Category: Ideas

Pantomimes in the North of England

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TYNE & WEAR

SLEEPING BEAUTY AT SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THEATRE

9 December – 30 December 2016

One of the memorable things to do with the kids at Christmas time is a visit to see the panto. Experience the spellbinding performance at the Empire Theatre in Sunderland this year. Featuring a star-studded cast with Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street, Les Misérables) as the evil Carabosse, ‘Steps’ star Faye Tozer as the Good Fairy, children’s CBeebies favourite Andrew Agnew as Silly Billy, Amy-Leigh Hickman as Princess Briar Rose, and special guest star Bobby Crush as Nurse Kelly. Bursting with hilarious jokes, dazzling song and dance, captivating characters and magical costumes, sets and CGI special effects. Add a festive fairytale touch to your family Christmas and book your seats early to get your preferred date.

Empire Theatre, High St West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3PZ

NORTH YORKSHIRE

CINDERELLA AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

8 December 2016 – 28 January 2017

The kids love a pantomime at Christmas time so book tickets to see this fabulous new production at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal in York. The pantomime favourite fairytale Cinderella will have dazzling sets, stunning costumes, outstanding song-and-dance routines, awesome effects and side-splitting hilarity that will amaze and delight all ages! Make family memories and book tickets on the website.

York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HD

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

JACK & THE BEANSTALK AT NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL

10 December 2016 – 15 January 2017

Include a visit to the panto with the kids to the list of places to go this Christmas time! The pantomime at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal stars the legendary comedy-duo The Chuckle Brothers as Paul and Barry Trot, Tony Maudsley as Dame Trot, and Chico as Jack, the hero of the fairytale. This unmissable production promises awesome entertainment for all ages and features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning costumes and scenery, and amazing special effects as the audience and cast enter the Giant’s castle in spectacular 3D! Check out the website, make your plans and book early to get the best seats.

Royal Concert Hall and Theatre, Theatre Square, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 5ND

Pantomimes in the South West

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CARDIFF

MARY POPPINS AT WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

14 December 2016 – 14 January 2017

A Christmas treat to delight all the family. Take the children to enjoy the multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff this winter. Follow the magical story of the world’s favourite nanny who arrives in Cherry Lane. Presented by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, this stage adaptation of P L Travers unforgettable stories and the Walt Disney film features stunning choreography, amazing effects, a timeless score and unforgettable songs.

Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 5AL

BRISTOL

CINDERELLA AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME

10 December 2016 – 8 January 2017

Don’t miss sporting heroes Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean taking to the stage as the Fairy Godparents in Bristol Hippodrome’s production of Cinderella this Christmas. The national icons will be swapping their ice skates for inline skates to perform on stage. Featuring stunning skating sequences, fabulous costumes, dazzling sets, real Shetland ponies and unforgettable song and dance numbers, this magical pantomime tells the rags-to-riches tale that has delighted generations of children.

Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ

CORNWALL

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT HALL FOR CORNWALL

6 December 2016 – 31 December 2016

Starring Cornwall’s very own Kernow King and the much-loved Granville Saxton, Hall for Cornwall proudly presents this delightful children’s Christmas adventure which is suitable for all the family. Follow the adventures of Kenwyne and Aunty Flo, Cousin Jack and his Mum and the legendary giant Cormorant! Please visit the website for show dates and times.

Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2LL

Take the kids to the Theatre

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See Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Phoenix Theatre

London

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are appearing in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Phoenix Theatre, London from 15th December to 7th January – the perfect Christmas Treat!

It’s a lovely day out for the family and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can’t guess what it is, can you?

Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with new songs and new life size puppets, Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!

The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre

London

Delighting audiences for 19 hit years, this magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life.

Twinkling with festive spirit, this is a joyful mix of exquisite dancing, storytelling, enchanting sets and live music, including the beautiful ‘Walking in the Air’. Expect plenty of excitement when snow falls into the theatre and gasps of delight when the Snowman literally flies through the sky.

