FR EE
IN THIS ISSUE
Education What’s On Summer Camps Travel
May/June 2022
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IN THIS
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Christm as Educatio n Family lif e
2 May/June
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CONTENTS
Welcome
In this issue
So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!
4
Education
8
Summer camps
Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some family adventures in your local area and exploring the great outdoors again.
9
Clubs & classes
10 What’s On
If you are looking at planning a break but want something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions.
12 Summer food 13 Win a holiday 14 Father’s Day gifts 15 Adventures at home
17 Travel If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 18 Garden toys about preparation. Find advice and resources in 19 Adventures outdoors 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!
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
( (
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
Lessons to learn before you’re 10
By Gail Hugman
Teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Try these fun starter activities to set your child off on the right path. READ MORE
For an amazing, adventure-filled summer... Apply for a Map of Wonders! 10 available
Little stars to bright sparks
School Open Event 14 May Nursery Farm Event 26 May register here: altonschool.co.uk
Educating boys and girls from six months to Sixth Form
Nurture
Opportunity
Growth
Maisie Story Writer Musician Swimmer Baker
Come and join our family school
Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
APPLY HERE
Open Mornings
T&Cs apply
Friday 20th May Friday 24th June
admissions@yateleymanor.com
Yateley Manor www.yateleymanor.com May/June 5
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
6 May/June
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!
APPLY HERE Magazine
*while stocks last T&Cs apply
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 7
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
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?
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.
Questions about booking and costs
Can I make changes to my booking? Can I pay in instalments? If there’s wraparound care, how much is it? Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child? Are all activities included in the cost? ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL
8 May/June
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Smile this summer with a FREE Perform class Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try a Perform class. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes will round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.
Local class venues: Andover: Andover Leisure Centre, SP10 1QP Basingstoke: Beggarwood Community Centre, RG22 4AQ Bramley: Clift Meadow Pavillion, RG26 5BH Fleet: Zebon Community Centre, GU52 0ZE Hartley Whitney: Victoria Halls, RG27 8RQ
The curriculum has an emphasis on fun, making friends and lots of laughter plus children can enjoy bespoke apps, downloads and videos at home. Small classes ensure plenty of individual attention and each child receives a progress Book a FREE trial at a local class report every 10 weeks. HERE, or call 020 7255 9120. This term, 4-7s will be bringing out the super in themselves as they become Superheroes on a mission to save the world. Meanwhile, 7-12s will enjoy red carpet glamour in Jack and the Wonderbeans.
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If you think your child may benefit from Perform but are not sure if they’ll like it, you can book a free trial class HERE. Families readers receive a special £40 discount when booking before 31 May, just quote HN310522.
IN THIS ISSUE
Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk
May/June 9
WHAT’S ON
Lights, Camera, Science! at Winchester Science Centre Explore how science, not CGI, can be used in films to create magical light effects in a free live show. Their Inspirers will use some explosive experiments to recreate famous moments from the movies.
There will also be some ‘illuminating’ audience participation along the way. Runs from Sat 14 May to Sun 3 July on weekends and also during May half term. Find out more HERE
Superworm Trail at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham Discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn about the everyday heroic feats of minibeasts in the forest. The self-led trail features brightly illustrated panels and a trail pack full of fun activities, including your very own mask. Ages 3-9. Find out more HERE
Nature Day at Gilbert White’s House Our natural world has never been more important to care for. Join in with the annual Nature Day on Sun 15 May to meet local organisations helping to conserve nature, learn about the natural world with great walks, activities and an eco-fair section featuring sustainable products and crafts. Find out more HERE
Nature Day 15th May
GU34 3JH www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 10 May/June
Stall holders & Activities from nature & conservation organisations and an eco-produce fair!
Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
Enjoy a family day at the Basingstoke Canal with Galleon Marine Galleon Marine Boatyard is a family run business based in Odiham on the beautiful Basingstoke Canal. As endorsed by several TV celebrities, narrowboating is a relaxing but active way to enjoy the countryside and see the world from a different perspective. It is a perfect holiday for families, couples and small groups. Their boats are furnished to a high standard including newly decorated bathrooms and updated equipment in the kitchens. You can also enjoy a great family day out on the canal. You can hire a narrowboat for the day, perfect for a family get-together, featuring a lovely under cover seating area at the front with windows that can be rolled up to make the most of the view and the fresh air.
The colourful canal-side garden area is also popular for picnics with Hettie their Horsebox Espresso Bar offering fabulous fresh coffee, hot and cold drinks, cake and paninis. Plus, why not encourage your family members to be more active leave their screens and give kayaking or rowing a try? There’s no need to book, just turn up! Open 6 days a week from 10.30am to 5pm (closed on Wednesday). To find out more call 01256 703691 or click HERE.
The perfect place to enjoy the Basingstoke Canal
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With fun trail pack
Find out more at:
forestryengland.uk/superworm © 2012 & TM Julia Donaldson / Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
Familiesonline.co.uk
Espresso&Bar, Cold drinks, Narrowboat Holidays Refreshments Picnic Area Paninis and Ice Creams Narrowboat Day Hire Opening Times 10am to 6pm fromto10.30am to 5pm Kayaks, Canoes & 7 Days,Open March October Row Boat Hire 6 days a week I Closed on Wednesdays Galleon Marine, ColtRG29 Hill, Odiham, Hants, RG29 1AL Colt Hill, Odiham, 1AL Opposite the Waterwitch Pub
May/June 11
SUMMER 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
12 May/June
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!
Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!
Worth £34.99 each 5 available
APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
APPLY HERE T&Cs apply
Magazine
*while stocks last T&Cs apply
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
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 15
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. 16 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
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 17
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 18 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 19