Tag: children

Explore Bristol with kids

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There’s plenty to keep young kids occupied in Bristol, from At-Bristol to SS Great Britain. Here are some of the best ways to keep your children and teens entertained when visiting the city…

Banksy art, Bristol

But there’s a lot more to Bristol than Banksy. Starting from City Hall and going through the city centre to Stokes Croft you can learn about the techniques used, artist backgrounds and the meaning behind some of the pieces.

Bristol street art

Depending on your point of view, our final destination, Stokes Croft, is either full of drug dens and brothels, bohemian and edgy or gentrified and expensive to live in. Whatever your thoughts there’s definitely lots of street art to see.

St Nicholas Market

Leaving street art tour head back to the city centre via the indoor St Nicholas Market. The market has the usual clothing and knick-knack stalls but what sets it apart are the food outlets. With options from all over the world it wouldn’t look out of place in Borough Market.

Cabot tower

Built in the 1890s to commemorate the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to Canada the tower is free to visit. There’s a 360 degree panoramic view from the top although getting there may involve a squeeze. The spiral stairs are pretty narrow and things get interesting when you meet someone coming the opposite direction!

Giant’s cave, Clifton Observatory

Clifton Observatory is home to two attractions, a Camera Obscura and Giant’s Cave.  There is a touch of make believe about the tale, the steps lead out onto a platform with an impressive view of the gorge and bridge.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

On the far side there’s a small visitor centre. Kids can play with a weighing machine that tells you how many of yourself can stand on the bridge without it collapsing. Quite a few fortunately!

Eating out

One of the great treats on a city break is eating out.

Under the stars

A floating tapas boat moored at the Harbourside. Lots of tasty veggie options, reasonable size portions and a quirky venue.

Urban Tandoor

An Indian restaurant with great service in a small (and dark) venue so book in advance.

Swoon gelato

An ice cream treat for the kids with lots of different flavours to choose from. Very tasty.

A Lion King inspired party

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It’s difficult to watch Disney’s classic movie The Lion King and not fall in love with all the characters and music. If your child can’t stop singing “Hakuna Matata” then it may be time to invite your favourite little animals over for a royal birthday celebration! Below are some ideas for you to pounce on including suggestions for Lion King children’s party invitations, decorations, food, favours and games.

Lion King Party Planning & Invitations

In addition to basic jungle party supplies, like plates, cups, napkins and decorations, you may want to consider purchasing, borrowing or renting the following items for your Lion King party:

  • The Lion King on DVD or Blu-Ray

  • The Lion King music from the movie or Broadway show

  • The Lion King stuffed animals

  • Animal costumes such as our lion headband.

  • A petting zoo

  • An animal shaped pinata

 

If our personalised invitations just aren’t your cup of tea, you can invite your favourite little animals to join your pride for the day with creative handmade invitations! Here are some Lion King invitation ideas you can make yourself or with the help of the kids.

 

  • Record a video of your child singing one of the songs from the Lion King. At the end of the song your child can say “please come to my Lion King party” along with the date and time. Copy the video onto a CD and mail to each guest.

  • Mail each invitation with a small Lion King figure or a CD of songs from the movie.

  • Dress your child in a Simba or Nala costume and take a photo. Upload the photo to your computer to make an invitation by using photo software. On the front of the invitation you can add the words “I Just Can’t Wait to Turn 5!”

    Lion King Party Decorations & Food

Turn your home into a jungle fit for a king with the following Lion King decoration ideas.

  • Play music from the movie or Broadway show quietly in the background to add ambiance.

  • To create a jungle canopy, hang a lot of green, lime green and brown crepe paper streamers from the ceiling.

  • Use silk potted plants and flowers to decorate the floor and table of your Lion King party.

  • Place Lion King figurines and stuffed animals around the room.

  • Draw Simba on brown craft paper to hang around the room. You can use the symbol Rafiki draws on the tree as your example.

 

In addition to pizza, chicken fingers, hamburgers or hotdogs, you can add some Lion King themed children’s party food into the mix. Here are some fun food suggestions that will tame your ravenous lion cubs.

 

  • Hakuna Matata: Turn tater tots into bugs by drawing faces, antennae and little legs on each tot using ketchup.

