Category: Science & Education

Less is more

Posted on by

Ask any parent and they will tell you of the increasing pressure they feel when planning a child’s birthday party. The growing competitive element of hosting a children’s birthday party that has recently emerged now means that many parents end up overspending and creating a party that is filled to the brim with far too many activities.

Here at Kiddy Zone, we are well aware of the pressures facing parents, and would like to tell you that those looking to create a memorable birthday celebration for their little one should focus on simplicity and fun and try to ignore, where possible, the feeling that they have to compete with other parents as this can actually result in having an adverse effect on your children’s party!

Do remember that children love simplicity. Not to say the entertainment shouldn’t be good or varied. It should definitely be good and varied. It needs to be engaging, fun and imaginative too. But parents should avoid the temptation to overload their kid’s party with too many activities at the same time as this will end up being over stimulating and confusing. We’ve seen it time and time again where parent book an entertainer, bouncy castle, popcorn machine, mascot, face painter, etc. all in one party that last just 2 hours.

Parents feeling the need to plan a party filled with different activities can actually leave birthday boys and girls so overwhelmed with far too much to take in that they don’t focus properly on any one thing and are unable to really enjoy their special day properly. Instead, parents should choose no more than a handful of activities for the children and to make sure that there is plenty of time for the kids to enjoy all of it.

In the same way, parents that don’t plan enough activities or have any form of entertainment at all, can often find that their children are completely underwhelmed, bored or worse become very restless and start running around and be difficult for parents to control. If there is no structure to the entertainment planned this can happen a lot, which is something all parents want to avoid.

A perfect party has a few fun activities planned for different times, but parents should be prepared for their party ‘timetable’ to change slightly during the celebration so it can be adapted to suit the kid’s energy levels on the day and to accommodate any unforeseen events e.g. food running late.

Science Parties

Science Parties are a relatively new but very exciting kind of children’s entertainment and something extremely varied and engaging for the kids and suitable for ages 4- 12. They are perfect if you are looking to mix fun and excitement with learning all about just how fantastic and fun science can be.

Kids get to watch really colourful and visual science demonstrations as well as fun experiments. Plus, science related games. This is another great option for parents as it’s very different from what you see at most parties. But we’d only recommend this if you know your kids are into science.

The Puppeteer

Puppet shows are great for children of all ages and have been part of our culture for thousands of years. They’re normally aimed at 3-7 year olds but can work for 2 years too. Even if the younger children don’t fully understand the storyline or the jokes, they can still enjoy the visual aspects and get involved with audience participation, which usually includes shouting things to the puppets and doing loads of funny actions.

Puppet shows can be the main event or form part of a huge mix of party activities. Either way, it goes down a treat and is often one of the things kids remember best.

The Circus Performer

Circus performers or clowns are great for children’s parties where the guests are a little bit older (maybe 4 and up) any younger and the kids can get a bit scared of clowns as they don’t like the make up on the face or the red nose and clown wig. Our clowns do loads of fun clown gags and jokes. The parties are very interactive for children. A clown is not something kids see every day so it really adds a brilliant wow factor when your child sees a clown coming to their party for their birthday.

Apart from general clowning around, a clown can be a magician, he can hold a puppet show, do games, juggling, etc. Clowns can be balloon moddlers or, face painters; their versatility really is endless.

Science Parties make great Birthdays

Posted on by

Every parent wants their child to have a fun, entertaining time at their birthday party and one of the ways of doing this is by organising a party that includes something that they love. For little ones with inquisitive minds, you may be interested in knowing that science parties can also be booked. Science is becoming cool and fun again! It always was, but kids are really latching onto it more and more because they are seeing just how much fun it can be!

If you want to hold a science party birthday bash for your son or daughter, here are some ideas to help you make it fun:

• Get your kids dressed up in Lab coats and science goggles. White ‘lab coats’ transform children into young scientists and maybe add some cool science googles that you can get from any online shop that sells fun kids science gear. Maybe even an Einstein style wig would be a nice touch!

• Science-related nibbles. You can make cool science themed snacks, but if these sound too technical, simply give each snack a fun, scientific name. Like slimy worms for jelly worm sweets, or cherry tomatoes on cocktail sticks for molecules, fizzy drinks served in conical flasks or test tubes, massive science beakers instead of jugs, get periodic tables themed table covers, etc.….

You can even get the children to make their own experimental foods using food colouring. The messier and creepier their snacks turn out to be, the better.

Children’s Science parties offer an interactive party experience that get guests learning and having an incredibly fun time.

Easy Fancy Dress

Posted on by

Having a children’s party in fancy dress is unbelievable amounts of fun!! Nowadays we’re spoilt for choice with online party costume shops. You could go and buy some costumes, but then why do that when you could have the fun of making them? It’s great fun and a great activity to do with your kids and gets them even more excited about the big day!

