FamiliesNewcastleGatesheadJulyAugust2018

Newcastle Gateshead

In this issue 18 Things to do with under 5’s Summer Guide What’s on

Issue 01 July/Aug 2018

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in this

issue P3 news

Welcome I am very excited to be launching this Families Magazine to you all.

I am sorry I couldn’t fit everywhere we cover on the title-name, but we are very local to NOT ONLY Newcastle and Gateshead but also Northumberland and Tyneside – North & South. So, a great big Hello to you all in The Great North.

I have called Newcastle and Gateshead “HOME” for the last 25 years and have been raising my kids proudly as the first 2 little “Geordies” in my family. I have loved every minute (well NOT EVERY minute!) of being a mum as everyone is just so friendly here and there is always an abundance of things to do – you’ll find some of these in our What’s On section, but this is not an exhaustive list – find more on the website and follow us on Social Media for latest events.

I was super lucky to join a new mummy class through my local Children’s Centre and have made friends that I can now call BFF’s.

I can now even remember all their names – not just so and so’s mum! These are fantastic places for new mums as they are welcoming and have all summer workshops and activities from new born to youth club, so download your local centres from our online.

My circle of friends has grown as the children tried different activities and made new friends at school. I have a million photos to remind me of all the lovely memories we have made. Most of these are to be made into lovely memory photo books – one day – probably when the kids are all grown up, when I get a minute to tackle my ever growing TO DO list.

I hope to fill my pages with all the information you need to get out there and create your own fantastic memories and to fill your precious time with the guidance and answers you may have about being a parent, there is just SO much you need to know and its constantly changing. See ‘Coping with a ‘Tweenager’ feature – I have 1 of these and it’s all fun and games as the moods change daily!

We managed to get tickets for the open night of The Great Exhibition of the North and I was blown away with what I thought was “magic” writing in the sky! It was actually a fantastic drone show but what a show. So, this Summer promises to be amazing for adventures and activities. From free soft play to crafts, shows, trails and adventures and history activities its all happening right here on your doorstep! I’ve planned a few lazy days too for relaxation to balance it out. We love a pyjama day to watch movies, read and get out the board games!

So, grab your copy of Families NewcastleGateshead, pack your camera or chosen gadget and let’s get you out for a summer to remember. Whether you have children, grandchildren or choose to look after other people’s children for them – have a Fabulous Summer 2018!

I would love to see your photos of all your summer adventures – come say hi on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Summer Fun – Bring it on!

Cáit

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P6 Education Matters

P4 Family Matters

P8 Summer Holidays

P13 What’s on & Where Newcastle Gateshead Next issue:

Sept/Oct 2018

Circulation:

16,000 copies of Families NewcastleGateshead are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families NewcastleGateshead, Tel: 0191 6591283 / 07377 420 726 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor:

Cáit Summers

Editorial:

editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk

Advertising: jayne@familiesnewcastle.co.uk Design:

WITH Creative, www.withcreative.co.uk

Print:

Warwick Printers, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk

Families NewcastleGateshead is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Newcastle are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Newcastle. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Newcastle, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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News Summer Reading Challenge

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence. 2018 will be the 20th challenge. It’s open to primary

school children of every ability.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal.

Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website.

This is the largest database of children’s peer-to-peer reading recommendations.

More information, visit www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Celebrate Play on Playday UK!

Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 1 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness

of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

St Mary’s Heritage Centre history and heritage in the heart of Gateshead

St. Mary’s Heritage Centre is a unique visitor attraction sitting high above the River Tyne, next to The Sage Gateshead.

The medieval grade 1-listed former church and graveyard are open to the public five days a week, free of charge. A series of display panels tells the fascinating story of the former parish church and of Gateshead itself, from its early days as a Roman settlement to recent times.

St Mary’s has an exciting learning and performance programme and for families offers interactive displays, children’s trails and activities during the

school holidays. There is also a regular under 5s rhymetime.

The Centre welcomes school visits where children can learn about The Great Fire of Gateshead & Newcastle in 1854.

St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU FREE entry |Open Tues – Sat 10am – 4pm* Tel: 0191 433 4699 Email: heritage@gateshead.gov.uk www.gateshead.gov.uk/ stmarysheritagecentre www.facebook.com/ stmarysheritagecentre *opening hours subject to change due to certain events.

Boredom Busters App to the Rescue

Play Scotland recently launched Boredom Busters, a free app devised to encourage children in the 8 to 12 age group to play more and in different ways.

The app is packed full of inspirational play ideas contributed by children. Users can search ideas contributed by other children and film and upload their own ways to play to the app gallery and Boredom Busters YouTube channel.

The app has been developed in consultation with children, parents,

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carers and teachers. As well as being a fun play tool for children, it is also a great resource with which to support and encourage indoor and outdoor active play.

The app is completely free of charge with no in-app purchases, is fully moderated and is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Play Scotland is a registered charity and is the national organisation for play in Scotland.

For more information, visit www.playscotland.org

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Family Matters Coping with a ‘Tweenager’

By Claire Winter

You’re at home, and suddenly your child starts eye-rolling, and saying ‘so what.’ You’ve guessed it….you’re child is becoming a ‘tweenager.’ As it will probably feel like just 5 minutes since they started school, this can come as a shock. The truth is though that children are becoming teenagers at younger and younger ages as young as age 10 for some girls with the onset of early adolescence.

So what do you need to know about your child’s impending entry into teenagehood? I think the best advice I have been given about raising a teen is that your role is to give them the skills they need to become a successful adult.

You are not there to save them from failure or be their best friend.

Understanding your teen Remember your teenager’s body is changing rapidly, as hormones shift and surge; the brain and emotions are on a permanent

rollercoaster. Boys have to manage large surges of testosterone and girls have to cope with the mood swings that arrive along with oestrogen. At the same time, they are figuring out how to make decisions independently and how they want to live in the world.

According to Edward Anthony, a mental health educator from Mental Well Being in Schools (www.mentalwellbeinginschools. org) the biggest problem teenagers face is misunderstanding the meaning of mental health. “They need to be able to access resilience, happiness, contentment, high performance, and peace of mind.

When these qualities are in a teenager’s life, any other problems they face - anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, social media pressures - are easier to navigate.”

Parenting expert Judy Bartkowiak from NLP Kids (www.nlpkids.com) jokingly says the biggest problem young people face,“is often their parents!” Seriously though, it’s much easier for children to take responsibility for packing the right books in their bags, getting to where they need to be and doing their homework on time when parents gradually hand over the responsibility for this during primary school. By doing everything for them, running into school with forgotten items and supervising homework, they effectively tell

their kids ‘you need me, without me you’d be useless.’

Parents need to teach children how to look after themselves and become more resilient.”

How Can Parents Help their Teens?

Edward and his team at Wellbeing in Schools are changing young people’s understanding of the impact of their thoughts. They remind them that thoughts are passing energy and that when their thinking is settled, they will be happier.

