September, 2007


28
Sep 07

10 Top Half-Term Family Days Out

For those of you who are looking for ideas about where to take the kids during half-term, here is our compilation of great days out (just click the link for more details):

1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire

2. Eden Project, Cornwall

3. Legoland, Berkshire

4. Longleat, Wiltshire

5. Babbacombe Model Village, Devon

6. The Canterbury Tales, Kent

7. Jorvik the Viking City, York

8. London Dungeon, London

9. National Sea Life Centre, West Midlands

10. Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Shropshire

If you have already been to one of these attractions, do share your views and experiences.

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24
Sep 07

The Best Luxury Hotels for UK Parents

Every couple with kids knows how difficult it is to create time for themselves. But now it is possible to have a romantic weekend away with the kids because more and more luxury hotels are becoming family friendly.

If you want to treat yourself to a special break, then you will find that one of the following places will meet your needs. (Just click the link for more details)

1.Tresanton, Cornwall

2. Driftwood, Cornwall

3. Fowey Hall, Cornwall

4. Cotswold House Hotel, Gloucestershire

5. Cowley Manor, Gloucestershire

6. Westover Hall Hotel, Hampshire

7. Baglioni, London

8. Soho Hotel, London

9. Strattons, Norfolk

10. Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons, Oxfordshire

11. Babington House, Somerset

12. Ickworth, Suffolk

13. Royal Oak, Sussex

14. Woolley Grange, Wiltshire

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19
Sep 07

10 Free Family Days Out For Kids

If you are feeling short of cash but still want a day out with the kids you might want to consider one of these free attractions:

1. Tate Modern , London
This famous Art Gallery has a huge hall and a variety of exhibitions so it is perfect for kids of all ages.

2. Sea Watch Centre, Suffolk
At this National Trust centre the kids can use high-powered telescopes to look for sea birds, porpoises, seals and if you are lucky, dolphins.

3. People’s Story, Edinburgh
Here you can find out all about the history and lives of the inhabitants of the Scottish capital from the eighteenth century to the present day.

3. Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester
This museum tells the story of the world’s first industrial city.

4. Blaise Castle Estate, Bristol
A small gothic castle dating from 1766 with large grounds and play areas for the kids.

5. World Museum, Liverpool
An interactive museum with treasures from around the globe. Each of the five floors has a different theme.

6. Monkwearmouth Station Museum, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
A Victorian Station with large collection of railway and second world war memorabilia. There is a dedicated Children’s Gallery with toys, books and dressing up clothes.

7. National Roman Legion Museum, Cardiff
Let your kids learn about the formidable force of the Romans. At weekends they are even allowed to try on replica armour.

8. Ecopark, Birmingham
Visit these lovely gardens and watch demonstrations about what you can do to become a bit greener.

9. Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, Cheshire
Watch cows being milked, let your kids run around the playbarn and be tempted by the delicious ice-creams.

10. St James City Farm, Gloucestershire
A city centre farm where children and adults can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside.

Do let us know more of your favourite free places :)

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17
Sep 07

Online Resource for Parents

Little Legends has been given a great review on page 67 of issue 170 Webuser Magazine :)

Little Legends is an online resource for parents. It’s designed to help them discover resources for children around the country – from finding childcare and nurseries to learning about days out and family-friendly restaurants.

In addition to a great clean look, the site benefits from an advanced search facility using Google Maps, making it easy to home in on local events and services. Vicky Wood and her brother Piers have done an excellent job of putting together a truly valuable website. Not only are there pages themselves incredibly useful, but there are numerous links to other blogs and sites that could be of interest to parents.

Whether you’re looking for a babysitter or a day out Little Legends can point you in the right direction.

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9
Sep 07

Family Days Out: Enjoy the Cinema with your Toddler/Baby

Did you know that many cinemas run special early showings for parents with young children? For obvious reasons these showings are often called “The Big Scream”. It is a great way for parents to relax in front of the screen and indulge in a bit of hollywood escapism. The best bit is that they turn up the volume so no one minds if your kid cries!

We have numerous cinemas listed on our site so why not find out if your local one runs a similar event. If so, perhaps you could let us know the details so everyone can benefit. Here is a good example.

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3
Sep 07

Family Days Out: The Princess Diana Playground

As everyone knows, Friday 31st August was the 10th Anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. Probably one of the best memorials to her is the Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park. She loved kids and kids will love this place.

The Playground is in Kensington Gardens and a huge wooden pirate ship dominates the centre surrounded by a beach. There is also a sensory trail, teepees, and various toys and play sculptures.

Nearby you will find The Diana Playground CafĂ©. It serves fresh salads, sandwiches and drinks as well as offering a children’s menu. There are also toilets and baby changing facilities.

It is a good place to let kids run off steam if you are traveling into central London

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1
Sep 07

Family Days Out: How to entertain the kids on long journeys

At this time of year, many families are returning from summer holidays and have long car journeys ahead of them. I thought it would be useful to put together a small selection of games to keep the kids amused.

1. Yes/No Game
In this game everyone takes it in turns to answer questions. The person answering must not say Yes or No. If they do, then it is the next person’s turn. Sounds easy, but can be surprisingly difficult if the questions are being asked very quickly, one after another.

2. I went to the market …
This is a memory game. The first person starts by saying “I went to the market and bought a newspaper”. The next person repeats this and adds another item eg “I went to the market and bought a newspaper and some eggs”. This continues with every person repeating the shopping list and adding another item. If someone forgets what’s on the shopping list then they lose.

3. Story Time
Everyone in the family takes it in turns to say a word. The word must follow on from the last one to make a story. For example, Mum says “Once”, Dad says “upon”, Billy says “a”, Emma says “time” etc

4. Karaoke Fun
Everyone sings along to a song they know, such as a nursery rhyme. Then the volume on the music is gradually turned down until it is silent, whilst everyone continues singing. After a minute or two, gradually turn the volume up again and see if everyone has managed to keep in time with the song.

5. Make me Laugh
One person at a time is chosen to be serious. That person is not allowed to crack a smile or laugh. Everyone else does their best to tell funny jokes, pull silly faces etc to make them laugh. Someone should be in charge of the timing and see who can last the longest.

Have a good trip :)

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