Tag: organise

On your bike

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Is there really anything better than exploring somewhere new, jumping on your bike and going where the path takes you? Summer will soon be here and if your looking for a free, healthy and fun way to enjoy time together as a family than why not give cycling a go. Even if your child is still using stabilisers or has only recently learn to ride without them there are plenty of places to explore on two wheels.

Here are 5 bike routes are perfect for all abilities from very young to very old. Also you don’t have to do the whole distance you can just do a short part of it and make sure to pack a few snacks, sunscreen and lots of water even if you are planning to go in the cooler months.

  1. Two Palaces Ride, London, 2 miles

Starting at Green Park and following through Hyde Park finishing at Kensington Palace this lovely gentle family friendly bike ride takes in two of the Royal Parks in London and offering you up a less stressful perspective on sightseeing in the capital. There is also places to hire bikes at either end from Boris Bike hire which makes is a great alternative family days out.

  1. Two Tunnels Greenway, Somerset, 5 miles

Start at the Hope and Anchor Pub in Midford and finish in Bath City Centre. This is a very new cycle route and is mostly traffic-free (with the odd quiet on-road sections) and flat making is a great choice for an active family adventure. The two tunnels you pass through, with the Combe Down tunnel being the longest walking and cycling tunnel in the UK, are real highlights.

  1. Keswick Railway Path, 6 miles

Start and end at Keswick leisure centre. This old discontinued railway line has been turned into a relatively flat and mobility friendly path and circular cycle route which takes in some stunning scenery and surroundings of the Lake District National Park. This traffic-free path crosses and re-crossed the river Greta then winds its way through woodland. Just bear in mind this is also a walking path so cycling is encourage you must give way to walkers.

  1. Camel Trail, Cornwall, 12 miles

Starting at Bodmin and ending at Padstow. One of the most popular family traffic-free routes and it’s easy to see why when you get to enjoy all of that Cornish countryside. Also there are some well placed picnic points along the way as well as bird hides where you can hopefully spot a few oystercatchers and kingfishers. The ending is equally spectacular as you ride into the picturesque fishing port of Padstow. You can also make this route shorter and more manageable for kids but starting at Wadebridge and finishing at Padstow making it 5.5miles instead of 12.

  1. Swansea Bike Path, 6 miles

Start at Swansea Marina and end in the Mumbles. If you head out on a sunny day you will really be in for a treat on this traffic-free route that follows the wide curving sweep across Swansea bay with views across Mumbled Head and the Gower Peninsula. Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway this easy and well tarmac route is perfect for young and old, plus there are lots of cafes and picnic benches along the way, as well as ice-cream stands to help cool you down.

May half term for kids

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We’ve got a guide to the May half term dates for schools throughout the UK as well as some ideas of things to do with the kids in the May half term.

When is May half term?

Half term falls in the middle of May but it really depends on the school. The information below gives the outlying dates for each country with the week half term falling between them. Each school can vary though so be sure to get in touch with yours to get the exact holiday dates.

England

28th May – 1st June

Scotland

7th – 25th May

Wales

28th May – 1st June

Northern Ireland

7th- 25th May

Top May half term activities and days out

So that’s the school holiday dates sorted but what children’s activities can you look forward to? May is pretty much the beginning of British summer and the perfect time to dip your toes in – literally with a trip to a lido! Lidos (public open-air swimming pools, for anyone who isn’t sure) are a classic national day out and tonnes of splashtacular fun.

If your kids don’t fancy getting wet, why not take a walk on the wild side instead? Zoos and conservation centres are an easy way to keep brainboxes busy over the week away from school and with the weather warming up, all the animals should be out and ready to strike a pose.

Top things to do and places to go in May Half Term

Here are a few fun ideas for fearless fun in May:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Make like explorers and see who you can spot on a day out at the wildlife park in Doncaster. The park is home to the only polar bears in Britain – they’re called Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby and are really rather cute.

Treasure Trails – are a great way to explore somewhere totally new or even see your hometown in a different light. Get your magnifying glasses out of storage and uncover all those nooks and crannies you wouldn’t usually notice with these guided scavenger hunts packed with clues to unravel.

Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool – We told you lidos were a classic way to go at this time of year, so pay a visit to one of the originals, which opened way back in 1936!

Your kids may love horses or have never ridden one before in their life; either way, the team at Cannock Chase Horse Trekking will have them galloping around in no time.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm Don’t forget that essential dose of weird this May half term. The Bug Farm is the last word on the subject with bug handling sessions and an edible insect cafe.

Perfect Planetariums

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Get ready to reach for the stars, as we share the eight best fun planetariums in the UK. Great family days out. Which one will you be heading to first?

