Families Kent July/Aug DIGITAL issue

FR EE

Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer activities What’s On Clubs & classes Holidays

July/August 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Digital Issue

It’s full of g r interactiveat e content

July/August 1 familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family – and the challenge of keeping the kids entertained for six weeks!

4 6 10 13 14 16 20 21 23 27 28

Well, Families has you covered. We have plenty of low-cost summer entertainment ideas and screen-free projects for the kids in this issue.

We hate to mention the word ‘school’ at this time of year so all we will say is – September is (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the necessary preparations in mind. Check out our recommendations for school bags and pencil cases for the new school year.

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of giveaways including cool kids’ backpacks and copies of the book Helping your Child Cope with Change. By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive this wonderful magazine!

Places to go What’s On Summer activities Giveaways Clubs & classes Holidays Summer food Screen-free kids’ fun Back to school Toys Crafts

Get in touch Competition winners from our March/April issue Congratulations to all our winners.

You can find a list here.

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure.

Offer valid until 17/07/22. T’s & C’s apply. Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for details.

2 July/August

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OPEN TO THRIVE FIND OUT MORE AT OUR Senior School Open Morning Saturday 1st October 9am–12.30pm Scholarship Information Evening Wednesday 19th October 6.30pm–8.30pm

Book your place

kentcollege.com or call 01227 763231 Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 3

PLACES TO GO

Explore history at Canterbury Cathedral

Summer Jousting Tournament at Hever!

KIDS UNESCO World GO FREE Heritage Site, seat until 31 Oct of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and resting place of saints and royalty, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597AD and it’s thrilling history spans hundreds of years, telling the stories that have shaped England.

Prepare for exciting medieval action, stunts, falls and fights galore this summer at Hever Castle. The annual Summer Jousting Tournaments will begin on 16 and 17 July and continue on all Saturdays and Sundays until 29 August.

Whether admiring the medieval stained glass windows – including the oldest in Britain, marveling at carved tombs, seeking out dragons and grotesques, or exploring the Cathedral’s stunning Cloisters and green spaces, there’s plenty to enjoy this summer.

With new visitor experiences and Kids Go Free until 31 October 2022 (t&c apply), there’s never been a better time to visit.

MORE INFO OR BOOK TICKETS HERE

Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the jousting arena where the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot, in one-toone combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion.

Bring a blanket or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands (£2 per seat.

First come, first served). Then choose which knight to support and cheer them loudly on to certain glory!

MORE INFO HERE

4 July/August

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PLACES TO GO

Summer fun at Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge are excited to be offering a Summer Pass valid for the summer holidays from 11 July to 2 September. The cost is £32 per climber and includes three visits for the price of two as well as a free slushy or coffee on each visit.

Clip n Climb Tonbridge is also a popular venue for birthday parties and the standard package costs £23 per person and includes food. For the summer holidays they no longer require a minimum number of climbers to reserve a party slot for weekdays or weekends.

During the summer holidays the café will be on hand to help keep you cool with lots of tasty treats including award winning Marshfields ice-cream, Polar Krush Slushies or their organic ice lollies from Lickalix.

MORE INFO HERE

M WH EE ER TS E TH CL EM IMB E IN PA G RK

NG K BI AR IM P CL ME RE THE E H W ETS E M

Tonbridge is home to the biggest Clip n Climb in the WORLD

Book your session now: www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk 01732 753330 UNIT 4 TON BUSINESS PARK, 2-8 MORLEY ROAD, TONBRIDGE, TN9 1RA

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July/August 5

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Every Monday Stay & Play – Toddler Group at Whitstable Umbrella Centre Stay & Play group for parents/carers and under 5s. 9:3011:30am, book in advance.

activity. Complete your session by Hunting the Hybrid dinosaur in the woods and have your photo taken.

Book online.

their brandnew adventure at Bedgebury Pinetum. Ages 3-9.

Wed 6th July Stories and Rhymes at Throughout July Maidstone & August Museum Gruffalo Listen to a story Sculptures at and rhymes, join in Every Saturday Bedgebury with actions, and Love Your Local National Pinetum make a themed Market at and Forest, paper craft to take Bligh’s Meadow, Goudhurst home. Under 5s.

