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North Yorkshire
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Summer 2020 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Summer 2020
ART WITH TEDDIES ONLINE
Download and print this great colouring sheet and enter our Teddies Online Music Club colouring competition!
Win a unique personalised print created by Teddies Online Music Club!
WIN!
Choose between a farmyard animal and a train scene.
Fiddle-i-fee...
Just colour or paint the great colouring sheet on this page. Then email a scan or photo of your sheet to us, together with your name, post code, child’s age and choice of print. Closing date: 31 August 2020
www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk 2 Summer 2020
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CONTENTS
Hello Families
Contents
I sincerely hope that this issue finds you and your loved
2
Drawing and Colouring with Teddies Online
4-7
Learning
tried to provide you with plenty of resources, ideas for
8-10
Early Years
activities and places to go to ensure that you have the
12-15 Parenting
ones well, safe and happy. What an unusual past few months we’ve all had, to say the least! This is our 3rd digital issue and as we emerge out of lockdown, we have
best summer possible!
17-18
Holidays
Many children have not been to school for some time,
19-28 Place to Go
so this issue is also packed full of fun activities to keep
29-30 Work
their brains engaged, as well as games, classes, summer camps and competitions. We are also proud to present our 1st video feature, Mums in lockdown, which we hope that you enjoy. Look closely and you may recognise a familiar face!
Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
31
Screen-Free Activities Weekend
32
Summer Camps & Courses
33
Give your Child a Social Summer
34
Online Classes
35
Activities
36
Best Printable Primary Age Games
37
Best Lego Kits
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Summer 2020 3
LEARNING
Secret Summer Learning Activities Our best ideas to keep your child’s brain ticking over all summer long.
Make a Video
Charades
Learn Chess
Develops creativity, promotes physical activity and communication skills.
Develops imagination and non-verbal communication skills.
Encourages critical thinking, planning ahead and reasoning.
Make a Miniature Book
Bake a Cake
Word Games for Families
Encourages creativity and an interest in literature.
Make a Soap Carving
Develops fine motor skills and creativity. 4 Summer 2020
Develops maths and coordination.
Game of 50
Develops addition/ subtraction, logical thinking, strategy, perseverance.
Improves listening, vocabulary, memory and attention.
Fruit & Vegetable Guessing Game
Develops memory and logical thinking. familiesonline.co.uk
LEARNING
School Work During the Holidays?
Supporting Secret Learning
By Murray Morrison
By Dr Amanda Gummer
When the whole of the summer term has felt like a halfway house between school and holidays, many families are beginning to wonder whether they should continue some element of school work through the summer break. So, what should the plan be?
We’ve all mashed up veggies and hidden them in pasta sauce. Well, the same can be done with learning! Hiding learning within play is a much less stressful way of helping children to keep learning whilst they are not at school, especially for reluctant students. READ MORE
READ MORE Competition Time!
Win a family ticket (up to 5 tickets) to Treetop Nets, Ripon
Families North Yorkshire magazine have a ticket for 5 to give away for you to enjoy a family day out to the tremendously fun outdoor adventure Treetop Nets, Ripon, on giant, bouncy nets with super slides, treehouses, tunnels and ball zones.
T&Cs apply
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To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: There are three Treetop Nets located in England, name all three. Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: 31st July 2020 Prizes to be taken by 31/08/2020 and no cash alternative.
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Summer 2020 5
LEARNING
Sourcing Children’s Books over Summer Our guide to finding the right books for your child at the right price.
Book Trust Great Books Guide
100 best new books for children.
The Libby App
Free ebooks and audiobooks with your library membership.
Library E-Lending Love Reading4Kids
National Shelf Service
Daily book recommendations from professional librarians.
BorrowBox App
All libraries have e-lending services. Join remotely and enjoy.
UK’s number 1 book recommendation site for children’s books.
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks free from your library.
Hive.co.uk
Oxfam Online Book Shop
World of Books
Free delivery. UK’s largest seller of Commission paid to 1000s of new/pre-loved pre-loved books online. your local independent books and audiobooks bookshop. available online. 6 Summer 2020
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LEARNING
Preparing your Child to Start School
Return to School: How to Support your Child
Starting school for the first time is exciting - despite the pandemic. Remember that children starting school for the first time will not know that school routines are different to the past! So how can you best prepare your little one to start school?
Throughout the long, strange months of lockdown parents have provided continuity and a sense of reality for their children. Soon it will be time to get them back to school and parents can help their children through this transition in numerous ways.
READ MORE
READ MORE
Summer Reading Challenge 2020: Let’s Get Silly
What will School/Nursery be Like in September
By Beth Cadman
Over summer, there is often a dip in children’s reading levels. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to read for pleasure and maintain their literacy levels. This year’s ‘Silly Squad’ theme places an emphasis on funny books.
