Tag: family

Days out that won’t break the bank

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Do you need an inspiration on some fun filled family days out for the family to enjoy without breaking the bank? Here’s a list of some amazing attractions across the UK… all for £25 and under (based on 2 adult and 2 children)!

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre, Ringwood

Discover one of the South’s largest collection of bird of prey, reptiles, creepy crawlies and more at the Liberty Centre near Ringwood. The flying displays with take your breath away and we can almost guarantee that you’ll learn something exciting and new about the animals you meet. After you’ve looked around, why not stop for a bite to eat at the cafe and the kids can blow off some steam in the play area and sandpit.

Illuminasia, Blackpool

Visit the world’s largest indoor illuminations and see wonders from around the globe light up before your very eyes! Combining traditional Chinese lantern methods with the latest in lighting technology, Illuminasia creates a family friendly, educational and awe-inspiring day out.

Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch

With over 30 rides and attractions, there’s so much to be had at Adventure Wonderland for all of the family! Battle it out on the Battle Boats, go on the Dragon’s Drop Mega Slide or even go see some adorable animals in the Cuddle Corner Farm! You might even get to meet some of the park characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit.

The Viking Saga Boat Trips, Maldon, Essex

Adult: £7, Children: £4

Step aboard the Viking Saga on Maldon Promenade for a relaxing cruise. With a few different options for where to go on your viking saga cruise you will definitely have plenty of choice. Starting from a 40 minute cruise and going up to 3 hours you can spend as much time here as you please.

Windmill Hill City Farm – Bedminster, Bristol

FREE ENTRY

This small community farm has loads to offer and is a great day out for kids of all ages. You’ll be able to meet loads of animals, such as goats, sheep, pigs and chickens, and learn all about farming. There’s also a kids play area when they can run around while you refuel with a coffee.

Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland

Family: £21.59, Adult £8.63, Child £4.31

There’s lots for families to do when visiting this beautiful house and gardens. The house itself finished a three year long refurbishment last year and now you can enjoy its grandeur just as it would have been for the previous owners. The gardens are wonderful to wander around where there’s oodles of wildlife to spot. Children can pick up a tracker pack which is full of activities for them to complete as they make their way around.

Museum of Transport, Manchester

Adult: £4, Children (under 16): Free

Take a trip into the past at Manchester’s Museum of Transport. Wander through the UK’s biggest collection of vintage trams, busses, coaches and more including a real horse and carriage and retro double decker bus! Keep the kids entertained on your day out with the free kids quiz which they can complete as they discover each artefacts

10 family days out in North Yorkshire

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1.Wensleydale Creamery

By far the best known attraction in Hawes is the Wensleydale Creamery, home of Wensleydale cheese. The centre offers cheese making demonstrations, a small museum and viewing gallery, cafe and shops. The creamery has a lot to thank Wallace and Gromit for; the animated duo helped increase production at a time when sales were slowing. Nowadays the creamery sells a cheese named after them, I bet it’s a popular choice for visitors.

Wensleydale creamery

The best part, for a family day out, is the cheese shop. It’s full of samples, even for those people who don’t like Wensleydale cheese.

You can visit the cheese shop for free; a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids) to the museum and cheese making area costs £7.50.

2. Hardraw Force waterfall

Hardraw Force is England’s highest above ground single drop waterfall, with a plunge of 100 foot. It’s a short easy walk to the waterfall through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn. We visited during a dry spell; I’d imagine it’s even more impressive after heavy rain.

The waterfall is open daily from 10am. A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £7.50.

3. Hawes Ropemakers (Outhwaites)

Outhwaites Ltd, Ropemakers, Hawes

Located in the town this traditional ropemaker is worth popping into for 20 minutes or so. It’s mesmerising standing in front of the machines watching rope being made. There are machines making braids of all thicknesses and lengths from church bell ropes to skipping ropes. And if you’ve got a dog, their leads are available to buy and very popular.

Entrance is free.

4. Sheepdog demonstration

Countryfile have resurrected “One man and his dog” over the last couple of years which may account for the popularity of this evening out.

Sheepdog demonstration, near Hawes

Run by a local farmer, Richard Fawcett holds weekly demonstrations in a field just outside Hawes throughout the summer season.

