Rainy day Ideas May half term fun The perfect BBQ FREE digital magazine for families in Essex May 2024 Issue 112 Father's Day print out card
/kidaroundmagazine /kidaroundmag official.kidaround KidAround Magazine is a digital monthly publication Tel: 07557 053044 | [email protected]. Disclaimer: The copyright and contents of this magazine, including artwork, adverts, logos and articles, when generated by the KidAround team remain with KidAround. Views expressed in editorial and articles are those of the contributor or advertiser and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in the magazine are for information and advice only. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Trew Publishing or its staff. All advertisements and editorial content are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertisers. Contact Us (We are a friendly bunch) [email protected] [email protected] Tel:07557 053044 Anna xx Welcome to the May Issue of KidAround. In this issue, we have put together some tasty BBQ recipes and ideas - we just need the dry weather now! These can be found on page 8 I'll be honest, I always love the idea of a BBQ more than the eating of one. I always tend to be the one running around with everything whilst the hubbie stands by the BBQ tossing a few burgers. Anyway, hopefully the rain will disappear soon, but if not, we have you covered on page 28 you will find some stay indoors free fun ideas to do. We also have plenty of outdoor events and days out for you and the family to enjoy on page18 If like me however, you need to work, we have advertisers that offer fun holiday camps - meaning the kids are safe, happy and active whilst you get on with your busy day. Remember when visiting events taken from our listings, please do check full details first as changes can happen and please do mention us when visiting or contacting any of our advertisers - it really does help. Fingers crossed for some lovely dry weather and see you in July with our bumper Summer Holiday Issue. Hello Readers, 10 SUBSCRIBE HERE 8 Active Kids CONTENTS The perfect BBQ 28 Rainy Day Activities 18 Great Days Out
4 May Issue 2024 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] SUBSCRIBE WWW.kidaround.biz
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DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 7 ESSEX EARLY YEARS GUIDANCE
8 May Issue 2024| www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] The Ultimate BBQ Spending time with loved ones should be about quality time surrounded by food. That is why family BBQs are so common in the summer months. And spending time outside might come earlier than we think, with gardens already blooming four weeks early this spring. So, make the most of spring, summer, and the good weather by gathering your loved ones for the perfect outdoor feast. BBQs are bigger, better, and tastier than ever with everyone getting creative and personalising their food. Don’t miss out on the early good weather, and make sure you’ve got the right feast planned for the entire family to enjoy. Marinade the day before - the longer you marinate meat, the tastier. It also takes some stress away from the day. Salads can also be made the day before and kept refrigerated. See some of our recipe suggestions and don't be scared to try and adapt it to your own liking. Marinades Chimichurri - perfect with steak & large flat mushrooms. This is added to cooked food 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley 3-4 cloves garlic , finely chopped or minced 2 small red chilies , or 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon finely chopped chilli) 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1 level teaspoon coarse salt pepper , to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon) Asian infused- perfect with salmon, chicken, pork and tofu 6 tablespoon rice vinegar 3 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 2 cloves garlic minced ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ¼ cup neutral oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil Tandorri - perfect wth prawns, salmon, chicken & lamb & tofu 300ml Natural yogurt large piece ginger, grated 4 garlic cloves, crushed ¾ tsp garam masala ¾ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp chilli powder ¼ tsp turmeric Gyros - perfect with pork or chicken 500g Greek yogurt 2 lemons, juiced, ½ lemon zested 100ml olive oil 4 garlic cloves, very finely grated or crushed 