While some nurseries and schools have already opened their doors post-lockdown, September is when it seems that we can expect all children to return. So what will the ‘new normal’ look like for parents and their children come the autumn?
READ MORE
READ MORE
By Gabrielle Lawrence
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By Kairen Cullen
Summer 2020 7
PRE-SCHOOL
Best Printable Early Years Activity Sheets Free printables to help your little one’s pre-school learning.
Learn About Numbers
Big Bird Number 6 Alphablocks A to Z Colouring Colouring
Family Card Game
Counting Sheet
Paint by Numbers
Bing Big Surprise Activities
Tracing Ace Learn to Draw
Maisy Dinner Doodle Mat
8 Summer 2020
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Summer 2020
PRE SCHOOL
Nursery at Home Activities for under 5s that are easy to do at home and mirror the range of play experiences offered at nursery.
Make a Mermaid Tail
Make Sparkly Playdough
Make a Magic Garden
Make Crab Handprints
Car Name Game
Make Tractor Tyre Printing Pictures
Enjoy Songs and Action Rhymes
Make an Under the Sea Water Tray
Enjoy Dressing Up Role Play
10 Summer 2020
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PARENTING
familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 11
PARENTING
How to Motivate Your Child to do Anything There is a long summer ahead…. and for many families, this is just an extension of a long spring at home with no school attendance and precious little by way of entertainment. Many children are fractious, bored, lonely, discontented and anxious. It’s no wonder many are struggling to concentrate, focus and motivate themselves to do very much at all. In order to get your child up and moving this summer and avoid a case of terminal boredom, your child needs a few projects and goals that will give them a sense of achievement and productivity. These could be anything from practising times tables, having a day of screen free time every week, reading a book, doing some daily exercise or tidying their room. You may even challenge them to complete some of the projects in this magazine! For little ones, some
more specific goals for positive behaviour might be appropriate. Decide what you think might work for your child and, if they are older, discuss and agree this with them. Consider an appropriate motivator for your child. This doesn’t have to be (and, in fact, shouldn’t always be) money and it’s best to avoid sugary treats as rewards too. But it may be that you offer to pay for something your child really needs if they achieve their goal. It’s fun to give an older child a few different projects and goals with points they can earn for each, with the aim of reaching a total number of points and a bigger reward. Remember to give praise generously for the effort your child goes to, even if they don’t quite achieve all their goals. You can find lots of reward ideas from simple/low cost to more involved on the next page.
12 Summer 2020
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PARENTING
Rewards to Motivate Your Child Simple/Low Cost • Pick a movie – anything goes if it’s age appropriate! • Cook their favourite dinner. • A later bed time. • Read an extra bed time story. • 30 minutes of extra screen time (not appropriate if you are trying to get them off a screen!) • One to one time with mum or dad doing exactly what they want. • Stickers.
More Involved • A picnic in the park. • Choosing a family activity. • An outdoor playdate with friends (activity ideas page 23) • Time with your phone to take some photos. Then get them printed. • Camp in the garden. • A family sports activity • Visit the beach. • Go for a bike family bike ride.
Costs Money • Give your child your loose change – every day for a week! T&Cs apply
• Earn art materials for creative fun. • Earn a small item which promotes physical activity. Football, hula hoop or frisbee… • Increase their pocket money. • Paint a feature wall in their room in their favourite colour. • Let your child choose the next family outing. • Buy them their favourite magazine, or an app they want. familiesonline.co.uk
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Summer 2020 13
PARENTING
Mums in Lockdown Four mums and Families magazine Editors tell us how lockdown has been for them. How have they juggled work, parenting, home schooling and life – and survived intact?
Caroline Roope is Editor of Families Solent East magazine. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and two sons. Watch Caroline’s lockdown video.
Laura Macaulay is Editor of Families North Yorkshire and Families Newcastle magazine. She is mum of two boys and lives in Yorkshire. Watch Laura’s lockdown video.
Katy Stollery is Editor of Families Fife and Tayside in Scotland. She just started running her business at the start of lockdown! She is the mum of two girls and lives in Fife. Watch Katy’s lockdown video.
Claire Bottomley is Editor of Families Leeds & West Yorkshire magazine. She is mum of three children ages 2 to 11 – two boys and a girl - and lives in Leeds. Watch Claire’s lockdown video.
14 Summer 2020
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PARENTING
Talking to our Children about Racism
Helping your Child Cope with Nightmares
Last month saw an unprecedented outpouring of movements throughout the world advocating an end to racial inequality. Children certainly have questions about the stories they hear, see and read, so how do we talk to them positively and openly about race? Download A Parent’s Guide to Black Lives Matter.
