Tag: activities

Take your family out for the day

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
There’s so much to see and do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with indoor and outdoor activities suitable children and for the whole family. Take a look at our summer events at Portsmouth Dockyards blog for inspiration! All our tickets include an annual pass valid from your first visit date so you can return as many times as you wish! Attractions include HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Action Stations – indoor interactive attraction with Ninja Force assault course, climbing wall and more.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester, Somerset
An all-weather attraction for aviation lovers this is Europe’s largest aircraft collection. Step on board the first British Concorde, look into the cockpit and also step inside a Sea King helicopter. The kids will also love the adventure playground inspired by HMS Queen Elizabeth.

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes, The O2, London
Super Hero and Super Villian fans will love this exhibition. Featuring an extensive display of comic book, TV and film memorabilia, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, plus many more! Displays in the multi-room exhibition include costumes, sketches, props, video scenes, models and even a Batpod!

The National Showcaves Centre, Swansea, Wales
Explore the incredible natural wonders that are the caves, there are three in total including Dan-yr-Ogof, Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave. Also onsite is the museum where you can watch experienced cavers make their way through the further reaches of the cave.

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Set over 9 floors there’s something to interest everyone here! Go on a journey of discovery through the history of Scotland, taking in the wonders of nature, art, design and fashion and science and technology. The hall of animals will be a sure favourite!

The Natural History Museum, London
For a fascinating, FREE educational day out, head down to the Natural History Museum. Here you will learn about the natural world through amazing exhibitions and displays! Be sure to check out the Darwin Centre where you will discover science in action and collections. The Attenborough Studio is a fascinating audio-visual venue where you can learn all about life on earth. There are so many things to see at this amazing place, so don’t miss out!

The British Museum, London
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free to all visitors! Explore the Egyptians, the Roman Empire, ancient Greece, and more. You can even see the Rosetta Stone which proved to be the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs!

Gulliver’s Land

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If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out for you and your little ones why not check out Gulliver’s land in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. With over 70 attractions including rides and shows to enjoy every day, Gulliver’s Land is one of the best value kids’ days out in the UK.

Unlike most other theme parks in the UK, Gulliver’s caters especially for younger children. This means that if you’re looking for great days out for toddlers and youngsters, then this is a great option for you. Gulliver’s is a family-run attraction, designed for families with children aged between 2 to 13 years.

From the Runaway Train in Discovery Bay to the Jungle River Ride and classic Dodgems, there are plenty of exciting rides to ensure that all the family have a fun day out. There are also a number of rides designed for the Under 5s, as well as shows for there is plenty to keep everyone happy.

If you want to save some money and get the best value out of your visit then make sure you follow Gully Mouse on Facebook and you can subscribe to exclusive online special offers.

Foodwise, there are places to eat within the park but families are also welcome to bring picnics with them and make the most of the outdoor space available. Parking at Gulliver’s is also free of charge.

Try KidZania London

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With the weather being unpredictable in the UK, that doesn’t have to stop you this half term! KidZania London is a mini-city that kids can explore for themselves. They can try their hand at being a firefighter, fashionista, and even flying a Starship model through the Atlas Star System!

1. New: Starlink Space Station
Pilots will learn how to build their own modular Starship model before embarking on a journey through the Atlas Star System, testing and navigating their ship with Nintendo Switch. Kids will learn lots about the solar system as they adventure through space!

2. Nintendo Labo Workshop
Kids can use the Nintendo Labo kits to create their own RC car. They can take their decorated car home with them after the session. This is then used with the Nintendo Switch consoles to bring the games to life! Discover other models too including a fishing rod, piano, and even a robot!

3. Shop till you drop in Westfield London!
If your kids are 8 years or older, they can explore KidZania independently and you can enjoy 4 hours of shopping!

4. Adults can enjoy the fun too!
KidZania is so cool that Mum’s and Dad’s will want to get stuck in too! Although most of KidZania’s activities are especially for kids where adults can supervise through the viewing windows, There are a few activities where adults can join in too! Grown-ups will love the Alder Hey Hospital A&E, TV Studio, Stadium, City Tour Bus and British Airways aviation academy! Go on, you know you want to!