“Mental illness is the result of chronic mental stress. Humans experience chronic mental stress when they actively engage their ability to think. Generally speaking, when we actively use our ability to think to manage the tasks in our day, manage our feelings and behaviour, analyse who we are and our beliefs, ideas and expectations, we create chaos in our minds. A high level of thought creates a very low state of mind. In a low state of mind, it is impossible for a human being to be resilient, happy, innovative, loving or comfortable in their own skin.”

Edward says we can help our tweenagers by learning how state of mind can impact a relationship.

“When people are experiencing a kind, open, loving and non-judgemental feeling, they can connect easily to others.

From that feeling, we make better decisions, enjoy relaxed and loving relationships, can have

difficult conversations with a feeling of ease and openness, and we see more clearly that any kind of negativity or bad behaviour in another person is simply a product of a poor state of mind and bad feeling. This enables us to not take things personally and completely transforms parent/child relationships.”

Top Tip for Parents

Model the behaviour you want to see in your child. Judy says, “If you want them to moderate their screen time, limit yours. If you want them to listen, hear what they have to say.

If you want them to eat well, buy healthy food and cook healthy meals. They can’t eat biscuits and crisps if you don’t buy them, the same goes for sugary drinks.”

Judy also says to remember to believe in yourself. “You’ve done a great job bringing them up and getting them through primary school. Trust that this will stand them in good stead for secondary school. They’ll make mistakes, it’s how we learn, and we build self-esteem through getting that learning from the occasional failure. Be able to laugh about it, cuddle them and let them know you love them.”

One of the psychological goals of the teen years is to become independent from adults and to develop your own personality and place in society. Letting go of your teen might be a bumpy ride but if you do it with love and a sense of humour, you should make it through.

Tips for teaching your child to ride a bike Summer is a great time to teach your child to ride their bike. Here are a few tips for those of you taking on this important project.

Teach in Short Sessions: Don’t overtire your children or they may be put off cycling. 30 minutes at a time is enough for young children.

Finish the session on a high, even

Distributors Wanted Are you looking for some extra income? Families NewcastleGateshead is looking for local, reliable distributors of our magazine to local schools, nurseries and establishments.

If you have a car and can spare a few hours a day for 1-2 days every 2 months within school hours, then please email editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk

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if they haven’t managed to pedal unaided, and stop when boredom or frustration set in.

Location: It’s best to use a hard, level surface, rather than grass.

Ideally, choose somewhere with a gentle slope. Make sure the location is traffic-free but keep an eye out for pedestrians, animals and parked vehicles.

Bike Setup: Check the rider’s clothing is appropriate and the helmet fits correctly with the straps not too loose or too tight.

It should be seated over the front of the rider’s head.

Braking: The best way for children to grasp the concept of braking is for them to walk alongside the bike with their hands in position and attempt to

use the brakes in this way.

Balance: Use a balance bike or take the pedals and stabilisers off a normal bike. Stabilisers are not recommended when children are learning to ride as they will learn the wrong weight distribution and arm movements for turning. Make sure the rider can reach the brake levers and can put their feet comfortably on the ground when seated on the saddle.

Lower the saddle if necessary to the lowest setting.

Scooting: Ask the rider to let go of the brakes and start scooting.

They should use the bike like a hobby horse and push along the ground using their feet.

Supporting: Whilst they are learning to pedal you may need

to support them. Hold them gently under the arms or by gently holding the middle section of the back of your child’s top.

Time to let go: Many children may not realise they are riding without help and will be amazed when they stop and turn around to see you are now some distance away. Congratulate them on their achievement and pause for a breather!

For more information, visit www.cycling.org

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Family Matters Are You Entitled to Tax Free Childcare?

By Stephanie Rough

scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria.

15 and 30 Hours Free Childcare

In April 2017, the Government launched a new system called the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme offering a new form of childcare vouchers. It also increased free childcare hours.

Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria to meet.

Are you eligible?

Yes, IF: l Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working) l Both earn over £120 per week l Employed or Self Employed l Live in England No, IF: l Either Parent earns over £100,000 per annum l You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works

New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme

Companies have offered corporate childcare vouchers under the Company Childcare Voucher Scheme for many years and so are familiar with this salary sacrifice scheme.

The new Tax-free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered not by companies but purely by parents.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (ie a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter).

Parents will then be able to pay their OFSTED registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder or nanny) directly from this account.

The benefit of this new scheme is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher childcare costs could be at an advantage. In addition, those that are self-employed were not previously entitled to join company schemes but are eligible under the new scheme. Unfortunately though, there are disadvantages too: namely that every 3 months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme, it is ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous

WIN a copy of The World of David Walliams: Book of Stuff In celebration of ten wonderful Walliams years, Families NewcastleGateshead is offering you the opportunity to win this brand new compendium perfect for the ultimate David Walliams fan. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this is David Walliams’ first ever activity book, perfect for bags of fun this summer!

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Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. It’s the ultimate compendium for super fans, new fans and anyone who enjoys laughing out loud!

For further information, visit www.worldofdavidwalliams.com

For many years all children in England, aged 3 and 4 have been entitled to 15 hours of free childcare, available at participating childcare providers from the term following their child’s 3rd birthday. These hours are administered direct by the childcare providers through the local council (although parents do sign to confirm they are not getting the hours elsewhere).

Since September 2017, if parents meet the Tax Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free (hence the name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit.

For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December. Again, every three months you will be asked to re-confirm your eligibility.

What Next?

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the new offerings. It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free Hours

Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased

hours, but not necessarily the full 30. They are not able to charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance.

Check with any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child what their specific offering is.

Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme

Comparing the benefits of the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme and the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is essential, especially whilst you still have a choice – you do have up to October 2018 to enter a company scheme.

(This was going to be April 2018 but the company scheme received an 11th hour reprieve from the Government.) Many parents will be better off under the current Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme but new Tax Free childcare WILL provide savings for some parents.

It is worth noting that you are able to combine the employer supported Company Childcare Voucher Scheme AND the 30 hours free childcare but NOT the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme AND the New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme. So you need to decide which is best for you. In addition you can’t use Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit or tax credits.

For more information visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Stephanie Rough is Childcare Manager at Parental Choice; a “one-stop shop” designed to help you make the right decision on your childcare needs including nanny searches and payroll. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk.

To enter: Email with answer, name and contact telephone number to competitions@familiesnewcastle.co.uk with David Walliams as subject line. Closing Date 17th August.

T&C’s apply.

For how many years has David Walliams been writing children’s books? a) 50 b) 2 c) 10

Families NewcastleGateshead 5

Education Matters Preparing Your Child for School Gross motor skills are developed when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using a scooter, climbing, throwing, catching, and kicking a ball.

Varying the speed and direction of movement activities also develops spatial awareness.

Your child can have fun developing fine motor skills at home with every day activities such as using pegs and scissors, bead threading, button fastening, moulding play-dough, and painting.

