Tag: play

Do your kids love sports days?

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For as long as many of us can remember sports day has always resided at every school in the summer months showing off pupil’s talents at physical education. Parents, teachers and children alike congregate on a school field or local green patch for an afternoon of races and related fun. The concept of sports day has always been straight forward fun for all the family. However, when looking into the event more closely the activity of sports day could in fact have other effects on the children which are not as welcoming as the element of fun. Looking at each aspect in turn we can learn the inside scoop of what sports day is really about.

Children love nothing more than to let off some steam by running around with their friends and having lots of fun. Running races and playing games can be seen as great fun from the children’s perspective. Boundless energy and no limitations of what people think of them make them great at enjoying themselves actively. Yet on the introduction of rules and competition are put in place the fun factor could be sufficiently reduced. The reduction in the key element of fun can leave children restless and a little unwilling to take part as it is not what they consider fun. On the flip side if managed properly the fun element can be stay intact and the children will be more cooperative in the races planned.

Learning about competition can be very productive towards a child’s development. Knowing that other children may be better at some things than themselves can help children get the motivation they need to work harder. This motivation gives more satisfaction to get the job done. Many children strive to make their parents proud or at least to do it for themselves. With the support of families any and all hard work that goes into the end result can be highly beneficial. Children pushing themselves to be all that they can be is a great start for methods which can be used much later in life to their advantage.

Taking part in events is a positive experience on a child’s social development which is also key to their cognitive functions. Being able to be social with others is a skill most valued in a child’s upbringing. Though competition is essential to push motivation the taking part in the event counts both morally and physically.

 

Angel Party ideas

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Angel-themed birthday parties are charming additions to the busy parent’s portfolio of party ideas. With white and gold decorations, angel food cake, sparkling juices and angel-costumed guests, an angel party is a relatively simple to organize and provides a photo opportunity for proud parents and grandparents. A kids angel costume party let’s you and your guests release your inner children, with all the innocence and joy associated with the holiday season.

Angel Birthday Parties

Invite all the young guests to wear white dresses or T-shirts to the party. When they step into the party room, which is decorated in pale blue and puffy white cloud backdrops, give each child a pair of angel wings and a golden halo to wear for the party and take home as a party favor. In warm weather, play active games outside, such as tag, mother may I, hopscotch and jacks. Indoor activities may include pin the wings on the angel, board games and a video, such as “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” Serve a sheet cake, cut into the shape of angel wings and frosted with fluffy white icing, with the birthday child’s favorite ice cream flavour.

Sweet Sixteen Angels

A coming-of-age party, whether it’s a sweet 16 party, is the official transformation between childhood and becoming a young woman. Decorate an angel-themed party room with white and gold balloons, flower bouquets, white-draped tables and sparkling angel centerpieces. Encourage the dancers and guests to wear white to emphasize the angelic theme. Family, friends, traditional dances, modern music, a delicious buffet and a huge cake complete the party — all that’s left is for the birthday girl to open the gifts.

Angel Holiday Parties

Over the holiday season, angel costume parties allow children and adults to creatively celebrate the angels on high. A room dressed all in white, sparkling gold and shimmering silver, with holiday trees trimmed in twinkle lights, metallic garlands and angel ornaments, provides the ambiance of heaven. Add classical music, carolers or a DJ well supplied with soft music until after dinner.

Party games for the whole family

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When planning a children’s party or get together, be sure to include several games to keep partygoers entertained throughout the party. Play fun games that include all the family and of course the kids which keeps everyone involved in the party. Award prizes to the winners of each game to keep everyone ready for the next game.

Egg Relay Race

Divide players into parent/kid teams of two, and have several eggs and spoons ready. Play this game outside, as it can get messy. Make a start line and another line about 25 feet apart. Have all parents stand at the starting line and all kids stand at the other line. Give each parent a spoon and an egg.

The parents race to their children with the eggs on the spoons. Participants can’t use their hands to hold the eggs on spoons. If an egg is dropped, the parent must go back to the starting line and begin again. Once a parent’s reaches his child, the child will take the egg and spoon, and race back to the starting line. The first child that makes it back across the starting line wins the game.

Water Balloons

Make several water balloons before the party starts and sit them in a bucket. Have all players get into parent/kid teams of two. Give each team one water balloon and have them stand about 5 feet apart, facing each other. Each player attempts to throw the water balloon to her partner. If the partner drops the balloon, that team is out of the game. For all teams that catch the balloon, they must take a giant step back and toss the balloon again. The team who can catch the water balloon from the furthest point away from one another wins the game.

The Mummy Game

Each child should pair up with one of his parents before the game starts. Give each team two rolls of toilet paper. Each parent uses the rolls of toilet paper to cover the child. Set a time limit of five minutes and when time is up, the child who is the most covered with toilet paper wins the game.

