Category: Ideas

Pokémon GO

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There’s no getting away from the phenomenon that is Pokémon GO at the moment and it seems to have engulfed adults just as much as kids – if not more so.  Computer game crazes are nothing new, the recent madness for Candy Crush is a perfect example, but this one seems to be generating a few concerns with its location based nature. However, some have raised the point that Pokémon GO and other games may also have benefits for kids that we can miss amid the craze.

The game itself

If you haven’t tried the game yourself yet, here’s the lowdown on what it is all about.  We all remember the Pokémon games, those Japanese anime style cute characters that arrived on the scene in the 1990s?  The new version is quite a bit different and makes use of the very latest augmented reality for players to ‘catch’ the Pokémon in real places around the world.

As one person said not only does it bring out the inner geek in the 20-30 age group, it gets kids out and about.  No more just sitting in front of a TV screen, blasting at aliens or chasing spies, they have to go out around their area and further afield to find these Pokémon characters.

Made by Pokémon Co and nearly one third owned by gaming giant Nintendo, the game has already shot to the top of the list of most used apps and overtaking the likes of WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram in terms of user numbers.

Early concerns

As with any craze, there have already been the stories of things going wrong.  One Wyoming teenager found a dead body while questing for an elusive Pokémon while a group of trend-conscious burglars lured people to a location to rob them by tapping in on a Pokestop used by the game.

Some of the stories almost sound funny but there is a worrying undercurrent.  Stories of people having car accidents while playing the game and driving, walking out into moving traffic as they aren’t concentrating and worse.

One of the biggest concerns is that while the game creates a sense of community with other players, this might be exploited by paedophiles and other criminals.  Kids lose their sense of the danger of someone they don’t know when that person is playing the game and this is a big worry to parents, teachers and carers.

Another concern is that kids could be lured to locations as there is a facility on the game to let others know when there is a character to be caught.  Pokémon ‘gyms’ are another phenomenon where children could be drawn in by the game and exposed to dangerous circumstances.

Less serious concerns have been expressed including the use of swearing by older players and the sexual explicit user names that some take.  Even the ability to buy these lures for £1 in the app is worry for parents if parental controls aren’t in place.

The positive potential of Pokémon GO

Despite the initial concerns which tend to surface around any craze or trends, others have been quick to realise the potential plus side of the game. One school in Australia is using the game in the classroom after research showed that the game had a positive effect.

The pupils suffering with autism have been shown to have improved social skills through the use of the game and are more engaged with the rest of their lessons.  The game encourages them to play with other kids in a way they would have been reluctant to do otherwise.

The nature of the augmented reality of the game also works well with the way these children’s brains work.  Those with autism are very visually centred with 90% of their learning coming through what they see.  In a busy classroom, these children can find it difficult to focus and learn but using visual means has a far better result.

Ideas for children’s fun activities that could base around the game include using ‘walking journals’ where children follow a story or a map with the game and can improve a variety of skills including maths as well as boosting their imagination.  Homework could be something like exploring their town with the game and submitted screen shots on a Monday about what they found.

Wider benefits

While computer games as a whole are often seen as the enemy by parents and limitations on time playing is definitely a good idea, there are a surprising number of benefits that any kid can gain from game play.

Basic skills like vision and observation can be boosted by playing games. Children with ‘lazy eyes’ have been shown to improve their vision sitting close to the screen and the general ability to pick up small details and colours is enhanced.

Different games also create interests in subjects, such as history.  Games set in historical period or with historical characters have created an interest in the real topic that can even lead to better exam results.

Abilities learned playing games is increasingly having practical benefits that are recognised by employers and universities.  Playing online games with hundreds of other people encourages team work, communication and an increased ability to think on your feet.  Even surgeons are getting better at their job due to the fine motor skills learning playing games.

Games can help people suffering from a number of conditions.  Post-operative or injury pain is one example where playing a game creates a complete release and allows a relaxation that isn’t possible otherwise.  Patients with MS have been shown to have improved balance after playing certain games, one of the major problems found with the condition.

As well as easing physical conditions, games can help with mental conditions.  Stress relief is top of the list as well as helping suffers with depression to relax and get their mind off their problems for a period of time.  Studies have even show that those with dyslexia can do more after playing games as the constantly changing environment of action games helps them to develop their focus.