Exploring and Investigating

If your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

Firstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school. In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips.

Independence

The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

Communication and Language

Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop

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into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult.

Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence.

Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an open and trusting rapport), both now and in the future.

Sharing and Interaction

The more opportunities your child gets to interact and learn how to share and take turns, the less of a shock it will be when he or she starts school!

However, expect this to be an

on-going process. Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and behaviour which gives them strategies and words to prevent or resolve disagreements in the future.

Respect for Behavioural Boundaries At school, behavioural expectations and boundaries are likely to include: l Listening the first time they are asked to pay attention l Keeping hands/feet to themselves l Sharing and taking turns l Looking after things l Tidying away l Being kind to others You can reinforce these expectations at home by teaching children to respect themselves, their actions and the feelings of others.

Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills)

All activities require some sort of physicality, whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) movements.

Often the most effective learning occurs when a child is left to his own devices, without nicely-prepared resources and prescriptive instructions about how to do something. Make a conscious effort to step back and allow your child the opportunity to use his initiative and develop his creative, imaginative and innovative skills through exploring, investigating and initiating his own learning. Children learn by exploring, trying out and adapting ideas for themselves and taking ownership. Present your child with a large cardboard box (and the opportunity to access other resources/toys). See what he or she does with it. In the latter stages of his or her ‘creation’ you may wish to step in to play too, but allow your child to initiate the direction of the play and conversation.

All the above skills can be naturally weaved into your everyday lives. Enjoy and treasure these precious last few months with your child at home, and keep the above tips in mind to promote a positive start to your child’s school life.

Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology and can provide support and strategies to give your child a happy transition to school.

For more information, visit www.bounceparental.co.uk

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Education Matters Helping Your Child Avoid the Language Word Gap Pick up the Dictionary

It’s helpful if your child has access to a dictionary and a thesaurus at the right level for them, written in language they can understand.

A dictionary and thesaurus at home and at school are vital tools for developing and enriching children’s language and helping to improve their spelling. To choose the best dictionary or thesaurus for your child and help them with basic dictionary skills, you can visit the dictionary selector at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/home/ reading-owl/expert-help/ choosing-dictionaries across new words in books than they will in spoken language.

Encourage your child by reading aloud and sharing picture books, traditional tales, or non-fiction books when they are young. Help them read as widely as possible as they develop their own reading Why the Word Gap skills. If you are looking for Matters: inspiration, you can find booklists Oxford Language Report found for all ages/ interests at that without enough words a www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home. child will not only find it difficult There are multiple benefits to to understand instructions at reading aloud to your child, even school, but also to play and when they are able read fluently. communicate with In this way your others. Over 1,300 child experiences 93% of primary teachers surveyed school teachers books that they reported that the said that a root may not be able word gap is not only to read on their cause of the affecting children’s own yet and is word gap is that achievements at exposed to new children aren’t school but also that it words that they spending enough probably wouldn’t can have a damaging time reading for find in their own impact on self-esteem pleasure. and a child’s ability to reading. For a bit make friends. of variety, try In the report, OUP asked listening to audiobooks together leading educational experts and – great for long car journeys! teachers to offer their thoughts Talk about books – ask your child on the word gap and to share what they liked or didn’t like about practical ideas on building a story. What was their favourite children’s vocabulary and bit? How do they think a character sparking their interest in learning felt at a certain point? You can new words. Here are just a few: even try asking them to re-tell the story using their own words.

An Oxford University Press (OUP) report published in April revealed that both primary and secondary schools teachers are seeing an increasing number of children with a limited vocabulary – a word gap.

“

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Not just Reading but Being Read To

In the OUP survey, 93% of primary school teachers said that a root cause of the word gap is that children aren’t spending enough time reading for pleasure.

Reading is an important way for children to learn vocabulary as they are more likely to come

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Talk, Talk, Talk!

It goes without saying that parents talk to their children all the time.

But research with very young children shows that if we use richer language, a child’s vocabulary can increase dramatically1 (e.g. instead of ‘Pick that up and bring it over here,’ say ‘Walk slowly to

kitchen, pick up the fork carefully and return it to me’). Name and describe objects rather than falling back on pronouns (like ‘this’ and ‘that’). Try using alternative words for the same thing – instead of saying ‘It’s hot’, say ‘It’s scorching’ or ‘It’s blistering.’

Have Fun with Words

Create an excitement around discovering and talking about new words together. Tell your child that it’s fine not to know what a word means – we are all learning new words all the time.

When your child comes across a new word in a book encourage them to talk to you about what the word might mean. Encourage them to use the other words and sentences around it to try to work out the meaning. In the report, Why Closing the Word Gap Matters, teacher Janine Wooldridge suggests that older children reading on their own could be encouraged to write unknown words on a card bookmark for you to discuss and look up in a dictionary together later.

Talk about other ways you could use the new word – give them some examples of sentences using that word and encourage them to think of their own sentences.

You can find fun word activities and language games at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/ for-home.

Check for Understanding

In the OUP report, educational psychologist Jean Gross (CBE) explains that she assessed children of all ages and abilities using a test that asked them to say what “on purpose” meant. Very few could do this, despite often hearing “You did that on purpose” at home and at school. Jean suggests that we should never assume that children know the meaning of even simple words.

Make sure you check for understanding. To read the full report, visit oxford.ly/wordgap 1 David Reedy explores this study in Why the Word Gap Matters: Oxford Language Report, page 14

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Summer Holidays 18 Things to do with Your Under 5’s this Summer

By Vanessa Christie

Vegetable Paint Printing Give life to the stubby bits of veg lurking in the bottom of the fridge. Turn them into paint stamps before dumping them in the bin, compost or food waste.

Indoor Dens and Picnics Who said you have to be outside to build a den or have a picnic?

Any combination of chairs, bed, tables, sofa, indoor clothes dryer plus an old sheet or blanket, the perfect hidey hole for all manner of adventures.

When term time classes and drop in activities for under 5s shut up shop for the summer holidays, you may be left feeling as if the only entertainment options available are leisure attractions which can be expensive and are sometimes not age-appropriate. So, here’s the lowdown on alternative fun for your toddlers and pre-schoolers during this time.

Getting Back to Nature Mini Beast Mayhem A child’s fascination with bugs can be fascinating to watch.

Give them a pot and a little shovel and set them to work exploring under pots, logs, loose soil and leaves. Just maybe don’t do what I did and let the ‘bug hotel’ come inside.

Flower Power All you need is a jam jar (or something with a lid), flower petals and any other scented (non-dog-poo) outdoor offerings, a little water and a mixing stick.

Hey presto, you have a bespoke smelly perfume, potion or concoction! Your child can even make their own label to stick on.

Pimp Up Your Walk If going out for another walk has your child digging their heels in, try giving it a new twist. Prepare

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a piece of paper with a circle, triangle, rectangle and square drawn down one side and track objects that are these shapes along the way eg fence posts, road signs, wheels, swings etc.

