Tag: family

Travelling with older kids

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Travelling with older kids can be a real pleasure – the trip becomes a group effort. Older children can sometimes become bored quite easily, but it is always an interesting experience as they form their own impressions and tell you what they are experiencing. Children at this age are clearer about what they enjoy and what they don’t, which makes it fun to plan for the journey.

Remember to make a checklist and take it with you.  Children can take their own daypacks with a book, colouring books, paper and pencils. Pack a few toys but don’t overdo it.  Take food, snacks and water. You can take anything from bananas, apples, rice cakes, raisins, dried fruit and sandwiches.

You could also take along your young child’s blanket or pillowcase to make the journey and the places you visit more familiar.

Plan for travel sickness and have plastic bags, medication and a clean set of clothes handy. Also pack medication, such as child paracetamol, rehydration fluid and anything you might need for travel sickness, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local medicines. It can also help to think of the journey as an adventure in itself, and not just the means to get to your destination. To this end there are many fun ways that children can keep themselves busy on the journey – they can:

 

  • Collect things (stamps, postcards, shells, souvenirs) along the way and glue them into a journal.

  • Draw maps and pictures of what they see and maybe even write down the things they liked best.

  • Take photographs – a disposable camera is a fun cheap alternative.

  • Record sounds they hear or talk into a tape recorder if they are too tired to write.

 

Remember that every journey is different. There are, however, quite a few things that overlap whether you travel by air, car or train and every journey completed is practice and experience gained for your next journey. Spread the days out, i.e. don’t give them all their toys at once! Otherwise you might run out of ideas within the first hour. It is also wise not to pack any special blankets and toys in your main suitcase – rather take them with you on your journey, so that they are available.

Travel with kids

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Travelling with your children can have its own rewards and the fun can start at the planning and preparation stage. You don’t have to think of every possibility and eventuality, but it does help to think ahead. Consider the ages of your children, the transport (air, train or car) you will be using to get to your destination and how you will prepare your children for the journey.

Passports

Don’t forget your passports if you are travelling to a destination outside the UK. Have you checked they are all in date?  Many people forget to check the time left on their passport and often have a last minute rush trying to get a replacement.

Children are required by law to have their own passports. In the UK, since October 1998, separate passports are now required for all children under 16.

Visa

Check with your travel agent or the appropriate embassy whether any special documents are required for your destination. If so, ensure this is done in advance.

Children with their own passports require visas, just like adults. Usually there are no reduced rates, but it is worth checking first.

Itinerary

Try to keep your itinerary as simple as possible and pick a destination that your whole family can enjoy. Remember that it might not be possible to stick to your kid’s routine whilst travelling, but you may find you can get a bit more settled once you have reached your destination.

Jurasic days out

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Get your little ones interested in Dinosaurs. Have fun with the whole family and explore dinosaurs galore at these brilliant dinosaur attractions across the country!

The Dinosaur Park; Tenby, Wales

Follow the trail and spot over 30 dinosaurs waiting for you – be sure to tiptoe past the spitting Dilophosaurus or you might get wet! The Information Centre is the place to learn some interesting dino facts plus you can also explore the indoor and outdoor adventure play areas!

Dino Park, Dumfries

Discover the giants who roamed the planet 150 million years ago! Dig for fossils, hear stories, find out facts and take a journey through a dinosaur mine!

The Dinosaur Museum; Dorchester, Dorset

Discover real fossils, dinosaur bones and life size models at this hands on museum. Are your little ones brave enough to touch the T-Rex?!

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum; Lyme Regis, Dorset

This museum is run by Palaeontologist Steve Davies and is a private collection. The museum contains over 10,000 specimens including some of the best fossils to be found on display. Top off your visit with a walk along the beach at Lyme Regis which is a fantastic place for children to search for fossils to take home!

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

Little dinos will LOVE West Midland Safari Park’s latest addition… the amazing Land of the Living Dinosaurs! Come and see the UK’s largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs to learn all about these fascinating creatures. You’ll get to learn all about the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and the Cretaceous periods… making this not only a fun but educational day out too! Plus, new is the latest dino addition, the Spinosaurus! Scientists believe it was the largest dinosaur to ever roam the earth so go along to the Land of the Living Dinosaurs to learn all about it!