Find Materials

There are lots of cheap materials you can find around the house to make some great costumes. The greatest of all is cardboard! You can make anything out of cardboard when you’re armed with lots of masking tape, a pair of scissors and some string. It’s very easy to pick up some free cardboard boxes if you go and ask around at some shops. Supermarkets in particular get through a lot of boxes and should have some spare banana boxes that they’ll be happy to give you. Otherwise cereal boxes are a good alternative and can be easier to manipulate for things like a quick rolled wizards hat!

Oversized Glasses

No children’s science party would be complete without a few nutty professors and all you need is one of Dad’s old white shirts and then make an oversized pair of glasses and a funny bow tie!

For the glasses all you need is cardboard, masking tape and a pair of scissors or craft knife. Just draw the shape for the front and sides of the glasses in one line, just like the old paper 3D glasses, and make sure you have the curve to fit over the nose and the curly bits to go round your ears. A responsible adult needs to cut around the outline, taking extra care when cutting out the middle of the frames. Do this by making a hole in the middle so you can poke the scissors through and cut.

Then paint your glasses. Black is traditional, but you could always get the glitter out and make some Elton John style glasses! After you’ve finished your jazzy painting just fold the sides to a form a right angle with the front and complete your glasses shape. To reinforce the fold and to make the nutty professor look all the more convincing, you can wrap the masking tape around the corners to give a broken glasses look.

Big Funny Bow Tie

The bow tie is a similar process. Just draw out a big bow tie shape, cut it out and paint it any colour you like. Now make two sets of two holes either side of the knot in the centre of the bow tie. Then take a long piece of string and thread it up and down the holes, so that you don’t have to make a knot on the painted side of the bow tie. Then put on the bow tie and tie a double knot.

Pretty Fairy Wings

Every little girl feels special in set of fairy wings and they’ll enjoy them even more if they made them themselves! The easiest way to make them is to cut out the two wings as one shape, so that the two wings join together with a strip of cardboard at least 10 cm long. This should make it easier for them to stay upright. When you’ve cut them out it’s time to get painting. You could draw out some pattern to paint with lots of swirly lines and stars and then whilst the paint is still wet, sprinkle on some glitter!

Cut four holes in the centre of the wings by poking your scissors through with blue tack the other side to lean on. You can use elastic to finish the wings, or if you don’t have any elastic just use string. Just thread the elastic up and down through the left set of holes and take another piece for the right set. Then tie a knot to make a circle for the fairy’s arm to fit through. It is easier to do this if you tie them directly onto the fairy and then she’s all set to flutter away!

Show your kids some history

Posted on by

Tower Bridge Exhibition
Adult £9, Child (5-15y) £3.9, under 5 free
What better way to visit one of the most famous bridges in the world than with Tower Bridge Exhibition! Located within the bridge itself, this fabulous exhibition has stunning views across London and houses ‘Great Bridges of the World’, which features over 20 bridges. Learn the history behind the fascinating structure and why it was originally built.

St Paul’s Dome
Located at the top of Ludgate Hill, this iconic cathedral has survived much of London’s turbulent past and is steeped with history. Enjoy a visit and explore the stunning interiors, marvel at its treasures and climb the famous dome which dominates London’s skyline. During your ascent, you will find the famous whispering gallery where you can stand at either end and whisper to each other! Atop the dome, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of ‘The Big Smoke’ in all its glory!

Greenwich park
Free entry
Walk up the Greenwich Park end enjoy a panoramic view of the Queen’s House, London’s Maritime Museum and Canary Wharf’s Skyscrapers. You can also see some wildlife at the Deer Park, beautiful flowers at the Rose Garden & the Flower Garden, and many other activities around the park.

One New Change Rooftop Terrace
free entry
Take the transparent lift overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, up to the Rooftop Terrace. It is open to the public 7 days a week from 6am to midnight. There are free seating area where you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views under the sun (fingers crossed for the weather!).

Space kids

Posted on by

Get ready to reach for the stars, as we share the six best fun planetariums in the UK. Great family days out. Which one will you be heading to first?

Thinktank, Birmingham

You’ll need your thinking caps on for a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham’s science museum. Guaranteed to have your brain buzzing with curiosity across 200 hands-on displays, don’t miss the planetarium on Level 3 for just £1.50 on top of your ticket price. With a range of shows and special events throughout the year, it’s a great way to see the magic of space from here in the UK.

