FamiliesWarwickshireJulyAugust19

Warwickshire

IN THIS ISSUE Summer Holidays • Days Out • Holiday Clubs • Free and Fun Nature Activities

Issue 48 July/August 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 1

In the first project of its type, AC Academy have teamed up with the world’s most famous a vocal group –

THE KING’S SINGERS!

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE IN 2019

At the heart of this performance will be a major new work by our composer in residence Toby Young which will see a vocal symphony created by the combined voices of over 300 AC Academy singers singing alongside this internationally renowned group.

This will be a rare opportunity to glimpse them live in an absolutely not to be missed event!

www.armonico.org.uk

) 01789 414 004 - Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford

footstepsnurseries.co.uk Proud to be graded ‘Outstanding’ for over 10 years!

2 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Issue 48 | July/August 2019 | Families Warwickshire Pupdate Phoebe is continuing to make progress and adding to her list of ‘firsts’ – first time approaching a dog by herself (i.e. without her brother Eddie), first time taking a treat from another dog walker, first full groom at the groomers, first time at a big event (we went to the Dogs Trust Fun Day). In August, she’ll be going on her first holiday - we’re going to stay on a farm in Wales for a week so there will be lots of firsts for her there, including meeting different animals. I just hope summer has arrived by then!

Are you always the one taking the photos?

Eddie celebrated his 3rd birthday in June so he’s a proper grown up now!

Although he’s a year younger than Phoebe, he’s amazing in his role of big brother and really does look out for her or tell her off if she steps out of line!

Wishing you all a wonderful, fun-filled and sunny summer!

This issue is packed with summer holiday ideas from holiday clubs to family days out – see pages 9 to 16.

aire ClEditor

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Contact Lisa for more info about relaxed photo sessions

www.littlebeanies.co.uk

A Family Ticket to the British Motor Museum This summer explore the Museum’s new exhibition 'The Car. The Future. Me.' and enjoy a selection of futuristic themed family activities.

The exhibition will explore futuristic car design and challenge your idea of how we will interact with the cars of the future.

Explore what the car of tomorrow will look like. Will we still be driving or will cars be driving us? Come and spark your curiosity.

For more details about the summer holiday activities and the Museum’s new ‘The Car. The Future. Me.’ exhibition visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events/family-activities or call 01926 641188. All activities are included in Museum admission. A family ticket is just £40 for an annual pass.

We have 2 x Family Tickets up for grabs – to be in with a chance of winning, simply email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Cars’ in the subject.

The Boy in A Dress Dennis is 12 years old and his school football team’s star striker. But when Mum leaves home, life is tough. The only reminder Dennis has of Mum is a photo of her in a beautiful yellow dress. A dress rather like the one on the cover of Vogue on sale at Raj’s newsagents. And also a bit like the one that Lisa James, the coolest girl in the school, is sketching in her note book. What do you do if you like both football and dresses? And what will Mr Hawtrey the headteacher do when he discovers that his strict uniform code has been broken by a boy in a dress?

David Walliams’ heart-warming comedy is brought to the stage for the first time in a musical with all new songs from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, script by Mark Ravenhill and in a production for all the family directed by Gregory Doran. The Boy in The Dress opens at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre in November and runs until March 2020. www.rsc.org.uk

Deadline: Monday 22 July

Junior Chorus Auditions for Puss in Boots With Puss in Boots chosen as this year’s Belgrade Theatre pantomime, Christmas in Coventry is shaping up to be the cat’s whiskers, and the hunt is already on for kids with cat-itude to join the Junior Chorus for the show.

From 9.30am on Sunday 8 September, children aged 9-16 from across Coventry and Warwickshire are invited to audition to be part of purr-formances running from 27 November to 11 January.

This year’s Christmas pantomime will feature all the lavish costumes, spectacular sets, songs and seasonal silliness that make the show a huge success every year.

Audition day information and registration forms are available at www.belgrade.co.uk/event/puss-in-boots

Contact details Claire Jones on 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Cover by Liittle Beanies Photography www.littlebeanies.co.uk

Next issue: September/October 2019 Booking deadline: Friday 2 August

All content ©2019 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts with around 21,000 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Families Warwickshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Warwickshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Warwickshire; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers

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01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3

Parenting Spend Some and Save Some

Our brains are hardwired to be inherently impulsive. So, encouraging your children to save some of their money for their dream purchases is an excellent way to teach them how to control their impulsivity, and be more sensible in their spending. Gradually, they will start to understand the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’, which helps to set a precedent for long-term financial wellbeing.

Maximise your Child’s Earning Potential

Setting rewards for chores is an effective way to teach children where money comes from, and that you have to earn it. Give your child optional chores that they can complete to earn some additional money.

For example, perhaps if they empty the dishwasher, they could get 10p on top of their regular allowance.

Why It’s Important to Teach Children about Money and Top Tips to Get Started

By Erik Bohjort

Money. It’s a topic that some of us find difficult to talk about, especially when it comes to discussing personal finances. However, it’s important we are not silent about this topic as studies show that children are likely to grasp money management skills best when they are having fun practising with their parents.

Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to get your child started on learning the basics of financial literacy, as well as equipping them with the essential skills such as how to earn, how to save, and most importantly, how to spend responsibly.

Start Talking about Money

Openly communicating with your children about money will encourage them to develop a healthy relationship with it.

Consider involving your children in a real-life family budget discussion, allowing them to hear about the impacts that earning, saving, and spending will have on your finances. For starters, have a transparent discussion about the budget you’ve set for a particular family activity that you want to do, and what it means for you to have to save up for it. For example, are you saving up for a family holiday? Will you have to cut down on treats such as eating out in the weeks approaching it?

Be clear about the costs and benefits of this saving’s endeavour. This helps your children understand how small savings add up to significant goals.

Introduce Regular Pocket Money

Pocket money is another great way to help your child develop financial literacy.

Pocket money lets children be responsible for managing their own money, in a safe environment. It teaches children the essential principles of spending and saving, and the trade-offs between the two.

Consider introducing real money to your children from the age of 5 years, starting with a weekly pocket money to get them used to receiving money regularly. Then consider transitioning over to a monthly allowance at around 11 so that they learn how to stretch their budget, as they will have to later in life.

The British Heart Foundation Needs You Please support the British Heart Foundation (BHF) by helping the charity to raise awareness and vital funds in the fight against cardiovascular disease. 670,000 people in the West Midlands are living with cardiovascular disease.

Help us beat heartbreak in Warwickshire forever.

From collections to coffee mornings, bike rides to balls, help bring BHF into your local community. For more information please contact Karen Robinson, BHF Fundraising Manager on 07388 945 024 or robinsonka@bhf.org.uk

Encourage your children to suggest chores too. This is a great way to inspire them to think about their own earning potential.

It works even better if they have a savings goal - such as ‘save up for a scooter’ - so that they can see how earning money moves them closer to their goal.

