Families North Yorkshire Jul/Aug23 - Print

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Carla Finlayson, editor

E: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk

T: 07734 690020

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@FamiliesNYMag

@familiesnorthyorkshiremagazine

In this issue

13.

The paper used in this magazine is made with or contains forestbased materials from FSC-certified forests and its use will not have harmed forests.

Welcome

Summer is finally here! And if you haven’t started planning fun things to do during the long summer school holidays, now is your chance.

We have loads of fabulous ‘boredom busting’ ideas for projects to keep the kids busy - many are low cost, free and even educational! Check out fun Forest School activities to do outdoors as well as some of our suggestions of local summer clubs ideas.

Going away on holiday is a pleasure but the endless ‘Are we there yet?’ questions from your kids as you travel are definitely NOT. So, before you go, take a look at our advice on dealing with this situation.

Meanwhile, there’s loads of inspiration for family fun on your doorstep this summer in our What’s On guide. It’s time to get out and about!

Look out for another Orchard Toys game giveaway– we have NEW games bundles to giveaway! Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer

March/April competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MA23giveaways

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.

rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Aardman presents

The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

Sat 22 Jul – Sun 3 Sep

There’s a brand new luxury bug hotel opening at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Can you help Lloyd and friends to find it? Follow a garden trail featuring an amazing new augmented reality app and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities all summer long!

Your visit supports our work as a charity.

Preventing summer brain drain

By Jemma Z Smith

Summer holidays are fabulous but all too often the return to school in September can come as a bit of a shock to the system. How do you spell that word again? What’s that fractions rule? The feeling of forgetting everything is really common (for adults too!).

Here are some fun activities you can do over the long summer break to keep everyone’s minds in tip top condition and just as sharp as in term time.

Times table bingo

This can be a really good way of practising your times tables. There are lots of free and downloadable resources out there but essentially all you need is paper, pencils and perhaps a times table square that you can refer to.

While you’re in the maths zone, try making up dice games. For example, start with three or more dice and set challenges: can you roll a number higher than… an even number, a prime number or a number in a certain times table. The possibilities are endless. Assign points to the winner and make it as competitive as you wish!

Kim’s game

This is a popular memory game that you can play anywhere. Find ten objects and place them on a tray or picnic blanket. Everyone has a good look, then all but one person closes their eyes and an item is silently removed. Can the kids remember what has been taken? For variation, cover the tray and everyone has to try to remember the whole list of ten objects.

Story stones

This is a lovely, artistic way of keeping the kids’ imaginations and creativity firing. Firstly, you need to go on a walk and find some smooth pebbles suitable for painting on. The idea is then that each stone is used to paint a different section of a story. Acrylic paint or permanent markers are the best to decorate stones. The kids can even act out the story later.

Lights, camera, action!

Feeling dramatic? Encourage the kids to become a news broadcaster for the day! They can take on the role of a character and choose something that they want to talk about. Will it be scary or funny? Who will be the interviewee, the director, camera person and lighting technician? Then, of course, they will need to prepare a timed script and practise speaking clearly in front of an attentive audience.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel, www.educationhotel.co.uk

Queen Ethelburga’s

Queen’s Kindergarten of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York has been named a Top 20 Nursery in Yorkshire and The Humber. One of only three named in North Yorkshire, Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House School and Queen’s Kindergarten said, “We’re delighted to have won the award and to have received so many positive reviews from our parents. We pride ourselves on the excellent care we offer the children and the positive parent and child relationships which are formed with our dedicated practitioners who provide outstanding support to each of their key children in all areas of their development. The children settle quickly into our setting and enjoy the exciting experiences that are provided for them.”

Help your child with school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

While moving to a new class or new school can be challenging for kids, most adapt to changes within the first few weeks as routines are established and new friendships formed. Preparation is a key component which can make a huge difference to the readiness of your child. At the same time, emotional resilience greatly helps children adapt to different environments, routines and social dynamics. So, how can parents support children through their journey of change and uncertainty?