The Lost Kingdom at Paultons Park; Romsey, Hampshire

Brand new to Paultons Park, The Lost Kingdom is a Jurassic adventure full of realistic dinosaurs in all shapes and sizes! You can even get up close to a ‘living’ animatronic dinosaur! There are also two exhilarating rollercoasters, a dinosaur adventure play area where you can dig for fossils, and a 4×4 jeep safari dinosaur expedition!

Torquay’s Dinosaur World; Torquay, Devon

With lots of hands on exhibits for you to touch (are you brave enough to grab the Triceratops by the horns?!) plus full sized and scale models of dinosaurs, this is a great place to learn about these prehistoric creatures and see incredible fossils.

 

A Train journey for little ones

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If you’re looking for an amazing fun adventure filled with beautiful scenery and the chance to explore somewhere new, a train journey is the perfect days out for all of the family to enjoy. Here are some fab train journeys we think the kids will love!

Leeds to York

If you and your little history lovers are after catching a glimpse of a historic ancient settlement, as well as amazing views of a stunning countryside, this train journey is not to be missed! Yorkshire is known for its countryside views, so it won’t disappoint!

Oxford to Hereford

The Cotswold offers passengers amazing views of its vast countryside, which you’ll witness as you pass through the scenic rolling hills in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. You’ll get to pass over the Ledbury viaduct which was built using 300 5m bricks!

Glasgow to Mallaig

This amazing train journey, which is one of the most scenic trips in the world, makes it way through a peaceful and remote location and offers outstanding views of the Clyde as it climbs its way above the river. Little train travellers will love the rocky formations!

Newcastle to Edinburgh

Cruise through the stunning Northumbrian cliffs and coastline as you make your way towards Scotland on this breathtaking train journey.

Settle to Carlisle

Ranked as the second best train journey in the world in 2015, you won’t want to miss this one of a kind train journey! Marvel at the fantastic scenery as you pass through the heart of Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales and see how many viaducts and tunnels you can count along the way!

Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Little budding historians will love this history rich train journey! Other than lovely views of the sea, you’ll catch sight of historic castles and a Second World War airfield!

The Bluebell Railway, Sussex

This much loved railway, located in the beautiful south of England, is Britain’s first preserved standard gauge railway to carry passengers. You’ll get to pass through an 18 mile loop, catching sight of rural Sussex and Sheffield Park along the way!

London Euston to Fort William

If you’re looking for an epic overnight adventure, why not take a sleeper train for a fun yet relaxing sleeper train journey from London’s Euston to Scotland Fort William? Begin your adventure exploring all this exciting bustling city has to offer and finish in the peaceful town of Fort William to take in stunning waterside views!

St Erth to St Ives

This train trip is the shortest in Britain was originally built to serve pilchard-fishing village of St Ives in 1877, but is now running to allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful sights of Cornwall! You’ll get to see some fab scenery, as well as have the chance to catch some waves at your St Ives destination… perfect for your little surfer dudes and dudettes!

Salisbury to Exeter

Enjoy stunning views as you travel through the South West by train. You’ll get sight of wooden canopies and wide open views of this wonderful location!

 

Children’s 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 their 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 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.

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.

More Family days out in Scotland

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1. Dundee Science Festival, Dundee

 

Visit one of the UK’s biggest science centres with over 80 hands-on exhibits for an all round sensory experience your kids will love! Have a go at making your own fun, wacky sounds with the Music Mayhem exhibition, whilst under 5s can discover the ‘Musical Mystery Bus’ – an interactive, live show run throughout the day.

 

Best for: Interactive experience

2. Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling

We bet you hadn’t counted on spotting any of the Big 5 on your trip to the Scottish lands! Get up close and personal with wildlife from around the globe at one of Scotland’s most famous safari parks. Animals include zebras, lions, tigers, meerkats, elephants, giraffes to name only but a few.

 

Take a boat trip around Chimp Island, enjoy the stunning sea lion show or take a ride at the fun fair and get your face painted – there’s absolutely loads to do! Don’t miss the ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks throughout the day to get even more inspired by these amazing creatures.

 

Best for: Value

 

3. The Time Capsule Water Park, Lanarkshire

 

If you’re not sure you can quite rely on the Scottish weather,the Time Capsule is a perfect day out come rain or shine. Experience the Storm Chaser flumes in the tornado pool, glide across the newly refurbished ice rink or let off some steam at the fitness centre, there really is something for all the family and fun children’s activities to try.