  • Mini Cheese Steak Subs: Lions love to eat steak but since your cubs aren’t fully grown we suggest serving Steak ‘Ums with cheese on small sub rolls.

  • Banana Pops: Insert a Popsicle stick into the bottom of a halved banana. Pour chocolate syrup over the banana. Roll the chocolate-covered banana in a thin layer of nuts. Freeze before serving.

  • Bug Bowl: Set out bowls and fill each with different gummy insects.

    Lion King Party favours

Thank your guests with roaring party favours! We carry Lion King party favours as well as some general jungle party favours. To find a large variety of jungle party favours, visit our store and click the “Party favours” tab or the “More Fun Stuff” tab. Some of the favours we have include:

 

  • Squirt toys

  • Mini stuffed animals

  • Animal shaped rubber bands

  • Animal wind-up toys

  • Jungle animal stickers and temporary tattoos

  • Fun-shaped candy

 

Stick Man adventures

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If you and your little nature lovers are on the lookout for the perfect family walk, these Stick Man trails from the Forestry Commission are the perfect mixture of entertaining and educational. Be sure to download their children’s activity pack to take with you on your travels here too!

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Set in the picturesque heart of the Lake District, Grizdale Forest offers lots of fun for every little (and big!) nature lover. As well as walking and cycling trails, you’ll also get to admire the wildlife, amazing sculptures and take in the glorious woodland surroundings and sunshine.

Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland, Durham

Hamsterley, which offers over 20,000 hectares of wonderful woodland, has lots to offer for outdoor lovers! It’s one of the Super 6 mountain biking locations and also includes a lovely adventure play park. New for 2016 are the new Viking themed play areas, including the Ghost Ship, Dragon Swing, Thor’s Workshop and Odin’s keep!

Kielder Forest and Water Park, Northumberland

This breathtaking forest which, at 250 acres, is the UK’s largest forest! As well as the Stick Man Trail, you can also take on the largest mountain bike trail, see some fab art and architecture and more. For rumbling tums, head to the Kielder Castle cafe which offers hot meals, snacks and yummy cake.

Dalby Forest, Scarborough

Dalby Forest, situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, offers stunning views and lots to do! Take to the tree tops with Go Ape or have a go on their Segway tours. For those after a relaxing slice of culture, head over to The Lumberjills for some outdoor theatre entertainment for kids!

Guisborough Forest, Yorkshire

With an orienteering course, trim trail, sculpture trail, play area and more, Guisborough Forest is the perfect family day out! There’s also fun ranger led children’s activities and downloadable activity packs for you take with you on your visit! A perfect family day out.

Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire

There’s lots to see and do at Salcey Forest! Try horse riding, cycling and release your inner ninja on their tree Ninja activity, including a ropes course, 6 zip lines and Shock Drop. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the fab events taking place over the summer!

Haughmond Hill, Shropshire

Offering stunning views of the River Severn and Shrewsbury, and all the way to the South Shropshire and Welsh hills beyond, Haughmond Hill is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Bring along a family picnic, or head over to the on site cafe!

Choctastic days out

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We’ve found some chocolate themed, indulgent, scrumptious family Days Out…because well, if you can’t go chocolate crazy at Easter, when can you?

Cadbury World; Bournville, Birmingham

A chocoholics dream day out surely has to be Cadbury World! Discover the history behind your favourite chocolate treats and explore the magic of how they are created. Visitors have the chance to grow their own cocoa bean and experience chocolate rain! With so many amazing things to discover, including an adventure play area and the world’s biggest Cadburys shops, this is one delicious day out not to be missed!

Hotel Chocolat – The School of Chocolate; Leeds & Covent Garden, London

Learn the noble art of chocolate making in a creative Children’s Chocolate Workshops with expert chocolatiers. You can try chocolate decorating and experience a fun and educational introduction to cocoa and chocolate. Plus, everyone will receive a delicious goody bag to take home!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical; Drury Lane, London

Feeling a little queasy after all those delicious sweet treats, then why not treat your little Oompa loompas to Roald Dahl’s timeless, chocolate themed extravaganza! Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka come to life in this gigantic new musical that is choc-full of Fun fantastical treats to dazzle your senses.

