Herts Summer fun What’s On Education FREETakeMeHome IN THIS ISSUE Issue 111 July/August 2023 Familiesonline.co.uk WIN a family meal with Bill’s restaurant Pic: Olia Danilevich / Pexels
© Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited 2023. All rights reserved. PB02074 PRICE A L LINCLUSIVE £ Book online in advance and save at willowsactivityfarm.com St.Albans Jn22 M25
Welcome
We have tonnes of ideas for summer fun in this issue. If you’re looking for a day out, take a look at our articles on top UK beaches, theme parks and outdoor adventure parks to get truly inspired. And, if you’re heading on holiday or on a day trip, don’t forget to download our free activity printables for those ‘I’m bored’ moments.
Closer to home, try some Forest School activities and some great recipes which will develop your child’s cooking skills.
September will roll round before you know it, so read tips on how you can help your child with the transition to a new school year and check out the best uniform labelling and stationery ideas.
Look out for LOADS of fabulous giveaways in this issue too, and a competition to win a family meal with Bill’s! Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.
Dale
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 3
News Summer days out Education Top theme parks Environment Giveaways Food Activities Outdoor Fun What’s On In this issue 4 11 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 CONTENTS This Summer, school aged children who are eligible and in receipt of benefits related free school meals can enjoy f ree food, free sports and f ree craft activities! Get your new HAPpy Booking Code f rom your child’s school after May half term, to access all this and more when bookings open at the end of June! sportinherts.org.uk/haf Scan the QR code for more details SCAN ME
Market your business with Families Herts! • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, libraries, leisure attractions, nurseries, cafes, theatres and more trusted, influential & visible 07958284983
Summer holiday and term-time fun with Perform
Perform are ensuring a fun-packed July and August with their Wizard of Oz drama, dance and singing holiday courses plus their first ever festival of children’s theatre, Perform in the Park (see listing on page 27).
Children can sing and dance down the yellow brick road with the Wizard of Oz. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, children ages 4 to 10 will have fun as they bring this story to life. These five-day courses run across July and August from 10am to 3pm.
Book online at perform.org.uk/ wizard (St Albans). Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, classes are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.
Visit WEBSITE
Celtic Harmony nominated for prestigious awards
Celtic Harmony Camp, the outdoor prehistory settlement, has been nominated for two prestigious awards: the Best Education/Learning Team of the Year at the School Travel awards, and the Best Family Attraction at the Muddy Stiletto Awards 2023.
The School Travel award recognises a team of people at attractions and providers who have pulled out all the stops to ensure school groups have memorable experiences. Well-respected website Muddy Stiletto said the standard of entries was exceptionally high.
Visit Celtic Harmony WEBSITE
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 4
NEWS To book a FREE trial class, visit www. perform.org.uk /try
WIN
a family meal for 4 at Bill’s restaurant (St Albans)!
Bill’s St Albans has just turned 10, and to celebrate they’re offering a family meal for 4 people (worth £100)!
A lot can happen in 10 years, and today Bill’s (which was born out of a small greengrocery in Lewes, East Sussex), vows to keep it colourful day in, day out. Bringing something to the table for everyone, whether it’s allday brunch (available every day) for those brunch enthusiasts, to daily bottomless pancakes (available between 3-5pm), or seasonal specials and set menu dinners for those wanting to try something new.
Also at Bill’s, you can enjoy dogfriendly dining and happy hour in the sun sitting on the terrace. Not forgetting the little ones, kids can get creative with their food with a pancake parlour between 3-5pm, or enjoy a delicious two course kids’ meal with their grown-ups.
HOW TO ENTER
To be in with a chance of winning the family meal, first sign up to our mailing list via this link to receive our magazine, then answer the question below:
Q: How old has Bill’s St Albans turned this year?
Email your answer, name and contact details to editor@ familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date is 16 August.
Exciting stories at the Festival of Archaeology
The UK’s biggest archaeological event, the Festival of Archaeology will be running from 15 to 30 July and this year’s theme is Archaeology and Creativity.