What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want a go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

Active fun for the whole family

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Here’s some active fun the whole family can share!
1. Jump for joy at Oxygen Freejumping

Whatever the weather burn off some energy on over 100 interconnected trampolines, dodgeball courts, giant airbags, walk-the-wall trampolines and more! The UK’s ultimate trampoline park playground has locations all around the country.
2. Monkey around in the trees!

Swing, zip, balance and jump your way through the trees on the Tree Top Adventure courses at GoApe! Younger adventurers will love Tree Top Junior, a lower and easier version. Explore the rugged trails along the forest floor with the awesome Segway experiences, or if you love to Zipwire then the Zip Trekking will definitely be on your bucket list!

3. Make Household Chores Fun

Whilst it’s easy for the kids to dismiss chores as boring, why not try and turn them into a fun game to get them moving? Challenge them to see how many toys they can put away in a minute… A bit of competition might be all it takes to get them running around the house!
2. Sneak in More Steps

This is a super easy way to make sure you’re moving as much as possible. There are lots of ways to sneak in some more steps, from parking the car a few roads away, taking the stairs instead of the lift and more!
3. Go on a Weekend Walk

Get outside this weekend as a family. See if you can get little ones naming what wildlife and flowers they can spot on their travels! It doesn’t have to be far, as there’s sure to be something interesting at every corner. Our Wintery Walks blog may inspire you!

4. Music Motivation

If you’re looking for a way to get your little ones active and ready for school in record time, why not throw on an upbeat playlist that they love and see if they can get ready before the songs are over. Shameless dancing around the kitchen is optional.
5. Gardening with Kids

Prepping the garden for spring and summer is the perfect (yet deceiving) way to get your little ones eager to move. Get them weeding, plant-potting and watering flowers to give them some TV-free time.
6. Weekly Sports Night

This one is great for getting the family together and being active. Whether it’s football in the park, bike riding or going for a swim, there are lots of options available to keep things interesting each week!

Kids Golf days-out

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Ready for the challenge and wondering where the best mini golf near you is located? We’ve teed up some of the best mini golf courses in the UK, so all that’s left to do is grab a club and set off in search of that elusive hole-in-one…

Birmingham Mini Golf, Birmingham
Found within the popular Cannon Hill Park in Moseley, Golden Putter Mini Golf is filled with putting islands, bridges and wild waterfalls to put you to the test. Choose from 18 or 36 outdoor holes and see if you can make it on to their ultimate leaderboard. After, make sure you check out the rest of the park too!

Best for: A jam-packed day out

The Lost City, Nottingham
Delve into the deepest rainforest to uncover the Lost City Adventure Golf, home to two 18-hole indoor courses designed to put you to the test. Follow the Temple Trail where you can try and get a hole in one at Stone Face Rock, spot lucky parrots and slither past the 23 ft long snake, all aiming to reach the Temple. Intrepid explorers should opt for the Sacred Skull course, navigating alligators, Bengal Tigers and dragons, before tackling the challenging 17th and 18th holes.

Best for: The bravest of little explorers

Congo River Crazy Golf, Leicester
Giving a little taste of the sunshine state, this Florida-style adventure golf course is the ultimate n family fun. Putt your way through Congo River Crazy Golf 18 outdoor holes, navigating tunnels, inclines and even a broken-down plane – how close can you get to par? With no need to book in advance, it’s the ideal spontaneous family fun day out in the East Midlands. This mini golf course is indoors, like many others on the list, which makes it a good day out when the weather isn’t great – it’s a good choice for winter school breaks.

Best for:Last-minute family fun

Paradise Island, Manchester
There’s much more than just shopping at intu Trafford Centre, including two tropical adventure golf courses! Choose the Tiki Hut Trail or Temple Runs Adventure course, or combine both for a whopping 36-hole adventure, all under one roof. With two levels of paradise-themed golf fun, this is sure to bring out your competitive edge!