Many children have more underlying worries than usual right now. These are often kept at bay by the routines, occupations and pleasures of the day, only to surface at night in the form of scary nightmares. Our friends at Fegans share their top tips for coping with your child’s nightmares.
Developing your Baby’s Sense of Humour
Worried about your Child’s Weight?
Watching your baby’s sense of humour develop is incredibly rewarding. Babies are born ready to laugh, but did you know that having a sense of humour is a learned quality that can actually be developed in babies and children?
Lockdown has significantly impacted children’s health, with a trend of weight gain resulting from confinement at home. Here are some useful tips from Need2KnowBooks for parents wanting to control weight gain in their children There’s a book offer at the end of the article too! READ MORE
By Andrew Campbell
READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira
Summer 2020 15
IN G CALL FA ALL R MILI E P ES SU
The power of family saving + investing with our super app
ROUND UP YOUR RECENT PURCHASES
TOP UP AS MUCH AND AS OFTEN AS YOU PLEASE
SEND GIFTS AND MESSAGES WITH LOVE
EARN MONEY BACK ON YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING
Click here to learn more Please note: capital as risk. As with any investment, the value can go down as well.
Summer 2020
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HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Beat the crowd staycation ideas Please check the latest Government guidance before you book.
Canal Boat Holiday
Eco-Friendly Tree House
Rustic Woodland Shack
Hobbit Inspired Pod
Explore the UK’s rivers/ Luxury woodland break canals. From £725 a in Devon. From £1,390 a week (family of 4). week.
Retro Airstream Caravan
Go retro in Suffolk. From £66 a night (min 2-nights).
Idyllic Shepherd’s Hut
Get off the grid in Yorkshire. From £125 a night.
Pod living in Suffolk. From £710 a week (family of 4).
Northumberland’s beaches. From £180 for 2 nights (family of 4).
Gorgeous Highland Cottage
New Forest Cottage
Stunning St Ives Hideaway
Wild Scotland! From £1,990 a week (inc daily catering).
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Forest and beach. From Secret tunnel to beach! £949 a week (July). From £164 a night Sleeps 4. (min 3-nights). Summer 2020 17
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Staycation Survival Guide Check for the latest government travel advice. The rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, so make sure you check the details for the country you are visiting. Consider insurance. New policies no longer cover coronavirus-caused cancellations. If you have pre-booked insurance or an annual policy, the FCO has currently advised against all non-essential travel, which invalidates your insurance. It seems likely that the FCO position will change with regard to those countries with which the UK establishes air bridges but check your insurance T&Cs before you book/travel. Check the cancellation policy for any holiday you book. Will your deposit be refunded if another lockdown happens or if travel restrictions are not lifted? Lower your expectations. There will be fewer places open and some form of social distancing is likely to still be in place. Embrace nature and spending time with your family and think of all the money you are saving towards next year’s holiday!
Budget Staycation Ideas Lodge in the grounds of the Thomas Lord Inn, Hampshire. Private facilities/meals to your room. Farmstay UK 700 farms offering camping, B&B and SC. Birdholme Glamping in Notts. Stilted safari lodges in acres of space! Forest Holidays Log cabins/ tree houses in 10 forest locations across UK. Camp Too - retro VW campers + modern motorhomes. Various UK pick-up points. Tent Share. Rent a tent so you don’t have to buy camping gear! Canopy & Stars - reconnect with nature! Glamping to shepherd huts. 18 Summer 2020
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HOLIDAYS
PLACES TO GO
Family Tour of the UK No holiday? Take your family on a virtual tour of the UK’s most famous places.
Stonehenge
Roman Baths
Edinburgh Castle
Interactive 360º tour + live view from inside the monument.
Virtual ‘walkthrough’ of Bath’s Roman baths.
Stunning aerial view of the building and city.
Tower of London
Giant’s Causeway 360º tour of this spectacular landmark.
Hadrian’s Wall
A 360º view of the world’s largest Roman artefact.
Buckingham Palace
The Shard
Dover Castle
Interactive 360º tour of the building and grounds.
Tour THE most famous Royal Palace. familiesonline.co.uk
View London from the tallest building in Europe.
360º tour of the castle on top of the white cliffs. Summer 2020 19
ADVENTURE IN THE HIGH TREES Yorkshire
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Bringing adventure back to the trees from July! Pre-booking essential Reduced capacity sessions New hygiene protocols No-quibble refund for Covid related cancellations
Find us next to Lightwater Valley near Ripon
015394 47186 www.treetoptrek.co.uk
Summer 2020
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We’ve put together this handy map that can be pulled out of the magazine and kept for use all year. We’ve marked plenty of family friendly attractions for you to visit over the course of the year, suitable for all of the family. It can get expensive to visit attractions with the kids all of the time, so we’ve also highlighted some of our favourite parks and playgrounds too. Just look out for the tree icon on the map #freefamilyfun
Places to visit in 2020 Pull out and keep map – you can refer to it all year long!
