COMPETITIONS Great prizes up for grabs GREAT DAYS OUT Where to go with the family SCHOOL'S OUT Childcare sorted! CAMPING ON A BUDGET Best buys for all your essentials FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES IN ESSEX SUMMER HOLIDAY2023
2 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
/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 Well, another school year is done and we are near the time where we start to love the holidays and then after a few days went them back at school . It doesn't help when you don't have any plans - hopefully this issue will help! This issue has already provided me with lots of great ideas. On page 4 you will find best buys for camping equipment so you can camp away or in your garden. If it's childcare you are struggling with, then we have you covered with our School's Out feature on page 8 where you can find day & week summer workshops. For days out see page 20 which is full with ideas for the perfect day with the family along with Diary date listings - these are also updated regularly online at kidaround.biz With competitions throughout and an activity page, we have included a bit of everything to try and help organise your family life. Remember please do say you sa it here first and subscribe to get it direct to you e-mail by clicking the subscribe button below. Enjoy the holidays - try not to go crazy and I will see you with our Back To School Issue due out on 11 September. Hello Readers, 8 34 20 Subscribe here Great Days Out 4 School's Out Technology Advice CONTENTS Budget Camping
4 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Camping in style & on a budget Is camping really a cheap getaway? I suppose once you have your kit then it can be. However, prices for a weekend stays can cost up to £180 in the high holiday season. This is for sleeping in a material tent with all your own equipment. That being said, kids love it and hotels can be far more. Here's some bargains we found to help get you started. Tent 6 man with two bedrooms Halfords £100 (reduced from £120) Bedding Luxury Queen-size mattress with built-in electric pump £44.99 Bestways.com Double Inflatable mattress ALDI £8.99 Inflatable car bed I grabbed this on sale in ALDI (great bed for little ones) £12 have seen online for £24.99 Novelty Space Man sleeping bag from Mountain Warehouse £23.99 Click here to buy which Louis aged 3 loves. The rest we took our own bedding
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 5 CAMPING ARTICLE Kitchens: For larger size we went for Charles Bentley Camping Kitchen Stand With Storage Unit currently on sale for £54.99. This kitchen is compact and very easy to carry (it's in the title). It has good storage and shelving to store food and plates ect. Grab a bargain whilst the sale is on! Click here to buy Space Saving items: Foldable storage organiser £7.99 ALDI They also have an hanging organiser £5.99 Towels light-weight with storage pouch so you can fold them away easily £3.99 ALDI. Cooking Equipment: Single bottle gas cooker £12 (Halford) Bottles Gas (£4 four bottles Poundstretcher) Double Gas with Grill £29.99 Halfords Entertaining the kids on a staycation Whether you want to entertain them on the car journey or have them busy once there, here are some products we take every where as we know it will keep Louis happy. VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera 5.0 £39.99 - Louis loved this and happily takes photos of anything and everything. Keeps him quiet for hours and great photo memories of holidays. Buy here Kidizoom Smart Watch DX2 Another gadget that keeps Louis entertained, he loves that he can take selfies :) and I love that it has parent game controls. Buy here Toniebox: I personally love this, it give quiet time when kids are a little over excited and tired. It has a great battery life and helps getting kids to sleep. They can also use it with headphones. Once your Tonie character is on and the light turns green it is downloaded ready to be played anywhere without wi-fi. The new app also let's you record your own stories. £69.95 or get a bundle and save option £99.95 Buy here Chairs: This you can find relative cheap from most large supermarker stores we feature them from ALDI due to the cost. Kids Sloth Chair is just £6.49. Double chair set with cooler £29.99
6 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Are you looking for a nursery with a difference? No two days are the same at Essex Wildlife Trust’s pioneering Nature Nursery. An all-weather outdoor nursery, based on Scandinavian Nature Kindergartens and Forest Schools, where children have the freedom to learn through the natural world. Located at Abbotts Hall nature reserve in Great Wigborough, near Colchester, and run by our specialist Early Years teachers and Forest School practitioners. The Nature Nursery aims to provide a unique educational experience for 2–5-year-olds that instils a lifelong love of nature. Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in its recent Ofsted inspection, the report commented that “children are flourishing at this idyllic outdoor nursery. They arrive full of enthusiasm, ready for a day of natural wonder.” It continued: “Leaders have designed an incredibly ambitious curriculum where children make exceptional progress in their learning. Children access inspiring play spaces that develop their curiosity and wonder.” We want children to have the opportunity to explore different habitats and natural processes, while learning about wildlife with the support of expert staff. The children are also directly involved in developing and maintaining the site. This includes creating new areas for wildlife, such as log piles, hedgehog homes and tree planting, growing seasonal vegetables, fruit flowers and herbs with organic methods, collecting seeds for the following year and creating compost for plants. Parents describe Nature Nursery as “an environment for children to not only learn and thrive but still be children”. Would you like to come and experience this beautiful environment for yourself? Come along to one of our Open Days and meet the team. There will be opportunities to plant seeds to attract bees and butterflies and a variety of vegetables on the day. The upcoming dates are Saturday 15 & Friday 28 July, Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 30 August and Saturday 9 September. Please book a spot on the Trust’s website as spaces are limited: www.naturenursery.org.uk or contact the team on 07730 217262 with any questions.
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 7
Section Title 8 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] School's Out Find activities to keep the kids active and busy during the holidays whether they are into: Activity camps, football, performing arts we have it covered.