Suitable for children aged two and upwards, The Snowman is the magical treat your family won’t forget and a perfect introduction to theatre for the young. Performances from 23rd November 2016 – 1st January 2017.

The Cat in the Hat at the Pleasance Theatre

London

Opening at the Pleasance Theatre on 6th December, The Cat in the Hat is the must-attend children’s show of the festive season!

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. Based on the much-loved book, expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge!

Throw a great toddler party

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With so many trendy options for children’s birthday parties, it can be difficult to throw a party that will satisfy a garden full of pint-sized, potty-training toddlers and won’t break the bank. The first rule to any Toddler Birthday Party is to remember: all kids that age are more excited about the plastic spoons than they are the extravagant five-tier cake you spent two days making. So before you turn your garden into the Taj Mahal (with a price tag to match) let us help you find budget-friendly alternatives.

1. 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!

For a princess party, craft a paper stone walkway using construction paper, leading to a billowing tower you made from painting and securing cardboard boxes. One box high should be tall enough. Give the tower double windows for them to look out onto their kingdom and await their prince.  If your little superhero has a birthday coming up, make a cardboard city for him to protect! Fashion capes out of materials from your local craft store for all of the guests. Creating these crafts on your own instead of spending hundreds on them will not only give you lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment, it will save you so much money that you can afford to have a Princess or Super-Hero make a surprise guest appearance at your party!

2. Circus Party

Even without elephants or acrobats, you can still bring the circus to your garden! Think small-scale kids 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 craft 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.

3. Dance Party

It is a well-known, undisputed fact that 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! As a sweet little bonus, those party animals are going to have the best nap they’ve ever had, leaving you plenty of quiet time to clean up and respond to the many “Best Party Ever” texts you will undoubtedly get.

4. Sensory Party

If your tiny guests are in the early stages of exploring, consider throwing a party centered around helping them explore. Find large, shallow clear bins 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. After all the sensory exploring has been explored, the cake has been eaten, and the presents have been opened, hire a Storyteller to surprise them with a few books about what they’ve learned.

5. Variety Show

If your child has an excitement for a multitude of activities and interests, create a Variety Show party. Find a location that you can set up a homemade stage, complete with curtains you fashioned with fabric found on sale and nylon rope strung from trees in the garden. Make it a grand stage by putting out an area then make a popcorn snack to pass out to all the guests in decorated, rolled down, brown paper bags. Hire your very own Variety Entertainer, Magician, or Ventriloquist to put on a skit and let those toddlers laugh the day away at their very own live show.

No matter what your budget is, it is always possible to have an extra special 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 child’s birthday one you will all remember and include some birthday traditions.

Family days out

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Bracknell Leisure Centre

Get active when planning a children’s day out in Berkshire! There’s plenty of fun to be found for the whole family at Bracknell Leisure Centre. The range of facilities and children’s activities will get you and your little ones burning off excess energy and creating healthy habits for life.

Family tickets are available for the swimming pools enabling everyone to get splashing and save money! There are also plenty of badminton courts and tennis tables available. With lots of other bookable and pay-as-you-go activities such as soccer dribblers, tweeny tumblers, fun sessions, go karts and gymnastics, it’s a great place to go with the kids over the summer.

The Time Out Café and Bar is ideal for meeting and unwinding during a visit to the leisure centre. This warmly decorated and comfortable venue offers a mouth-watering menu and an excellent choice of snacks. Choose from a menu including sandwiches, panini’s, jacket potatoes, soup of the day as well as a daily special. Inflatable Aqua Run and Water Walker birthday parties for children are available.

British Motor Museum

The newly refurbished British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars – from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1.

Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry and get ‘under the skin’ with our interactive exhibits. Explore how motoring and family life has changed through the decades as the cars are brought to life by costumed explainers and free guided tours.

Family trails and school holiday activities add to the family fun, whatever the weather! Nearest train stations are Warwick or Banbury.