Of course, we can’t highlight every amazing attraction available in the region, so if you’re looking for more LGHDV FKHFN RXW RXU ¾:KDWœV 2Qœ VHDUFK IDFLOLW\ RQOLQH ZZZ IDPLOLHVRQOLQH FR XN ¹ DOO \RX KDYH WR GR LV input your postcode and away you go. You can also hear about family friendly events, shows and visitor attractions including offers, deals and competition tickets on our Facebook group. If you don’t already LIKE our page, maybe now is the time to do so www.facebook. com/FamiliesNYMag. Happy #familyfun times this year!
Tree Top Nets
The Web Adventure Park The Web Adventure Park offers fun for all ages regardless of the weather! Babies are catered for indoors in our amazing new sensory area, older children will enjoy exploring our huge indoor play area, offering slides, ball canons, sports area and even a role play village. The CafĂŠ will keep the parents happy with homemade food and amazing baked treats! Outside our extensive adventure park has ample RSWLRQV IRU VXQQ\ GD\ SOD\ Âą ZDWHU SDUN VDQG DUHD ride on bikes and carts area, animal park, swings and climbing areas as well as two huge high ropes courses for 7 years to adults!
If you’re a family who loves getting outdoors, Treetop Nets should be top of your list for an unforgettable woodland experience. Treetop Nets is a collection of giant bouncy nets, tunnels and slides, suspended high in the trees, located just outside Ripon. In these huge treetop trampolines, you can run wild in the tree canopy and explore the high trees via bouncy walkways and play in giant aerial ball parks. There are slides, treehouses and games to play and fearless adventurers can also don a harness and clamber up a mighty tree. A perfect day out for all ages.
Jorvik With an updated ride experience and state-of-the art galleries to explore, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy. As you journey back to 10th century York, the sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age city are brought vividly back to life. Dig deeper into the Viking story of York by getting close-up with our rare collection of 1,000-year-oldartefacts whilst talking to our friendly Viking hosts.
York’s Chocolate Story Summit Indoor Adventure Climb. Bowl. Trek. Skate. Play. Party. Dine. Summit Indoor Adventure is the ultimate family destination, with exciting activities for everyone ¹ XQGHU RQH URRI From climbing the walls (literally!) with 20 different walls at Adventure Climb, to going wild in the Adventure Play three-story funhouse, the IXQ QHYHU VWRSV 2U IHHOLQJ EUDYH" 7DNH RQ WKH Aerial Trek course and reach for the stars as you tackle the 16 elements. There’s also 10-Pin Bowling for those who like a bit of competition and a Ride & Skate Park for adrenaline junkies to skateboard, BMX or scoot to their heart’s content.
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At York’s Chocolate Story you can discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate, unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even learn the art of the chocolatier for yourself. A fully guided WRXU DQG WKUHH ÀRRUV RI LQWHUDFWLYH H[SORUDWLRQ WDNH \RX RQ D journey through the city where chocolate made history. While other British cities were built on steel, coal or wool, York’s fame and fortune have rested on chocolate for almost 300 years: thanks to the vision and invention of its great entrepreneurial families, not to mention the industry and dedication of its people.
Dalby Forest Brymor Ice Cream Parlour
Situated just outside Masham at High Jervaulx Farm, Brymor Ice Cream remains the only producer in Yorkshire making ice cream with milk from its own herd of pedigree Guernsey cows. All of Brymor’s ice cream is made by hand at the farm with the calves and young stock from the herd on public view, who will one day produce the milk Brymor use for the ice cream.The world-famous ice cream parlour is open seven days a week and offers something for all the family with indoor and outdoor play areas; an indoor play barn; go karts; a dog exercise and dog friendly area; plus, events throughout the year. Follow us on social media for competitions and up to date information about events: Facebook: @BrymorIceCream; Instagram: @ brymoricecream; Twitter: @BrymorIceCream
Dalby really is the great Yorkshire forest with something for everyone! Discover the magic of our unique landscape, nestled on the southern slopes of the beautiful North York Moors National Park. Explore the forest by hiring bikes, following walking trails or going for a run. Varied terrain means you are regularly rewarded with breath-taking views and the chance to spot wildlife. We also hold family-friendly events year-round. Or, you can just enjoy a relaxing coffee amid inspiring scenery! Our fantastic new visitor centre cafĂŠ serves cakes, snacks Summer 2020 and hot meals.