So while games should be approached with caution and moderation, there is clearly benefits as well as problems that Pokémon GO and many other game crazes can help.

Halloween decorating ideas

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Decorating for Halloween can be fun and gets you excited for the Halloween season, but thinking of new Halloween party decoration ideas is difficult. Here are a few helpful Halloween decorating tips and tricks to help get your creativity flowing. Your Halloween home décor can be sophisticated or downright spooky. No matter which way you decide to take your fall home décor, follow these easy tips for Halloween decorating that will make it easier.

Try out these Halloween decorating ideas:

Un-Decorate Before You Decorate: Take your normal picture frames off the walls and decorations off all the surfaces including tables, counters, and shelves. When you add Halloween decorations on top of your normal décor, the result looks cluttered and confused. Put all the focus on your Halloween decorations by making them the centre of attention. Fill empty spots that other picture frames left by hanging Halloween plates or spooky decorations.

Focus On One Colour Scheme: A classic orange and black colour scheme for your decorations always looks great. You could also try a creepy black and green colour scheme or go sophisticated with black and silver. Try not to mix more than three of these bold colours. This will keep your house looking put together and sophisticated.

Decorate With Pumpkins: Pumpkins can be used in many different ways for Halloween décor. For a more decadent look, try painting pumpkins, or using glue with glitter or buttons. Pumpkins can be used outside as a welcome sign outside after being painted, or inside as table or mantelpiece décor. Try painting a pumpkin with chalkboard paint and keeping a countdown to Halloween!

Use Candles: Candles are a great way to set a creepy mood for All Hollow’s Eve or the night of a Halloween party. White candles look spookiest and are easy to find. Mix and match different sizes and heights of candles and tea lights on a mantle or as the centrepiece on a table. Dim the lights and the candle glow will give all the rest of your decorations a scary flickering shadow!

Use these Halloween home decoration tips to spark your creativity and expand on your favourite Halloween decorations. Have a happy Halloween!

Party games for little ghosts

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Incorporate a few fun Halloween party games for kids into your monster bash. Having games at your Halloween party will keep the children entertained and having fun. When deciding what games to play pick ones that are age appropriate, easy to play, and accommodate all of the children at the party.  

You also want to make sure that the games are Halloween themed by including things like witches, ghosts, and pumpkins into the directions or rules. Here are a few easy Halloween games for kids between the ages of 4-10 to consider for your party planning: 

Pumpkin BINGO: This is a great Halloween party game for kids because it is easy to play and fun. Make your bingo game spooktacular by using pumpkin tokens instead of bingo chips and ghost shaped bingo cards. Have a prize bag full of Halloween sweets and toys ready for the winners to make a selection.

Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin: Pin the nose on the pumpkin is an easy Halloween game for toddlers to play. To setup the game start by making an adorable pumpkin banner with black and orange felt. Have the kids “pin” the nose on the pumpkin after a few blindfolded spins. The closest to the actual nose wins!

Pumpkin Toss: To setup the game, start by carving a large pumpkin with openings for the eyes and mouth or group together lots of pumpkins. To play, have the children throw beanbags shaped like ghosts into the holes to score points. Have each hole be worth a different number of points. The child with the most points after three rounds wins a prize.

The Bone Collector: This game is a great way to get the children up on their feet because it is a Halloween themed treasure hunt. To set up the game, buy a big bag of skeleton bones. Next, hide all of the bones around a designated area for the children to find. For the really little ones, create a diagram of a skeleton so they know how many parts to look for.

Monster Musical Chairs: Musical chairs is an easy Halloween game for kids because all you need is chairs and some fun Halloween music. Have a playlist ready with Halloween songs and let everyone dance around the chairs. When the music stops everyone has to sit down as fast as they can. The child that doesn’t get a chair is eliminated. Each round another chair is taken away until only one child is left sitting.

Teenager ideas for Halloween

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Halloween party games for teenagers are super to add to any teen party or even just a family party where teens will be present. Though teenagers can be easily bored, these Halloween games for teens will keep them entertained all night long! Games that require preparation are also fun to plan and think up! If you need a few ideas for Halloween party games for teens, take a look at the list below:

Bob for apples: That’s right—though this classic game may seem childish, it’s actually fun for people of all ages! Just set up a big barrel full of water and apples to challenge your teenagers to see if they can pick the apples up without using their hands!

