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Top tips for family trips

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Making sure a family day out goes smoothly and everyone has a day to remember… for all the right reasons!

Plan ahea
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. I 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’ activities you can do such as; feeding animals or rides and often this costs £1 or so, plus there might be parking charges.

Prepare the children
Keep behaviour on track by preparing your children for the frustrations they may experience during the day. For example ‘sometimes we will have to queue up’ or ‘you will need to stay quiet when we go in…..area’.

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!

Plan for any ‘boring bits’
Have some games in mind encase the kids get a little bored. Make a bingo list or treasure hunt, if you are in a museum or gallery they might have a trail for you to follow or even activity packs, ask at reception when you arrive.

Sun protection
With the weather always being changeable it is a good idea to always carry sun cream, sunglasses and sun hats.

Keep a basic makeup set/ hairbrush in the car for the days when it was easier just to get everyone out of the house before making yourself look presentable!

Try out new places

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York, Yorkshire
This picturesque town, located in North Yorkshire, is the perfect place to bring your budding little historians! Head to the York Castle Museum to get an insight into Edwardian and Victorian life in York, or pay a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre to discover why they’re so popular. It’s also a must for chocolate lovers with the fab York’s Chocolate Story! If you’ve got a little thrill seeker in tow, be sure to check out Lightwater Valley to take on Europe’s longest roller coaster; The Ultimate!

Cardiff, Wales
This beautiful town offers lots of varied and entertaining fun for all of the family! Explore Cardiff Bay on The Open Boat; a lovely steam boat that offers amazing views of the harbour, or head over to Cardiff Castle to learn all about this town’s fascinating medieval history. Fans of Doctor Who will love the Doctor Who Experience for an immersive journey through space and time!

Lymington, New Forest
For those after an escape to the forest, Lymington is the place to be! Situated on the edge of the New Forest, this port town is renowned as a sailing resort and is home to lots of lovely independent boutiques… perfect for budding little fashionistas! For those after a slice of culture, head on over to St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery to marvel at amazing artwork and have a go at one of their family friendly trails. Hiring a bike and exploring the nearby woodland is also a must for active families looking to work up a pre-pub appetite!

Dartmouth, Devon
If you’re looking for active filled family day out with a spectacular backdrop, Dartmouth is your one stop destination! From cycling, walking and an array of outdoor activities, you really are spoilt for choice. This is as well as amazing historic houses, gardens, castles and museums, such as Dartmouth Castle. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the countryside, the Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away from the town centre!

Falmouth, Cornwall
If you’ve got a budding surfer dude or dudette in tow, or are a lover of the seaside, Falmouth is the place to be! With a stunning beach that offers a variety of activities such as rockpooling, sailing, snorkelling and SUP paddle boarding, your little beach bums won’t know where to start first. Head on over to the National Maritime Museum to find out all about this lovely town.

Take your family out for the day

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
There’s so much to see and do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with indoor and outdoor activities suitable children and for the whole family. Take a look at our summer events at Portsmouth Dockyards blog for inspiration! All our tickets include an annual pass valid from your first visit date so you can return as many times as you wish! Attractions include HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Action Stations – indoor interactive attraction with Ninja Force assault course, climbing wall and more.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester, Somerset
An all-weather attraction for aviation lovers this is Europe’s largest aircraft collection. Step on board the first British Concorde, look into the cockpit and also step inside a Sea King helicopter. The kids will also love the adventure playground inspired by HMS Queen Elizabeth.

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes, The O2, London
Super Hero and Super Villian fans will love this exhibition. Featuring an extensive display of comic book, TV and film memorabilia, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, plus many more! Displays in the multi-room exhibition include costumes, sketches, props, video scenes, models and even a Batpod!

The National Showcaves Centre, Swansea, Wales
Explore the incredible natural wonders that are the caves, there are three in total including Dan-yr-Ogof, Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave. Also onsite is the museum where you can watch experienced cavers make their way through the further reaches of the cave.

