Dinosaur Days!

Dinosaurs are coming to London on the 29th and 30th October at the London Wetlands Centre!

Join the Dinosaur Society to discover more about these prehistoric wetland superstars. See real dinosaur bones, discover the link between birds, wetlands and dinosaurs, find fossils, check out the dinosaur art and sculptures and lots more!

The Dinosaur Society will also be holding walks and talks suitable for all ages during the weekend, from 10am – 4pm.

• Meet our walking, roaring T Rex, making appearances throughout the day.  Don’t let him catch you!
• See a life size Stegosaurus
• Dinosaur talks for all ages
• Dinosaur art exhibition and workshops for all abilities
• Bring your fossil for identification
• Rocks, minerals, fossils and books for sale
• Dinosaur walks for all ages

A ROARING time in London for the kids!

Halloween Fun Across The UK!

It’s nearly that time again – yes, Halloween! Which means the month of October can be filled with spooky, creepy and scary fun at attractions all across the UK.

Get those vampire teeth and fake blood ready, because let’s go exploring!

Ripley’s WICKED Believe It Or Not!, London

22nd – 30th October

Hold onto your broomsticks! For this Halloween the Wicked witches are taking over Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London, brewing up an outrageously green, and spectacularly potent, child-friendly Halloween experience in London.

‘Ripley’s Wicked Halloween Week’ is an exclusive collaboration incorporating the already-weird and wonderful artefacts of Ripley’s with the mighty West End show Wicked, which is currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary in London

From Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th October, Ripley’s London will become the emerald of the West End as sfx lighting will illuminate No.1 Piccadilly witch-green. The library gallery will exhibit costumes and props worn and used by some of the biggest names from the hit show and labelled with unbelievable facts about these unique items.

Face painters will be on hand to turn little apprentices into characters from the show, such as the iconic Elphaba and Glinda. Modellers will craft balloons into broomsticks, witch’s hats and other Wicked themed items for the kids to take home.

Treats aplenty await those attempting the interactive Wicked Explorer Trail; follow clues throughout the attraction to spell a mystery Wicked word and then be magnificently rewarded with pick ‘n’ mix treat and a chance to win tickets to see Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

All activities are included in the ticket price making this an excellent value half-term treat!

Ripley’s London will be open from 9.30am to midnight (last entry 10.30pm) every day from Saturday 22nd October to Sunday 30th October with the Wicked themed activities running from 11am to 6pm.

Whether you’re a big fan of Elphaba or a little fan of pick ‘n’ mix, there has NEVER been a better time to visit Ripley’s London – come and visit this legendary partnership with Wicked and Ripley’s London’s 700+ amazing artefacts, outstanding oddities and interactive exhibits, including the Marvellous Mirror Maze and the eye-boggling Black Hole – talk about ‘Defying Gravity’!

Lullingstone Castle

30th October, 12pm – 8pm

Join the amazing Lullingstone Castle for Halloween magic on the last day of the 40^th season!

There are a host of activities for the kids, including pumpkin carving, spooky house and garden tours – perfect for all the family.

Tom will give FREE garden tours at 1pm and dusk tour at 5pm, learn about the origins of pumpkins,  colours and varieties and children can spot the Halloween tricks in eerie torchlight !

Spooky house tours are 2pm and 6pm including the tales of their resident ghost too! You never know if you might meet them either….

Pumpkin carving will take place between 3pm – 5pm next to the Gatehouse, children can enjoy carving their own Halloween pumpkin creation, many home-grown in The World Garden. Fancy dress is welcome – let’s celebrate the end of their season in style!

Adults £8 Child under 5 go free (5-15 Child £4) £6.50 – Concessions.

www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Fright Nights, Thorpe Park

All aboard!

NEW FOR 2016, take your turn to walk the Island’s deserted railroad, in the newest live action scare maze to join the FRIGHT NIGHTS line-up, PLATFORM 15. Depart on a one way ticket and trek along the overgrown railway line, the last known route of the vanished locomotive – the notorious Sleeper Express. Don’t lose your tracks and risk disturbing the haunted souls that were once aboard, where you may just experience the same chilling fate. Can you outrun what lies at the end of the line or will your journey terminate here, at PLATFORM 15?

Live action horror mazes return alongside thrilling rides in the dark including THE SWARM, the UK’s first winged rollercoaster, SAW – The Ride’s 100ft ‘beyond vertical’ drop and Stealth, one of Europe’s fastest and tallest rollercoasters.

Amazing Halloween fun at Thorpe Park!