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 9 Summer of Fun at Leisure World Colchester, Leisure World Tiptree and Colchester Sports Park! Looking for something to keep the kids entertained this Summer? We’ve got you covered… The Holiday Camp is perfect for parents wanting to keep their children active, having fun and making new friends during the school holidays. These supervised sessions offer a full day of action-packed fun for children aged 5 – 12. Based at Leisure World and the Colchester Sports Park, kids can join in a range of activities including swimming, bouncy castles, as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts. At Colchester Sports Park there’s also the opportunity to rake on the BMX Pump Track! Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Thursday’s Sessions are held at Leisure World with Wednesday’s and Friday’s sessions taking place at Colchester Sports Park. Prices start from £20, and lunch can be added for £5.00. New for Summer 2023 – this year we’ll also be running some extra special themed holiday camp days… On Friday 28 July those attending holiday camp will get to join in a circus skills workshop between 10am – 12.30pm! On Friday 18 August there’s a chance to take part in a mobile animal zoo encounter between 9 – 11:30am. Finally on Friday 1 September there’ll be an End of Summer Disco between 3 – 5pm! What are you waiting for? Your kids will have a blast! Book online now – limited spaces: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/kids-activities Or why not try our Summer activities programme at Leisure World Tiptree. For 8 – 12 year olds they will be running days full of different sports and activities, including climbing, trampoline, football, tennis, party games, arts and crafts and so much more! Activities will run from 8:00am - 5:30pm or 9:00am – 3:00pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Book online now: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/kids-activities
10 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] ADVERTORIAL
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 11 Section Title Why not visit Harlow Leisurezone this Summer? There’s plenty of activities for children and young people to take part in over the school holidays to keep boredom at bay. They have their ever-popular Multi Activity Days which consists of a whole day full of fun, including Kidzz Kingdom, Hall Games and Activities, Sports and Seasonal Arts and Crafts. Leisurezone’s very own ‘Come and Try Trampolining’ sessions are an opportunity to try some new a new sport. Learn the basics skills and technics, it’s an opportunity not to be missed and a chance for your child to show off their new skills to their friends. Intensive Swimming Crash Courses are running throughout the holiday to give your child a head start in the pool, to learn the swimming basics and build confidence. Places are limited so book early’ As the summer comes to an end why not go out with a bang, at Lesiurezone’s End of the Summer Urban Limitz Party. With a DJ, party games and more, this one off party is not to be missed! Don’t forget the usual favourites of Fun Swims, VertiGo Climbing Challenge, Kidzz Kingdom Soft Play and Urban Limitz Trampolline Adventure are also open to book throughout the summer so there is always something to keep your kids busy. For further information and how to book call 01279 621500 or visit www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk/kids
Section Title 12 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 13 Running in Colchester and Brentwood in 2023! 'At Ultimate Activity Camps, they welcome children between the ages of 4 and 14, and our doors are open from 8 am to 6 pm (costs apply), ensuring a full day of fun and excitement for campers of all ages! Get ready for an action-packed adventure during this summer break, where the fun never stops. These camps are regulated by Ofsted, so parents can relax knowing that their children will have an amazing time while being well-cared for. With a wide range of great activities, from a wide-range of sports and thrilling survival camps to unleashing your creativity through art and inspiring tech camps, there's something for every kid's wild imagination. Imagine scoring the winning goal in a friendly soccer match, creating a masterpiece in an art session, or even building and coding your very own game. The possibilities for fun and discovery are endless! The experienced staff are dedicated to ensuring your child's safety and happiness. They create a supportive environment where kids can grow, learn, and make lifelong friends. Together, they'll embark on unforgettable adventures, conquer challenges, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Safety is their top priority, with rigorous protocols in place to ensure your child's well-being. Parents can breathe easy, knowing that their adventurers are in good hands. Ultimate Activity Camps aren't just about having a blast; they're also designed to inspire personal growth and development. Through teamwork, problem-solving activities, and leadership opportunities, kids will boost their confidence, resilience, and self-esteem, all while having the time of their lives. So, get ready to dive into a world of fun, laughter, and non-stop excitement at Ultimate Activity Camps. With their unbeatable combination of brilliant activities, experienced staff, and a supportive environment, your child will create lifelong memories, discover new passions, and make new friends. Ultimate Activity Camps are the ultimate place for a summer full of adventure and laughter! ' You can book online by the day or by the week, right up until 9am on the day (subject to availability), and pay by childcare vouchers for additional savings! visit www.ultimatecamps.co.uk
14 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] ADVERTORIAL
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 15 SCHOOL'S OUT Mega Camps – Summer holiday fun for kids! Are you in need of childcare this Summer? Well look no further as Mega Camps have locations in Billericay, Southend, Chelmsford, Upminster, Hornchurch plus seven other locations across the South East. Dedicated to providing the best childcare activity camps for children aged 4-14 during the half term and school holidays they have seen their attendance grow year on year. At Mega Camps they understand that all children are different and therefore they offer an amazing range of sports, arts & crafts and Mega activities each day, these include, Wet N Wild, Slip N Slides, Laser Tag, Animal Zoo Workshops, Wall Climbing, Dance Workshops, Nerf Wars, Inflatable Fun, and much more. All their staff are enhanced DBS checked and fully qualified within their role to ensure that every child has the best experience possible. Whether you want to send your child for multiple weeks or single days they’ve got an offer suited for you. Hurry as spaces are limited. To view your local Mega Camps venue and to book some Summer holiday fun simply visit their website: www.megacamps.net
