Author: kiddy@admin

October half term ideas

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Looking for children’s entertainment on a budget during October half term? If you’re strapped for ideas for half-term family activities, never fear.

Take a free event.
Have a look at Free-events, search the web for more events going on in your area over the course of the week.

Watch a film;
For a lazy start to the day, Vue cinemas host Mini Mornings every morning during the holidays. Both adult and child tickets are £2.49 for selected movies, so you could release your inner child for very little expense.

Odeon offers something very similar with Odeon Kids. Kids and adults can go every morning during the school holidays at a slightly higher ticket price of £2.50.
Cineworld also does Movie for Juniors where you and the kids can get in for a tiny £2 each (3D £3.50).

Go bowling;
Head over to your local Tenpin from Monday to Friday and get a cracking School’s Out deal. If you go before 5pm, kids can get one game of bowling and a burger meal for £8.49 and adults can get the same for £10.99. Deals vary between bowling alleys so check the Tenpin website before you go.

Learn a new skill;
There’s everything from free scales and fins pet workshops at Pets at Home stores to spooky shadows workshops at the National Gallery.

Hobbycraft;
Runs a free workshops for kids in some of its 81 UK stores over the weekends and during half term. Check if your local store is running one.

Alternatively stay in and pass on your own skills (think instruments, drawing, cooking) to the kids.
Get sporty If the weather holds up, get them outside for a bit of a kickabout. Find out where to get free holiday football coaching at various skill centres throughout England.

Different Birthday Party ideas

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Looking for a children’s birthday party with a difference that won’t break the bank? Here’s our roundup of some amazing attractions and venues from across the UK that are sure to provide lots of lovely memories of their big day!

Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Poole, Dorset
£14.95 per family
This lovely farm offers so much fun for little (and big!) animal lovers alike. You’ll get to see live milking demos, pig races, have a go on a bouncy castle and more! Tickets include one child, two adults, food and drink, a tractor ride and full use of the park… which would normally retail at £35 each!

AMF Bowling, Various Locations
From £7.99 per child
What could beat a round of bowling for a fun, competitive and much loved classic kids birthday party? Fab food is all included in the price too!

Go Ape, Various Locations
From £17 per child
Swing, zip, balance and jump your way through the trees on the Tree Top Adventure courses, suspended high above the forest floor. Younger adventurers will love Tree Top Junior, a lower and easier version.

Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch, Dorset
Various Price Packages Available
With over 30 fab rides and attractions, Adventure Wonderland offers lots of fun for everyone! Battle it out on the Battle Boats (be prepared to get wet!), go on the Dragon’s Drop Megaslide or even go see some adorable animals in the Cuddle Corner Farm.

Mattel Play! Albert Dock, Liverpool
£15 per child
With over 13,000 square feet of themed exciting entertainment, including well known characters such as Thomas and Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder, kids will love exploring this amazing play centre! Yummy party food is included.

The Rainforest Cafe, Piccadilly Circus, London
£15.50 per child
Bringing together the fascinating sights and sounds of the jungle, this fab cafe is the perfect place for a wildlife mad partygoer! See the animals brought to life, experience thunderstorms and, of course, eat lots of super yummy food too!

Go Air Trampoline Park, Ty-glas Avenue, Cardiff
£16 per person
With 60 minutes of pure trampolining fun in their open space, 40 minutes in their dedicated special party room, socks, invites AND food (you’ll get either a choice of Papa John’s pizza or a delicious deli sandwich), Go Air is the place to take your active little ones looking to blow off some steam on their big day!

Funky Monkeys, Cityside, Belfast
From £8 per child
With jungle themed play rooms, an interactive kitchen area, car track with crazy coupe cars and more, Funky Monkeys will not disappoint and is sure to provide lots of fun on your little monkeys big day! There’s a range of party options available to suit all needs, so be sure to check out their website!