Winchester Science Centre

Lie back and enjoy the 360° show taking place right above your head, as the huge domed screen at Winchester Science Centre places you right in the heart of the action. There are both pre-recorded films and live presenter-led shows each day, where you can be completely immersed in a wide range of topics, from blasting off into space, to tours of the night sky. With plenty more to explore too, and lots of hands-on activities, this is a great day out for the whole family!

National Space Centre, Leicester

Your journey into space starts here, as the National Space Centre in Leicester is home to six interactive galleries, the iconic Rocket Tower and the UK’s largest planetarium! In the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, named after the prominent astronomer, journey through time and space in We Are Stars, or take a Tour of the Night Sky, all from the comfort of your seat! This award-winning attraction also regularly hosts some exciting events, so be sure to check those out for your visit

Planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London

Pay a visit to the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the prime meridian of the world, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich! Stand on the iconic meridian line with one foot in the west and one in the east, marvel at the seventh biggest telescope in the world and see the clocks that changed the world, all before taking a tour of the universe from London’s only planetarium. With a range of shows for the whole family, fly into the heart of the sun, see the birth of a star or land on Mars in the impressive dome.

Thinktank, Birmingham

You’ll need your thinking caps on for a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham’s science museum. Guaranteed to have your brain buzzing with curiosity across 200 hands-on displays, don’t miss the planetarium on Level 3 for just £1.50 on top of your ticket price. With a range of shows and special events throughout the year, it’s a great way to see the magic of space from here in the UK.

Armagh Planetarium, County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Pay a visit to Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical education and uncover a whole host of space secrets at Armagh Planetarium. Learn about the cosmos through interactive displays and catch up with the latest space news in real time, plus design, build and launch your own rocket in the exciting crafts zone. With lots of shows suitable for family audiences, as well as some with age restrictions, the digital theatre is the ultimate planetarium experience.

We The Curious (formerly At-Bristol), Bristol

Curiosity is key at this recently relaunched attraction, which is also home to the UK’s first 3D planetarium. Experience what it’s like to have planets, stars and galaxies all within reach at We The Curious, as you sit back and enjoy this stunning immersive experience. Elsewhere in the attraction, let your curiosity run free through a range of fun and hands-on displays, it’s the perfect family escape.

Try a trip to Bristol

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Home of Wallace and Gromit, hot air balloon fiestas and the place where Ribena was supposedly invented, Bristol is one of the UK’s most-loved cities. Named the best place to live in the UK in 2017, it’s award-winning mix of culture, community spirit and redevelopment means there’s plenty to discover, even for the smallest of explorers.

Bristol Aquarium

On one of Bristol’s many rainy days, Bristol Aquarium is a great destination for all the family and great entertainment for children of all ages. Children will enjoy spotting the fish they know such as Nemo (clown fish) as well as learning about new ones and conservation. Keep a look out for the giant octopus!

We the Curious

We The Curious is a fantastic fun day out filled with numerous science exhibits that will have those curious kids asking all sorts of questions. Fortunately, the Science Team are there to help. It also has the UK’s only 3D planetarium, which toddlers will love!

SS Great Britain

Our kids love exploring below deck on the various levels and seeing the displays of how the passengers lived on the ship. And if it is a sunny day there is nowhere better to enjoy it than up on the deck, which also has some great views across to Clifton. The tickets also allow unlimited visits for a year, so it can work out as great value if you live locally!

Ferry Ride

Little ones will really enjoy a tour of the harbour on one of the ferry boats, thanks to Bristol Ferry Boat Co. What better way to see the sights? You may even see an otter!

The Matthew

Keeping with the nautical theme (well it is Bristol after all), children of all ages will love channelling their inner sailor/pirate with a trip on the historic ship, The Matthew.

Bristol Museum

The dinosaurs & taxidermy animal exhibits at Bristol Museum never fail to amaze kids, whilst there is a small soft play/learning area on the ground floor for the littlest ones. There is also a brilliant cafe and regularly changing exhibits.

M Shed

Bristol’s newer museum focuses on the history of Bristol. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays at M Shed, especially the vintage bus. Another place with a great cafe, but also right next to the many cafes at Wapping Wharf.

Brandon Hill Park

If you are around the Park Street or Clifton areas then it’s well worth a visit to Brandon Hill Park. There is a playground at the bottom of the hill and Cabot Tower at the top. For those with a head for heights, there are great views across Bristol from the top of the tower and fun to be had counting the many winding steps.  It’s a great spot for a picnic or an ice-cream (a van can normally found there).

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Finally, a trip to walk across Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and take in the views is surely an essential part of Bristol. There is a playground and plenty of green spaces nearby to burn off some energy before visiting one of the many cafes in Clifton Village.

Help your kids be helpful

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Lead by Example

If you want a child to do something, it helps to have them witness you doing it as well as the result that came from it. Whenever you’re finished with a project, clean up your mess.

When finished eating, take your plate, utensils, and glass to the sink. Organize your things so that you know where they are when you need them.