10am – 10pm, FRIGHT NIGHTS attractions open from 3pm

FRIGHT NIGHTS 2016 are on the following dates: 

7th – 9th, 14th – 16th, 21st – 31st October

Howl’o’Ween, Chessington World Of Adventures

As the sun goes down, the eerie, the spooky and the creepy come out to play this Halloween.

A spine-chilling week filled with thrills, howls and half term family fun awaits the bravest of guests, with jumps, goosebumps and rides in the dark.

In the Curse of the Lost Tomb maze, explorers are encouraged to delve into the secret lost tomb of Genghis Khan.

Will all be revealed, or will the cursed tomb claim those who dare to enter?

Younger Adventurers must choose which path they’d like to take past the bewitching tree – will it be a tempting treat or a troublesome trick?

Enchanted fairies and ghostly goblins will guide little explorers on their way, with plenty of tricks and treats suitable for families of all ages.

Make sure your little Adventurers are pulling out all the stops with their fancy dress they could win a prize in our fancy dress competition.

You can take a flight of fright on Vampire to soar through the trees of Transylvania, enjoy Dragon’s Fury’s spectacular spin underneath the stars, or incur the wrath of Rameses’ Revenge with Chessington’s favourite rides available to enjoy under the dark cloak of night.

With over 40 rides and attractions, Chessington offers a world of excitement for the whole family to enjoy this Halloween.

Haunted Castle, Warwick Castle

22nd – 31st October

With wonderous witches, Horrible Histories and the return of the spectacular Fire Joust, Warwick Castle is the place to be spooked this Halloween!

From 22nd October to 31st October The Haunted Castle promises fearful levels of fun for all ages during the day and then, after dark, the fright factor is cranked high as the Castle remains open until 9pm.

Hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of lances as the bravery, skill and agility of our twilight knights is tested to the limit in this blazing spectacle.

The Wondrous Witches are looking for some new recruits, perfect for those younger kids who can write spells and dress up as their favourite witch!

Kids can also get lost in the new Horrible Histories Maze where they encounter spooky surprises at every turn, and you can join a spooky Halloween trail where fairytales become scary tales, and you discover there isn’t always a happy ending!

BOO!

Ghost Bus Tour, York

Further up north in York, the ghost bus tours could be the perfect way to spook yourself this October 31^st.

With professional actors driving you around the ghostly sights of the city, the stops include Ghoulygate, the River Ooze, Treasurer’s Hearse, Skulldergate and Gravesmire.

Guests should be prepared from some scares and surprises aboard the old funeral bus.

The York Ghost Bus Tours include exciting ghost stories both old and new, technical trickery, and professional actors who deliver an award winning comedy script.

You’ll experience Ghoulygate, the River Ooze, Treasurer’s Hearse, Skulldergate and Gravesmire, as well as York’s most famous landmarks including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and Dick Turpin’s grave.

Be prepared for a few surprises onboard the bus – it was indeed once a funeral bus, so it’s no wonder that the dead may have left some imprint on the vehicle…

The York Ghost Bus Tours- a thrill-packed ride through Europe’s most haunted city. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (depending on traffic), sets off from Bus Stop RE by York Station on Station Road on the south side of the Royal York Hotel.

Witches and Wizards Academy, Leeds Castle

22nd – 28th October

It’s time for children to go back to school, ‘spell school’ that is, to learn a new set of magical skills this Halloween Half Term at the Leeds Castle Witches and Wizards Academy. Budding witches and wizards will be put to the test and take part in a whole range of magical mayhem that will have children spookily entertained all day long as they hop from one ghoulish activity to another.

Children will learn how to mix the right creepy ingredients in a giant cauldron to make magical potions with the potions professor; graduating to spell class to cast fiendish incantations.

Next up is broomstick flying lessons with a broomstick assault course, watching out for pumpkin speed bumps and ‘flying’ slowly through the graveyard. Musical entertainment comes in the form of choir practice singing along with the spooky song ‘the twelve days of Halloween’.

All aspiring witches and wizards need to keep in tip top sporting form and the PE masters will be taking them through a magical range of fun and games including ‘What’s the time Mr Wizard’, ‘Troll, Troll, Goblin’ (duck, duck, goose), ‘The Wizard says’ (Simon says) and ‘Stuck in the Spell’ (stuck in the mud).

Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without monstrous fancy dress. Children are invited to come dressed to scare for a daily fancy dress competition near the Maze at 2pm with prizes for the best costumes, while face painting adds more ghoulish fun (small charge applies).

A spooky trail taking place throughout the Castle grounds sends children off to find seven ‘Mummies’ with letters stuck to them to spell a hidden word. It’s ideal for younger visitors and includes a chocolate prize at the end. (Additional charge of £1 applies).

