SaveBIGthissummeratStatfold!
SteamIntoSummeratStatfold!Gainunlimitedgeneralopening visitswiththebrand-newSummerMembershipandheadover tothehiddengeminTamworthfrom1Juneto30September 2025forjust£20perperson!
StatfoldCountryParkoffersagreatdayoutforallagesandis hometoastunningnarrowgaugesteamrailwayandmuseum, 3-tieredsoftplayarea,woodlandtrail,miniaturerailway,9-hole minigolf,theNEWNationalFairgroundMuseumandmore! Plus,withthismembershipyoucangainexclusivebenefits including10%offPeeler’sBarand20%offSummereventslike Statfold’sannualtributemusicfestival,TheBigStatfold Weekenderorthebrilliantfamilysteamfestival,Road,Railand Ale.T&Csapply. www.statfold.com
Hellosummer!
Areyoulookingforwardtothelong schoolsummerholidays?Ordoesthe ideaofhavingtokeepthekidsoccupied forthatlengthoftimefillyouwith dread?Eitherway,we’vegotyou covered!DiscoverwaystokeepthekidsoccupiedWITHOUT screensinourSummerFunfeature.
OurSummerWhat’sOnguideispackedfullofexcitingeventsand activitiestakingplaceinJulyandAugustacrosstheWestMidlands, there’ssomethingforeveryone!
Ifyou’relookingforsomethingwholesomeandnutritioustodo,have youeverbeenforaging?Getadviceonhowandwheretostartwith ourhandyguide.Pluscheckoutourhealthyfoodoptionstobrighten upyourpicnicsthissummer.
OurparentingfeatureincludesanEarlyYearsguidetobabyplayand wehearfromtwoparentswithdifferentviewsonthequestion:Isit okformychildtobebored?
Takealookatoursummerreadingrecommendationsforallages. Plus,ifyourchildisstartingschoolinSeptember,findoutwhat ‘schoolreadiness’reallymeans.
Finally,inthisissue,wehavesomefabulousgiveawaysincludinga Start-RiteshoesvoucherandaLittleLifeToddlerBackpack!Apply inside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyoureceiveourdigital magazineandemailnewslettertosharewithfriendsandfamilywith lotsmorecontentandgoodiesonoffer. Enjoythemagazine!
Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
Caringforchildrenandyoungpeoplesince1870
Beingafoster carerhasbeen sorewarding.
From5Julyto13September,theSummerReading ChallengeinviteschildrenacrosstheUKtoexplorethe ‘StoryGarden.’Thisyear’sthemecelebratestheoutdoors, encouragingreadingwhileinspiringcreativityand imagination.
TheChallenge,designedtopromoteliteracyandalifelonglove ofbooks,keepsyoungmindsengagedoverthesummer. Childrencanjoinbyborrowingbooksfromtheirlocallibrary, loggingtheirprogress,unlockingactivitiesandearning rewardslikestickersandcertificates.
Organisedby TheReadingAgency alongsidelibraries,this freeinitiativemakesreadingfunforallagesandabilities.With plentyofadventurestodiscover,it’saperfectwaytoenrich theschoolbreak.Visityourlocallibrarytosignupandsee yourchildgrowtheirloveforbooksintheStoryGarden. www.readingagency.org.uk
ConsiderfosteringwithStChristopher’s Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedoncreatinghappy families.Ourpriorityisprovidingthebestcaretoyoung peopleandsupportingyouonyourfosteringjourney. Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents. FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances
Adedicatedsocialworker Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity
Contactourfriendlyteamandenquiretoday Wesupportfosterfamiliesextensivelywithin theWestMidlands.
www.stchris.org.uk fostering@stchris.org.uk 08002346282/01215253738
Unpluggingforsummer
ByLiatHughesJoshi
Technologyisthoroughlyingrainedinallourlives,particularlythoseofourchildren.Fromanearlyage,screensareakey sourceofentertainmentandlikeitornot,highlyeffectiveatkeepingthemoccupied.
Amazingthoughtechnologycanbe,itcansometimesallgettoomuchandweneedscreendowntime.Whatajoytoactually talktoeachotheranddothingstogetherthatdon’tinvolvetextingandmessaging,tappingandswiping!
Asthesummerholidaysapproach,herearemyunpluggedgo-toactivitiesforyoutohavefunandconnectasafamilythis summer.