Sevenoaks Explore the book in advance.

The Market takes National Pinetum place every and try to spot the Sat 9 & Sun 10 Saturday, with a July wide range of local Gruffalo and his friends.

Ice Cream goods on offer.

Festival at Kent Life Throughout July Superworm Trail at Bedgebury There will be Dino Expedition at Betteshanger National Pinetum over 40 fabulous and Forest, varieties of ice Park, Deal Goudhurst cream to try. Book With educational in advance. boards and games, Join Superworm BLI-Fun-at-the-Fair-PressAd 180x85mm.pdf 1 13/06/2022 15:50 and friends on this is a great

Sun 10 July & Sun 14 August Tudor Legacies at Penshurst Place 11am to 3pm.

Fri 15 July Outdoor Theatre: The Merry Wives of Windsor at Penshurst Place The talented cast will be entertaining guests with William Shakespeare’s comedy performed on the South Lawn.

Bring folding chairs or a picnic blanket.

16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 July & 14, 20 & 21, 26 to 29 August Jousting Tournaments at Hever Castle & Gardens

Your favourite nostalgic games including Hook a Duck and Coconut Shy Sweet treats for all ages Live music and more!

Visit blighsmeadow.com for more

6 July/August

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Spectacular action, stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses, professional commentary, and music.

Mon 18 & Tues 19 July The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed

from page to stage.

Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Summertime at Leeds Castle This summer be entertained by a host of fun-filled family activities.

Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Spellbound Summer at Hever Castle From magical activities to falconry displays and Jousting,

summer at Hever Castle promises something for all the family.

Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Summer holiday fun at Kent Life There’s so much fun to be had at Kent Life with a jam packed summer of entertainment!

From Sat 23 July Pants! At Maidstone Museum Take a journey by

the seat of your pants to discover everything you didn’t know about underwear!

Sun 24 Jul to Tue 28 Aug Summer Sunday Storytelling at Penshurst Place & Gardens Follow the actors through the gardens as they help you reimagine some of the classic tales.

ai165330460215_ASF 2022 - A4 Poster.pdf 1 23/05/2022 12:16:45

Free Entry

Pilgrims Summer Fair at The Farriers Arms The Forstal, Ashford TN25 6NU

Rediscover England’s First Cathedral • UNESCO World Heritage site • 1,400 years of history • Resting place of saints and royalty

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Lots of stalls

Children’s activities

Cream teas

Games

Grand prize draw

Saturday 13 August 2022 11am - 4pm

Call: 01233 504111 Email:ashford.fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org Visit: www.pilgrimshospices.org pilgrimshospices Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent is a company limited by guarantee. Registered charity number: 293968.

Registered company number: 2000560. Registered office: 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA

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Fun for all the family

Proudly sponsored by

Kids Go Free until 31 October 2022 (T&Cs apply) With thanks to

www.canterbury-cathedral.org July/August 7

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Wed 27 - Thu 28 July In the Night Garden Live at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford See your favourite characters brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

Fri 5 & Sat 6 August Children’s Theatre: Rapunzel at Leeds Castle Let your hair down and get tangled in a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale.

Wed 10 August Beastie Days at Brogdale Farm, Faversham Join in for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts.

Sat 13 August Sat 6 August Pilgrims Summer Sat 30 & Sun 31 Fun at the Fair at Fair, Ashford Jul Bligh’s Meadow, Enjoy a fun Pirates at Dover Sevenoaks afternoon for the Castle Join in for a fun and family. Sit and relax Ahoy, me hearties! FREE day at Bligh’s with an afternoon Set sail for Dover with your favourite tea or browse some Castle this summer nostalgic games, of the popular stalls and get ready face painting, including plants, for a spectacular sweet treats for all crafts or pre-loved adventure on the ages, live music treasure. 11am. high seas. See and lots of prizes to some of history’s be won!

Sat 13 & Sun 14 most famous August pirates fight it out Sat 6 & Sun 7 Plum Weekend at at close quarters, August Brogdale Farm, and listen to them See The Gruffalo Faversham tell their tales of and Stick Man Guided Orchard booty, bounty and at Spa Valley Tours, Tractor barnacles.