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Set over 9 floors there’s something to interest everyone here! Go on a journey of discovery through the history of Scotland, taking in the wonders of nature, art, design and fashion and science and technology. The hall of animals will be a sure favourite!

The Natural History Museum, London
For a fascinating, FREE educational day out, head down to the Natural History Museum. Here you will learn about the natural world through amazing exhibitions and displays! Be sure to check out the Darwin Centre where you will discover science in action and collections. The Attenborough Studio is a fascinating audio-visual venue where you can learn all about life on earth. There are so many things to see at this amazing place, so don’t miss out!

The British Museum, London
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free to all visitors! Explore the Egyptians, the Roman Empire, ancient Greece, and more. You can even see the Rosetta Stone which proved to be the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs!

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery

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We’re always delighted to discover an indoor day out for those miserable rainy days.

If you fancy a spontaneous visit to Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery in Aylesbury – it won’t disappoint, packed with fun and exciting children’s things to do and see, your little one’s will love this.

You purchase your ticket through the Buckinghamshire Museum next door and then walk around the corner to the glass elevator and ring the doorbell where one of the team will let you in, take your coats and show you the way.

The gallery is a fully interactive experience with exhibits inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories. Children had delight in crawling through Fantastic Mr Fox’s tunnel and looking at minibeasts and other items through the telescopes inside James’ Giant Peach. They found the sounds they could make with the BFG exhibit hilarious and spent ages in the “freeze your own shadow” room.

The gallery is educational, interactive and fun, you can spend a good 2 hours in the gallery and then you can visit the Buckinghamshire museum, which had a number of exhibits to keep the children entertained. The museum also has a café if you fancy a drink or something to eat while you’re there.

Details:
Location: Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Tel: 01296 331441

Opening times for the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery:
Summer opening 1 April to 29 October: Saturdays 10am – 5pm.

School Holiday Openings
October Half Term
21 – 28 October: open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm

Prices:
Child (4-17yrs) £5.50
Under 4s: By Donation
Adult: £7.70
Family/group ticket: £22.00 (4 people including at least 1 adult).

Try KidZania London

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With the weather being unpredictable in the UK, that doesn’t have to stop you this half term! KidZania London is a mini-city that kids can explore for themselves. They can try their hand at being a firefighter, fashionista, and even flying a Starship model through the Atlas Star System!

1. New: Starlink Space Station
Pilots will learn how to build their own modular Starship model before embarking on a journey through the Atlas Star System, testing and navigating their ship with Nintendo Switch. Kids will learn lots about the solar system as they adventure through space!

2. Nintendo Labo Workshop
Kids can use the Nintendo Labo kits to create their own RC car. They can take their decorated car home with them after the session. This is then used with the Nintendo Switch consoles to bring the games to life! Discover other models too including a fishing rod, piano, and even a robot!

3. Shop till you drop in Westfield London!
If your kids are 8 years or older, they can explore KidZania independently and you can enjoy 4 hours of shopping!

4. Adults can enjoy the fun too!
KidZania is so cool that Mum’s and Dad’s will want to get stuck in too! Although most of KidZania’s activities are especially for kids where adults can supervise through the viewing windows, There are a few activities where adults can join in too! Grown-ups will love the Alder Hey Hospital A&E, TV Studio, Stadium, City Tour Bus and British Airways aviation academy! Go on, you know you want to!

What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want a go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

Family Weekends

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If you are at work all week, the main problem with weekends is that you use them to catch up on all your household chores, life ends up getting in the way and that 48-hour window just passes by in a blur of washing and cleaning.

Take back control of your weekends for some good old family fun. Doing at least one fun children’s 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.

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.

Festive games

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Keep Christmas fun for kids this year with this range of festive games.

1. Guess the Number
Simple but effective. Have everyone guess how many decorations there are on the Christmas tree. There can be a sweet prize like a slice of Christmas cake or some chocolate coins!