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp sweet paprika 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp crushed black pepper ½ tsp ground cinnamon Salads Greek Salad Block of feta cheese - cubed, sliced or crumbled 4 large ripe tomatoes Chunks of cucumber Sliced onion, Black olives, Drizzle of olive oil Sprinkle of oregano Season with salt & pepper to taste Summer Salad 400g black beans, drained 2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped 500g heritage tomatoes, chopped into large chunks ½ cucumber, halved lengthways, seeds scooped out and sliced on an angle 1 mango, peeled and chopped into chunks 1 large red onion, halved and finely sliced 6-8 radishes, sliced 2 avocados, peeled and sliced 100g feta, crumbled handful of herbs Mixed Bean & Herb Salad 2 cans mixed beans red onion finely sliced 1 crushed garlic
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | February Issue 2024• 9 1 chopped red chilli (deseeded) Juice of 1 lime handful of chopped parsley chopped mint (to your liking, it can be quite strong) handful of chopped coriander Mixed leaf salad Get your favourite mixed leaf salad and just add olive oil and a balsamic glaze Tomato Salad (simple & great) 2/3 Ripe beef tomatoes (sliced) Thinly sliced red onion Drizzle of olive oil Sprinkle of dried oregano Course, crushed salt The perfect burger Beef burger 500lb of good quality mince meat Mould it together with salt and pepper. Once you start cooking one side add American style mustard on to the top (thin layer) turn over and spread on the other side. For a juicy burger, get some foil add the burger, and pull side of foil up ready to cover, add 2 tsb of water, add you cheese to top along with the bun lid and cook for a few minutes. Whilst they are cooking add your desired filling to bottom bun and serve. Peri Peri chicken thigh burger 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons chilli flakes (or to taste) 4 cloves garlic crushed or grated Juice of 2 limes 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons oregano ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) Black pepper to taste 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cover in the ingrediants and BBQ until cooked. Mixed bean burger 400g tin chickpeas or beans such as borlotti, kidney or butterbeans, drained and rinsed 300g/10½oz cooked, mashed vegetables such as carrot, squash, potato, sweet potato or parsnip 1 garlic clove, crushed by an adult or with a garlic press 1 tbsp sunflower, vegetable or olive oil squeeze lemon juice pinch ground cumin, coriander or paprika, mild chilli flakes, to taste freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp tahini (optional) 4 tbsp sesame seeds, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional), for coating Mould into burgers, cook and enjoy! Good ol' banger Meat free are widely sold and a great alternative Try and get sausages from your local butchers as these are usually better quality or buy sauages with high meat content of at least 90% Not just a BBQ - get creative with pizza's You can purchase pizza ovens that go on top of the BBQ (available from many stores in the UK).. I love making pizza's with the family and it's always a winner. You know what you and the kids love so get your toppings ready. Pizza dough recipe 300g Strong Bread Flour, plus extra for kneading and shaping 1 1/2 tsp Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar 7g Yeast 1 tsp salt 200ml warm water 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil Need for 10 mins, leave in a bowl covered with oiled cling film in a warm place. When ready take out and roll! Fries & Sides As well as those lovely salads you made. Bulk up your plate with some yummy sides. Spicy Rice cook rice as per packet. Small dices of peppers, courgette, onion and sweetcorn and fry in olive oil until cooked add the cooked rice, add 1 tspn of smoked paprika and cumin powder and a little chilli if you like it spicy. Home-made skin on fries cut potatoes in to chunky chips, add salt and olive oil and bake on a medium heat in oven until soft and goden. Toss in garlic and parsley butter (add garlic puree and finely chopped parsley to butter) at end for an extra tasty side. Mini aubergine pizza's Sliced aubergine, topped with red pesto or tomato puree, sprinkle with garlic granules & dried oregano, top with fresh slices of mozerella and a slice of tomato (cook in oven until soft) add some fresh basil.