 

Best for: Rainy days

 

4. Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries

 

Mabie’s has something for all the family, from donkey rides, to quad bikes, to paddle boating, kids can try new adventures, and explore the Scottish countryside in this beautiful and action-packed farm. Plus, every afternoon, kids get the chance to feed and handle some of the animals.

 

Best for: Boys’ toys!

5. Deep Sea World, North Queensferry

If you’re kids are fascinated with sea life and dream of deep sea diving and underwater exploring, this one must be on your list. As Scotland’s National Aquarium there’s plenty to see and do. Meet Stella the stingray, enjoy the beautiful range of the tropical fish and get a true ocean-floor experience in the UK’s longest underwater tunnel.

 

Best for: Shark dives

 

Scotland with the family

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Keep the children entertained this year by visiting some Scottish family fun attractions. From exploring Scottish legends, wildlife spotting and waterpark fun, we’ve got loads for you to see, and all are budget-friendly, too.

1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s iconic castle overlooking the nation’s beautiful capital. Home to some of Scotland’s most legendary royals, fought over in ancient battles and later used as a jail for enemies of the state – this mighty fortress has overseen some of the greatest moments of Edinburgh’s history. Download the family-friendly itinerary and let the kids lead the way as they navigate through the castle with a series of clues…

 

Best for: Spectacular views over the city

2. Loch Ness cruises, Inverness

Anyone who’s ever heard of Nessie, the supposedly three-humped lake monster that lurks beneath the surface of Loch Ness, will be dying to come and explore the legendary lake themselves, and what better way to do it than by taking to its waters on a cruise? Loch Ness by Jacobite offer a range of tours to embark on whether you just want to explore the lake or you can choose to fit in some more sights along the way, like Urquhart Castle, which stands proudly on the northern shore of Loch Ness.

 

Best for: Kids with wild imaginations!

3. Bowhill Country Estate, Selkirk

An enchanting secluded estate surrounded by a beautiful lake and acres of woodlands, Bowhill is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. With plenty of outdoor activities – fishing, hiking, horse riding and indoor estate tours, – there’s fantastic fun come rain or shine. If you live close by, check out the kids’ club with different activities each week for budding rangers.

 

Best for: The adventure playground… zip wire included!

4. Almond Valley Museum, Farm and Discovery Centre, West Lothian

Animal lovers will go wild for Almond Valley’s farm. And with an array of indoor and outdoor activities – from the petting farm to the indoor adventure playground and the giant pillow – there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Plus, across the river you can explore the woodland gardens and interactive museum.

 

Best for: Under 10s.

5. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is the Scottish heart of all things art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century. Take in the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and visit the surrounding castle buildings including the breathtaking Palace gardens. Make sure to check out the Palace Vaults for a magical trip into the costumes behind the court jesters or the Regimental Museum housing exquisite artefacts from conflicts around the globe. Plus you may just get a visit from some of Stirling’s most famous residents…

 

Best for: Dressing up in the castle’s fancy dress box

 

More Midlands days out

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1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

 

Take some time out from the bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens. Explore the various tropical glasshouses, stunning gardens and breathtaking lake.

 

Send the kids on their own trails to explore everything nature has to offer, from beautiful butterflies to magical plants. They can even pick up an explorer backpack for the day, bursting with creative children’s activities. Their seasonal events, such as Halloween’s Spooky Story Night Trail or their Santa’s Grotto are legendary.

 

Best for: Scenic walks

2. Si5 Spy Missions, Nottingham

For kids who want to crack codes, solve puzzles and dodge lasers this is the perfect day. Teams must complete their mission within the time limit, in order to prevent the ship from being blown up! This is a great chance to get your kids off their Xboxes and instead throw them into the scenarios they so love to play out. This action packed day will leave your children ‘gunning’ for more!

 

Best for: Older kids

3. Monkey Forest, Trentham

Want to see animals roaming free? Visit this amazing 60-acre forest where you can interact and walk amongst up to 140 free roaming monkeys. Unlike anything else, this experience will allow your kids to see how these animals act in their natural habitat and capture heart-melting memories they’ll never forget.

 

Best for: The whole family

4. Tudor World, Stratford Upon Avon

Bring your kids’ history education to life with this fun interactive Tudor museum. Instead of old artefacts and displays, your kids can dress up, take their place at the dining table, rest in the bed and sit on the throne! Let them discover how life was all those years ago by experiencing it first hand! We promise your kids will never enjoy learning quite so much.