Costume dance contest: This is a quick and easy way to get everyone on their feet. You can do contests such as the limbo or just award funny prizes for guests’ costumes. Make sure to have prizes on hand!

Murder mystery: This game requires a lot of thought and planning, but it is well worth it! It’s similar to a live action version of clue. For this game, you’ll have to create a story, character list and solution to a murder mystery. Just be sure not to tell any guests about it! Assign everyone at the party a “part” and hide clues around the house. Have them act out the story as they figure out who’s the murderer together!

Halloween night sweet hunt: Plant sweets around the outside of your home. Once it’s dark out, have guests go on a night-time sweet hunt. Give them bags for the sweets and flashlights and split them up into groups of 3-4. See how daring they’ll be on Halloween night!

Halloween Fear Factor: For this game, play a guessing game! Blindfold guests and have them put their hand into a bowl or jar filled with something horrible to the touch. Then have them guess what they just touched. Some ideas include Jelly, peanut butter and crushed biscuits. Award prizes for the people who have the most accurate guesses

Halloween trivia: Before the party, make up Halloween movie, TV show and history trivia cards. During the party, host a trivia session complete with prizes!

These Halloween games for teenagers parties are just a few ideas to get you started. These ideas are also Halloween party games for tweens too, so feel free to get as many people in the family involved as you can!

Spend less on your children’s party

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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 by Mums Show Live!

Extravagant parties include an entertainer for three hours at £435 (£145 an hour); catered food and drink for 30 at £3.95 a child (£118.50); hire of a hall at around £100; birthday cake £64.90 and party bags for everyone at £3.25 each add up to £97.50. Grand total: £815.90.

One mum recently moaned she had to do it three times over – goody bags at school for the 30 pupils in her daughter’s class, a children’s birthday party, and another for adult friends and family.

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

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. We are sure if you stretch your imagination it will be a real success!!

Seasides to visit this Summer Holiday

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At one time, going to the coast was the normal weekend or holiday venue for families.  Then the foreign holiday craze came along with cheap flights and cheap hotels and the seaside resorts saw a decline. However, in recent years, people have begun to return to the UK coastal towns and are once again appreciating all they have to offer. They are the perfect place for keeping the children entertained, with plenty of kids activities on offer and family things to do. Here we look at ten coastal towns you must visit – although not all in the same holiday!

Blackpool

Blackpool has a lot to offer holidaymakers and has something for all tastes.  The town is a major seaside resort on the Irish Sea between the estuaries of the Ribble and the Wyre and is most famous for its Illuminations and the Pleasure Beach.  But this isn’t all the town offers – there is a zoo for the kids to see, the world-famous Blackpool Tower to climb and the Sandcastle Water Park, to name just a few.  Many of the major attractions now take part in a Blackpool Resort Pass so costs can be combined to make the most out of a trip.

Whitby

Whitby is a seaside town near Scarborough in North Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk.  The town combines seaside attractions with beautiful scenery and history including the Whitby Abbey, home of the earliest recognised English poet, Caedmon.  The town was a vital fishing port since the Middle Ages and is the place where Captain Cook learned about sailing.  It later became famous through its connection with Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  As well as grabbing some great fish and chips, the town is also a major water sports area while the annual Regatta takes place in August.

Newquay

Newquay is on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, 12 miles north of Truro.  It is a natural harbour that has been exploited by man going back to pre-historic times, though the town has now expanded inland as well.  There are nine great beaches in the Newquay area and this is one of the reasons it has become a major tourist location.  Other attractions include the Trenance Leisure Gardens and the Newquay Zoo and the area is a surfing hotspot.  Due to its location, it is also a great place to use as a base to explore the rest of Cornwall.

Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is a coastal town on the River Yare in Norfolk, 20 miles to the east of Norwich.  It became a coastal resort back in the mid-1700s when people began visiting the Norfolk Broads.  As well as the beach and two piers at the report, the market place is one of the biggest in the country and has been open for business since the 13th century.  There is also the Tollhouse, believed to be the oldest civic building in the country with its spooky dungeons to visit between spells on the beach.

