Families Solent East July/August 2024 DIGITAL issue
Welcome
What are you planning for the long school holidays? Let Families help you out.
We have loads of activity ideas to keep the kids busy, including FREE printables for all age groups, family walk ideas, top castles and beaches for toddlers throughout the UK. You can also browse our selection of new audiobooks for kids – perfect for travel or some quiet time.
Get ahead of the back to school rush and check out our sustainable stationery ideas – much kinder to the planet if you have kids that burn through their stationery like wildfire!
Finally, in this issue, we have FOUR great giveaways for our readers. Apply inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine straight to your inbox.
Have a great summer!
Rebecca
Editor, Families Solent East
Education
Parental control options
Clubs & classes
Water safety
What’s On
Printable activities for preschoolers
Giveaways
Printable activities for primary age
‘Must visit’ UK castles
Best UK beaches for toddlers
Family walks featuring water
Family breakfasts and brunches
Make KitKat ice
Competition winners from our March/April issue
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Performing Arts Schools
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year-olds
There are lots of hours to fill during the long summer break and audiobooks are the perfect educational way of providing an alternative to books – as well as being fun for the whole family!
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
Heart-warming, magical story of a boy and a polar bear. Ages 8+.
Jack and the Giant Tantrum Helps manage tricky toddler behaviours. Ages 2-3.
I love my… Collection by Giles Andreae
12 warm and touching tales narrated by Dawn French. Ages 1-3.
The Cosmic Diary of Our Incredible Universe by Tim Peake
Learn about space and the universe. Ages 9+.
Rise Up by Amanda Li
Shares the stories of normal kids & their achievements. Ages 9+.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The classic story of Mole, Ratty and Badger. Ages 6+.
Blue Planet II by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe
Based on TV series. Examines the world’s oceans. Ages 7+.
Magic Tree House Collection Books by Mary Pope Osborne
Best-selling series now an audiobook. Ages 6+.
The Time Travelling Caveman by Terry Pratchett
Brand-new collection of short stories from Terry Pratchett. Ages 6+.
Fun learning activities for the summer break
By Zuzu Jordan
School summer holidays offer families a chance to enjoy some much-deserved respite together. However, no one wants learning to seep away or become stagnant.
Try some of these techniques to help with learning continuity and your child will hit the ground running in September.
Expanding children’s vocabulary is incredibly important to their writing and reading comprehension. When on holiday or just going on day trips, think about the new words you are exposing them to. Equally, playing games at home such as Scrabble and Heads Up can be educational.
Make sure books are a part of every day. Whenever you read to your child or let them listen to an audio book they form the sense of a beginning, middle and end of a story. Sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge at your local library which rewards children for their efforts. Make time to chat about what your children are reading; it will raise their engagement and comprehension levels.
Utilise educational apps to help children practise skills and enhance their learning.
Practise literacy skills by writing a post card on holiday, emails or even letters to friends and family,
READ MORE
journalling, blogging and entering writing competitions.
Top parental controls for monitoring screen time
Screen time is a fact of summer holidays – and of modern life! As your child heads for their screen this summer, make sure you have the right parental control products in place.
Norton Family
Monitor all child activity from web or mobile app. £14.99 yearly.
Bark Premium
AI scans emails/social media profiles/texts/ media for harmful content. From £14 monthly.
Comprehensive range of features across multiple devices. From £39.95 yearly.
Family Time Premium
Great for mobile users, full suite of monitoring features. From $2.41 monthly.
Net Nanny
Robust screen time management tools, location tracking, social media monitoring. $54.99 yearly.
Mobicip
Scheduling, monitoring location, social media, screen time. From $2.99 monthly.
Boomerang
Monitors android device web browsing, device usage & location. From $15.99 yearly.
Kapersky Safe Kids
Great value & monitors unlimited devices, regardless of platform. £23.99 per year.
Are you aged 16-24 years?
Have you had a baby born in the last 12 months?
Do you feel low, stressed out, have no energy, or don‘t enjoy things anymore?
We are testing a new online support package for young parents who are feeling low, stressed out or miserable. Could you help us by taking part?
Find out about getting involved by scanning the QR code:
Cultural capital: what it is and why it matters
Broadly speaking, the term ‘cultural capital’ refers to the knowledge, skills and experiences that are valued by a society. The concept was first introduced in Pierre Bourdieu’s book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste in 1979. So why is cultural capital important?
READ MORE
Preparing to start or change school
Starting or changing school can be both an exciting and nervewracking business, not only for parents but also for children who pick up on the vibe at home. With planning, you can feel more confident in the way you support and celebrate your child’s milestones and transitions as they occur.
READ MORE
My child is left-handed, should I be worried?
