Families Hampshire West May/June 23 PRINT issue

Contact us Welcome

Editor: Rebecca Carr

T: 07789 882467

E: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk

Advertising sales: Claire Clarricoates

T: 07812 218331

E: claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

Next issue: July/August

Booking deadline: 2 June

Readership of over 40,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE:

There are a lot of opportunities for early summer fun over the next couple of months with the Coronation of King Charles III and the half term break at the end of May.

Now the weather is getting better and the evenings longer, the garden and outdoor spaces beckon and you can get the kids outside to play. We’ve provided a selection of outdoor toy ideas that will help keep them busy - take a look at page 15.

If you are planning travel with extended family, check out our tips for holidaying with grandparents and, whilst looking forward to the months to come, it’s the perfect time to think about booking your child into a summer day camp or workshop – the long summer holidays will be here before you know it!

Look out for our Orchard Toy game giveaway – we have loads of Little Shopping Lotto games on offer! Perfect for your kids to take away on a holiday, weekend away or just while on the move. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebecca

Editor,

Families Hampshire West

© Families Hampshire West 2023. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

The benefits of summer camps

By Andrew Campbell

Summer day camps provide fun, safe and nurturing spaces for children. Not just useful childcare for working parents, there are many benefits for children too. Consider these:

Learning new skills

Summer camps offer a variety of activities that allow children to explore new interests and develop talents they didn’t know they had or take an existing talent to a new level.

Promoting physical activity

Many day camps provide a wide range of physical activities including sports, outdoor activities and games. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Developing independence and self-confidence

Being in a setting that isn’t home or school and where there are no parents can give children a sense of independence. They learn how to take care of themselves, make their own decisions and solve problems on their own.

Taking on new challenges and trying new things gives them confidence in their abilities.

Fostering creativity

Creative juices flow when children experience theatre arts, dance, music, writing, arts and crafts. These all help to stimulate their imagination and expressive thinking.

Leaving technology behind

As fantastic as the online world can be, it is always great to expose children to the joys of a good old-fashioned kick about

and team games in the fresh air. Who knows, they may even enjoy it MORE than gazing at a screen!

Building social skills

In a whole new supervised peer group, children learn to work together, communicate effectively and develop a sense of community.

There’s much to be gained too if they are learning and playing alongside children from different backgrounds, cultures or abilities from their usual circles, as this is an opportunity to appreciate difference. Kids will also build friendships outside their established school network.

Enjoying the outdoors

Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel or building an outdoor camp can give your child a whole new set of skills while enjoying adventures they might not otherwise experience.

Nurturing leadership and teamwork

By encouraging teamwork, co-operation, empathy and selfconfidence, summer day camps will help your child develop emotional intelligence.

How safe will your child be? Holiday camps and the law

Ofsted registration

While most childcare services have to be registered with Ofsted, holiday clubs are often exempt so you need to check.

If there isn’t an Ofsted report, you may want to ask what policies are in place to ensure children’s safety, such as safeguarding procedures, health and safety procedures, food handling, staff to child ratios and public liability insurance.

Staff qualifications

All staff and frequent volunteers at a holiday club must have enhanced DBS checks. Ofsted registered holiday camps will be required to have staff with training in first aid, safeguarding and if applicable, food handling. It is no longer a requirement for outof-school club staff to hold a formal qualification. However, many providers will be required to have qualified staff to get childcare insurance.

Check the website or make enquiries.

What can you do if a holiday camp is cancelled? You should get a refund but the terms of the booking may exclude refunds for cancellations for reasons beyond the camp’s control.

Can you get a refund if your child refuses to go to the camp? If the holiday camp doesn’t live up to expectations, getting a refund maybe difficult. Try talking to the manager.

Can you get a refund or partial refund if your child is absent due to sickness?

This will depend on the terms of the booking.

What should you do if your child is injured at a holiday camp?

If the camp is Ofsted registered, you could report the incident and you may be able to get a refund. In a more serious case, you may want to seek legal advice.

Are holiday camps obliged to accept children with special needs?

Holiday camps must ensure that there is full inclusion and make the necessary reasonable adjustments to accommodate each child’s needs.

Book a FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, 7-12s will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a FREE class in the following venues. To book, just visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Chandlers Ford: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, SO53 2GJ

Lymington: St Thomas Church Hall, SO41 9ND

Romsey: United Abbey Reform Church, SO51 8EL

Southampton: Highfield Church Centre, SO17 1RL

Winchester: Holy Trinity Parish Church, SO23 8DG

Perform fun continues into the summer holidays with Wizard of Oz holiday courses in Winchester (Holy Trinity Parish Church, SO23 8DG) - don’t miss the Perform in the Park summer festival of children's theatre, see more on page 14. Visit www.performinthepark.uk to book.

Unforgettable children’s holiday adventures

Looking for an unforgettable holiday adventure for your kids? Look no further than Outdoor Adventurers, a Forest School Holiday Club run by the Outdoor Learning Company.

