Top family-friendly festivals for 2025
Compiled by Andrew Campbell
Discover the ultimate family-friendly festivals across the UK in 2025, where music, arts and outdoor adventures come alive for all ages. Discover unique experiences which will ensure memorable moments and endless fun for families in vibrant, engaging and often idyllic settings.
Teddy Rocks Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset 2-4 May
Winner of Best Family Festival in 2022, Teddy Rocks is an immersive, intimate three-day music event, with one hundred percent of profits supporting children’s cancer research. This multi-awardwinning, independent festival hosts over one hundred acts from international to brand new performers. The festival offers activities for all ages, including fairground rides, comedy tent and axe-throwing. www.teddyrocks.co.uk
Bearded Theory, Catton Park, Derbyshire 21-25 May
Set in the heart of the Midlands, this festival features sensational live performances for adults across multiple stages. The award-winning children’s offering includes fun, educational classes, a Toddler Tent with soft play, a pop-up library, poetry tent and creative workshops like puppet making. Kids can also enjoy a chill-out area, face painting, circus activities and a talent show. NEW: ‘Kids Rave On’ with club lighting and DJ performances. Evening highlights include LED light shows and the unique DOGSHOW performance. www.beardedtheory.co.uk
Elderflower Fields, Ashdown Forest, Sussex 23-24 May
This delightful, family-friendly event offers a weekend filled with music, sports, nature exploration and arts. Tailored for families with young children, this intimate festival offers a secure environment where kids can freely explore. Highlights include Dragonfly Hill for lively performances and Leapfrog Lawns for crafts and games. www.south.elderflowerfields.co.uk
The Big Retreat, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales 23-25 May
The festival celebrates wellbeing and adventure with yoga, fitness and live music. It offers diverse children’s activities, including storytelling, discos, water slides, circus toys and bushcraft workshops for survival skills and nature exploration. Families can enjoy a creative and inspirational atmosphere filled with arts, crafts, singing, dancing and wellbeing classes – an inclusive experience in which they can have fun, enjoy and learn together. www.thebigretreatfestival.com
Latitude, Henham Park, Suffolk 24-27 July
Award-winning Latitude is among the biggest of the family-friendly festivals with a huge array of activities for both children and parents. It’s a proper pop festival in the beautiful grounds of Henham Park with a stunning Kids’ Area. Expect fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts and exciting science experiments, a more relaxed but packed programme in the Enchanted Garden and an Inbetweeners Teen Area. www.latitudefestival.com
Camp Severn Kids Festival, West Mid Showground, Shropshire 25-27 July
Camp Severn offers an all-inclusive adventure for children ages 3 to 13. This family-friendly event is packed with interactive workshops, outdoor games and themed events such as Space Camp, with Star Wars characters, singing princesses and inflatables. The festival also features engaging science
workshops, blending fun and education. With camping options available, families can immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, enjoying a hassle-free experience where all activities are included in the ticket price. www.kids-events.co.uk
Festival of Sport, Packington Estate, Warwickshire 1-4 August
The Festival of Sport at Packington Estate offers families an exciting weekend filled with diverse sports activities for children ages 5 to 17. Featuring expert coaching and interactions with sporting legends, kids can explore rugby, hockey, cricket and more. Set in a picturesque location, this festival provides a unique opportunity for children to learn, play and be inspired by sports heroes. www.festivalofsportuk.com
Camp Kindling, Sevenoaks, Kent 15-18 August
A magical, intimate, safe and secure family retreat in an ancient forest, featuring over one hundred activities. Children can enjoy thrilling adventures like water slides, zip lines and rock climbing, while adults delight in live music, theatre and comedy performances. Pre-bookable activities ensure no lost time and there are no hidden costs. www.campkindling.co.uk
Images
Top left: Latitude
Bottom left: Elderflower Fields
Middle: Camp Kindling
Top right: Teddy Rocks
Bottom right: Festival of Sport
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Building girls’ confidence with safe places
New research highlights that safe spaces can help boost primary school girls’ confidence, self-esteem and resilience when it comes to PE.
The study from Leeds Beckett University, centred around the M2 program - ‘Where Movement and Mindfulness Meet’ - involved girls aged seven to eleven across five schools.
This innovative eight-session initiative combines running/walking with mindfulness to strengthen a girl’s self-esteem and resilience. Girls have themed discussions, play games, do structured workouts and capture their experience through words and pictures in their own journal. They finish with a 5KM challenge. Participants showed marked improvements in fitness, social interactions, and mental health, including resilience and pride.
Dr. Annette Stride, lead author of the study, noted, ‘Our research demonstrates the power of the M2 program. The girls’ newfound confidence manifests in their increased classroom participation, positive outlook on exams, and leadership roles.’
More information at www.m2club.org.uk
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Unlock your child’s musical potential with fun music classes
Education through Music offers interactive classes in essential musicianship skills.
A good music education can offer many benefits, such as physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, as well as building up a secure foundation of musical understanding, which supports learning any instrument or just for the joy of learning music.