You can do a similar thing with textures, for example, rough, smooth, tickly, silky and so on.

Beach life Have buckets and spades at the ready and head beach-side for rock-pooling and castle building.

Inland lakes and urban areas often have man-made “beach” areas and activities going on over the summer, so check your local websites for information.

Fruit Picking A trip to a Pick Your Own will keep their bellies occupied and give you plenty of healthy goodies to take home for fruity treats - and all for next to nothing on the spending front.

Sprinklers Failing the beach and assuming it’s not dry enough for a hose-pipe ban, water sprinkler action can’t fail to cool off the steamiest of tempers and meltdowns.

The Woodland Trust Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

National Trust The National Trust may not immediately spring to mind for this young age group but there are plenty of very child-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to enjoy running around. Look up www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/ our-top-gardens-for-children to see where best to head to.

Keeping Cool Water pistol targets Fill up the pistols, line up some empty cans or paper cups and fire away. For added fun, keep a score card.

Bath If it’s Just. Too. Hot. retreat inside to the relative cool of the bathroom, run a tepid bath and pile your young ones in.

Rainy Days at Home Kitchen chaos Keep little hands busy and titillate taste buds by making fruit kebabs, juicy lollies and berry crumbles. If your children like rainbows, they can design their very own fruit rainbow on a plate for pudding.

Washing Up Get an enthusiastic toddler together with a washing up brush and they can be (a little) more useful than you think. This activity can also keep them blissfully happy for ages! So as long as everything in the bowl is kidfriendly, let them wash away!

Ring your friends If you are feeling stuck at home and all at sea, the chances are there will be a friend nearby in exactly the same position. Never hesitate to pick up the phone and join forces. They will be as glad as you that you did.

Deal Hunting Your Local Council Once you’ve exhausted the options in the What’s On section of this magazine, look at your local council website to find out about free or discounted holiday sessions at local leisure centres, libraries, theatres and other venues.

Kids Eat Free Lots of restaurants help families out in the holidays and drum up their own business, so it is always worth having a shop around for good deals.

Culture Kids Plenty of museums are free to enter, or at least offer good holiday discounts and have lots of interactive entertainment to keep little brains engaged.

Failing that, at least they are a cool on a warm day and dry if it’s raining!

Vanessa Christie is a Lactation Consultant and Early Parenting Expert at The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, which returns to London Olympia 19–21 October. For more information, visit www.vanessachristie.com and/or www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Holidays Kynren returns for a spectacular summer with Royal endorsement

On 30th June 2018, Kynren - An Epic Tale of England returns for its third and most spectacular season yet. The UK’s ‘must see’ live action show, takes visitors on a breath-taking odyssey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend and is set to thrill audiences with brand new scenes, new characters and daring and fiery new stunts.

Brand new scenes for 2018 include: a World War II commemoration of the Royal Air Force and rousing moments of modern history, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation and England winning the 1966 World Cup. Other enhancements include a poignant tribute to the centenary of the WWI Armistice and the Suffragette

Movement winning the vote for women.

Breath-taking effects fill the performance, and new giant waterjet ballet sequences, amazing pyrotechnics and lighting projections will leave audiences transfixed, while bold new stunts will see horses jumping over fire and dragging a Roman along the ground at speed.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle in County Durham, Kynren returns for 17 sensational performances in summer 2018.

Fuelled by the shear passion of a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers, recently recognised by the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, Kynren brings the history of the UK and the North East to life in a 90-minute world-class spectacular. With state-of-the-art special effects, amazing fireworks and evocative

orchestral music, this amazing celebration of heritage and history is both remarkable and unmissable for 2018.

What makes Kynren so special is the multi-generational nature of our volunteers, who range in age from five-years-old to 85.

Entire families have joined in, with grandparents, parents and children all getting involved and finding their Kynren experience bonds them in a way few other leisure interests can. Kynren is a reminder of the tremendous contribution the North East made to the history of the nation. It contributes to raising awareness of matters of historical importance at local, regional and national level with our audience and with our volunteers.

To find out more go to Kynren.com and quote code FNsummer18.

Join us this summer at Wacky Warehouse Boldon

Why not keep up to date with all our latest promotions and news and give us a like on face book wacky warehouse – story book boldon.

Why not give us a try for free?

This voucher is valid for up to two children

!

We are a large soft play with over 20 years’ experience so we know how to keep your children entertained, with lots of activities planned throughout the summer holidays it makes it perfect for you to sit back and relax. We have an extensive range of hot and cold drinks, food and snacks which is great for a family day out.

710804 000075 Terms and conditions apply, valid until 3rd September 2018, voucher must be presented at point of entry. Please note the wacky closes at 5pm on a Monday.

Wacky Warehouse Boldon | Boldon Leisure Park | Abingdon Way | NE35 9PB | 0191 5369408 familiesonline.co.uk

Families NewcastleGateshead 9

Summer Holidays The Benefits of Forest School Developing Resilience Building dens, playing games and lighting fires all come with their unique challenges and inevitable disappointments: a den may fall over, a fire takes time to prepare and start.

Forest School is a safe space in which these challenges can be met and overcome, thus building lifelong skills.

Summer is here! For most of us, weather permitting, that means spending more time outside and enjoying the benefits of nature.

These days, most of us appreciate the benefits of spending time with our children outdoors. The increasing pressure on children to do well at school, the presence of 24-hour social media, coupled with the loss of the ‘free play’ options and time that most of us experienced as children are just some of the reasons why we should try to do this as often as possible.

Nurseries, other organisations offering after school and holiday clubs and even some state and independent schools are also actively offering children opportunities to learn whilst outside. The idea of ‘Forest School’ exemplifies this concept.

Originating in Scandinavia, Forest School offers children the chance to explore, play and learn in nature, as part of a

group, with a qualified leader and away from the classroom.

Research has shown that children and young people are not only stimulated by the outdoors but over time, learning outdoors helps improve, among other things, their self-awareness, confidence, self-motivation, empathy, communication and problem-solving skills, sense of belonging and emotional well-being: in other words, their holistic development.

The variety of benefits that children can experience by taking part in Forest School activities are worth considering if you’re looking for ways to entertain your children this summer. Some of these include: Letting Kids Be Kids Forest Schools are fun and encourage children to play, explore and discover. Having freedom to follow their interests, they are allowed to run, make a noise and get their hands dirty. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Developing Resourcefulness and Creativity With no defined projects, kit or targets to meet, children are free to explore the environment, think of something to create, find what they may need and use these things to make it: a magic wand, a bow and arrow, a stick frame. This builds the foundations of resourceful and creative thinking.

Improving Physical Health It’s a no-brainer that being outside allows children the freedom to be physically active thereby improving their stamina, co-ordination and overall physical well-being.

