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Education Summer fun Kids’ parties Travel
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May/June 2022
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STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years
Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487
Come and spend a day in the Senior School - Year 5 Taster Days 26th May, 27th May and 14th June Book online Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale, Altrincham and Hale
SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000 2 May/June
Highest Inspection Rating of “Excellent”
www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
In this issue
Welcome
4 8 9 13 Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some family adventures in your local 14 area and exploring the great outdoors again. 16 If you are looking at planning a break but want 17 something that will truly be family-friendly, 19 check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions. 20 21 If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 22 about preparation. Find advice and resources in 23 So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!
our Education section.
Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love. Don’t forget to apply!
Education Clubs & classes What’s On Summer camps Father’s Day gifts Kids’ parties Adventures at home Win a holiday Summer food Travel Garden toys Adventures outdoors
Get in touch Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.
Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway! Turn your child’s imagination around!
5 available
Worth £34.99 each
APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
T&Cs apply
May/June 3
EDUCATION
School readiness checklist
Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school. Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face! Then help them practise.
Colour in the
I am ready fo
happy face wh
I can....
Colour in th when you ca e face n do this
( (
Recognise m y name
r school!
en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be
( (
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Get dressed
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Do up my co at/ cardigan
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Put on my sh
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oes
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Go to the to ilet by myself
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Take my clo thes off
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Open my sn
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Share with ot her children
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Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat
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Eat with a kn ife and fork
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ack box
4 May/June
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
University success at Stockport Grammar School Stockport Grammar School’s Upper Sixth students have received offers from leading universities, including six from Oxford and Cambridge. Aspiring medics Jessica Horsford and Isobel Gardner both hold offers from the University of Cambridge, while Harry Brown has already received medical school offers, having been interviewed by all four medical schools that he applied to. Talented mathematicians Yicheng Xia and Nicholas Othen have both received offers to read Mathematics at Oxford. In the arts, humanities and social sciences, Lauren Hedley has an offer to study Economics at Cambridge and Zoe Shah, an offer to study English at Oxford. SGS’ strength in musicianship is reflected by Daniel Vincent’s offer to study Music at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). More information HERE
Starting school in September? Wondering how your child will manage school lunches? Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day
Familiesonline.co.uk
May/June 5
Calling parents living in Cheshire! Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing? Do you think you could grow a business? Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.
Are you interested in media and marketing?
Come and run Families Cheshire magazine! FREE
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Spring 2021
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EDUCATION
Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.
Math Songs by NUMBEROCK
Numberjacks Times Table App
Times Tables Flashcards
Learn times tables by singing about them! FREE
Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE
Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables. Ages 8-11. £6.99
Colour-coded Multiplication Square
The Times Table Adventure
Times Tables Heroes Board Game
Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE
Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE
Familiesonline.co.uk
Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE
10 Minutes A Day Times Tables
Book featuring 10 minute games and tests. Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99
Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75
Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99
May/June 7
CLUBS & CLASSES
Meet your local performing arts class Razzamataz Theatre School, Chester offers exceptional training in dance, drama and singing for children ages 2 to 18 with exciting opportunities to perform. With classes based at Upton High School, CH2 1NN and a FREE taster session, Razzamataz is the place for your child to get involved in performing arts in a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Join Razzamataz’ Encanto Inspired summer school (running 15 to 19 August 10am to 1pm (ages 4 to 7) and 10am to 4pm (Mon to Thurs) and 10am to 1pm (Fri) (ages 8 to 16) and enjoy singing, dancing, acting and making props with a small presentation to parents on the final day. 10% discount if booked before 31 May! 20% discount on second and third child for summer school/50% for main school. Call 07749 173231, email or click HERE for more information.
Meet your local rugby class! In 2005, Max Webb, a rugby-playing parent was looking for a pre-school rugby class for his young boys...but there was nothing around. It quickly became clear that other parents were also looking for a rugby play programme for younger children. Seizing the opportunity to start his own business and fulfil his wish of involving his boys in rugby at a fun and accessible level, Max founded Rugbytots. In North East Cheshire, Rugbytots is owned by Andrew Wright with classes offered in six locations in Widnes, St Helens, Golborne and Warrington. Andrew warmly invites parents and children to join his exciting programme of skills, drills, family and fun! He even offers birthday parties. Call 0345 313 9675, email or click HERE for more information. 8 May/June
Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
Get fit and have fun with Brio Leisure!
