Category: Activities

Try Pond dipping

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For fun family days out, here are a few essentials to ensure the trip is rewarding and fun:

  • Waterproofs, warm clothes and wellies
  • A shallow tray or container
  • A net (like the ones we use at the seaside, or you can make one with a coat hanger and pair of Mums tights).
  • Magnifying glass can be very useful if you have one.
  • An ID guide (which can be found online).
  • A camera or phone can be helpful for identifying tricky ones later!

Here’s what to look out for…

Amphibians -The time to look out for frogspawn is around February-March.  Frogs can lay over 5000 eggs in one go! Also look out for toads around the pond margins and newts in the water! Can you tell the difference between toad and frogspawn?

Minibeasts – You should find a wide range of snails, beetles and other insects in the water. How many can you identify?

Fish – Sticklebacks or minnows are the most likely fish that you will see.

Where to pond dip?

The UK has literally thousands of ponds; they could be ornamental ones in the garden, the local duck pond or out in the countryside. A good place to look is at your local nature reserve. Often ponds are created to encourage wildlife and there may even be staff on hand to help!

Take care!

Gruffalo spotting

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Why not set off to find Julia Donaldson’s & Axel Scheffler’s famous spined monster.

The Gruffalo Spotters Trails are available at various Forestry Commission parks over the UK. They consist of an interactive walk which begins by downloading the Gruffalo Spotters App at home – we can’t recommend that enough, as phone signals are patchy enough in the forest without having to rely on some serious 4G power. You can still do the trail without the app.

Simply  follow clues throughout the forest, tracking down signs of the characters from The Gruffalo At each spot where you find one of the characters, there’s a round marker which you point your camera at and the app brings the characters to life as well as large clues and info boards. There’s plenty of other interactive things to do along the way too.

Aside from the stunning views across Exeter, the track, which is suitable for cyclists too, has various spots where you can hide out in fun woodland dens, make your own dens, photo spots and a large wooden xylophone. The kids were so engrossed with getting stuck into all the little extras along the way that we had to keep reminding them to search for the Gruffalo clues!

There’s a whole Julia Donaldson thing going on at Haldon Forest Park and you’ll also get to see Stick Man  at the beginning of the trail!

It should take around 2 hours walking around, stopping for clues, joining in with the extra interactive children’s activities, picnicking and having a spot of fun in the park. Although on a warmer, less windy day, we’re sure you’d get a good 3-4 hours at least.

You can also purchase activity packs from the cafe as well to enhance your Gruffalo spotting fun. But if you’re looking for a day out on a shoestring they’re not essential. It’s just as much fun going home and re reading the book to remind you of the day though!

Some old cinema classics

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Looking for some new ways to entertain the children? How about introducing the kids to some old classics….

The Goonies

This is a film loved in equal measure by us adults, the teen and the little ones. If you have not seen it before, it is about a group of childhood friends who discover an old Spanish map that leads them on an adventure to unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate.

During the entire adventure, they are chased by a family of criminals, who also want the treasure for themselves, whilst holding the scary (but ultimately friendly) giant called Sloth captive. Be aware: this film does contain some mild swearing.

The Wizard of Oz

“We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz”

Dorothy is stuck on a farm in dreary, sepia-toned Kansas dreams of a more exciting life somewhere over the proverbial rainbow; she gets her wish and then some when a tornado deposits the Midwesterner and her little dog, Toto, too, into a Technicolor wonderland.

Not only are the tunes catchy and the characters loveable (mostly), the story has the fantastic message that you can go out and see the world, have adventures, make new pals and experience life at its most grand, but in the end, there’s no place like home, and no one quite like your family and friends!

Matilda

Based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, it is the fabulous story of Matilda Wormwood, a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher, Miss Honey, vs. her exceptionally horrible and ignorant parents and the most sadistic school principal imaginable The Trunchbull.

It is a real feel-good film which sees Matilda become a tough, smart cookie who kicks butt through it all, eventually outsmarting all of those bad eggs — a true tale of triumph your kids will totally adore and may even encourage the kids that “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty” (only in a good way, of course!)

The Lion King

The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands; however, after Simba’s uncle Scar (Mufasa’s jealous younger brother), murders Mufasa, Simba is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. Upon maturation living with Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa (the slightly smelly Warthog), Simba is given some valuable perspective from his childhood friend, Nala, and his shaman, Rafiki, before returning to challenge Scar to end his tyranny and take his place in the Circle of Life as the rightful King.