2. Charades
This is a classic game for all the family! Simply have everyone write the name of a book, film, show, or even a famous person on a piece of paper. Fold them up and put them in a container. One person picks a piece of paper and must act out what is written on the paper until someone guesses what it is. It is then their turn to act something out.

3. Guess Who
Another game that’s fun for all ages, you’ll need post-it notes for this one! Everyone must write the name of a famous person on a post-it note without anyone else seeing. The famous person can be a celebrity, historical figure, TV character, or anyone else recognisable – let your imaginations run wild! Stick your post-it note on someone else’s forehead and they must ask a series of questions until they can guess who they are. The questions must only be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’!

4. Santa’s Limbo
Grab a pillow and a belt and get your guests to take it in turns to dress up with a ‘Santa belly.’ Then take a string of Christmas lights or a strand of festive garland or ribbon, play some Christmas music and start the limbo!
Grab a pillow and a belt and get your guests to take it in turns to dress up with a ‘Santa belly.’ Then take a string of Christmas lights or a strand of festive garland or ribbon, play some Christmas music and start the limbo!

5. Music Quiz
Find a playlist online or a Christmas CD and play a few seconds of each song. Everyone must write down, or shout out the name of the song and artist. The person or team who gives the most correct answers wins!

Christmas Markets for all the Family

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TWintertime Market at the Southbank Centre, London
9th November – 6th January 2019

Visit this traditional Christmas market along the Thames riverbank where the beautiful wooden chalets are filled with handmade gifts and treats as well as plenty of festive food and drink!

The Christmas Market, Bournemouth
16th November -2 January 2019

Bournemouth is set to impress this year with an array of festive fun for all the family located in Bournemouth Gardens. Check out the Alpine bar where you can treat yourselves to some mulled wine, shop in the markets for that perfect Christmas gift or check out the NEW Christmas Tree Wonderland! The kids can visit Santa in his grotto or even go ice skating!

Nottingham Winter Wonderland
15 November–31 December 2018

Visit Nottingham Winter Wonderland to really get everyone in the festive mood. The magical ice rink returns, where everyone can turn twirls with loved ones, enjoy browsing the Christmas craft and gift market, selling ideal things for presents and fun kids rides including a Helter Skelter! Rest up and refuel in the Ice Bar with a mulled wine and listen to some festive tunes at the bandstand.

Manchester Christmas Markets
9th November – 22nd December 2018

There are a number of Christmas markets spread out all over the city of Manchester; from Albert Square to Brazenness Street, King Street to St. Ann’s Square, as well as Market Street, Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens. The stalls are festively decorated and you will be spoilt for choice with products, so if you’re in need of some indulgence or some Christmas gift inspiration, head on down to one of these many markets.

Oxford Christmas Market
7th – 22nd December 2018

The famous city of Oxford does not disappoint with its Christmas market. Clustered along the iconic Broad Street, there will be 40 festively decorated log stalls selling a range of Christmas treats. On selected days there will be musical fun entertainment from a range of bands and singers!

Edinburgh Christmas Markets
16th November 2018 – 5 January 2019

Edinburgh is hosting two fabulous Christmas Markets this December. Both have beautifully decorated stalls selling products made by local artists, delicious foods and plenty of gifts to give loved ones this Christmas!
Cardiff Christmas Market
From 15th November 2018

Bring the family to this wonderful Christmas Market for a totally unique shopping experience. Buy your family and friends personalised gifts and souvenirs or why not treat yourself to something? The market is filled with local food products, art, handmade crafts and much more.

Making your own traditions

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Nothing is more adorable than a baby’s first time doing just about anything, and what better occasion to start new traditions than their first birthday?

Unfortunately, with all of the charm and attention being poured into decorations, food, and organising, we often forget to relax and enjoy a few firsts with our little ones. Here are a few fun traditions new and old to help you make this day special for years to come.

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.

A memory box is a fun memorable way to collect the most sentimental pieces from your children’s parties 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.

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, 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.

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.