Through nationwide digital and onsite events, archaeological experts will help families discover how their local landscape has changed and shaped to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about their local community.
Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations, or join digitally online through social media and discover more about your local area.
For more info visit WEBSITE
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 5 NEWS
The value of performing arts
The performing arts is a wide and vibrant industry including theatre, music, dance, film making and more. With its many facets, performing arts can open up a world of possibility for young people to develop and grow in an environment that is safe and supportive.
Be Confident: Confidence is fundamental to a young person’s development; it enables them to try new things and succeed and fail in a safe environment. Performing arts helps young people build confidence as they practice routines, perform in front of fellow students, family and friends, and receive and act on feedback.
Be Creative: 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.
Be Connected: There are very few industries that rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Whether they are rehearsing, performing, or filming, performing arts allows young people to connect with others who share their passion.
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts believes that performing arts can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of young people. Every week, students learn new skills and make new friends though three core modules; Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre.
For more info visit: WEBSITE
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 6
NEWS We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, three meals per day and the required lessons and activities. You choose who to host and when to host! Earn up to £1,000 per week.
foreign
Get in touch to find out more: influentme.com host@influentme.com
Would you like to host and teach English to a
student in your home?
So fresh and so clean
Whether you’re away at a summer festival, spending a day at the beach, camping, or playing sport then make sure to pack FreshWipes in your bag – the biodegradable, plastic-free wipes and the most convenient way to keep yourself fresh and clean.
Just one, quick, easy, portable pack of body wipes ensures you can clean yourself from the comfort of your chair, bed, tent or vehicle without fuss.
The wipes come in two fruity scents, grapefruit and coconut and unscented wipes are also available. There are extra-large wipes for adults and they’re safe for children (over the age of 3 and not sensitive
to any of the ingredients) to use too.
The wipes are saturated with moisture and are antibacterial to fully cleanse the body. Packs start from £5.99.
For full list of products and more information visit WEBSITE
Orchard Toys Giveaway
8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games Bundles worth £30
Fun AND educational! APPLY HERE
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 7 NEWS
*T&C’s apply
Fireman Sam – Saves the Circus
Thurs 17th Aug 12pm & 3.30pm
Tickets: £18, £17 child, Family of 4 £66
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action packed show.
SIX: Teen Edition
Thurs 24th Aug – Sat 26th Aug 7pm
Sat Mat 3pm • Tickets: £15
This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. This is a non-professional production by ELODS.
Priscilla Queen of the Disaster
Thurs 5th Oct 7.30pm • Tickets: £15
A heart-wrenching, side-splitting, laugh-and-crya-minute, one-woman comedy/drama show. An incredibly honest and frank true story about the realities of parenting, all told by mother and natural storyteller, Susie.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 8 Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns Please call 01707 392999 or email hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL www.childbasepartnership.com FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM We look forward to hearing from you Nursery Places Available Fun is an essential ingredient at Hertford Barns Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FUN FAMILY ADVENTURES AT GOSLING Enjoy activities as a whole family after school and weekends at Gosling Sports Park. You can reach the skies in our trampoline park, discover a world of fun in our soft play and slide into the weekend on one of our fun rings on our dry ski slope. Find out more and book online today by visiting better.org.uk/gosling Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398. 2851 Gosling Families Mag_fun family adventures_ Ad 190x135mm.indd 1 29/11/2022 12:16:26
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 9 THISSUMMERBerkhampsted Hemel Hempstead Westminster Lodge Cotlandswick & Harpenden Leisure Centres HOLIDAY CLUBS Multi Activity Club including swimming, trampolining, climbing wall and gymnastics Cookery School Arts & Crafts Club Football Academy www.fizzbug.co.uk | Telephone 07894264274 | full & 1/2 days bookable at all camps | scan to book There is something for everyone this season. With over 400 years of history, Hatfield Park invites you to escape into the past and enjoy a perfect day out. Surround yourself with history at Hatfield House Come and explore the exquisite gardens Enjoy the tranquil Park and Woodland Walks WWW.HATFIELDPARK.CO.UK T:01707 287010 E:VISITORS@HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS SUMMER AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE www.knebworthhouse.com Pre-booked tickets are discounted online Fantastic Summer events coming up
Exciting line-up for Standon Calling festival
Hertfordshire’s much-loved family festival returns this summer and has a programme of events that will delight – live music, performances, entertainment shows and more.