16 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Stagecoach Braintree Westend Mania 7th - 11th August 6 - 16 year olds Standard £165.00 Sibling £145.00 This fun 5-day workshop, based on well known 'West End' Hit Musicals. A great week of 'fun theatre' in the Summer and culminates in a live performance. Don't miss it! Braintree Art Centre, Braintree Click here for more info Stagecoach Brentwood Summer workshop 24th - 28th July 4 - 6 year olds Standard £110.00 Sibling £90.00 6 - 16 year olds Standard £170.00 Sibling £120.00 A week of singing, dancing and acting whilst making new friends and having lots of fun with a show at the end. Shenfield High School, Brentwood, Click here for more info Stagecoach Colchester Born to perform 24th - 28th July Standard £100.00 Sibling £80.00 Go along and join them for exciting, fun-filled mornings of acting, singing and dancing, based on the wonderful story of "The Jungle Book". The Dance Boot Camp 14th - 18th August Standard £125.00 Sibling £95.00 returns in style this year with the course being held once again in the new "state of the art" dance studio at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester Click here for more info Stagecoach Chelmsford Sing with us 21st - 25th August Standard £105.00 Sibling £75.00 A jam-packed, funfilled week of Singing, Dancing, Drama, Crafts inspired by the movie "Sing'. Matilda the musical 21st - 25th August For 6-18 year olds Standard £160.00 Sibling £120.00 Your child is invited to come along and join them for a jam-packed, fun-filled workshop filled with Drama, Singing and Dancing. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, Click here for more info
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 17 Section Title Theatricool Performing Arts School now in their 15th year! Provide top quality theatre training for 3-18 year olds at our own bespoke studios. They are currently enrolling for a September start with limited places available on a first come first served basis. They have a Musical Theatre school on Saturday mornings and an Acting School on Saturday afternoons. Classes are grouped into ages They perform two shows in a professional venue per year giving children every opportunity to perform to an audience. Staff are highly trained professionals with enhanced dbs and chaperone licences with Essex County Council. Their summer schools are an ideal introduction to Theatricool. They are friendly, welcoming and fun! Incorporating a mix of theatre skills and crafts. Booking for all sessions via our website www.Theatricool.co.uk. They will be delighted to welcome you:). Any questions please contact Sally our Principal [email protected] Little Stars - 3-5 years Pre Juniors - 6-8 years Juniors -8-10years Pre Seniors -10-12 years Seniors - 13-18 years. Acting School - 10-16 years
18 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] A Typical Day's Activity At Swim Camp 8.30am-9.30am Registration - Arrive and complete any forms required 9.30am - Land-based activity - Build a boat that will float on water! 10.45am - Get changed 11am - Swimming lesson split into ability groups - Main theme; Improving Front Crawl - Contrasting activity: Survival Skills 12.00pm Get dry 12.15pm Lunchtime 1.15-2pm Reflection on morning's experiences and land-based games 2pm Get changed 2.15pm Pool inflatable assault course/Playtime 3.45pm Get dry 4pm-4.15pm Collection time Swim Camps at First Strokes Held throughout the summer holidays every year! Learn to Swim, improve your strokes and learn new skills. Age ranges are grouped as 5-7 yrs, 7-9yrs and 9-12yrs. Registration: 8.30am-9.30am Collection: 4pm-4.15pm. Fully qualified staff and assistants providing quality swimming tuition in small groups Individual days £35 per child. Whole week booking £140 – saving £35! All Swim camp survivors will get their own certificate to prove they’ve enjoyed and achieved. Please note: Swim camps are available over the summer holidays at selected pools. Please contact your local pool for further details. To book a place head online at www.firststrokes.com
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 19 SCHOOL'S OUT Keep the kids happy and active this summer Popular summer holiday courses will take place at Wivenhoe town FC throughout the summer. There are two summer special offers including 'all4 book' all for weeks for only £30 per week* & 3-4-2 book two weeks and get the third free Week one: 24th July - 27th July (4 days), week two: 31 July - 3rd August, week three: 7th August - 10th August & week four: 21st August - 24th August Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Book today at www.Football2000.Org
Section Title 20 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Looking for things to do with the kids?... ...This Great Days Out feature is full of ideas for you. Head online here for our event listings and start planning your summer!
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 21 GREAT DAYS OUT KidAround have teamed up with Audley End Miniature Railway to give our readers a chance to win a family ticket (2+2 or 3+1) to the fantastic The Enchanted Summer Adventure Join them for a magical journey of exploration and discovery deep in the enchanted woods at Audley End Miniature Railway from 22nd July until 3rd September 2023. This spectacular summerlong adventure is jam-packed with activities and entertainment, mythical creatures and magical surprises, ensuring a memorable day out in the great outdoors for the whole family. Our resident explorer will set young adventurers on their way from the platform, boarding a miniature train to take a captivating woodland journey where I spy sheets will be used to spot enchanted creatures along the route. The train passes through the ancient mine where rumour has it, the fire breathing dragons live, guarding the precious ancient crystals. Then adventurers will journey back to our fairy and elf friends who are ready and waiting to welcome visitors to their tiny woodland homes. Wander through the magical pathways and spot our tiny friends hiding amongst the trees and nature. Don’t forget to wander into our nature corner, that is not only home to bugs and creepy crawlies this year, but some very talented fairies as well - be sure to tick them off in your activity booklet. Get crafty in our Fulfen Forest, where one of our resident Fairies or Elves will help you to create your very own craft. These will also change weekly so if you decide to return, you can make something different! Young adventurers can let off steam and explore the adventure play area while also getting the chance to hone their skills with our brand-new field games, and if that wasn’t enough, bubble time is back four times a day! Then sit back, relax and watch young imaginations be fired up by the interactive adventure story-telling show at our Woodland Stage. Should not want to wait to see if you win and want to book tickets here's the info: Adult and Children over 92cm £15.00, Children under 92cm £7.50, Children under 1 year and carers FREE Ticket price includes Train Ride, Fairy and Elf Walk, Craft Making, Nature Corner, Games Area, Two Interactive Story Telling and Adventure Play Area. Go online at www.audley-end-railway.co.uk to book. COMPETITION ENTER HERE