Explore Castell Coch, Wales, after dark

27th – 29th October

Go on a wicked walk around Castell Coch after dark where you’ll hear real Welsh ghost and spooky stories. Wear your creepiest costume and experience a night of light, dark and illusion.

When: From Thursday, October 27 until Saturday, October 29.

Tour times: 6.30pm, 7.15pm, 8.00pm and 8.45pm. Booking is essential as there are only 25 tickets available per tour.

Tickets: £10. You will need to phone the castle on 029 2081 0101. Information taken from walesonline.co.uk

Get horrified at a Victorian mine with Terror Mountain, Wales

Billed as Wales’ most terrifying Halloween event, it’s set around a genuine Victorian silver mine in the Cambrian mountains .

Usually home to the usually more family-friendly Silver Mountain Experience – where you learn about the history of mines and their myths and legends – it’s set to be turned into a terrifying nether-world guaranteed to scared you silly.

Where: Aberystwyth.

When: Thursday, October 20 to Monday, October 31

Tickets: Prices range from £13.50 to £15.30 for adults and £11.70 to £13.50 for students depending on what night you book. There is a 10% discount when you buy online.

Paying at the gate on the night is a little bit more pricey, with entry ranging from £15 to £19.

More info: www.terrormountain.co.uk. Information taken from walesonline.co.uk

Frightwater Valley, Yorkshire

27th – 30th October

Join the spooks and ghouls for Lightwater Valley’s annual Halloween spooktacular, Frightwater Valley from Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th October as a cloak of supernatural delight shrouds the theme park.

All manner of creepy ghouls and beasties lurk within the Valley, so tread scarefully as we celebrate shocktober in style. You can choose from and experience a whole host of Mini, Mega and Ultimate scares including our Trick or Treat Doors, the Lightwater Scare Train and our famous Live Scare Maze, which will leave you literally trembling with fear. Plus don’t miss the blood curdling Frightwater Finale at 6.15pm.

…but remember…the darker the night, the scarier the fright!

All theme park rides are open until 6pm. The Ultimate, Skate Karts and Swan Boats close at dusk.

Howl-o-ween, Paradise Wildlife Park

22nd – 31st October

Join Paradise Wildlife Park this October half term for Howl-o-ween! Kick starting from the 22^nd October with Wolf Night with a whole week’s worth of spooky animal fun until the 31^st October.

Throughout the week they will be running our #fabzoolus Howl-o-ween hunt where the kids can win some yummy treats and also be in with a chance to win a Snooze at the Zoo experience for the family.

On arrival all children receive free wolf masks, as they explore our Wolves Woodland Walk and encounter free roaming Wolves.

Experience the fear factor of getting up close and personal with some of our creepy crawly animals in our daily Creepy Critters shows or join in with Team Paradise and go crazy with them in their Spooktacular dance and games performances.

If this wasn’t enough check out Dracula’s Bat House or enjoy watching our Beautiful animals tuck into some scrumptious pumpkin enrichment.

Get those Halloween Costumes at the ready….because it’s that SPOOKY time of year soon! BOO!

Happy Roald Dahl Day!

September is Roald Dahl’s birth month, and each year it’s celebrated with a wonderful array of events centred around his birthday on 13th September.

This year it’s EXTRA SPECIAL marking 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl and it’s going to be the biggest worldwide celebration of Roald Dahl Day ever!

One way you can celebrate is to visit the Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire:

This great little award-winning Museum, situated in the Buckinghamshire village where Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years.

The Museum, aimed at 6 to 12 year olds, features three interactive galleries. Boy gallery looks at Roald Dahl’s school days while Solo gallery houses his original Writing Hut. The Story Centre puts your imagination centre-stage with fantabulous activities to inspire the writer in you.

AND NOW OUR WINNER!

This month we had ONE FAMILY TICKET to the stage show of George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl to give away.

Our lucky winner is HAYLO COOK!

Congratulations, and we hope you have a MARVELLOUS time!

And don’t forget:

Roald Dahl said, “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

Back To School Tips!

It’s that time again, where the new school year starts and the kids get to start a new exciting year of learning! But that also means a new year of lunches, books, homework and early nights…we wish!

Here are some tips to make the new school year even more easy on everyone….

Get as much done the night before

It sounds simple, but it’s so amazing how easy it is to get distracted and just say “oh we’ll just do it in the morning”

But getting as much as you can ready the night before really does wonders for making the morning smooth.

