Category: Children

Family days out for £25 or Free

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Boscombe Coastal Activity Park – Bournemouth, Dorset FREE

 

Stroll down Boscombe Beach and you will be able to enjoy a whole host of coastal activities including free swing ball, table tennis, bouldering and don’t forget to check out the music trail on the pier!9. 

 

Wellsfield Farm Park, Falkirk

Family: £22, Adult: £5.00, Child (under 16): £6.50

 

This family run farm park has plenty to keep the little ones happy.  There’s acres of green space to explore, trails to follow, an adventure play area and so much more. Race around the go-kart track, have a ride on a pony, go pond dipping or try your luck at panning for gold! If you want something a bit more active there’s a climbing wall, agility poles, monkey bars, scramble net, balance beams and a zip wire. 

 

Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton

Family: £11, Adult: £3, Child: £2.50, Under 2: Free

 

At Hoar Park farm you can meet a whole bunch of different animals such as goats, chickens, geese, ponies, donkeys, pigs, deer, cows, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a tarantula called Rosie, who you can touch! There’s also a playground where your little ones can run around and keep themselves busy for an hour or two.  

 

Ludlow Castle, Shropshire

Family: £13.50, Adult: £5, Child: £2.50, Under 6: Free

 

Explore this medieval ruin and your little ones can play at being princes and princesses for the day! They often have loads of special events on from kids workshops to food festivals and on Monday the 29th of August they’ve got a family entertainment spectacular taking place. Watch the knights battle for the Heritage Cup, listen to the Jester’s jokes and listen to exciting talks about medieval weaponry. Please note that prices are higher for this event – £20 for a family ticket.

 

Alice Holt Forest, Surrey

FREE ENTRY (Parking Charges Apply)

 

For a day of exploration and fun outdoors kids activities take the family to Alice Holt Forest where you can walk, cycle, play or have a picnic. The kids can discover the play area where there’s a pirate ship to climb and explore, a nest swing and even a 3D maze! Entrance is free for all the only cost is parking, which starts at £1.80 for 1 hour, up to £8 for 4+ hours.

 

Family fun won’t break the bank

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Do you need an inspiration on some fun filled family days out for the family to enjoy without breaking the bank? Here’s a list of some amazing attractions across the UK… all for £25 and under (based on 2 adults and 2 children)!

 Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre, Ringwood

 

Discover one of the South’s largest collections of birds of prey, reptiles, creepy crawlies and more at the Liberty Centre near Ringwood. The flying displays with take your breath away and we can almost guarantee that you’ll learn something exciting and new about the animals you meet. After you’ve looked around, why not stop for a bite to eat at the cafe and the kids can blow off some steam in the play area and sandpit. 

 

Illuminasia, Blackpool

 

Visit the world’s largest indoor illuminations and see wonders from around the globe light up before your very eyes! Combining traditional Chinese lantern methods with the latest in lighting technology, Illuminasia creates a family friendly, educational and awe-inspiring day out. 

 

Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch

 

With over 30 rides and attractions, there’s so much to be had at Adventure Wonderland for all of the family! Battle it out on the Battle Boats, go on the Dragon’s Drop Mega Slide or even go see some adorable animals in the Cuddle Corner Farm! You might even get to meet some of the park characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit. 

 

The Viking Saga Boat Trips, Maldon, Essex

 

Step aboard the Viking Saga on Maldon Promenade for a relaxing cruise. With a few different options for where to go on your viking saga cruise you will definitely have plenty of choice. Starting from a 40 minute cruise and going up to 3 hours you can spend as much time here as you please.

 

Windmill Hill City Farm – Bedminster, Bristol

 

This small community farm has loads to offer and is a great day out for kids of all ages. You’ll be able to meet loads of animals, such as goats, sheep, pigs and chickens, and learn all about farming. There’s also a kids play area when they can run around while you refuel with a coffee.