Set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside this family-friendly music and arts extravaganza takes place 20-23 July with an enviable line up of artists.
The stage will be lit up by Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party and The Human League, alongside Anastacia, Confidence Man, Dylan, Squid, Katy B, KT Tunstall, Melanie C, Bob Vylan, Sad Night Dynamite, Lynks, and others.
Festival veterans, The Flying Seagull Project, a joyous troupe of circus performers are set to spread love, light and laughter to the animated crowd, as they deliver a programme jampacked with exciting theatre productions, circus skills workshops, comedy shows especially for children.
Kids Rave On will also be bringing a family-friendly rave experience and The Hip-Hop Academy will be on the scene for tweens and teens, offering workshops in street dance, graffiti, beat box, live beat
production, lyric writing, DJ Skills and junk bling. Guest talks and workshops on body positivity, singing and poetry will also feature. TV comedy double act Dick and Dom are back again battling it out behind the decks, and the popular dog show returns for a second year.
There’s lots more going on at the Standon Calling festival. For full line up and tickets go to WEBSITE
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 10 NEWS
Outdoor adventures for summer
If you’re heading out of your local area this summer, here’s a selection of fantastic places where you can give your kids an outdoor adventure.
Lilidorei Play
Village
The Alnwick Garden
Northumberland
NEW! Largest play structure in the world. Fantastical play universe.
Belvoir Castle
Grantham, Leicestershire
NEW! Set over 4 acres. Giant timber fortress, tunnels, zip wire, toddler area.
WildPlay at Whinlatter
Keswick, Cumbria
FREE! Forest adventures in 9 play areas on a 600m trail. Summer water features.
Culzean Castle
Ayrshire, Scotland
Adventure Cove & Wild Woodland play areas include towers, treehouse, zip slides.
Heartlands
Redruth, Cornwall FREE! Shipwrecked boat, mini beach, huge wooden climbing frame and more.
Tyntesfield
Wraxall, Somerset
Den-building village, Home Farm courtyard, big tractor to climb, slides.
Stanwick Lakes
Northamptonshire
Extensive adventure playground, water play, large sand play, climbing tower and more.
The Vyne
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Network of covered tunnels, wooden fort, slide, deep sandpit, stream, water play.
Chatsworth House
Bakewell, Derbyshire
Woodland playground with rope park, zip wire, water/sand play, working farmyard.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 11
SUMMER DAYS OUT
SUMMER DAYS OUT
Top family beaches in the UK
Pack the buckets, spades and picnic gear and head to one of these gorgeous 2022 Blue Flag Award beaches for an old-fashioned family day out. All have food outlets and toilets.
Llangranno, Wales
Sandy, sheltered ‘village beach.’ Various food outlets. Water sports, surfing, dolphin viewing. Parking.
Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire
Esplanade, hills, cliffs, crazy golf, surfing. Parking.
Burntisland, Fife
Sandy/rocky beach. rockpools, Seaside Park with crazy golf, bouncy castle, fairground. Parking.
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Long sandy beaches, donkey rides, funfair, paddle boating, crazy golf, bike hire, parking.
Cromer, Norfolk
Traditional Victorian seaside resort, with a wide sand and shingle beach and iconic pier. Parking.
Woolacombe, North Devon
3 mile sandy beach, surf school, kayaking/ kitesurfing, rockpools, theme park. Parking.
Southwold, Suffolk Pier, attractions, lighthouse, model boating pond, shingle beach, harbour. Parking.
Blackpool Sands, South Devon
Sand and shingle beach with clear, calm waters. Water activities. Parking.