Understanding Nature and the Environment If there is one thing about being in nature, it’s that it’s always changing. So there is never a shortage of things to see and explore. Spending more time outside means children can begin to understand the seasons, identify different animals, insects, trees, and flowers and observe plant and animal life cycles - all important parts of living in our world.

Encouraging children to develop a relationship with the natural world also helps them to value the importance of protecting the environment for generations to come.

If you’re feeling inspired and would like to offer your children a taste of what Forest School is all about, Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton’s book A Year of Forest School offers a host of free and fun seasonal activities that you can try just by heading outside to your local park or woods, whatever the weather.

For more information: visit www.facebook.com/ theforestschoolway or www.theforestway.com

the world through his writing. See amazing objects included in the Great Exhibition of the North. Explore extensive grounds and see for yourself reconstruction Anglo-Saxon buildings just like the ones Bede would have known in his time.

Enjoy a guided tour and find out about traditional skills and techniques, look out for events and activities where you and the family can try your hand at crafts and make a special something to take home.

Explore our medieval herb garden and the nearby Jarrow Hall House, home to Hive Coffee Company, a destination coffee shop serving delicious food and drink all week long.

Companion animals welcome.

Free parking. Check website and social media for full details of events and activities which change daily.

Allowing Reflection Children today have so many distractions and pressures.

Target driven school life, social media, computer games and, if in the city, urban stimulation.

The natural environment has a marked effect on children; it brings to them a calmness, creating a space for peacefulness and reflection that may otherwise be difficult for them to experience in their day to day lives.

Step back in time

Visit Jarrow Hall this summer and discover an oasis in the heart of South Tyneside with a warm welcome and something the whole family can enjoy.

Meet and learn about the animals who live on the farm, a

10 Families NewcastleGateshead

mixture of rare breeds and rescues - including some baby goats just born on site.

Learn all about the incredible world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and the world-changing legacy of Bede, a local boy who changed

Staying Safe but Taking Risks Many of our children are now sheltered from taking risks. Whilst staying safe is always important, children nowadays are not encouraged to manage risk on their own. Forest School gives children space to be part of a ‘wild’ yet safe environment. They can learn more independently and are encouraged to assess and take supervised risks and to deal with and test their own abilities in unfamiliar and unpredictable situations such as when climbing trees.

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Holidays Great Days Out Lightwater Express train ride around the park, Eagle’s Creek Farm tractor ride with animals as well as play areas indoors and out!

Lightwater Bird of Prey Centre features more than 50 amazing raptors, mammals and reptiles. Don’t miss the flying displays which take place daily. Plus, new for 2018, there is a cute family of prairie dogs arriving and two cheeky monkeys.

With over 35 rides and attractions for thrill seekers of all ages, the North Yorkshire attraction is full of fun adventures for the whole family.

The Ultimate is Lightwater Valley’s signature ride and provides a thrilling 1.5 mile cocktail of speed, cornering and airtime.

Take to the skies in the grip of the Eagle’s Claw, venture into the underground world of Raptor Attack, see the park

from a whole different viewpoint aboard Black Pearl and then hop on Apollo and take a spinning ride above the tree tops.

Enjoy wet ‘n’ wild fun on the Wild River Rapids, and swashbuckling adventures aboard speedy Skull Rock and the tummy-tickling Flying Cutlass. Plus jump around on the huge Jumpin’ Jacks bouncy pillow.

There is something for little ones too including the

Win a Family Ticket to Lightwater Valley Theme Park!

For your chance to win a Family Ticket please email competitions@familiesnewcastle.co.uk with the subject heading Lightwater Valley. Please add your name and contact telephone number. Closing date 5th August 2018.

T&C’s apply.

Discover the incredible world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria in the heart of South Tyneside Featuring a farm home to rare-breed and rescued animals, reconstructed Anglo-Saxon buildings and a museum dedicated to exploring the fascinating life of Bede.

Fresh food and drinks served daily at Hive Coffee Company

For full details, events and activities visit www.jarrowhall.org.uk Find us at Church Bank, Jarrow, NE32 3DY Search ‘Jarrow Hall’ on

Open Tue-Sun, every bank holiday and every day through the school holidays Suitable for visitors of all ages and companion animal-friendly familiesonline.co.uk

Operated by Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle. Registered Charity: 1007918

Families NewcastleGateshead 11

Summer Holidays Biggest Collection Of Indoor Inflatables In Newcastle

Britain’s biggest collection of inflatable games and challenges launched in Newcastle on 28th May. Inflatable Planet, created by the team behind the world’s biggest

inflatable 5k run – Gung-Ho!, offers thrill-seekers of all ages the chance to enjoy SIXTEEN huge inflatables containing enough air to fill more than 70 MILLION footballs.

TV presenter Alex Winters, one of the team behind Inflatable Planet and Gung-Ho!, said: “We have spent a full year imagining, designing and producing Inflatable Planet and we are beyond thrilled that Newcastle is our premier location, the first in the UK. Geordies have proved they know how to have fun so Newcastle is the ideal spot for us to launch!

“These obstacles are SO fun to use, and will offer a day out like no other venue in the region. The feedback we have received so far proves we are on to a winner!

The father-of-three added: “We’ve all seen shows like Ninja

Warrior, Total Wipeout, Fun House and Gladiators, and now Inflatable Planet will give us all the chance to play for real, with people encouraged to take on their friends on the inflatables.”

Mum Lyn, who trialled Inflatable Planet at one of three taster sessions in Walker, said: “I think I’ve seen just about every activity and party going. This beats them all, we have spent hours here and don’t want to leave!

Every inflatable is such great fun and I’ve loved being able to be involved although it took a few attempts for them to convince me to leap off Cliff Jump!”

Win a family ticket Whitehouse Farm Centre Whitehouse Farm Centre, Northumberland’s largest Farm Attraction is a great day out for visitors of all ages to hold, feed and stroke a wide variety of animals.

There is always a fun packed programme of interactive animal activities, talks and shows. After meeting traditional farm animals there is still so

much more to discover around the Centre, from a snake to a sheep, meerkats and marmosets creating mayhem, reptiles in Critter Cavern to having a hoot with the Owls. Take a walk around the outdoor paddocks and see llamas, alpacas, wallabies, deer, emu, ponies, donkeys, take a break in The Whitehouse Farm Kitchen and enjoy delicious home

Adventuring like we used to...

Forest Adventurers offer a variety of outdoor events for children up to 13 years of age. We are open to all for our holiday clubs, pre-school and parent groups and birthday parties, all held in the wonderful outdoor space at Ryton Federation.

07711 461 409 www.facebook.com/forestadventurers.co.uk

12 Families NewcastleGateshead

Advertise in Families Newcastle Gateshead email jayne@ familiesnewcastleco.uk

cooked food. There are lots of play areas to explore including a New Interactive Floor, adventure playground, soft play barn, panning for gold, pedal tractors and go-karts plus tractor rides and more. At the Farm you feel very much in the countryside yet the Centre is only 3 miles from

Who wants a Summer Adventure?