Railway Trailer or selfTake a steam guided Orchard Thursdays in Aug train ride from Walks. Enjoy a & 1 Sep Tunbridge Wells small display Jolly Roger’s West travelling of the plums in Swashbuckling’ to Groombridge season from the Train Ride at Spa where you can 332 varieties the Valley Railway alight to see National Fruit Have a Gruffalo and Stick Collection. 10am to swashbucklin’ good Man as the steam 4pm. Book online. time and join Jolly locomotive runs Roger as he tries around its train. to find the lost treasure.

8 July/August

Sun 14 August 5K and 10K Superhero run at Margate Football Club Kent Association for the Blind’s Superhero 5K, 10K and 1-mile Fun Run is back at Margate Football Club. This event will raise money for Kent Association for the Blind, helping people with a sight impairment to live independent lives.

Tue 16, Wed 17, Mon 22, Tue 23 August Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking at Brogdale Farm, Faversham Kids cooking session for some delicious, healthy, hearty, seasonal fun learning new skills.

Sat 20 August Open Air Theatre: Cinderella at Belmont House In an enchanted kingdom in a faraway land magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best loved of all fairytales. 3pm.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Tue 23 to Thu 25 August Dragons & Mythical Beasts at the Marlow Theatre, Canterbury Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Ages 3+.

Sat 27 & Sun 28 August bOing Family Festival at The Gulbenkian, Canterbury A brilliant festival day with lots of free, outdoor performances and activities. bOing is a family festival.

Sat 27 to Mon 29 August Knights Tournament at Dover Castle Immerse yourself in medieval life,

meet people from the Middle Ages, witness hand crafts, weapon repairs, cooking and life at camp.

Fri 27 to Sun 29 Aug Hever in History Step back in time at Hever Castle.

Immerse yourself in different periods of history with encampments and re-enactments from the Middle Ages to as recent as 20th Century.

Pre-book and save 10% online.

Sat 28 & Sun 29 Aug Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show at Ardenrun Showground The most spectacular August Bank Holiday day out, packed with entertainment for all the family.

CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN

Where a Love of History is Set in Motion

2688-Families-Summer-Advert-Resize 129mmx 89.indd 1 Familiesonline.co.uk

23/05/2022 1:00 pm9 July/August

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Free printable activities for all ages

Solve the “I’m bored!” problem - remember to take a stash of these with you when your family is out and about!

Seaside Holiday Activities

Stargazing Live Activity Pack

The Usborne Unworry Pack

Including word searches, I Spy Seaside and more.

Activities to explore the night sky from the BBC Stargazing LIVE team.

Collection of fun, mindful activities to help children calm their minds.

Road Trip Games

There Once is a Queen Jubilee Activity Pack

My Holiday Book

Fun-packed games including bingo, word search and maze.

Reading Reward Chart

Encourage the kids to keep reading during the holidays with this chart.

10 July/August

Celebrate Jubilee year with this activity pack.

Ladybird Activity Pack

Bumper activity pack with over thirty pages of fun.

Fun games and activities to entertain kids ages 3-5 on holiday.

Puffin Activity Pack

Word searches, activities, experiments and more.

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Low-cost summer fun Something different

Enjoy a wild swim When it warms up, take a dip at your local wild swimming spot.

Let’s fish!

The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing expert guided taster sessions.

Borrow a doggy Join Borrow My Doggy to bond with a dog in need of love while their owners are at work.

Free tennis coaching and court usage The LTA is running free tennis sessions or coaching at venues across Britain.

Out and about

Cinema deals Odeon and Cineworld will be running kids’ screenings with tickets priced from £3.25.

Hop on board the train. Have a rail adventure. Visit somewhere new on the cheap using a Family and Friends Railcard.

Visit a pet store Kids will enjoy checking out the pets for sale. Some stores run animal handling sessions and other activities.

Pick your own berries Gather a heap of juicy strawberries, raspberries or other summer fruit.

Fresh air

Join in National Play Day Join in one of hundreds of community events that celebrate the importance of play.

Go fly a kite!

Cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them.

Find the Gruffalo There are themed walks based on the books up and down the country.

Woodland adventure Explore your nearest woodland, enjoy adventure play, off-road cycling and create a den.

