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Legoland Festival of Imagination

This weekend, on 5th & 6th June, Legoland is inviting visitors to take part in a brand new family festival celebrating all things creative! Each day there’ll be interactive story time sessions with a host of children’s favourite characters including Noddy, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Spot the Dog and Horrid Henry. LEGO® fans can take part in a special building event using millions of bricks from the famous James May LEGO House plus there’ll be lots of fantastic competitions to win exclusive prizes.

The Festival of Imagination, sponsored by LEGO Club Jr., is ensuring that the legacy of the James May LEGO House lives on through an annual building event which will take place outside the Park’s main entrance. To celebrate the opening of the new Pirates Landing area, families can have some hands-on fun and help build a huge LEGO brick chain to accompany an impressive Pirate ship anchor. All the proceeds of this activity, held in conjunction with LEGO UK, will benefit their nominated charity, The National Autistic Society.
Children can dress as their fantasy story book character and join in a Fancy Dress Parade which starts each day at noon in Miniland. Little ones will be enchanted by the colourful creatures of Tinga Tinga Tales when they visit the Creative Art area. Armed with paintbrushes, they can take inspiration from the stories by decorating individual wooden tiles in bright African-themed colours and even take home a Tinga give-away.

In the Miniland Activity Zone bookworms can enjoy a crazy walk through experience in the Mad Science section and even create bookmarks using the wonder of science. Down in the Enchanted Forrest, young explorers can have a Rainbow Magic adventure and help Ruby locate her missing fairy friends for a chance to win an exclusive Rainbow Magic book.

All the fun starts at 12:00 each day and finishes at 17:00. Activities taking place during the Festival of Imagination are included in the standard ticket price and are free to Full Annual Pass holders.

Kids Sussex — No Comments
3
Jun 10

Father’s Day Out at Open Air Museum

Give dad a special treat this Father’s Day, Sunday 20th June, with a day of excitement, challenge, activity and family fun at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester. England’s leading museum of historic buildings and traditional rural life is planning an event packed with unusual and traditional rural activities for dad, and the rest of the family, to discover and enjoy.

Fathers will have a chance to experience a number of specialist countryside skills all in one event-packed day, with activities, demonstrations and competitions designed to appeal to fathers, grandfathers, and children of all ages – and of course, mum will be welcome to join in as well! There will be a chance to drive a vintage tractor, archery, and an opportunity to drive a horse-drawn cart pulled by one of the Museum’s team of working Shire horses. The working Tudor kitchen is also sure to be a popular destination for fathers because there they can discover the art of traditional brewing.

Haredown Mountain Boarding Centre from East Dean, near Chichester will be in attendance once again, giving brave visitors the opportunity to experience rolling downhill on a small set of wheels, with just gravity and a sense of balance to guide them! The team from the Centre will provide instruction and equipment, with a couple of expert demonstrations during the day. There will also be a wooden sculpture activity, using shaped wooden sections which are assembled to make the design of the visitor’s choice. This activity proved extremely popular last year, and resulted in a magnificent variety of items ranging from steam trains complete with smoke, to aeroplanes, helicopters, owls and penguins!

There will also be welly boot throwing – always more difficult than it looks; a golf activity with a difference, field target air rifles, and of course with the World Cup firmly on everyone’s mind, a number of football challenges. There will be a falconry display, with a chance to get up close to the birds themselves, and the historic Timber Yard will be in action. For younger visitors, there will be a special Father’s Day arts and craft activity, and the chance to try some traditional Tudor and Victorian games.

Visitors on Fathers Day will be able to enjoy all of the Museum’s exhibits, which include over 45 historic buildings, rescued from destruction and carefully reconstructed in the heart of the South Downs National Park. They will be able to see the traditional breed farm animals including Tamworth pigs, cattle, and sheep. The 17th century watermill will be grinding flour sold in the shop and used in the café, while children will love the woodland walks and feeding the hungry ducks on the lake with grain from the mill.

The Museum is open daily until 23 December. It is open from 10.30am to 6pm during British Summer Time, and until 4pm for the rest of the year. Admission is adults £9, over 60s £8.15 children £4.80, family £24.75, under 5’s free.