 

 

Family days out around Hawes

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1. Wensleydale Creamery

By far the best known attraction in Hawes is the Wensleydale Creamery, home of Wensleydale cheese. The centre offers cheese making demonstrations, a small museum and viewing gallery, cafes and shops. The creamery has a lot to thank Wallace and Gromit for; the animated duo helped increase production at a time when sales were slowing. Nowadays the creamery sells a cheese named after them, I bet it’s a popular choice for visitors.

The best part, for a family day out, is the cheese shop. It’s full of samples, even for those people who don’t like Wensleydale cheese.

 

You can visit the cheese shop for free; a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids) to the museum and cheese making area costs £7.50.

2. Hardraw Force waterfall

Hardraw Force is England’s highest above ground single drop waterfall, with a plunge of 100 foot. It’s a short easy walk to the waterfall through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn. We visited during a dry spell; I’d imagine it’s even more impressive after heavy rain.

 

The waterfall is open daily from 10am. A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £7.50.

3. Hawes Ropemakers (Outhwaites)

Located in the town this traditional ropemaker is worth popping into for 20 minutes or so. It’s mesmerising standing in front of the machines watching rope being made. There are machines making braids of all thicknesses and lengths from church bell ropes to skipping ropes. And if you’ve got a dog, their leads are available to buy and very popular.

 

Entrance is free.

4. Sheepdog demonstration

Countryfile have resurrected “One man and his dog” over the last couple of years which may account for the popularity of this evening out.

 

Run by a local farmer, Richard Fawcett holds weekly demonstrations in a field just outside Hawes throughout the summer season.

 

Visitors are introduced to the dogs and watch them working the sheep. They make it look easy even if the sheep don’t always behave according to plan!

 

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £1 for children.

 

Birthday Parties for 13yr olds

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Children’s Birthday parties are fun at any age, but selecting a theme for a tween can present an interesting challenge. Children this age are no longer interested in “little kid” stuff, and yet they still might enjoy some young activities like going to the zoo and watching cartoons. Planning a 13-year-old’s birthday party should include age-appropriate things that are enjoyable and fun to do.

Sleepover Parties; Having friends sleep over is a fun way to spend a birthday, and you can help make the night extra special by selecting activities that you know your 13-year-old child is going to love. Make it a movie night by renting films. For snacks, order pizza, or cheeseburgers and hot dogs. You could also make a sundae bar for the kids to dress up their ice cream treats with a variety of sauces, sprinkles and other toppings. Other activities may include board games and rounds of karaoke.

Roller disco Parties; Roller disco parties can accommodate both large and small groups. Many rinks offer special birthday party packages that include group discounts for pizza, drinks and skate rental. Many skating birthday parties also feature games on skates, like a limbo contest and a variation of musical chairs in which participants must skate to a particular area of the rink when the music stops playing. For those who do not like to skate, many rinks also have an arcade. These parties allow your birthday kid to skate and socialize with friends in a fun and safe environment.

Shopping Centre Scavenger Hunt; For a 13-year-old girl’s party, choose activities that you know she and her friends would enjoy. For example, you can set up a scavenger hunt at a local shopping centre. Some items to include on the hunt list might be a picture of a woman in red heels, a receipt for one pound and a stranger’s autograph. Make sure each team has an adult supervisor as a safety precaution.

Sports Parties; If your 13-year-old likes to play sports, consider centering the theme around a favoured sport. You can take the group to a party at a local sports centre. There, your child and friends will be able to play basketball, tennis and other indoor sports. Some sports centres also include a pool. Another sports theme involves taking your tween and a friend to watch their favourite team play. These fun sports event is sure to be something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

Safe Face Painting

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Face painting at kids parties is becoming increasingly popular. Face painters of today are artists using cosmetic-grade paints and creating designs so amazing they go viral! When booking a face painter for your birthday party, corporate event, grand opening, or anything else, make sure you’re getting not only a great artist, but a safe and sanitary experience.

What’s your hygiene like?

Face painters must sanitize their brushes between dips and only use one sponge per child. (Face painters often use sponges for bigger areas.)

Are you insured?

All professional face painters are insured against accidents. This is especially important for corporate parties or company events.