Trolls

Want a film that literally makes you want to get up and dance? Trolls is the one for you and possibly our favourite recent kids’ film.

The Trolls are small creatures who live in an almost perpetual state of happiness, singing, dancing and hugging all day long until the Bergens invade Troll Village. Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and her friend, grumpy and pessimistic Branch set off on a journey to rescue their friends, partnered by an incredible music score that has you singing and dancing along.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

The film tells the story of Charlie Bucket who finds a Golden Ticket in a bar of Wonka’s Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight and gets to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world. They get to meet the weird and wonderful Oompa Loompas who sing their catchy song whenever a ticket holder disobeys Wonka and gets into a spot of trouble. A fun film with a great moral to the story.

Night at the Museum

Based around a Night watchman who starts work at a museum of natural history. He makes a startling discovery, that thanks to the unleashing of an ancient Egyptian curse, the museum’s animals, birds, bugs and other exhibits spring to life after the building closes.

The film is packed full of laugh-out-loud moments and actually makes visiting a museum seem cool to the kids. The two sequels; Battle of the Smithsonian and Secret of the Tomb are well worth watching

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the story of two children, Jeremy and Jemima Potts. They live with their widowed father, inventor Caractacus Potts. Using a few odds and ends, plus a great deal of hard work and imagination, Potts buys and converts an old wrecked car into a shiny new contraption which is affectionately named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. While on a seaside picnic with the children and the object of his affections, Truly Scrumptious, Potts weaves a story about the magical powers of the car and they get whisked off on a magical adventure to Vulgaria.

It is here where the children are captured by the terrifying Child Catcher. Aided by the village toymaker and all the children who have escaped capture by hiding in an underground cave, Potts and Truly masquerade as life-sized puppets and gain entry to the Baron’s birthday party to rescue them. They all live happily ever after, of course!

Mrs Doubtfire

When a finalized divorce leaves funny-guy Daniel Hillard without custody of his kids, he devises a quirky plan to spend time with them anyway – disguised as their nanny! My family loved following the story of Mrs. Doubtfire, a “Scottish Nanny” as he/she bonds with his kids, fools his ex-wife and terrorizes her new boyfriend.

The Railway Children

The story concerns a family who move from London to “The Three Chimneys”, a house near the railway in Yorkshire, after the father, who works at the Foreign Office, is imprisoned after being falsely accused of spying. The kids are soon drawn to the railway at the bottom of the garden, and all kinds of adventures.

Go to the cinema

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5 tips for taking your kid to the cinema for the first time:

Make sure your child is ready

A cinema can be a strange environment for a child, firstly it’s dark, can get very noisy and the screen is much larger than normal but it can be great children’s entertainment. If your child is sensitive to loud noises or is anxious about the dark, it’s probably best to wait until they are a little older as you don’t want them feeling uncomfortable from the start.

Pick the right film

Even when you follow the guidelines when it comes to age-appropriate films, it’s still a good idea to have a read of the general storyline before going to watch. You want their first film to be something gentle and heartwarming with enough of an engaging storyline that is easy for young children to follow

Have plenty of snacks and water

Even if you do decide to pick up some popcorn for yourself or older child before going into the cinema, do still make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and water in your bag as these are key for helping to keep your kids sitting in their seats. These come in especially handy if you hit a slow part of the film and they are starting to lose interest. Another tip is you could also encourage your children to watch the whole film with the promise of something nice afterwards, such as a hot chocolate or ice-cream, sometimes a little bit of bribery in these circumstances can really help!

Pick an aisle seat

As adults we usually opt for the middle of the row to be as central to the film as possible, don’t make that mistake with your kids. You want to be as close to the aisle as you can should they need to go to the toilet or are just getting to unsettled and need to stand or have a quick 5-minute walk. That way you cause as little disruption to the rest of the cinema-goers and you can get in and out of your seat quickly.

Don’t be embarrassed to leave

If your child is really not enjoying themselves, is distressed, unengaged or you feel the film is unsuitable than don’t feel bad or embarrassed to leave, you certainly won’t be the first parent to do so and it’s better than putting the rest of the cinema goers through constant crying and upset. Also, all your child may need is to have a quick walk to the bathroom or just a bit of fresh air and may want to return to the film. If you do have to leave don’t make your child feel bad, its a bit of a trial and error when it comes to these things so you want to keep it a positive experience. If it does go well and they are not too sugar-high from snacks you could celebrate with an ice-cream or something fun.

