Category: Children

The best balloon modellers

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One of the most popular forms of children’s party entertainment, as balloons have always been a fascination to both young and old.

Suitable for kids of all ages: skilled balloon modellers will share a laugh with your guests while they whip up a creation from a wide range of designs. They will also happily harmonise their dress and balloon models to the theme of your event.

Balloon modellers have the ability to make any event a success, creating twisted masterpieces such as animals, motorbikes, superheroes, swords and much more. Children are always kept amused and entertained, as they guess what the next creation will be.

Balloon Modellers work everywhere and anywhere from kids private parties, teenagers graduations parties, and kids schools.

Balloon Modellers mingle with the guests, captivating them with bespoke balloon creations; each is a perfect photo-opportunity but also they get to take home a colourful memory of your special day or event.

BALLOON CARICATURES

Why not book a Balloon Caricature Modeller for your sit down dinner. The performer will roam your event or table between meals and make a comedy balloon caricature likenesses of your party guests! This highly unusual caricature act really gets guests chatting to each other, and leaves them amazed and delighted with a totally unusual take-home gift!

BALLOON MODELLING WORKSHOPS

For kids workshops or family fundays, schools and other events, learn how to make flower bracelets, monkeys up trees, penguins, hats and more. Suitable for older children (7+). Designs can be taught in school colours or themes which are great fun and they can supply all materials for the workshops.

Hip Hop dance party

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Since the success of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the streets of the UK have hit fever pitch and now kids want to emulate this at their parties.

Professional Hip-Hop choreographers throw a kids dance party, and the kids get to feel and act like a dancing sensation – this is why a street dance party is one of the leading birthday party ideas.

Lighten up the mood and have a professional choreographer attend your kid’s dance party! Fun is the key, but we also like to give the kids a sense of achievement and reach a certain goal as the party goes on.

WHY THROW A HIP HOPPERS DANCE PARTY

  • To improve fitness
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Enhance your child’s self-development
  • Fun and caters for girls and boys of all ages

During the party, your kids can play a variety of fun dance party games where your children are free to have a funny makeover if they choose. This includes fancy make up, lip-gloss, body gel, hair spray and facial gems. If the boys want, we will spike their hair, spray it or give them mini tattoos.

Each individual Hip Hoppers dance party is choreographed and planned specifically to the age group of the party.

If you want to do a moonwalk like Michael Jackson, body pop it like Justin Bieber or shake it like Beyonce, you can have dance parties for children brimming with energy. It will be a dance party you will never forget!

POPULAR DANCE PARTY IDEAS

  • Street Dance
  • Break Dance
  • Michael Jackson
  • Pop Stars
  • Bollywood
  • Mamma Mia
  • Musical Theatre
  • Disco
  • Strictly Come Dancing

Great family fun for all the family which will get you moving and a twerking!!

Kids Event Entertainment

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Children’s party entertainment is something that many parents lose sleep over. Where do you find something that will keep your kids busy and engaged for the whole duration of the party, and something that they haven’t already seen before?

It’s a challenge most parents would gladly forgo, so Kiddy Zone is here to help. We have some fun ideas for party games, party entertainers and some great ideas of children’s birthday parties that are new and different.

From balloon modellers to magicians, street dancers to caricaturists and even green screen photography entertainments, plus a whole series of indoor and outdoor games which include:

Indoor -Dance Machines, Photo Booths, Table Football, Air Hockey and Skittles.

Outdoor – Funfair Stalls, Connect 4, Kerplunk, Table Football and Giant Scalextrics.

All performers you hire should be CRB checked (a necessary precaution these days), and each should be assessed for the quality of their performance, both by you and by the harshest critics of all, the audience. So, if you’re looking for children’s birthday party entertainment ideas take note of the right things to check for.

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!

The Rock to Padstow ferry

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The ferry from Rock to Padstow runs roughly every 20 minutes and takes 5-10 minutes to do the journey. The views are great and kids love the experience.

Go window shopping

Padstow is home to a lot of clothes shops like Joules, Seasalt and White Stuff but the chances are your kids won’t be a massive fan of those. Kids will really enjoy having a look into the windows of the places they will find interesting, asking about the different fish for sale in the fishmongers, looking at the huge paintings inside a gallery There’s also plenty of boats in the harbour and it’s fun to look at their names and where they are from or hunting for the biggest boat

Go to a food market

There is great little food and craft market near to the main car park in Padstow. Go and check out some local food the kids will love having little bits to try.

Go on a sea cruise

Boats like the Jubilee Queen run hour long cruises from Padstow that give you and the kids a chance to see some of the fabulous wildlife around Cornwall which can include dolphins, seals or even basking sharks.

Eat some chips

The Rick Stein Café is in the centre of town and is one of the most kid friendly cafes with crayons and colouring sheets on hand as well as food kids would actually eat which is pretty much unheard of.

Have a run around on the beach

There are several beaches in Padstow or if you’ve taken the ferry over then the beach at

Rock is great for playing on too. Perfect for kicking a ball about on, flying a kite or getting busy with a bucket and spade.

Weird and wonderful attractions

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Mann Cat Sanctuary, Isle of Man

Visit an attraction where the cats are in charge. At Mann Cat Sanctuary, hundreds of fluffy felines and purr-fect pals roam freely across seven acres. With so much space the cats get to choose where they live, which encourages natural behaviour. Come with your family to say hello, and as entry is free the sanctuary asks for food donations instead. Top tip: You’ll be the most popular human around if you bring some cat treats for tea.

Grimm & Co, Rotherham

Hop on your brooms and put down your potions, Grimm & Co in Rotherham is open for business. Founded in 1148 by Master Graham Grimm, this apothecary has been and will always be the spot for magical beings. Come and join in with writing workshops, or learn about hexes and magical accessories. Make sure to check out the Library of Forgotten Books, where your little one can take a book home for free.

The Kinema in the Woods, Lincolnshire

If the usual trip to the cinema involves your kids pulling on your sleeve to take them to the bathroom, or constant pleading to buy them popcorn, Kinema in the Woods is the cinema that your family needs. It is a picturesque picture house tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside, and is one of the only cinemas that still provides an interval; perfect for minimising your chances of missing the most important part of the film.

Plantasia, Swansea

It’s not often that you find an attraction this proud of its plants, but at Plantasia, they’re definitely the star of the show. Visit a rainforest in the middle of a city and discover a hothouse overflowing with exotic wildlife. This is an attraction where the plants and habitats take centre stage, but if you look closely you’ll find plenty of animals too.

Mother Shipton’s Cave, York

Discover how the waterfall at Mother Shipton’s Cave turns anything it touches into stone. This attraction has amazed visitors since 1630, and is a fantastic day out for the whole family. See for yourselves the teddy bears that have gradually turned to stone beneath the waterfall.

The Gnome Reserve, Devon

Wander through four enchanted acres at The Gnome Reserve whilst wearing your very own gnome hats. Deep in the mystical woods you’ll find an enormous collection of gnomes and pixies in some enchanting scenarios. They’ll be hiding along the pathway, and peeking behind the trees, but can your kids spot all of them?

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

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.  

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.