Under the expert guidance of a qualified, experienced music teacher (DBS checked) children will internalise musical concepts through listening, singing and movement before formally learning to read and write music in accordance with internationally recognised Kodály and Dalcroze principles. Classes cater for ages 2-10 and run on Saturday mornings at Emsworth Community Centre. Specialist tuition in piano, violin or viola also available. Book a FREE trial today. Contact Vincent on 07786253713, email educationthroughmusic1@gmail.com or visit the website www.educationthroughmusic.net
Fun music classes for children
Emsworth Community Centre
Interactive structured classes designed to teach essential musicianship skills
Supports learning any instrument or simply for the joy of learning music
Taught by fully qualified music teacher FREE trial available - book today!
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Give your child the gift of confidence!
Performing arts allows children to be themselves and to be confident in who they are. The skills they learn at Stagecoach are not only fun and engaging, but provide them with experience and the key life skills such as discipline, perseverance, resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Stagecoach calls this Creative Courage for Life. Having a special interest in performing arts provides children with a platform to grow into well-rounded, confident individuals. Stagecoach Performing Arts offers singing, dancing and acting classes for children aged 4 to 18.
Two-week trials are available, providing the perfect opportunity to experience what Stagecoach is all about. Classes are small, allowing teachers to give each child support and attention. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt their class content to the interests, talents and ages of the students. All Principals, teachers and assistants have Enhanced DBS clearance.
Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk to find out more and your local school.
Pastoral care in primary schools
By Melanie Sanderson
News reports last year claimed there is a child with a suspected mental health concern in every primary school classroom in the country. Figures released by NHS England showed more than 165,000 children ages 6 to 10 were in contact with NHS mental health services at the end of February 2024, while the number of primary-age children in England either waiting or being treated for mental health problems, increased by over a quarter in less than a year.
The picture has never been starker and schools have a key part to play both in terms of prevention and providing expert support. The past twenty years has seen schools evolve from places where it was ‘brain first’ to spaces where body and mind are recognised as needing equal developmental attention.
Before anything else, a school should be a centre for care. Pastoral care encompasses a wide range of initiatives and approaches. A good primary school will embed pastoral care into all it does within the culture of the school: how it teaches, how it protects, how it listens and learns. A pastorally strong school is in the best position to thrive academically.
When they experience anxiety, children can’t access learning, making it crucial that all schools have a robust pastoral care system to support pupils’ development. Simple measures like buddy benches, mindfulness lessons and worry boxes or mood charts are now widely offered and can make a big difference. Animals are good too. Some schools have a therapy dog and even class pets like goldfish or hamsters can help children open up.
A common thread running through primary schools with a strong pastoral offering seems to be plentiful opportunities for fresh air, physical exercise and being in nature. Even in some of the most space-pressed inner-city schools, children are cultivating a mini allotment or growing sunflowers in the playground. Similarly, Forest Schools offering regular outdoor
hands-on learning sessions in natural environments, are building young children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Extra-curricular activities also play a role, fostering social engagement, personal development and a sense of belonging among pupils. An inclusive sporting ethos is often front and centre in schools with good pastoral care, particularly in the co-curricular timetable. However, do look for schools that offer a wide selection of clubs which appeal to all kinds of interests beyond sport too.
Amanda Childs, Chair of the IAPS adds: ‘Pastoral care is more than formal PSHE lessons. It incorporates every interaction an individual has in school; from the moment they arrive until they leave. It is about a genuine, positive culture, having excellent role models and high expectations, balanced with a kind and realistic view of the support any individual child needs to succeed - and that will be different for every single child.’
Central to a robust pastoral approach is staff fully trained in mental health first aid and safeguarding. This also includes the non-teaching staff that children often seek out to talk to such as school nurses, lunchtime and office staff. Sometimes the support offered will be a listening ear, at other times, children might require signposting to additional support. The more mentally healthy schools usually have a school nurse, mental health support teams and even dedicated counselling.
For Dean Taylor, Associate Headteacher at Seven Kings School, a co-ed state school for ages 4 to 18 in east London, it’s the relationship between staff and pupils that holds the key to positive mental health in schools. Dean says: ‘The ethos is more important than anything and you can walk around this school and see that it’s inclusive, friendly, safe and with clear and consistent boundaries’.
Seven Kings pays particular attention to pressure points and makes sure every child has a trusted adult. There’s a joined-up approach with the SENCO too, in the knowledge that youngsters with conditions such as ADHD and autism can be particularly at risk of mental health problems. ‘The most vulnerable pupils have a one-page profile that’s shared with all staff’ adds Dean.
Finally, successful pastoral care involves the school, child and parents. Starting school is a huge milestone for the whole family and a carefully managed transition makes for a smoother pastoral pathway right from the start. Likewise, primary schools with good pastoral provision work closely with secondary schools in Year 6 to ensure a seamless transition to the next stage of education.
Good schools take the time to get to really know a child personally; what they like or don’t like and what they are
interested in. Schools where pastoral care is foregrounded will extend their offerings to parents too. They might offer useful parent talks, for instance on safe use of technology and share wellbeing resources. Crucially, these schools will have the confidence to collaborate with parents in robust and trusting ways. If you think your child might need help, your first port of call should be your child’s form teacher or tutor who can elevate your concerns to the appropriate staff member.