How do I take face paint off afterwards?

It should be pretty easy, but some brands are easier than others. The face painter you book should be able to walk you through the removal or cleanup process.

Do you do background checks?

If you’re dealing with an agency who hires multiple artists, ask if they do background checks.

Are your paints vegan or cruelty-free?

Kids love animals, so why not ask? An increasing number of makeup brands contain no animal products and are not tested on animals.

Can you cater to my special needs?

From autism to non-English speakers, make sure the professional face painter you hire can accommodate to your needs.

What kind of paint do you use?

This is a “trick question.” A professional face painter will be using FDA-approved cosmetics that we call “paint.” It’s hypoallergenic and safe for kids, Make sure they don’t say craft paint, acrylic paint, or anything else not made specifically for skin.

Toddler parties on a budget

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Let us help you find budget-friendly alternatives to an over the top toddler birthday party..

1. Sensory Party
If your tiny guests are in the early stages of exploring, consider throwing a fun children’s party centered around helping them explore. Find large, shallow clear boxes at your local diy shop. Fill them with different textures and colours, such as shaving cream, sand, water, marbles. Anything you can think of. Place them in an area that will be easy to clean, hand out plastic art jackets and let them go to town.

2. Princess and Superhero Parties
There is no doubt that you have glass slippers or capes haunting your dreams right now. That is one of the many perks of toddler parenting. Even though you’re well aware that they may not remember their early years, you still want to make their birthday special. Cut your budget by making your own crafts!

3. Dance
Toddlers love to dance and parents love to watch. Hire a Children’s Musician for a birthday celebration that will keep a smile on everyone’s face! Since it’s a Dance Party and the centre of the party is music, you don’t really need a theme. Go to your local party shop, grab some brightly-coloured party supplies and arrange them on a white table cloth to bring it all together. Give your cake a musical theme and congratulations, This party is a success!

4. Circus Party
Even without elephants or acrobats, you can still bring the circus to your garden! Think small-scale entertainment and keep decorations simple with a red, white, and yellow theme. Frost your cupcakes with red and white icing and arrange them into coordinating stripes, then top them off with tiny yellow flags made from toothpicks and card stock. Create your own Puppet Show stage using cardboard boxes and paint. There will be so much to do that toddlers can run free and have a good time! Hire a Face Painter or a friendly Clown.

No matter what your budget is, it is always possible to have an extra special fun party. With a little hard work and some creativity, use your budget savvy to make the best party of the year and still have enough leftover to treat yourself. You’ll need it! Make your kid’s birthday one you will all remember and include some birthday traditions.

May the Force be with you

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Now that the Force has awakened, no doubt you have a kid in your life begging for a Star Wars children’s birthday party! We have some great ideas to help you throw the ultimate kids party.

Spacey Decorations

Luckily, recreating “space” isn’t too complicated! Use a black tablecloth or sheet and splatter with white paint to add a galactic feel. Hang it up as a backdrop for food/cake table or for a photo booth! Lay out black plates, cups, and cutlery, and blue and black balloon bouquets as centrepieces. There are tons of resources for printable garlands.

Finally, try gathering some white paper lanterns and using gray paint to create the Death Star ship.

Food and Drink
You can get really creative with the snacks at your Star Wars party, and this is a great opportunity to use puns. (Even if the kids don’t appreciate them, it’s fun!) Party foods like Obi Wan Kabobies, Yoda Soda, and Padawan Popcorn are all great choices. Use your clever wit and put your own sci-fi twists on old party favourites.

As for your Star Wars birthday cake, you can have one made by the pros with expert detail or you can take the DIY approach. If you opt for making your own, there are some pretty simple designs that the amateur baker can try, like this awesome BB8 cake. Cupcakes are also a great option, and you can include multiple Star Wars characters.

There are a lot of kid-friendly games that you can incorporate into a Star Wars birthday party. Create lightsabers out of pool noodles! Set up target practice with Nerf guns to take out the toilet-paper roll Stormtroopers. Add some “Jedi Training” with a galactic bean bag toss and a “laser” obstacle course made out of streamers. Or, Pin the Bun on Princess Leia, anyone?