Encourage open communication

Open communication is essential in helping children express their worries and concerns. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and validate their emotions. Set aside dedicated time and spaces for these conversations. This can be as simple as the walk or drive home from school or over a snack at the end of the day.

Develop problem solving skills

Encourage your child to identify potential challenges and discuss possible solutions together. This will help them feel more prepared while developing their own problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, emphasising the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

Model resilience

By modelling resilience you provide a powerful example for your child to follow, helping them develop the emotional strength needed to adapt to new experiences. Give examples of your own coping strategies, taking care to maintain a positive spin. Show

your child that change is a natural part of life and discuss the exciting opportunities that the new academic year will bring.

Emphasise the importance of self-care

Establish healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Encourage participation in a range of out of school activities that they enjoy. This will help them better manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook during times of change.

Celebrate success

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during transition. Praising their ability to overcome challenges boosts confidence. Keep the open communication going so it becomes a habit. Children need to know you will always be behind them through and beyond their teens. Remain patient and understanding as each child’s experience is unique and developing emotional resilience takes time and practice.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

What the new childcare proposals mean for you

By Anna Letouze

There was good news for parents in this year’s Spring Budget when it was announced that the government will be extending funded childcare. This funding extension will mean that by September 2025 working parents of children over nine months and up to five years will be entitled to thirty hours free childcare per week.

As any working parent knows, paying for childcare before the existing funding for three-year-olds kicks in can be financially crippling. That the government acknowledges this struggle is a big step forward for families.

This policy has the power to help more parents back to work and improve the quality of family life with increased income. However, it’s important to acknowledge that when you look more closely at the policy, there is a risk that it could potentially exacerbate existing issues in the childcare system.

Unfortunately, the childcare system has not received full government funding to support the ‘free’ childcare places for children ages 2 to 4 that it introduced some years ago. In response, nurseries have had no option but to increase fees to meet the shortfall, resulting in the cost of childcare increasing for many parents.

Simultaneously, the running costs for childcare providers have skyrocketed and they have been closing en masse; over five thousand in the past year alone.

Again, funding for the government’s ambitious new plans for children ages 1 and 2 is estimated by the CBI to be half of what it will cost to implement, which will likely result in more closures, more competition and higher fees. Currently, the maths just doesn’t add up.

From April 2024, all 2-year-olds will be eligible for fifteen hours of free childcare. From 2025, children aged nine months and above will be eligible for thirty free hours.

The reason for the delay is that the dwindling number of providers couldn’t cope with a sudden increase in demand. Even with the longer lead time, many providers still won’t be

able to afford to offer the required places. This may leave some parents in the same situation of not being able to access their entitlement.

If your child is going to be eligible for free hours under the proposed changes, get ahead now and check with your local providers to ask whether they are going to be offering free hours for 2-year-olds. If they are, you may need to put your child on a waiting list because, as things stand, there may be a lot of competition for places.

In the meantime, there are other things you can do to lighten the load. First, make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re eligible for. If you are a working parent and not currently claiming financial support, start with the government’s online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk.

It’s also worth researching any other sources of support you may be able to access. The Cost of Living Support on the Working Families website (www.workingfamilies.org.uk) is a good start point.

You could also consider requesting flexible working. Everyone has the right to make a request once in a role for twenty-six weeks.

Currently employers are not obliged to consider it, so prepare the groundwork to put forward a strong case. Head to the Working Families website for advice and free resources on the best way to make a request.

Anna Letouze writes on behalf of Working Families (www.workingfamilies.org.uk), the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.

Find your flex

Flex comes in all shapes and sizes. Hybrid or remote working, reduced or compressed hours, changing start and finish times, flexitime, job share; the list goes on.

If we start thinking of roles as comprising different tasks there is often an element of flexibility in when and how we can complete those tasks.

There’s no one way to work flexibly; instead, it is best achieved with a solution that is tailored both to your needs and the needs of your employer.