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which reviews the key components, pastoral care being one, of hundreds of schools per year, providing parents with in-depth, unbiased insights.
What do the inspectors expect?
The good news is that Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) now assess personal development, which includes mental health in schools. Areas such as resilience, confidence, independence and how to keep mentally healthy are all covered in their assessments. As part of pastoral care, all schools are now also required to provide a mental health and relationships curriculum.
A school judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in the area of personal development will provide high quality pastoral support alongside a wide, rich set of experiences which support pupils to be confident, resilient and independent. It will offer exceptional quality opportunities for children to develop their talents and interests and strongly encourage take up of these, especially amongst disadvantaged pupils.
However, do look beyond Ofsted’s current one-word judgements and check when they last visited the schools that you are considering too. More than ninety percent of mainstream state schools are summed up as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and yet, clearly, there is plenty to distinguish these schools from each other. What’s more, a lot can change in between Ofsted visits.
For parents with children in the private sector, the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) benchmarks are similar to Ofsted. The ISI is a government approved body that inspects and provides objective evaluation of independent schools. However, ISI reports are more nuanced than Ofsted reports and don’t give single word summative judgements for each area inspected.
Roll out of free breakfast clubs to begin in April
The Chancellor has announced that up to seven hundred and fifty state-funded primary schools will start offering free breakfast clubs from April this year.
This initiative will run during the summer term (April-July) as a pilot phase to prepare for a national rollout.
The Department for Education will work with the schools selected as part of the pilot to understand how breakfast clubs can be delivered to meet the needs of schools, parents and pupils when the programme is rolled out nationally.
The Government claims breakfast clubs will help reduce the number of students starting the school day hungry and
Their recently revised framework has pupil wellbeing running through it, resulting in TES magazine stating: ‘The upshot of [the new framework] is that personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is now probably the single most important subject that schools teach when it comes to inspection outcomes.’
Amanda Childs, Chair of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Pastoral and Wellbeing Committee, added: ‘Pastoral care is what the independent sector is renowned for. It is about a child knowing they are completely valued and cared for; allowing them to feel safe in order to discover themselves, what they are capable of and developing a positive sense of self.’
Turbocharged learning at Portsmouth High School GDST
From the very beginning children are inspired, motivated and encouraged to be curious and develop a love of learning at Portsmouth High School. Stimulating and safe learning environments at the school enable staff to plan exciting adventures both inside and outside the classroom.
Provision is enhanced through a tailored approach to teaching children in Pre-School. Recently, the Pre-School space has increased through the addition of a second classroom giving pupils access to a wider range of activities to enhance their learning.
The class is now together for part of the day but, during core teaching times, it is split into a Nursery class for the youngest pupils, who join in the term of their third birthday and a PreReception class for older pupils who are looking ahead to starting Reception in September. This change enables older pupils to focus on their learning in greater depth in readiness for starting school.
Head of Early Years, Mrs Fabre De La Grange, said:
‘We are delighted to implement this bespoke approach to learning for our youngest pupils. It will enable a seamless start to Reception with children being even better prepared and ready for school. Our current Reception Class is in a newly refurbished classroom, a bespoke early years’ space full of engaging learning opportunities with a dedicated fenced play area alongside.’
Families are invited to explore the early years’ space and find out more about how the bespoke approach will give children the best possible start to their education. Book a visit at www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk
A Junior School Community at PGS
Pre-School children at Portsmouth Grammar School recently enjoyed a very special visit from pupils in Year 3 and Year 5.
The Year 3 and 5 pupils have been busy this term working on their reading fluency skills and they showcased their fantastic choral reading of Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt much to the delight of the Little and Big Cubs in the Pre-School. Year 5 asked questions about the stories and the children were all so eager to answer!
After the performances, the children settled down in quiet corners to enjoy some additional stories with their Junior School readers, clearly relishing the calm start to the day. The morning’s event was finished with the delightful gifting of books from the Year 3 and 5 to all the Pre-School children.
Ms Hart, Whole School Literacy Lead, said:
‘It is our priority to showcase the joys of reading to the youngest members of the community. I can’t think of a better way of doing this than getting the Year 3s and 5s to perform and read, modelling to the Pre-School that reading is exciting and joyful. The buzz and joy in the pre-school was wonderful.’
Find out more about Portsmouth Grammar School at their forthcoming Open Mornings on Tuesday 21 January, Wednesday 26 February or Thursday 20 March. Book your space at www.pgs.org.uk
your daughter’s early years’ education
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Supporting highly able children at home
By Erin Miller
As a teacher, the most common question I receive from parents is: ‘how can I support my child’s learning at home?’ All parents ask this question, whether their child is struggling or flourishing at school.
You may find that your child’s school has more support and resources available for children who are struggling than for children who are thriving in school. It is quite natural that schools are most concerned with ensuring that children who struggle are given as much support as possible to access the curriculum.
Unfortunately, the byproduct of this is that sometimes less time is spent nurturing the talents of the most able children. The Department for Education does not state how schools should meet the needs of their most able learners, only that all schools have an obligation to provide an education which meets the needs of every learner.
Of course, many schools do an excellent job in supporting their highly able children to build upon their talents but realistically, a highly able child will have a thirst for knowledge that must be fostered at home as well as in school. Therefore, it is useful to know what you can do at home if you have a child who is highly able.
What to do at home is as much about creating the right atmosphere as it is finding concrete enrichment activities for your child.
I believe that this is threefold.
Firstly, be a home which is open to intellectual curiosity
If your child expresses an interest in something, ask more questions and allow yourself to be guided by their interest in your choice of media, outings and family activities.
Secondly, be a household which visibly values education
For example, having books on display in your home communicates that you value reading. This can be achieved easily and cheaply through visits to libraries and charity shops.
Enrichment for teens
FutureLearn: offering short courses from various universities. Perfect for giving secondary children experiences of studying subjects they have previously not encountered. Nrich.maths.org: from the University of Cambridge, helping gifted mathematicians (age 3+).
BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize): resources of excellent quality across all subjects, linked to the national curriculum. Scratch by MIT (www.scratch.mit.edu): for children interested in developing their coding skills (Scratch Jr available for younger children).
Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, support your child to become an independent learner
A concern that the parents of highly able children often voice is that their child is bored or under-stimulated at school. Relative to age, children need to understand that they also have a responsibility for their learning. They should have routines and practices to turn to if they finish their work early at school or if they want to pursue an interest in a particular topic. For example, always having a reading book or knowing where to find extension tasks or activities.
You may have noticed that I have used the phrases ‘most able’ and ‘highly able’ interchangeably. This is because, since the Young Gifted and Talented Programme closed in 2010, there has been no official, national terminology to describe the most able students. Therefore, the definition and identification of ‘highly able’ varies from school to school.
This definitional information is also likely (and rightly) to be kept in-house as making this label known to children can have awkward connotations, both for the pressure it can place upon individual students and the impact it can have on other students who do not receive such a label.
Therefore, be cautious about how you approach discussing this topic with your child, if you choose to at all. It’s likely they will already have an awareness of where they fall in their peer group and labels can be damaging for highly able students.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Enrichment for primary ages
National Geographic Kids (www.natgeokids.com/uk): humanities, natural sciences, games, videos, articles. Epic Reads (www.epicreads.com): hosts reading challenges for book-hungry children.
Primary Homework Help (www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk): wide range of resources aligned with the primary curriculum. NASA’s Climate Kids (www.climatekids.nasa.gov): games, videos, activities about climate science. Aquila (www.aquila.co.uk): a subscription magazine aimed at highly able children. www.code.org: used by schools, helps children learn how to code.
The new childcare offering
By Purnima Tanuku
Early education and childcare is very expensive, especially for our youngest children and as research has shown, many parents end up working just to pay for their child’s nursery. So why is UK childcare so expensive compared to childcare in similar countries? The reason is that the government contribution has been so low and until recently it was limited to children ages 3 and 4.
So, when the previous government’s plan to expand childcare support for working parents in England was announced last year, this was great news, not just for parents but also for children. Research shows that high quality early education and care supports their development, wellbeing and has an impact on their education all through their schooling.
What is the new childcare offering in UK childcare?
The childcare expansion is being delivered in stages, building on the thirty hours of funded childcare for children ages 3 and 4 which was already available. However, the offer is still only available to families where parents are working at least sixteen hours a week.
The roll out provides:
• fifteen hours funded childcare a week for children age 2 from April 2024
• fifteen funded hours for children ages 9+ months from September 2024
This will be increased to thirty hours funded childcare for all children under age 5 from September 2025.
Hampshire’s First Beach and Nature Nursery
The Titchfield Haven Visitor Centre has been acquired by the Hopscotch Day Nurseries group, who have already begun work on its conversion into Hampshire’s first beach and nature children’s day nursery.
Opening in May 2025, Harbourside Nursery will emphasize the outdoor environment, leveraging its unique location next to the beach and the Titchfield Haven National Reserve.
Freya Derrick MBE, Founder of Hopscotch, stated, “Our vision is simple: we aim to provide a day nursery with a dedicated ethos and commitment to early years education in an outdoor, natural environment. Drawing inspiration from countries like Sweden and Norway, recognised global leaders in early childhood development, Harbourside’s children will spend the majority of their time outdoors. Freya continues: “The nature reserve and coastline will serve as their classroom, where they will learn and grow immersed in natural cycles. When weather conditions are not ideal, a stunning indoor facility will ensure children continue to benefit from this unique setting.”
Visit www.harboursidenursery.co.uk to find out more.
Although government funded hours make a difference to family finances, this funded childcare still involves costs for parents. It is important to be aware of the following parameters:
The thirty and fifteen hours of government supported childcare is not ‘free.’ The government only pays for the actual childcare sessions, which does not include any meals, snacks, consumables or additional activities, so families can expect to see settings make charges for these.