Marshmallow Tower

Divide all players into parent/child pairs and have them sit around a table. Give each team about 20 toothpicks and a bowl of mini marshmallows. The teams have 10 minutes to create the tallest marshmallow tower using the marshmallows and toothpicks. After 10 minutes, the team with the largest tower wins. You can also award prizes for the most creative and most disastrous towers.

After school activities

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Build a den

Building a den can be done anywhere! Under the stairs, in the garden, in the woods! Even on rainy days you can build a den out of blankets and pillows at home and on sunny days it’s the perfect outdoor fun.

Pooh sticks

Possibly one of the easiest, cheapest and enduring children’s fun activities you can do with your kids. A relaxing walk on a beautiful evening, and the thrill and excitement of your pooh stick crossing the finishing line first. Remember to take care near fast flowing or deep water!

Hold a Play Park Marathon

There are two ways to do this!

Version one: Simple; use play equipment as a ‘circuit’ and set the timer on your phone to track how speedy, or slowly your little ones can complete the course.

Version two: Harder ; This one is so much fun if you live in a big town or city. How many parks can you visit in one evening? Planning is the key here! Work out a route with your little ones that takes in as many parks as possible before bedtime!

Do a Beach Clean

Do you live near a beach? Why not take a picnic tea to the beach and on your way back take more litter home than you make. Plastic bottles are one of the worst offenders. There are thousands of tonnes of them drifting in the oceans, and washing ashore on our beaches. A black bag full of these little blighters is easy to carry and encourages our little ones the importance of recycling.

Chalk Fun Outdoors

Chalk is great for using to draw on pavements and driveways and easily washes away. From expressing their artistic talents to practising maths sums and playing games, it will keep the kids amused!

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!

Board Games

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

Visit a kids indoor play centre

If the kids need to burn off some serious energy before tea and bedtime, indoor soft play centres are a great, safe, fun environment and allow the kids to run riot. Activities can include jumping into ball pits, obstacle courses, slides, and lots of climbing!

 

Autumn adventures with kids

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Devil’s Dyke, West Sussex

Five miles north of Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers stunning views, from a working farm nestled among rolling hills to old chalk pits, and is vibrant and colourful all year round. In autumn the hills are transformed into a breath-taking haze of purple.

Stourhead, Wiltshire

The house has some stunning interiors and interesting history, being one of the first houses built in the fashionable Palladian style. The Walled-Garden is a fabulous place where you and the kids can explore the selection of plants and statues on display. The world famous 18th century landscape garden is truly breathtaking with a beautiful lake at its centre and fascinating temples and grottoes to explore.

Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood

Located in the New Forest, by Ashley Heath and covering 1000 acres, there is something for everyone at Moors Valley Country Park. You can walk, cycle, go on the authentic narrow-gauge steam train or even “Go Ape” on the fantastic tree top adventure! There is plenty of fun to be had in the children’s play areas and you can relax in the restaurant.

Burley, New Forest

What better way to experience autumn than by exploring this vast forest? It used to be the home of white witch Sybil Leek in the 1950’s… perfect for Halloween visits! There are plenty of walks in Burley, meaning you can take in autumn’s changing leaves, and pay a visit to their tea rooms for any rumbling tums!

Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

The gardens and estate are world famous at Stourhead. In autumn it’s a great place to see the huge range of colours on the trees and crunch through the mountains of leaves. There’s lots of fun children’s activities that the family can try including Tree Climbing Experiences.

Dinefwr Park, South Wales

Dinefwr’s historic parkland is famed for its abundance of wildlife and stunning valley views, making it a fab place to take in some stunning views during autumn. This is a great location for spotting wildlife, as well as a seventeenth-century mansion and medieval castle. There’s also a kid’s woodland play area where they can let off some steam and the adults can relax (or join in!).

Carding Mall Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Shropshire

This area, which covers around 2000 hectares, is renowned for having outstanding natural beauty and is hugely important for wildlife, as well as landscape, geology and archaeology. Follow the stream up to the dark-blue reservoir, and you will finish at the beautiful Lightspout waterfall.

The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Throughout the year these lovely gardens are full of life and colour. There’s also a magical giant treehouse that the kids will love exploring, which is one of the largest in the world! Cross the wobbly rope bridges (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs) to find a tree tops restaurant.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan; St Austell, Cornwall

The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover over 200 acres. You can walk through the jungle where there are tropical trees, colourful plants and vibrant foliage creating an exotic oasis; it’s hard to believe you’re still in Cornwall!

 

Kids attractions for under £25

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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!

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Ludlow Castle, Shropshire

Family: £13.50, Adult: £5, Child: £2.50, Under 6: Free

 Explore this medieval ruin and your little ones can play at being princes and princesses for the day!

 They often have loads of special events on from kids workshops to food festivals and on Monday the 29th of August they’ve got a family entertainment spectacular taking place. Watch the knights battle for the Heritage Cup, listen to the Jester’s jokes and listen to exciting talks about medieval weaponry. Please note that prices are higher for this event – £20 for a family ticket.