Matilda JR at Platform 3 Summer School
It’s easy to put your health first when you can visit your local Brio Leisure centre and enjoy a FREE seven-day pass.
Running from 1 to 12 August at the Pavilion Arts Centre in Buxton, Platform 3’s first ever summer school consists of a fabulous fortnight during which children ages 9 to 16 rehearse and perform Roald Dahl’s Matilda JR.
Brio Leisure offers seven gyms, six pools and over three hundred and fifty fitness classes, all available to book online or incentre so you can have some fun getting your fitness fix. You can now take a dip in the pool, work out in the gym or jump into a fitness class for a whole week for FREE! Take advantage of Brio’s exclusive limited time offer, click HERE and use code FCMAY22 to enjoy your FREE seven-day pass. Additionally, check out Brio Entertainment’s exciting stage productions at Northwich Memorial Court or Ellesmere Port Civic Hall HERE
Familiesonline.co.uk
Wickedly funny, Matilda JR celebrates children as individuals, encourages them to support one another and acknowledges they have the right to be ‘a little bit naughty.’ Places are priced at £220 per child and the summer school will conclude with two public performances on Friday 12 August at 4pm and 7pm. Book your child a place HERE or call 01298 72190. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe.
May/June 9
WHAT’S ON
What’s On Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Daily until Sat 4 Jun Beauty and the Beast at Palace Theatre Disney classic brought to life on stage like never before. Thurs 5–Sun 8 May Gandeys Circus at Arclid, near Sandbach An international cast of over thirty artistes, come together to wow audiences. Sat 7 May Horrible Histories Live On Stage at The Stockport Plaza From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends about the torturing Tudors. Royal May Day at Knutsford Enjoy the parade, fair and many other festivities.
Sun 8 May Big Fish Little Fish at Cargo Manchester Award-winning, Glastonbury Festival performing, family rave sensation. Flip’s Magic Circus Show at Wythenshaw Forum Jam packed with magical illusions, crazy circus skills and puzzling tricks. Funtopia at Northwich Children’s festival, filled with high energy inflatables and activities. Sun 15 May Family Festival at Reaseheath College A fantastic day out at this annual family festival which has been held at the college for almost forty years.
Sun 15 May & Sun 19 Jun Discover Tree Climbing Every Sat from 7 May Italian Storytelling at the at Capesthorne Hall Fantastic experience Storyhouse Chester Listen to stories in Italian for anyone 6+ to safely ascend into the canopy of with Daniela. a tree. Sat & Sun 7-8 May Wed 18 May–Sun 22 May We Touch, We Play, We Shrek the Musical at Dance at The Lowry Northwich Memorial Four dancers dance, Court inviting babies and This hilarious and children to join them. spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an 10 May/June
all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy. Sat 21 May Exciting Science at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound as it puts the ‘exciting’ back into science. So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop…. and splurt! 2pm. Ages 4+. Pride on the Plaza on Waterside Plaza Free outdoor celebration with family friendly activities. Alderley Edge Village Fair Family fun, live music, parade, fair, entertainment, food & more. Lymm May Queen Traditional summer fete with family fun including stalls, rides and attractions. Sat & Sun 21-22 May Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever at Buxton Opera House Brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter. Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
What’s On Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Sun 22 May Plastic Drastic Fantastic at The Lowry A new dance show exploring our complex relationship with all things plastic.
Kids Rule at Beeston Castle Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with costumed storytellers, hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
Thu 2 Jun – Sun 5 Jun Dino Farm at Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport UK’s largest and most realistic walking dinosaurs are coming to Reddish Vale Farm.
Funtopia at Ellesmere Port Children’s festival, filled with high energy inflatables and activities.