Built for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle and taking over 100 years to complete, today Castle Howard remains home to the Howard family. Discover the rich and varied history, dramatic interiors and VZHHSLQJ SDUNODQGV RI WKLV PDJQL¿FHQW KRXVH )UHH ÀRZLQJ WRXUV RI WKH KRXVH DOORZ \RX WR H[SORUH DW \RXU OHLVXUH ZLWK IULHQGO\ DQG knowledgeable guides. From decadent bedrooms and lavish drawing rooms to the stunning Great Hall and vast Long Gallery, there are architectural wonders and worldrenowned collections in every room. Spend a day exploring the beautiful gardens; with meandering woodland paths, lakeside terraces and sweeping vistas dotted with temples, statues and follies.
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Enjoy a changing programme of exhibitions and events, including Christmas opening when the house is decorated for the festive season. Plus, outdoor tours, illustrated children’s trail, a new adventure playground and summer boat trips on the Great Lake (weather permitting). Treat yourself at a range of cafÊs and shops, including garden centre, farm shop and gift shops.
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Lotherton is an Edwardian country estate, hall and wildlife park set within eight acres of beautiful gardens and a red deer park. With two parks, extensive grassy parkland and historic gardens to roam, the estate is a fantastic family-friendly day out. Visit Wildlife World to see animals from across the globe including playful Humboldt penguins, Arthur WKH 7DSLU DQG &DS\EDUDV ,Q WKH KDOO \RX ZLOO ÂżQG FXULRVLW\ FDELQHWV GRWWHG WKURXJKRXW WR KHOS FKLOGUHQ ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH KLVWRULF IRUPHU family home, and in school holidays there are a range of activities and events to keep everyone entertained.
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Get ready for a fantastic family day out at Piglets Adventure Farm, packed with exciting attractions and lots of farm fun. Take a tractor and trailer ride to the Bale Play Baaarn, bounce high on the Jumping Pillows or try your hand at Crazy Golf. See adorable animals and get up close to piglets in the Piglet Maternity Ward. There are tasty treats LQ 7UXIĂ€HV 7URXJK &DIp DQG 7KH &RIIHH +RXVH WRR A day of adventure for the whole family whatever the weather! 01904 499183 www.pigletsadventurefarm.com
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park
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Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is a visitor attraction based at Askham Bryan College, York. The wildlife park is open to visitors at weekends and during college holidays, when students and staff share their passion for and knowledge of the college animal collection with visitors. The wildlife park includes a wide range of creatures, from meerkats to monkeys, snakes to spiders and ants to alpaca. The wildlife park has a children’s playpark, cafÊ and free parking. www.abcwildlifepark.co.uk
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Summer 2020
Ice Cre a m Pa rlou r PARLOUR OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AS NORMAL FROM 04 JULY
Ap p ro p r i ate s o c i a l d i s t a n c i ng me a s u r e s wi l l t a ke pl a c e , s up ply o f 5 0 b e n c he s a c ro s s t he s ite fo r fa m i ly u n it s to s it o ut s ide co m fo r t a bly
Ne w M a i z e M a z e o p e n i ng f ro m 18 Ju ly
Welcome back! The Castle Howard Gardens and Skelf Island Adventure Playground have now reopened!
Explore 1,000 acres of parkland with meandering woodland paths, lakeside terraces, temples and fountains. Burn off steam at Skelf Island, with ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment. At present, we politely ask all visitors to pre-book an arrival time slot before visiting us, full details are available on our website. Why not become a Friend of Castle Howard? Stay and play all year round with unlimited access to the Gardens and Adventure Playground plus a range of other great benefits. If you’d like to ‘try before you buy’ you can upgrade your day admission ticket to an annual membership at the Ticket Office on the day of your visit and we’ll refund your original equivalent admission. See you soon! Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA www.castlehoward.co.uk castlehowardest
Summer 2020
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PLACES TO GO
Families North Yorkshire Recommends This summer is going to be a little bit different to previous summers to say the least. Many of us will be cautious about planning for a family day out and all of us will be looking for reassurance that venues and places to go are complying with government rules and regulations. We’ve done a quick round up of some of the best outdoor places to go this summer. Be sure to also look at our double page map of attractions and places to visit, as printed in our Mar/Apr issue and here again to remind you of the wonderful family days out available in our magnificent region.