Lose the Paper Chores Charts

Previously, you might have taught your children how to manage money using chores charts stuck on the fridge and a physical piggy bank, but with cash disappearing from everyday life, it is important that kids learn how to handle digital money from the get-go. Consider using technology to simplify your pocket money and chores management. For example, rather than just handing over weekly pocket money, empower your children to learn the principles of financial literacy by saving, earning, and spending through a free pocket money app or online like Go Henry (www.gohenry.com/uk), where you can have sight of your child’s progress and discuss it as a family.

Remember, the earlier you introduce money management skills to your child, the easier and more naturally they will grasp principles that will set them up to be responsible with money in their adult lives.

Erik Bohjort is a child psychologist and Head of Research at Gimi (www.gimitheapp. com), a free pocket money app and chores manager.

Space Chase - 2019 Summer Reading Challenge Children's reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don't have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July. For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

4 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Parties

Let’s Naach It’s the summer, you’re travelling in the family car going on holiday and it all seems a little quiet. Well, why not entertain yourselves with some brand new exciting music from Sohan Kailey! The Solihull-based singer/ dancer has released his debut album titled Let’s Naach (let’s Dance).

Let’s Naach is an exciting family album for children and their grown-ups to enjoy and dance to at home or sing along to in the car. It’s full of fun, enjoyable songs for everybody, with fabulous messages for children and new words for them to learn. Tracks range from a bass pumping Bhangra Rave, a rocking Dinosaur song, a Bhangra Pirates song, a Bollywood Shake song, a samba style Jungle Party song…and lots more!

Sohan Kailey has performed at numerous events and family festivals, and alongside the likes of children’s favourite TV stars from CBeebies, CBBC, CITV, Milkshake and High 5.

Let’s Naach is out now on Coco Music from leading online stores.

Sohan Kailey is available for bookings at family festivals, school events, birthday parties and lots more! www.aashiyanaarts.com @sohankailey

@sohankailey

Best Birthday Party Event Ever

07956 624376 www.PopStarParty.rocks Beautifully decorated indoor tipi and outdoor bell tents for children’s and adults’ parties. www.boutiquepartytenthire.co.uk M: 07903 670620

Stagecoach Themed and Murder Mystery Parties are a great way to entertain your 4 to 13 year olds and leave lasting memories for years to come. Take the stress out of your day and let us do all the work!

www.stagecoach.co.uk/parties Call Jacqui 01926 702725

Pony Birthday Parties

Choice of party packages including glamping!

T: 07974 374854 www.featherbedstables.co.uk

Talk, Sing and Play to Build Brains Almost two thirds of parents are unaware that back and forth interaction with their child from birth can help their babies’ social, emotional and cognitive development.

A survey of more than 2,000 parents and expectant parents by the NSPCC found that 62% were unaware that moments playing, singing or telling stories can be brain-building ones.

NSPCC research has found some parents struggle with ideas about how to interact with their young child beyond eye contact and cuddling, especially in the early months when they do not receive obvious feedback from their babies.

In response, the charity is launching a campaign, ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play,’ to encourage new parents to use everyday scenarios to have more two-way interactions with their babies.

Going to the shops, having a bath, going to bed - whatever you and your baby are doing can be turned into a back-and-forth.

Parents can sign up to get weekly brain building tips that are fun and age appropriate. www.nspcc.org.uk

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UDIO ANIMATION ST hday Parties rt

Workshops & Bi

Warwickshire

.uk nimate.coe.c www.letsa o.uk llo@letsanimat

0797 3354567

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Promote your party business and reach over 40,000 Warwickshire parents.

Call Claire on 01926 335004

Free Childcare to Attend Smear Tests Mothers across the UK are being offered an hour’s free childcare so they can attend a smear test. Childcare.co.uk, which claims to be the largest platform for parents and childcare providers in the UK, has launched the initiative to encourage more women to attend a smear test to determine whether they are at risk of cervical cancer, which in 99.8% of cases is preventable with early treatment.

Every year in the UK, around 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. In the UK, women are invited by the NHS to get a cervical screening from the age of 25 to 64. However, figures show the take-up of testing of women is at a 20-year low.

While the test usually takes just five minutes, a free hour of childcare is being offered to allow for waiting times and travel.

Mothers can take up this offer by visiting: www.childcare.co.uk/news/free-childcare-for-smear-tests 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 5

Education

10 Brain-Stimulating Activities to Keep Learning Alive this Summer The summer holidays are a great time for children to reboot and relax, but it’s also been reported they can lose 25% of what they’ve learned during the long break. Claire Winter looks at how to keep their learning alive with ten brainstimulating activities to do this summer.

Have a Board Game Tournament

Tactical board games like Chess and Backgammon give the brain a workout. Scrabble helps with vocabulary and Monopoly boosts maths and money management skills.

Games like Trivial Pursuit are great for learning general knowledge. Not only are board games fun, they also teach valuable lessons like being strategic, following instructions, learning how to lose, and communicating with other players.

Make Reading Fun

The annual Summer Reading Challenge, which inspires children across the UK to read six books and collect rewards for doing so, is an excellent place to start. Sign up at your local library. Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to find out more. When your child reads, they exercise their brain, use their imagination and gain valuable knowledge about the world they live in. Comics and newspapers designed for children, like The Week Junior or First News, might appeal to those who are not so keen on longer books. You could also reward reading with screen time on a favourite device or make bedtime a dedicated reading time.

WS October Open Morning 2019 180m by 130mm.qxp_Layout 1 13/06/2019 09:14 Page 1

Open Morning

Saturday, 5 October 2019 Junior and Senior Schools 9.30 - 12.00 noon Please book at www.warwickschool.org/key-dates

Independent boys’ school (7-18 years) Scholarships and bursaries available 01926 776414 ⏐ admissions@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

6 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Education Try Puzzles

Number puzzles and Sudoku are great for improving the grey matter. Older children may enjoy a fun day at an escape room where they have to solve clues to get out.

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Playing a musical instrument helps engage the brain, and the summer is a perfect time to learn something new as your child can practice daily without the distraction of a busy schedule. Learning a musical instrument can also help with learning languages too.

Try a New Sport

Learning a new sport not only strengthens the body but also the brain. Families Warwickshire has a guide to summer camps and activities on page 9 and locally you’ll find plenty of opportunities for your child to try a plethora of new sports. Sport also teaches essential life skills like self-confidence, teamwork and strategic thinking.

Get Gardening

Research some insect and butterfly-friendly plants and flowers to plant in the garden or try and grow some fruit or veg from seed. It’s a great introduction to science, and you could also tie it in with a visit to a botanical garden, arboretum or National Trust property to sample the vast variety of plants and trees they have on offer.

Learn to Code

Coding is fascinating and great for children who love their tech.

There are some brilliant, free websites which teach your kids the basics of coding, such as Scratch (www.scratch.mit.edu), and Alice (www.alice.org) where children can learn to programme, tell stories and animate!

The key to surviving the summer holidays is to mix it up. If you are working, book the children into a scheduled summer camp or activities, and plan some exciting days out, plus some fun at home.

This will ensure your child doesn’t suffer from the dreaded brain drain.

Keep a Summer Journal

Encourage your child to document the summer with pictures and writing, perhaps choosing a theme. If they like computers, you could get them to create a digital journal with written entries, video diaries, and photos.

Write Stories and Post Cards

Documenting the summer on Instagram with pictures and captions is one way to get a child who loves social media platforms involved.