Arundel Castle

For a lovely day out with the family, visit Arundel Castle which is set high on a hill in West Sussex. Steeped in 1,000 years of history, Arundel Castle offers a full day out with guided and free-flow tours of the finely preserved castle rooms, including the Baron’s Hall, 14th Century Catholic Fitzalan Chapel, Regency Library and Victorian bedrooms.

There are also opportunities to ascend the Norman Motte and Keep and enjoy The Collector Earl’s Garden, which was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2008. Special event prices apply for the Castle Siege and International Jousting and Medieval Tournament.

Get your skates on

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Guildford Spectrum

Guildford, Surrey

Escape the festive mayhem by chilling out at Spectrum this Christmas. The complex is open over the whole of the Christmas holiday period, so there are plenty of opportunities to give your mind and body a break from the shopping, cooking and eating!

The complex is open from 10am – 12.00 noon for skating and swimming on Christmas Day, a fantastic way to boost your energy levels. Tickets are limited and need to be booked in advance – book online or call.

In addition to swim, skate or bowl, there is also a great range of children’s holiday courses on offer over the festive period. Keep the kids active and entertained by learning a new skill, or simply enjoy Christmas children’s activities with friends. All this, plus gift vouchers for membership, family outings and courses which make the perfect gift.

Royal Tunbridge Wells at Christmas

Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Calverley Grounds will be transformed into a beautiful winter ice rink signalling the start of the festive season, with stylish skating, festive food and drink, music and Christmas cheer.

It will be open seven days a week from Friday 18th November 2016 to Monday 2nd January 2017 (closed Christmas Day) – with capacity for 250 skaters. Dedicated thirty minute parent and toddler session and main skating sessions are available.

Tickets are available to buy now with sessions starting from £7.00 for children and £10.50 for adults. Ticket price includes hire of skating boots and lasts for 45 minutes. New this year is the Season Ticket, priced at £150 which allows unlimited skating across the whole six weeks.

Family tickets, concessions and Go! Card tickets are also available.

Tower of London

London

Soak up the historic atmosphere at this exclusive ice rink in the grounds of the Tower of London. Kids will love being able to glide around the ice rink set against the most dramatic backdrop in the city. With quiet morning sessions ideal for younger children and families, leading into busy afternoon and bustling evening entertainment, we have fun and entertainment for all age groups and skating abilities. For the very first time, in the heart of this world-class landmark there will be the immersive pop up Eis Haus Ice Experience – with hand carved sculptures, using over ten tons of purified crystal clear ice… literally everything you see and touch is made of ice! Make sure you book now to beat the queues. Price cost: adults £13.50 and children £9.50.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court, London

Join us to skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth – Henry VIII’s historic home, Hampton Court Palace. Combining a stunning setting, spectacular scenery and seasonal skating, this favourite open-air ice rink epitomises the very best in festive fun. Prices cost £13.50 for adults and  £9.50 for children… book now!

Ice skating at Edinburgh’s Christmas

St Andrew Square, Edinburgh

Get your skates on and glide all the way round the Melville Monument on this 360 degrees circular ice rink in St Andrew Square. We’ve got skates for the tiniest of feet and friendly penguin skating aids for younger children so all the family can glide around our glittering ice rink this Christmas!

Also a 20% discount to all Edinburgh EH postcode holders – just bring proof of billing address (utility bill, driving licence etc).

Visit Santa this year

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Rainforest Cafe.

Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, London

Create memories to last a lifetime and kick start the holiday season for all the family. Follow our magical elves as they take you on a journey deep into the heart of the rainforest where you will find Santa’s enchanting grotto.

This Magical Experience includes a Personalised Invitation from Santa, a warm welcome from his elves on arrival, a presonalised meeting with Santa in his grotto, a Christmas gift and children’s 2-course meal and soft drink. All for just £45 per child.