Castle Howard, York Castle Howard reopened Skelf Island, the ingenious tree-top adventure playground on Saturday 4th July, following the latest government guidance. The much-anticipated reopening of Skelf Island, with its rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment comes with new ‘Skelf and Safety’ measures in place to ensure that all visitors have space to play whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines. Find out more at www.castlehoward.co.uk
Brymor Ice Cream Parlour and Maize Maze, Masham BRAND NEW in SUMMER 2020! Brymor’s Maize Maze opens from 18th July! Brymor’s Ice Cream Parlour is open 7 days a week as normal from the 4th July. Appropirate social distancing measures will take place and there is a supply of 50 benches across the site for families to sit outside comfortably. There is a fantastic outdoor play area at Brymor, perfect for children of all ages. The farm is just outside Masham and is easily reached from the A1 North/South from junction 50. Find out more at: www.brymordairy.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 25
PLACES TO GO
Families North Yorkshire Recommends TreeTop Nets, Ripon Children can finally go wild in the high trees again as Treetop Nets Yorkshire brings their woodland adventures back to the treetops, reopening on 18th July. If you’re a family who loves getting outdoors, Treetop Nets should be top of your list for a highly active day out this summer. Like many businesses, capacity has been greatly reduced and new social distancing measures put in place and the attraction has been awarded the Visit England “Good to Go” accreditation. This unique aerial nets’ adventure has over 2000m2 of giant trampolines all made out of netting, suspended high above the ground. The whole family can run wild on bouncy walkways, explore treehouses and play games high in the tree canopy – up to 15m above the ground. Grab a sack and zoom down to the ground again on the super-fast slides or clamber through the crawl tunnel enjoying a view usually reserved for squirrels and bats! Suitable from age 3 upwards, with adult supervision, Treetop Nets is a perfect day out for the whole family. All you need is to dress for the weather (they are open rain or shine) and wear suitable footwear – please note, they don’t allow open toe shoes, even on the hottest days. Treetop Nets is an unforgettable, unique outdoor adventure high up in the tree canopy. To celebrate, we are giving away a family ticket to Treetop Nets on page! Book now at www.treetoptrek.co.uk/ripon
26 Summer 2020
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PLACES TO GO
Lotherton, Leeds Lotherton opened up its doors to the public some weeks ago, so that families could access their beautiful outdoor areas free of charge. As of 29th June, they have re-opened officially with new measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Admission charges now apply, and you can access the amazing Wildlife World from 11am – 5pm daily. Lotherton has also opened up its outdoor play areas and has a small takeaway service in operation from the Stable’s Café. Toilets have opened too. You must pre-book before your visit as there are a limited number of people allowed each day. However, if you are an annual pass holder, you do not need to pre-book and will be admitted if you simply turn up. Plus, they are extending memberships for two months, if yours ran out, like ours did (!) during lockdown. Find out more at www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/lotherton.
Piglets Adventure Farm, York A summer wouldn’t be the same without a day at Piglets Adventure Farm and we are pleased to announce that they are re-opening from 1st August! They are reducing the number of visitors on site so tickets will be limited, and they will be taking online bookings only. Tickets are released on 10th July. Your visit will be a little bit different from usual, but you can expect all of the same jam-packed family fun adventures! Explore the great outdoors and follow the Farmyard Trail to see the adorable furry friends having fun. Get ready to explore areas of corn in the brand-new Maize Maze ‘Rainbow of Hope’ for an exciting and colourful outdoor mission. With 20 new fairies, follow the magical Fairy Trail through the enchanted woodland to find the homes of fairies. Prepare for acres of summertime fun and hire your own Beach Hut for the whole family. Plus, your little piggies will love spending hours in the outdoors this summer, reach for the sky on the Bouncing Pillows or enjoy a game of Crazy Golf. Don’t forget to visit the Animal Barns to see the adorable piglets in the Piglets Maternity Ward!
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Summer 2020 27
PLACES TO GO
Places to Go this Summer These places are opening many outside spaces and gardens (and possibly some inside ones too). Find out what is open near you.