St Ives, Cornwall
6 sandy beaches, surf & non-surf, Limited parking, take spectacular train ride from St Erth.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 12
DAYS OUT
SUMMER
Visual processing: what parents need to know
By Usha Patel
Helping your child with school transition
By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander
‘My son’s Educational Psychologist Report revealed he has visual processing problems. But what does this mean?’
Opticians check your child’s eye health and how well their eyes take in visual data. But how well does your child’s brain interpret what they see?
READ MORE
Summer Reading Challenge 2023
Moving to a new class or school can be challenging for kids. Most adapt to changes within the first few weeks but preparation and emotional resilience can greatly help with this adaptation. So how can you support your child through this unsettling time?
READ MORE
NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!
8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4-11 to read six library books during the summer holiday and collect rewards, like stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.
The Challenge will continue through September.
READ MORE
Bundles worth £30
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 13
APPLY HERE
*T&C’s apply EDUCATION
Make Neapolitan dairy-free ice cream!
We asked Emily Leary, multi-awardwinning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too to share her delicious, creamy dairy-free ice cream recipe with us.
This perfect summer treat will cool you down on even the warmest of days and inspire the whole family to get in the kitchen just for a lick of the spoon!
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 14 DOWNLOAD HERE!
Turning your child into a bookworm
By Emma Shingleton
Is your youngster a reluctant reader? Despite tempting them with every type of book, do they still only read when they ‘have’ to and not for pleasure?
The long summer holidays are an ideal time to encourage your child to ditch their screens and curl up with an engrossing story book instead.
So let’s get started:
Create a reading den
Every home should have a reading corner or den; a place that is inviting and excites children. Choose a quiet spot and add some pillows, bean bags or cushions to curl up on. Perhaps you could put up some posters to get them in the mood for imaginative thinking. What about: Under the Sea, Rainbows, Castles, Transport, In the Jungle?
Use television subtitles
Put your child’s favourite programmes on with subtitles and no sound. Can they read along and understand what is happening?
Try karaoke with lyrics
Host karaoke sessions so that children are challenged to read and sing lyrics on the screen.
Learn a poem together
Why not learn a topical poem alongside your child: find one about holidays, the weather or beaches to fit the season!
Film yourself reading a story
Think of it as CBBC bedtime stories. Use your phone to film yourself reading a story and send in the video to your child’s teacher. If other parents do the same, the whole class can enjoy a story read by someone other than their teacher!
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 15 EDUCATION
MORE Get the best out of family life! SIGN UP HERE to receive every issue IT’S FREE
READ
Fun ‘back to school’ stationery
There’s nothing more guaranteed to get your child excited about the new school year than some new stationery for back to school. Here are our top summer shopping choices.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 16 EDUCATION
Mini Highlighters £2.00 each
Fruit Eraser Collection £3.50
Magnetic Metal Ball Pen £14.99
Fidget Pen £3.50
Super 3D Moving Cover Notebook £2.65
Giraffe Wooden Ruler £3.95
Duck Crayons £3.95
Mini Stationery Set £6.00
Wild Wonders Colouring Pencils £9.95
Avoiding summer learning loss
At home
Encourage creative play. Start with a box of dressing-up props. Teach them to cook. Check out skills it develops by age HERE. Make a scrap book. Encourages creativity, writing and reading. Get gardening. Explore plants in the garden, get kids planting their own.
Reading. Increases vocabulary, literacy and creativity. Try the Summer Reading Challenge
On holiday
Encourage organisation and research skills, involve kids in planning activities for your trip. Challenge kids to concisely describe their holidays in writing by sending postcards. Sandcastle building encourages learning about patterns and structure.
Learning lurks in seaside rockpools! Get the kids to draw and research their sightings.
How to go rockpooling
Out and about
Go on a mini-beast hunt at your local park. Visit a museum, zoo or aquarium. Frequently an interactive experience with educational school holiday activities on offer. Physical activity. Develops concentration, team work and logic. Visit a castle or stately home. A three-dimensional history lesson!
