Tag: kids

Shopping and soft play

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The majority of large shopping centres now have that sanctuary of cushions, nets and multi coloured 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!

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 children’s 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 fun 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 Junior Frame. With children’s 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.

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.

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 activities to keep little ones entertained and give mums and dads a rest!

Is your kid football crazy?

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If you have budding little footballer in the making and are looking for a fab fun day out, 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 football facility offers an artificial all weather 3G surface, making it perfect whatever the weather! It’s a fantastic place to hold a football or rugby birthday party, with party food, medals, games and even a bouncy castle included!

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.

Enjoy the festive cheer

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Here are some traditional ways to enjoy the festive holidays!

  1. In Japan, “Santa Kurohsu” has eyes in the back of his head, so that he can watch out for naughty kids. There we were thinking it was just us Mums with eyes in the back of our heads!
  1. On December 5th, German children leave a shoe outside their bedroom door before they go to sleep. If they have been good, they will wake up to a tree branch with sweets on but if they have been naughty they will only find a branch!
  1. Norwegians hide brooms before they go to sleep on Christmas Eve as they believe that witches and evil spirits will arrive.
  1. In the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, people travel to Christmas church services on roller skates – how cool is that!
  1. In Portugal, ahead of their Christmas feast, families sometimes set extra places at the dinner table for deceased relatives, as they believe it will bring good fortune.
  1. Christmas cuisine in Greenland is raw whale skin with blubber on…pass me the sprouts!
  1. Japanese Christmas cake is made using sponge, strawberries and whipped cream – can we have this version too please?
  1. As well as the standard decoration, Ukrainian Christmas trees also have a spider and web on their trees as it’s believed to bring good luck! Eek!
  1. A witch called La Befana gives out Christmas presents in Italy!
  1. And finally, a tradition here in Britain is to go for a Christmas swim…in freezing water! Brave Londoners jump into the Serpentine, and many of us head to beaches such as Bournemouth and Brighton on Christmas morning to raise money for charity.

Everyone loves Toy Story

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Blast your children’s party off to infinity and beyond with some fun Toy Story party ideas! Whether you’re looking for Toy Story party supplies, invitations, decorations, food ideas, party favours or games, we’ve got some ideas the whole family will enjoy.

Toy Story Party Planning & Invitations

In addition to basic children’s party supplies, like plates, cups, napkins, and decorations, you may want to consider purchasing, borrowing, or renting the following items:

 

  • Cowboy hats or Woody costumes

  • Plastic space helmets, wings or Buzz Lightyear costumes

  • A moon bounce

  • A pony

  • Toy Story action figures

  • Buzz Lightyear blasters

  • A mini claw machine with toys inside

  • Arcade games like skee ball, electronic basketball, bowling, foosball, plastic darts or air hockey

  • Toy Story movies

 

Put your guests in the party spirit with custom made kids invitations for your party. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:

 

  • Ask guests to bring their favourite toy for show and tell!

  • Include a gold coin in every invite and say they are for the Planet Pizza arcade!

    Toy Story Party favours

Thank your guests with a variety of cool party favours! To find a large variety of Woody and Buzz party favours, visit the store and click the “Party favours” tab or the “More Fun Stuff” tab. Some of the favours we have include:

 

  • Mini Slinky Dogs

  • Buzz Lightyear flyers

  • Army men

  • Toy Story 3 stickers and temporary tattoos

  • Toy Story punch balloons

  • Cowboy and cowgirl hats

  • Fun-shaped candy and lollipops

 

Get excited about Santa

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Why not make Christmas even more magical by taking your kids to see Santa. Here’s a round up of the best places for children to see Father Christmas in London this year.

1 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

As well as enjoying the rides and Christmas markets at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, make sure you stop off in Santa Land.

The grotto isn’t ticketed and is run on a first-come-first-served basis so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

When: 17 November 2017 – 1 January 2018

2 Santa’s Grotto at Christmas in Leicester Square

Enjoy a story with Santa, meet the elves and receive a small gift from him in this magical Christmas grotto right in the heart of Leicester Square.

When: 11 November – 24 December 2017

3 Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo

Why not combine a trip to London Zoo with a visit to see Santa.

Your kids can join in the arts and crafts with Mrs Claus and chat to the cheeky elves before meeting Santa and receiving a Christmas gift.

When: weekends from 9 December – 24 December 2017

 

 

4 Santa School at the Ragged School Museum

Take a trip to the Ministry of Christmas, Santa’s secret hideaway at The Ragged School Museum.

Not only can you help the Elves prepare for Christmas, your kids can also meet Father Christmas.

When: 25 November – 24 December 2017

 

 

5 Father Christmas Adventure at Sutton House

Meet Santa in his picturesque grotto by a cosy fire at Sutton House.