Best for: When 18 crazy golf holes just aren’t enough…

Dinosaur Safari, Barnet
Setting the scene for adventure in North London, you’ll find this crazy dinosaur golf course under the watchful eye of nine prehistoric dinosaurs! Compete for glory around the 18-hole outdoor course for adventure golf with plenty of bite, but be sure not to blame the roaring dinosaurs for any wayward putts…

Best for:
Dinosaur loving little ‘uns

A winter walk for all the family

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A winter walk gets all the family out and about…

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens, Hampshire

Wrap up warm and get outdoors exploring the grounds of this fantastic house and grounds. There are always lots of seasonal trails to enjoy along the way and a delightful Wild Play area.

Formby Red Squirrel Walk, Liverpool
This easy walking trail will suit all the family this Boxing Day and as the woodlands are home to the red squirrel, hopefully, you will get to see one or two!

St James’ Park, London
If you are in the capital this November, why not take a walk around St James’ Park? It offers a lovely walking route starting from the park towards The Mall, along Victoria Embankment and returns via Birdcage Walk and Buckingham Palace.

Brownsea Bird Boats, Poole
During November families can hop on board a boat on Poole Quay and sail to the delightful Brownsea Island for an exclusive guided tour around the lagoon. The island is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the red squirrel.

Beatrix Potter’s Garden, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Exploring a wonderful exhibition in the gardens of this famous castle sounds a perfect day out for all the family! Here you can find out what inspired her to create her characters and stories.

Stourhead, Wiltshire
You won’t be disappointed with a visit to one of this country’s finest landscape garden and in the autumn it comes alive with riotous rustic colours as leaves turn to gold, red and bronze hues that reflect gloriously onto the lake.

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
During autumn the magnificent maple trees end their year by bursting into a blaze of rich autumnal colours. Enjoy a 2.5-mile walk with the family through spectacular woodland and amazing views of the Surrey landscape.

Deer Feeding at Attingham Park, Shropshire
It’s time for the fallow deer at this park to receive their winter rations! Visit at the weekend and not only see them being fed but also enjoy the pretty changing colours of the park landscape on a walk towards the river.

Gibside, Tyne and Wear
The skyline walk is a must and you are sure to see plenty of varied wildlife along the way. See the colours change for autumn and enjoy amazing views. There is even a lovely pub to stop at for family refreshments!

New Forest National Park, Hampshire
The New Forest has so many wonderful walks and stunning landscape to explore. There is a range of different routes that you can choose from that vary in length and difficulty. The children can try to spot some of the adorable New Forest ponies and other wildlife that call the New Forest home. The walk from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard and back is especially lovely and follows the Beaulieu River on a nice gentle walk.

Horsey Beach, Norfolk
During the winter months, this unspoilt beach is home to hundreds of seals. Depending on where you park it’s about a 1-mile walk to find them. The kids will adore seeing the seals and messing around on the sandy beach.

Bute Park, Cardiff
Walking around Bute Park is enjoyable all year round with plenty to see all around the park. Follow the sculpture trail to find all the hidden pieces all over the park and the children will enjoy the woodland play trail with its interpretive sculptures, seats and fallen trees that are just waiting to be clambered over and under.

Christmas Markets for all the Family

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TWintertime Market at the Southbank Centre, London
9th November – 6th January 2019

Visit this traditional Christmas market along the Thames riverbank where the beautiful wooden chalets are filled with handmade gifts and treats as well as plenty of festive food and drink!

The Christmas Market, Bournemouth
16th November -2 January 2019

Bournemouth is set to impress this year with an array of festive fun for all the family located in Bournemouth Gardens. Check out the Alpine bar where you can treat yourselves to some mulled wine, shop in the markets for that perfect Christmas gift or check out the NEW Christmas Tree Wonderland! The kids can visit Santa in his grotto or even go ice skating!