If all else fails, encourage them to engage in the old-fashioned way and write stories with an actual pen and paper! Getting younger children to write and send postcards when you are on holiday will boost their writing skills.

Learn to Cook

Bake Off and Master Chef fans will love this challenge. Get your child to search for some fun recipes to make for the family. They could design a menu for the day, a picnic or an evening meal. Let them be in charge of buying the ingredients too, even if you need to accompany them to the supermarket or help them order online.

Weighing, measuring and following instructions all keep the brain active.

Entrance Assessments 2020

Year 3 entry Tuesday 14 January

Regist er now

Year 5 entry Wednesday 15 January

Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL | admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545

www.warwickprep.com familiesonline.co.uk

|

@warwickprep 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 7

Clubs and Classes

Summer Holiday DANCE CLASSES H Southam Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat

H Leamington Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

H Cawston

Mondays and Fridays un, educational Call Lorraine on 07921 853773 & multi-sensory lorraine@loveballet.co.uk www.loveballet.co.uk usic classes for bies, toddlers & pre-schoolers

R ac h el :0 7 4 6 9 1 86 0 4 2 Multi-sensory music classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers Call Rachel: 07469 186042 rhythmtime.net/rt228 rh y t h mt ime .ne t / R T 2 6

DANCE WITH DASH

Creating a lifelong love of dance sarah@dancewithdash.co.uk 07970 742256 www.dancewithdash.co.uk

New Eco Badge for Warwickshire Cub Scouts Cub Scouts in Warwickshire are being encouraged to go eco as part of a newly revised badge to teach children the importance of getting involved in environmental conservation in their daily lives. The Environmental Conservation Activity badge is now sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Recycle with Michael initiative - which works with children to divert thousands of tonnes of unwanted clothing and shoes away from landfill.

Environmental conservation now plays a vital role in the Cub Scouts movement.

Youngsters wishing to obtain their unique badge must learn about and undertake activities across a broad spectrum of climate change subjects such as: actively reducing energy and water usage in their own homes and schools, studying renewable energy alternatives, and practicing responsible food/home waste recycling.

They must also complete various projects including planting a tree, tidying waste land, picking litter, making a natural bird feeder, and more.

For more information on Warwickshire Cub Scout groups, visit www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk

Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

Book your FREE Trial Lesson mel@bilinguasing.com

07815 149877 www.bilinguasing.com

For more information on the Recycle with Michael initiative, visit www.recyclewithmichael.co.uk

All Things Wild

Honeybourne Mon 22-Fri 26 Jul, Mon 29 Jul-Fri 2 Aug, Mon 5-Fri 9 Aug, 9am-3pm Wild Explorers Holiday Club Let the kids go wild this summer! ÂŁ25 per child per day, sibling and annual member discount. Includes all activities, lunch and snacks. Book for 1 or more days, or all week. For ages 4-12.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Aspire Active Camps

North Leamington School, Leamington Spa Mon 22 July-Fri 23 Aug, 8am-4pm (Xtra time 4pm-6pm available) Holiday programme for 4-14 year olds. Multi Sports Academy, Gym Beatz, Spotlight Stage School for ages 4-14 and Active Leaders (for ages 12-14).

Children aged 4 are eligible for half day Multi Sports Academy only.

T: 01926 298178 www.aspire-sports.co.uk

ORIENTEERING Fun outdoor sport for families l l l l

l

All ages, 5- 85 years Find controls around local parks and woods a bit like a treasure hunt Tuition for beginners on how use map and electronic timer with local Coventry and Warwickshire club For next events see calendar on website

www.octavian-droobers.org 01926 632189 The September/October issue of Families Warwickshire will have a Clubs & Classes Directory.

Book your space and reach 40,000+ local parents.

Contact Claire on 01926 335004 or editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

8 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Jaykays Dance School

Weston-under-Wetherley, Nr Leamington Spa A fantastic, fun packed summer programme full of song, dance, acting, laughter and excitement!

Tues-Fri, 9am-3pm.

Tues 6-Fri 9 Aug: The Next Step Tues 13-Fri 16 Aug: Mary Poppins Tues 20-Fri 23 Aug: Adventures in Oz T: 07738 954258 www.jaykaysdancecompany.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Holiday Clubs

Clubs, Camps and Workshops Art & Drama

Kings Camps

Hatton Holiday Club

Art Base Art Workshops

Indoor and outdoor sports and activities.

T: 0114 263 2160

Farm based activity day camps enjoying all the facilities and attractions of the Adventure World.

T: 01926 843411

Stratford-upon-Avon

Fun and creative workshops.

T: 07971 054706

www.art-base.co.uk

Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Week-long, fun-filled Summer Schools for ages 8-11 and 11-16. Fun and practical theatre workshops.

T: 024 7655 3055

www.belgrade.co.uk

Playbox Theatre Warwick

T: 01926 419555 Fun holiday theatre workshops at The Dream Factory.

Let’s Animate

Fargo Village, Coventry Tues 23 Jul & 6 Aug: Crazy Claymation Weds 24 Jul & 14 Aug: Brilliant Brick Flicks Tues 30 Jul & 13 Aug: Cartoon Cutouts Weds 31 Jul: Brilliant Brick Flicks - NINJAGO Weds 7 Aug: Brilliant Brick Flicks - STAR WARS Every Thurs from 25 Jul-29 Aug: Fantastic Filmmakers one day a week animation course, runs for 6 weeks.

Come along to the Let's Animate studio and enjoy making an animated film as a family or with friends. For more info and to book: www.letsanimate.co.uk/book-a-workshop T: 0797 3354567 www.letsanimate.co.uk

www.playboxtheatre.com

Stagecoach Summer Workshops

www.kingscamps.org

www.hattonworld.com

Onside Coaching

Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southam.

Mad Science

www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

www.madscience.org/ westmidlands

Warwick, Stratford, Coventry Hands-on fun learning, discovery and exploration.

T: 01926 429875

Multi sports, football, dance and forest school.

T: 01926 496406

Premier Active

The Chocolate Shed

Myton School, Warwick

Wootton Wawen

Multi Sports, Football, Dance & Cheerleading, Arts & Crafts T: 0800 195 0898

Chocolate making workshops for ages 4-7 and 8+. Plus parent and child workshops.

T: 01564 792410

www.premieractive.co.uk

Super Camps

www.thechocolateshed.com

The Croft Preparatory School, Stratford-upon-Avon

In Warwick District: go to www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ leisure, click on Young people’s

Multi-activity, LEGO® play and Bushcraft.

T: 01235 467300

T : 01926 711093

Summer Action

Sport & Multi Activity

Extensive programme of sports and activities.

T: 01926 735473

www.stagecoach.co.uk/ leamington

www.supercamps.co.uk

www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick

Warwick School, Warwick

Activate Sport

University of Warwick

Tennis Camps

Coolsportz

www. warwickboatclub. co.uk/tennis

Multi-sports for ages 4-14. Full and half days.

T: 07912 664426

www.coolsportz.co.uk

Fit For Sport

Stratford Leisure Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

Wide range of sports and activities for 5-12 years.