Your kids can also enjoy magical stories of his adventures around the world before receiving an early Christmas gift.

When: 25 November – 17 December 2017

 

 

6 Meet Santa at the WWT London Wetland Centre

Jump aboard a thrilling husky sleigh ride to Santa’s grotto at the WWT London Wetland Centre.

Your kids can also help Santa’s elves in their workshop and make a small Christmas gift to take home.

When: 2 December – 3 December 2017

 

 

7 Victorian Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands

Take a trip back in time and meet Santa in a Victorian setting at the Museum of London Docklands this Christmas.

Transformed with festive decorations, you can also listen to Christmas carols in the Sailortown Gallery before meeting Santa.

When: 2 December – 23 December 2017

8 Sail with Santa on the Thames

All aboard for a festive Santa Cruise on the River Thames this Christmas.

You’ll board at Tower Pier before enjoying mince pies and cookies on the boat … and meeting Santa.

When: 2 December – 23 December 2017

9 Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall has been transformed into a festive wonderland this Christmas.

Your kids can go on an immersive and interactive journey with some magical characters before meeting Santa.

When: 5 December – 24 December 2017

 

 

10 Christmas at Kew Gardens

Don’t miss the North Pole village at Kew Gardens where your kids can meet Santa within this beautiful botanical winter wonderland.

When: 22 November 2017 – 1 January 2018

 

Cheap ways to entertain the kids

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On half term holidays, you’ll probably hear your kids utter these words: “I’m bored.” Rather than let them turn on the TV or play video games, try any of these free or cheap ways to entertain them.

  • Plant a garden.  Kids love planting seeds in the spring and watching them grow through the summer.

  • Have a water balloon fight. Let the kids toss water balloons at each other or you.

  • Go bowling.

  • Watch birds. Go into the garden and try to identify as many birds as possible.

  • Create a water park in the garden.  Fill the a paddling  pool, and let the kids have fun cooling off on a hot day.

  • Take a bubble bath outside. If the kids are tiring of the paddling pool, make it fun again by filling it with bubbles — and throwing small toys in for them to find under all the foam.

  • Visit the public library. Public libraries often offer free summer reading programs that include workshops, movies, children’s theatre, puppet shows and more.

  • Start a book club. Create a summer reading list for your kids, then discuss the books after they read them. Invite their friends to participate, too.

  • Listen to a concert in park. Many cities have free summer concert series during the day or evening.

 

It’s nearly time for Christmas!

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It’s now officially unavoidable – Christmas is on its way. It’s useless to resist the tidal wave of tinsel and crescendo of Christmas music, so this weekend, many parents will be taking the kids to meet the Big Man himself, Santa Claus.

Christmas traditions and fashions may come and go, but one that seems to stay firm is Santa’s Grotto. From gardening stores to castles, shopping centres to museums, Santa somehow manages to be in thousands of places at once, ready to greet young children with a cheery smile and a small present. And there’s a very good reason for it too, as every business owner knows – Santa grottos are a great way to attract customers.

In turn, that means there is a lot of choice for Santa-seeking parents. Most will only go to see one Santa. So, if you want to attract children to your Santa’s grotto, you might need to offer more than a long queue and a short sit on Santa’s knee.

And if you want to take the kids to see Santa somewhere unusual, here are some of our top pick Father Christmas locations around the UK.

• Lincoln Castle

• Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

• Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock

• Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax

• Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham

• East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh

• Fountains Abbey, Ripon

• Santa Express, Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore

• Nostell Priory, Wakefield

• Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line Santa Specials, Alresford

• Kingdom of the Elves, Bluestone National Park, Narberth, Wales

• Santa Claus Tour, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

What Not to Do When Party Planning

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Sometimes the best way of doing something well is to learn a few things that you should avoid doing. By discovering certain practices and helpful pointers, you can make your whole party planning process a lot less stressful and you can ensure thing go as smoothly as possible.

Whether you are organising a celebration for your children’s party a party to wash away the winter blues, or an event for any other occasion; here are some things you may want to avoid.

Inviting Too Many Guests

The stresses involved on the day of your party are likely to be directly proportionate to the amount of children you invite. Whilst it’s often a good idea to invite everyone in your child’s class, to avoid anyone feeling like they have been left out, this will ultimately depend on the space you have available and the amount of other parents you have managed to rope into helping you out. If the party is going to be staged in a small room or you only have limited help available, it may be wise to restrict the number of little guests so that things are a bit more manageable on the day.

