The first two films were brilliant, so will the latest Toy Story live up to your expectations? You decide …
Kids Worcestershire
18
Jun 10
Father’s Day Falconry in Worcestershire
Enjoy flying displays and find out more about birds of prey with Worcestershire falconry expert, Trevor Hill at Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire.
* Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01527 821214
24
May 10
Enjoy the Midlands with kids this Half Term
If you are looking for entertainment in the Midlands this half term, don’t miss this article in a new series by the Telegraph by by Ben Hatch and Dinah Hatch (and little critics Charlie and Phoebe). In it they share 10 of their favourite family days out in the Midlands.
13
May 10
The Best Music Festivals for Families and Kids
I was sitting on the train at the weekend and was listening to the conversation of a couple of Mums opposite me and I was surprised to hear one of them say that she had already booked her Family Yurt at Glastonbury this year. The more I thought about the idea of taking my kids to a music festival the more I liked it, so I decided to do a bit of research. Unfortunately, many of the 2010 tickets are already sold out, so this is an event to book well in advance. Nevertheless, there are a number of festivals which are suitable for families and so I thought I would share some of the details …
1. Latitude, Henham Park, Southwold Suffolk
The festival hosts an impressive bill of musicians and bands who perform on four stages – The Obelisk Arena, The Uncut Arena, The Sunrise Arena, and the Lake Stage – as well as including theatre, art, comedy and more. Children under 12 get in free with a ticket holder and there is a dedicated family campsite with special activities laid on. However, the main attraction for families is really the Kids Arena. In this area a magical mini-festival for kids takes place. It is as diverse as the rest of Latitude, with books, art, music and theatre, heaps of participation and fun, from drama workshops to an insect circus, making your own pizza to joining their Glee club.
2. Bestival, Robin Hill, Isle of Wight
Bestival is one of the smaller, boutique festivals. It has a special Bigtopmania Kidzone Team with a host of artists and activities designed to keep the kids happy and far from bored with all that adult partying!! There is a baby Big Top for the shows, a Crafts Marquee, a Toddlers Under 5s Area, Jan’s infamous Van, a dressing up tent, a bouncy castle, face painting, and an outdoor play area. The kids area is located right next to the family camp area and it is a bit of a peaceful haven for the kids to play in away from all the hustle and bustle.
3. Big Chill, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Worcestershire
The Big Chill calls itself UK’s most family-friendly festival. Children under 13 get in for £4 and at the Kids Zone, children can enjoy performances from No Strings Puppet Theatre, Crazy Comic Club, Scamp Theatre’s production of Pinocchio, John Hegley and many more. There are also ongoing activities and workshops for kids in movement and dance, drum making, arts and crafts and giant 3D sculpture. There are several options for sleeping at The Big Chill 2010 – you can bring your own tent to camp, bring a camper-van, or you can try a bit of luxury camping in the form of a yurt or pod pad.
Other festivals worth checking out are WOMAD, Charlton Park, Wiltshire and Green Man, Glanusk Park, Wales, both of which let young children in free and are very childfriendly.
Top tips for when you are there include writing your mobile phone number on the back of their hands, packing plenty of baby wipes and snacks, ear plugs (for when you or the kids want some sleep!) but most importantly go with some other friends with kids so you can share this extraordinary experience.
Maybe I’ll see you there!
12
May 10
Museums at Night 14th-16th May 2010
‘Museums at Night’ is a national campaign, led by Culture24, and funded by MLA and the National Museum Directors’ Conference (NMDC), to showcase the unique and vibrant museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries and archives in the UK. Running over the weekend of Friday 14th May to Sunday 16th May, museums and galleries alike will aim to inspire fresh discovery by opening their doors to late night visitors.
Museums will be unrolling an imaginative array of activities across the country. From candle-lit readings, paranormal investigations, sleepovers, night-time tours, musical events and much, much more.
This year’s programme sees the return of firm favourites, like Cabinet War Rooms sleepover and the Old Operating Theatre at St Thomas Church, plus exciting new additions such as the; Helicopter Museum’s ‘Back to the Blitz’ experience, follow a night shift at Cornwall’s Geevor Tin Mine and the chance to see a ‘Light in the Night’ at Cromer’s Lifeboat Museum.
You can find up to date listings at the Culture 24 Website
10
Nov 06
Family Days Out: Childfriendly places to stay in the UK
Source:all that comes with it@flickr
If you are looking for a place to go where you can relax with your kids, check out some of the following sites.
These sites are for family friendly hotels:
1) Fritton House, Norfolk. This small hotel has a boating lake and a model farm
2) Calcot Manor, Gloucestershire. Here you will find a play area, creche and bicycles.
3) Fowey Hall, Cornwall. Babysitting service available and situated near a beach.
4) Evesham Hotel, Worcestershire. This hotel has a games room and croquet.
5) Glenfinnan House, Scotland. There is a playground and fishing.
6) Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall. Here you will find Children’s Clubs, a baby listening service, indoor and outdoor play areas, children’s swimming pools and special facilities for their meals
If you are looking for a place to rent, have a look at:
1) Baby Friendly Boltholes. This has a selection of properties in the UK. One in particular has a soft play area in the house as well as both indoor and outdoor pools!
2) Country Cottages. A variety of self-catering accommodation suitable for families.
