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Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2024
January/February 1 Familiesonline.co.uk
GIVEAWAY
Ages 8+
National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Discovery and hands-on learning Bundles include: Worth Geodes Kit £77 each Gemstone Dig Kit Glow in the Dark Science Kit
APPLY HERE
2 January/February
T&Cs apply
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CONTENTS
Welcome
In this issue
Happy New Year to everyone! We hope this year is happy and healthy for you all.
5 Education 11 Early years 12 What’s On 13 Giveaways 14 Clubs & classes 16 Top recipe books for kids 17 Simple pancake recipe 18 Activities 21 World Book Day costumes 22 Out and about 24 Family festivals
Cheer up the dark and dreary days of winter and keep the kids busy with our selection of great activity pages in this issue. Kids can learn to draw better, get more out of music with our great app selection, cook up a storm in the kitchen or do some exciting science experiments. Looking ahead to half term, we’ve some great suggestions for family walks and whilst planning ahead, find early ideas for World Book Day costumes and check out the family festivals taking place around the UK this year - we have a family ticket to Camp Bestival to giveaway! Don’t miss our EZLite Graco Stroller and National Geographic Science Kits giveaways either. By applying, you’ll also ensure you receive this digital magazine to your inbox every two months.
Get in touch Competition winners from our September/ October issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Giveaway!
Family ticket for Camp Bestival 4 days of magical festival fun August 2024
Dorset or Shropshire *T&Cs apply
APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 3
Create Your Story with Stroud
Open Evening Thursday 14 March 6.00pm - 8.00pm
For more information please visit stroud.kes.school or call 01794 513231
We encourage children to grow their passions and realise their dreams, learning important skills and values in a joyful community that gives children the space to be children. Our teachers support and prepare our pupils to soar and be ready for whatever comes next in their future.
4 January/February
Start your future with Walhampton Join us at our Open Morning: 15th March 2024 Register at: www.walhampton.com Pre-Prep | Prep | Boarding
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EDUCATION
The importance of art in the curriculum By Laura Steele In an increasingly busy school timetable, art can often be overlooked in favour of the core subjects. Yet, according to The Tate: ‘Schools that integrate arts into their curriculum show improved student performance in maths, English, critical thinking and verbal skills’. Art is beneficial to children’s development in so many ways. Imagination, self-expression and creativity
Self-confidence, self-discipline and resilience Art is less prescribed than many other subjects, meaning children can often choose the direction that they take.
Have you ever watched a child who is completely absorbed in drawing READ MORE or painting? Their full concentration is on creating something from nothing, using only their imagination and creativity to express a thought, Join the feeling or idea. This is a skill that Adventure we should want to nurture in all children. More than many other subjects, art fosters experimentation. It gives children the freedom and choice to create something that is unique to them. Not only is this a healthy outlet for self-expression but in the world of work, skills like creativity and innovation are highly valued by many employers. ‘Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.’ Sydney Gurewitz Clemens, Consultant in Early Childhood Education Familiesonline.co.uk
Open Mornings Wednesday 28th February Thursday 25th April registrar@thegreggschools.org January/February 5
EDUCATION
Best new books for kids from around the world
We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.
Too Small Tola Makes It Count
By Atinuke Three fun stories transport readers to bustling Lagos. Ages 5+.
Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear
By Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung Vietnam-based graphic novel adventure. Ages 8+.
One Chance Dance
By Efua Traoré Heartwarming story of friendship and dance set in Nigeria. Ages 8+. 6 January/February
The Midnighters
By Hana Tooke A magical adventure with a mysterious, gothic-inspired setting. Ages 8+.
The Last Mapmaker
By Christina Soontornvat A Thai-inspired, highseas, fantasy adventure. Ages 8+.
The Song Walker
By Zillah Bethel Explore the Australian Outback in this story about friendship. Ages 8+.
Sona Sharma Wish Me Luck By Chitra Soundar Warm and colourful illustrated chapter book set in India. Ages 5+.
Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind By Misa Sugiura A thrilling, Japaneseinspired fantasy adventure. Ages 8+.
The Boy Who Saved a Bear
By Nizrana Farook A gripping Sri Lankan adventure for animal lovers. Ages 8+. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
The Gregg Prep School celebrate achievements
Walhampton celebrates its 75th birthday
The Gregg Prep School believe in providing pupils with an interesting and challenging education that enables them to reach their true potential.