Waterworld, Newquay, Cornwall
From £17.99 per person
With a 6 lane 25m pool, tropical fun pool, 2 water flumes, cannons, tippers and a snake fountain, this is the perfect place to host your pool mad little ones party! Prices include unlimited pool use, small buffet package, free return for the birthday child, 50% off future visits for all guests and more!

Sea Life Centre, Great Yarmouth, Norwich
From £10.50 per child
Sea Life is fab for aquatic mad little ones! Price includes entrance to the centre, a dedicated VIP tour by one of the crew, hot meal, free local annual pass for the birthday child, free downloadable invites and more!

Where kids can eat for FREE

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Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
There are several Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurants which offer Kids Eat Free for every adult main course ordered, including Maze Grill Mayfair, Bread Street Kitchen and The Narrow in London. Giraffe World Kitchen

Countrywide
From Monday to Sunday, all day long, kids eat free with every main meal purchased! All you need to do is simply download and print your voucher from their website.

Damon’s Restaurant
Kids under 12 years old can enjoy a free main course from the kids menu which available from Monday to Saturday 12-6pm at Damon’s restaurant.

Coal Grill and Bar
Kids aged 10 and under can enjoy a free meal from Coal Kids Menu per adult spending £10 or more, available from Monday to Friday 12-5pm.

Morrisons
Morrisons offers one free kids meal (for under 16 years old) with any adult hot meal (over £4.50) from 3pm every day.

ASDA
Kids can eat free on weekdays after 3.30pm for every adult meal purchased worth £4.

The Real Greek
The Real Greek offers free kids meal on Sundays for every £10 spend by an adult.

A stress free Family day out

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We’ve come up with some top tips for making sure everything goes smoothly and everyone has a day to remember for all the right reasons!

Plan ahead
Plan your journey to avoid the stresses of getting lost on route with excitable children in tow! It also helps to pack the bag you’re taking the night before to stop the morning scramble.

Pack some spare clothes
No matter how old your children are take spare clothes with you, then they can relax and get messy or wet even if it wasn’t in the plan. Take a unisex variety so that it doesn’t matter who ends up wearing them!

Snacks to the rescue!
You can never take too many snacks! Keep separate snack boxes/ bags for each child to avoid arguments! Even better if they can pop them in their own backpack.

Money Money Money
Take loose change with you, especially £1 coins and keep it handy. Many attractions have ‘extra’ children’s activities you can do such as; feeding animals or rides and often this costs £1 or so, plus there might be parking charges.

Take wellies/walking shoes
Some places might get muddy when it has rained and no one wants to get their shoes caked in mud. Also, take plastic bags to put the wellies in after so you can keep the car clean!

Sun protection
With the weather always being changeable it is a good idea to always carry sun cream, sunglasses and sun hats.

Ease your kids back into the school routine

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Bring back the Bedtime Routine
At least a week before the start of the new term, get the children back into their term-time bedtime routine. If they have become used to going to bed later, the easiest way to reinstate an earlier bedtime is to get them up earlier. Choose a time and stick to it each morning in the lead up to going back to school.

Reintroduce Reading and Writing
Do a little reading and writing practice each day which will get your little one back into the swing of things. It’s also a great confidence booster as they settle back into school.

Make a Memory Box
If your little one is sad that the holidays have come to an end, get them to create their very own fun memory box containing their favourite school holiday memories. Explain that they can look in the box at any time to remember all the fun times they had, plus this could be the start of a lovely tradition.

Plan something fun for October Half Term
Although we’re all feeling sad that the holidays have come to an end, the good news is that it’s not long until the next one. Why not plan a fun day out with your little one for the October half term which will give them something to look forward to!

Check for ‘Forgotten’ Homework
Quiz the kids and get them to check their bags/homework diaries for any forgotten projects and/or homework which needed to be done during the school holidays. Kids have a great habit of forgetting until the very last minute and then conveniently blaming their parents.

Talk about School
Start talking to your child about their new teacher/class. Remind them of names, where their new classroom is and what year group they are now in. This will help them to think about the changes ahead and will give them time to talk through any worries with you before they go back to school.

Be Positive
If your child worries about school, always try to talk to them about it in a positive way. Your attitude towards learning, friends and teachers will set the tone for your child as giving positive messages will build their confidence.

Let’s have a BBQ

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The best bbq spots to keep you in the know!

London Field, Hackney, London

In the heart of the big smoke, London fields has a designated BBQ area, as well as a cricket pitch, heated 50m lido and lido cafe, grass areas, a BMX track, tennis courts, a table tennis table and two children’s play areas!

Tatton Park – Knutsford, Cheshire

This 1,000-acre parkland provides ample opportunity to walk, run, cycle, fly a kite, horse ride and of course, have a BBQ! There are beautiful trails and a sound garden to explore. With over thirty rides, Tatton Park adventure playground is one of the young ones main reasons for visiting. BBQ’s should only be used in the designated areas.

New Forest, Hampshire

Originally a royal hunting preserve, the thriving working forest that you see today has survived for nearly 1,000 years. BBQ’s are welcome in the picnic areas at Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley. If you are catering for bigger parties, then there are also two sites for hire in the New Forest at Anderwood and Wilverley. Both these sites have BBQ’s that will cater for up to 100 people and are a great for large family get-togethers.

The Meadows, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh are the place to be on a sunny afternoon for visitors and townsfolk alike! There area has over twenty BBQ spots across its expanse to ensure that you can enjoy a BBQ in this glorious spot, whilst only being a stone’s throw from the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumbria

Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, Kielder Water and Forest Park is the perfect BBQ spot for nature loving families! There are three great visitor centre’s, at Tower Knowe, Leaplish or Kielder Castle. Leaplish Waterside Park has a designated BBQ site with panoramic views of the reservoir. This is the ideal base to recharge and refresh with your friends, family and favourite flamed foods!

Constantine Bay, Cornwall

With its breathtaking beaches and dunes, Constantine Bay is an amazing spot to have a family BBQ! Take in the beauty of the wild Atlantic whilst enjoying the grilled delights of fresh fish from the nearby fishing village of Padstow.

Pembrey Country Park, South Wales

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula, this glorious 500 acre parkland overlooks the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay! There are a number of designated BBQ sites throughout the park.

Picnic BBQ Tips
Make sure there are no restrictions where you intend to cook.
Take care in the hot dry part of the year that you don’t cause fires.
Don’t leave the BBQ unattended.
Keep a close eye on the kids.
If using a disposable BBQ, let it cool down before removing.
Take all litter home and leave the area as you found it.

Have fun!!

Enjoy the great outdoors

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1. Keep clothing simple and sensible
Whilst it’s easy to throw on some jeans and a heavy hoodie to keep warm, they take much longer to dry than lightweight layers or waterproof options such as jackets and trousers if you’ve been caught out by the rain. Denim is fine if you’re keeping close the campsite, but keep waterproof options within close reach if you’re heading further afield for a hike! Taking along two pairs of shoes for walks/hikes and ones to slip on at the campsite is always a good idea too.

2. Stay close to home for your first camp
Whilst escaping to a remote location in the middle of nowhere with minimal facilities sounds idyllic, in reality being near a bathroom when nature calls and supermarket for any emergency must-haves beats all other options! Try opting for a campsite close to home for your first time camping, just in case you do happen to need to run back home if need be!

3. Plan children’s entertainment
So, what do you do once you’ve set up your tent, everything is organised and your little campers are eager to get stuck into their surroundings? Plan walking, cycling or hiking routes in advance, as well as taking a look at what attractions and events are taking place nearby, to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip… and earning your campfire dinner on your return! Bringing along some fun and easy-to-pack things to do is a good idea to keep everyone occupied too. For example, a ball, frisbee, colouring books, or notebooks for those looking to take note of what they discover nearby!