Santa Arrives at Paradise Wildlife Park

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

See Santa arrive in his beautiful carriage pulled by his white horses on Saturday 26th November at 10:30am (sharp). Santa will open our Christmas Craft Fayre at 11am before taking pride of place in his magical grotto. Be greeted by reindeer and then step inside Santa’s grotto, meet the man himself and take home a special gift. After your visit explore Paradise and enjoy a hot drink in our seasonally decorated restaurant or cafe.

Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? Join us exclusively on the 26th November and as we celebrate Santa’s arrival at our craft fayre, you can browse our festive stalls and purchase some lovely Christmas gifts! Entry included in general ticket price.

You can visit Santa every weekend from the 26th November and every day from the 17th December until Christmas Eve. We are very lucky here at Paradise as Santa is sparing two one-hour slots each day and in between this he is checking his Naughty or Nice list or making sure our reindeers are ready to fly this Christmas Eve.

Bird and Deer Park

Prinknash, Gloucestershire

The Bird Park at Prinknash has been listed by Huffington Post in 2015 as one of the Top 3 Attractions to visit Christmas lights in the UK, as well as The Sunday Telegraph nominating us in the Top 10 Rural Attractions to visit in the UK for Christmas in 2013. We have been hosting Winter wonderland for 10 years, which includes a meet with Santa who will offer children a gift, stunning illuminations, face painters, the Christmas Fairy, reindeer and a creative kids christmas activities area where children will be provided with all the materials (sourced within the park) needed to make a Christmas card to give to their parents. What more could you ask for other than artistry and a stunning setting?

Stephenson Railway Museum

North Shields, Tyne and Wear

Melt into the magic of Christmas and make memories with your loved ones on a unique festive heritage train ride to meet Santa Claus and his guests.

You’ll be entertained during your visit by our costumed entertainers and Victorian musicians who will be making merry with joy, music and celebration. Your visit will begin with a four mile heritage train ride along our restored urban railway. Santa will then make a special visit to the train, giving out gifts to all those lucky children on board.

Once you step off the train, head back into our warm and welcoming museum to receive your complimentary drinks and sweet treats! Don’t forget to stop by the museum during your visit, take part in the Children’s Christmas craft, see if you can find all of the mischievous elves and of course there are lots of engines to see inside as well.

Santa Specials are available on selected dates from Saturday 3rd – Friday 23rd December.

Children’s parties on a budget

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Gone are the days when a sandwich, bowl of jelly and a game of pass-the-parcel were enough for a jolly children’s party. Social media bragging and peer pressure have upped the ante.

Some parents admit to spending £800 on their little one’s birthday bash, with £300 being the average cost, according to a poll.

Here are simple ways to stop your party parting you from you money.

Invites

Email invitations or download them for free from websites.

A fun idea from is to write the details on an inflated balloon, let the air out and ask the nursery or school to hand them out after class.

Share the party with one of your children’s friends with a birthday around the same time and keep it short, say two hours rather than three. Keep numbers down by making it clear that guests’ brothers

and sisters aren’t invited.

If you can’t face having it at home, or don’t have enough space, summer parties can be held in a local park or free outdoor play area with a picnic and energetic party games.

If you don’t want to take a risk with the weather, get a quote from a soft play centre or local hall. Avoid peak times – weekends, school holidays and half terms – when admission charges are higher. Babies often get in for free. Ask if you can bring your own food.

If there is a play centre or child-friendly cafe near you, try to do a deal. Investigate offers for children’s parties on parenting sites such as Likebees and Littlebird. Or go to a Saturday morning movie where tickets can be just 99p.

Entertainment

Professional children’s party entertainers are expensive. There are horror stories of the family pet savaging the magician’s rabbit and little ones being left in tears by grumpy clowns. Keep the stress and cost down by doing it yourself.

You can always organise traditional games such as blind man’s bluff, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and musical chairs.

Catering

Young ones typically don’t eat much, so don’t go overboard. Sandwiches, crisps and ice cream with a flake should be enough. Or ask family and friends to bring a dish and bake your own cake.