The funded hours are only during term time. Most parents work all year round so providers may ‘stretch’ these hours across the year, reducing the hours per week.
Depending on the length of your sessions, you will need to pay for any additional hours you need at the nursery’s usual fee especially for early or later hours.
Purnima Tanuku OBE is Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) (www.nda.org.uk), a charity with a mission to see children and families thrive through access to high-quality early education and care.
It’s not ‘free’, it’s ‘government-funded’
The offer of ‘free’ childcare launched by the previous government has now been renamed by ministers as ‘government-funded’ childcare. Calling the funded hours free has misled parents and created difficult conversations when providers need to charge for meals and other items not included in the funding.
The Department for Education (DfE) announced late last year that it would be consulting with providers in the coming weeks on new guidance regarding charging parents for ‘extras’ such as meals and consumables. It’s important that the government works with providers to create guidance that is clear, fair to parents and sustainable for providers.
Although the government offers funded hours, the rates they pay for these have never covered the actual costs of delivering high quality early education and care. When we speak to providers, the vast majority say funding rates do not cover their staffing and other costs and when funding increases do not keep pace with inflation and staffing costs, that gap only widens.
Optimising circadian rhythms for learning
By Usha Patel
Do you have difficulties getting your child up in the mornings and worry that they are not getting sufficient sleep?
Sleep is a vital process for children, especially for memory consolidation. The transfer of short-term memories happens during sleep, when everything your child learns during the day is moved to a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Memories stored in the hippocampus can be retrieved when called upon in the future.
The rest, repair, and memory cycle during sleep are beneficial not just for our children but for all of us and understanding this can help you make informed decisions about your child’s sleep habits.
We each have an internal ‘body clock’ known as the circadian clock. This clock creates daily rhythms for sleeping, eating and being active during a twenty-four-hour day cycle. By aligning your child’s routine with their natural circadian rhythm, you can help them achieve their best performance and get the most out of each school day.
Factors that govern our circadian rhythm start in the morning with daylight. Our built-in light sensors pick up this morning light and create a level of alertness, getting ready for the day ahead. Morning daylight comprises more blue light frequencies which provide a signal to the body for a level of activity. Importantly, receiving this blue light input in the morning signals to the body’s main central clock that it is the start of the daily cycle.
Children must eat a substantial meal to start the day after being asleep for eight hours (or more, depending on their age). Eating times are another critical factor affecting optimum learning
The best kind of light
Is your child getting enough daylight in the mornings? Walking for around twenty minutes in the morning (to school) is a way to ensure that your child is getting enough blue light, even on overcast days.
Generally, evening lighting should be warmer, especially in your child’s bedroom, upstairs landing and bathroom. Warmer lighting in your child’s bedroom triggers the hormone for sleep production, melatonin and illuminating the desk instead of the room is considered gentler on the eyes at that time of day. Electronic devices emit blue light, so they should have their blue light sensor switched off in the evening.
Sometimes, children want to get up at night to drink water or use the bathroom. Having a glass of water next to the bed and warm light in the bathroom means they are not overstimulated at a time when they should be resting.
Excessive light exposure when children are supposed to be sleeping triggers the wake cycle and the child needs to restart their sleep cycle from the beginning.
performance. The last meal should be around three to four hours before bed. Having a break after eating the last meal signals to the circadian clock that the night-time activities the brain and body need to do can start ahead of going to sleep.
Premature babies and circadian rhythms
Research shows that preterm babies who spend their early lives in Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) often have poorly adjusted circadian clocks.
Exposure to constant bright light means that these newborns find it difficult to naturally wind down when it gets dark, once they are well enough to leave the hospital.
Early excessive light exposure, in turn, impacts their feeding, growth, learning and general development. Many children with ADHD also show the same symptoms.
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk).
Host and teach an international student
Hosting students on a language homestay offers an enriching experience for both student and host. Students are given an opportunity to learn English in an authentic environment, as they engage in real-life conversations, gain cultural insights and practise in natural contexts like at family meals and during social interactions and activities. Hosts can share language and culture in a meaningful way, foster cross-cultural understanding and create connections and friendships with people from around the globe. Hosting also provides a flexible way of earning income from the comfort of your home. As a freelancer, you decide when to work and whom to host, allowing for a work-life balance.
Homestays vary in duration, generally ranging from one to three weeks and typically include private tuition sessions, fullboard accommodation and optional activities.
Influent offers full-immersion homestay language programmes abroad for children, teenagers, adults and professionals. visit www.influentme.com/become-a-hostfamily to find out more.
Feel more alive in 2025
By Sarah Lindsley
New year, new you. The old cliché is all too familiar and 1 January can stir up strange feelings, piling on the pressure to turn over a ‘new leaf’ before we have even finished tidying up the remnants of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. But the start of a brand-new year can actually be the perfect opportunity to embrace some exciting changes, even if it is just trying out some new dishes or booking that family day out you’ve been meaning to for ages. Time to feel alive and welcome 2025 with open arms!