Gardencamping
Alltheupsidesofcamping(thefreshair,thenovelty!)minusthe communalbathroomsandforgettingtotakethetentpegs.An eveningtoastingmarshmallowsonacampfireorbarbequeand tellingstoriesbytorchlightbeatsscreensanyday(hidethemand turnoffyourrouterifnecessary).
Whatyou’llneed: Agarden.Ifyoudon’thaveone,persuadethe grandparentsorsomefriendstohost.Campinggear–buysecondhandorborrowtokeepcostsdown.
Getjamming
Tepeetime
Puttingupagarden tepeeissurprisingly simple.Placesix bamboocanes/stakes inasemi-circleabout sixtycentimetresapart andpusheacharound twocentimetresintothe ground.Gentlydrawthe topstogether,thentie withstringsoyouhave atepee-shapedframe. Fixyoursheetinplace withclothespegsand jobdone.Ablanketasagroundsheetandsomecushionswill givea‘glamping’feel.
Whatyou’llneed: String,six5ftor6ftbamboocanes(from agardencentreifyouhaven’tgotany).Anolddoublesheet, clothespegs,ablanketandsomecushions.
Water-tasticgames
Grabsomewaterpistols,soakafewkitchensponges inabucket,makewaterballoons,turnonthatgarden sprinkler(providedthereisn’tahosepipeban),herdthe kidsoutsideintheirswimwearonahotdayandawait thesoggymayhem.
Childrenwillneedsupervisionasthe jamcangetdangerouslyhotbutthis activityisbrilliantfordealingwith fruitoverloadafterforagingorvisiting apick-your-ownfarm(anothergreat screen-freeidea!).Experimentwith differentcombinationsandmore unusualflavours,suchasmelonor rhubarb.
Whatyou’llneed: Pilesoffruit, preservingsugar,alarge,sturdy saucepanorpreservingpan,sterilised jamjarswithlidsandajam-making thermometer.
Backgardenbowling‘alley’
Whoneedsexpensivebowlingalleys whenyoucanputtogetheryourown forfree?Raidtherecyclingbin(askthe neighboursiftheyhaveanytoo)andfill tenortwelveusedplasticbottleswith waterandoptionalfoodcolouringfora colour-codedpointsscheme.Placethe bottlesintheusualtriangularformation onaflatstripofground.Markstanding spotsfordifferentageplayerswitha coupleofrulersorsometape.Grab theballandawaitthosefirstshoutsof ‘Strike!’
Whatyou’llneed: Emptyplastic
Whatyou’llneed: Waterpistols,balloons,sponges, hosepipeandsprinkler;definitelyafewtowelsfor afterwards!
LiatHughesJoshiisaparentingexpertand author.Hernewbook HowtoUnplugYourChild (Summersdale)isavailablefrom www.bookshop.org
Flyakite(somewherebright,breezyandbeautiful)
Findanexposedhillorabreezybeach,runalongandletyour kitesoar!Ifyoudon’townakite,it’spossibletomakeonewith sticksorstraws,plasticbagsandstring,althoughdon’tbankonit lastingtheduration.Ifyoucanfindakite-flyingeventevenbetter –theycanbequiteaspectacle.It’ssaidthatifyoubuildaloveof natureinyourchildrenbeforetheageof12,you’llcreatealifelong passionfortheoutdoors.
Whatyou’llneed: Akite,thepark,afieldorthebeach,freeof anyoverheadwiresforthekitetocollidewith.Abreezyday(wind speedsoffivetotwentyfivemphareoptimal).
Sandsculpting
Whosaysyouhavetostick withbuildingcastlesatthe beach?Thetricktomaking sandsculptures–bethey ofanimals,letters,cars–is tomixinalotofwaterwith thesand,creatingamuddy consistency.Startoffwith morebasiccreationsand workup.Lookonlineforideasbeforeyouleaveandeven oldercynicswillbeheadingforthebeachbeforeyoucansay ‘don’tforgetthesunscreen.’
Whatyou’llneed: Atriptothebeach(orasandpitforsmaller creationsathome).Buckets(forwateraswellassand).A varietyofcups,tubs,etc,plustoolsegspade,knives,spoons, spatula.