If you’re not a baker, and don’t know an enthusiastic amateur, buy plain fairy cakes and get the kids to decorate them.

Borrow a tablecloth and decorations from a friend. Or get a plain white paper cloth, scatter crayons and stickers on it and get the children to draw on it. Balloons are always popular, especially if you customise with glitter.

Party bags

These are a real bone of contention and thinking up what to put in them can be stressful. Even if you buy loads of plastic toys from a pound shop this can quickly add up.

One idea is to buy a set of books such as the Mr Men series and let the children choose one to take away. A book will last far longer than a tatty toy that will be broken by bedtime. Or do a lucky dip.

If you must have a going-home gift, decorate brown paper bags and buy seeds, multipacks of sweets and stickers to fill them and a slice of cake. Or fill a jar with sweets and tie a ribbon round it.

There are lots of ideas on the internet on how to throw a great party on the cheap. The mums’ websites have chat rooms where you can ask others for tips.

Home made party traditions

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Your baby may not remember being a part of these traditions, but the photographic evidence is something you coo over for decades to come. Nothing is more adorable than a baby’s first time doing just about anything, and what better occasion to start new traditions than a children’s first birthday party? Unfortunately, with all of the charm and attention being poured into decorations, food, party favours and phone calls, we often forget to relax and enjoy a few firsts with our little ones.  Here are a few traditions new and old to help you make this day special for years to come.

Birthday Outfit

Parents dressing their little ones in the same (or similar) outfits every year for a single photograph has been going on longer than we may realize. Of course we take photos of our children nearly every day with our phones and personal cameras, but having an annual photo of your child wearing the same ensemble or pretty cotton dress is something special. It’s something they can look forward to each year (until their teens) and you can look forward to seeing how much they’ve grown and developed their personality. This may be the time to have a Photographer take over; they have a knack for capturing those adorable poses.

Sharing Stories

The first year of your child’s life has undoubtedly been filled with very sweet and not so sweet stories. One tradition you may consider starting would be to share a few of your favourite stories from the past year. In the beginning, this may just mean you reminiscing with fellow parents, but as your little boy or girl gets older you can share these stories with their friends.

Memory Boxes

A memory box is a great way to collect the most sentimental pieces from your child’s birthdays and safely store them until you’re ready to share the memories. You could collect photos, cards, their first outfit, their special book and anything that brings back memories.

Remember, the most beautiful moments in your child’s life are the ones they spend with friends and family, and the experiences you share together. So take the time to relive old traditions or create new ones, they make for the best memories.

Making your own party bags

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Every parent wants to be imaginative and give their little guests an amazing party bag. So why not let the kids make their own party bags at the party?

If you purchase some white paper birthday party bags with handles which are perfect for the kids to draw and colour on with some colouring felt tips or pencils. Children can write their names and draw some great pictures or shapes, you could even use stencils. The coloured party bags have a special shiny coating which pens cannot be used on. Give the kids a choice of crafty bits to add to their bags e.g. fun stickers, peel and stick alphabet foam letters and shapes, die cut card shapes, trimmed fabric piece with fabric embellishments etc. –

Fold over the top of the colour party bags and hole punch. Thread some ribbon through and tie in a bow, makes a lovely finishing touch! You can theme your party bags to suit your kids party theme e.g. Pirate Party, Princess Party, Fairy Party, Under The Sea Party.

You can fill your party bags with your handmade crafts from the party or why not fill a tub full of goodies and ask each little guest to put their hand into (in turn) to uncover a special treat to take home.

Getting the children involved in making their party bags makes them it a bit more special. The children are more inclined to cherish their bags when they get home, making the party even more memorable.

Children love arts and crafts and will happily sit on a craft table for hours rather than running around a children’s party venue trying to create their own fun and generally being a ‘bit silly’. Distraction is the key to a successful children’s party.