York’s Chocolate Story; York, North Yorkshire

Visit this entertaining and informative guided tour discovering chocolate’s origins, how to make it, how to taste it like an expert and even the future of chocolate! Travel through the interactive choctastic experience and learn the secrets of this scrummy treat in their virtual factory! Fancy getting messy, then why not make and decorate your own sweet delights at the Chocolate Making Station.

Easter Entertainment

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Here are some brilliant Easter themed children’s activities for indoors and to give the little Kids a break from scoffing a pile of Easter Eggs!
 
Egg Decorating
 
Egg decorating is so much fun and keeps children entertained for hours. You can use paints, glitter, stickers and anything crafty that you can get your hands on but first you need to blow out the contents of the egg. Here’s how to do it –
 
Pierce a small hole at both ends of the egg and blow into the egg (do this over a bowl) and the contents of the egg will come out.
 
If the egg appears stuck, then swirl it around and blow again.
 
Finally hold your finger over the bottom hole and place the top under running water, shake the egg and blow again.
 
Leave the egg to dry and then they’re ready to decorate.
 
Indoor Egg and Spoon Race
 
The key for this child friendly activity is to use coloured plastic eggs, or if you are heading down the more traditional route then boil the egg first so that it’s hard boiled otherwise this could end up as quite a messy children’s activity. Arrange the children at the start line with an egg and a spoon each, and when you say go the children race to the finish line without dropping their egg. If they drop it, they need to start again! You could make the race more difficult by adding obstacles!
 
Springtime Easter Nests
 
This Easter recipe is so simple for the children to make and requires no oven! My favourite bit is licking the bowl afterwards…yum yum!
 
Ingredients:
 
150g Shredded Wheat (Cornflakes or Rice Crispies are just as yummy)
 
250g chocolate
 
3 tbsp golden syrup
 
1 bag of Mini Eggs
 
How to make:
 
Melt chocolate in a saucepan over a low heat
 
Stir in syrup and and rice crispies – watch out for taste testers!
 
Spoon mixture into cake cases, top with a Mini Egg (or two) and leave to cool
 
Enjoy!

Rollercoasters or Kids

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Who doesn’t love roller coasters! Too often age and height restrictions prevent our little thrill seekers from the excitement and fun of twists, drops and loops. So here is a list of the best child friendly coasters aimed at keeping under 8’s happy!

Cat-o-pillar Coaster – Paultons Park, Hampshire

This purr-fect family coaster is perfect for your little daredevils. With swoops and loops around up to a height of 10 metres, it’s an ideal Fun introductory coaster for the under 8’s. Be aware the experience you have by sitting at the back is MUCH scarier for little ones than the front!!!

Wild Bills Runaway Train – Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth

Bill’s wild and so will you be, with the kids delight and excitement on this runaway train ride as it dips and dives carrying its brave passengers twice round a track of loops and swoops. It’s a big screaming, arm waving, runawaying, swaying adventure!

Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure – Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Dive into CBeebies Land and join Captain Barnacles and crew as The Octonauts head on a Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure!

The Flying Fish – Thorpe Park, Surrey

Experience a fun, fast, first-time roller coaster with a trip on Flying Fish. Now a firm Family favourite at the park, Flying Fish is the perfect ride for young thrill seekers to earn their adrenaline apprenticeship.

Dragon’s Apprentice – Legoland, Windsor

Especially for younger guests, this mini roller coaster still offers plenty of thrills and spills to keep the children entertained. Riders travel to the top of the castle ruin and drop in a spiral motion above the moat.

The Rattlesnake – Chessington World of Adventures

This is a rattling rollercoaster ride and you’ll be in hysterics as you snake your way through the sharp turns, inclines and sudden dips of the old Mexican tin mine. Life sure has its ups and downs for little kids!

Twistosaurus – Flamingo Land, Yorkshire

This sensational spinning coaster creates rip-roaring, rotating fun. With its eye-catching dinosaur egg theme, Twistosaurus adds a fun new dimension to Flamingo Land’s extensive collection of family fun rides.

Nickelodeon Streak – Blackpool Pleasure Beach

This is one for the slightly taller under 8’s but it’s well worth a mention in our list!  A spine-tingling ride in a sleek vehicle, this classic wooden coaster streaks down a super fast track is bound to be a highlight of your little one’s day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!