Lunch is an easy thing to get ready the night before. Making a sandwich or a salad, and just adding dressing in the morning, is a great way to save those precious minutes. Have a “lunch box” on the counter in the morning, and fill it with apples, and crisps, and any other treats you will be giving them. Then, it’s an easy reach into the box to round off the lunch to keep their energy going across the day.

Lay their clothes out the night before too. Kids love to choose their outfits, so spend some time together and pick out what they will be most comfortable in.

Don’t forget to lay out those cameras to get those very important photos too!

Start the day with a great breakfast!

By getting everything ready the night before, that gives you that bit more special time to really enjoy a healthy, hearty breakfast together.

Our biggest tip – avoid cereals. Breakfast cereals seem easy, but with so much sugar, and preservatives, and other foods that they claim to be “healthy” but actually aren’t, it’s far from the best way to start the day.

If kids love muesli, make your own bircher muesli. This is simply rolled oats with grated apple, nuts and seeds, and yoghurt and whole milk, and soaked over night.

Top with frozen berries and you have yourself a great, healthy, tasty breakfast!

Other options great for kids are eggs, fruit smoothies (using water or yoghurt and not juice), and if you want to treat them – French toast (eggs on the bread, then fried and topped with cinnamon). To keep it healthy, use organic coconut oil.

Make a Craft Day out of covering books!

Part of the fun of going back to school, is organising those new, crisp note books, and getting all the stationery ready.

So why not make a day of it! Spend time with the kids with paper, and pens, and plastic coverings, and get creative with each subject. Cut out images from magazines, or use glitter, or draw, and use inspiration from what the kids love about that subject. That way, they get excited about the subject before they start learning, and that will start their positivity towards getting back to learning!

Establish A Schedule

Getting the kids into a routine is so important, so it’s a great idea to get them settled into a routine within the first week.

Get their morning routine established straight away, and then in the evenings you can begin to monitor their work loads, and set homework times for each of them. If they don’t have much homework, still use that allocated time for other activities such as reading.

Then, make sure there is time to play too! That’s important they know that they will always have time to use those imaginations and get creative.

Get Plenty Of Sleep!

Sleep is underestimated, and it’s so important for kids to get the right amount of sleep, to ensure they stay alert throughout the school day.

Set their bed time for school nights right at the beginning, and make sure they understand that staying up late is a special treat for a non-school night. Technology plays a large part in hindering sleep, so make sure you allocate two bed times – the first is getting to bed, but they can read for 30 minutes or an hour. They can stay awake, but it’s quiet time without phones, TV, or computers. This will help calm their mind.

Second bedtime is lights out, where they put their book down, and then get to sleep. This process will really help in settling them in to a really solid, and deep sleep.

Set Good Deeds!

School is about learning, and it’s not just maths, English and music they will be learning. Kids are developing in all senses, including kindness, sharing, and compassion.

Why not set a good deed of the day task, and have a chart on the wall. Each day when they come home, they can all write up their good deed, and get a star. Then, on the weekend, they can have reflect back on the week and feel positive about what they’ve achieved.

You don’t necessarily have to reward them, because they might teach them to perform good deeds to be rewarded. They should do it because it makes them feel good to help someone else.

Use a Large Calendar

As the school year begins, so does the endless activities for the kids. A paper diary is the best, with large squares, where everyone can see it on the wall.

Then, you can organise the week accordingly, and when parents feel organised, everything goes so much smoother, and the energy in the house is less stressed, more relaxed, and more happy!

Try and look at the week ahead every weekend, and get everything organised a week in advance.

We would LOVE to hear any of your family tips for back to school! Email lisa@dayoutwiththekids.co.uk if you have any thoughts, and we’ll share them on our social media!

Enjoy school kids – it’s so much fun to learn!

Fun Autumn Craft Ideas!

It’s September! Which means that in 3 weeks, we will hit the Autumnal Equinox and then get to enjoy all those wonderful things that come along with Autumn.

So why not get the kids making some autumnal inspired crafts? It’s great if it’s a rainy day (and there will be some, after all, we’re in the UK!), and it’s also a fun way to spend time with the family.

So, what to know our favourites? Let’s go!

Hand Print Tree Painting!

This is a great one for kids who love to get those hands messy! Grab some great coloured paints, from browns, to reds, yellows and oranges, and spread some across some paper plates.

Get the kids to paint the trunk, and then get stuck in with their hands in the paint! It’s fun if you want to get the whole family helping on the one tree. A proper family collaboration!

Wildlife Art!

How cute is this little guy! Kids can head out into the forest, or even tree lined street, and collect some of the most crispy leaves they can find.

Then, choose what creature you love the best! Hedgehogs are best because the leaves can become the spikes. A sweet idea for craft sessions!

Leaf Family Fun!