Their program offers kids aged 5-11 a unique opportunity to explore the natural world, learn new skills and make lifelong memories. Led by qualified Forest School practitioners, activities include: building dens, fire lighting, tool work and much more.

The Forest School Holiday Club provides a unique opportunity for kids to unplug, unwind and reconnect with nature while developing confidence, resilience and a love for the great outdoors.

Don’t miss out on the fun. Visit the website to learn more and sign up for an adventure your kids will never forget. Plus, get 10% off your booking using code FAMILY10. www.theoutdoorlearningcompany.co.uk

Woodland Holiday Clubs

Prep Parliament at St Swithun’s Winchester

Pupils at St Swithun’s School in Winchester are getting a key voice in the running of the school thanks to their own Prep Parliament. The school use the parliament to empower the children from an early age.

The premise is to help students begin to understand the functions of government, how a democracy works and how to make a meaningful impact in the local and school community.

The Parliament itself is made up of six different committees, each focusing on a particular issue that the children face in their day-to-day school life.

Talking about the parliament, St Swithun’s Prep Head, Jonathan Brough said, ‘We started this project to ensure that our students’ voices are heard and to allow them to make an actionable change to the surroundings where they spend so much time. The process deliberately involves all children from across the school, allowing them to experience first-hand how to vote.’

Hustings are held in each classroom to elect representatives from the class on all six committees. They sit within an overall parliamentary structure with each class electing one person to become their parliamentary representative.

St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester is independent prep school for girls aged 4-11, with a co-educational preschool, housed in excellent indoor and outdoor facilities in 45 acres of the Hampshire Downs.

You can find out more at their open morning on Saturday 10 June at 10am. To book visit www.stswithuns.com or call 01962 835792.

Clean Air Day 2023

Targeting air pollution, this year Clean Air Day will be on Thursday 15 June and brings together communities, businesses, education and the health sector aiming to:

• Improve public understanding of air pollution, both indoors and outdoors;

• Build awareness of how air pollution affects our health;

• Explain some of the easy things we can all do to tackle air pollution to help protect the environment and our health.

There are dozens of online events all day on the Clean Air Day website aimed at individuals, schools and businesses, as well as hundreds of events around the country for everyone to join. It's the opportunity to try something different - from travelling without a car to closing your school's street and having a street party.

More info: www.bit.ly/CleanAirDayUK

Little Owls Woodland Preschool opportunities available

Are you looking for something different? Based in 2½ acres of woodland at Itchen Valley Country Park, Little Owls Preschool’s unique outdoor setting effectively merges the Forest School ethos with the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance.

Little Owls offers fundamental, first-hand experiences whilst encouraging safe risk taking by implementing a diverse and distinctive curriculum. Children are offered daily opportunities to learn through nature and exclusive hands-on experiences, accessing and learning skills they may not have the opportunity to learn in a more traditional setting.

To find out more, email littleowls@youthoptions.org.uk to secure a space for September 2023 or book a space at an open day. www.youthoptions.co.uk

New scheme at Stroud School

From September 2023, Stroud School pupils achieving at the appropriate level in their studies by the end of Year 5 will be given a guaranteed place at its senior school, King Edward VI, Southampton, for Year 7 without the anxiety associated with an external examination route.

Since 2012, King Edward VI School and Stroud School have been proud partners. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, they are pleased to share that their already well-established links will be further enhanced by moving to a true 3-18 school structure. From September, Stroud will move to a Nursery to Year 6 model, and Stroud children arriving in Year 7 at KES from September 2024 will be able to earn their place by virtue of their ongoing academic attainment, rather than through the traditional entrance exam route.

This ‘Head’s Recommendation’ route will uniquely allow children from Stroud to obtain a guaranteed place at KES, should they have demonstrated the appropriate academic potential to thrive and succeed at its senior school.

For more information, call 01794 528360, email registrar@ stroud-kes.org.uk or visit www.stroud-kes.org.uk

How handwriting affects self-esteem

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

It is known that children who have good handwriting do better in school and enjoy it more. And the opposite is also true: those who struggle with handwriting are often at a disadvantage in the high-paced classroom setting. According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, children with poor handwriting are usually aware of their difficulty and their untidy handwriting can make them feel uncomfortable and isolated. Commonly, children feel depressed and frustrated as a direct result of poor writing skills.

Handwriting activates a specific part of the brain which helps establish and build the neural patterns needed for learning and memory. Studies show that children who spend time working on handwriting produce clearer and more coherent communication, along with better thought and organisation skills.

As the majority of our examinations are still handwritten, handwriting forms an integral part of our education system. Students who are unable to write legibly and articulately find themselves at a severe disadvantage. Once these skills are taught there is an enormous difference in confidence and selfesteem.

With at least ten to fifteen percent of children in the classroom suffering from poor self-confidence, teachers need to watch out for early problems with their pupils’ handwriting. Simply having their writing labelled as messy or lazy by adults can contribute to a child’s low self-esteem and anxiety. This may lead children to believe that they are unintelligent and incapable of writing correctly and discourage them, continuing the downward spiral.