Recently at a new student screening appointment, a mother disclosed that her child writes with her left hand and uses the computer mouse and scissors with her right. These were the only anomalies for her lefthanded daughter. Perplexed about navigating this world of mixed dominance?
READ MORE
Sustainable stationery supplies
Does your child get through endless amounts of stationery products? If so, you might be interested in our selection of more sustainable options.
Paper Ballpoint Pens
24 pens made from strong paper. 58% extra ink! £14.99.
Wirebound
Notebook
3 ruled notebooks of 110 pages. Made with FSC recycled paper. £7.49.
Pure Glue Sticks
5 glue sticks made from 93% natural ingredients, washable, child-friendly. £4.92.
Recycled Newspaper
Colouring Pencils
12 colouring pencils made from recycled newspaper, printed with soy inks. £6.50.
RPET Panda Pencil Case
Stylish pencil case made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. £3.99.
Dust & PVC Free Eraser
Unique dust free formula does not contain any harmful chemicals. £0.95.
Recycled Newspaper Pencils
Set of 5 x 2mm HB pencils handmade from recycled newspaper. £5.95.
Green BOSS
Highlighter
4 colours made from 83% recycled plastic. Can be refilled. £4.21.
Bamboo Ruler
Made from sustainable bamboo, this ruler is strong but lightweight. £1.50.
Matilda Jnr at Stagecoach Havant & Waterlooville
Stagecoach Havant will be performing Matilda Junior for their Summer Holiday Workshop from Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August.
This high-energy, five day performing arts course at Crookhorn College is sure to be great fun, plus, family and friends will be invited to see the show on the last day.
There is a half day workshop for ages 4-6 and a full day course for ages 7-18. Children do not need to be current Stagecoach students to attend. Everyone is welcome - all they ask for is lots of energy and enthusiasm.
Join Stagecoach as they tell the story of Matilda, an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Enrol and for full details HERE or EMAIL Principal, Jonny.
Unlock your child’s musical potential with 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 or visit HERE.
Stay safe around water this summer
Water safety on holiday
Take time to review and understand safety notices and flags. Never use inflatables in the sea. Keep children under constant supervision. Look out for potential hazards and deep and shallow water. Stay back from cliff edges, never jump from cliffs or bridges. Make sure the whole family knows basic water safety.
Water safety in public swimming pools
Take time to learn the depth, water flow and layout of the pool. Always follow the rules set out by the venue e.g. no running. Listen and adhere to instructions given by the lifeguards on duty. Always keep children under constant supervision. Weak swimmers - stay where they can touch the bottom.
Get to know your Water Safety Code
Fun RLSS cartoon to help kids understand the fundamentals of being safe near water.
Water safety at home
In the last 5 years, 50% of kids under 7 who drowned did so at home.
Securely cover or empty water hazards after use eg. baths, paddling pools, ponds etc.
Stop water hazards from refilling by turning them over, turn off hosepipes.
Install safety fencing around ponds and pools.
Learn the water safety code
Look for dangers and research local signs and advice. Always stay together as a family or group, swim near lifeguards. Float – teach your child how to float properly if they fall in unexpectedly.
Call 999 - ask for Fire & Rescue when inland and the Coastguard if at beach.
Teach your child how to float
If your child finds themselves in water accidentally, this essential skill could save their life.
Family fun at Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse comes alive with family-friendly entertainment and the summer holiday magic of yesteryear from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August.
Enjoy a family day out and complimentary activities including traditional fairground rides, a petting zoo, face painting and more. The enchanting three days of racing commences with a bang as the annual Friday night fireworks spectacle lights up the skyline with an explosion of colour.
The high-octane Group racing features the competitive Celebration Mile and Prestige Stakes on the Saturday, whilst the Group 3 Supreme Stakes and the ever-popular amateur jockeys’ handicap add intrigue to a fabulous weekend on a super Sunday. Plus, summer vibes ensue across a relaxing weekend which combines live music and summer entertainment for a wonderfully social occasion.
Tickets from £18 and under 18s go FREE .
Book tickets HERE, or call 01243 755055.
Olympic themed Fiesta
Fiesta, an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity for ages 3 to 12 at Winchester Science Centre. It’s FREE with general admission and this year it’s all about the Olympics and Paralympics!
Families are invited from Sat 13 Jul to Mon 4 Sep to adventure outside to enjoy interactive activities like the fun and friendly Bug Olympics.
Set in the stunning South Downs National Park, competitors of all ages can take part and see if they’re as fast as a dragonfly or as strong as an ant.
Children can also perform their very own opening ceremony inspired by nature’s sounds on the mini stage.
And back inside, mini scientists can discover the science of us in an interactive zone and during brand-new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise.
Find out more and book tickets HERE.
Family summer fun at Chichester Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) has lots of fun in store for families including a spectacular Summer musical Oliver! Backstage tours, plus live music on the park on Friday nights with summer sessions and dropin storytime Saturdays – both of which are FREE .
There’s also The Big Hoot swooping in from 10 Julycome and meet CFT’s very own Owliver!
Book your tickets now for Baby Knees-up (11 Aug) with music, food and crafts. Crafty Make & Take Workshops, Silent Discos and Comedy Club 4 Kids.
Relax in the FREE family-friendly spaces with room to unwind where the whole family is welcome to come and play. Find out more HERE.
Journey into Space at The South Downs Planetarium
The South Downs Planetarium in Chichester is an exciting place for all ages to enjoy. Sit back and relax. Get lost in stunning fulldome images and breathtaking videos whilst the experienced and enthusiastic lecturers take you on a mindblowing journey through space.
With its spacious auditorium, colourful displays and wellstocked sales kiosk, the Planetarium has something for would-be astronauts and stargazers from ages 6+.
The Planetarium is putting on a range of exciting public shows throughout the summer holidays, including Space Family Fun Days (Fri 26 to Sun 28 July) - a day of great educational fun for all the family with a wide range of space-themed activities.
Details of upcoming shows and opening hours HERE.
A great family day out at
Come to Aldingbourne Country Centre and eat, drink, laugh and learn together, all whilst helping the charity make a positive difference to the lives of the people they support. From the Open Farm to a Woodland Walk there is so much to do including tractor rides, mini golf, role play, guinea pig snuggling, soft play and so much more!
Find out more HERE.
Family Workshops
Children must be accompanied by an adult during these sessions.
Self-Guided Still Life with Clay
24 July – 6 Sept [Drop in, All day) Age 5+, FREE, no need to book
Saturday Art and Craft
27 July, 24 Aug [Drop in, 11am–1pm)
Suitable for all ages FREE, please book ahead
Meet an Artwork
14, 20, 26 Aug [11am –12pm) FREE, please book ahead
Family Making Sessions
14, 20 & 26 Aug [2 – 4pm)
Age 6+, £7.50 per child
Children’s Workshops
Adults may drop their child off for these sessions. Please book in advance.
Food Glorious Food! 6 Aug [11am –2pm), Age 7+, £25
Fantastic Flowers 13 Aug [2 – 4pm), Age 10+, £15
Positive and Negative
Spaces Collage
15 Aug [2 – 4pm), Age 10+, £15
Still Life Mosaics
22 Aug [2 – 4pm), Age 7+, £15
Still Life Cyanotype
29 Aug [11am – 2pm), Age 10+, £25
FREE activity printables for pre-schoolers
Perfect for whipping out to deal with those ‘I need something to occupy the little one’ moments!
Learn About Numbers activity book
Unicorn rainbow colouring
Counting to 5 activity sheet
Big Bird Number 6 colouring page
Dino Diggers activity pack
Bing’s Big Surprise activities
Alphablocks A to Z colouring chart
Round & round snail maze
Dino Dot-to-Dot activity sheet
FREE printables for primary-school aged kids
For the ‘I’ve got nothing to do!’ moments that are sure to arise this summer – worth printing and stashing somewhere close by!
Battleships
Great game to develop strategy, logical thinking and concentration.
Country word search
Find twenty countries hidden amongst the letters.
Harry Potter word scramble
Figure out what Harry is saying.
The Mystery of the Missing Pirate Treasure
Practise maths and problem solving.
Car travel games
Keep them entertained with car bingo, alphabet game, car search & more.
How to draw a cat
Simple chart from which your child can learn to draw a cat.
Sudoku
Set of 9 puzzles, easy to hard. Develop logic & problem solving.
Food crossword puzzles
5 food themed puzzles. improve spelling, reading and writing.
Magic square worksheets
Easy, intermediate and advanced sheets that practise addition.
Pixel Hugs
Giveaway
HOT new interactive puppies, who react to their owner’s voice
Pet and feed them, tickle their bellies and lay them down to sleep….
Drench Giveaway
Exciting soda can game for all ages
Shake the can –but don’t get drenched!
Newborn Coney and My First Bath Bundle giveaway
Cuddle Coney - she’ll respond like a real baby if you wear your special interactive bracelet
Coney makes more than 20 sounds, falls asleep, feeds and cries
PLUS: Bath Sarah and discover the magic reveal in the bathtub Worth £70
‘Must visit’ UK castles to explore
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
A sprawling complex dating to 1096. Broomstick training, medieval crafts & more.
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Lavishly decorated, costumed storytellers, jousting tournaments & castle-themed play area.
The Tower of London
See the Crown Jewels guarded by Beefeaters and overseen by ravens.
Conwy Castle/ Castell Conwy, North Wales
A 13th-century marvel. Archery, medieval craft and Welsh folklore tales.