Visitors are introduced to the dogs and watch them working the sheep. They make it look easy even if the sheep don’t always behave according to plan!

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £1 for children.

5. Dales Countryside Museum

The Dales Countryside Museum is a small local museum that focuses on the Yorkshire Dales and its people. Housed in the old railway station you’ll find exhibits ranging from Bronze Age spearheads to a Victorian smithy. Outside there are railway carriages with activities for younger children.

Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes

The Dales Countryside Museum is open daily except over the Christmas period and throughout January. Admission is £4.50 for adults, kids are free.

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.

Top Zoos to go in the Holidays

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The zoo has long been a favourite place to visit for family and with over 60 to choose from spread around the country, there is always one within travelling distance.  But when you are wanting serious, full on animal exposure, then the big zoos offer the most critter for your cash and here are the top 7 zoo’s in the UK.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo comes consistently top of the rankings for UK zoos, for the most visited wildlife attraction and even the top attraction outside London in various polls and surveys.  The zoo is located in Upton, Chester and is one of the largest in the country cover 125 acres and being home to around 400 species.  Travelling around the zoo is easy with a public bridleway, called Flag Lane, bisecting the park as well as a monorail system with three stops around the park and even a circular boat rides on the Lazy River.

But it is the animals that are the real attraction and there plenty of them.  Over half the species at the zoo are currently on the IUCN red list for endangered and threatened species and around 130 of these are part of captive breeding programs to boost numbers.  There are 79 species of mammal and 150 bird species as well as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish.  The latest addition to the zoo is the Islands at Chester Zoo exhibit, adding 15 acres to the site and showcasing conservation programs from Madagascar to the Philippines.

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is in Paignton, Devon and is a combination of a zoo and a botanic garden that sees over half a million visitors every year.  There are over 2,000 animals in the zoo covering some 300 species and even 1600 species of plant.  The animals are divided up by the habitats they are native to such as the Desert House with real plants, free-flying birds and pancake tortoises.  The Tropical Forest House displays everything from Burmese pythons to poison dart frogs from the tropical rainforests while the Forest Animals area is home to lions, tigers, orang-utans, owls and doves.  The Wetlands Birds occupies the moats around the monkey islands and sees pelican’s storks as well as plenty of ducks and geese while for zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and elephants, head to the Savannah Animals area.

Dudley Zoo

Dudley Zoo is a 40-acre site within the grounds of Dudley Castle in the West Midlands.  It combines a zoo with a host of listed and important buildings associated with the castle.  There are over 900 animals at the zoo from 160 species and include some notable animals.  These include giraffes, tigers, lions and three snow leopards.  Many of the animals are from endangered species and are involved in captive breeding programs to help boost numbers.  As well as the large animals, there are plenty of cute, smaller ones for the kids to see including meerkats, lemur, wallabies, monkeys and even kangaroos.  A favourite attraction is the Monkey Tails where you can have a close up encounter with a number of monkey species.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is an 82-acre site in the Scottish capital that was founded in 1913 by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.  The zoo sees over 600,000 visitors each year, has over 1000 animals within its walls covering over 170 species.  It was the first zoo in the world to both house and breed penguins and is currently the only one to house koalas and giant pandas.

The pandas, Yang Guang and Tian, are currently one of the biggest hits at the zoo, with a special enclosure having been built for their arrival from China.  Other important exhibits include the Brilliant Birds, a walk through aviary with a number of exotic species free flying within, including the only Andean cock of the rock in the UK.  The Budongo Trail is a new facility that is home to a troop of monkeys and features a viewing gallery and interactive displays to educate kids about these fascinating creatures.

London Zoo

London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, opening in 1828 and welcoming the public from 1847.  There are over 19,000 animals in residence today, making it one of the largest in the country and over 800 species can be seen.  These include over 70 species of mammal and over 110 species of birds.

Notable sights include the into Africa themed area with African animals including giraffe, hippopotamus, zebras and wild dogs.  The Rainforest Life and Nightlife is a glimpse of the rainforest with sloths, marmosets and armadillos on show while the Gorilla Kingdom is home to five western lowland gorillas as well as smaller monkeys and birds.  There is also an aquarium within the zoo, opened in 1853 so the world’s first public aquarium.

Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is near Norton Juxta Twycross in Leicestershire and is known for the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World.  It sees over 500,000 visitors each year and has 900 animals covering over 150 species.  Most of these are endangered and the zoo operates a number of conservation programs.

The zoo is separated into eight different zones, each with a theme.  These include Elephant Creek, home to five elephants as well as the World of Small Monkeys, tortoises, foxes, and three types of owl.  The Kingdom of the Apes is the only zoo in the UK to have all four of the great ape species in one place while the Himalaya section houses the snow leopards.

Banham Zoo

Banham Zoo is found in the town of the same name in Norfolk and is home to over 2,000 animals.  It receives some 200,000 visitors each year and is voted as the Top Attraction in Norfolk.  It has humble origins, started out with a collection of pheasants and parrots when it opened in 1968.  Now there are over 100 species represented in the various enclosures.

Shops they’ll love

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If you’ve got little elves and angels in tow whilst hitting the shops, then why not take them for a peek around a shop they will LOVE?! Here’s a roundup of some of some fun, family favourites!

Lego Store, London

Come along to the largest Lego store in the world, which stocks many amazing fun and educational ranges for little builders to get stuck into. You can also marvel at their Lego creations, which includes Big Ben and a replica of William Shakespeare!

Hamley’s, London

Hamleys, which is the oldest and largest store store in the world with over seven magical floors, naturally offers a toy to please even the fussiest of kids! You’ll find every toy imaginable, from soft toys, children’s arts and crafts and even mini cars!

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4

Visiting this shop is a must for your little witches and wizards who love Harry Potter! Come and try some Bertie Botts Beans, find your perfect wand and browse amongst so many more themed items.

The Disney Store, Manchester

This shop is a must for all Disney lovers (little and big alike!) looking to find their favourite character amongst an array of soft toys, stationery and so much more!

Sylvanian Families Shop, London

For little lovers of Sylvanian Families (or just cute animal lovers alike!) this lovely shop is a must. Kickstart your collection, add to it or have a browse at their latest ranges!

Science Museum Shop, London

Little budding archaeologists will love exploring what the Science Museum Shop has to offer to fulfil their curious minds! There’s also exhibition related gifts, so if you’ve seen a collection that catches your eye don’t forget to take home a souvenir!

Build-a-Bear Workshop

This cute shop, which has various locations all across the UK, is perfect for those looking for a unique take on having their own teddy bear. Choose your bear (or character from a much loved film!), add personalised touches such as recorded messages and clothing, then watch as your very own bear comes to life!

Harrods, London

Come along to marvel at Harrods stunning decor and vast array of ranges on every floor, which includes an amazing toy floor with every gadget, soft toy and more that you could imagine! Make sure to stop by their Disney themed cafe on the fourth floor too

Toddler days out

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Now that it’s the school holidays it might seem that the big kids are having all the fun! So, we’ve pulled together all our favourite days out ideas that are especially awesome for toddlers

Paradise Wildlife Park – Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Take your little monkeys for a wild day out to see the primates and the big cats including the lions and tigers. The little ones will love visiting the farmyard where they can help feed the pigs, sheep and goats. Ride on the miniature railway to see what is hidden in the woodland, and burn some energy in the fantastic play areas!

Museum of Childhood – London

This fab museum has lots of pretty cool children’s workshops for under 5’s which include sensory storytelling inspired by much loved animal tales, and drop in arts and craft sessions. In addition there are also ‘have a go’ workshops where children can try out the childhood toys.

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park – Chelmsford, Essex

Perfect for children of all ages including the little ones, there are so many cute animals to see and some you can even touch! The kids will also love burning some energy on the bouncy pillows and mini tractors and let’s not forget the Pesky Pet and Magic shows. You also won’t want to miss Marsh Farm’s KidsFest, the fun festival made especially for kids.

Adventure Wonderland – Bournemouth, Dorset

This Alice in Wonderland themed adventure park is a perfect place for kids of all ages, especially toddlers. Ride the Chattanooga Choo Choo miniature railway, or let them run around at the Cheshire Cat’s Castle of Adventure.

Vauxhall City Farm – London

A slice of the countryside in central London! If you have an hour or two to spare then head to this city farm, just a stone’s throw from Vauxhall station. Home to some very friendly sheep, rabbits, horses and even alpacas!

