Category: Fun

Making the most of family weekends

Posted on by

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.

Perfect Planetariums

Posted on by

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

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.

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.

Easter Adventure Quests

Posted on by

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!

Go karting for the whole family

Posted on by

Whilst kids aged 8+ can go-kart at loads of tracks all over the UK, we’ve found some for even the smallest of drivers, making it a great family day out.

Pop on your helmet, slide on your racing gloves, and zoom into a day out that’s perfect for adrenaline-fuelled kids.

Lakeside Karting, Essex

If you’re new to go karting then Lakeside Karting in Essex is a great place to start. Your kids can test out the course at their own speed, but as they begin to pick up confidence they can try to beat the clock. Kids as young as three can drive here, as there is a special electric karting session that’s a great way to introduce your little one to the track. It’s way more than just a merry-go-round, these go-karts travel at 5mph with an on/off pedal that can be controlled by the little driver and space for an adult to sit behind (just in case assistance is needed).

Best for: Newcomers looking to test out go-karting for the first time – this is possibly the only place for go karting in the UK where three year olds can get involved. Age 3+

Parkwood Karting, Sheffield

Dart across a 470 metre track of challenging corners and sizzling straights at Parkwood Karting, Sheffield. This outdoor go karting track for children over the age of eight is a great place to book in some family-first time. You can have the track all to yourselves and discover who’s the fastest driver. Will it be the parents, or the kids?

Best for: Speeding around on an exclusive track with your family. Age 8+

TeamSport Indoor Karting, Cardiff

It’s a race to the finish at TeamSport Indoor Karting, Cardiff. Kids can drive specially designed Cadet Karts and see if they can beat the all time fastest lap. If parents are looking for a spin then consider Family Karting Madness; a go karting package where you can race against your kids and then munch on scrummy pizzas together. Fun for all the family!

Best for: For mini-racers who will need a food and drink pit stop. Age 8+

If you’re not based in Cardiff, don’t worry, as you can still visit a TeamSport go karting track! They have 24 venues across the UK Herefordshire Raceway, Herefordshire Lose track of time at Herefordshire Raceway. Speed around on an outdoor race course with an enormous 600 metre go karting track. Why not zoom through the stunning Herefordshire countryside and enjoy a day out for both yourself and your kids? You can arrive and drive at this raceway, but as it’s super popular they advise that you book in advance.

Best for: Those looking to get away from the city. Age 8+

The Race Club Karting, Northamptonshire

Have a great day from start to finish at The Race Club Karting, Northamptonshire. Kids aged eight and above can hop into a 120cc Sodi go-kart, a less powerful kart that’s safe, secure and fun. There’s a special Dads, Lads & Lassies package (mum’s are welcome too!) that’s great for parents looking to join in with the action.

Best for: Sorting out a special birthday treat for your kid. Age 8+

Daytona Karting, Manchester

Get moving at Daytona Karting in Manchester. Five to seven year olds can hop into a training kart and learn from experienced supervisors. During the school holidays, older kids, who have already tested the sport out on the arrive and drive session, can join the Daytona Driving School and learn how to become a go karting champion!

Best for: Pretending you’re a NASCAR racer on the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, while you’re really go karting in the UK. Age 8+

Wessex Raceway Indoor Karting,

Wiltshire Wessex Raceway Indoor Karting in Wiltshire is one of the best go karting tracks to visit if your kid wants to be a professional racer. All kids, eight and above, are taught using regulation go-karts under expert supervision. They’ll learn how to follow the correct racing lines, come into turns at the best possible angle, and most importantly, how to beat the parents!

Best for: Wannabe racers looking to learn how to race professionally. Age 8+

Try a trip to Bristol

Posted on by

Home of Wallace and Gromit, hot air balloon fiestas and the place where Ribena was supposedly invented, Bristol is one of the UK’s most-loved cities. Named the best place to live in the UK in 2017, it’s award-winning mix of culture, community spirit and redevelopment means there’s plenty to discover, even for the smallest of explorers.

Bristol Aquarium

On one of Bristol’s many rainy days, Bristol Aquarium is a great destination for all the family and great entertainment for children of all ages. Children will enjoy spotting the fish they know such as Nemo (clown fish) as well as learning about new ones and conservation. Keep a look out for the giant octopus!

We the Curious

We The Curious is a fantastic fun day out filled with numerous science exhibits that will have those curious kids asking all sorts of questions. Fortunately, the Science Team are there to help. It also has the UK’s only 3D planetarium, which toddlers will love!