Indoor fun for kids

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Deep Sea World, Fife, Scotland
What better way to beat the rain than to take the kids underwater at Scotland’s Deep Sea World. The kids will enjoy exploring over 100 meters of incredible creatures including starfish, catfish and even eels!

The Beatles Story, Liverpool
Young or old, everyone knows The Beatles! Take an incredible journey through the history of four Liverpudlian lads who shot to fame in the early 60’s. Complete with an audio guide, see the story unfold as you wander around replicas of Mathew Street and The Cavern. The exhibition is split across two sites and the Fab4D theatre at the Pier Head venue is a must for groovy families ‐ meet magical characters who bring The Beatles’ well-loved hits to life with cutting edge technology

KidZania, London
Children can let their imaginations run wild as they test the out real jobs in this mini city, such as being a pilot, firefighter, radio presenter, banker, police officer and many more! After all that work they can use their hard earned ‘KidZos’ to buy themselves some treats!

Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, Hampshire
Winchester Science Centre is fun for all the family with 100 hands-on science exhibits for you to discover. The planetarium has shows that run almost everyday, you can get sucked into a black hole, travel through the Solar System or even explore the human body!

Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham
Inquisitive young minds can discover the past, investigate the present and find the future. Don’t miss visiting the Planetarium that shows fantastic tours of the night sky and takes you on a trip around our vast solar system.

Are we there yet?

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Here are some games and things to do to keep your kids entertained on those boring long car drives…

1. Play bingo. Make a list or a picture list of things kids may see on the journey. As they spot each item on the list, they can cross it off!

2. Pack a loom band bracelet making kit and the kids will be kept busy twisting away!

3. Get the kids to find all the numbers up to 10 on number plates and for older children get them to find all the letters of the alphabet.

4. Car colour spotting: choose a colour each, then count how many cars of that colour you see!

5. Take along an activity and games book, such as one of these activity books that have 100 things for little children to do.

6. Play the ‘Name Five Game’. One person chooses a theme, such as ‘animals’, and the other person needs to name five things in that category.

7. Get one of these I-spy books! Inside there are lots of things for kids to spot on a long road trip… and they get points for everything they see!

8. Play A-Z I spy. Try to find something you can see out of the window for each letter of the alphabet. This simple and fun game may also help kids who suffer from travel sickness.

9. Play the ‘What do you like best’ game. Ask one person ‘what do you like best, chocolate or strawberry ice cream?’ Once they have answered they ask you a different question back.

10. Make up a story. One person needs to start the story with a single sentence and then the next person continues the story with their own sentence, etc.

London attractions

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London has countless fab attractions which can be explored in many different ways. If you want to enjoy London’s stunning landmarks with the kids and with a difference, then check out our handy list below.

The London Eye
The London Eye offers its visitors a stunning view of the wonderful city day or night and at 135 metres up, you won’t miss a thing! On your 30 minute ride you will see landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and even Buckingham Palace. Great for all the family to enjoy.

O2

Take in stunning views of London from 52m above the ground when you enjoy this exhilarating guided expedition over the roof of The O2! This is a thrilling 90 minute experience over the 380m long O2 walkway, which, at its steepest point, has a 28° incline on the way up and 30° on the way back down! Perfect fun for all the family.

Arcelor Mittal Orbit
Climb the UK’s tallest sculpture and ride the world’s tallest, longest and fastest tunnel slide. Enjoy a superb view of many of London’s famous landmarks from the viewing platforms then take the slide down! As you twist and turn as you will take in London’s skyline at speed through the ‘clear sections’. This is without a doubt, one of the most fun ways to see the city from above!

This is a fantastic experience all the family will enjoy seeing London from the air in a cable car as it crosses the River Thames right by the side of the O2. By day or night enjoy spectacular views in an air conditioned cabin and listen to informative and interesting audio information. Cabins arrive every 30 seconds and each journey last around 10 minutes.