This year marks 75 years since Walhampton first opened its doors to pupils; a milestone celebrated at its Anniversary Arts Festival last summer. Over 400 Walhampton families, local friends in the community and alumni enjoyed watching pupils perform around the School’s beautiful grounds and on an outdoor stage, celebrating this historic birthday together.
Through the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate, focus is on learning around the development of values, skills, attitudes and behaviours that are needed for children to succeed and flourish in an ever-changing world. Small class sizes ensure more time is devoted to personalised teaching and supported individual learning, so children feel safe to take risks and try challenges that help them to progress. Pupils flourish thanks to being encouraged, recognised and celebrated in their achievements both academic and personal. The Gregg Prep pupils become more self-confident and are prepared for each step of their educational journey. Open Mornings on Wednesday 28 Feb or Thursday 25 April. EMAIL to book a space. Familiesonline.co.uk
‘I am honoured to be leading the school into its 75th year,’ says Head Jonny Timms; ‘We are a Radically Traditional School which means we embrace our rich history and traditions, but are also forward-thinking in our innovative approach to education. We have much to celebrate at Walhampton and having enjoyed the Arts Festival in the summer, we are looking forward to bringing our community together again for our first Giving Weekend early next year. The aim of this is to raise funds for The Walhampton Trust Foundation so that more children can access a Walhampton education.’ Find out more HERE. January/February 7
EDUCATION
Stroud School announces name change to KES
Beyond the school system By Ana Fábrega
Stroud School is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey. After ten years of a highly successful partnership with King Edward VI Senior School, Southampton, Stroud School is delighted to reveal its new name, King Edward VI Preparatory, from September 2024. By adopting the name King Edward VI Preparatory School will now share an identity with Hampshire’s esteemed senior school. This alignment will strengthen the sense of continuity and progression for children as they transition from the preparatory level to the senior level. It will also reinforce the school’s commitment to delivering an outstanding education and maintaining high standards of academic excellence and pastoral care whilst instilling a deep love of learning. The school is holding its next Open Event on Thursday 14 March, from 6-8pm. To book a place, call 01794 528360 or EMAIL. 8 January/February
It’s a fact that the traditional school system doesn’t suit everyone, yet many parents aren’t in a position to take their children out of school. The good news is that there are options that offer fabulous learning opportunities for children, which can be embraced without leaving the system. READ MORE
Original vintage and modern high quality knitwear for babies and children up to age 3.
www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
What to expect from ICT at primary school
Speech and language at school
By Zuzu Jordan
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
When managed well, technology can transform learning into an engaging and interactive experience. Yet it develops so fast that parents may find it difficult to keep up with what their children are learning. So how is technology used at primary school? What might your child be taught? READ MORE
The charity Listening to unheard children reports that an estimated twenty percent of school age children are behind in talking and listening. There’s an increase in children who can’t articulate their needs or feelings or who struggle with sentence construction, sounds and vocabulary. READ MORE
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01/08/2023
17:30
All the usual Science Centre fun PLUS Test the Water - a brand new live science show, Hibernation Station and den building activities all free with general admission. Weekends and February half term 27th Jan to 19th Feb 2024
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Unlock your child’s potential Singing, dancing and acting classes forr 4 -18 year-olds Southampton 01962 771024 southampton@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/southampton
Book now
winchestersciencecentre.org
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Eastleigh 01962 771024 eastleigh@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/eastleigh Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited.
® Creative Courage For Life
January/February 9
EDUCATION
Helping your child with spelling Does your child struggle with spelling? Take a look at some recommended resources that may help them improve.
10 Minutes A Day Spelling Fun Teaches in bite-sized chunks with exciting games and tests. Ages 5-7.
Bond SATs Skills: Spelling & Vocabulary
Builds core knowledge of the words expected in key assessments. Ages 8-9.
First Words Deluxe
Your Spelling
Match and Spell
Wordsearch Junior
ios ios Ideal for toddlers starting Focusses on words to master letter sounds. required for KS1 and KS2 Ages 3+. SATs. Ages 5-11.
Clever spelling game can be played solo or as a family. Ages 5+. 10 January/February
Fun game - start with pictures and progress to words. Ages 4+.
Usborne Practice Book
120 spelling activities which get progressively harder. Ages 7+.
DoodleSpell
ios & android Tailors exercises to suit a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ages 5-11.