Nottingham Winter Wonderland
15 November–31 December 2018

Visit Nottingham Winter Wonderland to really get everyone in the festive mood. The magical ice rink returns, where everyone can turn twirls with loved ones, enjoy browsing the Christmas craft and gift market, selling ideal things for presents and fun kids rides including a Helter Skelter! Rest up and refuel in the Ice Bar with a mulled wine and listen to some festive tunes at the bandstand.

Manchester Christmas Markets
9th November – 22nd December 2018

There are a number of Christmas markets spread out all over the city of Manchester; from Albert Square to Brazenness Street, King Street to St. Ann’s Square, as well as Market Street, Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens. The stalls are festively decorated and you will be spoilt for choice with products, so if you’re in need of some indulgence or some Christmas gift inspiration, head on down to one of these many markets.

Oxford Christmas Market
7th – 22nd December 2018

The famous city of Oxford does not disappoint with its Christmas market. Clustered along the iconic Broad Street, there will be 40 festively decorated log stalls selling a range of Christmas treats. On selected days there will be musical fun entertainment from a range of bands and singers!

Edinburgh Christmas Markets
16th November 2018 – 5 January 2019

Edinburgh is hosting two fabulous Christmas Markets this December. Both have beautifully decorated stalls selling products made by local artists, delicious foods and plenty of gifts to give loved ones this Christmas!
Cardiff Christmas Market
From 15th November 2018

Bring the family to this wonderful Christmas Market for a totally unique shopping experience. Buy your family and friends personalised gifts and souvenirs or why not treat yourself to something? The market is filled with local food products, art, handmade crafts and much more.

School holiday ideas

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Knowing how to keep children amused through the school holidays can sometimes be daunting for parents, especially when things cost so much. Here are some top tips to help take some of the stress out of it, and keep everyone happy without needing to spend a fortune.

Going out and about
During the school holidays, there may be lots going on in your local area that your family can enjoy, often for free. Check the websites of your local council and tourist information centres for local days out, or scan the local papers and community centres to see what’s going on in your area. Visit your local library and look for adverts of events. Many libraries hold events such as story time, and arts and crafts days. Libraries are also a great source of activity in themselves, with plenty of books and computers to keep children busy, plus they often have storytime for toddlers and parents.

Check to see if your local council swimming pool offers free or reduced-fee entrance in the school holidays. Museums and galleries often have new exhibitions and events running in the summer. Many art galleries put on special events for children and families – this could be just the thing to stimulate your child’s artistic streak. Check out your local leisure centre – there are plenty of children’s sports and activities they can participate in.

Staying at home
Of course, on some days, you will find yourselves stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to be bored. You could take the opportunity to spend some time sharing a favourite game or story with your children or, if you want some more inspiration, try some of these activities. Arrange a movie day – choose a couple of favourite films, get some popcorn and put your feet up with the kids.

Get cooking – pick a recipe with the kids, go shopping for ingredients and cook something together that you can enjoy eating afterwards. Depending on your child’s age and interest, this could be anything from a simple sponge cake to a mushroom stroganoff! Dig out the puzzles, games and books and give them a go. Some good old-fashioned children’s entertainment can be really fun.

Have a look in your cupboards and play dress up with your old clothes. Sort through your clothes together and recycle the ones that you never wear and the stuff your little one’s grown out of.

Encourage the kids to put on a play or a magic show. They could even use the dress up clothes and props from around the house. If you have a camera, you can even film it, for great memories. Build a den with the kids – if the weather is ok, you could even risk doing this outside! All you need is some boxes or sofa cushions, a few blankets, and a bit of imagination.

Create a scrapbook together using photos from your family album, or torn from magazines.
The great outdoors (and the garden!)

Sunny days are great for simple activities like picnics and ball games. This can be done as close to home as in the back garden!

Don’t try and fill every minute of every day. Encourage your children’s imagination and independence – let them play in their rooms or the garden.

Bluestone wales

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Bluestone Wales has 500 acres of rambling woodland to scramble, climb and run through lush green grass, skim stones across clear blue lakes and explore Britain’s only Coastal National Park.