Section Title 22 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 23 Family fun and mounthwatering delight at Smoke & Fire Festival For a summer experience that’s a cut above the rest, our food festival is a mustvisit for families seeking flavourful fun. Scheduled from 26th-28th August, the event highlights include the Great British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships, a myriad of award-winning street food traders, international pitmasters and fire cooks set to elevate your BBQ appreciation. Our jam-packed programme also includes live music stage with international DJs spinning Afrobeats, old school, US house and 90s-00s R&B. There’s plenty for the children too: a dedicated Kids Zone, fair rides, bouncy castles, and our FREE circus Skills workshops! Test your grit at our bucking rodeo bull contest or engage in our extreme chilli and hot wing eating challenges. Savour local brews at our mini Real Ale and Cider festival, or chill in our VIP lounges with fizz and cocktails. With weekend camping available, you can make the most of the festival vibe. Join them at Maldon’s Promenade Park for a sizzling BBQ and fire cooking experience that’s sure to be a family hit. Get your tickets for the uk’s biggest BBQ festival – live music, family entertainment, the British open bbq championships, extreme eating comps and the best food in town. Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August Maldon Promenade Park, Maldon Opening times Sat 11:30 -22:30 – Sun 11:00 -22:00 -Mon 11:30 -18:00 Book your tickets at www.smokeandfirefestival.com GREAT DAYS OUT
24 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Markshall Estate is a unique landscape, located just off the A120 between Braintree and Colchester. It is the perfect place for all the family to experience a world of trees and wildlife! Home to more than 200-acres of leafy woodland walks, adventure play areas, stunning lakeside views and new to this summer holidays is Percy’s Adventures, Around the World at Markshall. Childrens and families will be welcome to participate in a whole range of exciting and educational activities. All with a focus on trees and wildlife found across the globe. The Arboretum is home to four geographic zones and each week throughout summer will see a different zone in focus. From climbing the replica of the Himalayas to dancing in the dappled shade of the eucalyptus there will be so much to see and do. Visitors will be able to pick up their Percy’s Adventures Passport and collect the full set; a little souvenir of a fun packed Markshall summer. Around the World at Markshall will run the six weeks, Monday – Friday. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Included in the admission cost, children can pick up a copy of the summer trail to explore the flora and fauna throughout the Arboretum. They’ll also receive fish food to feed the hungry carp found in the Lakes. Their imaginations can run wild in not one, not two but three adventure play areas. Before stopping for a break at the new Percy’s Pantry or Orchard Kitchen where delicious treats and refreshments will be available. Perfect for fuelling your family fun day out. New for 2023, is also the summer saver pass! Visitors can save by purchasing the summer saver pass and see more details about all the upcoming events by checking out Markshall’s website – www.markshall.org.uk GREAT DAYS OUT
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 25 A summer of fun at Chelmsford Museum! Its time to get ready for another busy summer, and where better to spend time with your family than at Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park. We’re excited for the return of the History Hackers, who will be the guides for activities during the summer holidays! Here’s what you can expect from the History Hacker heroes… All activities will also include object handling with real objects, dressing up, and they’ll give you a gallery challenge which involves exploring the museum! Book now for just £5 per child. Spaces are limited, and all children must be accompanied by a grownup. You can also join in FREE activities on 25 to 27 July and 29 to 31 August for Victorian Toys & Oaklands Park and make your own paper-based creations. Using Victorian toys as inspiration you’ll be making toys such as spinners and cups and balls as well as using paper to create more toys such as paper planes, gliders and paper plate frisbees that you can play with in Oaklands Park. Book now https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/ 1 to 3 August Prehistoric Week! Discover the prehistoric period, with History Hacker Rok as a guide. 8 to 10 August Romans Week! Delve into the Roman period, where History Hacker Maximus is from. 15 to 17 August Saxons Week! Join History Hacker Gem for a few days in the Saxon period. 22 to 24 August Victorians Week! Visit the Victorian period, with History Hacker siblings Echo and Motion. See the Diary Date section for more information GREAT DAYS OUT
26 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] GREAT DAYS OUT Adventures await little ones in the Mercury Theatre Studio this summer! Join them at the Mercury Theatre Colchester in our smaller, intimate studio space for big adventures underwater, into imagination and to Moominvalley with three shows for little ones aged 4-7 this summer. Stories of a Little Watersprite Sat 22 Jul, 11.30am and 1.30pm | Tickets £10 Mercury Theatre Studio, Colchester Amongst drifting waterweed and ancient moss-covered rocks the pond is teeming with life. Newts, snails, tiny minnows and bigger fish all go about their business as usual. But strange things have started to appear. Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers Sat 29 Jul, 11am and 2pm| Tickets £10 Mercury Theatre Studio, Colchester All around the world Roald Dahlʼs words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders can save the stories – and they need your help! Especially made for ages 5 and up. Mischief & Mystery in Moominvalley Sat 5 Aug, 11am and 2pm | Tickets £10 Mercury Theatre Studio, Colchester Based on the much-loved novels by Tove Jansson, this heart-warming show tells the story of a year in Moominvalley. Moomintroll wakes up in the middle of winter with a ‘something-wrong-feeling’. Visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk to book for any of the above as well as other upcoming family shows including Milkshake! Live, The Amazing Bubbleman and our tots Christmas production Me…
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 27 There’s something for everyone at Hedingham Castle! We have a fantastic variety of family fun in store this summer including magical open-air theatre performances of The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood, Hercules and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to name a few. Our popular Knight School is back on 15th-17th August, where children (ages 6+) and adults alike can learn how to fight like medieval knights using padded weapons. The Castle, gardens and Escape Room are open on selected dates throughout the summer so bring a picnic and make a day of it on the estate. To round off the summer season, on the August Bank Holiday the Knights of Albion are joining them for the very first time to battle it out in front of the Castle! As well as two jousts each day, enjoy falconry, archery and loads more at this fantastic family day out. For the full line up, dates and to book tickets visit www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk. Head back 2,000 years into Colchester’s gladiatorial arena! Colchester Castle’s spectacular new exhibition 'Gladiators: A Day at the Roman Games' is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Roman history and Colchester's historic past and is open now! Packed with immersive displays, you and your family can learn about the reality of living, fighting and dying, for public spectacle as a gladiator. Could you be brave enough to battle the beasts and gladiators yourself in the interactive arena battle game and who will be crowned the victorious one of the family and win your much wanted freedom! Suitable for the whole family and with over 50 loans from around the country on display. including star objects such as the Pompeii Murmillo Gladiator Helmet from the British Museum and the Colchester Vase - it is breathtaking. This summer there are lots of fun events happening check them out here – www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events GREAT DAYS OUT