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July/August 11

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Best holiday activity books for kids Want something to occupy the kids on the plane, train, in a café or restaurant or if they just need a quiet ten minutes? You can’t go past these brilliant activity and sticker books.

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday Sticker Book

Dinosaurium Activity Book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Nature Sticker and Colouring Book

Find Tom in Time

Never Get Bored Activity Book

Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Unicorns

Ages 7-9. £9.29

Ages 2-3. £5.57

Age 6+. £7.43

12 July/August

Ages 6-10. £9.28

100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey Age 3+. £6.50

Age 3-5. £6.73

Age 6+. £9.29

Sticker by Letter: In the Wild Activity Book

Age 4+. £5.57

Holiday Puzzles and Games Age 7+. £6.50

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GIVEAWAYS

Safer sleeping outside for little ones!

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

APPLY HERE for your FREE Snoozeshade

Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle.

Worth £29.99 each

5

available

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures

T&Cs apply

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Help your child navigate 75 difficult times!

available

Apply for your FREE book Written by Liat Joshi Hughes Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

July/August 13

CLUBS & CLASSES

Performing and developing key life skills with PQA Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, although its benefits can often go unnoticed.

Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

Creativity. Naturally imaginative, pretend play and make believe come easily to kids and can assist their social and emotional development, helping them form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

Problem solving. Solving problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can help kids deal with issues in everyday life. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.

READ MORE

14 July/August

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Camp Beaumont Adventure Day Camps Dedicated to delivering confidencebuilding adventures. Camp Beaumont run award-winning day camps, from just £43 a day for ages 3-16, offering over 50 activities including archery, football and arts and crafts across London and the surrounding areas.

Camp Beaumont is looking to support families and help children to get back on track this summer. With a focus on reducing stress and learning new skills through carefully selected activities that get children moving, socialising and back in the great outdoors!

Camp Beaumont has over 40 years’ experience and all leaders are fully DBS-checked. Book a multi-activity programme and ensure your child enjoys their most exciting school holiday yet!

Find out more and book HERE.

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July/August 15

HOLIDAYS

Days out – put the kids in charge!

There are so many advantages to this including increased confidence for your kids and less brain work for you!

Benefits

Tips

Builds confidence that can then be applied in other areas eg school morning routines.

Set a budget and be clear what it covers eg entry fees, travel costs and food.

Provides valuable source of additional thinking and planning for you!

Spell everything out. Make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to do.

Research and planning

On the day

Ensure they gather all relevant information eg opening times, entry fees, travelling times etc.

Let them navigate, whether that’s using a phone, map, tube map or street directory.

Suggest they plan the day including time for departure, arrival, journey and food breaks.

Be tolerant; making mistakes is all part of the learning.

Allows kids to exercise independence and test their abilities.

Offer incentives such as bonus spending money for any savings they achieve.

Ages 2-11

Put ONE child in charge. Others will get their turn IF they cooperate with their sibling.

Try to back off and not interfere too much but be there in case guidance or intervention is needed.

Keep it up Build on the confidence your child has gained by introducing new family responsibilities.

Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough and Tonbridge Themed craft cooking games outdoor play trips 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (excluding Bank Holidays)

Get them to plan the weekly dinner menu or help draw up the shopping list.

Start a fun day out ideas jar that everyone contributes to. Pull one out every weekend or holidays.

07727 692645 I play.growholidayclub@gmail.com 16 July/August

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HOLIDAYS

Save 50% on a PGL family adventure holiday!

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure on an all-inclusive holiday with PGL. Let loose and get lost together on an exciting, action-packed adventure that turns the family back into a team.

Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goose-pimpling adventures to dive into whilst your family enjoys a PGL holiday. You’ll be amazed by what you can all achieve when you tackle the fun challenges on offer.

Don’t miss out on PGL’s final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break they will always remember! What’s more, you can save up to 50% off when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this summer!

Find out more and book HERE.

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July/August 17

HOLIDAYS

How to holiday responsibly We all need to do our bit for the planet so we asked our friends at Tested by Tots for their ideas for some eco-friendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives.

Beeswax wraps

Washable & reusable for up to six years.

15% discount - TOTS15

Reef-friendly sunscreen

Switch to biodegradable spray from Nivea, freefrom ingredients that damage ocean life.