Put your best foot forward
We all know that walking is great for us. Getting your ten thousand steps a day is one of the best low-impact ways to stay healthy and fit. But why walk alone? There are lots of local walking clubs all across the country, so while the kids are at school or busy with weekend activities, you can get walking, talking and exploring in the fresh air. With over five hundred walking groups across Britain, Ramblers (www.ramblers.org.uk/) is a great place to start.
Go wild
It might not be for the faint-hearted but there’s a reason that wild swimming has had a huge surge in popularity in the last decade. There are no limits on age or fitness levels and the positive effects of cold water and fresh air on the mind and body are indisputable. The promise of a warm coat, flask of hot tea or coffee and all those feelgood endorphins flooding your body when you emerge will help you take that chilly leap of faith.
Make time for a family day
The thought of a family day out can have us all checking our bank balances but quality family time doesn’t have to cost the earth. Sometimes just a trip to your local park with a hot chocolate and a game of hide-and-seek is enough to get everyone laughing and chatting. Take a pedal boat out on a pond near you or plan a nature scavenger hunt. Kids also go free at lots of museums and attractions across the country; look out for annual memberships to save money across the year at your favourite spots.
Channel your inner Picasso
The link between doing something creative and positive benefits for the brain is commonly accepted by scientists. Creative activities stimulate both sides of the brain and can even have a similar effect to meditation, reducing stress and helping you to become more mindful and ultimately, happier. Pottery painting is a fantastic way to channel your inner artist and lose yourself in colour and contour. Find your local pottery painting studio, grab your mum friends and make a night of it! Or book in for a memorable kids’ party.
Get creative in the kitchen
We all default to repeating the meals that we know won’t have the children sulking at the table, especially mid-week with homework, after-school activities and work pressures. But the weekend is the perfect excuse to dust off those old recipe books or search for some mouth-watering dishes online. If you fancy someone else making the decisions for you, companies like Hello Fresh, Gousto or Mindful Chef provide you with all the inspiration, instructions and ingredients to ensure that even the fussiest eaters are begging for seconds.
Get body brushing
Family life means we don’t often have time for those ‘self-care’ moments that we know are so good for us. Yes, a full-body massage might have to be saved for an annual birthday treat. But invest in a good body brush and set aside just five minutes a day to brush your skin in long strokes towards your heart and you’ll soon be reaping the rewards with better circulation and glowing skin.
Feel more alive in 2025
By Sarah Lindsley
New year, new you. The old cliché is all too familiar and 1 January can stir up strange feelings, piling on the pressure to turn over a ‘new leaf’ before we have even finished tidying up the remnants of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. But the start of a brand-new year can actually be the perfect opportunity to embrace some exciting changes, even if it is just trying out some new dishes or booking that family day out you’ve been meaning to for ages. Time to feel alive and welcome 2025 with open arms!
Invest in a power bank
While it might not be as exciting as a new phone or other trending gadget you’ve had your eye on, a power bank – essentially a portable battery that keeps your devices fully charged on the move –is one of those items you never knew you needed until you have one. Whether your family is spending the new year heading to the in-laws or hitting the slopes, this is the best way to ensure there are no howls of anguish from the back seat when your kids’ tablets, games consoles or headphones run out of juice.
Hold a weekly family games night
Because family life is so busy, how often do we really get to sit down and enjoy screen-free time together? Agree on an evening that works for everyone and switch off the devices. Whether Monopoly, card games or karaoke are your bag, turn up the music, make some popcorn and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Get tweens and teens to join in by letting them pick the games or having a friend round. Check out charity shops for second-hand games or start a game swap with friends or neighbours.
sport
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Dreamt up by a Mexican couple bored on holiday in the 1960s, it’s a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash and typically played as doubles which makes it the perfect mix of fitness and fun for the whole family. Or round up some other parents and kids and get social on a court near you! Even the teenagers will be up for a go! Find out more from the Lawn Tennis Association website www.lta.org.uk/play/ways-to-play/padel
The ‘I’m bored’ chorus is an all-too familiar sound to most households with small children. And when you’re tripping over the toys strewn across your floors while you listen to their complaints, this can add to frustration levels. A toy rotation system is a great solution for everyone. Hide or store away half your kids’ toys and swap them over every few months; it means less clutter for you and the novelty factor for them
Gut health is a buzzword that’s here to stay. Scientists are discovering more and more about the link between a healthy gut (which contains trillions of tiny organisms called microbes) and good physical and mental health. Some foods are known to be particularly good for our guts, including sourdough bread which contains natural probiotics which support healthy digestion and the immune system. So, queuing for that Saturday-morning loaf along with your latte is totally justified. Or make your own with the kids!
If watching home improvement programmes has you longing for a living room overhaul or a sparkling new kitchen, don’t despair! Change doesn’t always have to break the bank. Simply moving a piece of furniture to a different position or buying a cool indoor plant can instantly revamp a room and give it a whole new vibe. Or why not paint a ‘feature’ wall in a striking colour and get the kids to muck in – just remember to put some protective sheets down first!