On the move
The AA’s 10 best car games can transform a boring car journey. Encourage appreciation of local food. Choose local and avoid fast food outlets or chain restaurants. Help kids observe climatic and geographic differences compared to where they live. Provide real life exposure to history and culture. Visit places of local significance.
Laying out a scrapbook
Watch
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 17
This guide gives you tips on what you need to take and shows what you may find.
this easy-to-follow guide to creating a scrapbook page.
EDUCATION
School uniform labelling options
Labelling school clothes is not a fun job so, to help, we’ve identified some of the most reliable labelling options out there.
SnappyTag
No ironing or sewing. Clip on plastic tags with special tool.
50 labels £23
easy2name Shoe Label Covers
Stick these over a stickon label to protect name from wearing off.
20 labels £3.95
MyNameTags Ministickers
Big enough for child’s name but small enough for stationery.
175 for £15.95
WovenLabelsUK
Sew On
For traditionalists, sew on labels offer durability and value for money. 36 labels £4.99
Stamptastic
Stamping with longlasting ink makes labelling fast and easy. Basic bundle £24
Petit Fernand
Convenient stick-on labels that can used on anything. 30 labels £9
WHSmith Laundry Marker
Short of time and money? Nothing beats a laundry pen. £4.99
Able Labels Iron On Labels
Avoids sewing and produces similar result. 30 labels £3.75
tinyme Nursery Labels
Nursery-themed colourful stickers. Starter pack 144 sticky labels inc 72 iron on labels £23
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 18
EDUCATION
Top theme parks to visit this summer
If you’re thinking of visiting a theme park this summer and are not sure where to head to, take a look at our suggestions.
Alton Towers & CBeebies Land
Stoke on Trent
Offers thrills and spills for older children. Cbeebies Land for younger kids.
Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World
The New Forest Something for everyone, with Peppa Pig World tailored to pre-schoolers.
Chessington World of Adventures
Surrey
40 rides and attractions, zoo, Sea Life aquarium and Go Ape.
Drayton
Resort & Thomas Land
Rides for older kids plus Thomas the Tank area and big zoo.
Legoland Windsor Windsor, Berkshire Iconic theme park, dedicated to children 3-12 years.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Scottish Highlands
From larger-than-life dinosaurs to water coasters
Sundown
Adventureland
Retford, Nottingham
Quaint and traditional attraction dedicated to children under 10.
Warrington, Cheshire
For ages 2-13, six themed areas, over 25 rides, host of attractions.
Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park
North Yorkshire
40 rides and attractions.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 19 THEME PARKS
Manor
Gulliver’s Resort
Let’s go plastic-free in 2023!
Mark Plastic-Free July by reducing your family’s single-use plastic waste this summer. Try one of our ideas to help the planet and future generations.
Eco Warrior shampoo bar
Lasts longer and produces foamy lather with fewer chemicals.
Aluminium refill bottle
Zero waste. Just buy washing up liquid in bulk and refill.
Shaving soap
Free from plastics, including in the packaging.
Reusable cotton snack bag
Perfect alternative for sandwiches and snacks.
Plant-based dental floss
Made with 100% renewable resources. Recycle in food waste.
Bamboo dish brush
Made with natural bamboo, durable and effective.
Disney Stitch stainless steel straws
Reusable stainless-steel straws with adorable Stitch toppers.
Zero Waste Locator
Find your nearest plasticfree food outlets using this interactive map.
Toy swap
subscription library
The more affordable and sustainable alternative to buying toys.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 20 ENVIRONMENT
Grab Start Rite Schools shoes worth £50
Families has 5 pairs of Start-Rite Schools shoes to give away.
A leader in children’s fitted footwear for over 230 years, StartRite school shoes are designed to be tough and provide the correct support for the age and developmental stage of the child.
Containing biomechanical sole units, a proprietary air flow system and with double industry standard testing, StartRite delivers shoes that are comfortable and dependable: never outworn, only outgrown.
