Category: Entertainment

Space kids

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

Thinktank, Birmingham

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Oxford Playhouse Dick Whittington Pantomime

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Many Christmas traditions fall by the wayside as the kids get older. Goodbye nativity plays, school Christmas fairs, visits to Santa and the yearly panto. Wait! Goodbye panto? Oh no, we don’t!

The Oxford Playhouse version of Dick Whittington is a loosely adapted version of the original tale. With added panto scenes. Think mice in remote controlled cars, a monkey called Brian and a Brexit bus. Exactly how you’d imagine it.

The first half is a musical extravaganza. From the opening ‘Don’t stop believin’ to Nirvana’s ‘Smells like teen spirit and John Legend’s ‘All of me’ the songs and choreography are brilliant. An early bakery scene produces the first big laughs. In Generation Game style, Dick and his cat decorate cream cakes as they move along a conveyor belt. Slowly, then a bit faster. You know what’s going to happen. It’s still funny.

Sarah the Cook plays the Dame. In time honoured tradition she is in love with Mr Fitzwarren and wears a variety of colourful and wacky costumes. Despite some strategically placed buns on her cook’s dress she wasn’t as smutty as expected. Whilst there were a few quips around Dick’s name most of the adult jokes were references to Brexit.

The panto action moved swiftly from life on board Shippy McShipface en route to Timbuktu (via the Titanic) to a surreal under the water scene. In complete darkness the cast swam amongst jellyfish and a mermaid. I might have guessed that blooming song, Baby Shark, would follow.

But how else would the characters end up on a tropical island? Subsequently imprisoned, with the help of Brian the monkey. Although not before cat and the Dame had a calypso moment on the beach.

Add in a Spice Girls medley, lots of dancing and a bee hating Queen. There was hardly room for Dick Whittington in the second half. And they wonder why panto is a peculiarly British institution!

Wait. Slow down. Back to the original tale, and the mayoral election. In a nod to political incorrectness King Rat announces that only middle class boys can vote. Of course, he doesn’t win. But does Dick?

All works out well in the end. Rat gets his comeuppance, Dick and Alice fall in love and Katy Perry’s Firework provides a fitting finale with added pyrotechnics.

Dick Whittington and his cat is on until Sunday 6 January 2019. Purchase tickets direct from the Oxford Playhouse.

Festive Movies for the family

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Here are some classic festive Movies for the whole family to enjoy..

1. Elf

This classic from 2003 is a staple in our household. Buddy (Will Ferrell) is different from all of Santa’s other elves: he’s “a cotton-headed ninny muggins” when it comes to making toys, he’s 6’3″, and he’s human! So one special December, he sets off on an adventure to New York City in search of his real dad. A funny, sweet-as-a-candy-cane Christmas film for all the family.

2. Home Alone

Another classic family Christmas film featuring Macaulay Culkin. When Kevin’s family leave for vacation, they forget one minor detail: Kevin! Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister takes on two bumbling burglars who are trying to break in. Written and produced by John Hughes, this slapstick adventure is an entertaining watch for all the family.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Delve into this animated musical fantasy set in a parallel world where different lands represent different holiday periods. Jack Skellington, a man from Halloween, becomes converted to Christmas and sets out to spread joy in the world! However, Jack’s new mission leads him to kidnap Santa and it becomes clear that he’s not really in tune with the Yuletide spirit. This was the first full-length feature to use stop-motion animation throughout.

4. The Grinch

Benedict Cumberbatch is the voice of The Grinch in this 2018 remake. The Grinch lives alone in a cave, and he likes peace and quiet. When his neighbours’ Christmas celebrations threaten to disrupt his tranquillity, there’s only one option: to steal Christmas. They’re going to make this Christmas three times bigger than usual, so the Grinch’s only choice is to be even nastier to teach them a lesson. And so he disguises himself as Father Christmas to carry out his scheme… Head to your local cinema to catch this Christmas classic!