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12 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] ACTIVE KIDS Leisure World, Colchester At a Leisure World Holiday Camp, fun is the order of the day! Catering to children aged 5-12 years, the camps are designed to ignite imaginations, spark their curiosity, and provide endless opportunities for fun and adventure. From thrilling activities to creative challenges, there is something for every child to enjoy. Picture your child splashing in the pool, laughing with friends as they race around on bikes and creating amazing craft projects! With a wide range of activities available, each day is filled with new and exciting experiences that keep children engaged and entertained. But the fun doesn't stop there! Their team games encourage teamwork and camaraderie, ensuring that every child feels included and valued. Whether they're dancing or working together to solve a puzzle, there's a sense of achievement in every activity. Their experienced and enthusiastic staff are dedicated to making sure every child has the time of their life in a safe and supportive OFSTED registered environment. At Leisure World Holiday Camps, the laughter never ends, the friendships are endless, and the memories last a lifetime. Prices start from just £22, add lunch for just £5. Book now at Holiday Camp - Leisure World (colchesterleisureworld.co.uk)
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14 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 15 PQA Colchester is enrolling now! Step through the doors of our academy and discover the wonderful world of performing arts. Their project-based learning in musical theatre, film and drama nurtures skills for stage, screen, and the everyday scene. Their exciting creative projects and performance experiences, run by the specialist teachers, allow your child to take on fun new challenges, learn and feel good even when they make mistakes. From performing on a West End stage and your local theatre, screening their short films and experiencing masterclasses run by industry specialists. PQA Colchester offers an unrivalled breadth of learning opportunities, allowing young performers, actors and filmmakers to create their own work, whilst being guided by our expert teachers. The academy offers a safe and inclusive place for young people to discover their strengths, grow in creativity and develop skills to grow into confident adults. They're all about celebrating the individual and we pride themselves on helping young people discover and develop their amazing self. PQA Colchester’s Friday evening academy is enrolling now, with very limited space in our Saturday morning and afternoon academies. They run every Friday evening from 4:30 – 8pm and on Saturdays from 9:45am – 1pm & 1:45 – 5pm. Find them at Philip Morant Academy, Rembrandt Way, CO3 4QS. Offering everyone aged 4-18 the chance to try a full PQA session for free. To book your free session, please visit www.pqacademy.com/academies/colchester/ Unleash your children’s creativity at Half Term Holiday Camp From painting and sculpture, to modelling and slime making – ignite your children’s passion for creativity and learning at The Creation Station in support of St Helena Hospice’s half term holiday camps! The Creation Station offers kids arty birthday parties and after school create clubs in Colchester and surrounding areas. So if you’re looking for activities to keep your children occupied after school, whilst inspiring their imaginations and fostering development, find out of their school offers Create Clubs, or recommend The Creation Station so they can start! Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st May, 8am – 5pm. Aged 5-11. Stanway Preschool, Colchester. Packed lunches are provided. All profits generated from these creative experiences are reinvested into north east Essex charity, St Helena Hospice, to help local people face incurable illnesses and bereavement. You can book onto these sessions now, click on the advert or visit www.sthelena.org.uk/holidaycamps Learn more at www.thecreationstation.co.uk/locations/ colchester ACTIVE KIDS
16 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Insect Week: The perfect time to encourage ‘the little things that run the world’ to your patch Insect Week runs from the 24th to the 30th June, and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the little things that run the world! Insects, often overlooked and underestimated, wield immense influence over our planet’s ecosystems. Their significance cannot be overstated, as they form the bedrock of biodiversity and contribute substantially to the functioning of our world. These creatures play a vital role, and we must do more to help them thrive. Thankfully lending a helping hand to insects is easy to do at home. From planting beautiful blooms, to creating cosy shelters, even the smallest steps can make a big difference. Below are our top three tips on how you can create a wildlife paradise and help bugs flourish! Plant a plethora of flowers: The simplest and prettiest way to make your patch a pollinator paradise is to grow an array of flowers and plants. By choosing blooms that flower at different times of the year, you can create a constant source of food in the garden throughout the seasons - providing habitats way beyond Insect Week! Late-flowering crocus species make wonderful sources of nectar through the autumn and winter, springflowering hellebore and hebe are great for early-season colour and pollen. Choosing native species of flowers is also a beneficial choice for bugs. This is because these plants are well-adapted to our local climate, making them hardier and more resistant to harsh conditions and weather changes. Native wildflowers like forget-Me-Not, oxeye daisy and campion not only offer ample food for pollinators, but also fill the garden with gentle waves of beautiful colour! Provide shelter:
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 17 Resist the urge to keep things neat and tidy, in the garden! Insects rely on debris like logs, twigs, dead leaves, and compost for shelter. But as the summer approaches, many people tidy up the garden and removing these valuable homes for wildlife. By leaving a small area of the garden dedicated to insects and wildlife, such as a corner filled with twigs, leaves, and garden debris, you can help minibeasts thrive. Insect houses are also available for a modern alternative, but natural materials like leaves, sticks and compost are preferred. Include night-scented blooms Did you know that moths are more efficient at pollinating than all of the day-flying pollinators? A recent study by Butterfly Conservation and the University of Sussex found that although bees and butterflies have more time throughout the day to do this vital work, moths were actually much faster at pollinating. By planting evening-scented greenery, you can help marvellous moths in their quest to pollinate and repopulate. Some night-scented favourites include evening primrose, jasmine, sweet rocket, and honeysuckle. Seedball’s bat mix is perfectly formulated to attract night flying pollinators. To make planting for insects easy, Seedball has teamed up with the Royal Entomological Society to launch three new seed ball matchboxes. The collection features three boxes, each containing a different seed mix aimed at encouraging three invertebrate groups – a Meadow Mix, a Pollinators Mix and a unique Damp Soil Mix. Seedball will also donate 90p for every set sold to the Royal Entomological Society to help support its vital research and conservation efforts. Royal Entomological Society matchboxes: £9.00 Bat mix: £6.50 To find out more about the new Royal Entomological Society matchboxes, and to explore Seedball’s other wildflower seed balls, visit the website at www.seedball.co.uk
18 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Exciting Family Fun at Barleylands Spring Country Show This May Bank Holiday weekend promises a thrilling adventure for families at the Barleylands Spring Country Show! Taking place on Sunday, May 26th, and Monday, May 27th, 2024, is set to be a great event for parents and children alike. Get ready for a jam-packed weekend filled with excitement and entertainment suitable for the whole family. From thrilling stunt shows featuring Cars, Stunt Motorcycles, and fire, to captivating Sheepdog Displays and Birds of Prey Demonstrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with adorable animals in the Petting Zoo, supplied by Barleylands Farm. Plus, they can learn all about fascinating creatures in the Reptile & Birds of Prey Enclosure, and even meet Alpacas! For those seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, don't miss the Monster Truck Rides, Live Wrestling shows, and the chance to try your hand at Archery. There will also be fairground rides and giant inflatables. And while the kids are having a blast, parents can explore the variety of food, craft, and gift stalls, or simply relax and enjoy some great live music and delicious street food from the fully stocked bar. Bring your furry friend and enter into the Fun Dog Show or take part in the dog agility course. New for this year, experience the majesty of Steam Traction Engines as they chug into the show, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities. "Our aim is to provide families with a day they'll never forget," says Steven Cooper, Co-founder of Haddon Events. "With a wide range of activities and attractions, there's something to delight every member of the family." Tickets for the Barleylands Spring Country Show are on sale now at HaddonEvents.co.uk. Don't miss out on this unforgettable family experience! For more information, contact: the Haddon Events Team Email: [email protected] Phone: 07519276507 Website: www.haddonevents.co.uk Sunday, May 26th, and Monday, May 27th, 2024 Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD Open 10am - 5pm both days. Free parking, dogs welcome on a lead. Limited Early bird tickets on sale. Book now to save ££££. Gate prices on the day: Adults £15, Children over 5 £5, Under5's free For advance tickets please visit: www.haddonevents.co.uk Join the conversation on social media: Facebook.com/haddonevents Instagram: @HaddonEvents GREAT DAYS OUT