Why not create your own family portrait….of your family as forest dwellers! Grab some supplies to start with, such as buttons, pipe cleaners and toilet roll tubes.

Then, head out for the afternoon and pick up some nature-inspired craft supplies, from the most vibrant of leaves, to stones, and twigs.

Then, create your own family portrait! Don’t forget the googly eyes too – they will be the perfect item to make your family come to life!

Pine Cone Village

If you want somewhere for your tree family (Above) to live, then create a mini world for them!

Pine cones are a classic icon of autumn, so make a mini pine cone village, complete with acorn animals. The pine cones can be decorate to however you want your village to look, and with a little bit of paint, your acorns can come to life with their own personalities!

You can paint them as owls, or squirrels, or rabbits, and with some glue and other flora, you can really give them the cute accessories they need.

Autumn Lanterns

First thing you need to do is grab the family, and head out to walk around the neighbourhood! If you wanted to venture into the local park or forest, consider making a day of it and taking a picnic!

Give the kids a bag each, and get them to collect their most favourite of leaves. If you use paper bags, it will help them dry a bit better.

When you get home, lay the leaves out on a paper towel, and leave to dry more.

When they are dried, just cut pieces of wax paper and fit it around a mason jar. When it’s the right size, lay the paper out on the ironing board, and place the leaves onto it in any pattern you like. Then, lay another piece of wax paper over the top. Then, just iron the two pieces together!

Wrap this great creation around the mason jar, and tie with some scotch tape.

Stick a candle in the centre, and there you have it – a great lantern for autumn!

Autumn Egg Cups!

Eggs come from chickens, and chickens are birds, so why not make autumn inspired bird egg cups! Turkeys are cute ideas too, because the leaves can make great feathers.

Get your egg cups (if they are brown that is best), and some glue and craft items such as string, paper, and of course your leaves.

Then, get creative making those cute egg cups – make sure you give them the cutest little faces you can!

Of course, now the kids don’t have any excuse to not make Mum and Dad breakfast in bed!

Leaf Jewellery!

If you are celebrating a special family dinner, why not get “dressed up” in your own nature inspired jewellery?

Necklaces and bracelets are the most fun to make. Just grab some string, and file it through the tops of sturdy leaves. You can do these with shorter pieces of string to make bracelets too.

If you wanted to be even more creative, grab some safety pins and make leaf brooches too!

So go on, get out there and enjoy nature, and enjoy what is so special about this time of year!

Let’s get creative!

Bank Holiday Weekend Fun For Kids!

We have ANOTHER Bank Holiday weekend coming up, and there are so many fun things to do with kids, let’s see what they are!

Notting Hill Carnival!

Sunday 28th & Monday 29th

This biggest festival in Europe has been going on since 1966, and so you can just imagine how much kids fun has been had – and how much is yet to come!

The streets of London’s W10 post code are filled with music, food, and dancing, and on Sunday 28th there is Children’s Day – which is the perfect chance for kids to really enjoy it before it livens up for adults on the Monday.

The festival runs from about 9am to 7pm on both days.

Take your camera!

Plant Hunters Weekend, Lullingstone Castle

Saturday 27th – Monday 29th

At the super fun Lullingstone Castle, you can spend an entire Bank Holiday weekend dedicated to the celebration of some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters. They also have for 2016 some very special animals and reptile guests joining us during their FREE garden tour with the special help of Second Chance Animal Rescue, Crockenhill www.secondchance-rehoming.co.uk

Visitors will experience a Plant Hunters expedition camp, everyone dressed in authentic attire including a very special guest – Queen Victoria to send off the plant hunters on their travels from our camp!! Step back in time at base camp with plant presses, roaring fire, canvas tents and meet our explorers.

Tom and his team will lead a free guided tour of the World Garden at 1.30pm – 3.30pm (no prior booking required – join the tour at any time) starting at expedition camp to take you on your very own plant hunters adventure! Second Chance Animal Rescue expert handlers during the tour will showcase different animals to see amongst the continents to truly bring the tour alive, see a Shetland pony in Europe, an Emu in Oz and even a Bengal cat as you walk through Asia plus many more!  

Admission charge £10 per adult and children go FREE (under 15). Please note – 2 for 1 entry and family tickets are not valid on special event days.

Dinosaurs: Monster Families, Horniman Museum, London

Exhibit runs until October 30th

It’s a prehistoric bank holiday at the Horniman Museum, where kids can see life-size models and interactive exhibits all on those prehistoric wonders. They can explore a range of specimens, as well as information such as parenting approaches by these long extinct creatures!