Whether you’re local or not you need to check out the new adventure trails by Crab and Compass helping us to explore the coast with a self-guided walk and puzzle map.

There are 4 in total covering Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Seaton Sluice and Tynemouth. Each trail has its own adventurer including Dale the Whale at Whitley Bay. In each pack you will receive a Directions guide with instructions and ideas for play and adventure as well as hints for clues to collect to complete your puzzle page.

You also receive a collectable pin – extras are available if you have more than 1 child. The puzzles are great for the kids to colour in and keep or the gorgeous art work (by local artist Zoe Emma Scott) would make a lovely memory wall hanging. Check out artist

Morpeth and 1 mile from the A1.

To enter for a chance to win a Family Ticket please email your name, contact number and Whitehouse Farm in subject heading to competitions@ familiesnewcastle.co.uk. Closing Date 10th August 2018. T&C’s apply.

works in the Rendezvous Café.

Be sure to take some pocket money for ice cream and the arcades (bring your 2p’s). You can also pack your scooter or skateboard, a picnic, bucket & spade for the beach, rug, towels, swimming kit for the indoor pool or if you’re brave enough head for the sea.

Pack your sun cream and your waterproofs! (This is the UK after all!)

You don’t have to complete your trail all on one day as there is lots to do. The trails are suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchair users and you can order your pack online for £11.99 plus £1.49 p&p. Mine arrived the next day. You can also purchase a pack from some local retailers and restaurants.

For a fun day out for the entire family, reminisce your memories as you pass the iconic Spanish City and create new ones whilst finding secret clues to complete your puzzles.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on & Where Terminate boredom in the summer holidays at Life Science Centre Head to Life Science Centre in Newcastle to add a high-tech twist to your summer with its blockbuster exhibition Robots – then and now. Developed by the Science Museum in London, the exhibition will take you on a 500-year journey through robotic invention, from the earliest 16th century automatons to the latest humanoids.

Don’t forget to grab your free Family Trail booklet, full of interesting ideas to help children get the most out of the exhibition – including an activity to choreograph robot dance moves. (Yes, embarrassing dancing dads are also encouraged!)

One ticket gets you entry to everything at Life Science

Centre, so you can also visit the planetarium (various shows available, including Naked Eye Astronomy and Space Robots), the Science Theatre for the latest production Great Geordie Bridges and the 4D Motion Ride* for the robot adventure, Rusty.

And that’s not all! The Making Space and Robots Activity Space will be open every day, with different activities every week. Your youngest humans can play and explore in the Young Explorers’ Zone (suitable for under-7s), or older children and adults can don a lab coat and goggles and become a scientist in the Experiment Zone. * Please note – you must be at least 1.2 metres in height to use the 4D Motion Ride.

Regular Events...

Stay and Play 0-5 years (various centres/days throughout the week) Shiremoor Children’s Centre, 9 BridgeTerrace, Shiremoor, Tyne and Wear NE27 0TA 13:30 – 3:00pm Drop In – all welcome 0191 643 2110 / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk

Monday Story & Rhymetime 0 – 4 years (Term Time Only) Hexham Library, Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS 9:45 – 10:15am Free all welcome – no need to book. Listen to stories, sing rhymes and join in craft activities. 01670 624 525 / www.northumberland.gov.uk Bounce and Rhyme 0-18 months (Monday/Wed/Friday) North Shields Library, Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1QU 10:00am. Songs and Nursey Rhyme activities for babies. 0191 643 5270 / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk Stay and Play 0-2 years (various centres/days throughout the week) Howdon’s Children’s Centre, Sure Start Howdon, 11a Howdon Lane, Howdon NE28 0AL 10 – 11:30am Drop In – all welcome 0191 643 2229 / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk Mischief Makers Mondays: Plastic Fantastic 5+ years - starts 23rd July – 20th Aug Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4LN 11 – 12:00 noon £1 – book in advance.

Let’s get recycling and turn plastic into something new and amazing!

0191 433 8420 / www.gatesheadlibraries.com/ events-diary familiesonline.co.uk

Tuesday Summer Graveyard Trail for Kids 24th July – 1st Sept St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU 10 -16:00pm Tuesday – Friday & 10 - 1:00pm Saturday – FREE Explore the Grade 1 listed graveyard to find hidden clues and solve the puzzle for a small prize. Pick a trail inside and explore! 0191 433 4699 / www.heritage@gateshead.gov.uk Stay and Play 0-5 years White Swan Community Centre, Citadel East, Killingworth, Tyne and Wear NE12 6SS 9:45 – 11:15am Drop In – all welcome Marching Tots North Shields Library, Northumberland Square, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE30 1QU 10:00am We will be listening to stories and sing action songs for toddlers.

0191 643 5270 / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk Stay and Play 0-5 years (various centres/days throughout the week) Wallsend Customer First Centre, 16 The Forum, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear NE28 8JR 10 - 11:30am Drop In – all welcome

Baby Social Bolden Children’s Centre, Reginald Street, Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear NE35 9DG 1:30 – 2:30pm / £1.00 voluntary donation suggested. An informal get-together for babies from birth to 1 year old and their parents/carers.

0191 519 5920 Parent Led Stay and Play 0-5 years Boldon Children’s Centre, Reginald Street, Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear NE35 9DG 1:30 – 2:30pm / £1.00 voluntary donation suggested 0191 519 5920 Leapfrogs All Saints Children’s Centre, Whitehall Street, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE33 4SU 1:30 – 2:30pm / £1.00 voluntary donation suggested per family. This is a stay and play event full of fun activities for grandparents and their grandchildren under the age of 5.

0191 420 7657

Wednesday Mischief Makers: Summer Special Storytime in the Garden - Under 5’s – starts 25th July – 29th Aug Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4LN 2:15 - 3:00pm Free no booking required – all welcome. Weekly story time in the Library Garden.

0191 433 8420 / www.gatesheadlibraries.com/ events-diary

Youth Club 8+ (Parental Consent Required) Shiremoor Children’s Centre, 9 BridgeTerrace, Shiremoor, Tyne and Wear NE27 0TA 4 – 5:30pm. Fun and games sessions aimed for those children 8 years and over. 0191 643 2110

Thursday Howdon Park Summer Play Days – Thursday 26th July – Thursday 23rd August inclusive Howdon Park, Howdon Lane, Howdon, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear NE28 0BE 11:00 – 2:00pm / Free Entry. A host of Fun Family Play Activities including various sports, den building, crafts and many more. All welcome. In the event of bad weather activities will take place in Howden’s Children Centre. Under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult. sara@neyouth.org.uk / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk Time Together 1-5 years Boldon Children’s Centre, Reginald Street, Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear NE35 9DG 9:30 – 10:30am / £1.00 voluntary donation suggested 0191 519 5920 Stay and Play 0-5 year - TermTime Only Battle Hill Primary School, Berwick Drive, Battle Hill, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear NE28 9DH 9:30 – 11:00am 0191 200 7246 / www.battlehillps.org.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families NewcastleGateshead 13

What’s on & Where Regular Events Cont...