Worthing

Worthing is along the coast of West Sussex, just 10 miles from another famous coastal town, Brighton.  It was a mere fishing port until the late 18th century when it became a popular Georgian tourist spot and was the chosen spot of the rich of the time.  It is now home to a thriving artist community as well as having seen regeneration in recent years to the pier, museum and the Dome cinema.  A state of the art swimming centre has added to the attractions that now sees it as one of the best performing seaside towns in the country.

Whitehaven

Whitehaven is on the Cumbrian coast between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness and wasn’t a traditional coastal resort.  In recent times, however, development has seen the town become a more popular place to visit with millennium developments to the harbour being important.  It now has a bi-annual maritime festival that includes tall ships and a flying display from the Red Arrows.  It is also within travelling distance of the Lake District and its many attractions.

Mablethorpe

Mablethorpe is a small seaside town that has made itself into an appealing location for families to visit.  On the coast of Lincolnshire, the town is noted for its Seal Sanctuary, taking in injured animals since 1974, as well as Spanish City Complex, theme park and an attractive promenade.  The town also has plenty of long sandy beaches for some traditional seaside sandcastle building and sand-based sports competitions.  It is even home to the only beach hut festival in the country, where every September owners decorate and display their huts amid music, poetry and drama.

Barry

Barry is a coastal town on the northern coast of the Bristol Channel, only seven miles from Cardiff.  It is noted for its beaches as well as the Barry Island Pleasure Park.  This is a complex of shops, restaurants and bars as well as attractions

Handy information in a blog

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Sometimes when you are looking for ideas about where to go on holiday or for a weekend break, inspiration can be hard to come by.  Of course, travel agents will give you plenty of information but sometimes you want something unbiased, neutral and personal.  One of the best ways to find this type of inspiration is to look at blogs and here are a few blogs to help you on your way.

What is a blog?

In case you missed it, a blog is a bit like a diary, only written for the world to read.  People write about what they know, what they like and what they don’t and this allows readers to get a wider viewpoint on a location or venue than offers through traditional means.  Blog are often written un a fun, casual way that makes reading them amusing and relaxing and there is none of the pressure to ‘buy’ that can be found on major travel websites.  You may even be inspired to start your own!

The Family Adventure Project

The Family Adventure Project is the blog of husband and wife team Stuart and Kirstie who have three children. Their aim is to spend time together as a family doing interesting and exciting things and getting out and about. As well as locations, their blog also deals with different adventure ideas and also action – in other words sports and activities for children.

A Modern Mother

A Modern Mother is a blog by just that – a former corporate lady who left her job to have three children and is now a full-time mum as well as the founder of BritMums.  Her blog covers a range of destinations and ideas for things to do as well as places to visit and offers advice on places to stay, all from a family perspective.

Mums Do Travel

Mums Do Travel is the blog of a former journalist turned mother who looks at places from a family point of view.  Her blogs include room reports and interviews with other family travellers for their ideas and views.  There is also advice around the type of trip as well as where to go.

Family Travel Times

Family Travel Times is co-written by couple Sarah and Brian with their two kids to offer a viewpoint from the younger mind.  They review the places that they visit as well as guest pieces from other family bloggers on their experiences and include plenty of their own fun photography to inspire others.

The Mum Blog

The Mum Blog features sections on travel and family travel to offer a range of tips and hints.  As well as information about where to go and where to stay, there is also information about matters that make travelling easier.  It is written by journalist and mum Liz Jarvis.

Mum on the Brink

Mum on the Brink is a blog covering travel and outdoor fun as well as other matters such as technology, written by mother of three Monika.  The blog looks at locations to visit and places to stay as well as new ways to travel such as reviewing motorhomes and information about activities to keep the kids occupied

Outdoor party ideas for children

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1. Kids Olympics Party

Cabin fever may be setting in after all the April showers and being stuck in school, so get the kids outside and burn off some energy! Tap into their competitive side and set up a Kids Olympics party! “Active” is the name of the game with this theme. Discus throws (using Frisbees), obstacle courses, balance beams, or hula hoop contests are great choices for a children’s Olympics Party. You can also encourage teamwork with relay races or a team sport like whiffle ball or kickball. At the end of the party, give away small prizes or even have a medal ceremony to bring the festivities to a close!