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20 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Have a family day out by the Essex Sunshine Coast If you are in search of the traditional pleasures of the seaside, and would like to relive some treasured childhood memories, then the Essex Sunshine Coast which is part of the Tendring holiday peninsula is the ideal place to do this. For the perfect holiday by the sea search their website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk for B&B, hotel and accommodation information about great places to stay and attractions to visit. Whether you visit Clacton-on-Sea with its award winning beaches and stunning seafront gardens or the historic port of Harwich you are sure to find something enjoyable for everyone. The area is a perfect destination for either a long weekend break, family or group holiday, or just a simple day out at the seaside! The surrounding area boasts picturesque villages steeped in history surrounded by beautiful unspoiled country landscapes.The area has easy links by road, train,coach, ferry and plane, with the centre of London only an hour or so away making it an easily accessible destination. For more information about free parking visit our find us page. With more than 36 miles of coastline, long sandy beaches which have receivedQuality Coast Awards and Blue Flag Awards. For information on tide tables or for dog access on Tendring beaches log on to www.tendringdc.gov.uk. The Essex Sunshine Coast has a whole host of events on offer throughout the year. Planning a holiday in Clacton-on-Sea and the surrounding areas? You have come to the right place! Click on the links to the right for information on accommodation in Clacton and the surrounding area, eating out, shopping and entertainment! For information on the local area view the Tendring Tourism Strategy or for local business information or inward investment information log on to www.tendringdc.gov.uk GREAT DAYS OUT
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 21 DIARY DATES Section Title DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | February Issue 2023•
22 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Mini Donkeys Arrive At Redwings Ada Cole Three rescue miniature donkeys have arrived at Redwings Ada Cole, Essex, and are ready to welcome families this summer. The tiny trio - named Wedgewood, Dudley and Jack - arrived at Redwings in late December and have settled in well to Sanctuary life. Jo Franklin, Senior Field Officer and Ada Cole Centre Manager, said: “The Donkey Sanctuary and the RSPCA contacted Redwings to ask if we could offer them a secure future after their owners had been struggling with their care. “They say good things come in small packages, and that is definitely the case with these three! They’re all miniature donkeys, at less than 9hh, but that doesn’t mean they require any less specialist care or facilities to ensure they stay happy and healthy.” They join the existing residents of Redwings Ada Cole, which also includes Adoption Stars Tinkerbell, Zippy, Elvis and Dotty. These rescued residents are all available to sponsor from as little as £2 a month through the Redwings Adoption Scheme, a fun way to support the charity’s frontline welfare work. Visitors will be able to meet the horses and donkeys, enjoy food and drink from Dolly’s Café and browse the gift shop at Redwings Ada Cole Visitor Centre, Broadlands, Epping Road, Roydon, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2DH on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10-4pm (paddock walks close at 3.30pm). Entry is free but donations are very welcome. All Redwings’ centres are dog friendly. To find out more about how Redwings helps donkeys like Wedgewood, Dudley and Jack, and the hundreds of others in the charity’s care, please visit the Redwings website, redwings.org.uk. GREAT DAYS OUT
Book tickets at hedinghamcastle.co.uk Get ready for an epic battle! Sun 26 - Mon 27 May Cheer on your favourite knight as The Knights of Royal England return to Hedingham Castle for an unforgettable jousting tournament! Superb family fun! Father's Day Sunday 16 June What is father's day? Father's Day is a day where we show our appreciation and love to our father's, grandfather's, father-in-laws, step father's or someone that has been a father figure in our life. It's a day we visit (or video call for those that are far away) these special people in our lives and often send a card & a gift to say thank you. As it's time to celebrate all the wonderful things dad's do, we can often feel pressure to spend a lot of money. However, mum's and dad's appreciate the thought, so here's some cost effective ideas for gifts this year. 1. Make a collage of photo's from the best father time memories. You can either stick in a book, on card or in a frame. Average cost £5-£10 2. Make all your dad's favourite food starting with breakfast through to dinner - depending on how lavish your dad likes to eat the cost ranges from £10 - £20 3. Write your dad a poem and draw a picture. So much thought in this gift and costs £0 just your time and you will see the biggest smile. 4. Dad's love pants (& socks) easily purchased from supermarkets you just need to ask mum their size. Costs from £5- £20 5. Tokens make some tokens of things you can do - wash the car, make the tea/coffee, clean his bike again this costs £0 6. Go out for the day - many places offer 'dad goes free'