If things don’t go right the first time, don’t panic! There are so many factors that go into a good cinema trip and you can always just wait another month or so and try again. Look out for special toddler-friendly screenings too, or special cinema events designed to help introduce children to the cinema – Peppa Pig’s My First Cinema Experience is a great example

Amazing Museums

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There are loads of mind-bending UK museums just waiting to be explored, with all sorts to expand little minds. Think living museums. Check out some best museums in the UK for kids and plan your next educational outing, rainy or otherwise.

National Space Centre, Leicestershire

Suit up and step into the unknown, at the National Space Centre, which has one of the best planetariums in the UK. Six interactive galleries take you on a quest through the museum’s lunar base, past alien autopsies (eek!) and on a wild ride into the solar system aboard 3D simulators. Your mission will then lead you right up to the iconic rocket tower; at 42m high, it’s a spectacle and houses actual spacecrafts and moon rock, as well as the Apollo Lunar Lander. It’s the perfect day out for anyone who ever dreamt of becoming an astronaut.

Best for: Watching a 360º show in Sir Patrick Moore’s Planetarium – one of the largest in the UK!

The Story Museum, Oxfordshire

Bookworms are always welcome at The Story Museum. This hidden gem is home to literature’s most beloved characters, and their worlds are recreated in incredible detail. Drop down a rabbit hole and take a seat at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, or push through the back of the wardrobe and into the snowy woods of Narnia. Kids can even dress up, choose a crazy title and take their rightful place on a gilded throne. If you’ve ever had trouble getting your kids to pick up a book, this UK museum is the ultimate antidote.

Best for: Dressing up! The red carpet and throne really let kids play the part.

Roman Baths and Museum, Somerset

Bathtime with kids can be a challenge, but not at the Roman Baths and Museum! They’ll be desperate for a dunk when they see what their ancestors built with a grand temple and bathing complex, as well as natural springs and freezing plunge pools. While you won’t actually get in, Roman characters will guide you around the museum with insider tales of this ancient spot. Just don’t miss one of the amazing reconstructions where life way back when is recreated with projections, CGI and soundscapes.

Best for: Making history lessons fun – little centurions will love this slice of the ancient world.

Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands

Time travel is real – almost – at the Black Country Living Museum. This living museum opens a door to the last century of industrial history with proper period shops and costumed characters, a smithy, and even an old-timey fairground. You could hitch a ride on a vintage tram or take part in Edwardian school lessons – that is before tucking into a portion of 1930s fish and chips. Live demonstrations and the fact that this is one of the largest open-air museums in the UK make it totally immersive.

Best for: Costumed characters: the resident cast do a fantastic job.

York’s Chocolate Story, North Yorkshire

One word: chocolate! With the promise of interactive confectionary making, guided tours and plenty of samples, who could resist a visit to York’s Chocolate Story? It brings a whole new twist to your typical museum with tasty treats in place of fossils and parchment. In fact, the city of York was built on the sweet stuff so you’ll learn all about its 300-year history and how it’s made, while saving time for a family fondue at the end of your visit.

Best for: Tucking into the exhibits! Chocoholics will be very happy.

On your bike

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Is there really anything better than exploring somewhere new, jumping on your bike and going where the path takes you? Summer will soon be here and if your looking for a free, healthy and fun way to enjoy time together as a family than why not give cycling a go. Even if your child is still using stabilisers or has only recently learn to ride without them there are plenty of places to explore on two wheels.

Here are 5 bike routes are perfect for all abilities from very young to very old. Also you don’t have to do the whole distance you can just do a short part of it and make sure to pack a few snacks, sunscreen and lots of water even if you are planning to go in the cooler months.

  1. Two Palaces Ride, London, 2 miles

Starting at Green Park and following through Hyde Park finishing at Kensington Palace this lovely gentle family friendly bike ride takes in two of the Royal Parks in London and offering you up a less stressful perspective on sightseeing in the capital. There is also places to hire bikes at either end from Boris Bike hire which makes is a great alternative family days out.

  1. Two Tunnels Greenway, Somerset, 5 miles

Start at the Hope and Anchor Pub in Midford and finish in Bath City Centre. This is a very new cycle route and is mostly traffic-free (with the odd quiet on-road sections) and flat making is a great choice for an active family adventure. The two tunnels you pass through, with the Combe Down tunnel being the longest walking and cycling tunnel in the UK, are real highlights.