Armagh Planetarium, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Pay a visit to Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical education and uncover a whole host of space secrets at Armagh Planetarium. Learn about the cosmos through interactive displays and catch up with the latest space news in real time, plus design, build and launch your own rocket in the exciting crafts zone. With lots of shows suitable for family audiences, as well as some with age restrictions, the digital theatre is the ultimate planetarium experience.

We The Curious (formerly At-Bristol), Bristol
Curiosity is key at this recently relaunched attraction, which is also home to the UK’s first 3D planetarium. Experience what it’s like to have planets, stars and galaxies all within reach at We The Curious, as you sit back and enjoy this stunning immersive experience. Elsewhere in the attraction, let your curiosity run free through a range of fun and hands-on displays, it’s the perfect family escape.

Winchester Science Centre
Lie back and enjoy the 360° show taking place right above your head, as the huge domed screen at Winchester Science Centre places you right in the heart of the action. There are both pre-recorded films and live presenter-led shows each day, where you can be completely immersed in a wide range of topics, from blasting off into space, to tours of the night sky. With plenty more to explore too, and lots of hands-on activities, this is a great day out for the whole family!

National Space Centre, Leicester
Your journey into space starts here, as the National Space Centre in Leicester is home to six interactive galleries, the iconic Rocket Tower and the UK’s largest planetarium! In the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, named after the prominent astronomer, journey through time and space in We Are Stars, or take a Tour of the Night Sky, all from the comfort of your seat! This award-winning attraction also regularly hosts some exciting events, so be sure to check those out for your visit

Planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London
Pay a visit to the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the prime meridian of the world, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich! Stand on the iconic meridian line with one foot in the west and one in the east, marvel at the seventh biggest telescope in the world and see the clocks that changed the world, all before taking a tour of the universe from London’s only planetarium. With a range of shows for the whole family, fly into the heart of the sun, see the birth of a star or land on Mars in the impressive dome.

Out of this world

Posted on by

Planetariums are great fun for kids and here are some the most out of this world spots to explore!

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire

Winchester Science Museum at you could hold a meteorite and moon rock, launch your own rocket or catch a show in the planetarium. A perfect way for little ones to learn about the stars. .

Southend Planetarium, Essex

Enjoy fascinating live talks and learn all about the night sky including the solar system and astronomy with shows which are suitable for ages 7+.

Armagh Planetarium, Northern Ireland

Kids (and adults) will  learn about our exploding universe during this fun family space adventure. .

Royal Observatory, London

Visit the home of the world famous Greenwich Mean Time, and London’s only planetarium! Enjoy shows as well as seeing the fascinating collections of timekeeping instruments. Stand either side of the Meridian line which divides eastern and western hemispheres.

At-Bristol Science Centre; Bristol

You are guaranteed a unique day out full of fun and discovery aimed at people of all ages. Enjoy  ‘Destination Space’ and ‘Winter Stargazing’. .

Liverpool Planetarium, World Museum Liverpool

Suitable for all the family, this fantastic planetarium offers free admission. you will take off on a magical journey through space. Be sure to check out ‘The Night Sky’ show!

 

Easter exploring

Posted on by

The days are getting longer, the theme parks are re-opening and warmer weather is hopefully on the way, making it a great time of year to get exploring. Plus, with the Easter holidays just around the corner too, adventure most certainly awaits.

From World Book Day and lambing season to British Science Week and even Winnie the Pooh, here’s our guide to the best in children’s entertainment and things to do in March:

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

With World Book Day taking place on 1st March, this month is the perfect time to reignite your kids love of books, and where better place to start than the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre?

Situated in the village that the famous author lived in and wrote for 36 years, you can explore 40 interactive displays bringing his enchanting stories to life. On selected dates this month, kids can make heads for Hornswogglers, create Boggled Box Beasts and fly a Kicksy Kite – it’s a truly gloriumptious day out for the whole family.

Tim Peak’s Spacecraft at Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Rewind back to June 2016 and you might just remember Tim Peake returning back to Earth following his space mission, and now you can see his space capsule up close at the Museum of Science and Industry! Landing in Manchester on 10th March, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the Soyuz TMA-19M, complete with scorch marks from its re-entry through the atmosphere. With 15-minute presentations, every weekend, the out of this world adventure takes place here until 13th May, before continuing its tour.

Lambing season at Umberslade Farm Park, Warwickshire

Head to your local farm park this month, and chances are you’ll come face to face with some very cute newborn animals, and Umberslade Farm Park is certainly the place to do just that. Kids can meet the new lambs and even have the chance to help with the bottle-feeds. As a real working farm, there’s always something new and exciting to see too, and don’t miss the tractor and trailer ride for a fun tour of the site.