2. Sensory Party

Younger children are always curious about the world around them. Why not embrace it and host a Sensory Party? Tell your guests to wear some “play clothes” or provide souvenir T-shirts. Then, prepare to get messy! Set up stations that help kids explore all five senses. For example, a sand creation table will let kids make art out of brightly-coloured sand. It also helps them use their visual creativity to make something unique! Auditory stations can include simple instruments like drums or recorders. Since it’s outside, the sound won’t drive you as crazy! Or, make some Rainbow Foam for a tactile station. It’s easy to make and allows children to get messy while exploring a fun texture.  Just remember, the messier the better for your outdoor kid’s party ideas!

 3. Just Add Water Party

Looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat? Just add water! Have your guests bring their swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen for a day of fun in the sun. Activities like Slip n’ Slides or sprinklers are easy ways to add a little H2O to your outdoor party. 

4. Animal Party

While we’re all fans of furry creatures, sometimes the thought of having them inside is a little daunting. That’s why animals are the perfect addition to an outdoor party! Does your child dream of riding a pony or holding a hedgehog? An animal party can deliver! Most petting zoos or pony parties only need a small amount of space outside, like your garden. Reptile shows are great for Jurassic Park or jungle-themed parties. The animals are usually enough to hold the kids’ attention, but animal games can be a just as fun! 

Musical Chairs. Each time the music stops and a child is out, designate them as “it” and let them choose their favourite animal. If they say “horse,” the remaining kids can gallop around the circle of chairs until the music stops. Kids love animals, so this party should be a hit!

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5. Outdoor Movie Night Party 

Bring the movies to your garden! Your kids and their friends of all ages will love being able to pile onto blankets in the grass and watch a family-friendly film. Rent your own outdoor movie screen or make your own by stringing up a white painter’s canvas. Most rented screens come with a projector, or you can buy a decent one for around £100. Not a bad investment if you plan to use it a few times throughout the summer! Set up a movie snack bar with popcorn and classic sweet choices. Set up tin buckets filled with ice and bottled pop to bring out the nostalgic vibe. Outdoor kids party ideas don’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s just about spending time together

Top entertainment ideas for kids

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Entertaining children at a party is hard work, especially if you’ve got a range of ages attending, they all want to play, and you’re trying to set up the food! So, why not let a professional children’s party entertainer, entertain and enthral your children and their friends, while you relax and wonder how 20 kids could possibly eat all that food in one sitting. (Don’t worry, they will!) 

Here’s our top entertainment ideas for children’s parties that will please the kids and impress their parents too:

1. Blow up a storm with balloon modellers     

Balloon modelling is fascinating to watch; as long thin balloons are inflated then twisted at lightening speeds into anything from a monkey to a jetpack! The great benefit of hiring Balloon Modellers for any kid’s party is that every child gets something to take home, be it a hat, custom-made balloon jewellery, a backpack or a favourite cartoon character. 

2. Face painting for children’s parties 

Transform your little VIPs into wild animals, butterflies, superheroes with the skill and artistry of expert Face Painters.  Professional face painters will only use safe, water-based and hypoallergenic materials, so kids can wear their new look all party long and parents can restore them to angelic normality before bedtime!

3. Memorable Mime Artists 

If your kids like Mr Bean, they’ll love live mime. Children just can’t take their eyes off a mime artist, fascinated as they conjure a world from thin air and pure imagination. Mime Artists offer traditional style mime and also a silent clown act, for a wonderful show full of slapstick and comedy.

4. Marvellous Magic with Close-Up Magicians 

Magic is really popular for kids, thanks to the new wave of TV street magicians, so a close-up magic show is perfect for a birthday party. Often combining conjuring tricks with an infectious sense of fun, a children’s magician will give your kids a show that’s amazing, amusing and absolutely unforgettable.

5. Superb Storytellers 

Once upon a time, there was a children’s party where every child was spellbound by the power of a great story. And that party can be yours, a wonderfully relaxing experience for both guests and parents that is hard to find in today’s busy worlds. Now that’s a true happy ending!