Unfortunately, the problem of anxiety-related handwriting problems cannot simply be overcome by using a computer. As a child grows older, there will always be everyday circumstances in which handwriting is needed. Furthermore, handwriting helps the flow of ideas and thoughts in a way which keyboarding doesn’t, so it is fundamental that children are taught to write legibly.

Although handwriting is an integral requirement of the National Curriculum, many schools are unable to dedicate to it the time required due to the huge demand of core subjects. In addition, there are many different styles and programmes being used with too many confusing elements.

With the correct time and teaching, children can master handwriting, thereby raising their confidence and self-esteem and embedding it into adulthood.

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

Developing independent learning

By Zuzu Jordan

It’s time for celebration when our children display independence, right from when they take their first steps on their own or ride a bike without stabilisers. These are big family moments; the child delights in their achievements and parents are proud to be part of these milestone developments.

So what is independence?

Being independent means not needing support and becoming self-sufficient. A certain amount of independence comes naturally with age and experience; however, as adults there is plenty we can do to facilitate this growth along the way.

Returning to the example of babies taking their first steps, we tend to support them by holding their hand first and then a finger, before they try a few steps on their own. Clearing any potential dangerous items out of their way first, of course! We celebrate when they manage to walk alone and give them bundles of praise.

Helping your child to be independent with learning isn’t dissimilar to helping them walk unaided. We need to offer support, gently reduce that support and praise them for going it alone. This doesn’t mean stopping helping your child; instead it’s about nurturing an independent attitude and growth mindset. Our input will be age dependent and will need to be adapted accordingly.

Try some of these tips to help your child approach their learning with an independent attitude:

Establish a routine for starting homework. For example, for the first five minutes, your child works on their own or, in reverse, you work with them just for the first five minutes to get them started. Depending on the homework and age of the child, you could also consider helping out with every other question or section, then slowly building up the time between support periods.

Give them three tokens. They can use each token to ask for help. Once they have used up their tokens, they then have to continue working alone, trying to work things out themselves.

For written assignments, put a tiny mark on the page and ask your child to write up to that target before you read through it.

Use the BBBB approach - ask your Brain, Book, Buddy before you ask the Boss (you!)

For online homework, make sure that any websites or apps are saved with your child’s passwords so they can go straight to what they need without your input.

When the homework involves questions, suggest your child start with whichever one they can tackle independently, then come back to the questions they need help with.

Encourage independent thinking so children feel comfortable expressing their own thoughts and opinions about their homework assignments. Talk with them about what they think worked well and what didn’t. Keep the dialogue about independence transparent. Maybe ask your child what they would like to be independent in and what support they will need to achieve this.

A growth mindset is probably the most important ingredient in achieving independence. A fixed mindset (eg ‘I can’t spell well’) can prevent growth while a growth mindset (‘I can’t spell well yet’) embraces the learning journey; at the same time encouraging other traits including resilience and persistence.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Growth mindset

Historically, intelligence was seen as something we were gifted from birth and our levels were finite. Nowadays, research shows that mindset significantly influences how we learn and achieve. A fixed mindset person may use phrases like ‘I was never good at maths’ whereas a growth mindset person says ‘I can’t do this problem YET’ and bans the word ‘can’t’ from their vocabulary altogether.

Helping your child change their inner dialogue around facing challenges can make their learning more positive and successful.

Pre-School

Located at Itchen Valley, Country Park, children are encouraged to learn through naturebased and hands-on activities. To secure a place or to book an open day, contact us at: littleowls@youthoptions.org.uk.

How playgrounds benefit your child

As a parent or carer of young children, you’ve no doubt spent many hours sitting or standing in a playground watching your child play or pushing them on a swing. As well as being great for getting kids playing outside, playgrounds also have a range of developmental benefits - not just physical and social but cognitive and emotional too.

Unexpected physical benefits

Playgrounds provide children with the opportunity to develop their complete physical selves:

Swings and climbing frames develop advanced balancing skills and improve their equilibrium for surer footedness.

Climbing and running benefit muscle development and weight management.

Exposing children to daylight helps stabilise their circadian rhythms which can improve sleep patterns.

Playing outside exposes youngsters to more organic bacteria and microbes, which can help build a more robust immune system and an advanced microbiome.

The emotional and cognitive benefits

Anxiety, self-esteem and introversion are all common issues faced by children. A playground gives them a safe space in which to confront those feelings without judgement or expectation.

They can choose to play with the other kids in the castle or observe and learn how they can socialise before taking the first brave steps. Similarly, they can play by themselves on the swings

or slides to reduce their anxiety as they don’t need any help from others to accomplish that (though the kit is designed to encourage engagement and communication). Finally, they can give their self-esteem a boost by being brave enough to try a new piece of equipment or by making a new friend.

The playground gives them options. They don’t have to do anything they don’t want to but if they choose to act, it’s almost certain they will experience a benefit.