 

Best for: The costumed ghost tour

5. The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

If it’s time to get a breath of fresh air, take a trip up the hill on the cable car and absorb the stunning views the Peak District has to offer. Once at the top, take a guided tour of the two great caverns, perfect for any little adventurers your might have. Check out the amazing fossil collection and climb the Prospect Tower. If your kids are still energetic, there are two great adventure playgrounds which we highly recommend!

 

Best for: The views

 

5 favourite family days out in the Midlands

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1. Cadbury’s World, Birmingham

Just a short drive away from Birmingham’s bustling city centre comes a factory that needs no introduction, Cadbury’s World is every kids dream, with chocolate confectionery wherever you look!

 

Discover the origins of the cocoa bean, jump on board the Crunchie Rollercoaster or simply dive into a bowl of liquid Dairy Milk. And with a restaurant, playground park and picnic area, there’s something for everyone. You could be there for hours.

 

Best for: 4D interaction (and chocolate lovers, too!)

2. National Space Centre, Leicester

For all you space lovers out there, this one is not to be missed when hitting the Midlands. The exhibition holds galleries, interactive displays and an incredible Planetarium all surrounding the history (and future!) of space travel. And that’s not all; they hold themed special events for kids during the holidays.

 

Best for: Science buffs

3. Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottinghamshire

This one’s for all you action-adventure types! If your kids are into trying out new children’s activities, from Whitewater Rafting to Sailing, Wakeboarding to Segways, this activity-packed park is a fantastic day out and great for children’s entertainment of all ages. Kids can get lessons on the water, try out the army-inspired assault course or try their hand at some mini golf or high ropes. The Rambo-inspired, Combat Experience gives your kids the chance to engage in thrilling military missions, live on the battlefield!

 

Best for: Teens

4. Plantasia and Maze World, Warwickshire

The kids will love this amazing fun adventure into Plantasia where there’s something for everyone. From the Maze world and Interactive exhibition, to the wildlife park and nature trails, enjoy a fun-filled day out in one of Warwickshire’s most beautiful, natural settings. Conquerors of the maze even receive a very special gift.

 

Best for: Your budget

5. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

You might be expecting a grand, country house, but Drayton Manor is actually the setting of one of the UK’s top rated theme parks! There are hundreds of things to do, from thrilling rides and attractions, ‘Thomas Land’ for the tots, and an activity park, museum and crazy golf for all the family! There’s even a zoo with dozens of wildlife, reptiles and primates. Remember to book a week in advance as on-the-day prices are almost double.

 

Best for: Hours of fun

 

Family BBQ days out

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London Field, Hackney, London

In the heart of the big smoke, London fields has a designated BBQ area, as well as a cricket pitch, heated 50m lido and lido cafe, grass areas, a BMX track, tennis courts, a table tennis table and two kid’s play areas! Perfect for children entertainment and fun for all the family.

Tatton Park – Knutsford, Cheshire

This 1,000-acre parkland provides ample opportunity to walk, run, cycle, fly a kite, horse ride and of course, have a BBQ! There are beautiful trails and a sound garden to explore. With over thirty rides, Tatton Park’s adventure playground is one of the young ones main reasons for visiting. BBQ’s should only be used in the designated areas.

New Forest, Hampshire

Originally a royal hunting preserve, the thriving working forest that you see today has survived for nearly 1,000 years. BBQ’s are welcome in the picnic areas at Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley.

If you are catering for bigger parties, then there are also two sites for hire in the New Forest at Anderwood and Wilverley. Both these sites have BBQ’s that will cater for up to 100 people and are a great for large family get-togethers.

Note: When fire risk is ‘extreme’ the use of BBQ’s, anywhere in the New Forest is prohibited – So call ahead to check.

The Meadows, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh are the place to be on a sunny afternoon for visitors and townsfolk alike! There area has over twenty BBQ spots across its expanse to ensure that you can enjoy a BBQ in this glorious spot, whilst only being a stone’s throw from the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumbria

Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, Kielder Water and Forest Park is the perfect BBQ spot for nature loving families! There are three great visitor centre’s, at Tower Knowe, Leaplish or Kielder Castle. Leaplish Waterside Park has a designated BBQ site with panoramic views of the reservoir. This is the ideal base to recharge and refresh with your friends, family and favourite flamed foods!