4. Prepare for all weather
If you’re in England, you’ll probably do this anyway thanks to our ever-changing weather. Pack jumpers for when they get cold in the evening and remember the suncream. Just in case! It can be a pain to take lots of clothing but you’ll be grateful you covered all eventualities. There’s nothing worse than a cold or sunburnt child!

5. Bring lots and lots of bug spray, repellent, and essential oils
No matter how “bug-free” you are told the area is, nothing attracts those little creatures like young blood! If your little one is unfortunate enough to be bitten by something, you can rest assured knowing you have everything you need to soothe the pain and itching.

6. Easy Snacks
While tent camping most of our cooking was done over the fire or propane stove. So think about that and if you want to start it up every time one of your little angels says “I’m hungry!” Bringing pre-prepared snacks will be a great time saver and you’ll thank yourself when your kids are suddenly “starving”!

7. Take extra-long marshmallow sticks
One of the best things about camping is roasting marshmallows. No matter their age, size, or heat of the fire, your little people will want to help roast their own! Keep the risk as low as possible by taking extra long sticks with you.

8. Take a potty
This is for those of you with smaller children, but not necessarily just those who are potty training. Late night toilet runs with little ones are never fun, so save yourself the journey across the dark campsite by taking a potty with you.

9. Remember their favourite blanket/teddy/music maker
Sleeping in a new environment can be both exciting and terrifying for children, so take a bit of home comfort with you. Not only will it help settle them at night and hopefully get them to sleep easier, it may also come in handy to cheer them up if there are any little accidents while you’re away.

10. Take your patience, patience and more patience!
Kids will be kids and you can only do so much. They will be loud, they will cause chaos, and they will get themselves and their stuff dirty! Especially right after a shower and you clean something. They will be themselves times 100! Even more outspoken, excitable, and uncontrollable!

Stay close to the magic

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Here are some top 6 hotels within a short distance from the Disneyland magic!

1. Vienna House Dream Castle

Vienna House Dream Castle is the closest of the non-Disney hotels and has been designed in the style of a historic palace set in beautiful French gardens. It has a wide choice of rooms with families in mind. They also offer guests free parking and a complimentary shuttle bus to the parks.

2. Explorers Hotel

The Explorers Hotel is a brilliant option for large families as they offer interconnecting rooms that can sleep up to 10 guests. It has a huge indoor play area, on-site 6D cinema and secret lagoon swimming pool, complete with water slides and toddler area! A complimentary shuttle bus will take you to and from the parks.

3. Vienna House Magic Circus

Vienna House Magic Circus is a great value for money offering super comfortable rooms with a curtained-off kids area in the rooms with bunk beds. Also games consoles in the rooms and a fun outdoor playground to keep the kids entertained! A free shuttle bus service is also available to take you to straight to the heart of the magic at Disneyland Paris.

4. Hotel Kyriad, Magny-le-Horne

The Kyriad Hotel is a budget-friendly, family hotel with larger sized hotel rooms, most having a double bed and a set of bunk beds in each. The hotel has a video games room as well as a play area in the lobby and an onsite farm with ponies, goats and rabbits. Jump on the complimentary shuttle bus to take you straight to the Disney parks

5. Radisson Blu Hotel

The Radisson Blu is a 10 minute drive from the airport and offers guests a complimentary shuttle to and from the Disney parks. The rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and also has access to 3 beautiful 9 hole golf courses. After a day of Disney, you can swim in the indoor swimming pool or enjoy a family dinner in one of the restaurants.

6. Hotel L’Elysee

Hotel L’Elysee is just one stop away from the Disney parks by train. Bedrooms are well equipped for families with both triple and two double bed configurations. The town offers fabulous shopping and dining with the added bonus of The Vallee Village Chic Outlet Shopping.

Tiny Knights

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Warwick Castle launches ‘Tiny Knights’ sleepovers designed for families with active toddlers and preschoolers. Over two full days of fun, little knights and princesses can discover first-hand more than 1,100 years of history and enjoy craft, songs and story-time as part of an enchanting stay in the mediaeval-themed Knight’s Village, located within a woodland glade in the Castle grounds.