Whilst most of the coasters we recommend will be suitable for under 8’s of all sizes, there are some for which a minimum height restrictions will apply. So be sure to check to avoid disappointment. All the coaster venues here have many rides for the under 8’s so I’m sure you will have an awesome day out, wherever you decide to go!

Cool things to do as a family this winter

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1. Go outdoors and find a frosty spider’s web (then make your own using PVA glue and silver glitter)

2. Make a puppet theatre using leftover Christmas cardboard, then create a puppet show

3. Create a bird feeder using a pine cone, lard and bird seed then take pictures of the birds as they feed in your garden!

4. Create your own puzzles. Stick a family photo, or a child drawn picture to card and cut it into shapes

5. Go bowling, it’s a great indoor activity that the whole family can enjoy!

6. Go to a castle and be a knight. Don’t forget to make a shield out of card and foil before you go!

7. Create a campfire and toast some marshmallows

8. Collect shells and create fun pictures on the beach, or in the forest with stones and twigs.

9. Teach your child to thread or sew, for younger children use cardboard with holes punched in it and string as thread.

10. Go on a scavenger hunt. Give children photos of things to find or set up written clues to help older children find items outside.

11. Visit a pottery café and create your very own masterpiece.

Shopping Centres with softplay

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The majority of large shopping centres now have that sanctuary of cushions, nets and multicoloured balls, the playcentre! Here are five of the best, picked due to their size and proximity to the largest numbers of Mums and Dads in need of a little retail therapy!

Intu MetroCentre; Gateshead, Tyne and Wear

The outdoor play area at intu Metrocentre Qube is designed to provide challenging fun for children from 3-10 years old. With a fireman’s pole, climbing walls, and dance chimes there are plenty of children’s activities to keep little ones entertained and give mums and dads a rest!

KidZania London; Westfield, London

Have your kids ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a firefighter, or the next award-winning singer? Kidzania is a child-size city inside the shopping centre! With over 60 real life role-play activities in the bank, on stage or fighting crime on the streets as a police officer! KidZania is a real life role play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning and reality with entertainment.

Bluewater; Greenhithe, Kent

With various play areas to choose from; Bluewater is the perfect hangout for you, your friends and your family whilst letting your little monsters have some serious fun! Check out the Pirate Cove Adventure Park with caves, cascading waterfalls, pedalos and two 18-hole adventure golf courses! Children and parents alike can enjoy these outdoor spaces complete with sandpits, climbing equipment and picnic areas!

Bullring Shopping Centre; Birmingham

Teenie Weenies at the Bullring offer two dedicated multi-tiered soft play areas, allowing children to play in a fun exciting environment! For the older kids why not check out the The Junior Frame. With activities designed to stimulate and challenge children including; a spider’s web, ball pits, zip wires, rope bridges, and a variety of slides. For the little ones the Toddlers Frame provides younger children the chance to play and have fun with mum and dad.

Intu Trafford Centre; Manchester

Approximately five miles west of Manchester city centre, the Trafford Centre is hard to miss! Here the soft play area is designed for kids under 10, and includes a huge ball pool, slides, climbing nets, tube crawls, rope swings etc. For children under 6 there is the Little Tikes play area. Not enough? Then how about the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE and Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Plus the ODEON cinema shows a range of family films and host ODEON Kids film screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Free days out for the kids

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If you’re looking for some fab and free days out, here’s some handpicked attractions across the UK that are sure to be a hit with all the family, whether you’ve got a budding author, nature lover or journalist in tow!

Beecraigs Country Park, Linglithgow

If you’re looking for a dose of fresh air and the chance to spot some lovely wildlife, Beecraig’s Country Park is the place to be! With over 915 acres of wonderful woodland, as a well as a fab play area with a spiders nut, wigwam huts, slides and much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! You’ll also get to see some cute red deer and highland cattle too!

Bolton Aquarium, Lancashire

If your little ones are fans of Finding Dory, this fantastic aquarium is the perfect place to be! You’ll get to see an amazing range of fish, including freshwater fish and some exotic ones from all around the world!

Liverpool Central Library, Liverpool

This library, which is steeped with a rich history, is the perfect day out for your little bookworms and budding authors! There are some fab facilities, including an Xbox 360, computers, iPads and lots more! There’s also stunning views available from the roof terrace.