SS Great Britain

Our kids love exploring below deck on the various levels and seeing the displays of how the passengers lived on the ship. And if it is a sunny day there is nowhere better to enjoy it than up on the deck, which also has some great views across to Clifton. The tickets also allow unlimited visits for a year, so it can work out as great value if you live locally!

Ferry Ride

Little ones will really enjoy a tour of the harbour on one of the ferry boats, thanks to Bristol Ferry Boat Co. What better way to see the sights? You may even see an otter!

The Matthew

Keeping with the nautical theme (well it is Bristol after all), children of all ages will love channelling their inner sailor/pirate with a trip on the historic ship, The Matthew.

Bristol Museum

The dinosaurs & taxidermy animal exhibits at Bristol Museum never fail to amaze kids, whilst there is a small soft play/learning area on the ground floor for the littlest ones. There is also a brilliant cafe and regularly changing exhibits.

M Shed

Bristol’s newer museum focuses on the history of Bristol. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays at M Shed, especially the vintage bus. Another place with a great cafe, but also right next to the many cafes at Wapping Wharf.

Brandon Hill Park

If you are around the Park Street or Clifton areas then it’s well worth a visit to Brandon Hill Park. There is a playground at the bottom of the hill and Cabot Tower at the top. For those with a head for heights, there are great views across Bristol from the top of the tower and fun to be had counting the many winding steps.  It’s a great spot for a picnic or an ice-cream (a van can normally found there).

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Finally, a trip to walk across Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and take in the views is surely an essential part of Bristol. There is a playground and plenty of green spaces nearby to burn off some energy before visiting one of the many cafes in Clifton Village.

Easter exploring

Posted on by

The days are getting longer, the theme parks are re-opening and warmer weather is hopefully on the way, making it a great time of year to get exploring. Plus, with the Easter holidays just around the corner too, adventure most certainly awaits.

From World Book Day and lambing season to British Science Week and even Winnie the Pooh, here’s our guide to the best in children’s entertainment and things to do in March:

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

With World Book Day taking place on 1st March, this month is the perfect time to reignite your kids love of books, and where better place to start than the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre?

Situated in the village that the famous author lived in and wrote for 36 years, you can explore 40 interactive displays bringing his enchanting stories to life. On selected dates this month, kids can make heads for Hornswogglers, create Boggled Box Beasts and fly a Kicksy Kite – it’s a truly gloriumptious day out for the whole family.

Tim Peak’s Spacecraft at Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Rewind back to June 2016 and you might just remember Tim Peake returning back to Earth following his space mission, and now you can see his space capsule up close at the Museum of Science and Industry! Landing in Manchester on 10th March, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the Soyuz TMA-19M, complete with scorch marks from its re-entry through the atmosphere. With 15-minute presentations, every weekend, the out of this world adventure takes place here until 13th May, before continuing its tour.

Lambing season at Umberslade Farm Park, Warwickshire

Head to your local farm park this month, and chances are you’ll come face to face with some very cute newborn animals, and Umberslade Farm Park is certainly the place to do just that. Kids can meet the new lambs and even have the chance to help with the bottle-feeds. As a real working farm, there’s always something new and exciting to see too, and don’t miss the tractor and trailer ride for a fun tour of the site.

Winnie the Pooh Exhibition at the V&A Museum, London

There’s a new playful exhibition in London, as the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh until 8th Discover the story behind the charming bear, with sketches, letters, photographs and more exploring the classic tales. Whether you’re bringing a young child who may be experiencing Winnie the Pooh for the first time, or you remember growing up with the books, there’s something to entertain all ages. And in the very wise words of Winnie the Pooh, “we didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun”. 

Help your kids be helpful

Posted on by

Lead by Example

If you want a child to do something, it helps to have them witness you doing it as well as the result that came from it. Whenever you’re finished with a project, clean up your mess.

When finished eating, take your plate, utensils, and glass to the sink. Organize your things so that you know where they are when you need them.

Children see this and are more likely to also clean up after themselves.  If you’re leaving a mess everywhere then they will have a harder time understanding why cleaning up is important.

Label the Positive

Notice the times that they do something helpful and praise them, telling them they’re a good helper.

When we use character traits like “good helper” or “very helpful”, over time children begin to make that part of their personality.  The more you label them as being a helper, the more they will believe it to be true.

Delegate and Praise

Give them tasks throughout the day to practice their helpful skills. The more they practice, the better they’ll learn.  And every time they do something helpful, praise them.