National Trust
English Heritage
Legoland UK
Woodland Trust
WWT Wetland Centres
Forestry England
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
National Parks UK
Go Ape Adventures
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WORK
WORK
Avoiding Home Working Hell…. By Mandy Garner Working from home is the nirvana parents have been waiting for, right? Well, maybe, but NOT when combined with looking after children full time. Here are some tips on successfully working from home as the school holidays and exhaustion kick in. Manage expectations - not just those of your employer, but your own and those of your family. Creating a routine that allows you to work can help everybody. For instance, some quiet time after lunch when your children know that you will be making phone calls. Ask your manager if you can work around your childcare responsibilities, perhaps in the evenings or at weekends, tag teaming with your partner, if you have one. Or consider reducing your hours if this is affordable, and explore this with your employer. As with flexible working negotiations, if you spell out the issues, explain how you are trying to tackle them and suggest potential workable solutions, managers are more likely to listen. The right set up - it’s not just about the hours you can work. You need the right long term setup, given fears of commuting and 28 familiesonline.co.uk
a second wave of infection. Can your employer help with technical support and ergonomics? It’s sensible to have a back-up if your laptop goes down or to have someone you can call with technical issues. This is far less stressful and time-consuming than trying to work things out for yourself from YouTube tutorials. You also need the right workspace and furniture. There are reports of increased back pain as a result of people working from sofas or beds during lockdown. Ask your employer for support - it’s a health and safety issue - and for help with work-related phone/internet bills if they don’t provide phones and laptops. READ MORE Summer 2020 29
WORK
WORK
The Changing Face of Furlough By Georgina Thomas As quickly as “furlough� became a household name for us, we are now looking towards the end of it, with the proposed scheme closure in October. This will have wide ranging impact on employers and employees and so we have set out a summary of what to expect as the scheme is withdrawn over the coming months. From 1 July, flexible furlough begins and we are advising clients to ensure a written agreement with staff, with clear terms upon which they intend to implement arrangements. The main headlines of flexible furlough are that, subject to certain conditions, employees can be brought back, part time, for any hours with full pay for hours actually worked and furlough pay calculated as appropriate to the time spent on furlough i.e. wage caps proportionate to the hours actually furloughed. Only employees who have already been furloughed (you must have submitted a furlough claim for them for three consecutive weeks between 1 March and 30 June) and for whom you have already received a furlough payment are entitled and there are a number of additional convoluted rules here around claim periods and calculations. We advise getting 30 Summer 2020
advice before implementing any arrangements to ensure that plans to use flexible furlough are carried out correctly. Be aware that employees returning from statutory parental leave e.g. maternity or paternity leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave or parental bereavement leave are treated differently regarding the exclusions to flexible furlough that apply to other employees and so, again, take advice in respect of any employees in these categories to avoid discrimination and other claims. Is there a minimum furlough period of three weeks like before, under the extended scheme? READ MORE
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ACTIVITIES
Screen-Free Activities Weekend
No more Netflix binging - mix and match ideas for a 48 hour family digital detox.
Morning – 1 hour Make brunch for all the family. Rediscover paper. Make amazing origami. Puzzle it out. Try crosswords/ Sudoku together. Morning – 2 hours Mess about on the water. Try SUP paddling or canoeing. Reconnect with nature. Do the RSPB Wild Challenge. All morning Construct a fort in the garden or house. Create a family scrapbook with memorabilia of all kinds! Evening – 1 hour Make books. Just gather art and craft supplies. Try a night walk. Pack torches, snacks, raincoats and go on an adventure. Evening – 2 hours Go stargazing. Spot planets and constellations! Play charades. Young and old love this classic game. All evening Have a movie-athon. Check out ideas here. Camp out. Set up the tent, cook sausages and yummy S’mores. familiesonline.co.uk
Afternoon – 1 hour Board no more. Play a board game or bingo. Print off cards here. Afternoon – 2 hours Create a herb garden. In pots, the garden or on a windowsill! Be treasure hunters. Set up a trail with treasure at the end. All afternoon Get arty. Pack a picnic, art supplies and enjoy nature. Strike a pose. Family photo shoot with an SLR/Polaroid camera.
All Day Build a go-kart. Then test it out! Develop circus skills. Learn juggling, tightrope walking and magic! Visit the seaside. Head to one of Britain’s best seaside towns. French Day. Begin with croissants, learn the lingo and cook some French cuisine. Build a garden labyrinth. Gather materials to make a cool labyrinth that you can walk round. Be Kind. Post some fun letters/ cards to friends/relatives. Create care packages for vulnerable people. Summer 2020 31
ACTIVITIES
Live and Virtual Kids’ Summer Camps and Courses
Chelsea Young Writers
Online streamed creative writing courses. Ages 6-12.
Sparks Filmmaking Courses Action-packed online course. Ages 9-18.
Camp Beaumont Summer Camps Live multi-activity camps. Ages 3-16.
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Perform
Kings Camps
Live 3/5 day performing arts courses. Ages 4-10.
Live multi-activity camps for ages 5-17.
Sophia
Little House of Science
Online classes from Harry Potter to coding. Ages 4-18.
Firetech Courses
Online tech for ages 9-17. 20% off with code Families20.
Online video science camps. Ages 3-11.
The Strings Club Camps
Live & online music/ craft camps. Ages 3-11. familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Give your Child a Social Summer Outdoor activity ideas for groups of children. Make sure you check the latest government guidance and BYO equipment!