If forest bathing isn’t your thing then The Blue Lagoon should fulfill any mermaid’s requirements. Completely heated by a Biomass fuel system, if you are determined that having an amazing time shouldn’t cost the earth.

If grey clouds threaten there’s also the Adventure Centre, where you can get a taste for climbing trees and making dens, indoors. Here you can go truly wild. Or if you want to relax opt out of the world for a day.The Well Spa uses traditional, natural ingredients in its massages and treatments; here you can meander from roof top hydrotherapy pool to any one of the 6 thermal spa rooms with different temperatures and focuses, depending on what your body needs to rebalance itself.

During your stay at Bluestone you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do! With a range of children’s activities for even the smallest adventurers, to the most seasoned, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Find out what’s on offer and start planning your holiday filled with free range fun!

Whether you’re an outdoor adrenaline chaser, a fanatic foodie or a wound up workaholic in need of some winding down, you’ll find your perfect adventure on a Bluestone holiday.

When your kids become Bluestone Rangers, it’s Famous Five adventures all the way. Build dens, explore, look for bugs, get muddy: it’s all about free range fun. Set them free to learn, have fun and go exploring the natural world, indoors or out.

Being by the sea you’ll be able to dive straight into fun on your holiday right here.The subtropical Blue Lagoon is free for guests to enjoy during your stay, zoom the flumes, jump the waves and have a great time! From kayaking to coracle racing, bring the whole family together and take part in the raft building challenges!

Experience some me time. If you are for some well earned relaxation during your break then we have you covered. With a luxurious Spa on resort specialising in ESPA treatments and acres of forest space for long walks with nature you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take the days as they come, relax, unwind and try life at a leisurely Pembrokeshire pace for a change!

Tiny Knights

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Warwick Castle launches ‘Tiny Knights’ sleepovers designed for families with active toddlers and preschoolers. Over two full days of fun, little knights and princesses can discover first-hand more than 1,100 years of history and enjoy craft, songs and story-time as part of an enchanting stay in the mediaeval-themed Knight’s Village, located within a woodland glade in the Castle grounds.

With family-friendly accommodation in a cosy Knight’s Village Woodland Lodge, the package also includes two days’ priority entry to Warwick Castle with VIP access; a hearty breakfast for all the family in the Mediaeval Banquet Hall; two-hour playtime in the Tiny Knight’s Club, exclusive to Knight’s Village guests; and car parking.

Keeping young, enquiring minds and hands busy can be a challenge, but not at Warwick Castle. Easy to explore on foot, the Castle and grounds offer plenty to excite the imagination and retain the attention of the most active and curious little guests: the Horrible Histories Maze, complete with a Viking ship; the Pageant Playground; birds of prey swooping overhead in the Flight of the Eagles Show; and the ever-so-slightly spooky Bear Tower. During their stay, young guests will encounter memorable characters from history, experts at ensuring children of all ages enjoy stories from the Castle’s past. To run off some of that boundless energy, explore the Castle grounds and gardens, in full spring bloom, and home to the Castle’s famous peacocks.

Historical quests completed, families can return to Knight’s Village where their little ones can enjoy a free two-hour playtime in the Tiny Knight’s Club. Hosted by the Castle jester, it’s a hands-on play experience with children’s crafts, songs and storytelling.

Then, after a fun-packed day, it’s time to retire to a Woodland Lodge to drift off to well-earned sleep in either a travel cot (provided on request) or their own bedroom – adorned with a fun mediaeval-themed mural featuring the Castle. Whilst the kids sleep soundly, parents can relax in front of the TV or enjoy river and woodland views from their private terrace.

About Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is easily accessible from Junction 15 of the M40, just 40 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 minutes from London. Warwick Castle is easy to reach by train from London Marylebone in only 86 minutes. The Castle, set in 64 acres of grounds designed by Capability Brown, rests on the banks of the River Avon at the heart of historic Warwick.