Heaton Park, Manchester

Head to Heaton Park for an active and fun day out for all of the family to enjoy! Visit the animal centre, where you can meet an array of delightful animals, including cows, alpacas, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs! Kids will also love the play area, as well as the huge range of activities available. Try your hand at rowing boats, step on board a train ride, have a go at mini golf and loads more!

BBC Birmingham Public Space, Birmingham

The entire family with love having a go at some BBC themed activities, which include presenting an episode of Newsround or the local weather, having their photo taken outside the TARDIS and an old Dalek! You’ll also get the chance to take a touchscreen tour of the radio drama studio, as well as take a glimpse into the Asian Network and BBC WM studios too!

National Railway Museum, Yorkshire

With a collection of over a million objects, covering over 200 years of history, you and your family will be spoilt for choice! You’ll get to see giant halls full of engines and railway legends and kids can let off steam in the outdoor play area. You’ll also get to enjoy lively science shows, take a ride on the miniature railway or learn through the interactive exhibits!

Museum of English Rural Life, Reading

The Museum of English Rural Life houses a national collection of agricultural, domestic and crafts exhibits including wagons, tools and a wide range of other equipment used in the English countryside for the last 150 years. Perfect for any budding historians interested in life in England throughout the ages!

Centre for Wildlife Gardening, London

Originally an old council depot, this award winning visitor centre is a must for little budding gardeners and lovers of nature! The demonstration wildlife garden has mini habitats, a wild flower nursery and some very well-used community raised beds. The kids will love the natural trail and exploring the mini beast village, summer meadow and woodland copse, as well as so much more fascinating wildlife!

Eynsford Castle, Kent

Bring the family to this early Norman enclosure castle, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. There is plenty for the family to explore, climb and conquer, as well as information boards around explaining the history.

Durdle Door, Dorset

If you’re looking for spectacular views and the chance to grab some fresh air, head to one of Dorset’s most loved beauty spots! You’ll find two small but varied beaches either side of the iconic archway, which you can access from the top via steps.

Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall

With a motto like “Family Friendly and Free”, Falmouth Art Gallery is the perfect place to take your little budding artists! Here you’ll find a collection of children’s books, as well as Baby Paint groups for extra little Picasso’s in the making.

Riverwatch Aquariums, Northern Ireland

For a lovely day out, head to Riverwatch Aquariums to see some wonderful creatures. There are many different displays, including The Louch, a Rockpool, Deep Sea and Freshwater Environment. You’ll see aquatic animals such as starfish, lobster, crabs, eels, rays and some wonderful native species!

Amelia’s Trust Farm, Barry, Wales

The Amelia trust is a fantastic farm which is set in 160 acres of countryside in the beautiful vale of Glamorgan. It has so much for the little ones to see from the smallest to the biggest farm animals, as well as an informative visitors centre!

Thomas Land

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Europe’s only Thomas Land attraction is welcoming a brand new ride this season to mark further expansion to the thriving attraction at Drayton Manor Park, Staffordshire.

James and the Red Balloon, set to delight visitors from Saturday 1st April 2017, is based on the beloved Thomas and Friends character James and his naughty antics with a red hot air balloon. James will be joining the 20 other children’s rides and attractions based on the popular series. Families can experience the magic of Sodor like never before as they fly up, up and away in their very own balloon.

The £250,000 ride, made by Italian manufacturer Zamperla, takes visitors on an adventure onwards and upwards to the lofty heights of 1.5 metres with a maximum speed of 5.5 RPM, a perfect ride for the whole family to enjoy. Families will get to enjoy extensive views of the park from the ride’s highest points, the perfect opportunity to plan which ride is next!

The successful multi-million pound Thomas Land was launched in 2008 and recently underwent a £2.5 million expansion, cementing its status in the hearts of UK families. The well themed attraction ensures visitors of any age are immersed in Thomas and Friends fun from the moment they step in the gates.

For those who want to plan a Thomas filled staycation, the Drayton Manor Park Hotel also extends the fun from Thomas Land into its halls with special themed rooms and a ‘Stay and Play’ package, perfect for those young and old locomotive enthusiasts!

James is the ideal ride for the whole family to enjoy and will act as a great stepping stone for those little ones looking for their next, thrilling experience and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors once we open for the season.

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit Drayton Manor. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought in advance.