Section Title 24 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Fill your diary with things to do Now to 30 (Jun) Thunderbirds & Co: The Joy of Puppetry Embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of puppetry. A celebration of the art and legacy of early television puppeteers, including local legend Joy Laurey and the renowned Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. Colchester Castle READ MORE HERE Sat 18 & Sun 19 Spring Craft Fair They are delighted to welcome local suppliers with lots of lovely products to browse from, including plants, jewellery and homemade crafts long with live music, tapped beers and a BBQ and Pizza Oven will be running for you to enjoy 10am-4pm. Free Entry. Cammas Hall farm. CM22 7JT READ MORE HERE Sat 25 – Sat 2 (June) Family Gardening Festival budding gardeners can get hands-on with the RHS Family Garden Festival from 25 May to 2 June. The festival, in collaboration with Burgon & Ball to celebrate its new ‘Growing Gardeners’ family gardening range of children’s tools and accessories, looks to get families involved in gardening together with a host of fantastic activities. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, CM3 8ET. READ MORE HERE Sat 25 – Mon 27 Hopefield Family Festival With a line-up you won't want to miss you can expect inflatables, soft play bus, BBQ, Bar, live performances and, of course, the chance to meet our rescued residents, plus lots more! Children's activities mentioned all included in the ticket price. 10am – 4pm. Sawyers Hall Farm, CM15 9BZ READ MORE HERE Sat 25 & Sun 26 Festival In The Gardens Have a great family day out with live entertainment, workshops, fun activities, music, food & drinks. £12 adult, kids go free. 11am-11pm. Braintree & Bocking Public Garden. READ MORE HERE Sat 25 & Sun 26 Rock The Park This Free Family Music Festival presented by Harlow Rock School has something for everyone! Choirs, Pop, Indie, Rock, R&B, Musicals, Rap and more! As well as music there will be stalls, face painting, a bar and food! So come along for a great weekend of music. Harlow CM20 2QQ READ MORE HERE Sat 25 Steam Day - unlimited train rides A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines. East Anglian Railway Museum, CO62DS. READ MORE HERE Sat 25 Family Fun Day With live entertainment, bouncy castle and family friendly games there's excitement for all the family! 10am-4pm. Park Inn by Radisson Palace, SS1 2AL. READ MORE HERE May
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 25 Diary Dates Sat 25 Real Ale Train Enjoy a journey through the Essex countryside with Real Ale available from the on board bar! 5pm-9:30pm. Epping & Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. READ MORE HERE Sat 25 Magic Dave's Magical Mayhem Enjoy a live children's magic show with professional family entertainer and magician Magic Dave! Join us at Basildon Library for a magical time! 1:30pm -2:15pm. Aged 5 - 11 years. £3 per person. Basildon Library, SS14 1EE. READ MORE HERE Sun 26 & Mon 27 Jousting Tournament The colourful Knights of Royal England are back over the Bank Holiday to battle it out for victory in front of the Castle! READ MORE HERE Sun 26 Wings & Wheels Their aircraft will entertain and amaze in the skies above. On the ground, hundreds of cars will gleam in the sun as you wander amongst them. Rides, entertainment, music, food & drink. 10am-4pm. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Purleigh, CM3 6RN READ MORE HERE Sun 26 Family Open Day Enjoy the museum trails, arts and crafts, fire safety room, old fire engines and water squirting. The museum is free entry but visits must be pre-booked as we are on the site of a working fire station. 10:30am-4pm. Essex Fire Museum Grays, RM17 5QS READ MORE HERE Mon 27 - Fri 31 Puppet Craft Be inspired by Colchester Castle’s newest exhibition as you design and bring your own puppets to life. Use colours, textures and endless possibilities as you create your very own masterpiece! Natural History Museum, Colchester READ MORE HERE Mon 27 - Fri 31 Family Tours – Normans Explore the castle’s rich history, climb the Great Stairs and take in mesmerising city views from the Castle roof. Perfect for all ages, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure, offering a glimpse into the Norman legacy. Colchester Castle. READ MORE HERE Mon 27 Village Fete All the fun you'd expect for an old-fashioned village fete that is open to everyone.With fun & games, food & drink, live music and live entertainment. 11am5pm. Adults £11 under 13’s free. Layer Marney Tower, C05 9US READ MORE HERE Mon 27 Potter Street Fete Fun for everyone! You can expect tombola, raffle, kids games, face painting, smash the crockery, tug of war, refreshments, stalls and more! 12pm-4:30pm. Free entry. Potter Street Common, Harlow, CM17 9HD Mon 27 Hospital Radio Fun Day Fun for all the family! Enjoy arena attractions, children's rides, charity stalls, food and drink, Colchester duck race, and lots more! A Great Day Out for the whole family! Colchester Lower Castle Park. 11am-4pm. READ MORE HERE Mon 27 Bluey Day Wackadoo! Your favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey, is making a visit. Take a ride on theheritage steam train to Ongar where Bluey will be making appearances. Be sure to say hello and don't forget your camera! Epping & Ongar Railway. READ MORE HERE Mon 27 Naze Family Fossil Discovery The introduction tells you about The Naze geology and where to find fossils before heading out on a group fossil hunt. Take a bag or bucket. Ages 6+. EWT, Walton-on-the-Naze READ MORE HERE Tues 28 Half Term Children's Party Join Silly Sally & Polly Pigtails for this Traditional party, including musical chairs and pass the parcel enjoy refreshments. Take home a lovely party bag of goodies. 10:30am-12pm Ages 4-7. £4 per child. Clacton Library, CO15 1SF. READ MORE HERE Listings where correct at time of publishing. Please do click on links and check with the event organiser before leaving to ensure it is still correct. Some events also require advance booking. Enjoy your day out and don't forget to mention us when booking/enquiring!