Playground play is also great for developing problem-solving skills, increasing creativity and encouraging critical thinking. Do too many children want to play in the castle? They can work together to create a game and solve the problem. Does everyone want to go on the slide? Well, they can queue and wait their turn, right?

Family Corner (www.familycorner.co.uk) is the family arm of the Early Years Alliance (www.eyalliance.org.uk). The charity provides expert-written articles on all aspects of child development including health, behaviour, communication and fun activities.

Which equipment is best for learning?

When deciding which kit is best for learning, it all depends on what you want the child to learn. Some children need social development while others need physicality, so here are some options:

For improved physicality. Climbing frames, rope bridges and adventure or obstacle-based trim trails all get under-used body parts moving.

For improved education. Check out the activity panels at the playground such as noughts and crosses, chalkboards, map boards and more. Often large-scale, they encourage fun learning outside the classroom. Outdoor classrooms and reading corners are an option for this kind of learning too.

For improved creativity. In pieces like castles, forts and multiplay kits, children naturally come up with the scenarios to make the equipment more exciting and come to life. This equipment also helps boost co-operation and communication between kids.

At the end of the day, every piece of playground equipment can help a child develop and learn something in some way.

Social and educational benefits of playgrounds

When your child is new to a setting or you’re on holiday and want your kids to make new friends quickly, you encourage them to visit the playground, right? This is because playgrounds are designed to encourage engagement and collaboration and to facilitate independent play.

For example, the castle and climbing frames result in children making up imaginative role-play games together where the setting becomes a fantasy world. Competition often breaks out on the swings to see who can go the highest and kids also take turns on the slide and wait patiently for the next go. They need a buddy to sit on the other end of the seesaw. Before they know it, they have a new friend.

As for the educational benefits of playgrounds, it’s all about learning to be brave and patient and experiencing things like excitement, fear and nervousness for the first time. Many play parks also have pieces of kit specifically designed for educational purposes like big magnifiers, storybook corners and sensory play kits.

Happy holidays with grandparents

By Ellie Malt

There is nothing quite like a holiday spent with grandparents to create surprising and special memories that will last a lifetime. Who knows what we will all discover along the way? Will granny get the hang of TikTok? Maybe the kids will find out what a ‘real’ camera looks like or perhaps we’ll all just learn more about each other. The most important thing though is to have fun and enjoy spending time together. Here are some ways to make it happen:

Choose flexible accommodation

Are you thinking about a villa, apartment or hotel? Small or big resort? Grandparents may not want to spend all their time with the grandchildren and vice-versa so some degree of separate space might be a wise idea. You should also consider access; somewhere with lots of steps neither suits buggies nor anyone who is a bit wobbly on their feet.

Plan together

Involve everyone in the planning by asking for their input and ideas. They’ll appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge. Sure, there’ll be compromises along the way but sharing the planning helps set expectations and ensures everyone feels more involved in the holiday.

Eating together

If you are self-catering, who will shop, cook and wash up? Are other options available? It’s worth thinking ahead about fussy eaters, as well as people who need to eat dinner earlier or get up late for breakfast. Planning now can save a lot of awkward negotiation when you’re there.

Make activities age-appropriate

Choose some ideas that will suit everyone’s interests and abilities. A water park might be the best day ever for the kids, while exploring the nearby town or drinking rum cocktails at the beach might be more appealing to parents and grandparents. If you have something special in mind that works for everyone, it might be worth choosing your holiday destination around it.

Sharing the kids

With more adults around, child-free date nights or even days out may be possible but don’t assume this will just happen. Discuss expectations around this. And if the grandparents are left in charge for a few hours, accept that their style may not match your own exactly - it’s their holiday too. Rather than setting rigid ground rules, let them do it their own way; after all, you didn’t turn out so badly!

‘Yes, we did it!’

Plan an adventure day; take a scenic hike or cycle ride or perhaps a kayak. Trying something new is all part of a holiday. If you choose carefully, even with different physical abilities and interests, it can work for everyone. Building in an element of challenge and heading out of your comfort zone together can create a sense of shared purpose and provide a real highlight.

Quiet time

It’s important that everyone is able to have some alone time during the holiday so think about the possibility of me-time for each person. Not everyone feels social all the time so consider the needs of the introverts in the group. Expectations and excitement may run high ahead of the holiday so talking to your kids about quiet-time or afternoon siestas before you go can help things run more smoothly.

Take photos

Document your holiday; everyone can get involved in this. Remember photos weren’t always just for posting on social media! Maybe you can create a photobook or even go old school and frame some group shots. It will give everyone something to look back on in the years to come and help keep those memories alive.

Helping children find their autistic identity

By Rebecca Duffus

When a young person gets a diagnosis of autism, it does not always come with the opportunity to explore their personal autistic identity. Research shows that having a positive understanding of this is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and tools, parents can initiate important conversations and support their child’s journey.

So often, autistic young people are told to stop their repetitive physical movements, taught neurotypical social skills and even disciplined purely because of their autistic behaviours. Yet we need to be actively promoting autistic pride and creating communities in which autistic youngsters can understand their strengths and have their needs catered for.

It is important that young autistic people gain a sense of their own unique story and understand feelings of difference and what difference means to them. It helps if they can also learn from the role modelling of other autistic individuals.

Giving children space and time to explore and embrace their autistic identity, in a way that is positive and empowering, is essential for their sense of self and belonging. Here are a few ideas:

Highlight differences in a positive way in everyday life. For example, apples and oranges, pens and pencils, different roles within a sports team. Each share similarities and differences and are equally good and valid. Use these examples to explain the concept of neurodiversity: how some people’s brains simply work differently.

Use visuals to explore autism characteristics and what your child’s unique autistic identity looks like. For example, show pictures related to sensory differences to prompt discussions around over-reactivity and under-reactivity to different senses. The Autism, Identity and Me Workbook (AIM) includes a range of visual prompts and space to personalise each section, so the book becomes truly theirs.

Help them develop a diary or workbook in which they can reflect on their identity. Consider buying personalised notebooks or help them to set up their own system for processing information on an ongoing basis. This could be recording voice notes, videos or typing into a document.

Explore accounts from other autistic individuals, particularly those your child has something in common with, so that they feel represented.

Develop an ‘Autism Identity Statement’ together which your child can use to explain to others what autism means to them.

Continue the conversation and not always verbally: use links, articles and videos. If appropriate for your child’s age, encourage them to watch or follow autism advocates such as The Aspie World, Purple Ella and Chloe Hayden.

For parents, Chris Packham’s recent Inside Our Autistic Minds, available on iPlayer, is an illuminating and informative insight into the minds of young autistic adults.

Follow their lead. You want to develop your child’s autistic pride but it is very important to respect their communication preferences. Do they want to share their Autism Identity Statement with other family members and friends or just with specific people?

Rebecca Duffus is an Advisory Teacher working with students and educators in mainstream and specialist schools, plus local council and education services.

She has created Autism, Identity and Me (AIM) personalised workbooks for young people, with an accompanying guidebook for parents. Together they help autistic young people establish and reflect upon their own unique story. Order from https://bit.ly/AIMbook

The neurodiversity pencil case

Featured in the AIM workbooks, this analogy can help with understanding difference. Sometimes people feel different from everyone else. Imagine a neurodivergent person is a pen within a classroom where the neurotypical pupils are pencils. They might feel like the only pen.

Both the pens and pencils are good at what they do. The neurodivergent people may be different from the neurotypical people but they all share similarities. They are not the only pen…. about one in seven people are neurodivergent!

Create an Autism Identity Statement

Your child can choose who they talk to about autism and what they say but it can help if they have a set phrase to explain what autism means to them. This statement is liable to change over time as they develop their understanding of their autistic identity. Try:

I’m really good at...

I sometimes find it harder to...

When I feel stressed it helps me to...

My superpowers are...

What's On

All listings correct at the time of going to print. To promote your local event in the next issue, email: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk. Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go

ONGOING

Every Fri St Bees Musical Adventures

St Barbe Museum, Lymington, SO41 9BH

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

Take your child on a magical sensory journey, inspired by the objects on display, through stories, songs, puppetry, baby sign, dance and creative play. 10-11am. Not on during school holidays. Under 5s. Pre-book, call 01590 676969.

Every Sat Storytime

Netley Library, SO31 5DT

Let their imagination run wild. Join for free. For young children to get creative by craft making and listening to stories.

Throughout May & Jun ‘50 Things’ Activities

The National Trust

Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges? From rolling down a hill to making friends with a bug, there’s something for every young explorer to do. Take part at Hinton Ampner, Mottisfont or The Vyne.

Throughout May & Jun ZOG™ Trail

Alice Holt Forest, GU10 4LS

www.forestryengland.uk/aliceholt-forest

Get ready to join Zog™ on his latest forest adventure to collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they help care for the forest and how the forests can care for them. Plus, explore trails and discover different play areas before treating yourself in the lovely café.

Throughout May & Jun Treasure Trails in Hampshire

Various locations

www.treasuretrails.co.uk

A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk. The trails are 2 to 2.5 miles and takes approximately two hours to complete at your own pace. Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new. Print a trail map at home or buy online. Suitable for ages 6+.

Until 30 Oct

40th Anniversary Trail

Paultons Theme Park Ower, SO51 6AL

www.paultonspark.co.uk

To celebrate Paultons 40th anniversary we have placed 11 owl sculptures around the park for you to discover. Each owl is colourfully decorated to reflect a different area of the Park. See if you can spot all 11 owls during your visit and tick off each one on the park map as you find them! Tickets from £41.75 when booked in advance. 10am-5pm.

DIARY DATES

Mon 1 to Wed 31 May

Family Spring Garden Explorer

Sheet

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens

Spot the signs of the season and learn all about nature and wildlife at Harold Hillier Gardens. £1 + normal garden admission.

Sat 6 May & Thu 1 Jun

Pond Dipping

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens

What is lurking in the ponds? Enjoy pond dipping and see what is living in the Education Garden ponds. Can you find diving beetles, nimble pond skaters and slimy snails? All equipment is provided. £3 per child.

Sat 6 to Mon 8 May

Coronation Weekend

Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/ event/coronation-weekend

Come and enjoy a royally good time at Milestones during Coronation weekend! Enjoy 1950s themed activities and more. 10am-5pm.

Sat 6 May to Sun 4 Jun

Coronation Garden Trail

The Vyne, Basingstoke RG24 9HL www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hampshire

Hunt for a whopping 74 crowns hidden in the gardens. All ages can celebrate the Coronation with this family trail. 10am-4pm.

Sun 7 May

Coronation Special

The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7HB www.thebrickworksmuseum.org

In honour of the coronation of King Charles III, The Brickworks Museum are offering FREE entry to anyone wearing a crown. 11am-4pm.

Mon 8 May

Coronation Punch & Judy Show

Winchester City Museum

The Square, SO23 9ES www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Looking for a fun way to end your coronation celebrations? Join David Wilde as he presents a traditional Punch and Judy show at Winchester City Museum. A traditional fun packed show for the whole family. 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm.

Fri 12 May

Mini Adventures at Mottisfont: Make a Bird Feeder Mottisfont, Romsey, SO51 0LP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hampshire

Borrow some binoculars and go bird watching in the gardens. Make a bird feeder to take home. 10.30am-12pm. Ages 2-5. Free but normal admission applies.

Sat 13 May

Bigger Pickles Market

Salvation Army Centre, Hedge End, SO30 2GL www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/ hampshire

Three years to teenage nearly new market for clothes, school uniform, books, games, gadgets and more!

Sat 13 May

Creative Saturday: A World in Colour Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Creative Saturdays are fun, handson activity days. Explore stories, collections and exhibitions together as a family. 11am-1pm.

Sat 13 May to 5 Jun

Mysteries & Mayhem

Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ

www.winchestersciencecentre.org

There’s been a crime committed at Winchester Science Centre! They need volunteers to join the Chemistry Crime Squad live science show and help use science to solve the mystery of the missing lunch. Watch as awesome experiments, intriguing demos and chemical reactions reveal the clues to help solve the mystery. Enjoy this event as well as all the usual Science Centre fun. 10am-5pm.

Sun 14 May

Nature Day

Gilbert White’s House, GU34 3JH www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

An annual celebration of the natural world. Throughout the day there will be a range of activities led by environmental experts, from pond dipping to bug hunting to bird spotting walks! 10.30am-5pm. Adults £9, under 16 free.

Sun 14 May

Little Pickles Market

Brockenhurst Village Hall, SO42 7RY

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 0-5 years baby & children’s nearly new market for clothes, toys, nursery furniture, baby equipment and more!

Sun 14 May

Pop Princess

MAST Mayflower Studios

Southampton SO14 7DU www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairytale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix. 11am.

Thu 18 May

Mini Adventures at Mottisfont: Natural Wind Catchers

Mottisfont, Romsey SO51 0LP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hampshire

Borrow a collection bucket and go for a walk to look for small natural items in the gardens. Make a natural ‘wind catcher’ to take home. 10.30am-12pm. Ages 2-5.

Sat 20 May

NCT Nearly New Sale Oasis Academy Mayfield, Southampton, SO19 9NA www.nct.org.uk/event/45626510

The NCT Nearly New Sale offers affordable, preloved maternity, baby and children’s clothes, toys and essentials. 1.30-3.30pm. Pre-booked tickets are £1 or £1.50 on the door.

Fri 26 to Mon 29 May

Adventure Cinema

Beaulieu, New Forest, SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/ adventure-cinema

Go to the movies and see your favourite film in a picture-perfect backdrop, as Beaulieu hosts the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema. Enjoy The Greatest Showman sing-along, Encanto, Cars, Back to the Future and Mamma Mia! Full details online.

Sat 27 May

Models for Heroes Army Flying Museum, Stockbridge, SO20 8FB www.armyflying.com

This event is a great opportunity to learn how to make and paint plastic models with guidance and resources supplied by Models for Heroes. Models for Heroes support the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Service personnel through the meaningful hobby of model making. This event is included in the cost of normal admission. 10am-3pm.

Sat 27 May to Sat 3 Jun

School Holiday Trail: Mini Museum Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Explore the Museum and Art Gallery in a new light with a fun, self-guided trail. Follow the clues, find the hidden objects and take part in a series of exciting challenges in exchange for a mystery prize! 10am-5pm.

Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun

Day out with Thomas

The Watercress Line, SO24 0BL www.watercressline.co.uk

Join Thomas the Tank Engine for a day of colourful adventure at the Watercress Line. Lots of fun activities and a round trip from Ropley to Alton. 9.30am-4.30pm.

Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun

Half Term Nature Detectives

Mottisfont, Romsey SO51 0LP www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hampshire

There are challenges to complete and a butterfly-themed craft activity to take home. Look up to the skies to spot clouds and look among the leaves to find insects that help the gardens. You can work out the age of some of the mighty trees and learn about the shapes of their leaves. 10am-5pm.

Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun

Scarecrows in Spring Manor Farm, Bursledon, SO31 1BH www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryparks/manorfarm

Join the story time trail sessions, plant a sunflower to take home and grow and play some scarecrow games. Normal farm admission charges apply. 10am-4pm.

Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun

May Half Term Trail: Teddy Bears Picnic

Itchen Valley Country Park Southampton, SO30 3HQ www.itchenvalley.co.uk/whatson/may-half-term

Discover if the Teddy Bears are eating healthily on the picnic trail! Collect a trail sheet from the Woodland Café between 10.30am and 4pm for £3.

Sun 28 May

Family Day & Fun Dog Show

The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7HB www.thebrickworksmuseum.org

Bring the family and the dog and the annual early summer craft fair and dog show. 11am-4pm.

Mon 29 May

Noble Normans!

Winchester City Museum, SO23 9ES www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Ever wondered whether you’d be strong enough to fight in full armour? Or which weapon would cause the most damage? Find out all this and more as the museum is taken over by noble Normans! With live demonstrations and interactive displays, this event is not to be missed. Pre-book. Ages 5+.

Mon 29 May to Fri 2 Jun

Share a Story

Army Flying Museum, Stockbridge, SO20 8FB www.armyflying.com

Visit during half term for a roundthe-world rhyming adventure with story-themed trails available all week. There will also be book themed craft activities between 10.30am-1.30pm, with an additional story time at 2pm. Perfect for young explorers everywhere!

Tue 30 May

Toys Through Time

Tudor House & Garden, Southampton, SO14 2AD

www.tudorhouseandgarden.com

Explore toys from the past and even make some of your own in this session packed with objects, activities and crafts. 10.30am, 1pm. Ages 6+.

Tue 30 May

Merry-Go-Round-Storytelling

Itchen Valley Country Park

Southampton, SO30 3HQ www.itchenvalley.co.uk/whatson/merry-go-round-storytelling

Join storyteller Amanda KaneSmith for her usual high energy, interactive storytelling - specially designed to engage all the family.

The Teddy themed tales will involve participation and lots of fun! Ages 3-8. 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.

Wed 31 May

Art for All: Charcoal and Chalks

Southampton City Art Gallery SO14 7LY

www.southamptoncityartgallery. com

Experiment with these (very messy!) mediums to create your own mixed media masterpieces. 10.30am, 1pm. £8. Ages 6+.

Wed 31 May & Thu 1 Jun

Civil Defence Training

Experience

Tudor House & Garden, Southampton, SO14 2AD www.tudorhouseandgarden.com

Led by the Air Raid Precautions Warden, children will be trained in the skills needed during WWII, like the correct way to put out an incendiary bomb and bandaging the wounded! 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm. £4. Ages 6+.

Wed 31 May to Sun 4 Jun

Winnie the Pooh

The Mayflower, Southampton SO15 1AP

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/ winnie-the-pooh-2023

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

Wed 31 May

Mad Hatters Hats

New Forest Heritage Centre

Lyndhurst, S043 7NY

www.newforestheritage.org.uk

Join in this half term for Alice in Wonderland themed events. Design, draw and decorate your very own Mad Hatter’s Hat! 11am to 12pm or 2pm to 3pm. £3.50 per child. Pre-book.

Thu 1 Jun

Cheshire Cat Flowerpot Crafts

New Forest Heritage Centre Lyndhurst, S043 7NY

www.newforestheritage.org.uk/ events

Join in this half term for Alice in Wonderland themed events. Design, draw and decorate a plant pot to make you grin like a Cheshire Cat! 11am to 12pm or 2pm to 3pm. £3 per child. Pre-book.

Thu 1 Jun

Art for All: Telling Tales... Stories, Symbols and Wire Figures

Southampton City Art Gallery SO14 7LY

www.southamptoncityartgallery. com

Explore the current art exhibition before creating your own story

character as a wire figure, complete with props and costume. 10.30am, 1pm. £8.50. Ages 7+.

Fri 2 Jun

Art for All Southampton City Art Gallery SO14 7LY www.southamptoncityartgallery. com

Ten thngs you never knew you could do with a milk bottle and more. Great for families of all ages to explore the huge potential of junk; from simple activities with cutting and sticking to more complex design and threedimensional thinking. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £8. Ages 4+.

Fri 2 Jun

Mummy Mayhem SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY www.seacitymuseum.co.uk

Enjoy a fun-filled history session exploring the wonderful world of the Ancient Egyptians! 10.30am, 1pm. £8. Ages 6+.

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Jun

Dinosaur World Live Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Join the intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs! Sat 11.30am & 2pm, Sun 11am & 2pm. Ages 3+.

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Jun

Cheese & Chilli Festival North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

A family event that celebrates all things cheese and chilli with lots of entertainment and activities throughout the weekend. Sat 10am6pm and Sun 10am-5pm. Ages 0-15 are free.