RHS

Garden Harlow Carr

RHS Harlow Carr is a stunning spot combining garden inspiration with outdoor exploration, all on the doorstep of the historic town of Harrogate. Stroll around the Queen Mother’s Lake and along the UK’s longest Streamside garden adorned with giant candelabra primulas and Mecanopsis poppies. Don’t miss the Alpine House, home to over 2,000 plants, or the tranquil Sandstone Rock Garden. The exotic Sub Tropicana Garden will transport you from Yorkshire to the Tropics, while adventurous younger family members will be wowed by the garden’s stunning stretch of Woodland.

What’s On?

If you’re looking for places to visit and things to keep the kids entertained this Summer, then our What’s On guide is packed full of ideas for places to take the kids, whatever the weather, day’s out, local events and shows.

9 July

Woodthorpe Green, York

Woodthorpe Festival

Head to the festival on the Green and enjoy live music, entertainment, food & drink, stalls and much more…

11 - 14 July

Great Yorkshire

Showground, Harrogate

Great Yorkshire Show!

The Great Yorkshire Show is known as one of the best agricultural shows in the UK, welcoming 140,000 people to the 250-acre showground. The four-day show celebrates agriculture, food, farming and countryside, with a respect for tradition while welcoming new additions. Book your tickets now at https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/

All Summer

The Web Adventure Park

Summer at The Web!

There’s so much in store for Summer at the Web Adventure Park! Think fantastic foam parties, a huge new inflatable slide, Dazzling Darren’s daily magic shows, sports-day fun, unlimited goes on our 13 fairground rides, a water play area, bouncing pillows, animal encounters with our furry friends, and SO much more! There’s something for everyone, from little tots up to adults! Expect a full day of fun, whatever the weather, all included in one ticket.

15 July - 4 September

York Maze

Summer at York Maze

Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK it’s an award winning fun filled day out in the country. With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out.

Take a day trip for £5.50

From 22 July, up to 2 adults and 3 children can go by bus using an All York Family ticket for just £5 50 a day, all summer holidays Buy on-board any bus & enjoy unlimited travel within the city boundary.

For more info: www.itravelyork.info

22 July - 3 September

RHS Garden Harlow Carr,

Aardman presents: Lloyd Of The Flies The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

Lotherton Hall, Leeds

Baby Band Festival

The Baby Band Festival comes to Lotherton this summer! The festival is especially for families to enjoy live music, activities, face painting and an artisan market. Food & drinks will be available and there is plenty of picnic space in the grounds of the country estate.

23 July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Aug

York Art Gallery

Creative Family

Thursdays

Inspired by Bloom exhibition, Free drop-in crafts for all the family. Suitable for families of all ages, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

This summer, join Lloyd and friends at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Download Lloyd’s augmented reality Bug Hunt app and have fun on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail. There’s so much to do in the garden this summer. Have a go at an animation workshop, build insects out of Lego, chill out with some family-friendly wellbeing yoga and more! No booking required, normal garden admission applies 01423 565 418 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/ summer-holiday-fun

22 July onwards

National Railway Museum, Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery

Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery is an unmissable new interactive experience for families—where nothing is off limits. Play your way through 18 mind-bending challenges and fuel their curiosity with amazing live experiments. Test your engineering skills as you step into the human wind tunnel, launch a rocket, and build big—then immerse yourself in an explosive live show to reveal the science behind the fun. Ready to experience the extraordinary? Tickets are now available.

12 &

13

Outdoor Cinema

19 & 20 August

Stockeld Park, Wetherby Stockeld Rox!

Stockeld Rox is the ultimate family music festival that takes place in the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire. From original and emerging pop acts to our own inhouse entertainers, there is something for everyone. Enjoy an unforgettable experience that is memorable, entertaining and safe for the whole family with a full day of music and entertainment, as well as delicious food and drink.

25 - 28 August

Castle Howard, York

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta!