Winners will receive a £50 voucher to select from a broad School Shoe range. The range includes a selection at a more value-driven price point and a selection that donates profits to The Daily Mile, a charity working to help children get more exercise during the school day, thereby improving their physical, social, emotional and mental health.
APPLY HERE
T&C’s apply.
FREE Readly digital mag subscriptions worth
£120
Families has 3 annual subscriptions to Readly to give away, offering hours of digital magazine fun for young readers, including 80+ Disney magazines and comics.
Featuring much-loved character comics such as Disney’s Frozen, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, High School Musical, Star Wars™ and MARVEL, kids can immerse themselves in the world of Disney through brilliant stories, fantasy adventures, craft ideas and activities revolving around their favourite characters.
The Disney magazines are available to all the family as part of the unlimited reading subscription on Readly – where users can instantly read over seven thousand magazines and newspapers via their smartphone, tablet or laptop. Five user profiles per household. Parental controls apply.
APPLY HERE
T&C’s apply.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 21 GIVEAWAYS
Let the kids in the kitchen!
We asked Heather Staller, writer of the new book Kid Kitchen, for some of her favourite recipes for developing kids’ cooking skills.
No-Bake Trail Mix Cups
Healthier granola bar alternative. Use crushed pretzels, cereal, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit.
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze
Wholegrain, lower in added sugar and made in one bowl!
Stuffed Pizza Bites
A fun twist on pizza night – stuff with whatever you like.
Baked Spaghetti Cups
Healthy and easy weeknight meal kids can virtually make all by themselves.
PB&J Breakfast Cookies
Full of fruit, protein & whole grains, kids will love this breakfast choice.
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Cobbler Blueberry pancakes BUT also a dessert cobbler that’s healthy enough for breakfast!
Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls
Veggie-packed, easy dinner. Kids can make with just a little help!
Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake
Made from wholesome ingredients. Easy to stir up before breakfast.
S’mores Brownie Bites
Easy, impressive dessert that kids can make with just a little help.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 22 FOOD
Free activity printables for all ages
Perfect for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments or for some quiet time.
Bluey and Bingo paper masks
Make a Bluey and Bingo paper mask by downloading this template.
Duggee and his friends
Download this sheet to colour in Duggee and the Squirrels.
Make your own Routemaster
Download the template to make this iconic double-decker bus.
Tracy Beaker word search
For Jaqueline Wilson fans! Find the hidden words connected to Tracy Beaker.
A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting activity book
Fun activities for 5-8s based on popular book.
Make a pirate hat
Download this pirate hat template to sail the seven seas in style.
Let’s play butterfly snap
Download these cards and play a fun snap game.
Everything Under the Sun activity pack
Test your knowledge and let your imagination run wild.
The Funny Life of Sharks activity pack
Activities for 8-11s based on the hilarious book.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 23 ACTIVITIES
Seven great Forest School activities
We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.
Be a mud detective
Camouflage your hand
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.
Make a goblin or toy village
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.
Make a simple Stone Age tool
Imagine a family of tiny goblins or make this village for your favourite toy. 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 roofs and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or toy.
Find a thin sheet of slate. Place it on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape. Rub back and forwards to smooth it, using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface. Hey presto! Your own simple stone tool.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 24 OUTDOOR FUN
Seven great Forest School activities
We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.
Nature is a rainbow
Make nettle smoothie
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 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
Pick a large handful in spring using a gardening glove. 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 remove the sting.
Numberblocks toy bundles to giveaway
For endless play and learning adventures
Bundles include:
Numberblocks
Friends One to Five & Six to Ten
Numberblocks
At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin’ which has similar properties to soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands or clean your clothes!
Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset As seen on CBeebies
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 25 OUTDOOR FUN
Officially licensed from Learning Resources™ T&C’s apply APPLY HERE
What’s On Willows Activity Farm
St Albans, AL4 0PF 0333 3312060
WEBSITE
The daily programme includes adventure play, funfair, tractor rides, farm animals, indoor soft play and more.