Those little ones can have fun digging in the discovery pit, as well as touching a REAL dinosaur log bone! Make sure you have time to come face to face with the Tarbosaurus skeleton cast.

Pretty cool!

Beach East, Queen Olympic Park, London

Runs until September 4th

With over 2,200 sq m of sand across this Olympic Park, you don’t need to head to the coast to have a beach-tastic time this weekend!

There is endless fun with sandcastle competitions, as well as a HUGE paddling pool for those who want to cool off. The funfair rides are also a bit hit with the kids, and the two beach bars are perfect for the adults.

Bolton Food & Wine Festival

Friday 26th – Monday 29th

It’s ALL about food in Bolton at this great 4 day food festival! Across the four days, you will be able to check out cooking demonstrations, parents can enjoy some wine tasting, and of course you can spend the day scouring all the amazing foods available in the market.

If you’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off, Nadiya will be there on Sunday to give her own cooking demonstration! Yum!

Kids can enjoy the Mad Science fun and games too – perfect!

Check out the timetables on the official website, and make sure you head down with an empty stomach!

Cardiff Beach

If you don’t have time to scour the coast for the perfect beach, just head to Roald Dahl’s Plass instead!

This area turns into an urban beach over summer, and has 300 tonnes of sand, and 10,000L of water mixed in to really create a realistic atmosphere!

The kids will love playing on the fairground rides, and the Tropical Bay Bar will keep the parents happy!

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Head To An Open Cinema!

Why not have a movie night this weekend – but in the great outdoors! It’s such a fun and novel way to spend time with the family.

A dozen films are being shown on three huge inflatable screens in the bucolic setting of Grantchester Meadows in Cambridge this weekend (cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk). Kids’ films include the new Jungle Book, but adults might prefer Brooklyn or The Lady in the Van. For Harry Potter fans, screening of six films from the canon will take place against the magical backdrop of Lancaster Castle, known for the Pendle witch trials in the 1600s (sneakyexperience.co.uk, from £14.50, tickets include a 90-minute “wizarding experience”) .

Both until 29 August. On Barry Island, near Cardiff, the free open-air cinema is showing Star Wars: the Force Awakens on Saturday and Dirty Dancing on Sunday at 8.30pm (call 01446 704737 for more information). In Brighton’s Preston Park, there’s a choice of True Romance on Saturday and Withnail & I on Sunday, both at 8.15pm (£10, picturehouseblog.co.uk)

Luna Cinema (http://www.thelunacinema.com/) is also showing Grease and Labyrinth at Hatfield House, with Star Wars and Grease at Sheffield, and Breakfast At Tiffanys at Waddesdon Manor.

Information from The Guardian

Ice Cream Festival, Kent

kentlife.org.uk is a working farm and heritage musuem in Maidstone, and it’s holding it’s FIRST ice cream festival on Monday!

There are, of course, LOTS of samples to be enjoyed, as well as a toppings station, and lots of stalls selling goodies such as marshmallows, cake pops, and much more!

High Ropes, North Yorkshire

Swing through the trees at this new attraction – Treetop Nets is home to world’s highest trampoline and the longest net walkway. So why not celebrate it’s opening by having a great time there this weekend!

Suspended 12m off the ground in pretty woodlands near Ripon, there’s hours of fun with tunnels, slides and walks in the canopy – and it’s so safe, no harness is required. Suitable for over-threes. There’s one in the Lakes, too, near Windermere.

750th Anniversary Historic Celebration, Kenilworth Castle

Sunday 28th & Monday 29th August

Step back in time for a re-enactment of the great siege (the longest in medieval history) of Kenilworth Castle on its 750th anniversary.

This two-day event is super fun for the whole family, and kids can really learn a lot about history!

They will see battles re-enacted at the striking Norman keep and there will be lots to learn about the skills needed to survive an attack, plus plenty of entertainment.

School Of Wizardry, Lancaster Castle

Thursday 25th to Sunday 29th August

The Duchy of Lancaster has teamed up with one of the UKs leading interactive film experience companies to transform Lancaster Castle into a magical School of Wizardry over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Sneaky Experience specialises in bringing cinema to life. Ticket-holders will be able to enjoy the Harry Potter films in a historic Castle setting – and in the company of a crazy cast of characters causing chaos in the cloisters. Expect to find wandering wizards, grim gatekeepers and Gobby the Goblin roaming around the Castle during this magical weekend extravaganza. Films are screened twice-daily

The castle also has a Kids Activity Tour on Wednesday 31st August, where costumed guides can offer you a fun family trip around the castle!

Notting Hill Carnival 2016!

It’s that time of year again – Notting Hill Carnival Time!