T: 020 8742 4990

www.fitforsport.co.uk/activitycamps

Warwick Boat Club, Warwick

Suitable for all levels. For ages 5-16.

T: 07787 568642

Other Denim Club

Stratford-upon-Avon and Ettington

CE

DAN

A holiday club for ages 4-11.

T: 01789 290390

Multi sports and football camps for ages 4 to 11.

T: 07747 562469

Hi-5 Day Camps

www.cloptonnursery. org.uk

A

RO

AC

6TH - 23RD AUGUST

Variety of fun and educational activities for ages 2-12.

T: 01789 269360

www.go4goals.co.uk

AM

NG

Holiday Club

Clopton Nursery Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon

DR

SO

www.polkadotworld. com

GO4GOALS

Kingsley School Playing Fields, Leamington Spa

activities, then Holiday activities for a range of holiday activities throughout the district.

www.warwickschool.org/holidayactivities

Netball Fever, Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy, Pro:Direct Academy, Hockey Masterclass.

T: 01785 711572

Henley-in-Arden and Warwick

LoveBallet Dance Studios, Southam All workshops 9.30am-3.30pm with extended day available 8am-5pm. Jam packed, nonstop fun to include singing, dancing, creative activities and themed games.

Tues 6 Aug: Aladdin Fri 9 Aug: Irish Dancing Mon 12 Aug: Lion King Mon 19 Aug: Toy Story T: 07921 853773 www.loveballet.co.uk

Hatton Adventure World

Five day workshops. A week of fun, learning how to sing, dance and act.

T: 01926 702725

www.activatesport.co.uk

LoveBallet

Bablake School, Coventry

TUESDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 3PM

FOR AGES 5 - 11 YEARS BOOK ONLINE VIA OUR WEBSITE

WWW.JAYKAYSDANCECOMPANY.CO.UK

Stratford District

Sports, art and games for children aged 5-11.

T: 01789 260643

www.stratford.gov.uk/sportleisure-arts/hi-5-childrensholiday-activities.cfm

Active Camps For children aged 4 -14, Aspire Active Camps runs a whole range of sports and physical activities during the school holidays! They provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to valued customers. As they are Ofsted registered, you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. A standard day at Active Camps is 8am-4pm, however, with Xtra time on offer 4pm-6pm.

Learn to Ride

Does your child want to ditch their stabilisers? Well now's their chance!

This summer, Aspire Active Camps are running Learn to Ride sessions at North Leamington School in Leamington Spa. Experienced and national standard cycling instructors will support your child in improving their cycling.

Action-packed childcare this

Summer Holiday

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD

Monday 22nd July Friday 23rd August Open from 8am-6pm

Book before 5pm on Friday 5th July

Ofsted registered EY476056

Early Bird Offer

£17 per day 8am-4pm

If you would like your child to join Active Camps or Learn to Ride, visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298178.

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298 178

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 9

Summer Learn to Skim Stones You can do this on a pond, river, or calm sea. Just be careful not to get too near the water’s edge and make sure you don’t hit any ducks - or swimmers!

• • •

Find some round, flat, smooth stones Hold a stone flat between your thumb and forefinger Get down low and throw it across the water with a spinning action. Do persevere as it might take a bit of practice.

Go on a Butterfly Hunt Summer brings with it throngs of colourful butterflies. You will find a downloadable butterfly caterpillars ID sheet at www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ which you can use to hunt fluttery butterflies in woodland clearings. If it’s too wet to go outside, why not cheer yourself up with a gorgeous butterfly mobile instead?

Free and Fun Activities in Nature this Summer The summer holidays are starting and Families magazine asked the Woodland Trust for its top pick of holiday adventures to get children active outdoors and away from their screens!

Embark on a Woodland Challenge

Create a Fairy Garden

Set up challenges to complete on a day out in the woods and have a competition with your family and friends. Remember to decide how many points each challenge is worth. Here are some challenge ideas:

Use your imagination to design a fantastic fairy garden! You can do this indoors if it’s raining.

• • • • • •

Climb a tree (make sure there’s an adult around though!)

Balance on a fallen tree trunk and walk along Find three types of flower Cross a stream without getting your feet wet Identify three different tree species Find some wild animal evidence - tracks, a fox or rabbit hole, some fur caught on a bush, or even some poo!

Tip: you can use the downloadable summer flowers ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org. uk/naturedetectives/ for this challenge

This is sure to be a hit with younger children, especially if they can invite some friends from nursery. Use a teddy cookie cutter to make some little bear-shaped sandwiches.

Cut out some pictures of bears and hide them in the surrounding area for children to find (just remember to take them home with you when you leave). There are lots of fun picnic ideas at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Summer D I flower

The Woodland Trust charity runs its Nature Detectives family offering with lots of ideas to get busy and out in nature.

You can post pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #NatureDetectives too or visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ naturedetectives/ for more activity ideas.

You can also find your local Woodland Trust wood at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ visiting-woods

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open all Year

Try a Barefoot Walk

Images: Woodland Trust/ WTML

| 0330 333 5301 |

Fill your container with earth (if you’re using living plants, put some stones in the bottom for drainage). Use some leafy twigs to make trees. Build a fence or little seat with sticks.

You could even make a pond by sinking a plastic cup or another small container into the earth and filling it with water. You’re bound to think of lots more ideas once you get started.

Cross the sticks over in the middle and fasten them with string or wire to make the frame. Fold a piece of paper in two and draw half a butterfly along the folded edge.

Cut around it and open it out. Repeat for lots more butterflies. Decorate them if you wish. Attach a thread to each butterfly using the needle and tie the other end to a stick.

Hang up your mobile and admire your cloud of colourful butterflies!

Host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic

6+

Small and delicate or big and bright?

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You will need: • A container, such as a plastic box or old washing up bowl • Earth • A collection of natural materials: small stones or pebbles, sticks, moss, leaves, and perhaps some small flowering plants.

You will need: • Several sticks of similar length • String or wire • Paper - coloured, patterned, or white if you want to colour the butterflies yourself • Colouring pens, glitter (optional) • A needle and some strong thread

Let the grass tickle your toes, splash through a stream, and stomp in some squidgy mud.

Did you know you have over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot, so walking barefoot is a great way to get in touch with nature.

Just make sure you avoid anything sharp on the ground. Some parks and attractions have special barefoot trails, so search online for one near you. You could even try setting up a barefoot walk in your back garden.

10 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Butterflies • Birds • Iguanas • Ants Mini-Beasts and so much more….

Check website for “Meet the Mini-Beast” handling sessions & last entry times All displays fully accessible, carers free entry Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Summer Holidays at Charlecote Park

Family Adventures in July and August 9.00am - 5.00pm Join us for parkland adventures, family trails and new activities based on the 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾.

Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park © National Trust. Registered Charity No: 205846. Image: NT Images / Jana Eastwood

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 11

What's on

The MAD Museum's Summer Design Competition Saturday 20 July-Monday 2 September The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon has an interactive wall for visitors to build their own marble runs on. Using inspiration from around the museum, the wall encourages creative thinking and systematic design, and it is a lot of fun! The aim of the game is to use the various track parts to make the marble travel from the top of the wall to the bottom without whizzing off.