What's On Your family guide to
All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and the venues are open.
WINTER FUN
Treasure Trails across Hampshire
A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk. Trails are 2 to 2½ miles and take approximately two hours. www.treasuretrails.co.uk
‘50 Things’ Activities at the National Trust
Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges? There’s something for every young explorer to do. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
New Forest Wildlife Park
An unforgettable wildlife experience. Where family fun, conservation and nature come together. Daily feeding time keeper talks available. See online for details and times. www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk
Winter Bird Explorer at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA
Until 30 Jan
Self-guided family fun. Come for a winter stomp and join the bird watch, look for winter wildlife in the Gardens. £1 plus normal admission. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens/whatson/Birdexplorer-Jan25?date=202501181000
Take a look at our top rainy day places to visit that are open during the winter months.
The Mary Rose Museum Portsmouth, PO1 3PY
Open daily 10am-5pm
Explore Henry VIII’s favourite ship and the largest collection of Tudor objects in the world. maryrose.org
Royal Navy Submarine Museum Gosport, PO12 2AS
Open Wed to Sun 10am-4.30pm
Take a deep dive into the fascinating world of submarines. www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/ submarine-museum
SeaCity Museum
Southampton SO14 7FY
Open daily 10am-5pm
Discover the history of RMS Titanic with a visit to SeaCity. Enjoy fun, interactive activities and special exhibitions throughout the year. www.seacitymuseum.co.uk
Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ
Open weekends and school holidays 9.30am-5pm
An interactive hands-on science centre with 100 hands-on science exhibits plus also the UK’s largest stand-alone digital planetarium. A great place for kids to burn off energy and learn all about science in the process. www.winchestersciencecentre. org
Slime-tastic fun at Winchester Science Centre
It’s squishy, stretchy, lots of fun and now slime is taking centrestage at Winchester Science Centre with a brand-new February half term live show, The Slime Show from Friday 14 to Monday 24 February.
Families are invited to the Science Theatre for a 20-minute exploration into the mysterious world of slime – FREE with general admission. Audiences will discover if slime is a solid or liquid as they delve into the scientific properties of matter. Live experiments and daring demos will bring to life what happens to slime under different types of pressure. And then, for the ultimate slime-tastic test, the Inspirers will attempt to walk on slime! Plus, there’ll be two epic adventures to enjoy in The Planetarium, huge ‘don’t-try-this-athome’ demos in Science Live and lots of fun to be had on the two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org
FAMILY THEATRE
Lou Lou the Snow Dragon at The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE Thu 9-Wed 22 Jan
Lou Lou the Snow Dragon wants to be an astronaut. Lou Lou’s Mummy Dragon looks on lovingly as Lou Lou grows up, flies the nest and follows her dreams. A magical winter story world for young children and their grown ups. www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk/ whats-on/lou-lou-the-snow-dragon
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Chichester Festival Theatre Fri 24 Jan
The UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club. With shows featuring the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV, the event is all about you, the parents! www.cft.org.uk/events/bring-yourown-baby-comedy-2
Creation: The Bubble Show at Chichester Festival Theatre Sat 1 Feb
Immerse yourself in this spectacular adventure as the master of bubbles breathes life into light, water, plants, animals, stars and the essence of human nature itself. Creation is a feast for the senses, with fire effects, poetic puppetry, light-displays, captivating music and brand-new bubble masterpieces. Ages 2+. www.cft.org.uk/events/the-bubbleshow-2
The Guffalo at Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP Tue 4-Wed 5 Feb
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+. www.cft.org.uk/events/the-gruffalo
Room on the Broom at Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB Fri 7-Sun 9 Feb
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ funfilled adaptation of the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+. www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/ whats-on/room-broom
Dinosaur Adventure Live at The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE Sat 15 Feb 11am, 2pm
The adventure of a lifetime awaits… bring the family on a T-REX-IFFIC journey with a brand-new dinosaur, meet their ROAR-SOME babies and help the rangers save the Island. Are you brave enough to face the Jurassic Storm! www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk/ whats-on/dinosaur-adventure-thebig-jurassic-storm
The Littlest Yak at Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP Mon 17-Sat 22 Feb
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. Ages 3+.
www.cft.org.uk/events/the-littlestyak
Sing-a-Long Encanto at New Theatre Royal, PO1 2DD Wed 19 Feb
Cheer on Mirabel as she tries to save the magic surrounding the Encanto. 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. 2pm. All ages. www.newtheatreroyal.com/ performances/singalonga-encanto
Dinosaur World Live at Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP Thu 20-Sun 23 Feb
Experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family! Ages 3+. www.cft.org.uk/events/dinosaurworld-live
Exciting Science at Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB Sun 23 Feb
This brand-new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound. With fun and fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster! Ages 4+. www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/ whats-on/exciting-science
The Smartest Giant In Town at Fareham Live, PO16 7DB Sat 1-Sun 2 Mar
A heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure. All ages. www.trafalgartickets.com/farehamlive-fareham/en-GB/event/family/ the-smartest-giant-in-town-tickets
Take part in The Big Garden Birdwatch
Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. With 1 in 4 birds in serious decline, it’s never been more important to monitor the UK’s bird populations.