  1. Keswick Railway Path, 6 miles

Start and end at Keswick leisure centre. This old discontinued railway line has been turned into a relatively flat and mobility friendly path and circular cycle route which takes in some stunning scenery and surroundings of the Lake District National Park. This traffic-free path crosses and re-crossed the river Greta then winds its way through woodland. Just bear in mind this is also a walking path so cycling is encourage you must give way to walkers.

  1. Camel Trail, Cornwall, 12 miles

Starting at Bodmin and ending at Padstow. One of the most popular family traffic-free routes and it’s easy to see why when you get to enjoy all of that Cornish countryside. Also there are some well placed picnic points along the way as well as bird hides where you can hopefully spot a few oystercatchers and kingfishers. The ending is equally spectacular as you ride into the picturesque fishing port of Padstow. You can also make this route shorter and more manageable for kids but starting at Wadebridge and finishing at Padstow making it 5.5miles instead of 12.

  1. Swansea Bike Path, 6 miles

Start at Swansea Marina and end in the Mumbles. If you head out on a sunny day you will really be in for a treat on this traffic-free route that follows the wide curving sweep across Swansea bay with views across Mumbled Head and the Gower Peninsula. Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway this easy and well tarmac route is perfect for young and old, plus there are lots of cafes and picnic benches along the way, as well as ice-cream stands to help cool you down.

Bluebell walks

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The great thing about bluebell walks is that you never have to travel far to find them. With bluebells blooming all over the UK, we reveal some favourite bluebell walks . So add a spring walk to your to-do list, and check out some of these tried and tested family fun beautiful bluebell walks:

Tilford Woods, Surrey

Nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the enchanting woodland area is the perfect place to find bluebells each spring.

Cowleaze Wood, Oxfordshire

Cowleaze Wood is set high in the Chiltern Hills with amazing views over the surrounding countryside. The bluebells bloom each spring, making the carpet like display a must-see!

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Next to the River Wye, this charming ancient woodland gets the thumbs up from us. With plenty of walks to explore, there are lots of opportunities to find stunning bluebell displays!

Buckland Abbey, Devon

This ancient gem is the perfect place for discovery, tranquillity and history – not forgetting bluebells! Head to the Great North Wood to see the stunning display.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

The appropriately named Bluebell Wood is unsurprisingly one of the most popular bluebell sites in the UK. With millions of bulbs growing closely together in one wood, it creates one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Clent Hills, West Midlands

Escape the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre, by heading a short 10-miles to Clent Hills. Known and loved by dog-walkers, it’s also a great place to find bluebells. One of the best spots is in the valley behind the Four Stones, where the sides of the valley are covered in bluebells.

Coughton Court, Warwickshire

Head to the gardens of this striking Tudor house to discover a sea of bluebells. Take a gentle walk to the best spot in Timm’s Wood!

Coed Cefn, Crickhowell

This Woodland Trust wood comes highly recommended by Emma Meredith, looking over the beautiful town of Crickhowell in Powys South Wales

Plas yn Rhiw, Gwynedd

With a different colour each season, spring is definitely about the bluebells at this Welsh manor house. The parkland around the property is home to a stunning bluebell display each year.

Coed y Bwnydd, Monmouthshire

As the largest, and possibly best-preserved, Iron Age hill fort in Monmouthshire, Coed-y-Bwnydd is the perfect place to see the fields and woods that surround the fort. The National Trust property comes alive with a sea of blue each spring, as bluebells are joined by primroses, orchids and red campion for a spectacularly colourful display.  

May half term for kids

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We’ve got a guide to the May half term dates for schools throughout the UK as well as some ideas of things to do with the kids in the May half term.

When is May half term?

Half term falls in the middle of May but it really depends on the school. The information below gives the outlying dates for each country with the week half term falling between them. Each school can vary though so be sure to get in touch with yours to get the exact holiday dates.

England

28th May – 1st June

Scotland

7th – 25th May

Wales

28th May – 1st June

Northern Ireland

7th- 25th May

Top May half term activities and days out

So that’s the school holiday dates sorted but what children’s activities can you look forward to? May is pretty much the beginning of British summer and the perfect time to dip your toes in – literally with a trip to a lido! Lidos (public open-air swimming pools, for anyone who isn’t sure) are a classic national day out and tonnes of splashtacular fun.