This summer, The MAD Museum invites you to invent a new weird and wonderful track part for MAD Marbles.

What do you want on the wall? Loops and hoops, elevators, slopes, staircases, tubes, spiral tracking, chimes and jumps - the possibilities are endless. This design competition is open to all age groups, draw your craziest creation and post it to The MAD Museum.

The three winners will receive goodie bags full of MAD treats and their winning track part will be made into a real piece to go on the museum's MAD Marbles wall. The winner's name will also be printed on the new track piece so everyone that uses it will know it's yours!

This summer, The MAD Museum is open every day from Saturday 20 July to Monday 2 September, 10am-5.30pm, and has something to entertain the whole family, whatever the weather! www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Days Out – places to go and things to do this July and August.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill

Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am-4pm Home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

Meet residents large and small from Shire to Shetland.

Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse.

Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.

Fri & Mon, 26 Jul-2 Sept, 11.30am

Redwings Summer Club

For ages 6-11, every Fri and Mon from Fri 26 Jul until Mon 2 Sept. Join a session and learn to be a Vet, Farrier, Dentist, Field Office, Donkey Expert and Farm Team Member.

T: 0870 040 0033

www.redwings.org.uk/visiting

British Motor Museum Gaydon

A great day out whatever the weather.

Sat 20 Jul-Mon 2 Sept Explore the new exhibition ‘The Car. The Future. Me.’ and enjoy a selection of futuristic themed family activities.

Every day you can Discover Circuits in our family activity station and draw a graphite car, then create a circuit to give your car working headlights. Try your hand at futuristic colouring in - get colourful on paper and then see your page come to life with the Quiver App. Every Wednesday join the ‘mad scientists’ Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin in their Science Show, a 25 minute show at 11.45am and 2.15pm. Every Thursday explore the capabilities of STEM - Science Technology Engineering Maths. Plus, every day there is the family ‘Back to the drawing board trail’ and a ‘Back into the future family tour’, and for when the kids need to let off some steam, there’s an outdoor play and picnic area. The new ‘The Car. The Future. Me.’ exhibition will explore futuristic car design and challenge your idea of how we will interact with the cars of the future. Explore what will the car of tomorrow look like.

Will we still be driving or will cars be driving us? Come and spark your curiosity.

T: 01926 641188

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events/familyactivities

All Things Wild Honeybourne

New Treetop Adventure invites families to ‘come and play the Go Ape way’ The brand new Go Ape! in Coventry has unveiled a knee-wobbling, teeth-chattering, memory-making treetop trial for mini (and not so mini) adventurers. Daring families looking to grab life by the ropes in the great outdoors will love the new Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Adventure+ at Go Ape in Coombe Abbey.

Set in the heart of the beautiful woodland, children over 1m in height can clamber through two-tiers of the Adventure course - including three levels of tunnels, rope swings and wobbly bridges - before facing their fears and flying down a 60-metre double zip wire as an adrenaline-filled ending to the ambitious course.

And if that’s left them wanting more, more courageous kids can step it up a gear by taking on the Tree Top Adventure+, four levels of more challenging crossings, climbing walls, rope passages, and new and exclusive to Go Ape Coventry, the ultra-scary Prison Bars Crossing! The new high ropes activity is designed with older children (aged 6+ and over 1.2m tall) in mind.

Located within 500 acres of the historic woodlands of Coombe Abbey, the new Go Ape Challenge course features a 12-metre free-fall vertical drop aptly named The Plummet, a dual Tarzan Swing, and a 200m double zip course frightening finale.

Go Ape at Coombe Abbey is open between 10am and 4pm every day. For further information visit www.goape.co.uk/days-out/midlands/coventry

A fantastic all-weather, year-round family attraction. Lots to see and do indoors and outdoors. Get up close to some amazing animals. Step Through Time dinosaur experience, play areas, dino land train, go karts, soft play and much more!

Sat 20 Jul-Sun 1 Sept

Passport to Summer

Visit some amazing animals from around the world. Each week themed with a different country. Animal talks, arts & crafts and lots more.

T: 01386 833083

www.allthingswild.co.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon

Rain or shine walk amongst some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in a unique rainforest environment.

The Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with life and home to an amazing leafcutter ant colony, one of the largest on display in the UK! Throughout the summer holidays, take part in the daily Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions at 11.30am and 2.30pm and hold creatures such as a giant African millipede, African land snail, Stick insects and Madagascan hissing cockroach! Enjoy delicious hot drinks, milkshakes and snacks, served from the Koffee Kart in the front wildflower garden, open at weekends, bank holidays and throughout the school holidays from 10am-4pm (weather dependent).

T: 01789 299288

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Burford, Oxfordshire

A fantastic day out for all the family. Lots of animals including lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, penguins, lemurs and more.

Weekends from 27 & 28 Jul to 31 Aug & 1 Sep (plus BH 26 Aug), 1pm & 3.30pm

Birds of Prey Demonstrations

Watch a variety of different birds, from eagles to owls, swooping low over your heads and others soaring high in the sky over the Park’s beautiful grounds.

CotsWild Explorer

Learn all about endangered animals with the latest CotsWild Explorer trail for 6-11 year olds. Available from the gift shop, the activity trail comes with 5 activity cards, a pop badge, lanyard and a pencil and costs £2.50 (plus normal entrance price) with 10% of the proceeds going to wildlife conservation.

Thurs 1-Sat 31 Aug

Rhino Month

Theatre Listings The Albany

Coventry Box Office: 024 7699 8964 www.albanytheatre.co.uk Sister Act The Musical

Thurs 15-Sat 17 Aug A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.

The Little Mix Show - Black Magic

Weds 21 Aug A highly energetic tribute show, suitable for kids, tweens, teens and adults!

12 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

The keepers at the Park will be doing a daily talk throughout August at 2pm near the Rhino Paddock about these magnificent animals and the conservation work that is going on to try and protect them for future generations.

T: 01993 823006

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick

Fantastic day out for all the family. Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment.

Sat 20 Jul-Sun 1 Sept

Great Summer Adventure

Water Wars, Sports Day Races, Children’s Foam Party and lots more!. Challenge your family and friends to a spraying, sprinkling or saturating battle. Plus a packed programme of daily activities including Laser Combat for over 8s, Grand National sheep racing, birds of prey displays plus family cabaret shows, indoor soft play, bouncy castles, funfair rides, tractor rides and masses of animals to feed and handle.

T: 01926 843411

www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on

Market Hall Museum Summer Holiday Events !

ITION nd’ B I H EX eyo NEW on and B o eM ‘To th

Mad Science Workshops Dino Day with Dexter the T-Rex Mister Magnolia by Folksy Theatre Captain Codswallop Puppet Show Astronaut Training Camp Family Fossil Hunt Weekly drop in activities

Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa 3rd & 4th August

For details visit heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk

Leamington Spa’s sixth free Art in the Park Festival takes place on August 3rd & 4th in Jephson Gardens.

Join us for a spectacular weekend of art, music, dazzling performances, inspirational workshops and artisan food and drink.