Toddler Tales North Shields Library, Northumberland Square, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE30 1QU 10 – 11:00am. We will be reading stories and have a range of craft activities for toddlers.

0191 643 5270 / www.my.northtyneside.gov.uk

Story & Rhymetime 0 -4 years (Term Time Only) Prudhoe Library, Spetchells Centre, 58 Front Street, Prudhoe, Northumberland NE42 5AA 10:30 – 11:00am Free – all welcome – no need to book. Listen to stories, sing rhymes and join in craft activities. www.northumberland.gov.uk

Youth Club 6+ (Parental Consent Required) Riverside Children’s Centre, Minton Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6DQ 4:00 – 5:30pm. Includes sports, art, cooking, competitions and gardening activities. 0191 643 8899

Forest Adventurers Pre-School Sessions – Term Time Only (Not 13th July) Ryton Junior School, Ryton 10:45 – 12:00 noon / £8.50 per session drop in. Parents and pre-school children activities/outdoor fun, snacks and drinks, Block booking discount and sibling discounts available. Booking Essential for discounts. Various days available to book over Holidays with sibling’s welcome.

07711461409 / suzanne@forestadventurers.co.uk

Youth club 6+ (Parental Consent Required) Howdon Children’s Centre, Sure Start Howdon, 11a Howdon Lane, Howdon, Tyne and Wear NE28 0AL 4:00 – 5:30pm. New Youth Room – video games, pool, table hockey, sports, art, gardening and cooking activities.

0191 643 2229 Youth Club 8+ (Parental Consent Required) Waves Leisure Centre, The Links, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE26 1TQ 4:00 – 5:30pm, (3:30 -5:00pm during school holidays). Weekly group challenge and activities.

0191 643 2600 / waves@northtyneside.gov.uk

Friday Ryton Toddler Group – Term Time Only Ryton Community Infant School, Main Road, Ryton, Tyne and Wear, NE40 3AF 9.30 – 11.00am / £1.00 per session Runs Weekly in Orange Class. Toys, games, art & baby area, drinks and snacks included. Everyone welcome.

No booking required.

0191 4132776 / RytonCommunityInfantSchool@ Gateshead.gov.uk Bounce and Rhyme 0-18 months North Shields Library, Northumberland Square, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE30 1QU 10:00am. We will be singing songs and nursery rhymes for babies aged 0 -18 months.

0191 643 5270 / northshields. library@northtyneside.gov.uk St Mary’s Rhymetime – under 5’s St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU 10:30 – 11:00am / £ 1.00 - per child payable at the door. Fun session of songs, rhymes, stories and musical instruments to encourage children to engage with reading from an early age. Refreshments served afterwards.

0191 433 4699 / www.heritage@gateshead.gov.uk

Saturday Family Stay and Play North Tyneside Children’s Centres (various centres see online for timetables) 10 – 11:30am Drop in – all welcome Themed activities which changes weekly from treasure hunts to archaeology trips.

Mischief Makers:Minecraft - 7-12 years Birtley Library, 16 Durham Road, Chester-le-Street DH3 1LE 10:30 – 11:30am Free book in advance Bring your own tablet or use one of ours (limited numbers availablebook to avoid disappointment) 0191 433 8420 / www.gatesheadlibraries.com/ events-diary Saltwell Park Model Boats Club (Saturday/Sunday) Saltwell Park, Portacabin beside the boathouse by the lake 9 - 1:00pm Free – all welcome – members and non-members Information and hobby club available to all, new members welcome for adults and juniors (under 16) – must be accompanied by an adult. www.saltwellparkmodelboatclub.co.uk

Daily June to Sept Pick Your Own Fruit Brockbushes Farm, Corbridge, Northumberland NE43 7UB Fruit is ready to pick “Typically” during August and September but Strawberries and Gooseberries are ready now. Other fruits include raspberries, red and blackcurrants.

No booking required. Entry for adults is £1 with a £1 deposit for a basket.

This is refunded once fruit weighed and paid for.

(01434) 633 100 / www.brockbushes.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

14 Families NewcastleGateshead

What’s On This Summer July

June 22nd – 9th Sept Great Exhibition of the North Free summer long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit.

Packed programme of events of amazing live exhibits, performances, displays and experiences.

Something for everyone. www.getnorth2018.com

30th June – 15th Sept Kynren, Flatts Farm, Toronto, Bishop Auckland DL14 7SF “An epic tale of England” this must see live action outdoor spectacular is an enthralling live family event. There are 15 performances over the summer. Call or go online to book.

Please quote code FMsummer18.

0333 300 3028 / www.Kynren.com

1st July – 31st Aug Rising Sun Country Park and Park Events 2018 Various locations and various activities See the full list at www.familiesonline.co.uk for details Rising Sun country park, Wallsend Park, Northumberland Park, Springfield Park, Benton Quarry Park, Killingworth Lakeside Park, Marden Quarry and Souter Park.

Events to be booked online at Eventbrite.com or individual park link. See above.

5th – 8th July Mouth of the Tyne Festival, Tynemouth Vast array of dance, music and entertainment plus Early Years Area with an entire programme suited to children. www.mouthofthetynefestival.com

7th July Blaydon Burn Farm Local Food and Music Festival Blaydon Burn Farm, NE21 6JR 12 – 5:00pm / £2.00 Adults and £0.50 Children no booking required.

Parking access from Barlow Lane.

You can enjoy live music by 5 local bands, delicious food, good beer, plants for sale, woodland walks and a range of children’s activities in the children’s play area. www.blaydonburnfarm.com High Spen Annual Picnic 2018 The Old Football Field, West Street, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2HQ 12 - 6:00pm. Entertainment – fun and games, activities, craft stalls, food and drink. Everybody welcome.

07922067639 / www.highspen.org

Family Reading Group Blaydon Library, Blaydon on Tyne.

10:00am / Free An hour of fun, reading and activities for children aged 6 – 11 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

0191 433 6201 / carolscott@gateshead.gov.uk

7th – 8th July Whitehouse Farm 21st Birthday Fest Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth.

You are invited to the Party of the Year as we celebrate our 21st Birthday, activities, shows, workshops and birthday cake! www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk Ouseburn Festival 2018 ‘Tales Of The Riverbank’ Ouseburn, Newcastle Sat 10:00am – Sun 5:00pm / Free – some events bookable. A well established and popular festival in the Ouseburn Village offering a host of events, activities, shows, exhibitions, music, comedy, arts & crafts, food and drink stalls, with a dedicated family day on Sunday, featuring a duck race and children’s rides. Parade workshop from 10:30 at The Cycle Hub and parade starts at 12pm. A great weekend offering something for everybody! www.ouseburnfestival.org.uk

8th July Land of Oak & Iron Chopwell WoodFest Chopwell Wood, Hookergate Lane, High Spen, NE39 1LT 10:30 – 4:00pm / £2.00 Adults and Free for children and under 18’s.

