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SUMMER FUN
Three’s a crowd! By Tori JP Entertaining three boys of different ages (12, 6 and 3) can be a challenge. I’m not a particularly crafty mum and therefore I like to get out with the kids as much as possible. Over the years, we’ve been to many indoor and outdoor venues, so I’ve learned a fair amount about what works for all three of them. Days out that have gone well for us tend to have certain elements in common; there’s somewhere to run around (burning off some energy first!), their interest is sparked and, of course, it’s suitable for a range of ages. Here are my favourite venue types for great days out for all ages:
and many have activities during school holidays too.
A nature trail can tick every box
The Science Museum in London or the The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester are obvious examples. If you can, look for somewhere that also has an outdoor area so you can tick the physical activity box.
Check your local National Trusts, arboretums and country parks. We loved hunting for the Gruffalo at Queenswood Country Park in Herefordshire and exploring the deep dark wood at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. An activity farm The National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton on Trent was described by my husband as one of the most successful days out we’ve had as a family. The kids absolutely LOVED the potato digging event. This type of venue can also be great for wet weather days as there will often be an indoor play area and inside activities to enjoy. For a summer day, try your local fruit picking farm for guaranteed edible fun. An interactive science museum These are generally really engaging for children of different ages
An outdoor adventure centre Something like the Habberley Trail in Kidderminster is ‘days out with the kids’ gold. Think a two mile long obstacle course with obstacles generally suitable for kids of all ages. Places like The Crocky Trail in Cheshire and Nets Adventure at Moors Valley in Dorset are also great. You also can’t beat an adventure playground or splash pad! Don’t forget to factor in naps, snacks, spare socks and hats, porta-potties and any other contingencies you might need for a successful day out. It’s also sensible to check out parking, pushchair friendliness, baby change, available deals or discount codes in advance. As with most things, good preparation is key. Find more from Tori JP on Instagram @girlaboutbirmingham
Divide and conquer
Team up
If you are staring a six week summer break with two, three (or more) kids in the face and feeling daunted about how you are going to keep everybody busy and happy, try to find ways in which you can spend time with just one or two of the children at a time. Can you still take advantage of your little ones’ nursery days to do activities that are suitable only for the older ones?
There’s no need to go it alone. The chances are that there are many local parents who will be in the same boat as you. There aren’t many things more exciting for kids than playing with another child’s toys, so why not arrange playdates with friends who have children similar ages to yours?
It’s also worth looking for reasonably priced or free clubs provided by local schools and community centres – these have worked well for me. Try your council website and local leisure centres for their offerings too.
Or perhaps a group picnic to the park? It is definitely ‘the more the merrier’ where the summer holidays are concerned and I find that my children play much more nicely together when they each have a friend their own age present. Find out from your school network who else is looking for holiday activities.
Can you allow an older child to go to a movie with friends whilst you take the littlies to see a different film on another screen in the same cinema? Or do playdate swaps with other families? I’ve found that the weeks are easier when I have a clear plan. Don’t rule out making a spreadsheet! Good luck.
familiesonline.co.uk
Whilst you’ll probably find that lots of regular groups don’t run during the holidays, some local parent groups do continue to meet. Blaze Trails (www.blazetrails.org.uk) is one group that operates nationwide. We’ve become accustomed to staying very close to home over the last couple of years but try to reach out again to your network this summer. Remember, it takes a village….
Families Birmingham Magazine 7