Writecluesandriddlesaboutthelocalarea,culminatingina mysterydestinationsuchasacaféoricecreamparlour.Twoteams couldbattleitouttogettothefinalmeetingpoint.Youcoulddraft inlocalshopkeepersorneighbourswhoyouknowwelltohave clueshiddenintheirshoporfrontgardens.Thisapproachcanalso workwelltolivenupsightseeingonholidaysordaysout.
Whatyou’llneed: Theimaginationtocomeupwiththeclues! Anaccompanyingadultforeachteamifparticipantsaren’told enoughtobeoutalone.
Forbadweatherdays….
Signlanguagechallenge
Learningbasicsignlanguageis relativelyeasy,ausefullifeskilland surprisinglyappealing–especially ifyourchildlearnswithfriendsand theycanthenuseittocommunicate together.Fingerspellingisan undauntingstartingpoint–single signsforindividuallettersthatcan beusedtospelloutwords.Ifyour kidsgetintothis,theycouldprogressontolearningwholeword signs.
Whatyou’llneed: Asignlanguageguide(onlineisfine!). Semaphoreisanother,moreunusualskilliftheyenjoythis.
Old(andembarrassing)familyphotos
Digoutthoselong-neglectedsnapsfromtheatticandchallenge yourchildtofindthetopthreemostembarrassing/amusingones fromdaysofyore.Prepareformuchsniggeringatyourclothes andhairdosandcommentsofthe‘butyoulookedsooooyoung there,mum’/’youhadhairthen,dad…’variety.
Whatyou’llneed: Apileofoldpicsoralbums. DIYspaday
Whenthere’snoqueueforthe familybathroom,letpre-teensset upa‘spa’athome.Hairandface maskscanbecreatedwithtypical kitcheningredientssuchasyoghurt, oats,banana,honey,avocadoand chocolate.Saltorsugarscrubs aresimpletoputtogethertoo. Maskandscrubrecipescanbefoundonline,whileenthusiastic experimenterscanconcocttheirownformulations.
Whatyou’llneed: Kitcheningredients,tubs/bowlsandmixing spoons.
Setupabookclub
Thisworksbestwhenyourkidsareoldenoughtoread,using booksthatappealtoallofthem.Youcanfacilitateadiscussion abouteachbookwhichisidealforparentandchildtime.Older kidscansetupaclubwithagroupoflike-mindedfriends.This couldfocusonanappropriategenre,suchassci-fiorcomedy. Don’tshyawayfrome-readersforkids–theybringtheadded benefitsofanintegrateddictionaryandtheabilitytodownload newbooksinstantly.
Whatyou’llneed: Books!
Trailabouttown
Foragingwithkids
ByJohnShahabeddin
Foragingwithkidsisoneofthemostamazingthingsyoucaneverdo.Itgets childrenexploringoutsideandengagingwithnature.Andwhat’sevenbetterthan this?Whentheygethome,theirbasketsloadedwithberriesandfruits,theycanget toworkinthekitchenmakingyummytreatswiththeliteralfruitsoftheirlabours. Foragingisfun,educationalandprovideshoursoffunforthewholefamily!
Rulesforforagingwithkids
Nevereatorletyourkidseat,something thatyoucannotidentify with100% certainty.
Woodsandforestscanhidedangers, fromriversandravines,tologpilesand countryroads,sobeactivelyawareof yoursurroundingsatalltimes!
Knowwhattodoinanemergency.Have achargedmobilephonewithyouatall timesandmakesuresomeoneknows whereyouareandatimeyou’llbeback.
Blackberries
Blackberries,thefruitofthebramble,can befoundeverywhereandareperhaps oneoftheeasiestfoodstoforage.They startappearinginAugustandremain throughSeptember.Theycanbeeaten raw,madeintosyrupsandvinegarsor
Cobnuts
Cobnuts,alsocalledfilberts,arethe nutsfoundonhazeltreesfromAugustto October.Thesesmalltreesareoftenfound inparks,gardensandwoodlands.They startoffgreenbutlaterturnbrown.They canbecrackedopenandeaten,justlikea regularhazelnut!
Whereandwhattoforage
There’sanabundanceofwildfoodalmost everywhereyoulook.Youcanfreely forage theabovegroundparts ofthefour ‘F’s(Fruit,Flowers,FoliageandFungi)on publicland(orlandyouhavearightof accessto).
So,foraginginpublicparks,gardens, woodsandforestsisfinetodo,aslong asthefruit,flowers,foliageorfungiis growingwildand NOTdeliberately planted (e.g.cropsordecorativegarden beds).