6. Game On! 

Remember those party games you loved as a child, like Musical Chairs, Musical Statues, Pass-the-Parcel, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Egg & Spoon, Sack Races, Simon Says? Let a professional children’s party entertainer delight the children with these oh-so-simple-but oh-such-fun games, plus their modern counterparts, Karaoke and Dancing Games, for a party that’s active, fun and stress-free for you, the host.

For summer birthdays or just a fun get-together, kids love a good party! Why not take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and have the party outside? Get going with these 5 great outdoor kids party ideas! 

August Bank Holiday ideas

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One of the top times for the family to do something together is the August Bank Holiday.  Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off and the weather is at its best.  But rather than just visit the family or hit the shops, what other things could you do with the kids to make for a memorable bank holiday? here are our ideas for August Bank Holiday fun.

London

If you are in the south-east or fancy a trip to the capital, there are plenty of events taking place and things to do see and do. One of the most spectacular bank holiday events is the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August.  The carnival has been going since 1964 and is when the Caribbean cultures of London get together to celebrate their heritage and traditions.  Music from reggae to salsa fills the air along with steel bands, soca floats and a whole lot of tasty Caribbean food.  The carnival travels the streets of W10 and the nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove.

Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous wax works museums in the world and from 1st august to 30th September, they have a special exhibition called Memories of Her Majesty.  Over the last 87 years, Queen Elizabeth II has had 23 wax portraits done and the museum is holding an exhibition of all of them at one including a recreation of her coronation crown and a dress made with 53,000 Swarovski crystals.

England

For a typically strange English tradition, check out the football on the river at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.  It involves two teams playing football knee deep in the River Windrush with hundreds of spectators lining the river banks.  The event has happened every bank holiday for the last century – though no-one really knows why!

The Newlyn Fish Festival in Cornwall is a chance to sample some of the freshest and tastiest seafood straight from the boat.  The kids will love to see the catch come in and may find a new food favourite.  There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops as well as local craft stalls, live music and even a chance to get up close to one of the sea rescue helicopters.

Mathew Street Music Festival is known as the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and is free of charge.  Little known acts travel from 30 countries around the world to delight listeners as well as tribute brands from the Beatles to modern groups.

Don’t forget that hitting the beach is still a hugely popular choice for many kids.  From Brighton and Bournemouth up to Blackpool, England has some fantastic beaches and often there is more than just sand and sea on offer. Cornwall is known for its body boarding spots while many areas are near to wildlife reserves to combine children friendly activities for all the family.

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Another free festival can be found in Edinburgh with the Festival Fringe.  This is the biggest art festival in the world with everything from comedy and dance to theatre and live music on offer.  It only runs until the beginning of September so the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to catch it.

The Northern Ireland Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lisburn is the first of its kind in the country and will see 30 balloons take to the sky each morning and evening. There is also a Fire and Light show on the Saturday and Sunday evenings when music will accompany the balloons.  For the adults there are also some tasty food and drink stalls to check out including Armagh cider and speciality cheese.

Why not try the kids with a new, yet old, type of music and head to the Belfast City Blues Festival?  Taking place from 26th to 28th August, it is firmly established as one of the top Blues festivals in the country and this year will see top US blues player Sherman Roberts as well as local Willie Byrne and legendary Rab McCullagh performing.

Wales

Of all the Bank Holiday events to witness, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells is perhaps the strangest. Competitors travel from around the world to dress up in snorkelling gear and fight their way up the muddy river to glory. Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to add to the mad nature of the day and can even have a go at the sport if they bring their gear.

Cardiff Harbour Festival runs from 27-29th August and is the finale of the free Cardiff Festival that runs all summer. Listen to sea shanties while trying the very fresh seafood on offer as well as exploring the tall ships docked in the harbour. The British Fishcraft Championships are taking place as well as a display by the Breitling Wing Walkers, fairground rides and a fancy dress competition for the kids entertainment.

Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook.  The Haunted Histories tour operates on August 28th and takes in one of the finest late medieval fortresses in the country. The tour is definitely aimed at the kids with stories of the past and a few scares along the way.

If you like the water and a little bit of a challenge, why not try canoeing on the River Wye?  Han-on-Wye is the starting point where canoes can be hired, even strapping two together to make a family canoe. Then off downstream with Wales to the left and England to the right for a full day or half-day trip. When you get to the other end, enjoy a picnic and then get a lift back to your starting point as part of the package.