Beachwear

Frugi clothing uses GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled materials.

18 July/August

Reusable BBQs

Shampoo bars

Sustainable toys

Bamboo nappies and wipes

Saves space and is as The Landmann Piccolino effective as the runny BBQ comes in two stuff. Trial sizes available. colours for under £70.

These use recycled materials and are vigorously safety tested.

10% discount -10GREENTOYS22

Sustainable teethers

Decompose much more quickly than regular products.

50% off newborn starter kit - NBTOT50

Eco sunglasses

Made from sustainable wheat straw.

Made from natural, plantBiodegradeable. Four based rubber. colours for kids ages 5-9.

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HOLIDAYS

Perfect eco-friendly swimwear for summer Mix tops and bottoms to suit the occasion. Protect your child’s precious skin in a shortie suit or watch them cartwheel in a cossie!

If we had to pick one ‘can’t live without’ item, it would be the Power Poncho with its fast-drying fabric and hidden game on the inside.

Whatever your summer vibe, Grass&Air has got your family covered. Just add water.

More info HERE. This summer, Grass&Air is coming with you and your kids on every single adventure.

Its new Sun+Swim collection for kids ages 1 to 10 is bursting with clever ideas. Made using recycled plastic bottles and fabric offcuts, each piece has been designed for maximum enjoyment, whether kids are splashing in the paddling pool or doing karate kicks at big waves in the sea.

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July/August 19

SUMMER FOOD

Summer lunch and picnic ideas

Whip up these delicious dishes with the kids, courtesy of Neha @squashedpickle Click on the images to watch her helpful videos!

Egg & Pea Cheesy Waffles

Sweet Pea Pasta Muffins

This three-ingredient recipe couldn’t be any easier, making it perfect for little hands! You can switch up the vegetables or even use a frozen veg mix if you prefer. The waffles are a great alternative to the usual picnic food or lunch at home.

READ RECIPE

Zac loves pasta. I used to make these a lot when he was young.

They are light on mess, freezable and make a perfect on-thego snack. Kids can learn basic kitchen techniques while they experiment with different sauces and build their own muffins.

READ RECIPE

Pesto Cheese Twists

Pizza Croissants

These twists are super-easy to prepare and so delicious. If you are looking for a kitchen-based activity to do with the kids during the summer, this recipe is great for teaching basic cutting and pastry twists. And you’ll end up with a fabulous snack or lunch option at the end!

READ RECIPE

This is a fun way to use ready prepared croissant dough which is absolutely delicious. You can stuff the croissants with all your favourite pizza toppings.

If you have a child who is fussy with vegetables, try including them in the stuffing. We’ve used mushrooms in this example.

READ RECIPE

20 July/August

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SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Garage sales

Toy purge

A great way to declutter, reuse unwanted household items and make some money. Help the kids choose a date, decide what to sell, organise the items for easy browsing and label and price everything. You can then get them drawing posters to advertise the event. You can help by posting on social media.

TIPS

Disposing of old toys can be challenging but is worthwhile for children and parents alike. If your child is resistant to parting with old favourites, challenge them to play with them for an appropriate amount of time or donate them to charity. Involve your child in taking their toys to the local charity shop.

TIPS

Put on a show

Retro games day

Challenge your kids to put on a mini-play or concert or re-enact a favourite book or movie scene.

You may have a budding standup comic, magician or storyteller in the family! An old sheet can be a backdrop or curtain; reading lamps can be spotlights.

Get them making tickets and setting up seating.

TIPS

Make a list of your favourite games from your own childhood such as hopscotch, marbles, elastics, Grandmother’s Footsteps, long rope skipping, Oranges and Lemons and spend a fun filled day reminiscing with your kids. For extra nostalgia, provide some of your favourite childhood snacks and sweets.

TIPS

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July/August 21

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Water wars

Make a movie

When temperatures rise and tempers start to fray, encourage the kids to have an old-fashioned water fight. Use buckets, sponges, watering cans or fill up some balloons (purchase refillable water balloons). You could invest in fancy water pistols or a novelty sprinkler, water play mat or water slide.

TIPS

If you are prepared to lend your phone for filming, this is a great creative holiday project for older children. A short film is ideally three to five minutes long and it can be factual or story based.

Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt

Family Mini-Olympic Games

Create a list of landmarks for the kids to find in your street or the local park eg a distinctive house or a large tree. Write clues that help them find these landmarks.

This gets the kids active and requires little equipment. They can make a torch and have an opening ceremony. Races can include a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt, discus with a frisbee, shot put using bean bags or tennis balls.

TIPS

Go along with them or clearly outline the area of the hunt so they don’t wander too far.

TIPS 22 July/August

Advise your child to keep it simple and start with a plan or better still a script.

TIPS

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Starting school VERY soon?

Want to get organised and prepare your child socially and emotionally?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Improve your child’s study skills

Would you like to host and teach English to a foreign student in your home?

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.

Get in touch to find out more: influentme.com be@influentme.com

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851 221

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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July/August 23

BACK TO SCHOOL

School bags for the new school year Children really love to choose a new school bag at the start of the school year. Here are some of our top suggestions.

Frugi Adventurers Backpack Good quality bag uses recycled and organic materials. £28

M&S Minecraft™ Water Repellent School Backpack

Large, light and great for Minecraft fans. Machine washable. £24

Novelty Rocket Backpack

Eye-catching but practical. Mesh pockets, adjustable straps. £30 24 July/August

LittleLife Big HiVis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak

Eastpak Padded Backpack

Liewood Allan Backpack

Nobodinoz Sunshine Kids Backpack

Babymel Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack

Adidas Class Backpack

Suits Reception-aged kids. High vis material. £19.99

Sturdy backpack for A4-sized books. Front pockets for smaller items. £47

Stylish, durable but comfortable with padded Made from organic shoulder and chest cotton with water straps. £47 repellent coating. £39.95

Colour your own with washable felt pens. £14

Great for sporty, older kids. Plenty of room for laptop/books. £21.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle. *while stocks last T&Cs apply

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*while stocks last T&Cs apply July/August 25

BACK TO SCHOOL

Top pencil case picks for September Next on the list for kids, after a new school bag, is a new pencil case.

Here are our favourites for the new season.

ZIPIT Talking Monstar Large

Fun pencil case which fits up to sixty pens or pencils. £8.50

Helix Pro Athletic

Large main compartment with wide opening zip, durable material. £4.52

Rachel Ellen Girls Rule the World Stylish and colourful, made from durable neoprene. £7.99

26 July/August

Maomaoyu Large Capacity

Dinosaur Colour & Learn

Smiggle Calculator Hard Top

Narwhal Plush

Durable and super-sized Fun and practical, comes pencil case with 3 zipped with wash-out fabric compartments. £8.69 pens. £12.95

Side panels with elastic pen and pencil holders. £15.50

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case

Makes a perfect ‘first pencil case’ for younger children. £3

Brown Paper Personalised

Roomy enough for pens, pencils, sharpeners Great for organisation. and rubbers. Can be Holds fifty pens/pencils personalised. £9.99 with a carry handle. £7.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

TOYS

Diversify your toy box Would you like your child to have toys which reflect the world in which we live? If so, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at Sheni and Teni which offers diverse books, toys and games for kids.

Sheni & Teni card games

Very Puzzled map puzzles

Cica Toys Yorupad

Our Kids Trove

Celebrate the wonders of Feature landmarks/ Africa through four loved attractions highlighting card games. notable people of colour.

Philly n Friends doll

Five African Iconic Leaders & Queens handpainted 9cm peg dolls.

Muffin Sisters

Helping children discover language through play.

An eclectic collection of culturally diverse toys and educational resources.

African-inspired elephant plush toys that encourage tactile play.

Colour Celebrations height chart

Imagine Me Stories subscription box

Learning with Ez emotions flashcards

Track your little ones height as they grow.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Monthly subscription offering of diverse books and black history activities. Ages 0-12.

Ten double sided full colour emotion and feelings cards.

July/August 27

CRAFTS

Have a crafty summer!

Help the kids with these bright and beautiful ocean and summerthemed craft projects this holiday season.

Paper plate aquarium

Ocean dioramas

Butterfly finger puppet

Recycled plastic jelly fish mobile

Fish soap carving

Cupcake liner crabs

Egg carton bumble bee

Sea turtle

Wooden spoon mermaid

28 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk