Tag: fun

Trolls party

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Trolls is the newest animated movie from DreamWorks and it is going to be this season’s biggest hit. The trolls are led by their fearless leader Princess Poppy who believes the world is made of cupcakes and rainbows. Trolls love to dance, sing, and hug so keep that in mind when putting together a Trolls themed children’s party which your kids will love! Grab your karaoke machine and get the Trolls party started!

Invitations

Princess Poppy does love her glitter so add a little hot pink confetti to the invitations. Who doesn’t love confetti in their invitations?

Decorations

Rainbows rainbow rainbows! The movie is bright and colourful so have fun with colour. Mini balloon flowers can be made out of water balloons and attached to the backdrop and the table for added colour and whimsy.

Princess Poppy is pink so the dessert table is a nod to our favourite Troll. A pink plastic skirt was secured to a fabric tablecloth to add a feminine touch. It is also perfect if your tablecloth isn’t quite big enough for your chosen table…no one will ever know.

Food

More rainbows! The dessert table is fit for a troll! Rainbow layered jelly can be prepared the day before and rainbow slushies, made from frozen popsicles, can be prepared several days in advance and left in the freezer. Rainbow fruit cups include (from bottom to top) blueberries, grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, and raspberries. Prepare about two hours before the party. You do want these to be as fresh as possible. Poppy loves cupcakes so rainbow cupcakes were a must!

Activities & favours

 

  • Poppy really loves to scrapbook so creating a scrapbook station would be a great activity. If you have a portable printer you can print pictures on the spot and give each child a picture to remember the day.

 

  • Hair chalking is also a really fun activity and one that the kids can do for each other.

 

  • Pinatas are always fun! If your guests don’t want to hit the piñata you can always choose the pulling string type.

 

Barbie Birthday Party Ideas

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Throw your Barbie girl and her friends a dream Barbie birthday party that will have everyone tickled pink. Read on for our suggestions on Barbie party invitations, decorations, favours, games, and more
In addition to basic Barbie party supplies, like plates, cups, napkins and decorations, you may want to consider purchasing, borrowing or renting the following items for your kids party:
Pink feather boas
A moon bounce
A Barbie Dream House and other Barbie accessories
Costumes
Barbie Birthday Invitations
Make invitations using bright pink card and die-cut dress shapes or house shapes.
Print invitations on paper with a pink gingham border.
Print Barbie pictures from the computer or take photos of your child’s Barbie dolls to paste on the invitations. Better yet, take a photo of your child with her favourite Barbie doll.
Sprinkle glitter or stickers in the envelope for an extra special touch.
Ask guests to bring their favourite Barbie dolls and accessories. You may also want to ask the girls to bring dress up clothes and makeup if you’re planning a makeover session.
Barbie Party Decorations
Sprinkle sequins on the table and add pink candles.
Cut flowers out of bright pink construction paper or poster board and hang on the walls.
Brighten up the table with a Barbie centrepiece.
Barbie Party Food
Make sure to decorate in Barbie’s favourite colours – pink and lavender. Use plenty of balloons and streamers in these colours to fit your Barbie party theme!
Place a sign or personalized banner at the entrance of your home saying, “Welcome to Barbie’s Dream House.”
Tie pink ribbons around vases and around other items in the room.
Place Barbie dolls, furniture, cars, and other accessories around the party area.
Hang Barbie posters on the wall.
Sandwiches cut with heart and star cookie cutters
Mini-hot dogs
Pink macaroni and cheese (just add food coloring)
Strawberry yogurts
Strawberry ice cream and cake
Pink lemonade
Cupcakes with pink frosting and sprinkles
Barbie Party Favours
Thank guests for coming to your children’s party by filling small purses or pink lunch boxes with favours like:
Barbie stickers
Pencils
Temporary tattoos
Pink feather boas
Barrettes and other hair accessories

Minecraft parties

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Minecraft has swept into the hearts and devices around the world, and you’re tasked with creating a Minecraft world in your own home for a kids birthday party. But have no fear! Minecraft is a great children’s party theme, with tons of opportunities to make your Minecraft party shine. With such a blocky style, it’s easy to build your party area into a one of a kind world for your birthday gamer.

Personalisation

Personalise your party to show off the special day you are celebrating. Customize messages on invites, labels, activity mats, bag tags and more.

Decorations

Minecraft is a world made of coloured blocks so your decor will mostly contain square-shapes. In the game, there are many different worlds you can create and explore, so getting an idea of which worlds you’d like to include in your party will help you tackle the decor aspect much easier. Whether it’s snow, desert, water, grass, or sand, you’ll find some great tips to throwing a one-of-a-kind Minecraft party in your home or outside.

 

  • You can coordinate solid blue, green, and black tableware and decorations with Minecraft brand elements to pull the whole look together.

  • Make a Minecraft party backdrop by taking square shaped paper plates and sticking them to the wall with sticky tack or non-damaging tape.

  • Use our stone wall backdrop to set the scene.

  • Take or make cubed cardboard boxes and cover with duct tape, construction paper, or tissue paper grass. Poke two small holes in the top and hang them from the ceiling with fishing line.

    Party Favours

Party favours are a part of the party fun, and with a Minecraft themed party, you’ve got lots of options to choose from. You can even make it a personalised gift, with either a themed name tag or another individual character. Carry your theme through your party favours to make it feel complete.

 

  • Use coloured paper bags or boxes and glue or draw Creeper, Golem, or Ghast faces on them.

  • Fill smartie tubes with red, green, and blue bubblegum labelled as “TNT,” “Diamonds,” or “Slimeballs.”

  • Small blind bags of Minecraft collectables also make great favours.

  • Make your own Minecraft boxes to fill with small favour items with this simple template.

  • For older children party poppers labelled TNT make a great party favour as well!

  • Paint or tape Creeper faces on lime green buckets so your attendees can take a character from Minecraft home!

    Party Games and Activities

While your party is in full swing, throw in some fun activities and games to keep the energy going. Keep the hands busy after meal time by having stations or times for different games.

 

  • Make a cookie decorating station for dessert. Use these Minecraft cookie cutters to make a batch of sugar cookies in advance.

  • With adult supervision, have kids make mini swords or Minecraft characters out of Hama beads.

  • Pinatas are a party classic, and making your own Ghast Pinata isn’t too hard!

  • Pin the tail on the pig is another fun game you can make incredibly easily with construction paper, scissors, and tape!

  • If you’re feeling extra handy, make a Minecraft beanbag toss with cutouts like a Creeper face.

  • Set up a photobooth with a few props. Like these Minecraft masks, and swords in front of a stone wall covering.

    DIY Crafts

Minecraft is all about building a world, so why not include some building creativity during the party? Having the kids (and adults) create a make-and-take craft is a great  way to keep them entertained and add one more keepsake to the pile of party favours

.

  • Duct tape bracelets are a fun craft that’s quick and easy!

  • Pick up some inexpensive blank T-shirts and have the party attendees make their own Minecraft shirts use heat transfer vinyl or fabric paint.

  • With a little pre-planning, you can make some fantastic Minecraft creatures from simple items such as toilet paper rolls and small boxes.

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.

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.

Football days out

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If you have budding little footballer in the making and are looking for a fun day out for kids, then this handy list will give you lots of inspiration! From museums, stadium tours to dining experience, there’s bound to be something for all of the family to enjoy… whether they’re a fan or not!

London Stadium Tours, London

Take a fun and memorable self‐guided audio tour around the home to West Ham United! You’ll get to experience what it’s like to walk through the ‘tunnel’, check out the changing rooms and explore the stands. There are plenty of photo opportunities and at the end of the tour you will get a free personalised certificate too!

National Football Museum, Manchester

This is the perfect day out for all of your aspiring mini footballers! You’ll get to learn all about the history of the beautiful game and see the many collections displaying famous kits, trophies and invaluable archives.

Museum and Stadium Tour, Old Trafford Manchester

For the little Red Devil in your family, treat them to an unforgettable day out at the Manchester United Museum and Tour! Within the museum are various trophies won by the club and displays depicting the club’s most famous achievements and individuals. The Stadium tour offers visitors a chance to get a glimpse of the view from The Alex Ferguson Stand and then head down into the dressing room. Stop for a spot of lunch in the unique Red Cafe, making this the perfect day out.

Cafe Football Stratford London & Old Trafford Manchester

Owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, this cafe is the ultimate destination for both football fanatics and foodies! Enjoy a relaxed dining experience which is influenced by the spirit of football. They also have fun kids menu which includes a visit to the sweet shop or ice cream parlour.

Scottish Football Museum, Glasgow

On your visit to this fascinating museum, you’ll learn the history of the beautiful game in Scotland. There are over 14 galleries and 2500 objects for you to see, with collections including The Scottish FA Collection and The Hampden Park Collection!

A1 Football Factory, Knottingley

This amazing indoor footie facility offers an artificial all weather 3G surface, making it perfect whatever the weather! It’s a fantastic place to hold a footie or rugby children’s birthday party, with party food, medals, games and even a bouncy castle included!

Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum, Warwickshire

This fantastic museum tells you all you need to know about the game of rugby football, now more commonly known as just rugby. You’ll see memorabilia and artefacts collected over 160 years! The building is the home of rugby ball manufacturing and has been since 1842, so you’ll also get the chance to see how rugby balls are made!

Wembley Stadium Tour, London

Bring the family here to relive some of the greatest moments of sporting and music history. You can go behind the scenes see the historic changing rooms, take a seat in Roy Hodgson’s hot-seat in the press room, experience walking through the Players Tunnel, climb the 107 trophy winner’s step and sit in the Royal Box. Tour takes 75 minutes.