Sat & Sun 28-29 May Zog and the Flying Doctors at The Lowry Zog and his crew are flying back to the stage with a brand-new adventure.
Fri 3 Jun The Sonos Family Show at The Lowry A traditional circus double act with a unique and modern twist.
Sat & Sun 28-29 May Zog and the Flying Doctors at The Lowry Zog and his crew are flying back to the stage with a brand-new adventure. Sat 28 May & Sat 25 Jun ComedySportz 4 Tots at Waterside Arts Centre For ages 0 to 6. Plenty of silly songs, stories and games and audience participation. ComedySportz at Waterside Arts Centre For ages 10+, all ages, all action, all improvised, competitive comedy show. Sat 28 May–Sun 5 Jun The Topsy-Turvy Tea Party at Tatton Park An interactive story walk taking you to some of the garden’s historic beauty spots. Familiesonline.co.uk
Tue 31 May Milkshake Live at the Stockport Plaza Brand-new show with plenty of laughter and audience interaction.
Fri 3 Jun–Fri 4 Jun Royal Crafts at Grosvenor Museum, Chester Explore what it’s like to be a royal for the day.
Sat 4 Jun Twirlywoo’s Live at Thu 2 June the Garrick Theatre, Exciting Science at Altrincham Northwich Memorial The funny, loveable Court Twirlywoos are brought This brand new, exciting and educational show will to life on stage with beautifully inventive amaze and astound as it puppetry. puts the ‘exciting’ back into science. 11am and Shavington Village 2pm. Ages 4+. Festival BBQ, dog show, Tue 31 May–Thu 2 Jun fairground and more. Medieval Merriment at Grosvenor Museum, Sun 5 Jun & Sun 3 Jul Chester Kids Car Boot at Explore the medieval Cheadle world, including Established in 2009, this parchment writing, popular monthly car boot scented tuzzy muzzys event also raises funds for and tiles. Barnardos. May/June 11
WHAT’S ON
What’s On Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Goostrey Rose Festival Large float procession through village then a fun packed day of activities, stalls and events.
Fri 10 Jun–Sat 11 Jun The Gruffalo at Parr Hall, Warrington Songs, laughs and monstrous fun. Ages 3+.
dog show, big dog walk, dog displays, festival food and drink.
Sat 11 Jun Discover Tree Climbing at Arley Hall & Gardens Experience a unique activity within the canopy of some fantastic trees. Ages 6+.
Jurassic Earth at Tatton Park Life-like dinosaurs in an interactive and exciting Awful Auntie at Walkden story-telling show. Gardens In the Night Garden Live Awful Auntie by David at The Lowry Walliams, adapted for You’ll see all your the outdoor stage by favourite characters Heartbreak Productions, beautifully brought to life. is a truly thrilling tale.
Chester Regatta Come along and watch the oldest regatta in the world on the River Dee. Thu 16 Jun–Sun 19 Jun Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival A packed programme of family attractions. Thu 16 Jun–Sun 26 Jun Gandeys Circus at Ellesmere Port An international cast of over thirty artistes, come together to wow audiences.
Sun 19 Jun Fireman Sam at The Lowry All singing, dancing, action-packed show.
Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jun The Royal Cheshire County Show Get up close to a range of farm animals, taste local produce stunning birds of prey soar and try your hand at archery, clay shooting and fly casting and more. Mon 23 Jun–Sun 3 Jul Lymm Festival Annual celebration of the arts with major international performers and local talent covering music, literature, dance and comedy.
Sat & Sun 18-19 Jun Dads go Free at Gulliver’s World Warrington Dads go FREE on Father’s Day Weekend when with Sat 25 Jun Bunbury Village Day at least one full paying Traditional village fair person. goes medieval this year. DogFest at Tatton Park Have-a-go-activities, fun 12 May/June
A Fright in the Museum at the Stockport Plaza Hilarious comedy slapstick adventure for all the family. Sun 26 Jun Disney: An Orchestral Rendition at RNCM Be whisked away to enchanted lands as music from your favourite films fills the Concert Hall. Mamma Mia the Party at Tatton Park For the dancing queens & kings to assemble to celebrate the best of ABBA. Thu 30 Jun Sun 3 July Stockton Heath Festival Art exhibition, theatre and live music, dog show, art and craft & much more. Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER CAMPS
Summer camps checklist
To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.