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of the classic Charles Dickens tale. Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge in a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes and heart to the true meaning of Christmas. A heartwarming tale everyone will enjoy.

6. Toy Story

Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is Andy’s favourite toy. He tries to calm the other toys during Andy’s birthday party, who are worried that newer toys may replace them! Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear is the new toy that takes over the throne. Kids of all ages will love this film if they haven’t already seen it. To see you right the way through the Christmas period.

7. Shrek The Halls

The Christmas edition Shrek adventure hit screens in 2008 and is a short hilarious film that will get everyone in the festive spirit. Follow Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all the gang as they prepare for Christmas Day.

8. The Polar Express

Tom Hanks lends his voice to another magical family classic in The Polar Express. Late on Christmas Eve night, a boy lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa’s sleigh. To his surprise, he hears a steam engine’s roar and whistle outside his window instead! The conductor (Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pyjama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.

Christmas children’s parties

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Christmas is by far one of the most magical experiences of childhood. From being too excited to sleep to peeking out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh, the memories of the holiday season become some of our most treasured.

If you have child that has a Birthday near Christmas, make it as exciting as can be, let all the other kids invited get all Christmassy excited!!!

Fancy Dress
When it comes to fancy dress, you’re spoilt for choice. Ask all of the kids to dress as something Christmassy – this can be anything from an Elf to a snowman or a reindeer. Provide them with a few ideas on the invitations to get them started.

Decorations
Aside from the essential Christmas tree, you can have lots of fun creating a festive wonderland in your home.

Santa’s Grotto
A great idea is to create a Santa’s grotto – choose a small room, which you don’t need to use and drape the walls and any furnishings with fabric in deep red and purple.
You can then decorate the room with fairy lights, Christmas lights and decorations to make it feel festive. Get one of the adults to dress as Santa Claus and send the children into the ‘grotto’ to collect their party bags and any other treats.

Crafts
There are lots of simple Christmas decorations that you can easily make with the kids and the whole family. Try making garlands from pine tree leaves, pine cones, tinsel and baubles. Other ideas include; painting the tips of pine cones white for a snow-effect, cutting snowflakes out of paper to string around the house.

Games
Gift Wrap Relay
Divide the children into two teams and provide each team with a gift-wrapped box – you should also prepare stations with pre-cut wrapping paper and cello tape. Each child has to run to a station, unwrap and then rewrap their box, before running back to their team and passing it on to the next person. The first team in which every child unwraps and rewraps the box, wins.

Mystery Stocking
Fill a stocking with a collection of ‘mystery’ party bag fillers, with a distinctive tactile feel. Each child has a chance to feel the fillers inside the stocking – if they can guess what they are without looking, they get to take them home.

Fun fairy spotting guide

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If you’d love to add even more sparkle to your day, we’ve listed some really magical locations below which are perfect for spotting a fairy or two…
Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around the beautiful mile-long lake, through the woodland, maze and gardens where the Fairies at Trentham live. Each fairy is different, some are bold and will want to shake your hand, others are shy and are harder to spot high up in the trees. Can you find them all?

Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Cumbria

Best known for its collection of herbs and traditional fruit orchards, if you explore a little further you might find something straight out of a fairytale! Hidden doors, a hollow tree and a wild play area, so kids can have a real adventure. Look out for pixie houses in the roots of the trees!
Furzey Gardens, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

These magical gardens are hiding over 30 fairy doors for you to hunt out as you make your way around. You will also find a variety of tree houses, lookout towers and an adventure playground.
The Forbidden Corner, Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Winner of the White Rose Awards 2015, Forbidden Corner four acres of labyrinths, grottos, walled gardens, statues and passages are great to explore. You’re not provided with a map so you have to find your own way around, which is all part of the fun.
The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Throughout the year the gardens are full of life and colour, there’s also a magical giant treehouse that the kids will love exploring which is one of the largest in the world! Cross the wobbly rope bridges (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs) to find a treetops restaurant.
The Gnome Reserve & Wildflower Garden; Bradworthy, Devon