Family event. Hands on activities for all, caterers available or bring your own picnic, car parking is £5 per car. www.landofoakandiron.org.uk Family Fun Day The Lancastrian Suite, Lancaster Road, Dunston, Gateshead NE11 9JR 10 – 4:00pm / Free entry Family Funday with more than 60 fantastic stalls, live entertainment, fairground rides, inflatables games and activities as well as stalls for food and drink. This is a free event for the whole family.

0191 460 5353

9th – 15th July Land of Oak & Iron Archaeology Excavation Axwell Park, just off A694 10 - 4:00pm / Free (Booking required) Discover the route of the 18th Century Lands Way, wear suitable clothing, stout footwear, sun hat & cream or waterproofs. Bring packed lunch and drink. All tools, equipment and instructions will be provided. www.landofoakandiron.org.uk / info@archaeologicalpractice.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

10th July – 14th July

23rd July - 31st Aug

Tall Ships Races 2018 Port of Sunderland, Barrack Street, Sunderland, SR1 2BU Sunderland is the host port for The Tall Ships Races 2018 and will welcome an impressive fleet of Tall Ships from all over the world. These beautiful vessels will take centre stage at this spectacular event, opening to allow free access to the public at certain times throughout the event. Events including music, dance, heritage and children’s activities will be available. www.tallshipssunderland.com

Local children’s centres For a full list of activities at your local Children’s centre please go to www.familiesonline.co.uk for events every day, aimed at children 0 - 4 years, general cost £1 per child unless otherwise stated and some places must be booked at the centre.

Some centres offer multi-sensory room use, youth club activities for older children, day trips and courses.

13th July 2018 TODDLER GAMES with Little Movers Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, NE10 0EF Gateshead 10 - 12:00pm / £10. Lots of fun for everyone with obstacle races, throwing events and proper sprints for more serious budding athletes.

Every participating mover will be presented with a medal and Winners of the Finals will be presented with a Trophy!

13th – 15th July North East Chilli Festival Meggies Burn Fields, Sea Front, Blyth A 3 day festival celebrating great food and music. With a special kids tent/area offering Den Building, a number of Circus workshops, Bubble woman, Wand workshops, Pottery making and a falconry display. www.chillifest-ne.co.uk

14th July Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge Local Library Sign up from the 14th July for your summer reading challenge to read your way through 6 books over the summer until Sept 1st. Collect special stickers and earn your medal and certificate upon completion. This year’s theme is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the much-loved comic of the Beano. Check out your local Library/website for summer events near you.

14th – 15th July Romans Return at Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum Open daily 10 - 6:00pm – see site for details including prices and discounts Re-enactment weekend family fun. www.vindolanda.com

20th – 22nd July Walking with Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular Metro Radio Arena State of the art life size creatures - watch them walk and roar through the story of their 200 million year reign on earth. For all ages. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

23rd July - 2nd Sep Screen on the Green NE1 Get into Newcastle Old Eldon Square, Newcastle NE1 Showing 84 movies over 6 weeks of summer with screenings at 12:00pm and 6:00pm weekdays, and weekends at 12:00pm and 3:00pm. All free of charge and available to view open air.

Alongside Oscar winners, classics and family favourites will be screenings of “Summer of Sport” events and The Grand Prix at Silverstone (5 – 8th July). www.getintonewcastle.co.uk

24th July – 23rd Aug –various dates Forest Adventurers Summer Club Family Summer Adventure 10 – 3:00pm or 10:45 – 12:00pm.

Full day of adventure for children up to 13 years or Family session with pre-schoolers and siblings, outdoor activities with food and drink. Prices vary. Booking essential.

07711 461409 / www.facebook.com/ forestadventurers.co.uk

26th July

What’s on & Where

August 4th Aug

Milkshake Live at the Sage, Gateshead, NE8 2JR 0191 443 4661 / www.sagegateshead.com

6th – 12th Aug Newcastle Restaurant Week NE1 Get into Newcastle A full week of offers with over 100 restaurants involved. Enjoy a variety of dishes for only £10 or £15.

7th Aug/ 8th Aug Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge event for 5 – 10 years old.

7th - Prudhoe Library, Spetchells Centre, 58 Front Street, Prudhoe, Northumberland NE42 5AA 8th – Morpeth Library, Royal Sovereign House, Manchester Street, Morpeth NE61 1AF Have a go with our makey makey kit, play the piano with bananas or help the bee-bots travel round Beano Town to find the treasure and other beano inspired craft & activities. 10:30 – 11:30am Free book a place online www.nlandlibs.eventbrite.com

8th Aug Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge event for 5 – 10 years old.

Ashington Library, Portland Park, Ashington NE63 9JY 2:00 – 3:00pm as above

9th Aug Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge crafts Wylam Library, Community Centre, Falcon Terrace, Wylam NE41 8EE 2 - 5:00pm Free no booking required – all welcome. Craft activities for all ages, drop in during session, no need to book.

01661 852174 / www.northumberland.gov.uk

16th /23rd Aug Under the Sea Adventures at St Mary’s Heritage Centre 10 - 1:00pm £2 per child. Make a sea creature to take home or decorate our giant sea scene.

Refreshments available on the day.

0191 433 4699 / heritage@gateshead.gov.uk

26th – 27th Aug Newcastle Mela Festival Free Family Event Exhibition Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne Music, games, stalls and exhibitions for a great weekend to celebrate Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian Cultures. www.newcastlemela.co.uk

1st Sept Collect your medal for completing the Summer Reading Challenge All Gateshead Libraries 10 - 12:00 noon Free – all entrants – Well Done!

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Fayre John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Cramlington, NE23 7HS 11 – 2:00pm Free Event. All welcome for this summer fayre with disco, magic show and party games.

Free fairground rides and face painting. Craft stalls, tombola and much more.

27th – 29th July Sunderland International Airshow – Free – no tickets required Activities start Friday evening for a fun filled family show celebrating its 30th year. Flyovers from the Red Arrows and a good military presence both in the air and on the ground. www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk

29th July Jesterval Street Circus at Trinity Square, Gateshead NE8 1AG 11:30 – 3:00pm Free. Pop up street circus with family fun and performances including acrobats, juggling, comedy, magic and western arts and more. www.newcastlegateshead.com

St Mary’s Heritage Centre is ideally located in a

fabulous setting on Gateshead Quayside, next to the Tyne Bridge.

We have a great range on offer for children of all ages including interactive history exhibitions, informative class visits, children’s library books and summer holiday crafts and activities.

St Mary’s Heritage Centre Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU 0191 433 4699 • heritage@gateshead.gov.uk www.gateshead.gov.uk/stmarysheritagecentre

Families NewcastleGateshead 15

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