The action-packed family friendly weekend will include mass balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, and spectacular night glow displays lighting up the evenings with a backdrop of Castle Howard’s beautiful Grounds and architecture.

26 August

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon Firework Championships

Three teams create a stunning displays choreographed to music and the audience votes for a winner on the night via SMS. To finish there is a final display by the organisers to round off what is always a fantastic night.

26 August

Wensleydale Showground, Wensleydale Agricultural Show

Wensleydale Agricultural Show is a great day out. A traditional Dales show located close to Leyburn, North Yorkshire in the heart of Wensleydale. The Show features an extensive range of competitive classes including showcasing the very best of local livestock, horticulture and handicraft. Fun, educational entertaining attractions can be witnessed in and around the main ring. Local interest displays such as stone walling and beautiful Wensleydale Sheep take place throughout the day.

28 August

Craven Park, Hull

Aim Higher’s Inclusive Party In the Park

Inclusive Party in the Park is an inclusive music festival to bring communities together in a safe non-judgemental environment that’s accessible for all. Organised by Aim Higher who are a local charity who support families in Hull, and East Riding affected by autism/ mental health in children and young people.

Out & about with Niamh Turnbull, our Roving Reporter for this issue.

Niamh [9] lives in Tadcaster with her sister Isla and her mum, dad and sausage dog, Cooper. In this issue she is going to share her review of her family’s one hour fudge making workshop at the Fudge Kitchen in York.

Hello! My name is Niamh and I’m going to tell you about our amazing trip to the Fudge Kitchen in York. When we arrived we were met by CJ who told us all about the history of fudge whilst we got to taste lots of different flavours . My favourite was Sea Salt and caramel!

When the mixture was ready, CJ poured it onto a marble table and showed us how to use a tool called a creamer to make the fudge creamy and smooth. Next we had to use the creamer to shovel and turn the fudge over and over again. When it had set a little more we used a tool called a loafer to get all the extra fudge off the table and help form the fudge into a long log shape. The last job was to use a blunt knife to cut it into pieces. The best bit was trying it at the end! It was delicious. We then got to choose 6 flavours of fudge and bring it home!

It was a really great experience and as a family we would highly recommend Find out more about the Fudge Kitchen in York on their website:

www.fudgekitchen.co.uk

If your child would like a chance to be one of our Roving Reporters then please email a review of one of their favourite places to visit in North Yorkshire along with a photo and a little about them to editor@familiesnorthyorkshire. co.uk. We can’t guarantee that all reviews received will be used.

WHAT’S ON

Theatre

28 July

Harrogate Theatre

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

1 & 2 August

Winnie the Pooh

Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh... and don’t forget Tigger too!) have come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation.

3 & 17 August

Grand Opera House, York Bridlington Spa

Joined by his cast of friends including naughty Chuck, Oscar the Parrot, Carlos from Brazil and the Hey Presto dancers. This exciting and colourful stage show guarantees a brilliant experience for the whole family.

Co-Parenting Tips for the Summer Holidays

By Katie Audsley

It is that time again when everyone starts asking that all important question “what are you doing in the Summer holidays?” For separated or divorced parents who are thinking about how to juggle work, arrange child care as well as agreeing the best way for each parent to spend quality time with their children, this can be just one more admin task to add to the evergrowing list.

Here at Hartlaw we thought it might help you to have some tips for tackling the logistics, so that you can look forward to relaxing during those long summer holidays…

Plan Early –

It almost sounds too obvious but the more in advance that you can plan things, the better. It is easy to put off those difficult conversations and bury your head in the proverbial sand (pun intended). It really is better to give as much notice as possible and opportunity for discussion. Aiming for a framework with a degree of flexibility will benefit everyone, not least the children.

Permission –

Whilst holidays in the UK do not require the other parent’s consent, we strongly urge asking for this as a matter of courtesy and good communication. Holidays abroad on the other hand – do require consent from everyone who has parental responsibility (PR), so ensure you have this before you travel to avoid drama and disappointment at passport control.