Market Hall Museum, Warwick, CV34 4SA. Tel : 01926 412501 Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Ryton Pools Country Park Bubbenhall

Over 100 acres to explore. The park has miles of flat, surfaced footpaths, picnic areas, lakes, two exciting adventure playad.indd areas, 1a visitor/ Families warwickshire summer education centre and a café. The park is dog friendly and during school holidays, there is a whole programme of great value events and hands on activities. See website for full list of events, costs and booking information.

Mon 22 Jul, Mon 5 & 12 Aug & Fri 30 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Pond Dipping

Explore the depths of the pond to discover who is lurking there.

Tues 23 Jul & Tues 13 & Thurs 29 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Pop Bottle Rockets

Convert a pop bottle into your own rocket how far will yours go?

Thurs 25 Jul & Tues 6 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Minibeast Adventure

Come on a minibeast safari to see who we can find.

Fri 26 Jul, Thurs 15 & Tues 20 Aug, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm

Willow Dragonfly

Weave your own dragonfly out of willow with help from our expert ranger.

Mon 29 Jul & Fri 9 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Natural Wild Art Paints

Gather wild plants and berries, make your paint and create a masterpiece.

Tues 30 Jul, 10.30am-12pm

Fairy and Elf Adventure

Come and help us save the fairies this summer.

Weds 31 Jul, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Aug, 1pm-3pm

Young Anglers

Learn the essentials of good angling with all tackle, bait and tuition provided.

Thurs 1 & 22 Aug & Mon 2 Sept, 10.30am-12pm

Campfire, Dens and S'mores

The MAD Museum Stratford-upon-Avon

Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. Interact with eccentric artworks, contraptions and 21/05/2019 14:05:09 machines, build marble runs on the giant MAD Marbles wall. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets.

T: 01789 269356

www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Learn about Shakespeare’s early life and explore the very building where he learnt to read, write and first enjoyed professional theatre. Lots of fun for the family including dressing up Tudor-style, Tudor games, Medieval wall paintings and brush up your Latin with our Tudor School Master!

T: 01789 203170

www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

Warwick Castle Warwick

Jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Adventure Maze. Spectacular Birds of Prey Show, The Falconer’s Quest. From 20 Jul to 1 Sept, breathtaking Wars of the Roses Live!

Show, featuring fearless jousting, perilous stunt riding and epic battles. A great day out for the whole family.

T: 0871 265 2000

www.warwick-castle.com

Kenilworth Castle Kenilworth

A fantastic place to let kids run free and get plenty of fresh air. Explore the ruins and have a great day out.

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul

Elizabethan Pageant

Party like it's 1575 with music, falconry displays and a feast of entertainment.

Sat 20 Jul-Sat 24 Aug & Tues 27 Aug-Sun 1 Sept

Build your own boat using natural materials and sail it on our pond.

Sat 10 Aug, 7pm-10pm

Discover what it was like to live, work and fight in a real-life castle. Plenty of hands-on fun.

Thurs 1-Sat 3 Aug

Wild Evening Out

Join us for a nocturnal adventure in the wood, including a fire-cooked baked potato tea.

Fri 16 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Pirate Blackbeard’s Great Ruby Hunt

Can you help solve the mystery of Blackbeard’s long-lost treasure?

Mon 19 Aug, 10am-12.30pm

Dinosaur and Fossil Fun

Go back in time for some good old pre-historic fun.

Tues 27 Aug, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12.30am & 1.15pm

All Aboard Pirates Workshop & Trail

Join Blackbeard and his crew. Study your map to try and find Blackbeard’s long-lost treasure.

See website for full list and details of events.

T: 024 7630 5592

http://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

Hillers Nr Alcester

Farm shop, restaurant, shopping and lots to keep children entertained and happy, including a sandpit play area and a display garden with a bird hide. The miniature railway runs on certain weekends, 11am-4pm, weather permitting.

Thurs 1, Fri 2, Weds 28, Thurs 29 & Fri 30 Aug Birds of Prey with flying displays if conditions are right. Pony rides, book rides on the day, first come first served.

T: 01789 772771

www.hillers.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

www.artinpark.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon

Build a shelter and cook marshmallows over the fire for your s'mores.

Fri 2 & 23 Aug, 10.30am-12pm

Boats, Rafts and Watery Sticks

Free entry!

Get Hands On With History

Summer Nights Film Festival

Enjoy a unique open-air cinematic experience.

Thurs: Grease, Fri: The Lost Boys, Sat: Bohemian Rhapsody.

Sun 25 & Mon 26 Aug

The Battle of Kenilworth

Witness the Castle under attack then immerse yourself in medieval life in the living-history encampment.

T: 01926 852078

www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworthcastle

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum The art gallery runs regular pre-school, after school and holiday activity sessions.

Until Mon 9 Sept

An Entertainment

This family friendly exhibition showcases the many entertainments on offer over the past two centuries, from theatres and cinemas to concerts and dances.

Every Thurs during holidays, 1.30pm, 2.15pm & 3pm

Art Club

Suitable for children up to 12 years. £2.50 per child. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

T: 01926 74200

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms

      

   

Compton Verney Nr Warwick

A great day out for all the family whatever the weather. Lots of activities and special events to enjoy all year round. Woodland adventure playground, explore the galleries with an ‘art explorer’ backpack or take part in a range of craft activities during the school holidays. Explore the Park with the orienteering trails.

Sat 6 Jul-Sun 22 Sep, 11am-5pm

The Tea Sensorium

Take part in a range of creative and multisensory activities inspired by our current exhibition. Explore a variety of teas through your sense of smell and design your own teaware inspired by the exhibition. The space will also host the workshop where you can add your own moulded clay creations to a giant collaborative installation. FREE with admission.

Sun 18 Aug, 10am-5pm

Tea in The Park

Enjoy a garden party with a difference.

Plenty to keep all the family entertained.

A timetable of workshops, talks and demonstrations, and family-friendly activities will take place throughout the day. Children can dive down our Rabbit Hole and join the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Cream teas, barbecue and a bar or bring a picnic. Browse the stalls at our pop-up marketplace and pick up fresh, seasonal produce and unique and handmade gifts from local suppliers.

T: 01926 645500

www.comptonverney.org.uk

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry

Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping.

Learn about different animals and have lots of fun!

T: 024 7630 2912

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon

FREE drop-in activities all year round including Dressing Up Box, Play Cart, Adventure Bags plus special events and workshops during school holidays.

T: 01789 403493



Swan Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon  

The Play’s the Thing Family-friendly exhibition for families and children aged 7+. Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatremaking in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Immersive, hands on and engaging.

www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

Herbert Art Gallery Coventry

Events and exhibitions all year round.

Runs regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, as well as sensory play days with SEN sessions.

Tues 23 Jul-Sat 31 Aug

A Summer of Playful Making

Join in all things playful in our popular children’s craft activities. Each week will have a different theme to explore, with activities changing throughout. Drop in, £2.50, under 2s free.

Weds 7 Aug

National Play Day

Celebrate the joy of playing and imagination as you explore the museum with your children. Drop in. FREE. T: 024 7623 7521

www.theherbert.org

Coventry Transport Museum Coventry

This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for all ages.

Weds 3, 10 & 17 Jul, 10.30am-11.30am & 1pm-2pm

Mini Museum Engineers

All budding engineers are invited to play at these sessions aimed at 2-5 year olds.

Various dates between Tues 23 Jul & Sun 31 Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm

This Makes That With These

Satisfy your curiosity and use your creativity at this family session. Look inside and see how things work and create your own inventions with our challenge kits.

Various dates between Weds 24 Jul & Weds 28 Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm

Make and Play Engineers

Introduces the topics of our Mini Museum Engineers sessions to children up to the age of 8 to play, explore and learn amidst our collections.

T: 024 7623 4270

www.transport-museum.com

www.rsc.org.uk/families

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13

What's on Lunt Roman Fort Nr Coventry

Explore this partially-reconstructed timber fort. Open to the public on selected dates during the Coventry school holidays.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul

Roman Festival

Gladiator displays, soldier demonstrations, Living History village.

Try your hand at being a Roman soldier. Make and decorate your own Festival Mask. Interactive archery and lots more!

Tues 23 Jul-Fri 30 Aug

Velites v Celts

Become a brave Roman Veles, or one of the wild Iron Age warriors that opposed them. Each week children can make a different accessory, working towards making an entire battle-ready outfit.

Tues 23-Fri 26 Jul

Roman “Verutum” Javelin

Simple Summer Picnic Ideas

By Gabrielle Nash

When the weather is good there is nothing better than a summery picnic outside, but even if it’s not perfect weather, a picnic is a way to get you in that summer mood! So why not get the whole family involved and make some tasty treats for the hamper.

Pizza Roll-ups A great alternative to the sandwich, this recipe is easy enough for even toddlers to help with and tasty enough for adults to enjoy too.

Ingredients: 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry 1 cup tomato pizza sauce (or make your own with tomato passata and oregano) 150g grated cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten Additional filling options: chopped ham or chicken, chopped cooked peppers and courgettes Method: Preheat your oven to 200oc, line and lightly oil a large baking tray. Roll out the puff pastry onto the baking tray and spread the pizza sauce on top. Be careful not to make the pastry too wet. Sprinkle the cheese all over and then add additional toppings.

Roll the pastry into one long roll (ideally beginning at the shorter end) and you will be able to see the layers. Slice carefully into 8 pieces. Lie flat on the baking tray, brush with a little beaten egg and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Delicious eaten hot or cold!

DIY Tortilla Chips The packet you buy from the supermarket is full of salt whereas a homemade version is super easy, loads healthier and a great way to use up leftover wraps. Around 12 will comfortably serve 4 people. You’ll need some corn tortillas and some vegetable oil.

Method: Heat the oven to 200oc and line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the tortillas into triangles (just like the packet sized ones) and then gently brush with oil. Place on the tray, taking care not to overlap them and bake for 8 minutes. When they’re out, place on a plate and sprinkle with a little paprika.

Serve with guacamole or hummus.

Fab Fruit Kebabs These make a colourful and enticing addition to any picnic! They are also a great way to get younger children exploring new fruits. Pick your favourite fruits - we love grapes, strawberries, kiwi and melon.

Method: Wash and chop into bite size pieces (taking care with size depending on age of child).

Arrange in colourful rainbows onto skewers (there are some safer plastic skewers for younger children) and serve with Greek yoghurt and honey, a raspberry coulis or melted dark chocolate for more of a treat!

Make throwable paper javelins and test your aim against our barbarian target.

Mon 29 Jul-Fri 2 Aug

Roman “Parma” Shield

Craft your own battle-ready shield and decorate it with wild and flamboyant designs.

Mon 5-Fri 9 Aug

Roman Animal Headdress

Impress your friends and frighten your enemies with our awesome animal headdress.

Mon 12-Fri 16 Aug

Celtic Torc

Proudly display your defiance with our wearable Celtic collar.

Mon 19-Fri 23 Aug

Foundry Wood Leamington Spa

An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick.

Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts, and more. Regular Forest School sessions, storytelling, creative workshops and lots of special events.

www.foundrywood.co.uk

The Shakespeare Houses

In and near Stratford-upon-Avon There are children’s activities to help bring their visit to life and special events throughout the year.

Shakespeare’s New Place

Don’t Miss Pub in The Park

Mary Arden's Farm Wilmcote

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm. Watch craft and falconry demonstrations and explore the farmyard, playground and historic buildings.

Thurs 1 Aug, 10am-5pm

Lammas Day

Storytelling, music and bread-making.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage Shottery Sat 20 Jul, 12pm-4pm

The Big Picnic

Bravely defend your tribe with your own mighty Celtic longsword.

T: 024 7623 7522

Follow a unique treasure hunt around the site, picking up clues that will unlock the stories of visitors.

Mon 29 July-Sun 1 Sept, 9am-5pm

Celtic Sword

The Visited Orchard

www.luntromanfort.org

Garden of Inspiration

This charming museum, in the heart of Warwick, tells the story of Warwickshire. General admission is free, donations welcome. A programme of events and drop in activities runs year-round. Small entry fee for some events.

Weds 24 Jul-Sat 31 Aug

To the Moon and Beyond

Free exhibition about the first moon landing. Add to our own solar system artwork, lie back and watch the new planets and satellites orbit the sun inside our black hole tent. Space themed dressing up, toys and books.

Weds 24 Jul, 10am-3pm

Astronaut Training Camp with Susie Imber

Complete our astronaut training camp and see if you’ve got what it takes to be an astronaut.

Weds 31 Jul, 10.15am-11.15am, 11.30am12.30pm & 1.30pm-2.30pm

Mad Science - Surviving on an Alien Planet

Explore how we might survive on an alien planet and make your own alien slime to take home.

Weds 31 Jul, 10am-3pm

The Moon and Stars

Learn about the phases of the moon and the life of a star. Make a moon mobile to take home.

Weds 14 Aug, 10am-3pm

Dino Day with Dexter the T-Rex

Meet Dexter the baby t-rex and his wrangler. Get close and stroke a tyrannosaurus rex. Complete dino challenges, dig for fossils, handle real Jurassic fossils and make your own to take home.

Weds 21 Aug, 10am-3pm

Rockets and Robots

Make your own mini rocket to launch across the museum and space robot to take home.

Weds 28 Aug, 10am-3pm

Arty Tots Go to the Moon

Explore our magical moon and space with some amazing space themed crafts to take home.

T: 01926 412501

http://heritage.warwickshire. gov.uk

Hill Close Gardens Warwick

A lovely place to explore. Children’s trail available.

Thurs 25 Jul, 2pm-4pm

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring your teddy and a picnic. £4 per child.

Sat 17 Aug

Art in The Gardens

Exhibition of arts and crafts. Family workshops. Music.

T: 01926 493339

www.hillclosegardens.com

Follow Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

14 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

www.octavian-droobers.org

Be inspired by the statues in the Great Garden and act out your own versions of the plays that they represent using props, costumes and scripts provided.

The Imagination Statues

Protect yourself from the Roman invaders by making your own Iron Age helmet.