Bananagrams
Fast, fun word game build words with lettered tiles. Ages 7+. Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Buying your child’s first pair of shoes By Caroline French This is a big milestone when your child is turning from a baby to a toddler. As your child’s feet are not fully developed until they are teenagers, it is important to get shoes that fit properly to avoid foot health problems. Does my child need shoes when he is crawling?
weeks from their first few steps. Shoes can be useful, especially Professional advice is that barefoot if they need to walk outside and need protection. This can be any is best, as this gives your child a chance to strengthen the muscles in time between 9 and 18 months on their foot and feel and grip the floor average. underneath them for balance. Once they start crawling you can protect W. J. French & Son, established in 1803, are an award-winning shoe your baby’s feet from bumps and shop. Their experienced fitters will scrapes with properly fitted preensure your child’s feet are properly walkers which should be light and measured and fitted with the most flexible. suitable shoe for their stage of development. They also take a When should I buy my baby their polaroid photo as a keepsake to first pair of shoes? mark this special milestone. When your child is walking more Find out more at HERE. than crawling, which is around 4-6 Award winning family shoe retailer
40 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG. Tel: 023 80 226542 www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk
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HUGE CHOICE MAXIMUM COMFORT THE BEST FIT
We are the largest independent shoe shop in Hampshire and have been providing excellent customer service for over 200 years. Easy parking opposite the shop
January/February 11
WHAT’S ON
Wicked flies to Southampton this summer
Come out of hibernation this February half term
‘One of the most successful musicals of all time’ (BBC News), Wicked has been casting its magical spell around the world for two decades.
It’s hibernation season but the fun doesn’t stop at Winchester Science Centre this winter. Between Saturday 27 January and Monday 19 February, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages with the return of Zero Degrees – and it’s all included with admission.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. This award-winning musical flies back to The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 16 June, complete with all the spectacle and magic that make this production such an unforgettable and unmissable experience. More information and tickets HERE.
12 January/February
In The Hibernation Station families will learn all about what native species are up to during winter. And, for those feeling brave, there’ll be a chance to step outside and try some hibernation den-building. Back inside there’s a brandnew action-packed live science show, Test the Water, that will use exciting experiments to delve into the science of water temperatures. Plus, there’s two floors of interactive exhibits, huge ‘don’t try this at home demos’ and lots more! More information and tickets HERE.
Familiesonline.co.uk
GIVEAWAYS
The perfect stroller for families
EZLite Graco stroller Giveaway A perfect, light weight stroller for families Easy to control and manoeuvre
EZLite is the latest lightweight and compact stroller from Graco, perfect for families looking for a reliable and convenient solution that won’t cost the earth. This budget-friendly stroller ensures that parents and carers get peace of mind from the reliable Graco quality. The stroller is available in the stylish Midnight, Dusty Rose or Stormy colourways. With a canopy that protects from the sun, the stroller also has adjustable calf support and twoposition recline, ensuring that littles ones are kept comfortable. Other features include front swivel-lock wheels and a onestop braking system, making the EZLite easy to control and manoeuvre. Suitable for newborn babies up to approximately 3 years old, the EZLite from Graco is available now for £50 HERE.
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Newborn to age 3
APPLY HERE
Worth £50 T&Cs apply
National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Giveaway W Discovery and hands-on learning
orth £77 each
Ages 8+ Geodes Kit Gemstone Dig Kit Glow in the Dark Science Kit 3 bundles available T&Cs apply
APPLY HERE January/February 13
CLUBS & CLASSES
Boost your child’s confidence in 2024 with a FREE Perform class The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidencebuilding fun, classes for children ages 4 to 7 will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while kids ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen. Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on developing the 4 Cs confidence, communication, coordination and concentration - using drama, dance and singing. At the end of each term, the children will take part in a show-stopping final performance for family and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made! Classes are for all abilities with no previous experience required and children are welcome to join at any point in the term. Book a no-obligation FREE trial HERE.
14 January/February
More about Perform’s weekly classes Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues HERE. Chandlers Ford: Chandlers Ford Methodist Church, SO53 2GJ Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm Lymington: St Thomas Church Hall, SO41 9ND Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm Romsey: United Abbey Reform Church, SO51 8EL Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm Southampton: Highfield Church Centre, SO17 1RL Ages 4-7, Wednesday, 4pm & 5pm & Ages 7-12, Wednesday, 6pm Winchester: Holy Trinity Parish Church, SO23 8DG Ages 4-7, Saturday 9.30am and 11.15am, Monday 4pm & Ages 7-12, Saturday 2pm, Monday 5pm. Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Football fun with Little Kickers classes
Join a local Stagecoach class
Little Kickers gives children an introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly and pressure free environment.