Summer Schedules -

There are some fantastic resources out there for putting together a scheduling template, so that you can work out where the children are and when, thus avoiding double bookings and keeping direct communication to a minimum, if this is difficult.

National Family Mediation (www.ngm.org.uk) have a free Summer parenting schedule that you can adapt. There are also apps such as Our Family wizard that, for a small charge, provide a digital platform to share those allimportant dates and communications.

The Rules are there ain’t no Rules -

(so said ‘Grease’, the film, not the country). When it comes to deciding how to best share the holidays there are no hard and fast rules and each family can make its own decision based on what works best for them but most importantly the children. Being creative, flexible and compromising is key.

If you’re stuck -

Mediation is a great resource for resolving issues that can’t be communicated and negotiated between parents. There is currently a £500 mediation voucher scheme available to each person. Accredited mediators are usually family lawyers who are used to providing guidance on ways forward.

If you would like to discuss these issues in more detail, or would like any further guidance or support in discussing arrangements for your children and finding a solution that works for your family, please contact one of the family team at Hartlaw who offer a free initial consultation. Email Katie@hartlaw.co.uk or telephone the office on 01937 547000.

Katie Audsley Family Lawyer Hartlaw LLP

Are we there yet?

By Tanith Carey

Four of the most dreaded words for parents in the English language are: ‘Are we there yet?’

Recent research has found that children will ask this question just over half an hour into a car journey and repeat it four times during the average two hour car trip.

However, when you look at long car journeys from a child’s point of view, should we really be surprised?

For one thing, for young children, hours and minutes have little concrete meaning until they reach about age 7. After that it will still take many more years for kids to develop their impulse control and ability to wait.

You can help your kids understand the length of the journey with more solid physical markers, such as: ‘We’ll be there after we have our next snack,’ or ‘When the fields turn into a town again.’

Before you set off, look out for places to stop - parks, service stations or playgrounds along the way. Build in short exercise breaks at these places to mark your progress in stages.

Journeys will also pass more quickly if we reframe how we view them. Rather than an ordeal to be endured, see them as a chance to spend uninterrupted time with the children where the journey is part of the fun.

Liven things up by downloading a ready-made picture car bingo game, so kids can cross off a square every time they see something like a police car, a bridge or a tractor.

Asking your child what they would like to bring with them to help the time pass will help them feel more in control; suggest they put together their ‘journey kit’ in a bag to hang on the back of

It helps to also have a few novelties that you can produce at different stages of the journey too.

For younger kids try window wax crayons and stickers they can use to decorate the windows. For older ones, be ready with a pair of binoculars or a compass so they can track your progress and appreciate what they are seeing. By appreciating where child is at developmentally, you can make journeys more pleasant for the whole family.

Tanith Carey is co-author, with Dr Angharad Rudkin, of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents. The book includes many topics including the best ways to communicate with children. Published by DK books and available from www.bookshop.org

Pauline Quirke Academy

The performing arts is a wide and vibrant industry including theatre, music, dance, film making and more. With its many facets, the performing arts can open up a world of possibility for young people to develop and grow in an environment that is safe and supportive. By providing a platform for creativity, fostering confidence, and promoting a sense of connectedness and community, the performing arts play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people.

Be Confident

Confidence is fundamental to a young person’s development; it enables them to have a go, try new things and succeed and fail in a safe environment. The performing arts naturally helps young people build confidence as they practice routines, perform in front of fellow students, family and friends, and receive and act on feedback. All this work culminating in the thrill of performing for an audience, with the knowledge that they have built the skills to create great work.

Be Creative

Of course, the performing arts are an outlet for creativity! Whether learning a dance routine, acting in a play, or pitching a film idea, the performing arts gives young people an opportunity to use their imagination and express themselves. Flexing their creative muscles allows young people to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems they encounter in their work but also in their everyday lives.