Section Title 28 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 29 Discover the Essex Sunshine Coast, the Tendring Coast and Countryside… Brightlingsea, Clacton-on-Sea, Dovercourt, Frinton-on-Sea, Harwich, Jaywick Sands, Manningtree, Mistley, St Osyth , Walton-on-the-Naze and surrounding areas. If you’re considering a day trip, short break or holiday with family, friends and loved ones, and want to relax, unwind or explore whilst making memories, then the Essex Sunshine Coast is the ideal destination to escape to. There is something to discover at every resort, whether you Love Clacton, offering the fun and thrills of the seaside with a modern twist or want to explore the story of The Mayflower in Historic Harwich. With over 36 miles of stunning coastline, a diverse blend of picturesque villages and beautifully unspoiled country landscapes, there will be lots of activities and events to keep you occupied during your visit. Clacton Airshow, the region’s biggest seaside aerial display, takes place over two days, along Clacton’s seafront on Thursday 25th & Friday 26th August. Now in its 29th year, the annual event returns in full, with dynamic aerobatic displays and a variety of entertainment and exhibitions on the ground. The event is free to attend, and features twilight flights on the Thursday evening. History and heritage is in abundance throughout the Essex Sunshine Coast. Its coastal location provides unique and varied heritage, from prehistoric artefacts and medieval buildings to Victorian villas, with many sites recognised as being of national significance. A vibrant arts and culture scene, alive with theatres, performance arts events, live music and exhibitions - located in unique settings such as Jaywick Martello Tower or the Naze Tower, Walton. A House of Essex, Wrabness, is artwork in itself. This unique and incomparable house, overlooking the river Stour, was designed by the county’s own Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. The areas, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries provide excellent opportunities for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Hamford Water National Nature Reserve, an area of international importance, is itself, a sanctuary for migrating and nesting birds. It also forms the setting to Arthur Ransome’s eighth book in his Swallows and Amazons series, the Secret Water. You can venture locally by boat, and experience seal watching and wildlife boat trips. The Brightlingsea Foot Ferry for example, offers lunch cruises, harbour tours and nature walks. This custom built ferry boat has a ramp which can be lowered to allow access for wheelchair users, cyclists and foot passengers using the service. Away from the coast and countryside, the main towns offer a unique selection of independent shops and popular high street names or if you are looking to whet your appetite, an array of country pubs, bars, restaurants, fish and chip shops, cafés and coffee shops are in abundance throughout the area. The Mistley Kitchen is a well renowned cookery school located in a fine Georgian Town house in the ancient port village of Mistley and offers one-day recreational hands-on cookery workshops. Accommodation ranges from holiday parks, glamping and camping, bed and breakfasts to boutique and luxury hotels spas. Relax and unwind at Lifehouse Hotel and Spa, Thorpe-le-Soken, nestled within 12 acres of peaceful English heritage listed gardens and provides a wide range of luxury treatments and healing body therapies. With easy links by road, train, coach, ferry and plane and the centre of London only an hour or so away makes it an easily accessible destination. Discover more about the local area, visit www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk or download the LoveTendring app available for Android and Apple – where you can find information on nearby car parks, toilets and other facilities. It also tells you how busy beaches are, updated hourly by the Beach Patrol Team. Facebook: TheSunshineCoastOfficial. Instagram: essexsunshinecoast Clacton Airshow: www.clactonairshow.com Twitter: @ClactonAirshow GREAT DAYS OUT
30 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Sat 15 & Sun 16 History Festival A new multi-period event for all ages exploring the history associated with the Royal Gunpowder Mills and the surrounding area. Covering firepower through the ages 1450 to 1950. Royal Gunpowder Mill, Waltham Abbey. READ MORE HERE Sun 16 Classic & Vintage Car Show Always a highlight in the Hedingham calendar! Featuring a huge range of vintage, pre 1940s classic, classic and modern classic vehicles, this show is a must for all car lovers. 10am-3pm, from £9 READ MORE HERE Sun 16 Open Day Go along for your chance to meet the players, watch a First Team training session and see the very best that North Essex has to offer. 11am-4pm. Colchester United, JobServe Community Stadium. READ MORE HERE Sun 16 A time to remember the gardens in wartime The Gardens were at the heart of the Easton Lodge World War II airbase, used by the USAAF and then the RAF. The Gardens were a place of relaxation for airmen and women when they were off duty. £6.50/Free Easton Lodge. Great Dunmow. READ MORE HERE Sun 16 Essex Family Fest Family themed live shows throughout the day: Kids comedy and magic show, Sing’a’long show with’Frostie’, Dinosaur shows, Birds of Prey display and show, Petting zoo and reptiles, funfair and other activities. £20/£8/£4. Hornchurch RM11 1JU. READ MORE HERE Fri 21 to Tues 22 (Aug) Colchester Garden Festival There will be a mixture of free and paid events, including workshops, public installations, podcast recordings and shows. Businesses in the town centre are also invited to decorate their store fronts and create themed displays in line with the festival to brighten the town with wonderful floral and gardening displays. READ MORE HERE Sat 22 to ongoing Braintree’s Big Build! the grand opening of the exhibition Build It Braintree! Brick by Brick. Discover Braintree’s history through interactive play with bricks and Lego©. The exhibition will be a great day for the whole family to enjoy. Braintree Museum. READ MORE HERE Sat 22 to Wed 2 (Aug) Manning’s and Thurston Family Fun Fair one of the oldest and most established names in the funfair business, bringing a great selection of rides, amusements and entertainments for the whole family to Maldon’s Promenade Park. READ MORE HERE Sat 22 Wivenhoe Regatta The day promises a host of activities taking place both on the river and on dry land. Traditional sailing craft will be afloat along with gigs, kayaks, canoes, and of course the famous raft race. READ MORE HERE Fill your diary with things to do 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 evenst also require advance booking. Enjoy your day out and don't forget to mention us when booking/enquiring! July
