mental health challenges is essential for building a happier, healthier, and more productive society. By participating in World Mental Health Day activities, we demonstrate our commitment to reducing stigma, increasing access to mental health care, and fostering a supportive environment for those affected by mental health issues.

Through our involvement in World Mental Health Day, we aim to contribute to the global effort to destigmatize mental health, promote understanding and empathy, and advocate for policies and resources that enhance mental health care services worldwide. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally, and Vision RCL is proud to be a part of this important movement.

For more information on wellbeing events throughout the year please visit our dedicated Active Body, Healthy Mind page.

For more information about World Mental Health Day please visit the World Mental Health Day website.

Libraries Week takes place this year between Monday, 2 October and Sunday, 8 October, and we will be celebrating with a jampacked schedule full of activities for children and young people.

Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best libraries offer. Each year there’s a different theme to explore the innovative and surprising things libraries do to support their communities. 

This year, we are celebrating the work happening in libraries across the UK focused on sustainability and climate change.

Throughout the week, the `Green’ theme will be the main focus for various children’s activities, including; arts and crafts with recycled/recyclable materials, digital workshops, interactive storytelling & much more.

As part of the week, we’ll be offering some helpful tips on how people can visit their local library and help save the planet at the same time. For example, did you know you can borrow up to 20 books from your Redbridge Library rather than buy them? This helps create a shared economy that cuts down on consumption and the waste it causes.

If you find it difficult to visit your local library in person, why not discover our  digital collections on LibbyBorrowBox, Kanopy and Press Reader.

It’s quick and easy to get started, and you don’t even have to leave home! Download the apps to your devices to enjoy thousands of adult and children’s books, audio, films, newspapers, magazines and comics for free with your library card.

For more information about Libraries Week and to join Redbridge Libraries, visit our dedicated Libraries Week page.