Be Connected

There are very few industries that rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Whether they are rehearsing, performing, or filming, the performing arts allows young people to connect with others who share their passion. Connecting with their peers, young people form bonds, deepen their empathy, and develop compassion for the world around them.

At The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, we believe that the performing arts can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of young people. Every week, our students learn new skills and make new friends though our three core modules, Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre. Through our ethos of ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ our students have the confidence to put themselves out there, the creativity to think differently and the community to feel supported whilst doing so.

Total Sports

Join Total Sports this summer for an unforgettable holiday club experience! Our team of Primary School Activity Experts is here to make your summer a blast. With over 50 activities to choose from each week, including our renowned ENERGY CLUB and exciting specialist options like the inflatable assault course, pottery, nerf, and archery, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, some venues offer additional courses in football or dance. Check out our venues, which include Harrogate Ladies College, Rossett Sports Centre, Bramhope Primary School, Aspin Primary School & 5 York venues . Whether you book individual days or full weeks, we can’t wait to see you there!

Twenty things for cool kids to do this summer

By Claire Winter

The long school holidays are here, the weather has perked up (hopefully) and there’s plenty of fun to be had! Dip into Families’ twenty ideas to keep your kids busy all summer –and the good news is a lot of them are absolutely free!

Cool kids can…..

Explore a local forest or woodland with family or friends. Pack a delicious picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty and organise a scavenger hunt to make the experience even more exciting.

Visit a different playground or splash park to keep cool on hotter days. It’s fun to venture further afield to add excitement and adventure to your child’s summer experience.

Put on a show or concert. Think Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice combined; it’s a fantastic way to showcase singing or dancing and create lasting memories, particularly if you video their acts.

Become an extra pocket money generator. Get the kids to put their skills to use by offering to do chores for neighbours, friends and family.

Host a mini-Olympics. Come up with some quirky games and competitions that will get everyone’s blood pumping and having a blast while doing it.

Create a newspaper or magazine. Encourage your child’s writing skills – get them to come up with exciting articles, interesting stories and plenty of pictures. Your child can also practise their digital skills by using a computer or tablet.

Get fit. Be a #fitfam and promote a healthy lifestyle to your kids by going on a run or

British Museum launches free Young Friends scheme

Young Friends Membership from the British Museum is now available for all families across the UK to join for free.

The scheme invites young people with curious minds to become enthralled and inspired by history and archaeology. It provides the opportunity for the family to learn and get involved, both at the Museum and remotely.

Offering fun ways for the family to get involved with the Museum, both onsite and from the comfort of your own home, elements include:

Bi-weekly emails packed full of activities such as trails, quizzes and craft activities; Details of family events across the Museum; Pre-booking for the Museum’s famous sleepovers; Digital copies of Remus magazine three times a year and access to the full archive.

To sign up to the Young Friends scheme visit www.britishmuseum.org/membership/young-friends

a jog together. You’ll be staying active and you’ll be setting a great example for your children.

Sign up to a summer camp or workshop. Encourage your child to explore their passions and develop new skills. Not only will they have fun and make new friends, they’ll also gain valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit them in the future.

Learn to type. No more pecking like a T-Rex; get the kids to level up their keyboard game. With online typing lessons or software, they can improve their typing skills and impress everyone with their lightningfast fingers.

Explore the great outdoors and complete the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. From building a den to climbing a tree, this list is packed with exciting activities that will challenge and inspire the whole family. Time to start ticking!

Be in charge for the day. Invite the children to plan an epic day out for your family. Get them to put on their planning hats and see what they come up withthe wackier the better.

Get creative in the kitchen and get the kids to make a delicious meal or snack. Be inspired by cuisines from other countries or take inspiration from a favourite TikTok chef or food influencer.

Be kind. Teach your kids the value of kindness by getting them to volunteer to hang out with some of the older generation or people in need in your community. They can chat, play games or even help with some household chores. Be screen-free. Are you tired of

the constant screen time battles with your kids? Challenge the whole family to disconnect and enjoy a device-free day! Spend time outdoors and try new activities. It’s a great way to recharge and create lasting memories together.