It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and over the past 45 years, volunteers from across the UK have helped the RSPB by tracking the birds living in their gardens and local green spaces. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 24 and 26 January. Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. To learn how to take part and how to spot garden birds with a handy free birdwatch guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
TOP RAINY DAYS
Dinosaur and Nature Trails at Curtis Museum, Alton, GU34 1BA
Until 2 Mar
Drop-in for a trail sheet and win a sticker if you can find all the toy dinosaurs or complete the natural history quiz! 10am–4:30pm. www.hampshireculture.org.uk/ event/dinosaur-nature-trails
After Dark - The Planetarium Live at Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ
Fri 14 Feb
Zoom through the stars on an exciting flight through the solar system. Take a seat in the breathtaking Planetarium and discover the secrets of the skies above us during a presenter-led live show. 6pm. 45-minute show. www.winchestersciencecentre.org/ whats-on/planetarium-experiencefebruary
February Half Term Slime-tastic Fun at Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ
Fri 14-Mon 24 Feb
Slime takes centre-stage with a brand-new live science show.
See page 14 for full details. www.winchestersciencecentre.org
February Half Term at Paultons Park, SO51 6AL
Fri 14-Mon 24 Feb
Over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful park to enjoy, plus visit Peppa Pig World, with 9 fun rides! Meet Peppa and George and jump in muddy puddles. Perfect for toddlers and children under 1 metre. FREE! See online for opening times and ticket information. www.paultonspark.co.uk
Mission Minecraft at Royal Navy Submarine Museum Gosport, PO12 2AS
Sat 15 Feb
Take on Mission Minecraft: Worlds Beneath your Waves. Explore 150 years of maritime science from the pioneering expedition of HMS Challenger in 1872 the groundbreaking research undertaken by the Royal Navy today. 11am-3pm. Ages 5-11. www.nmrn.org.uk/events/missionminecraft-worlds-beneath-waves
Mini Gallery Week: Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake at Gosport Museum and Art Gallery, PO12 1NS
Sat 15-Sat 22 Feb
Step into the magical world of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake. Explore hands-on art activities and creative workshops inspired by the beloved characters of Roald Dahl. Perfect for budding artists and bookworms alike. The week-long adventure will ignite imaginations and celebrate the power of creativity! FREE, drop-in. 10am-4pm. www.hampshireculture.org.uk/ event/mini-gallery-week-roalddahl-and-quentin-blake
Worlds Beneath the Waves Family Trail at Royal Navy Submarine Museum Gosport, PO12 2AS
Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
Go on a 150-year voyage of scientific discovery in this new exhibition. Make learning about our changing planet fascinating and fun with this hands-on exhibition family trail. www.nmrn.org.uk/events/worldsbeneath-waves-family-fun-trail
Magic of Locomotion at Mid-Hants Railway, SO24 9JG Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
Discover the magic of train travel with magicians! Be spellbound by shows at the Old Goods Shed and wonder at the close-up tricks and entertainment on board the service trains. 10.30am-4.30pm. www.watercressline.co.uk/specialdays/magic-of-locomotion
Invent and Inspire Week at The Arc, Winchester SO23 8SB Mon 17-Fri 21 Feb
Let your child dive into Invent and Inspire Week - where innovation and science meet arts and crafts for a week of imagination and hands-on creativity! £10 per child. 2-4pm. www.hampshireculture.org.uk
Rude Science at Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB Tue 18 Feb
The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, hightech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. 11am. Ages 5-14. www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/ whats-on/event/rude-science
Family Archaeology at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA Tue 18 Feb
Be an archaeologist and join us at this purpose-built trench in the woods to find hidden treasures from ages past. Study some Stone Age artefacts to work out what they were used for. Learn about the Stone Age in more detail by living the life of our ancestors through a variety of hands-on activities around the fire. Ages 4-12. 10.30am-12.30pm. Booking is required. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens/whatson/StoneFeb25
Retro Games Day at Petersfield Museum, GU32 3HX Sat 22 Feb
Embark on a journey down memory lane at this Retro Games Days, where pixels meet passion and classic gaming reigns supreme! 10am-4pm. FREE. www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/ events/retro-games-day-22february
February treats at Chichester Festival Theatre
There’s some fantastic February half term fun in store at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Go on a roarsome interactive show at Dinosaur World Live or treat little ones to a rollicking heart-warming musical tale at The Littlest Yak (with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting story!).
Returning is The Bubble Show with new creations (who doesn’t enjoy fire effects, puppetry and bubble pyrotechnics) as well as The Gruffalo for another daring adventure through the deep, dark wood with Mouse.
There’s also Bring Your Own Baby Comedy (very much for the parents!) as well as a gentle exploration of the season from Little Angel Theatre with Persephone (for babies aged 6–18 months). Plus Family Backstage Tours and FREE family-friendly spaces with room to unwind - the whole family can come and play.
Discover more at www.cft.org.uk/families
Wincheser Science Centre Planetarium