What to wear
For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie. For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house. Comfortable footwear.
General questions
What to take
Swimming costume and towel. An apron or shirt for creative activities. Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed. Rucksack (to carry everything). Sun cream, if required.
Childcare questions
How many children are there on a camp? What age group will my child be in? Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling? Do I need to provide lunch and snacks? Do you provide sun cream?
Are you registered with Ofsted?
Questions about booking and costs
Get the best out of family life!
Is wraparound care available?
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Will my child have a key worker?
IN THIS ISSUE
Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk
May/June 13
FATHER’S DAY
Father’s Day gift suggestions
Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.
Dad’s Shed Slate Sign
Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99
Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90
Supercar Driving Day
Get day in a race car! Circuits UK-wide. From £39
Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book
These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16
Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription
Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 14 May/June
100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99
Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49
Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing
Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk
Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush! Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE
*while stocks last T&Cs apply
Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
*while stocks last T&Cs apply May/June 15
KIDS’ PARTIES
Party bag fillers
Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.
Decopatch Mini Animal Kits
Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30
Colour-in Splat T-shirts
Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95
Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit
Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar
Hello Bee Craft Kits
Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone
Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99
Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20
Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy. From £8
Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75
The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags
Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit
Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags
Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys. From £1.90 16 May/June
Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6
Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 Familiesonline.co.uk
ADVENTURES AT HOME
Adventures at home
I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.
Garden music festival
Go without electricity
Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!
Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.
Stargazing
Garden fete
Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.
Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine! String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).
Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon. Familiesonline.co.uk
May/June 17
ADVENTURES AT HOME
Adventures at home
I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.
Mini Olympics
Wildlife hunting
Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.
Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification. Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.
Family heritage
Reading nook
Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.
A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon. Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.
And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts. 18 May/June
Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together. Familiesonline.co.uk
GIVEAWAYS
Win a family holiday with Away Resorts! Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.
Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime. Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight. APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.
Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway! Turn your child’s imagination around! Worth £34.99 each
For an amazing, adventure-filled summer... Apply for a Map of Wonders! 10 available
5 available
APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
T&Cs apply
Magazine
APPLY HERE
T&Cs apply
May/June 19
FOOD
Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.
Club tropicana ice cream cake
Watermelon & strawberry slushies
Vegan orange lollies
Easy strawberry ice cream
Quick banana ice cream
Fruity ice-lolly pens
Nutty caramel & choc sundaes
Frozen banana lollies
Raspberry lemonade slushies
20 May/June
Familiesonline.co.uk
TRAVEL
Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.
Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest
Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.
Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire
Charming and family-run On-site facilities.
Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon
Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire
Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.
Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire
Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby. Forest activities.
Ham Bottom, Somerset
Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Beautiful yet cosy. Excellent facilities.
Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame. Familiesonline.co.uk
Great value & location to explore local attractions.
300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.
Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.
May/June 21
TOYS
It’s time to play outside! If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.
Target Ball Game
Soft Archery Set
Wheelbarrow Set
Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99
Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99
Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12
My First Giant Bubble Kit
Family Paddling Pool
Garden Tumble Tower
Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands. Ages 3+. £21
Big enough for families to chill out together. Ages 6+. £75
Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft. Ages 5+. £35.99
Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On
Wavy Kids Slide
Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid
Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride! Ages 1-3. £67.50 22 May/June
Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun. Ages 3+. £54.99
Keeps up to four children entertained for hours. Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
ADVENTURES OUTDOORS
Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.
Sleep on a beach
Eat nettle soup
Build a bridge
Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.
Surprisingly fresh and light!
Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.
Go on a scooter safari
Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.
Make a rope swing
Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.
Go on a forest night walk
Go coasteering
Don’t go with the flow
Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.
Children will love the excitement of the forest at night. Familiesonline.co.uk
A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.
Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!
May/June 23