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Climb its walls, discover rich history & enjoy soft play sword battles.
Dover Castle, Kent
Explore secret wartime tunnels, medieval interiors and the Great Tower.
Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
Dramatic 16th century spectacle with soaring turrets. Kids can enjoy Go Ape.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
A 14th century gem with moat, drawbridge, murder holes, medieval bread oven.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Explore dungeons, climb towers and witness jousting displays.
Best UK beaches for toddlers
Looking for a beach to visit that perfectly suits your very young children? Here is our selection.
Alum Chine, Dorset
Adventure playground, paddling pool & changing facilities.
Frinton on Sea, Essex
Clean, firm, plentiful sand, safe gently shelving beach, promenade with facilities.
Porthminster (St Ives), West Cornwall
Sandy sheltered beach, shallow water, for paddling, nearby facilities.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Spacious golden sandy beach, shallow water, rock pools & toilets.
West Wittering, Sussex
Wide sloping beach, shallow tidal pools & clean, calm water.
Seacliff, East Lothian
Beautiful, sheltered beach of golden sands. Toilets.
Caswell Bay, South Wales
Golden sands, rock pools, café, beach shop, toilets & showers.
Sandsend, East Yorkshire
Hidden gem just north of Whitby. Lagoon, rockpools & nearby facilities.
St Annes Beach Lytham, Lancashire
Loads of sand, good for paddling, donkey rides and amenities.
Best walks featuring water
Looking for a walk with water involved? These are some of our favourite walks from The Outdoor Guide
Seaton Wetlands
On the south Devon coast you’ll find the RSPB Seaton Wetlands. With a path that’s suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, this walk offers the opportunity to observe the many feathered friends who call this place home.
River Ness & Ness Islands
From the heart of Inverness, this walk takes you along the banks of the River Ness and onto the magical Ness Islands.
These are natural islands in the middle of the river, connected by suspension foot bridges. Keep an eye out for the seals that can sometimes be found here.
Coombe AbbeyHeron’s Way
There are plenty of walks for all to enjoy at Coombe Abbey Country Park near Coventry. This one takes you around the lake that, at 1.5 miles long, is one of the largest ever designed be Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Swanbourne Lake & Arundel Park
Just a short distance from the town of Arundel in Sussex is Swanbourne Lake, part of the Arundel Castle estate.
It’s a popular spot for families, offering gentle walks and boat hire so you can enjoy the views from the water. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from the kiosk!
Looking for a walk with water involved? These are some of our favourite walks from The Outdoor Guide
Blickling Hall - The Den Making One
This 2 mile walk takes you around Blickling Hall Estate lake and offers plenty of wildlife watching and den making. Don’t forget to visit the cafe for a wellearned treat at the end!
Setthorns, New Forest National Park
Walk in the shade of the trees as you explore the Setthorns Enclosure in the New Forest National Park.
The walk takes you down to a stream where children and dogs can paddle and play - keep an eye out for the free roaming livestock who also paddle here too!
South Shore Rutland Water
Rutland Water is a reservoir that is teeming with wildlife. This is a great walk along the southern shore and takes in part of the nature reserve. After, why not take a boat trip to see it from another angle?
A walk along the shore of Ullswater
No trip to the Lake District is complete without a walk along the shore of a lake. This is just a short walk, around a mile, to the shores of Ullswater in the eastern lakes.
The nearby village of Pooley Bridge has some great cafés for after!
Take advantage of the more relaxed summer holiday routine and try some of these special family breakfast and brunch options!
Upside down apple pancakes
Cut into wedges. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream & cinnamon.
Easy sweetcorn fritters
A quick breakfast treat, top with poached egg or smashed avocado.
Easy griddled waffles
These are super simple to make. Top with bananas/maple syrup.
Peanut butterstuffed french toast
Inspired by deep-fried french toast, pan-fried for ease.
Eggy bread
A simple versatile breakfast recipe. Serve with strawberries, yoghurt, stewed fruit.
Courgette and Cheddar cheese muffin
Warm from the oven - a great breakfast treat.
Pancake
breakfast tacos
Taco-inspired pancakes with bacon, cheese and scrambled eggs.
Norwegian custard buns
A great breakfast pastry, filled with custard.
Bacon and egg cups
Served in ramekins lined with bacon, these cups are a breakfast treat.
Make crispy KitKat Ice Cream Cake
Crispy, creamy, chocolatey and decadent - words can’t describe this perfectly dreamy KitKat Ice Cream Cake recipe contributed by multi-award-winning food, parenting and lifestyle writer, Emily Leary at A Mummy Too.
Pixel Hugs
HOT new interactive puppies, who react to their owner’s voice
Pet and feed them, tickle their bellies to make them happy and lay them down to sleep… Four