26 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Tues 28 Fingringhoe Bugs and Pond Beasts A wonderful morning of bug hunting and pond dipping where you will take a look at their weird and wonderful world! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. 10:30-12:30 Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, Colchester CO5 7DN READ MORE HERE Fri 31 Abberton CBBC Deadly Scene Investigation Trail Become a detective and discover who broke the bird eggs. Follow the trail and complete the activities as you fill in your Deadly Scene Investigation notebook. 10:30am and 4pm. Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Colchester CO2 0EU READ MORE HERE Fri 31 Woodland Storytime Based on the beloved classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Retell the story as you journey into the woods, hunt for caterpillars and take part in caterpillar crafts. With a campfire and marshmallows! £12. 18mths - 5. 10am-12pm The Hive Church Road Waltham Abbey IG10 4AJ READ MORE HERE Fri 31 Grange Farm Family Forest A morning full of fun in nature - look for mini beasts, dig in the mud kitchen, build dens, climb trees, creative crafts, and enjoy a campfire.10am-12pm. Aged 3+. Roding Valley Meadows Chigwell IG9 6BJ READ MORE HERE Fri 31 Roman Day Get hands on with history in an arte'fact's handling session, discover the Roman myths written in the stars in a planetarium show, and explore our new interactive exhibition 'Romans: Settling in Southend'. Southend Central Museum & Planetarium SS2 6ER. READ MORE HERE Sat 1 & Sun 2 Charlie Cook's Favourite Book Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it's boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT Sat 1 Open Day The gardens and meadow at Brookfield cover over three acres. See the spring delights and in June island beds and a wall border inc many roses amongst perennials, whilst the meadow is bright with buttercups. 2pm5pm. Brookfield, Borham, CM3 3EB READ MORE HERE Sun 9 Essex Faery Fayre Faery Fayre at the Museum & Astaria Model Village with Mermaids and Pirates theme. There will be themed stalls, crafts and competitions, storytelling, wand making workshops,a mystical labyrinth & hoola hoop sessions.10am4pm. Museum of Power, CM9 6QA. READ MORE HERE Sun 9 Willow Heart Workshop Creating a classic heart design, you try your hand at making your own piece of willow art. These make stunning hanging decorations, ready for you to take home and display after the session 12:30pm-2pm. Cammas Hall Farm, CM22 7JT READ MORE HERE Sun 16 Fathers Day Spoil dad's today by making them breakfast in bed! Sun 16 Father's Day Afternoon Tea Make Father’s Day extra special with some delicious goodies to enjoy during your day out at Hedingham Castle. READ MORE HERE Sat 15 & Sun 16 Essex Food and Craft Fair Cooking demonstrations and tastings throughout the day free of charge, and there will be some craft & gifts stands as well. Set in the glorious surroundings of these medieval barns, it is a perfect setting for this happy show! Cressing Temple Barns, Witham CM77 8PD READ MORE HERE Sat 15 Real Ale Train Enjoy a journey through the Essex countryside with Real Ale available from the on board bar! 5pm-9:30pm. Epping & Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. READ MORE HERE June
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 27 Sun 16 Restless Brilliance Day Join them for a special day of author events under the banner of Restless Brilliance. Linking up with the J.A. Baker exhibition. Focussing on all things nature and ornithology. Hylands Estate, CM2 8WQ. READ MORE HERE Sun 7 Race For Life At just over 2 miles, 3k is ideal for families or groups having a go at their first Race for Life. It's a fun, achievable event for everyone – and an unforgettable day out. Colchester Castle Park. READ MORE HERE Wed 10 The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. READ MORE HERE Fri 19 - Sun 15 (Sept) Gaia Captivating six-metre diameter touring artwork that brings the Earth’s beauty to an unprecedented scale. Gaia is a mesmerizing installation that offers a unique and immersive perspective on