Children see this and are more likely to also clean up after themselves.  If you’re leaving a mess everywhere then they will have a harder time understanding why cleaning up is important.

Label the Positive

Notice the times that they do something helpful and praise them, telling them they’re a good helper.

When we use character traits like “good helper” or “very helpful”, over time children begin to make that part of their personality.  The more you label them as being a helper, the more they will believe it to be true.

Delegate and Praise

Give them tasks throughout the day to practice their helpful skills. The more they practice, the better they’ll learn.  And every time they do something helpful, praise them.

Make it Fun

For younger kids, singing the clean-up song is a huge help in picking up toys, but even as they get older it’s fun to add any songs and even a little dance to the process of cleaning up. Counting helps too. Count toys picked up, cutlery put away, and the number of pens and crayons you find.

Fit for all Ages

It’s easier to raise a helpful kid earlier in development than later, but it is possible to teach older children to be helpful. All of the same tips apply with a slightly different approach.

As they get older you can explain things more. Explain why you need help, why it’s important for them to take more responsibility, how important it is to work together, and that every person finds their own rhythm when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and helping others, but the end result is the same. Taking care of your things, taking care of shared items, and treating others the way you want to be treated.

Raising a helpful kid can be a truly daunting challenge at times. Especially if it seems like one more item to add to the never-ending to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be a frustrating endeavour.

By leading by example, staying positive, and having fun with your children, it is possible to turn the most stubborn mess maker into a happy, helpful partner. One step at a time. One day at a time.

Days out by rail

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To help out with ideas for parents, Family & Friends Railcard, which saves a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fares, has compiled five quick and easy ideas to make the most of the Easter break.

Museums

When the weather offers blustery winds and rainy skies, why not spend the day exploring a museum. Liverpool’s World Museum is one that will excite both the kids and adults with rocket rides through space and journey’s to the bottom of the sea.

Blackpool Illuminations

Stuck with what to do with your weekend? Plan a day trip to Blackpool and watch the flamboyant Blackpool Illuminations dazzle and light up the entire promenade for spectacular views, which the whole family can enjoy.

Family & Friends Railcard

For just £30 a year, the Family & Friends Railcard provides a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids fares. On average, Railcard users save £130 annually, making it worth over four times as much as it costs. Plus, in addition to saving on travel costs, the Family & Friends Railcard offers discounts on theatre tickets and days out.

Forests

Want to relax and enjoy the crackling of red and gold leaves rustling beneath your feet? The UK has a wealth of forests and woodlands. Just an hour and a half from London the New Forest is a fantastic family friendly option that won’t break the bank.

Theatre

From the best of Disney to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the West End offers something for everyone. It’s a step up from your local theatre, offering faultless timing in dance moves and incredible voices – a perfect way to spend a chilly autumn evening. You can even get up to 60% off theatre tickets with your Railcard.

Hit the slopes

Start the ski season early by heading to one of the UK’s indoor slopes. From family ski sessions to sledging and snowboarding there’s loads on offer for families of all ages. Based in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre is Britain’s newest indoor ski centre and caters for kids as young as four.

 

Minecraft party

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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 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.

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

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 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!

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

  • 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.

Easter Entertainment

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Here are some brilliant Easter themed children’s activities indoors and to give the little Kids a break from scoffing a pile of Easter Eggs!

Springtime Easter Nests

This Easter recipe is so simple for the children to make and requires no oven! The favourite bit is licking the bowl afterwards!

Ingredients:

150g Shredded Wheat (Cornflakes or Rice Crispies are just as yummy)

250g chocolate

3 tbsp golden syrup

1 bag of Mini Eggs

How to make:

  • Melt chocolate in a saucepan over a low heat

  • Stir in syrup and and rice crispies – watch out for taste testers!

  • Spoon mixture into cake cases, top with a Mini Egg (or two) and leave to cool

  • Enjoy!

 

Egg Decorating

Egg decorating is so much fun and keeps kids entertained for hours. You can use paints, glitter, stickers and anything crafty that you can get your hands on but first you need to blow out the contents of the egg. Here’s how to do it –

  • Pierce a small hole at both ends of the egg and blow into the egg (do this over a bowl) and the contents of the egg will come out.

  • If the egg appears stuck, then swirl it around and blow again.

  • Finally hold your finger over the bottom hole and place the top under running water, shake the egg and blow again.

  • Leave the egg to dry and then they’re ready to decorate.

Indoor Egg and Spoon Race

The key for this activity is to use coloured plastic eggs, or if you are heading down the more traditional route then boil the egg first so that it’s hard boiled otherwise this could end up as quite a messy children’s activity. Arrange the children at the start line with an egg and a spoon each, and when you say go the children race to the finish line without dropping their egg. If they drop it, they need to start again! You could make the race more difficult by adding obstacles!