It’s where kids and parents can dance, eat and sing their way through the streets of London’s W10 area.

There’s live music from traditional Caribbean bands, DJs, colourful street parades, dancing, costumes, food and drink, afterparties and more.

The parade begins at 9am on both Sunday and Monday, and judging finishes at 7pm; floats, trucks and parade bands have to clear the streets by 8.30pm. Soundsystems play on both Sunday and Monday, with a strict noise curfew at 7pm. The main parade starts on Great Western Road, winding its way along Chepstow Road, then on to Westbourne Grove, and then down Ladbroke Grove.

Sunday (Aug 28) is ‘Children’s Day’ – which is a more relaxed start before the real crazy fun main parade on Monday. Between 6am and 9am, early visitors to Ladbroke Grove can catch the Jouvert procession, which is a traditional Caribbean event where revellers throw colourful powder paint at each other to a steel band soundtrack.

Between 9am and 7pm, there’s a colourful parade for children and eclectic sounds from the World Music Stage. Sounds pretty fun!

Best of all – it’s completely FREE!

Time Out London gave some great tips for travelling with kids – so check them out and have a great day!

Should I take my children?
Lots of people do take their children, but remember that it can be very hard work. Weigh it up first and if you are certain you want to take the kids, make sure you go prepared. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Go on ‘Family Day’, Sunday August 29. It’s still busy (and noisy) but it’s much more kid-friendly than the main parade on Monday.
2. Arrive early. You’ll beat the crowds and can get a good, comfortable spot.
3. Bring ear defenders for the little ’uns.
4. Plan your travel route beforehand and check which tube stations are closed – see above for travel info.
5. Bring travel potties for very young children, as portable toilets at Carnival will have long queues.
6. Bring some easily transportable food and water for them in case you can’t buy anything suitable.
7. Write your mobile number on your child’s arm, so they can contact you if you get separated.
8. Don’t buy them a vuvuzela unless you want a perforated ear drum!

 

 

Plant Hunters Weekend at Lullingstone Castle!

It’s the BANK HOLIDAY again – and we’re excited!

At Lullingstone Castle you can enjoy a super fun Plant Hunters event – an entire weekend dedicated to some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters. They also have for 2016 some very special animals and reptile guests joining you during our FREE garden tour with the special help of Second Chance Animal Rescue, Crockenhill www.secondchance-rehoming.co.uk

Visitors will experience a Plant Hunters expedition camp, everyone dressed in authentic attire including a very special guest – Queen Victoria to send off the plant hunters on their travels from their camp!! Step back in time at base camp with plant presses, roaring fire, canvas tents and meet the explorers.

Tom and his team will lead a FREE guided tour of the World Garden at 1.30pm – 3.30pm (no prior booking required – join the tour at any time) starting at expedition camp to take you on your very own plant hunters adventure!

Second Chance Animal Rescue expert handlers during the tour will showcase different animals to see amongst the continents to truly bring the tour alive, see a Shetland pony in Europe, an Emu in Oz and even a Bengal cat as you walk through Asia plus many more!  

Admission charge £10 per adult and children go FREE (under 15). Please note – 2 for 1 entry and family tickets are not valid on special event days.

www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Celebrate Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s 120th birthday with Late Night Thrills & Fireworks!

Start summer with Late Night Thrills & Fireworks at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this Saturday! 

With balmy summer evenings well and truly upon us, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is giving guests the chance to make the most of the glorious weather by opening the UK’s favourite amusement park late into the night!

On Saturday, July 30^th the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be open until late for some summer fun and late night riding action. This year, to celebrate Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s 120^th anniversary, late night riding will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 10.15pm.

With the park open until late guests can ride into the night on the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One, check out the twists and turns of Infusion at twilight, enjoy a night race on the Grand National and ride into dusk on the Big Dipper. Whatever thrills take your fancy, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to be on July 30^th.

If you purchase a wristband for July 30^th you can enjoy all the fun Blackpool Pleasure Beach has to offer, from 10am right through to 10pm.

*Please note certain rides may close early due to fireworks exclusion zones.

 

Dinosaur Uprising This Summer in Cornwall!

Dinosaurs are invading Cornwall by Land, Sea and Air these summer holidays at the Eden Project in Cornwall!

This summer, the Eden Project is set for its biggest prehistoric invasion yet as they’ve been taken over by incredible creatures from land, sea and air. Get ready to uncover fascinating facts about land-roaming giants, monsters from the deep and ancient creatures of the skies.

Land

Come face to face with a pack of life-size moving dinosaurs. Marvel at their monstrous jaws stripped down to bare bone (complete with gleaming, full-size teeth). Learn more about their habits and ways of hunting down their dinner.