 

Football mad kids

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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.

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.

 

Circus party theme

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Does your child love the circus? If so, why not have a children’s party theme based on the circus..

INVITATIONS;

Use white card and envelopes.  Use red cardboard paper to make a big top for the front of card.  Square base and canopied top.  Square base to be glued on sides and bottom, top to be left open to create a pocket for admit ticket.

DECORATIONS;

Keep decorations simple.  Use red/white crepe paper to make a canopy (big top) .  Hang paper clown faces from the ceiling.  Bright tableware can be placed around the cakes.  A lion cake and a clown cake for example.

GAMES;

Put felt tips, glitter, glue etc. around and lots of coloured card paper so kids can make their own circus/clown pictures.

A must would be to have a ‘face painter’ which can paint each kid’s face, take a picture and print each one off before the party ends and stick it in onto their party bags.

Another game could be throwing darts at different coloured balloons.  Whatever colour they pop, they get to pick from that “colour” toy pile. Each toy in different coloured bags so the kids know which one they will win from.

Then an elephant game where the kids have to hook a ring around their trunks. Each child puts on an elephant mask and tries to pick up hoops with the end of their nose.  Of course no themed children’s party is complete without the clown piñata.

PARTY BAGS;

No party is complete without party bags so fill them up with sweets, colouring pens, and candy floss bags.

 

Be like a movie star

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This party are for girls (or boys) that would just love to be in the movies, a great children’s party theme…

INVITATIONS:

For the invitation, buy some really good stationery, and cut it into a star shape. Then, punch holes in it about every inch or so and thread gold or silver ribbon through the holes. Then in calligraphy write “you are cordially invited to spend (date) at the Oscars. Please arrive at (address) at approximately (time). To make your final reservation, please reply to the home of (child’s name) at (number).

DECORATIONS:

On the front walkway, lay out some red felt made to look like the red carpet, and put sticks of wood about 1 foot away from each other along the sides, where you can tie gold, silver, and white balloons to. Inside, let some more balloons float.

ACTIVITIES:

The main activity of the party is to ‘make the movie’, but before that, get all the actresses ‘ready’ by sending them to the ‘spa’. You could have a different room in the house for different spa treats to do, one could be in the birthday girl’s bedroom and the spare room, could be home too the nail and hair salon.

Your Birthday girl’s bedroom could be a dressing room, where there could be all kinds of dress up clothes that the girls could choose from. After all the girls finished at the spa, make the movie. Before the party, write a simple script based on a movie, “the Princess Diaries”, where a normal teenage girl finds out she is a princess. Hand out these  scripts, and each girl will be giving a part and five minutes to look it over quickly. Then you can film it. Afterwards, show it to the girls on video and they will be really proud of their acting skills.

Then, you can hand out the Oscars. Cut trophies out beforehand of cardboard and paint them with each girl’s name on it. For the ceremony, you can have categories (depending on how many guests there are). Some of the categories were best script remembered, funniest costume, etc. Call each girl up individually to receive her award. Then nobody gets left out.

FOOD:

Have table settings that make it look like a posh restaurant. For each girl’s plate, a typed name card, a folded cloth napkin with a napkin ring, and real silverware instead of plastic.

PARTY BAGS

When the girls were watching a movie, make  copies of the video you made. Give these out to the guests along with a bottle of nail polish.

 

Choosing the right entertainment

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There are loads of different options to choose from to make it a fun occasion but it’s important to choose what is right for your children’s party.

When planning a children’s party, one thing that will be firmly on your list of things to do is ‘hire the entertainer’. However, with so many different kinds of performers available, how do you go about choosing the perfect person to keep your little guests engaged for the duration of the event and to take the stress off you?

The Magician

A brilliant magician can really add a sense of wonder to your party. Watch as the kids are left amazed at the seemingly impossible tricks performed in front of their eyes and then encouraged to get involved in some of the magic themselves. It can be a lot of fun for families too, particularly seeing how baffled kids are by how the magic is done.

Science Parties

Science Parties are a relatively new but very exciting kind of children’s entertainment and something extremely varied and engaging for the kids and suitable for ages 4- 12. They are perfect if you are looking to mix fun and excitement with learning all about just how fantastic and fun science can be.

Kids get to watch really colourful and visual science demonstrations as well as fun experiments. Plus, science related games. This is another great option for parents as it’s very different from what you see at most parties. But we’d only recommend this if you know your kids are into science.

The Puppeteer

Puppet shows are great for children of all ages and have been part of our culture for thousands of years. They’re normally aimed at 3-7 year olds but can work for 2 years too. Even if the younger children don’t fully understand the storyline or the jokes, they can still enjoy the visual aspects and get involved with audience participation, which usually includes shouting things to the puppets and doing loads of funny actions.

Puppet shows can be the main event or form part of a huge mix of party activities. Either way, it goes down a treat and is often one of the things kids remember best.