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour, London

If you are a family of ‘Gooners’ or simply love the beautiful game, this is the place for you! The self-guided tour offers you the chance to follow in your hero’s’ footsteps as you explore the changing rooms, then walk through the tunnel and take in the atmosphere of the crowd. You can also test your knowledge against an Arsenal expert.

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum, London

The stadium tours and museum at Stamford Bridge will be an unmissable experience for football lovers of all ages, especially for the Blues fans! The an hour-long guided tour will give you access to areas normally reserved for the players and officials, including the home and away dressing rooms, press room, the tunnel and  dug-out areas.

Weatherproof Indoor Games

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It seems as soon as we get excited about the sunshine and make ‘outdoorsy’ plans, the rain clouds arrive! If you’re left wondering what on earth to do with the kids, we’ve come up with some great games to play in the comfort of your own home to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Indoor bowling

This game provides hours of fun for children (and adults) and can even be as competitive as you like You can either buy an indoor bowling set or use empty water bottles set up in a line and a soft ball. Don’t forget – place some tape as a starting line so avoid any cheating!

Dressing up stories

Get the kids using their imaginations and write a story – it could simply be their favourite fairy tale changed! They then have to act out their stories complete with costumes and props. Of course, you’ll need to put your acting skills to the test and join in with them!

Alphabet fishing

A fun and easy way to develop letter recognition and early reading skills, and even better it’s perfect for those rainy days! All you need are some magnetic letters, sticks or chopsticks, string, and paperclips. Tie the paper clips to your string and then tie (or glue) your string to your stick. Pour the magnetic letters into a big bowl…and let the children start fishing! The ‘catch of the day’ is the kids need to make words with the letters they hook out

Play ‘Sardines’ – a twist on the traditional hide and seek

You’ll need at least four players for this game with one person hiding and the other players searching for the hider. When a player finds their friend hiding, they then need to hide with that player staying where they are until another player finds them and so on. The fun will continue until the last person finds everyone at which point everyone will be squashed like – sardines!

Board games

Ditch electronic games and play with traditional board games. Snakes and Ladders, Guess Who, Monopoly…which games keep your little ones entertained?

Play ‘Bubbles’!

Playing this game is very simple and loads of fun! All you need is water, washing up liquid, a bowl and some straws! Put some water (about 2 cm) in the bowl with some washing up liquid and mix just a little bit until bubbles start forming. Use the straw to gently blow bubbles (avoid drinking – it tastes yuck) and very quickly you’ll start making huge bubbles! You could even add a bit of food colouring to make different coloured bubbles!

Build a den

Drape blankets and sheets over chairs to make a cosy den for the kids. They can read books, play games and even nap (if you’re lucky!) however the challenge may be coaxing them out of their secret fort at teatime!

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.

Places to take the kids on February half term

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Meadow Keeper’s Cottage, near Rye, East Sussex

Set on a 40-acre farm, between two wildflower meadows, this idyllic little holiday home is the perfect base for a taste of country life – children can become junior farmers, helping out at animal feeding time.

The “cottage” itself looks like it’s been lifted straight from a children’s storybook and put on wheels. Hand-made by a local craftsman, it’s as cute as can be with flowers in boxes under blue-framed windows, a wooden door and wood-burner indoors to keep you toasty.

Not one for a large family or older kids but perfect for young ones, with a double bed and two singles that double up as benches, a fold-away dining table between them and indoor cooking area. The loo and (wood-fired) shower are outside.

The wide stretches of beach at Camber Sands are only nine miles away and Bodiam castle, which also looks like it’s been lifted from a fairytale with its crenellated towers and drawbridge.

• £660 for six nights from 10-16 February (sleeps four),

Walking in the Lake District

If you’ve got kids who need to burn off energy every day, how about a dedicated walking holiday? This group trip features a choice of three child-friendly walks a day ranging from an easy option at six miles to a full 13-mile hike. In the evenings, activities are geared towards children; there’s also a games room.

The four-day trip, departing 13 February, costs £279 per adult (saving £50), with children (aged 11 to 17 and sharing with an adult) paying £194 each (under-11s go free), including full-board at the company’s Derwent Bank Country House on the shores of Derwentwater through HF Holidays.

A cottage in Wales

Wayside, Near Dolgellau, Snowdonia

Sheepskin, which specialises in luxury homes – the majority of which are in Wales, is offering 10% off its larger properties this half-term, including Wayside, near Dolgellau in Snowdonia, a charming cottage with an open-plan living area and cosy sofas around a wood-burning stove, looking out over a valley of fields and forests. It sleeps six and costs £1,328 for the half-term holiday (including the 10% discount), arriving on 10 February.

Alternatively, Bantwen, a traditional cottage in Carmarthenshire, is on offer through Under the Thatch; it sleeps six and costs just £224 for four nights starting 13 February.