www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holidays Issue 2023• 31 Sat 22 & Sun 23 Kids Mega Fun Weekend Have a great day out with Inflatables, bungee trampolines, soft play, children’s entertainer, arts & crafts (not included in admission fee) and so much more! 10am4pm. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood. READ MORE HERE Sat 22 & Sun 23 Brightlingsea Regatta A spectacular two day family event with all our old favourites as well as exciting new attractions, the return of the much loved Saturday night firework display, the Paddleboard Fun Race in aid of St Helena Hospice and much more. READ MORE HERE Sun 23 Billericay Food & Drink Festival Showcasing over 50 food and drink stands to enjoy on the da. Free tastings, demonstrations, hog roast and live entertainment.Under 12’s free. Billericay. New Lodge, Billericay, CM12 9SA READ MORE HERE Sun 23 PROPWASH Join them at thee beloved Aerodrome as they celebrate all things winged. With everything from up-close-and-personal photo opportunities to clambering into to cockpits. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman’s Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RN Sun 23 Langford County Fayre and Classic Car Show Agriculture, Entertainmnt, Dog Show, Miniature Train Rides (extra charge applies), Classic Cars, Art & Craft Stalls, Horticulture. Astaria Model Village open. 10am-4pm READ MORE HERE Tues 25 Clacton RNLI Talk Join Dennis Hoad from the Clacton RNLI who will be giving a talk on the work of the Clacton RNLI and the safety aspects of the sea and coast. Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, CO15 2LF Wed 26 Wizard of Oz Click your heels and ease on down the yellow brick road as Immersion Theatre proudly presents a brand new adaptation of the magical family show guaranteed to have you in stitches from beginning to end! 6.30pm, from £12. Under 4s go free. Hedingham Castle READ MORE HERE Sat 29 & Sun 30 Colchester Roman Festival You’ll get to experience Roman life, see Britain's top re-enactment groups, The Vicus (the 'village'), Britannia, The Ermine Street Guard and a host of other fabulous contributors including Colchester Museums very own experts! Pick up a flyer for 25% off entry to Colchester Castle to make a great family day out! Colchester Museums. READ MORE HERE Fri 1 Storytelling This event appeals to all ages, but especially children and there is nothing more magical than settling down for a good fairytale or two! Join them and be transported into magical lands of fun and laughter! For ages 4+. Vaious session times. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester READ MORE HERE Tue 1 to Thur 3 Prehistoric Week! Discover the prehistoric period, with History Hacker Rok as a guide. Enjoy getting your hands dirty with digging trays, creating your own fossil bed, and painting your own fossil to take home. Chelmsford Museum READ MORE HERE Fri 4 Ufest With live music, activities, stalls and events for the whole community, focusing on health, wellbeing and fun. There will be music and bands, street food from around the world, and a fantastic selection of games, sports and activities to take part in. 11am - 4pm. Promenade Park, Maldon. READ MORE HERE Fri 4 Music and Beer Festival at the Valcon The very best in local live music, street food and locally brewed beers - all inside the Vulcan Restoration Trust’s hangar at London Southend Airport. 2pm - 10pm READ MORE HERE Sat 5 & Sun 6 Smoke & Fire Festival For a summer experience that’s a cut above the rest, our food festival is a must-visit for families seeking flavourful fun. Live music, family entertainment, the British open bbq championships, extreme eating comps and the best food in town. Ascot Racecouse READ MORE HERE Sun 6 Calm at the Castle These sessions are suitable for visitors with ASD, providing an opportunity for them to explore the museum at a quieter time. they aim to minimise sensory stimulation on the galleries by turning off audio and visuals, whilst providing a sensory space off the main gallery. 3 – 5pm. Colchester Castle. READ MORE HERE August DIARY DATES
Tue 8 to Thur 10 Romans Week! Delve into the Roman period, where History Hacker Maximus is from. As brave Roman soldiers, you’ll be able to explore more about what we know about that time, and enjoy creating your own mosaic, investigating into the digging trays, and a Roman numeral challenge. Chelmsford Museum READ MORE HERE Wed 9 A Midsummer Night’s Dream This classic Shakespeare play has been transformed into a musical extravaganza and adapted into modern language, so that it is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. 6pm, from £12. Hedingham Castle READ MORE HERE Sun 13 Hercules Travel back in time to the land of heroes, monsters and myths and join Hercules as he labours for beauty, truth and love! Open ait theatre in the magical grounds of the Castle. 6.30pm, from £1. Hedingham Castle. READ MORE HERE Tue 15 to Thur 17 Knight School Learn together and fight together in duels and team battles at Knight School! Using padded weapons, you will learn how to fight like a medieval knight! Hourly sessions 11am-3pm, £2.50 add-on with a Castle & Garden entry ticket READ MORE HERE Tue 15 to Thur 17 Saxons Week! Join History Hacker Gem for a few days in the Saxon period. Through the museum’s collections of fascinating objects, you’ll learn how to weave and discover more about Saxon runes, as well as creating your own Saxon brooch. Chelmsford Museum READ MORE HERE Tue 15 Outdoor Cinema: Grease Bring a blanket and immerse yourself in the singing and dancing world of ‘Grease’, as they bring you an open-air showing of the most successful movie musical of all time! 8.45pm, from £16 Hedingham Castle READ MORE HERE Sat 19 & Sun 20 Colchester Siege Spectacular Re-enacting the epic Siege of Colchester in 1648, the English Civil War Society presents a wonderful free weekend of living history, pageantry and excitement across the city centre. Meet the protagonists, witness battles, explore the encampments, discover the truth behind the tall tales! Castle Park. READ MORE HERE Tue 22 to Thur 24 Victorians Week! Visit the Victorian period, with History Hacker siblings Echo and Motion. Just like these superheroes, you’ll be able to learn how to print and learn more about Victorian beekeeping, plus roll your own candle to take home. Chelmsford Museum READ MORE HERE Sat 26 to Mon 28 Smoke & Fire Festival For a summer experience that’s a cut above the rest, their food festival is a mustvisit for families seeking flavourful fun. Live music, family entertainment, the British open bbq championships, extreme eating comps and the best food in town. Maldon Promenade READ MORE HERE Sun 27 & Mon 28th Knights of Albion Joust Step back in time and immerse yourself in the thrill and majesty of medieval jousting for the final joust of the year! 10am, from £16, under 4s go free. Hedingham Castle READ MORE HERE Mon 28 Open day Enjoy a day out and see what is growing in the gardens. With their listed black barns providing a backdrop for vibrant and exuberant planting in eight acres. Lots of unusual plants for sale, plus refreshments. 