STANDON CALLING
Standon, SG11 1EE
WEBSITE
21-24 Jul
The biggest music festival in the Herts calendar! Entertainment for all ages including Dick & Dom, The Flying Seagull Project, outdoor swimming pool and dog show. Mortimer Nannies are on hand to ensure the ultimate family festival experience. Comedy, and incredible music from Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party and The Human League, alongside Anastacia, Katy B, KT Tunstall, Melanie C, Sad Night Dynamite, Lynks, Groove Armada, The Cuban Brothers and others. See website for tickets and further details.
YOGA FOR KIDS
Safe and comfortable setting for children over 5 to practice yoga, mindfulness & meditation. Children have fun learning about themselves, and build confidence as they go.
Based in Hertfordshire
One-to-ones
Workshops and events
Mindfulness in schools
Weekly classes
07734368373
info@beckyslittleyogis.com
Classic Ibiza – 19 Aug
Hatfield House, AL9 5NB
WEBSITE
An open-air celebration of White Isle-inspired house music, reinvented by the Urban Soul Orchestra, live vocalists and headline DJs. Starts with a chillout set where you can enjoy your picnics, or dance along as the sun fades. One classic dance track will follow another in a magical, alfresco celebration, with accompanying lasers.
Celtic Harmony Brickenden Lane, Brickenden, SG13 8NY
WEBSITE
Family Prehistory Adventure
21 July – 6 Aug
Escape the everyday on a Family Prehistory Adventure, a 2-night 3-day getaway available from Tuesday to Thursday or Friday to Sunday from 21 July to 4 August. Sleep in your own roundhouse with all modern comforts and relax as a chef prepares all your meals.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 26
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in a future issue email editor@familiesherts.co.uk
take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. If you would like to feature a
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Tel: 07913 323608 replay5905@ntlworld.com ALL STAFF DBS CHECKED HOLIDAY CLUB in St Albans! Qualified & Experienced Staff Great Indoor & Outdoor spaces COME JOIN US FOR ALL DAY FUN AND EXCITING ACTIVITIES!! OPEN ALL SUMMER Based at St John Fisher Primary For all 3.5 - 11 yr olds to enjoy!!
Enjoy activities such as pottery and archery, then in the evening watch the sun set behind the roundhouses.
Summer Family Entertainment at Campus West
Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX WEBSITE
Discover Welwyn Garden City’s premier family entertainment destination at Campus West throughout July and August. Enjoy movies, soft play, roller skating, bouncy castles, and Humphrey’s café lounge. Sign-up for Zebra Discount and enjoy up to 50% off.
Re:play Holiday Club – 24 July to 25 August
St Albans 07913 323608
Replay5905@ntlworld.com
Lots of fun activities and crafts, indoor and outdoor space.
Ages 4 – 11.
Becoming Dad
Creswick Family Centre – 15 July
Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4FL
Email: fathers@oneymca.org
Becoming Dad is an inclusive workshop for new and expectant
fathers to help them to connect with and understand their babies’ needs. 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Perform in the Park –22 July to 28 August
A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14, plus evening events for teens.
Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with widel awns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark. uk for more information and to book tickets.
Yoga for Kids - Hertfordshire
EMAIL
Safe and comfortable setting for children over the age of 5 to practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Children have fun learning about themselves and build confidence. Becky is a fantastic teacher, who also offers workshops, school visits, weekly classes, and one-to-ones. Call 07734368373.
Highland Gathering at Rothamsted
Park – 9 July
Harpenden, AL5 2LX
WEBSITE
Enjoy traditional Scottish Highland games, marching pipe bands, dancing, stage performances, arena displays and children’s activities. 11am to 4.30pm.
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 27 What’s On
email editor@familiesherts.co.uk
We
take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. If you would like to feature a
listing in a future issue
Celtic Harmony
Numberblocks toys to giveaway
8 bundles worth £80 each Collectables and playset for endless play and learning adventures
As seen on CBeebies
Bundles include:
Numberblocks Friends
One to Five
Numberblocks Friends
Six to Ten
Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset
Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 28
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