Kids Cumbria — No Comments
25
May 10

Family Fun: Meet King Arthur’s Warriors

Come face to face with warriors from the time of the legendary King Arthur and see the skills and horsemanship of a fast paced duo of cavalry soldiers from this epic period of history at Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria.

The age of Roman rule came to an end in 410AD so 2010 is the 1600th anniversary of the end of Roman rule. The end of the protection of Rome gave rise to the start of the Dark Ages – an age of invasion and conflict – and it was King Arthur’s soldiers who protected the Britons from the new invaders.

Not only can kids enjoy meeting the warriors but they can also have a go at dark-age pottery.

Visit the website for more details

Kids Suffolk — No Comments
21
May 10

The Suffolk Show half term family day out

The Suffolk Show will be held on June 2nd and 3rd 2010 at the Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park in Ipswich, Suffolk during half term. The show provides a day filled with a vast array of entertainment, shopping, food and drink, there really is something for adults, young children and teenagers to ensure a memorable day out.

This years show features showcase displays, a childrens farm. sports village, wildlife area and lots more to keep children entertained, for grown ups there is the flower and gardening experience, exhibitors displaying some of Suffolks finest local food and drink produce and exclusive shopping opportunities.

The whole family will enjoy this years highlight events which include an incredible air to ground display featuring the Red Devils, Lynx and Apache helicopters. The packed programme of events also includes the Mountainboard Big Air Show and Josephs Amazing Racing Pigs.

Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance at a reduced cost via the website or at the gates on the day.

Visit the Suffolk Show website for further information.

Kids Isle of Wight / Kids Suffolk / Kids Wales / Kids Wiltshire / Kids Worcestershire — No Comments
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!

Kids Surrey — No Comments
11
May 10

New African Adventure to Launch at Chessington in June

Source: Dave R @ Flickr

Who needs an overseas Safari holiday when an African Reserve is right on your Surrey doorstep? Zebras, antelopes and the very rare Scimitar Horned Oryx will take centre stage at the brand new Wanyama Village & Reserve opening at Chessington World of Adventures for the Summer Half Term this year.

Visitors to the theme park will be able to enjoy an African inspired adventure starring Grevy’s Zebras, Sitatunga Antelopes and the Scimitar Horned Oryx as they graze quietly in a field. A raised wooden walkway will lead adventurers to a viewing tower in the middle of the field, where evening feeding sessions, animal talks and close encounters around the watering hole will all be part of the adventure.

David Smith, Chief Explorer at Chessington, says: ‘2010 is an extremely exciting year for Chessington – but this is just the beginning! You are seeing the future of Chessington – a world of different adventures for the whole family to enjoy, starting with the launch of Wild Asia in March, followed by the Wanyama Village & Reserve in May. We will continue to work hard to establish the park as Britain’s Wildest Adventure, so watch this space!”

You can even turn your visit into a short break with a Roar & Snore package at the safari-themed Holiday Inn Chessington, where you can enjoy themed rooms, an indoor swimming pool & spa and a fantastic family restaurant.

For more information visit www.chessington.com

Kids Cumbria / Kids Devon / Kids Herefordshire / Kids London / Kids Norfolk / Kids Scotland / Kids Wales — No Comments
28
Apr 10

May Bank Holiday Activities for Families

I think everyone is looking forward to this May Bank Holiday whatever the weather, but what are you going to do and where are you going to take the Kids?

Here are a few suggestions:

Scotland

Go down to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and find out about fruits. Do you ever argue with your family about fruits? Ever called a cucumber a vegetable? Find out about the myths surrounding fruits and categorise things in their true, botanical sense with the Garden Rangers.

North East

Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well are apparently the oldest tourist attractions in Britain! There is plenty for all the family to do with a museum, playground and 12 acres of riverside grounds besides the main attractions.

North West

If you have a “Wild Child” visit Fellfoot park in Cumbria. Here the kids can run free without fear of being told off! They can build a den, construct a dam, climb trees or splash in the lake. Fell Foot Country Park offers a unique experience for our younger visitors. Tracker packs are available and a hoot for Mum & Dad to join in! From rowing boats on the lake to crashing through the undergrowth, this is an event for an energetic family.

Midlands

Why not visit the Amazing Hedge Puzzlein Herefordshire and have fun finding your way to the centre, trying to avoid the dead ends along the way. At the museum you can also test your own theories on their computers, and contemplate mystic myths about mazes from all the world’s great religions.

East Anglia

Visit Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk for a great train day out for all the family! See all the engines and coaches in action, take a trip on a steam train and children can enter a competition which has a free prize for every correct entry. Also, under 5′s travel free.

South East

In London, there is a May Day family fun fair at Alexandra Palace with dodgems, rides, stalls with prizes, kiddies rides and refreshments.

South West

The Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival 2010 will be held from 30th April to the 3rd May in South Devon. There you can enjoy a bank Holiday weekend of swashbuckling fun, music and piratical antics to suit all ages with the Brixham Buccaneers at their second annual festival.

Wales

The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza offers a great opportunity to experience a huge selection of exhibits such as steam engines, early vehicles, traditional organs and much more.
Each day throughout the weekend there is a Grand Parade led by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang followed by marching bands, Victorian Costume walkers, Steam engines and vintage vehicles. There is also a fairground complete with ghost train.

Maybe you have your own suggestions? If so, please share them

Kids East Sussex — No Comments
26
Apr 10

Don’t Miss the Brighton Festival from 1st to 23rd May 2010

The Brighton Festival is one to watch out for because it has plenty of family friendly events.

The Festival opens with the Children’s Parade at 10.30am on Saturday 1st May and then a whole range of theatre, puppet shows, activities follow over the next few weeks. Events to look out for are:

* Jacqueline Wilson, the children’s author famous for Tracey Beaker, will be doing a book signing
* Mr Toad’s Children’s Book Quiz for over 7s with tea, sandwiches, cake and plenty of prizes for all
* The Big Splash down by the Marina with an array of weird and wacky street entertainers alongside hands-on activities like make-and-take workshops for kid
* Comedy 4 Kids at Komedia which will have lots of funny gags without any rude bits
* The Magnificent Flying Machine and Penguin puppet shows at Freerange
* Baby Loves Disco at Komedia for kids who like to boogie woogie
* Moscow State Circus at Preston Park

If the kids still have lots of energy, you can let them run around on the beach to burn it off.

For more information visit their website and be sure to book ahead!

Kids London — No Comments
3
Dec 08

Family Days Out: Christmas Carol Concerts in London

I recently wrote a list for Metrotwin about some of the best upcoming Christmas Carol concerts in London (although it was published under the name of the editor Candice due to a bug!)… anyway, there are several concerts in the capital that you might consider taking your children to:

Carol Singing Around the Courtyards at Hampton Court
This annual singalong of festive songs takes place in the magical palace courtyards and gardens of Hampton Court. Your voices will be accompanied by a silver band. Words booklets will be provided and the event will last for about an hour. As this is an outdoor event remember to wrap up warmly and bring a torch to see the words by! The carol singing will take place from 20th to 23rd December at 6pm daily. Due to popularity, you will need to pre-book tickets. Have fun!

Enjoy the True Spirit of Christmas at Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral provides a stunning setting for this traditional christmas carol concert. These annual concerts always attract large numbers of singers, visitors and luminaries so don’t miss out! The concerts are a genuine Christmas highlight and well worth going to. This year there will be two Cathedral Carol Services – on Sunday 21 and Tuesday 23 December. Both services will be identical and will start at 6.30pm. There are no tickets, just turn up. Not suitable for very small children.

A Family Christmas Concert by the New London Children’s Choir
The New London Children’s Choir was launched in 1991 with the aim of introducing children to the challenges and fun of singing all types of music. They have since performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras. This year their Christmas Concert includes the première of Ronald Corp’s “Wenceslas” alongside other popular carols. Mince pies, mulled wine and refreshments will be available. The concert takes place on 14th December 2008 at 4pm and tickets are available on the door.

A festive concert set in the award-winning gardens of the Horniman Museum
Enjoy performances from the English Baroque Choir and the Crystal Palace Band. There will be something for all the family with carols, hot-roasted chestnuts, toy stalls, hot and cold refreshments and free Santa’s grotto. The whole event is free and takes place from 3-6pm on Sun 14th December 2008

Kids Cornwall / Kids Gloucestershire / Kids Hampshire / Kids London / Kids Norfolk / Kids Oxfordshire / Kids Somerset / Kids Suffolk / Kids Sussex / Kids Wiltshire — 4 Comments
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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