Illuminasia – Blackpool Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Wonder at the colourful and magical visual experience that these beautiful large scale lanterns have created. Will you want to explore the illuminated wonder of ‘The Deep’, the underwater themed zone or head straight to ‘The Land of The Giants’ where you will be the one left feeling the size of an ant?

Coram’s Fields – London

One of the most child friendly spaces in central London where you can only get through the gate if you have a child under 16 with you! At the park you will find a giant sandpit, an array of climbing frames to suit all ages, wheeled toys that can be borrowed, plus a city farm, all set within a walled garden.

Honeybrook Farm – Wimborne, Dorset

Take the little ones to Honeybrook Farm where they can meet and groom some of the farm’s cuddly little creatures in Pets Corner. They can also say hello to the sheep, horses, pigs and even beautiful peacocks as well as enjoy the fantastic play areas!

Paultons Park – Romsey, Hampshire

Home of Peppa Pig World!

Of course the ultimate day out for many under 5’s is a visit to Peppa Pig World which is within Paultons Park! There are plenty of fun rides, an indoor soft play area, and you can even visit Peppa’s house! Keep your eyes peeled because you may even see her walking around.

LEGOLAND Windsor – Windsor, Berkshire

There’s so much for children of all ages at Legoland and there’s plenty to explore even if you’re just taking little children. With lots of creative lego engineering and over 55 rides and attractions, the under 5’s will especially love the ‘Atlantis Submarine Voyage’ which is a magical underwater adventure, seeing landmarks from all over the world in miniature lego form and the thrilling rides!

Forest Fairy Tales – Nationwide

All around the country in local woodlands fairy tales are being brought to life by the Forestry Commission. Discover landscapes with babbling brooks, tree glades, enchanting sculptures, fairy dens and giant chairs for storytelling. Download our top secret fairy spotting guide and click below to find the nearest magical adventure in a forest near you!

Rugrats and Halfpints – Banbury, Oxfordshire

Rugrats and Halfpints is a fun and educational soft play and sensory centre. Small children will love the sensory bubble tubes, touch walls and projected imagery. The soft play fun includes slides, tunnels, swings and interactive features.

Gulliver’s World – Warrington, Gullivers Land – Milton Keynes, Gulliver’s Kingdom – Matlock

These three fabulous family run theme parks are especially designed for children aged between 2 -13 years with plenty to do for those thrill seeking little ones! Highlights include a dinosaur and farm park, a Splash Zone perfect for those warm summer days, and an action packed Nerf Zone! Do check the individual parks for specific attractions as they do vary across the three locations.

Kids eat free

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We believe all mums deserve to have a break from cooking at home everyday, but sometimes eating out with Kids can be pretty expensive. If you are looking for a place to treat your Kids with a delicious meal without breaking your bank account, look no further! We’ve done the hard work for you by compiling these fab restaurants which offer ‘Kids Eat Free’

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Selected location

There are several Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurants which offer Kids Eat Free for every adult main course ordered, including Maze Grill Mayfair, Bread Street Kitchen and The Narrow in London.

Damon’s Restaurant, Lincoln / Liverpool / Sheffield

Kids under 12 years old can enjoy a free main course from the kids menu which available from Monday to Saturday 12-6pm at Damon’s restaurant.

Coal Grill & Bar, various location

Kids aged 10 and under can enjoy a fun free meal from Coal Kids Menu per adult spending £10 or more, available from Monday to Friday 12-5pm.

Brewer’s Fayre / Beefeater Grill / Thyme / Table Table – Premier Inn, Countrywide

Enjoy up to two under 16s free Premier Inn all-you-can-eat breakfast per one full-paying adult. Kids can choose from hot and cold breakfast, as well as freshly-baked pastries, fruits and juices.

Morrisons, Countrywide

Morrisons offers one free kids meal (for under 16 years old) with any adult hot meal (over £4.50) from 3pm every day.

Crown Carveries, Countrywide

Visit your local Crown Carvery any Sunday (and bank holiday Monday) to get free kids carvery for each adult ordering a roast or pub classic meal. ASDA, Countrywide

Kids can eat free on weekdays after 3.30pm for every adult meal purchased worth £4.

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.

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.