Mini Olympics Discus – use frisbees or paper plates. Shot Put – use bean bags or tennis balls. Hurdles – use cardboard boxes. Simple Gymnastic Displays – handstands/cartwheels. Running Races – of all lengths! Long Jump – use tape measure and award points. Ball Archery – throwing a ball at a target or containers. Shooting - with nerf guns on a target.
Sports Gala Football Penalty Shoot Outs – 10 attempts, 10 points per goal. Mini Golf – use cups for holes. Darts – use magnetic/Nerf darts. Swingball Tournament. Quoits – with hula hoops and garden stakes. Skittles – half fill drink bottles for pins. Bowls – get closest to the small ball. Balloon Tennis using rope for a net. familiesonline.co.uk
Picnic Party What’s the time Mr Wolf? Simon says.... Bingo – download cards or make your own. Charades. Dance festival – mix up the music to test the best movers. Treasure hunt. Limbo – using a rope who can get the lowest. Fun Races – sack/egg & spoon/ ball between knees/bean bag on head.
Park & Pavement Play Hopscotch. Chalk Art Contest. Noughts & Crosses. Pavement Obstacle Course. Jumping Game – mark out lines. Tree Rubbings – who can make the most rubbings? Painting with Water – old paint rollers/brushes with soapy water. Skipping.
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ACTIVITIES
Best Online Classes for All Ages Are your children missing their regular classes and activities? Try these instead!
Family Dance Workshops
Teddies Music Club Online
Online Science Club
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes at Home
Sadler Well’s fun family Lively music and art for dance workshops for 2 pre-schoolers. to 6 years.
Live classes with Mother Nature Science.
The Strings Club Ukele/guitar/violin classes for ages 3+. FREE session!
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Self-guided, fun tutorials (5-8yrs).
The Little Gym at Home
Little Kickers Football for Kids
Easy, fun football classes with a warm up, games, and goals.
Virtual Kids Martial Arts
Online classes to burn off excess energy.
Little STEAMers
Play-based science/ engineering classes for Fitness sessions for ages 2-4. primary and pre-school children. familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Win an Online Song Writing Course! Songwriting4Kids teaches children ages 8-13 how to write songs. The selfguided instruction WIN! videos cover reading and writing music as well as basic rhythms and lyrics. Perfect for kids who are new to music as well as those who already play an instrument! First prize: Level 1 & 2 worth ÂŁ135.99. Second prize: Level 1 worth ÂŁ79.99. Enter here with name & postcode by 15 August 2020.
Struggling to Get Your Child to Do Music Practice? By Ruth Seodi
Having to constantly push your child to practise their music becomes tiresome and often leads to fall outs. Here are four ways in which you can turn practising from a chore to a pleasure for your child. READ MORE. WATCH VIDEO.
T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE For all ages 0-Adult
Swim shop selling baby wet suits, re-usable swim nappys & nappy covers NEW inclusive classes for all abilities 1:1, 2:1 or group at Cawood & Bubwith
Cawood Park, Ryther Road, Cawood, Selby YO8 3TT Willow Lodge, Brighton Road, Bubwith Yo8 6DQ Weighton Wold pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE
familiesonline.co.uk
Summer 2020 35
ACTIVITIES
Best Printable Primary Age Games Free printables to help your child keep busy and learning.
Battleships
Develops strategy, logical thinking and concentration.
Country Word Search
Find 20 countries amongst the letters.
Alphabet Scattegories
Find a word for each letter! 36 Summer 2020
The Mystery of the Missing Pirate Treasure
Car Bingo
Great for alphabet recognition.
Practises maths and problem solving.
Colouring Picnic
Read the sentences to colour the picture.
Premier League Football Facts
Solve the sums to complete the football facts.
ABC Trace & Colour
Trace the letter and colour in the drawing.
Harry Potter Word Scramble Figure out what Harry is saying.
familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Best Lego Kits for Rainy Days The ideal creative indoor activity for any age.
Duplo My First Bricks Box of Fun
Classic Creative Brick Box
Boost Creative Toolbox Robotics
Great starter kit. Ages 18mths+.
Endless building opportunities. Ages 4+.
Build/code interactive motorised robots. Ages 7-12.
World Animals
Creator Mighty Dinosaurs
Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall
Great introductory set inc. toy animals and people. Ages 2+.
Trolls Poppy’s Pod Playhouse including mini figures/ accessories. Ages 4+.
familiesonline.co.uk
3 dinosaurs in 1 set. Ages 7-12.
Friends Stephanie’s Gymnastics
Build gymnastic equipment. Ages 6+.
Includes 10 mini figures. Ages 9+.
Captain Marvel Toy Jet
Perfect for Marvel fans. Ages 7+. Summer 2020 37