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Jun

Dogstival Broadlands, Romsey, SO51 9ZD www.dogstival.co.uk

Dogstival, the festival dedicated to four-legged fun, is back this June to show the nation’s pooches some love this summer. Jam-packed with all the things a dog loves, furry friends are sure to have the time of their life at this two-day pooch fest. £18 adults, 6-16yrs from £10. 9.30am-5.30pm. Book online.

Sat 10 Jun

Creative Saturday: Musical Melodies Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

A fun, hands-on activity day. Explore stories, collections and exhibitions together as a family. Take part in a musical workshop between 11am and 1pm.

Sat 17 Jun

Sing-a-Long-a Encanto Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB

www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Sing your heart out with a live host, who will teach you some dance moves, help you create some magic and show you how to use your free props bag. 1.30pm. Ages 4+.

Mon 19 Jun Buggy Walk

Lepe Country Park, Exbury, SO45 1AD

www.hants.gov.uk

The perfect way to meet other parents and carers from the local area, while introducing your little ones to the wonderful outdoors. 10am. Free.

Sun 25 Jun

Mid-Summer Fair

The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick, SO31 7HB

www.thebrickworksmuseum.org

During the hot summer months, brickmakers laid their bricks outside to dry before firing. Celebrate and enjoy the June Museum in Steam event. With the Brickworks machinery under steam, children’s activities and all the fun of the fair. 11am-4pm.

Tue 27 Jun

Dinosaur World Live

The Mayflower, Southampton SO15 1AP

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/ dinosaur-world-2023

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Ages 3+.

Sat 1 Jul

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

The Mayflower, Southampton SO15 1AP

www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/ dragons-mythical-beasts-2023

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical Olivier Award Nominated show for all the family. 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Ages 3+.

22 Jul to 28 Aug

Perform in the Park Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN

www.performinthepark.uk

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 wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Tickets start at £14.50. Pre-book online.

HOLIDAY COURSE

Mon 24 to Fri 28 Jul

Wizard of Oz

Holy Trinity Parish Church, Winchester, SO23 8DG

www.perform.org.uk/wizard

There’s no place like Perform this summer. Perform are off to see the wizard this July, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday courses. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. Book online. Ages 4-10. 10am-3pm daily.

Best outdoor toys for summer 2023

Ah summertime! The days are longer, the weather is warmer and we have more opportunities to head outside into the fresh air. We asked our friends at The Good Play Guide (www.goodplayguide.com) to recommend a range of top toys and activities that will provide hours of entertainment. Different toys develop different skills through play and these are broken into four key categories to inspire you: Active, Nature & Discovery, Arty and Educational.

Educational

Waterwall

For a splashtastic time, look no further than the Waterwall for hours of fun. Perfect for long summer days in the garden, your child will love designing a pathway for the water to successfully run through the tubes. They may not succeed straight away but the fun is in the trying! RRP £99.99.

Paint Pop Face Paint Sticks

Face painting is made easier with Paint Pop Face Paints. The silky-smooth paint is inside the stick; simply twist and you’re ready to paint! You can enjoy super-clean, messfree and convenient creative fun when at home or out and about on your travels. Each set includes twelve bright, vibrant colours for greater creativity. RRP £9.99.

Gazillion Bubbles Giant Power Wand

Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that are the most fun. Kids and grown-ups will love the giant bubbles that whoosh out at the touch of a button. Great for an active summer afternoon in the garden or for entertaining children at a birthday party, this is sure to be a big hit. RRP £12.

Xootz Bubble-GoScooter

The Xootz Bubble-Go Scooter is a three-wheeled scooter that blows bubbles as you ride, cleverly combining two popular children’s pastimes in one. With its wide footplate and sturdy three-wheeled style, younger riders will find it a breeze to use and will be the envy of their friends as they ride a scooter while blowing bubbles out behind them. RRP £49.99.

Nature & Discovery

GALT Travel Activity Case

This set contains four books of educational travel activities that will keep children occupied on journeys, as well as during downtime or on a rainy day. The fun, mess-free activities include puzzles, word searches, dotto-dots, stickers and colouring, getting the brain whirring as children indulge their language skills, dexterity and creativity. RRP £12.99.

River Rock Paint Kit

Rock painting is a fun activity for kids that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. With fifteen smooth river rocks to paint, plus a full complement of art supplies, kids can create decorative stones to tell stories with or showcase in your home or garden, proudly displaying their artistic imagination. RRP £19.99.

Geosafari® JR. Kidnoculars® Extreme™

Magnify nature with these 3x no-focus binoculars and built-in microphone - they are the perfect tool to encourage children to engage with and learn about nature. Looking and listening to their surroundings teaches kids observation skills and promotes the learning of new vocabulary centred around nature. RRP £26.50.

Flower Growing Garden Kit

This flower garden kit makes it easy for children to plant, decorate and watch their very own garden grow beautiful cosmos, nasturtium and zinnia flowers. This is a great way to introduce children to the excitement and reward of watching their very own flowers grow. RRP £24.99.

Arty Active