Stagecoach is the Uk’s largest performing arts school, providing children ages 4 to 18 with training in drama, dance and singing. And, the good news is that there are six local Stagecoach schools covering Southampton, Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford. They are celebrating 25 years of giving students the opportunity to build their self-confidence, communication skills and creativity. No previous experience is necessary and there’s no need to audition - energy and enthusiasm is all they ask for. They also run their very popular ‘Early Stages’ classes for ages 4 to 6, providing an introduction to the performing arts, but adapted to the needs of younger children. Schools open at weekends during term time at King Edward VI School in Southampton and at Thornden Hall in Eastleigh. Students are taught by experienced teachers, professional performers, choreographers and musicians. More information HERE or call 01962 771024.
There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and 8 years. Little Kickers stimulates imagination and aids early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team. Classes are available in Totton, Romsey, Eastleigh, Winchester, Bitterne, Hedge end, Whiteley and Fareham. More info HERE.
Football fun for children aged 18 months to 7 years. Classes available in Southampton and the surrounding areas. To book or for more information call Hannah on 07916 854810 or hdarling@littlekickers.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
www.littlekickers.co.uk
January/February 15
FOOD
Top recipe books to use with the kids
It’s cold and murky outside – but warm and inviting in the kitchen! Cook up a storm with the kids using one of these recommended recipe books.
Cook Me a Rhyme: The Usborne First In the Kitchen with Cookbook Quick, wholesome, easyBasic techniques for Mother Goose The Silver Spoon for Children
to-make Italian dishes. New edition of a classic. Ages 7-11. £17.05.
The World in My Kitchen
Explore cuisines and cultures from around the world. Ages 5+. £12.34.
Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story
Storybook and cookbook combined - scrumptious stories and delicious bakes. Ages 6-11. £14.24 16 January/February
Classic nursery rhymes inspire recipes & cookalong stories. Ages 5-11.
beginners and selection of favourite recipes. Ages 7+. £12.99.
My Daddy Cooks
This Cookbook is Gross
Cooking for beginners. 100 tried-and tested recipes. Ages 4+. £3.57.
Gruffalo Crumble and other recipes Recipes specially designed to cook with Gruffalo-loving kids! Ages 3-6. £12.34.
Make gross, yet very tasty, food creations! Ages 7-9. £9.24.
The Vegetarian Cookbook
Tasty and filling recipes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Ages 9-12. £12.34. Familiesonline.co.uk
How to make
Shrove Tuesday takes place on Tuesday, 13 February this year. Make some delicious but simple pancakes with the kids to celebrate. Just download this great recipe provided by our friends at PlanBee
DOWNLOAD HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 17
ACTIVITIES
Great music apps for kids
Encourage your child’s love of music with these fun and engaging apps for all ages.
Garage Band
Apple Transforms a device into instruments and recording studio. FREE to try.
Toca Dance
Apple Children choreograph characters’ outfits and dance moves to original songs. £4.99.
SoundForest
Apple Compose a song using musical creatures. FREE to try. 18 January/February
Baby’s Musical Hands
Apple & Android Simple and engaging music app for toddlers which encourages touch. £0.99.
Beat Sneak Bandit
Apple Groovy music game requires rhythm and logic. £2.99.
DoReMi 1-2-3: Music for Kids
Apple Helps kids learn to play by ear. FREE to try.
Bandimal
Apple Fun and intuitive. Kids can discover the creativity of making music. £3.99.
Mussila Music
Apple & Android Fun, game-based music instruction allows kids to explore music. FREE to try.
Music Sparkles
Apple Great play-along music app for little ones, with fabulous upgrade. FREE. Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITES
Learning to draw (better)
We’ve tracked down some great online resources to help your child learn to draw or improve their drawing skills.
Draw with Rob
Videos showing how to draw everything from an alien to a whale.
Kidmons online painting tool
How to draw Pudsey Bear
Interactive animation with step-by-step instructions; great for new learners.
How to draw the Gruffalo
Tate Draw
Draw online and create your own digital masterpiece.
Learn to draw with Ed Vere
Easy to use with simple icons. Suitable for early years up.
Step-by-step video shows how, with basic materials, you can create The Gruffalo.
BookTrust’s collection of how to draw videos from the award-winning illustrator.
Kleki
CBeebies Creative Lab
Aggie
Simple and easy-touse. Allows children to experiment with brushes and colour palettes. Familiesonline.co.uk
Digital art tool. Children paint/draw on a blank canvas and colour in.
Easy to use online drawing tool. Facilitates children to draw with friends. January/February 19
ACTIVITIES
STEM Make n’ Dos for kids Engage your kids’ skills in science, engineering, technology and maths with these great activities.