Watch out for their roving T. rex and Triceratops as you stroll through the Outdoor Gardens and Biomes – they may have given their handlers the slip and be lurking around every corner and behind every tree (you may also spot some gentler baby creatures that the little ones can make friends with).

Sea

Be amazed by the secret life of the prehistoric seas. Dive into oceanic depths to ‘swim’ with ancient aquatic creatures that will astound you with their playful and unearthly ways. Watch wide-eyed from a distance or be brave enough to get up close to the majestic plesiosaur.

Air

Wonder at winged rulers of the skies swooping through the Mediterranean Biome, as we invite you to meet our pterosaurs. From the strange-looking Dimorphodonwith its oversized head to the mighty Pteradon, learn little known facts about these ancient flying reptiles.

Details of dinosaur activities

• Discovery Journal: Inside your Discovery Journal you will find lots of ways to sharpen your dinosaur knowledge. Keep your journal with you, and collect the stamps as you complete the activities around Eden. You can pick up your journal in the Visitor Centre, Palaeo Camp and the Information Kiosk in the Link Building, or download it here (PDF).
• Warning: Dinosaurs operating in this area: Take care as you walk around Eden, as some dinosaurs have made this habitat their home. These creatures are extremely dangerous, so please remain calm and approach them with caution. There will be a dinosaur appearance every hour, on the hour in the Orchard near the Arena in the middle of the Eden site at 11am–7pm (Mon–Thurs) and 11am–5pm (Fri, Sat and Sun).
• Land and Sea Discovery: During the Mesozoic era there was a huge diversity of life on earth. Warm seas teemed with life. Giant marine reptiles swam with sharks, among beautiful coral reefs. Terrifying carnivorous dinosaurs hunted for their prey and herbivores roamed the woods and plains. This exhibit in the big white Stage structure in the Arena will be open all day.
• Palaeo Camp: Here, you can hone your palaeontology skills in our dig pit and uncover prehistoric treasures.
  • The Dig Pit: Help us with our excavation, and find out how scientists pieced together the giants of the past. Located in the Palaeo Camp tents in the Arena. Open 9.30am–7.30pm (Mon-Thurs), 9.30am–5.30pm (Fri, Sat and Sun)
  • Trapped in Time: Discover the secrets hidden within amber. Use a magnifying glass to study animal material from millions of years ago. Located in the Palaeo Camp tents in the Arena. Open 9.30am–7.30pm (Mon-Thurs), 9.30am–5.30pm (Fri, Sat and Sun).
  • Pieces of History: How well do you know the mighty ichthyosaur? Can you piece together a fossil to see what this prehistoric creature of the seas looked like? Located in the Palaeo Camp tents in the Arena. Open 9.30am–7.30pm (Mon-Thurs), 9.30am–5.30pm (Fri, Sat and Sun).
• Dino Watch: Come and enjoy a show that was 65 million years in the making. We will be investigating the wonderful world of pterosaurs and will be visited by a special guest from the past. It will be pre-hysterical. Located in Citrus in the Mediterranean Biome – see the board at this location for performance times.
• Storytelling: Immerse yourself in our stories of flight. Step into a world where anything is possible and the sky’s the limit. Located in Citrus in the Mediterranean Biome – see the board at this location for performance times.

Dinos by night

Enjoy a night out with their prehistoric friends.  During the summer, they’re open until 8pm Monday to Thursday, so you can choose to visit them for the whole day or just stop by on your way home from the beach.

Relaxed sessions

They are offering some relaxed sessions for children with autism spectrum condition, sensory and communication needs or learning disabilities who may benefit from a more informal experience. They will take place on the mornings of the following Fridays and Saturdays: 30 July; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 August; and 2 September.

The Eden site will be open from 8am to allow time for you to journey down. The Stage (the large white structure in the middle of our site, where the main dinosaur exhibition is based) will be open from 8am to 9.30am exclusively for those booked onto the session. There will be special access to the main Eden dinosaur exhibition for you to enjoy at your own pace in a more calm and gentle environment followed by an opportunity to meet the dinosaur puppets in person and enjoy a hands-on sensory experience with them. The sessions will be limited to a max 50 people; this is a mix of adults and children.

From 9:30am onwards you are very welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the Eden site including the other dinosaur activities. Our Adventure Journal leaflet and signage will feature accessible information allowing all children to enjoy Dinosaur Uprising.

Please note that booking is required, and upon booking you will be emailed a pre-visit information pack enabling you to prepare for your visit. You will also need to buy an Eden admission ticket.