2pm-5pm. Ulting Wick garden READ MORE HERE Fri 1 Open day Enjoy a day out and see what is growing in the gardens. With their listed black barns providing a backdrop for vibrant and exuberant planting in eight acres. Lots of unusual plants for sale, plus refreshments. Wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly. Coach parties welcome. Free event 2pm-5pm. Ulting Wick garden READ MORE HERE Sun 3 Robin Hood Based on the traditional tales of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, with sword fights galore this exciting theatre adaptation will have everyone on the edge of their seats this summer! 6pm, from £12. Hedingham Castle. READ MORE HERE 32 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] DIARY DATES See more events listed at www.kidaround.biz List your event for free here too September
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 33 Thanks to Merlin Entertainments, we have a fantastic giveaway to the amazing Shrek Adventure, London. I personally love this place and am so pleased to be able to offer a family ticket (2+2, 3+1) to giveaway. You can enjoy a fun-filled day this summer and get to meet Prince Charming. It’s time for a new monarch at Shrek’s Adventure! London this summer – where guests can meet Prince Charming and step up to be crowned King or Queen of Far Far Away. During their royal visit to the South Bank attraction, young heroes will also be able to test their strength by trying the age-old challenge of trying to remove a sword from a stone! Their audience with Prince Charming – who is still harbouring some resentment from not being closer to becoming King himself – will also see guests receive their very own crown. The meet and greet with Prince Charming is included in Shrek’s Adventure! London’s standard ticket price and is just one reason to visit this summer. The fairytale walk-through experience, situated next to the lastminute. com London Eye, sees guests whisked away to Far Far Away aboard a magic bus to an enchanting world of magical dreams (and waffles). The exciting adventure features 12 fairytale-themed live shows featuring popular characters from the Shrek franchise, including Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Muffin Man, Pinocchio and Cinderella, culminating in a meet and greet with Shrek himself. Look out for the penguins of Madagascar and Toothless the Dragon from How to Train Your Dragon as well! Meet Prince Charming at Shrek’s Adventure! London between 22 July and 3 September 2023 Pre-booking is essential. Adult tickets for Shrek’s Adventure! London are £30, book in advance to secure your spot For more information and to book tickets please visit www. shreksadventure.com/whats-inside/events Full t&c's can be found online when entering. This is for tickets to Shrek Adventure only and doesn't include any travel or accomodation. COMPETITION ENTER HERE
Section Title 34 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] When To Introduce Technology To Kids With the ever changing technology that the kids are growing up with, we thought we should get some advise from an expert to help give you guide on the best approach with the kids. So, we turned to Rachel FitzD who is a parenting expert from NickWatch, the new connected smartwatch for kids. Having worked with parents, babies and children for more than 40 years, Rachel is passionate about encouraging and helping parents to gain the knowledge, insights and practical skills they need to become confident, competent and compassionate parents. Here she shares her top tips for keeping children safe while out and about. We live in a digital world. We take for granted the ability to check facts, look up recipes and share photos with an immediacy which we couldn’t have dreamed of even a couple of decades ago. Paradoxically we constantly pull out our phones throughout the day but fly into a panic when our tot wants to spend time gazing at a screen. Then, because guilt is an ever-present shadow as a parent, we feel shame at our own hypocrisy! Children need to be tech-savvy to get on in their plugged-in world but they also need time away from the screen to enjoy playing outside and to build off-line friendships. So how can we strike a healthy balance? 1. From what age should I let my child have screen time? Many new parents find that the only time they can grab a little space away from the endless round of nappy changes, feeds and tantrums is to let their tots ‘zone out’ in the presence of Cocomelon or Bluey. Rather than beat yourself up for giving into screen time, make a virtue out of it and schedule in daily healthy snack breaks and then snuggle up on the sofa together and chill out. Throughout their childhood, spend time together using tablets and phones for enjoying games, music, films and so on. Talk about the programmes and games you share, discussing their and your choices of what you want to watch and why, and always have an agreed switch-off time. Setting clear boundaries and holding them firmly helps children to become discerning and to understand limits. 2. When should my child have a mobile phone? With fears of children accessing online pornography or being subjected to online bullying, it is no wonder that parents feel conflicted when faced with a child insisting that they absolutely MUST have a smart phone! However, it is the duty of parents to keep their children safe, even in the face of substantial pester-power. Children under eight are unable to fully understand and navigate online dangers, and the majority of social media platforms have an access cut-off below the age of 13, so introduce your child to safe phone use by letting them use yours alongside you from as young as you like but hold off buying them their own smart phone until the teenage years. Until then, maybe turn to the newest tech coming onto the market that promises to give younger children a smart gadget without the online access to dodgy websites and social media platforms. A GPS-enabled device such as the NickWatch allows children and parents to message each other and parents to track their kid’s whereabouts. A neat and funky bit of wrist-tech without the worry of dubious googling might be the win:win that you and your child are looking for. 3. Are there any benefits for children from using technology? Every generation of parents has worried about their children being exposed to the latest tech - 1950s parents were certain that watching TV would rob kids of imagination and lead them into delinquency. The truth, of course, is that each new technology has the ability to both degrade and enhance the experience of life depending on how we use it. The internet opens up the entire universe to our children, broadening their horizons. Spell and grammar checkers enable all children to be able to communicate effectively, computer games can help children develop problem-solving strategies and increase flexibility of thinking and children can build friendships through their shared experience of living with and using technology. So rather than being nervous of introducing tech to our children - we should simply support them in learning to use its amazing potential safely. By Rachel FitzD