If your kids don’t fancy getting wet, why not take a walk on the wild side instead? Zoos and conservation centres are an easy way to keep brainboxes busy over the week away from school and with the weather warming up, all the animals should be out and ready to strike a pose.

Top things to do and places to go in May Half Term

Here are a few fun ideas for fearless fun in May:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Make like explorers and see who you can spot on a day out at the wildlife park in Doncaster. The park is home to the only polar bears in Britain – they’re called Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby and are really rather cute.

Treasure Trails – are a great way to explore somewhere totally new or even see your hometown in a different light. Get your magnifying glasses out of storage and uncover all those nooks and crannies you wouldn’t usually notice with these guided scavenger hunts packed with clues to unravel.

Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool – We told you lidos were a classic way to go at this time of year, so pay a visit to one of the originals, which opened way back in 1936!

Your kids may love horses or have never ridden one before in their life; either way, the team at Cannock Chase Horse Trekking will have them galloping around in no time.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm Don’t forget that essential dose of weird this May half term. The Bug Farm is the last word on the subject with bug handling sessions and an edible insect cafe.

Making the most of family weekends

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If you are at work all week, the main problem with weekends is that you use them to catch up on all your household chores, life ends up getting in the way and that 48-hour window just passes by in a blur of washing and cleaning.

But, with a bit of planning, you can take back control of your weekends for some good old family fun.

Doing at least one fun activity together as a family can bring you closer, whether it be playing a board game indoors on a rainy day, jumping in the biggest, muddiest puddle you can find or taking a walk through the forest or along the beach.

Round the kids up and get them helping out with the chores, with the promise of some outdoor fun when you have finished. Give the kids a duster and the vacuum cleaner and make them enjoy your least favourite job – pairing socks!!

Once you have finished it is time to get out and have some fun…

So get out and have a fun family outdoor adventure and if it’s Autumn there’s nothing more better than crunching through fallen leaves and hunting for conkers that have fallen from a giant  tree.

If it’s that time of year give the kids a plastic tub and get picking, promising them the chance to make and eat a scrummy blackberry and apple crumble with lashings of custard as a reward when you get home.

Why not marvel at the spectacle of green leaves turning rich reds and yellows, making it the perfect time to be out and about with a camera. Let the kids get behind the lens or take some fun videos of them throwing leaves into the air or rolling down a really big hill.

The gardens and colours at National Trust sites are at their best in the autumn season and they also run activities to keep the kids interested. Autumn is also the perfect time to visit the beach, which we avoid like the plague in the summer as it is far too busy, but often get lovely warm weather in September and are always surprised by how quiet the beaches are.  If there is a nip in the air, take your bike or scooter for a ride along the promenade instead.

Easter Adventure Quests

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Forget hunting for chocolate, valiant adventurers at English Heritage sites this Easter will be searching high and low for legendary dragon eggs, which could make this the most dangerous Easter egg hunt in 2018. Hatch your plan and crack the clues alongside intrepid characters from the past. Victorious kids can claim their chocolate reward too, providing a perfect Easter fun adventure for great family days out.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Cumbria

Hop to it this Easter, with a mini egg hunt in the Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter. On 1st and 2nd April, kids will be able to explore the themed garden in search of treats, with chocolate and stickers ready and waiting to be won. Plus, it’s a great place to explore the character behind the egg-citing new film!

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

What better way to explore the stunning house and gardens of Hampton Court Palace, than in search of some very special Easter bunnies? Kids will need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed to find all the hidden Lindt gold bunnies, which have made the palace their home from 26th March to 15th Find them all and claim your extremely tasty Lindt chocolate treat (good luck getting them to share…)

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Step right up for a ride on the Easter Eggspress and get ready to put all your eggs in one basket, as Easter fun comes to Chatsworth House. The popular egg hunts will have kids exploring every corner of the estate, whilst the Eggspress trailer rides are a great way to see even more. Taking place from 24th March – 8th April, there’s loads more Easter activities to try too.

Stockeld Park, West Yorkshire

Head to the home of adventure and become an Easter Eggsplorer at Stockeld Park! Using your special event map, all the eggs on the hunt are in the form of a famous explorer from the past, making this so much more than just a hunt for chocolate. The egg-stra special adventure is perfect for the holidays, and be sure to keep a look out for giant character eggs, including a Humpty and a Pirate Chief!