Tues 27-Fri 30 Aug

Market Hall Museum Warwick

Orienteering is a fun outdoor sport for families. Octavian Droobers extend an invitation to beginners of all ages 5-85. Come along to any of these summer evening events and enjoy this experience, a bit like a treasure hunt.

No need to prebook. Help given to all newcomers. All events Weds, 6-7.30pm: 10 Jul at Ryton Pools; 17 Jul at Whinfield Park, Rugby; 24 Jul at Oversley Wood, Alcester; 7 Aug at Coventry War Memorial Park; 14 Aug at Itchington Holt; 21 Aug at Burton Dassett Hills; 28 Aug at Warwick Uni Campus.

T: 01926 632189

Stratford-upon-Avon Jul-Sept, 12pm-4pm

Garden games, face painting, musical entertainment and stalls filled with goods from local traders. Free entry for CV37 residents (with proof of address).

Mon 22 Jul-Sun 1 Sept

Celtic Helmet

Orienteering Events

In the Sculpture Garden, get hands on with activities inspired by The Tempest.

Sat 24 Aug, 11pm-4pm

Shakes-paws Day

Celebrate National Dog Day in the beautiful historic gardens. Bring your dog, a picnic and join in the fun.

St Nicholas Park, Warwick

Fri 5-Sun 7 Jul Brilliant food, live music and Michelinstarred chefs all served up in Warwick Park, making for the ultimate pub garden unlike any other.

www.pubintheparkuk.com

Also Festival Compton Verney

Fri 5-Sun 7 Jul Family friendly festival with lots on for children to enjoy. 50 acres to roam, ideas a-plenty and the wild and the wonderful to experience.

www.also-festival.com

Stratford River Festival

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jul Free family fun in Stratford-upon-Avon with music, narrow boats on the River Avon, craft and food stalls, family zone, charity stalls, illuminated boat parade and spectacular fireworks.

www.stratfordriverfestival.co.uk

Shipston Girlsguiding’s Happy Circus Shipston Enterprise Centre

Sun 14 Jul, 3pm (doors open at 2.30pm) A fun packed comedy show for all the family. Stalls and refreshments. Tickets available at R Clarkes electrical shop in Shipston or website below.

T: 07955 509474

Hall’s Croft Stratford-upon-Avon

www.pta-events.co.uk/ 1stshipstonrainbowand brownieguides

Jacobean storytelling

Warwick Folk Festival

26, 27 & 31 Jul, 2, 3, 16, 17, 30 & 31 Aug, 12-4pm Relax in the tranquil garden and listen to the stories of the horse with a glass eye, the cat that visited Hall's Croft, the mouse that met Master Hall and much more.

Weds 31 Jul, 12pm-4pm

The Halls’ Herbs

Learn how Susanna Hall, Shakespeare’s daughter, would have distilled herbs to make tinctures to help treat the patients of her husband, physician John Hall.

Weds 21 Aug, 12pm-4pm

Pario Gallico and the Master Carver

Learn how a wealthy household would have employed a Master Carver, how each meat would have been carved, about Jacobean cooking and where the spices came from.

T: 01789 204016

www.shakespeare.org.uk

The National Trust

Rain or shine there's always something to discover, plenty of space to run around and an outdoor adventure to be had at our local National Trust properties. Enjoy plenty of family fun this summer and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ you can tick off.

Discover Coughton Court’s natural play trail in the woodland. Charlecote Park is a great place to have a family adventure - head there for parkland adventures, family trails and new activities. Try out Baddesley Clinton’s natural play trail with stepping stones, rope swings and a winding labyrinth. Follow the animal sculptures over to the woodland for an animal adventure. Run wild in the woodland at Packwood House, get stuck in and hands on with activities such as den building and tree trunk hopping. Have a go at the orienteering trail at Upton House or pick up an adventure pack to help you explore the grounds.

Coughton Court Nr Alcester

Thurs 25-Sun 28 July Offering so much for families. The main Festival site in the grounds of Warwick School is packed with family entertainment from circus workshops to forest school, as well as crafts, music and dance. The Festival atmosphere spills onto the streets in and around the town itself with eclectic stalls and free street entertainment.

www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk

Art in the Park

Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Aug, 10am-6pm Leamington's Art in the Park Festival is now in its 6th year. Enjoy a free weekend of inspirational art, uplifting music, creative workshops, dazzling performances, artisan food and locally brewed beverages. 2019’s festival theme is everything do to with ‘Water’ - after all Leamington owes its fame to a natural spring, which transformed a village into the elegant town it is today.

www.artinpark.co.uk

British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show Stoneleigh Park Nr Kenilworth

Tues 6-Sun 11 Aug This fantastic horse show offers a great family day of exciting competition, outdoor performances, hospitality and a retail shopping village. Entry for spectators is free and parking is only £5 per car. Dog friendly.

T: 024 7685 8205

www.bsnationalchampionships.com

Battle Proms Picnic Concert Ragley Hall Alcester

Sat 10 Aug, gates open at 4.30pm An exceptional evening of classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale.

www.battleproms.com

Tues only 23 Jul- 27 Aug, 2pm

Camper Calling

Get all the family together to sponsor a duck on Coughton's traditional duck race down the River Arrow, plus traditional games for families.

Fri 23-Sun 25 Aug Family Festival. Camp for the weekend or visit for a day. Music, family entertainment, adventure playgrounds, loads of activities including craft workshops, lake activities, food and drink.

T: 01244 881 895

The Duck Race

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ragley Hall Alcester

www.campercalling.com

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Visitor Centre

Unforgettable summer holidays

n, u f A mily a f free out! day

made at Coughton Court

Dog friend ly!

Follow the brown tourist signs Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP Open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images .

Free entry!

A whole host of outdoor activities await you this summer. Enjoy the great outdoors with a stroll around Coughton's ancient woodland and enjoy traditional games for all the family. Don't forget we're open on Tuesdays throughout the summer holiday!

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court

www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033

Summer Family Fun

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

20 July – 2 September Daily family activities linked to our new exhibition

DISCOVER WHERE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WAS INSPIRED TO BECOME THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLAYWRIGHT.

Open daily 11.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm)

w w w. S h a k e s p e a r e s S c h o o l r o o m . o r g

ARD he of t AW ire N E R I O N i c k s h a rd s WIN RAC&T Waruwlture Aw T y T ACToventrrism & C 2017 Tou

BES

Get outdoors, get active at Warwickshire’s

• • • •

Back into the future family tour Get futuristic with colouring Discover circuits Outdoor play & picnic area

Every Wednesday Summer Science Shows ‘In a Pickle over Petrol’ Every Thursday STEM activities with MOD Kineton See website for more details

£40

FAMILY ANNUAL PASS

BOOK ONLINE

gov.uk/parks Visit www.warwickshire. website or see ly app king charges Open every day (except Christmas Day)

familiesonline.co.uk

Car par her information. call 01827 872660 for furt

Facebook shire Country Parks’ on Friend or like ‘Warwick untryparks follow us on Twitter @co

britishmotormuseum.co.uk J12 M40 . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15

FUN for all the FAMILY!

4-5 Henley Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6PT www.theMADmuseum.co.uk

01789 269356

16 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

FW07/19

familiesonline.co.uk