Easter Egg Necklace

Easter Egg necklaces are so fun and easy to make and keep the little ones amused for ages. All you need is some string, plastic eggs and a grown up to make a hole through the egg so that string can be threaded through!

We hope that the children enjoy these fun child friendly activities and have a brilliant Easter despite our great British weather!

For kids who love books

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Regardless of your child’s reading ability or age, these wonderfully wordy days out are a fun way to get children excited about books and the wonderful imaginative world of stories!

Working Class Movement Library; Manchester

The Working Class Movement Library in Manchester is an amazing place to discover real stories about the extraordinary people who fought to have their voices heard. Explore books, archives, photographs, poetry, posters, journals, reports and so much more in this wonderful library.

Seven Stories Centre; Newcastle Upon Tyne

Seven Stories is built to inspire children through reading and stories. They will love exploring their imaginations through workshops, the many libraries and a literary adventure playground

Library of Birmingham; Birmingham

This huge, modern building is home to over 400,000 books available to be read by the public, as well as a studio theatre, rooftop gardens, an outdoor Amphitheatre and a panoramic viewing gallery. Children will love exploring the children’s zones, listening to story telling sessions and getting involved in kids’ activities!

The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre; Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Located in the very place that Roald Dahl lived and wrote is the wonderful Roald Dahl museum! Aimed at children aged between 6 and 12, it features galleries, a story centre and loads of interactive displays all around this much loved children’s author.

Liverpool Central Library; Liverpool

Inside this very large, historic building is a modern discovery that the whole family will love! Inside the children’s room you will find brightly coloured interiors brimming with books and nooks to read in. There is even an Xbox 360, computers, iPad and more technology available to the public!

The Story Museum; Oxford, Oxfordshire

Children will love getting lost in the wonderful world of stories in this unusual but amazing museum that is specifically centred around stories! Perfect for kids of all ages and reading abilities, and of course adults too!

The British Library; London

The British Library is a great place to lose a few hours. Find endless knowledge and stories in so many different formats including print, digital, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, magazines and so much more!

Discover Children’s Story Centre; London

Explore the indoor story trail and discover a magical adventure, or let off some steam in the story garden where kids will love discovering giant musical instruments, a spacecraft and a monster’s tongue! There’s so much fun to be had at Discover Children’s Story Centre with a sprinkling of imagination.

Amazing and Cheap UK attractions

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  1. The Guards Museum, London

Adult: £6, Children: Free

Everyday around 11.30am the Changing of the Guards ceremony happens outside Buckingham Palace (this is FREE to watch!!). The guards who protect the Sovereign have carried out this duty since 1660 and during the ceremony you will see a regiment march from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace to take over the guard. This ceremony takes place every day from April- July and on alternate days throughout the rest of the year (weather permitting). Afterwards pay a visit to the Guards Museum for an enjoyable and educational visit. You can learn all about the various regiments and at the end you might even get to try on a bear skin!

 

  1. The Clink Prison, London

Family £18, Adult: £7.50, Child: £5.50

This museum is built on the original site of a medieval prison. The kids will love the hands on educational experience where you are able to handle original artefacts including torture devices. You will also hear lots of amazing stories about the prison’s past, the inmates and the notorious South Bank.

 

  1. 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.

 

4.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.

 

  1. Museum of Transport, Manchester

Adult: £4, Children: 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 artefact.

 

  1. Boscombe Coastal Activity Park – Bournemouth, Dorset

FREE ENTRY

Stroll down Boscombe Beach and you will be able to enjoy a whole host of coastal activities including free swing ball, table tennis, bouldering and don’t forget to check out the music trail on the pier!

 

  1. Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton

Family: £11, Adult: £3, Child: £2.50, Under 2: Free

At Hoar Park farm you can meet a whole bunch of different animals such as goats, chickens, geese, ponies, donkeys, pigs, deer, cows, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a tarantula called Rosie, who you can touch! There’s also a playground where your little ones can run around and keep themselves busy for an hour or two.

 

  1. Alice Holt Forest, Surrey

FREE! (Parking Charges Apply)

For a day of exploration and activity outdoors take the family to Alice Holt Forest where you can walk, cycle, play or have a picnic. The kids can discover the play area where there’s a pirate ship to climb and explore, a nest swing and even a 3D maze! Entrance is free for all the only cost is parking, which starts at £1.80 for 1 hour, up to £8 for 4+ hours.

 

  1. Fancy’s Family Farm – Portland, Dorset

FREE ENTRY

Fancy’s Farm has loads of animals and critters that you won’t see at any regular farm! Including slow worms, lizards and even wallabies! Kids will love meeting all the different animals, especially Dinky the Miniature Horse!

 

  1. The Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester

Family: £18.99, Adult: £5.99, Child: £3.99, Under 3: Free