Make it Fun

For younger kids, singing the clean-up song is a huge help in picking up toys, but even as they get older it’s fun to add any songs and even a little dance to the process of cleaning up. Counting helps too. Count toys picked up, cutlery put away, and the number of pens and crayons you find.

Fit for all Ages

It’s easier to raise a helpful kid earlier in development than later, but it is possible to teach older children to be helpful. All of the same tips apply with a slightly different approach.

As they get older you can explain things more. Explain why you need help, why it’s important for them to take more responsibility, how important it is to work together, and that every person finds their own rhythm when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and helping others, but the end result is the same. Taking care of your things, taking care of shared items, and treating others the way you want to be treated.

Raising a helpful kid can be a truly daunting challenge at times. Especially if it seems like one more item to add to the never-ending to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be a frustrating endeavour.

By leading by example, staying positive, and having fun with your children, it is possible to turn the most stubborn mess maker into a happy, helpful partner. One step at a time. One day at a time.

Shopping with your kids

Posted on by

As you’re shopping let your kids help you pick out fruit and veggies in the produce department, have fun counting the number of apples they add to the bag, the different colours of peppers to choose from, and the funny names of the melons.

Before going into the store tell your kids exactly what you expect from them.

Expect that they:

  • will stay nearby and not run through the store
  • will try to be aware of other people and not get in their way
  • will not throw a fit if they don’t get something
  • will be helpful and participate in the process.
  • Before we step foot in the store, remind them of my expectations.

Make A List

Go armed in the supermarket with clipboards, paper, and pencils, ready to check off each and everything on your lists.

  • Giving them a fun tasks keeps them engaged in the shopping experience.
  • Make Kids Your Helper
  • Continually engaging the children in the shopping process.

Not only does this keep them from getting bored and restless, it also teaches them how to shop.

If you use these new tools, most of the time you will actually enjoy your shopping trips together.  It’s not always perfect and there will be times when you have a rough day, but that’s life?

Days out to LEGOLAND

Posted on by

Situated right on the edge of the theme park next to the existing LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel, the new Castle Hotel will have 61 magical rooms. Families can choose between two imaginatively themed room types – Knights and Wizards – and enjoy the leisure and entertainment facilities at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel plus special benefits including early entry to the park, free refillable drink vessels, unique LEGO gifts and collectables.

Colourful LEGO touches and models large and small will feature throughout from the hotel’s astonishing lobby dominated by a giant LEGO Wizard unleashing LEGO magic from his wand, to the à la carte Tournament Tavern Restaurant, indoor Play area and outdoor Playground.

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has formally invited the mini monarchs and their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to lend their royal seal of approval by staying at the premium castle-themed family hotel.

There are plenty of other websites offering great deals for LEGOLAND short breaks. Some offer 1 day free.  Your family will certainly enjoy LEGOLAND as there is something for everyone to enjoy…

Ski with your kids

Posted on by

Parents with young children can enjoy guilt-free skiing while kids have lots of fun in dedicated playrooms and out in the snow.

Until now parents with young kids have had to sacrifice their winter holidays or feel guilty about leaving their young ones at home.  Tots To Travel have responded to the gap in the market and come up with a solution that will also allow for families to invest in future family ski holidays too.

Hand selected by Tots to Travel, all child-friendly ski chalets and resorts have dedicated childcare, specially-designed chalets with high-quality catering, as well as the Tots To Travel Baby and Toddler

Essential Kit Guarantee.

What a Tots To Travel ski holiday includes:

  • À la carte childcare in your own chalet (additional cost)
  • Flights and transfers
  • Daily filling breakfast
  • Homemade purees and Hipp Organic baby food for babies and toddlers
  • Afternoon tea, coffee and cakes when you return from the slopes
  • Children’s two-course High Tea seven nights a week
  • Aperitif with canapés, six nights a week
  • A delicious three-course meal for adults, including wine, six nights a week

Seasoned skiers will know that a ski holiday is a little different to other holidays. However, a lot of parents may feel that they become inaccessible with little ones. Tots To Travel, craft family holidays by parents for parents. We understand that parents of young families need a holiday to get quality family time and to reconnect.

About Tots To Travel:

Tots To Travel’s mission is to select the very best and most suitable baby and toddler friendly and resort accommodation, then craft an experience that is exclusively available for Tots To Travel families.

This experience includes barrier pools, an Essential Kit Guarantee and outstanding levels of customer service, giving families the very best chance of a blissful  fun family holiday.