Rubber band car
Balancing bird
Flying gyroscope
Lava lamp
Tangram puzzle
Lemon volcano
Make a toy car with Build this balancing bird everyday objects and which seems to defy some pretty cool science. gravity.
Use a coke bottle to create a flying cylinder.
Make your own funky lava lamp.
Make your own tangram geometric animal puzzle.
Make a colourful erupting volcano with lemons and baking soda.
Mini catapult
Make ice cream
Build a dome
Use everyday objects and basic physics to make this cool catapult. 20 January/February
Use science to make ice cream the fun and easy way.
Use drinking straws to create a self-supporting geometric dome. Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
World Book Day costume ideas Kids LOVE World Book Day! This year, it takes place on 7 March. So start thinking about costume ideas now!
Harry Potter
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Cheshire Cat
The BFG
Room on the Broom witch
Willy Wonka
Where’s Wally
White Rabbit
The Worst Witch
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 21
OUT & ABOUT
Family walks for half term Travel a little further afield during February half term and explore a new area with one of our family walks, recommended by The Outdoor Guide.
Cathedral Caves walk, Lake District
Heaven’s Gate, Longleat, Wiltshire
This is a hidden gem in the Lake District - a short walk to an old quarry that was once owned by Beatrix Potter. Cathedral Caves will deliver a WOW factor on this short, dog-friendly walk.
This is a relatively flat walk that offers you great views out across the Longleat Estate. If you take a short detour at the view point, you might spot some rhino in the safari park!
READ MORE
READ MORE
Coombe Abbey Country Park, Coventry
Petworth Park, Petworth, West Sussex
Sitting on the outskirts of Coventry is the Capability Brown designed landscape of Coombe Abbey Country Park. Here you have a choice of three short, family-friendly walks on clearly marked paths through the woodland, around the lake and across the former deer park.
This seven hundred acre deer park is open throughout the year for all the family (including dogs), to enjoy. With far reaching views out across the South Downs, this is a great place to escape the crowds and let your little ones run free. There’s a great National Trust cafe in the old stables.
READ MORE
READ MORE
22 January/February
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OUT & ABOUT
Family walks for half term Travel a little further afield during February half term and explore a new area with one of our family walks, recommended by The Outdoor Guide.
How Hill Secret Garden, Norfolk
Aysgarth Waterfall, Yorkshire Dales
A really accessible walk, starting in woodland and continuing into a secret garden - a beautiful boarded walk with water features, streams, amazing plants, seats and old trees.
A series of three waterfalls on the River Ure, used to film part of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (where Robin fought Little John in the river). Great shop and café at visitor centre.
READ MORE
READ MORE
Bennett’s Cross, Dartmoor, Devon
Wallington Tree Walk, Northumberland
Dartmoor may be known for its hills and tors but this is a mini mountain that the littlest of legs can manage (although the track up isn’t particularly pushchair friendly). Get the feel of open moorland and look out for the secret shelter at the top!
With thirteen thousand acres of lawns, lakes, woodland, farmland and parkland, there’s plenty of space here for your little ones to run wild. The highlight of this walk are the fabulous old trees that line the route. And being a National Trust property - there’s a great cafe at the end!
READ MORE
READ MORE
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 23
FAMILY FESTIVALS
Top family-friendly festivals for 2024 The UK has loads of family-friendly festivals happening this year. Here is our selection of some of the standouts to help you plan.
Just So, Cheshire
Camp Bestival
Festival of Sport
The Long Road Festival, Leicestershire
Gloworm Festival, Nottinghamshire
Deer Shed Festival, North Yorkshire
25-28 July Dorset 16-18 August A weekend-long camping 15-18 August Shropshire festival for families. Award-winning festival. Music, theatre, circus, Diverse musical line up. storytelling and more. Loads of family activities and entertainment.
Venue and date tbc The ultimate family sports festival. Entertainment, sports coaching and more.
23-25 August Country music. Dedicated kids’ area.
16-18 August For children 0-13, music, activities, entertainment and arts.
Standon Calling, Hertfordshire
Gone Wild Festival Victorious Festival, 22-24 August Exeter Portsmouth
25-28 July Boutique music and arts festival. Entertainment area for kids. 24 January/February
26-29 July Wonderland of music, arts, science and sport.
8-11 August Norfolk 23-25 August Music and outdoor Big names of UK music. activities like kayaking, Newly expanded Kids’ high ropes, tree climbing. Arena - free activities.
Familiesonline.co.uk