Bilberries
Bilberriesareadeliciouscloserelativeof blueberries.Theygrowonlittleshrubs inforestsandonmoorlandbetweenJuly andSeptember.Theycanbeusedjustlike blueberriesfromthesupermarket.
Raspberries
Raspberriesoftengrowinwoodlandsand forests.Likeshop-boughtcounterparts, theyarepinky-red,tartandjuicy!They appearbetweenJuneandSeptember. Theycanbeeatenraworturnedinto yummybakesanddesserts.Weespecially loveraspberryandwhitechocolate muffinsoracreamyraspberryfool!
WhereNOTtoforage
Foragingonprivatelandrequires permissionfromthelandownerfirst.It ishowever, illegaltouprootanywild plant(oneitherpublicorprivateland) withoutthelandowner’spermissionunder the Wildlife&CountrysideAct1981, so alwaysaskfirstifforagingforroots(eg burdockordandelionroots).
Elderflowersandelderberries
Elderflowersarethefrothywhiteflowers oftheblackeldertree,whichcanbefound almosteverywhere.TheyappearinJune andcanbeturnedintocordialorcovered inpancakebatterandfriedlikefritters! Theflowerslaterbecomesmallblack berries,whichcanalsobeeatenbutneed tobecookedbeforehand.Weusuallybake themintoaSeptembercrumble!
Redcurrant
Redcurrantsaretartredberries,closely relatedtoblackcurrants.Theyfrequently growinwoodlandsorroadsideverges betweenJulyandSeptember.Weoften includetheseinpiesalongsideotherfruits orasafillingfortarts.
JohnShahabeddin(aka@grizzlyjohnonInstagram)istheauthorofanewbookcalled TheGrizzlyForager’sGuidetoFamily Foraging, publishedbyHarperCollinsandavailablefromwww.bookshop.org
IsItokayformychild tobebored?
ByEllieMalt
SO,quickquestion-do youthinkit’sokaytojust letyourkidsbebored sometimes?
Inaworldfullofactivities, appsandendless entertainment,boredomis rareandourchildrenjust aren’tusedtothatfeeling. It’snowonderwefind ourselveswondering‘whatshouldIdo?’whenachildsays:‘I’m bored.’
There’smorethanonewaytocrackthisnutsoweaskedtwo mumstosharetheirthoughts.
‘Honestly,Ithinkboredomcanbebrilliant’ Sophie,mumofadaughter
IknowitsoundsabitharshbutIactuallythinkit’sreallygoodfor kidstobeboredsometimesandIhavetostopmyselffrom jumpinginwithideas.Itrytoremindmyself:okay,thisisher chancetoworksomethingout.It’snotalwayseasy-there’soften abitofgrumblingandcomplaining-butfairlysoon,she’llstart makingupagame,buildingsomedenordiggingoutatoyshe forgotsheloved.TobehonestIthinkit’sinthesetotally undirectedmomentsthattherealcreativityhappens.Theyteach herthatshedoesn’tneedconstantentertainmentorsomeone elsetofixeverythingforher.Plus,it’sgoodforherbraintoslow downandjust...be.Lifeisn’talwaysfast-pacedandexcitingandI wanthertobeokaywiththattoo.Igenuinelybelieveboredom canbuildresilienceandindependence;thingsshe’sgoingtoneed asshegrowsup.Itcanbeabitpainfultolistentothemoaningat first,butintheend,italwaysseemstoleadtosomethinggoodifI justholdmynerve.Ireckonit’sworthitforthecreativityand independencethatemerge.