Eating too early

One of the most anticipated and important parts of any kid’s party is the food, but if you offer this up too early then you could struggle to regain order amongst the troops. Instead, it is a good idea to build up to the food and have it near the end of the event. This way if anyone spills anything down them they haven’t got to sit through the rest of the party in dirty clothes, and you won’t have to try and get them settled again before they go home to their parents.

Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Although you will be proud of the party you have planned, there is a danger that doing everything yourself will make it a much more stressful process. This is especially true on the day. After you have put in all the effort prior to the occasion, why not take some time to relax during the actual event?

Ignoring The Wishes of Your Child

It’s always a good idea to ask them their preferences for the party – maybe give them 3 or 4 suggestions to choose from so it helps with the decision making process, and then you can guarantee they are going to love whatever you plan for them. More importantly, it also means you’ve involved them in the process and it makes them feel much more like it’s their party. Try to avoid going to the other extreme though and allowing your child to have all the say, and giving them too much choice, or you may struggle to make any decisions about the party.

 

Planning the perfect party food

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Are you about to have a party for your kids special day? Are you busy, frantically planning for all eventualities? It has probably not escaped your attention, but the party menu can be a vital and often time consuming component in any children’s Birthday party.

First check for possible food allergies

Planning the food for any party can often be a challenge, as one has to always think about the dietary requirements of other kids. It’s quite possible that you will have some children with allergies or intolerances. Often the parents will have told you if this is the case but it is worth checking yourself to be sure. (maybe ask parents to mention this on your party invites)

If you do have certain allergies or dietary requirements to cater for then you may want to ensure the food for that child is on a separate plate so it makes life easier for them and also doesn’t run the risk of contamination of their food with things they can’t have e.g. for nut allergies.

Planning the party ‘menu’

Children are the most honest of guests. – If they don’t like something they won’t eat it. Some children won’t like ham, others won’t like tuna – so put on an even spread of sandwiches with a variety of fillings, so you aren’t left with some kids that don’t want to eat anything grand then go home hungry.

Trying to trick your own children into eating fruit and vegetables may be a constant battle at the best of times, but in a party scenario it could prove even harder. And it is a party after all so perhaps now isn’t the best time to worry too much about healthy eating.

Keeping the kids sweet!

There seems to be a law of balances involved at every stage of the menu planning process. On the one hand, too much sugar can turn your party into mayhem, whereas on the other, too little could make your food too boring.

Aiming at the middle is the way forward. Cake, crisps and jelly are the traditional vouch-safes; but you could also consider throwing in some chocolate-dipped fruit or fruit juice for good measure.

What to drink?

If presented with a choice, children will almost always opt for the sugariest option. Preparing drinks on a tray before-hand and distributing them as a matter of course can help deal with this issue. You could even try distributing glasses of milk, should the sugar intake be reaching dizzying levels. But to make life easier we’d suggest juice boxes as they’re nice and easy to put on the table, reduce spillages and are easy to throw away.

 

Themes for Your Kid’s Party

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The chances are that your child and their invited guests will already be pretty excited about the prospect of a party, but if you really want to get them looking forward to the day itself then adding a theme could do the trick. A themed children’s party gives the kids a chance to dress up whilst also giving you a great topic for which to base your decorations, food and entertainment around.

Space

Space is a great theme for both boys and girls as it really allows the children to let their imagination run away with them. Will they come dressed as a strange alien from the planet Zog, or will they arrive in a spacesuit ready for their latest adventure into the unknown voids of the galaxy. You could even ask half of your guests to dress as aliens and the other half as astronauts and then use these teams within your entertainment.

Food could include various twists on party classics, such as ‘asteroids’ instead of meatballs and ‘moon rocks’ in place of chicken nuggets. The venue could also be decorated to look like a strange planet with stars, moons and spaceships on the ceiling.

Circus

Having a circus themed party for kids can be a great way to give the children a chance to learn a few new skills whilst they are having fun. They could have a go at learning to juggle, or fooling around like their favourite clown. The circus is not just about the guy with the red nose and big shoes though, and so the children have plenty of options when it comes to fancy dress. There’s the ring announcer, the gymnasts, the lion tamer and the strong man; to name just a few.

At the circus, tomatoes can easily be renamed as ‘clown’s noses’ (you might even persuade a child to eat one when they would otherwise turn their nose away to a vegetable!) and similarly, cheese puffs can be transformed into ‘juggling balls’. To really add that finishing touch, why not turn your venue into a Big Top with some multi-coloured fabric.

Wizards and Witches

This theme has always been a firm favourite, particularly at Halloween, but has grown in popularity since the rise of a certain boy wizard. Your little guests can dress as their favourite character from the film franchise or as a wizard or witch from their own imagination. The beauty with this theme is that it doesn’t take much to transform an ordinary child into a wizarding genius; just a hat and wand in most case