our planet. READ MORE HERE Sat 20 - Sun 21 Kids Mega Fun Weekend The event of the summer is back with a bang so why not kickstart the holidays and let the kids loose in events field?! Inflatables, bungee trampolines, soft play bus, foam pit & cannon crazy legs, BBQ and more. saddle-up bar. Hopefields Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood. READ MORE HERE 13 July Tendring Show This year's show will showcase the Grow it, Cook it, Eat it theme area, a military village, livestock and animals, and more than 250 trade stands and exhibits. The entertainment line up boasts thrilling performances such as the Flyin' Ryan motorcycle stunt show and the Wheel 2 Wheel BMX. Manningtree, CO11 2NE READ MORE HERE July Diary Dates
Section Title 28 May Issue 2024 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Rainy weekends are, let’s face it, a part of UK living, and when you’ve got kids, those indoor days can often seem to drag. But instead of wishing for sun, we say go with what you have, and make the most of those cosy days in. Don’t let the grey weather get you down - use it as an opportunity to have fun with the kids and get creative without going anywhere. Here are a few ideas to get you started, using things you’ll hopefully already have around the house: Have An ‘Upside Down' Day No, we don’t mean walk around on your head all day! We mean start the day with bedtime stories and supper and finish with breakfast! And make everything in between an upside-down day. This could mean having pudding before your main meal, or wearing pyjamas all day and dressing up for bed. Try doing some upside-down drawings and paintings or see if you can read a book upside down (yes it’s tricky!). Make An Indoor Fort If you can’t get out camping, do it inside. You’ll need chairs, sheets and cosy cushions. Fix sheets between two chairs to make a den, and fill the fort with pillows and blankets for a camping feel. You can have a campsite lunch, too: beans and sausages in little tin bowls are perfect. Tell camp stories in the evening by the light of a torch, sing camp songs and enjoy hot chocolate together. There are lots of apps like naturesounds. org that feature nature sounds to make you feel like you’re in the middle of a forest. It will be a FREE RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | May Issue 2024• 29 Section Title ‘wilderness’ adventure without going anywhere! Have A Dress-Up Day If you’re happy to let the kids wear your clothes, give them free rein on your wardrobe and see what outfits they can come up with. Or, why not let them choose your outfit for you? You can do a catwalk show, take photos and generally enjoy having some all-out silly fun with some mad looks. If you have jewellery you’re happy to share and multiple hats to finish the looks off, so much the better Enjoy A 'Cinema Trip' Watching a film at home can be like a proper movie experience if you want it to be. Decide on a flick you’re all happy to watch, make sure you have snacks in, and then work out what time the ‘screening’ will be. Get the kids to make tickets with all the details on (movie, time, location and ‘admit one’) and ensure you’ve got blankets, popcorn and drinks at the ready. Turn the lights off if you’re watching in the evening, make sure the grown-ups put the phones away or turn them off, to make sure you’re all immersed in the event, and enjoy. Have A Theme Day Choose a theme and set up a few activities to do throughout the day based on that theme. For example, you could choose ‘spotty’ - and you all wear spotty outfits, make ‘spotty’ blueberry muffins or spot paintings and watch 101 Dalmatians to finish off with. Or, perhaps you like the idea of a ‘green’ day instead. This could mean wearing green, only eating green things (hello fruit and veg!) doing some activities in the garden or having a go at painting a lovely ‘green’ scene. The world’s your oyster with this one. Pick your theme and choose two or three activities that fit. Other ideas: rainbow day, nature/animal day, music day, sunshine day, stars day…. ad infinitum!
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