With family-friendly accommodation in a cosy Knight’s Village Woodland Lodge, the package also includes two days’ priority entry to Warwick Castle with VIP access; a hearty breakfast for all the family in the Mediaeval Banquet Hall; two-hour playtime in the Tiny Knight’s Club, exclusive to Knight’s Village guests; and car parking.

Keeping young, enquiring minds and hands busy can be a challenge, but not at Warwick Castle. Easy to explore on foot, the Castle and grounds offer plenty to excite the imagination and retain the attention of the most active and curious little guests: the Horrible Histories Maze, complete with a Viking ship; the Pageant Playground; birds of prey swooping overhead in the Flight of the Eagles Show; and the ever-so-slightly spooky Bear Tower. During their stay, young guests will encounter memorable characters from history, experts at ensuring children of all ages enjoy stories from the Castle’s past. To run off some of that boundless energy, explore the Castle grounds and gardens, in full spring bloom, and home to the Castle’s famous peacocks.

Historical quests completed, families can return to Knight’s Village where their little ones can enjoy a free two-hour playtime in the Tiny Knight’s Club. Hosted by the Castle jester, it’s a hands-on play experience with children’s crafts, songs and storytelling.

Then, after a fun-packed day, it’s time to retire to a Woodland Lodge to drift off to well-earned sleep in either a travel cot (provided on request) or their own bedroom – adorned with a fun mediaeval-themed mural featuring the Castle. Whilst the kids sleep soundly, parents can relax in front of the TV or enjoy river and woodland views from their private terrace.

About Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is easily accessible from Junction 15 of the M40, just 40 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 minutes from London. Warwick Castle is easy to reach by train from London Marylebone in only 86 minutes. The Castle, set in 64 acres of grounds designed by Capability Brown, rests on the banks of the River Avon at the heart of historic Warwick.

Painted Rocks

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Over the last couple of months kids have found a few painted rocks. The craze is like one big treasure hunt in which you’re encouraged to find painted rocks and then rehide them so the game continues. It’s a great way to encourage the kids to get out and about too.

Where to find rocks to paint

If you can’t find any rocks around then you can buy them on Amazon or sometimes DIY or gardening shops will sell them. Large rocks with a flattish side work well, but any shape will do.

How to create your own painted rocks

There are two main ways to paint rocks, either using acrylic paints or using special pens. A common choice are permanent pens such as Sharpies. But if you don’t want your kids and furniture to be permanently marked use Posca pens instead, these are slightly more scratchy to use than some other pens and are easier to get off clothes.

It’s common to to put on the back of rocks to include some sort of instructions for what you want the finder to do next, usually the case is to share a photo to your local Facebook group so they could see if it had been found!

Varnishing your painted rocks

To varnish your rocks use PlastiKote Clear Super Gloss Clear Sealer which is a spray varnish – this stops all your designs disappearing if they get rained on! As this is an aerosol spray you’ll want to use it outside and well away from the kids, use a plastic bag to protect your garden from getting varnished too.

Where to hide painted rocks

We think there are two ways to look at hiding your rocks: firstly you can really hide them so that someone has really got to try hard to find them. Secondly you can put them somewhere a bit easy so they’ll actually be found again.

If you’re not already a member of your local rock hunting group then make sure to look for one on Facebook – a quick search of your town or county’s name and rocks in the search bar normally does the trick and you’ll often see that a lot of your local friends are in whatever the most busy local one for you is. Hopefully when your rocks are found someone will share a picture in the group and it’s fun for your kids to see their design being found

4 takeaway tips for hiding painted rocks:

Don’t hide rocks close to roads or other dangers, like canals or lakes.
Remember to write instructions on the back for whoever finds it, something like share a photo and then rehide works well.
Don’t make your hiding place too hard – you want it to be found after all!
Make sure you hide them in public spaces, not private property