Have a water fight. Nothing beats an old-fashioned water fight with friends or family. Whether you use water balloons, water pistols or old washing up bottles, it’s a great way to beat the heat and have lots of fun at the same time.

Visit a pick-your-own fruit farm. Yes kids, fruit grows on bushes and trees! Picking your own can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Many berries freeze well so you can stock up for puddings and breakfast toppers if your children’s enthusiasm means you have too much for today’s teatime.

Try wild swimming. Make a splash in a river, lake or the sea. Prioritise safety by choosing a safe and appropriate location, checking water conditions and always swim with a buddy or under adult supervision.

Visit a working farm. Farm life can be a fabulous adventure for younger children. Meet cute animals, learn how to milk a cow and help with chores like collecting eggs or feeding the pigs.

Get arty. Be inspired by Banksy and do some graffiti art with your kids or try other art projects like collages or mosaics. It is a great way to bond and unleash your inner artist!

More cool stuff for kids to do this summer

Have fun on a budget

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors. However, it can be a challenge to find fun and affordable activities. Luckily, there are some options that won’t break the bank.

Check out local summer events, starting with our What’s On pages.

There are often free or low cost events held by local councils that can be both informative and entertaining, plus free-toenter festivals and museums.

Get smarter

Have a garden campout

Pitch a tent in your garden and plan to spend the night under the stars with lots of pillows, story books, torches and snacks. Kids will love the sense of freedom, you’ll save money and it’s not far to ‘go home’ if they change their minds!

Have a day at the beach

Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and exploring rock pools. Getting there can be cheaper with a railcard or a coach. You can make it all part of the adventure.

One great educational activity for the summer is to start a mini garden. Kids can learn about the science of plants and how to care for them while getting their hands dirty in the process. They can plant vegetables, herbs or flowers and watch them grow throughout the summer.

Plan a day out to a local museum or science park. Many of these venues offer summer activities specifically for kids, where they can learn about history, science and art. These programmes often include hands-on activities and experiments that make learning fun and engaging.

Another cost-free activity is to visit your local library. Many branches have free activity sessions for young children, including this year’s rewards-packed Summer Reading Challenge (www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk).

Plan a fun rainy-day quiz to test their powers of observation. For example: how many windows do we have in our home, what is next door’s dog called, which duvet is on your bed this week, what day do the binmen come? Ask them to set a quiz for you as well!

Seven great Forest School activities for kids

By Naomi Walmsley

We all know kids are ‘better’ when they are outside. They can burn energy, get back to basics, connect with nature. They thrive in our natural environment. Interacting with nature offers space for creative play and learning and often offers lessons that can last a lifetime (I still remember the day that the grown-ups insisted my wellies were not tall enough for the depth of that puddleturns out they were right!).

Nature is a playground, a classroom for the curious and an opportunity to connect with our natural world. But sometimes given such a big empty canvas of a space, kids need a little inspiration to get them going. Here are seven ideas from my new book.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place the slate on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape and rub back and forwards to smooth it using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface (even a brick wall will do). Hey presto! Your very own simple stone tool.

Become a mud detective!

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Camouflage your hand

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

Nature is a rainbow

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head out to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

Conkers are a great resource

At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin.’ Saponins have been used for centuries because of their similarities with soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands. You can even use the mixture to clean your clothes!

Scared of nettles?

Make a goblin or toy village

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or take your favourite toy out with you. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for rooves and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or small teddies.

No need! Pick them in spring time using a gardening glove. A large handful will be enough. Add them to a blender with a banana, some pineapple, a glug of coconut milk, a slab of cucumber, half an avocado and blend until completely smooth: this will take the sting out. The only thing you need to be scared of is getting a bright green smoothie moustache!

Forest School Handbook by Naomi Walmsley & Dan Westall is an essential item for the backpack, whatever your age or adventure! GMC Publications, RRP £14.99, available online and from all good bookshops.