Walk around the beautiful woodlands that over 1,000 gnomes call home. Gnome hats are loaned free of charge together with fishing rods, so you don’t embarrass the gnomes when you visit.
Jupiter Artland; Wilkieston, Edinburgh

This is a piece of breathing art; the landscape is dotted with commissioned artwork and full of things to be discovered. The children will love exploring all of the installations and the views of the surrounding landscape are simply stunning.
Trebah Garden; Falmouth, Cornwall

Trebah Garden is a beautiful fun day out for visitors of all ages. This sub-tropical paradise provides a magical Cornish village garden with exotic blooms, vibrant tunnels and there is even a secluded beach on the Helford River. There are also adventure play areas and children’s trails for the little ones to enjoy

Don’t overthink a children’s party

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If you are organising a celebration for your child’s birthday here are some things you may want to avoid.

Inviting Too Many Guests
Whilst it’s often a good idea to invite everyone in your child’s class, to avoid anyone feeling like they have been left out, this will ultimately depend on the space you have available and the amount of other parents you have managed to rope into helping you out. If the party is going to be staged in a small room or you only have limited help available, it may be wise to restrict the number of little guests so that things are a bit more manageable on the day.

Trying to Do Everything Yourself
Although you will be proud of the party you have planned, there is a danger that doing everything yourself will make it a much more stressful process. This is especially true on the day. After you have put in all the effort prior to the occasion, why not take some time to relax during the actual event?

Eating too early
One of the most anticipated and important parts of any kid’s birthday party is the food, but if you offer this up too early then you could struggle to regain order. Instead, it is a good idea to build up to the food and have it near the end of the event. This way if anyone spills anything down them they haven’t got to sit through the rest of the party in dirty clothes, and you won’t have to try and get them settled again before they go home to their parents.

Ignoring The Wishes of Your Child
There is little point in wasting money on expensive decorations and gourmet food if all they would like is a few balloons and their favourite snacks. It’s always a good idea to ask them their preferences for the party – maybe give them 3 or 4 suggestions to choose from so it helps with the decision making process, and then you can guarantee they are going to love whatever you plan for them.

More importantly, it also means you’ve involved them in the process and it makes them feel much more like it’s their party. Try to avoid going to the other extreme though and allowing your child to have all the say.

Games for long journeys

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The following children’s fun and games are great fun and you can always adapt them to suit your family. Most of them require very few props and rely mainly on imagination. Some may not be appropriate for car journeys as they could be too distracting for the driver but there are plenty to choose from.

Talk to the animal
Nominate a player to be an animal character for the first round. The other players have to ask questions until they guess what the animal is. The first one to correctly guess the animal gets to go next.

I went to the shop and bought…
Each player has to choose something they had bought at the shops. The first player starts by only reciting what she or he has bought. The next player then has to recite what the previous player bought, as well as add something new to the list.

The player who forgets an item is out of the game, whilst the rest battles on, till there is eventually only one shopper left!

Two facts and a fib
Each player gets a chance to make three statements – two which are true and one that is false. The other players have to try and guess which statement is the lie – number one, two three, by indicating the number with their fingers.

Word association
One player says a word and the other player responds with the first word that comes into their head. The quicker you play, the funnier it gets.

Buzz words
Children need to be quiet to listen for words in this game. Choose a word and listen out for it on the radio or announcements. As soon as a player hears the word they shout ‘buzz’! Children can also look out for buzz words on road signs or advertising boards.

Road cricket
Each child chooses a colour – all oncoming cars in their colour passing you on the road counts as a run. All children nominate one colour to be bowled out by, for example, if a white car comes along you are bowled out and the next player gets a turn at the road wicket.

Broken telephone
One player starts by whispering a message, only once, to the next player. This player then whispers to the next player and so it goes on until the last player who has to say it out loud to the group!

Maps
Children can use maps to trace out their journeys or one player can have look at the map and then choose a town on the map. The other players can then have a look at the map and take turns to guess the secret destination.

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!

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.