Winnie the Pooh Exhibition at the V&A Museum, London

There’s a new playful exhibition in London, as the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh until 8th Discover the story behind the charming bear, with sketches, letters, photographs and more exploring the classic tales. Whether you’re bringing a young child who may be experiencing Winnie the Pooh for the first time, or you remember growing up with the books, there’s something to entertain all ages. And in the very wise words of Winnie the Pooh, “we didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun”. 

Explore Bristol with kids

Posted on by

There’s plenty to keep young kids occupied in Bristol, from At-Bristol to SS Great Britain. Here are some of the best ways to keep your children and teens entertained when visiting the city…

Banksy art, Bristol

But there’s a lot more to Bristol than Banksy. Starting from City Hall and going through the city centre to Stokes Croft you can learn about the techniques used, artist backgrounds and the meaning behind some of the pieces.

Bristol street art

Depending on your point of view, our final destination, Stokes Croft, is either full of drug dens and brothels, bohemian and edgy or gentrified and expensive to live in. Whatever your thoughts there’s definitely lots of street art to see.

St Nicholas Market

Leaving street art tour head back to the city centre via the indoor St Nicholas Market. The market has the usual clothing and knick-knack stalls but what sets it apart are the food outlets. With options from all over the world it wouldn’t look out of place in Borough Market.

Cabot tower

Built in the 1890s to commemorate the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to Canada the tower is free to visit. There’s a 360 degree panoramic view from the top although getting there may involve a squeeze. The spiral stairs are pretty narrow and things get interesting when you meet someone coming the opposite direction!

Giant’s cave, Clifton Observatory

Clifton Observatory is home to two attractions, a Camera Obscura and Giant’s Cave.  There is a touch of make believe about the tale, the steps lead out onto a platform with an impressive view of the gorge and bridge.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

On the far side there’s a small visitor centre. Kids can play with a weighing machine that tells you how many of yourself can stand on the bridge without it collapsing. Quite a few fortunately!

Eating out

One of the great treats on a city break is eating out.

Under the stars

A floating tapas boat moored at the Harbourside. Lots of tasty veggie options, reasonable size portions and a quirky venue.

Urban Tandoor

An Indian restaurant with great service in a small (and dark) venue so book in advance.

Swoon gelato

An ice cream treat for the kids with lots of different flavours to choose from. Very tasty.

More great family places this summer

Posted on by

Enjoy LEGOLAND Windsor

Stacks of fun awaits at LEGOLAND, with the emphasis very much on letting children enjoy themselves. It’s dedicated to kids aged 3-12 years, and is a very unique experience where imagination knows no bounds. Get drenched on the Pirate Falls, travel through the depths of the LEGOLAND castle and find the force in the Star Wars Miniland Experience. More fun than you can ever imagine having with large, colourful blocks. You can even stay at the hotel.

Explore Jorvik Viking

Stroll through reconstructed Viking-Age streets at the dedicated Viking centre in York. The experience presents life as it was for the Vikings, complete with 1,000-year-old houses revealed beneath your feet and objects taken from excavations brought before your eyes. Adult tickets: £10.25 Children’s tickets (5-15): £7.25 

Go wild at Longleat safari

Pack up the car and prepare to be amazed as the big cats, zebras, rhinos and meddling monkeys cross your path, all in the UK. Longleat is the UK’s most popular safari park, and it’s easy to see why with its incredible crop of animals. Book ahead for one of the park’s newest features, hand-feeding giraffes in the African Village Adult tickets: £28 Children’s tickets (3-14years): £20.35

See a show at the Minack Theatre 

The Minack Theatre is the most famous open-air theatre in Britain. A beautiful theatre carved into the granite cliffs of Porthcurno in Cornwall, you can’t fail to be impressed with its magnificent views and structure, or by the seriously impressive shows it puts on during spring and summer, including storytelling and family specific performances. While you’re in the area, take a trip to Land’s End so your kids can tell their friends that they went to the end of the earth.

Go wild at the National History Museum

Packed to the rafters with dinosaur bones, fascinating fossils and interactive games, London’s Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction for every child. They will marvel as they stride under the giant T-Rex on arrival and be blown away by the models and characters they will meet along the way. Better still, it’s free!

Take launch at the National Space Centre

The most frequently asked question about space travel is ‘how do you go to the toilet in space?’ Find the answer, and so much more with a visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester. See roaring rockets, shining stars and actual moon rock at this out of this world attraction. Adult tickets: £13 Children’s tickets (5-16): £11 

Be bookworms at Seven Stories

Seven Stories in Newcastle celebrates the wonderful world of children’s books, in a seven storey building no less. See original artwork and manuscripts, settle down to book readings for different ages and see fancy dress and props from different books all under one roof. Adult tickets: £7.70 Children’s tickets (4-16): £6.60