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 35 Section Title We’ve teamed up with NickWatch, the new connected smartwatch for children aged six to nine, to give away two of their incredible new smartwatches worth £79.95 – plus a six-month subscription! Offering a wealth of entertainment based on Nickelodeon’s iconic and award-winning characters, the brand new NickWatch features a variety of games, dances, crafts, music, safe connectivity, communication and customisation – all in one must-have accessory for kids! The connected smartwatch, created by the team at Watchinu, features children’s absolute favourite characters from beloved Nickelodeon series including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and much more. It has eight key features – creating an imaginative and explorative environment for children – and their parents, helping to spark intuitive play. The NickWatch’s variety of games encourage roleplay and enhance physical and social play, allowing children to interpret the tasks presented and truly let their imagination run wild. Parents and guardians can also monitor their children’s use of the watch and, most importantly, keep track of their child’s location, via the ‘NickWatch Caretaker App’. Downloadable on all app stores when subscribed, the Caretaker App gives parents and caregivers peace of mind and reassurance when they’re away from their child. Adults can use the app to enable two-way messaging and calls, and even manage the user account on the watch, meaning you can mute the device during school hours, for example, and choose who they can connect and communicate via messaging and voice notes with their child – and no, children can’t override the actions taken! And a positive for many, social media platforms are not accessible from the watch. NickWatch comes with two straps – one simple strap and a snazzy strap featuring famous Nickelodeon characters – and the Connect-O-Cable (a USB charger) in the box. New games are being released every month for the watch, along with new stickers, watch face designs, sound effects, musical instruments and watch filters. The NickWatch,is available to purchase now for £79.95 onwww.nickwatch.com with the linked Caretaker App downloadable on all App stores (from as little as £6.25 per month for a 2-year subscription). COMPETITION ENTER HERE
36 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] How to create the perfect summer picnic the whole family will love It’s summer, which means one thing when you have kids – lots of trips out and about! I absolutely love day trips with my two and it’s so nice to get outside and let them roam free. However, it can be a challenge when it comes to foods on offer and giving them healthy, nutritious meals they love. The traditional English picnic can be a perfect way to enjoy mealtimes outside with young children. Some tips on choosing where to picnic – check the space around you. Find a bench if you can and find somewhere that is close to toilets! Bring some music or games to make it fun. Pack as light as you can but make sure you bring a picnic blanket. Allocate another member of the family who can be your ‘helper’ who can run things to the bin or help you set up and pack away. While your children might be having so much fun wherever you are, whether that’s a park or the beach, try to encourage them to take at least 15 to 20 minutes where they stop playing and focus on eating so you know they get some food in. And make sure they don’t run around with food as this could be a choking hazard. Be a little more relaxed on days out with ‘snacking’ and don’t worry too much about their normal routine. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need… • A decent sized cool bag for all your food • Water bottles for everyone – if you freeze these the night before, they can be used as ice packs! • Napkins and wipes to clean up those messy kids after. • Lunchboxes/tins and tubs for foods. • Cool packs/freezer packs to ensure the food stays cool or cold all day. • A picnic blanket for everyone to sit on. • Some simple, easy cutlery. • Bag for the rubbish so you can make sure you take home your litter!
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 37 And here are some ideas that I’ve broken down into food groups so you can make sure you’re giving your little ones a balanced meal: Starchy foods • Filled sandwiches, wraps, bagels • Breadsticks • Scones • Mini pitta pizzas • Muffins • Fishcakes are great too, as long as you can keep them cool. • Flapjacks also work too and are easy to eat and something that kids tend to love. If they’re made with oats they are also going to provide plenty of energy. • Oat bars and energy balls will work well for this too and can be some good ones to tap into throughout the day, when needed. • Cold pasta salads can work well too – I love pesto pasta as an out and about snack, but tuna pasta salad with sweetcorn can work too – just remember to keep it nice and cold. Fruits and Veg • Veg sticks such as celery, pepper and cucumber work well. • Little pots of peas and sweetcorn. • Whole fruits such as apples, pears, plums and bananas work well and are normally a bit more sturdy than softer fruits for carrying about. • Little pots of chopped apple, blueberries, grapes or raisins can also go well (serve raisins with other foods to avoid them sticking to the teeth). • Watermelon can be a great option for hydration too, as it has such a high water content. Protein and Iron foods • Fill sandwiches with hummus, egg, fish or meat (just remember to keep these ones cool). • Take a pot of hummus as a dip for veggies or even for some nice crusty bread to tear and share. • Hard boiled eggs sliced into quarters can work well as a snack too (keep these cool). • Add some beans or lentils to a pasta salad. Dairy Food • Hard, waxed cheeses work well, or grate cheese into sandwiches. • Little cartons of milk can work well for picnics. Drinks Don’t forget to pack plenty of drinks for everyone too. You can always freeze water bottles on hot days and take them out with you. This way they help to keep the food cool until lunchtime too. Article by Charlotte. Charlotte is working in association with Stokke and their iconic Tripp Trapp chair (www.stokke.com), the chair that grows with the child. Together, they are running a free webinar giving advice on how to feed your family on Monday 17th July from 8pm – 9pm. To find out more and register, click: How To Feed Your FAMILY Webinar with STOKKE - SR Nutrition And, you can pre order her new book, How to Feed Your Family released on 20th July 2023 and she has lots of helpful downloadable resources for Family Feeding on her website.
Section Title 38 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Print me activities for kids
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • Summer Holiday Issue 2023• 39
40 Summer Holidays Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] SUBSCRIBE HERE WWW.kidaround.biz