‘I’dratherstepinbeforeboredomturnsintoameltdown’ Laura,mumoftwo
Whenmylittleboysayshe’sbored,Itakeitasabitofawarning flag!Igetwhereothermumsarecomingfrominnotsteppingin butforme,whenmysonsayshe’sbored,itfeelslikeabitofacry forhelp.Idon’tmeanIjumpupandhandhimaniPadstraight awaybutIdothinkit’smyjobtoguidehimalittleandhelphim learntoworkitout.ChildhoodgoesbysofastandIwanthimto spenditexploring,learningandfindingwhatheloves,notjust sittingaroundfeelingstuck.IhavetriedleavinghimbutifIleave himtoolongwithoutanydirection,hetendstogetfrustratedor endsuppickingfightswithhissister.Instead,Itrytogivehima fewoptions:‘DoyouwanttobuildaLegocityorcomeandhelp meinthekitchen?’Nothingamazing,justasuggestiontogethim movingagain.Iseeitasteachinghimhowtomanagedowntime positively,ratherthanhopinghe’llfigureitoutallonhisown. Especiallywithallthedistractionskidsfacetoday,Ithinkthey sometimesneedalittlehelpwithlearninghowtousetheirfree timewell.It’snotaboutmicromanagingthem;it’saboutbeing presentenoughtokeepboredomfromturningintosomething negative.Forme,it’sallaboutbalance:abitofspaceandabitof support.
Waystobusttheboredomrut
Sometimeskidsjustneedalittlesparktogetgoing. Hereareafeweasypromptstotry:
• Createasimple‘boredomjar’ withactivityideas theycanpickfrom.
• Startaminiartchallenge -getthemtodrawtheir dreamhouseorinventanewanimal.
• Buildacosyreadingden withblanketsandpillows.
• Offeran‘inventsomething’challenge withrandom craftsupplies.
WHAT’SON
SummerFunforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands Theatre
ColmoreFoodFestival VictoriaSquare,Birmingham 4-5Jul(11:00–20:00)
Twodaysofamazingfood,live musicandentertainment,live kitchendemos(Sat)andFestival Fringeworkshopsandevents. Plus,FREEfacepainting, appearancesfrompopular children’smascotsandalively KidsPartyhour. colmorebusinessdistrict.com/ev ents/colmore-food-festival-2025
GodivaFestival WarMemorialPark,Coventry 4-6Jul
Threedaysofgreatmusicand familyentertainment.Sundayis FamilyDayheadlinedbyOcean ColourScene.Additionalactivities andperformancesdesignedfor familiesonSunday.Ticketsonline. godivafestival.com
ComicCon
MidlandsNEC,Birmingham 12–13Jul
Celebrateallthingspopculture andmeetyourheroes,seeunique propsandsetbuilds,testyour skillsintheretroandmodern gamingareaandwatchthe cosplayersstruttheirstuffon stage.Under4sFREE. Ticketsonline. comicconventionmidlands.co.uk
InflatableFamilyFunDays EdwardianFCRugbyUnion, Solihull 12-13Jul (10:30–13:30&14:00–17:00) Run,bounceandjumpforjoyona largevarietyofbouncycastlesand slides.Age2–12.£10perchild, payonthegate.AdultsFREEbut onlychildrencanusethe inflatables!Hotandcold refreshmentsavailable.
FamilyFunDay SuttonColdfieldRFC 13Jul(11:00–15:00) FREEFamilyFunDaywithexciting gamesandactivities,food& refreshments,liveentertainment, craftsandworkshops.Bring blanketsandchairsandsoakup thesummerfun.
Events
MonkeyForest
Trentham
19Jul
BirthdayBonanza
Specialeventtocelebrate20years ofBarbaryMacaqueconservation. DrumCaféinteractivedrumming andpercussionworkshops, animatronicmaleOrangutan performer,CircusInABox,Julie MossofFern&FablesandHenna byCherrieplus20%offticketsfor allvisitorsandmoreworkshops, activitiesandsurpriseevents! monkey-forest.com
SolihullSummerFest TudorGrangePark,Solihull 19-20Jul
Theultimatefeel-goodfestival returnsforits9thyear!Enjoya weekendofgreatmusic,art,and food.Familyticketsavailable. Under16smustattendwithan adultandunder4sareFREE. solihullsummerfest.co.uk
RobinHood
MartineauGardens
20Jul(14:00)
FolksyTheatrepresentthelegend ofRobinHood.Funfilledafternoon forallthefamily,bringapicnicand someblankets/chairsandenjoy theoutdoortheatreexperience. martineau-gardens.org.uk /event/robin-hood-presentedby-folksy-theatre/
SuttonColdfieldFireStation
OpenDay
SuttonColdfieldFireStation
27Jul(10:00-16:00)
Learnmoreaboutthefireservice, seefireenginesandothervehicles upcloseandmeetthecrews. FREEactivitiesandfirefighter demonstrationsplusspecialguest appearancesfromFiremanSam throughouttheday. wmfs.net/events/open-daysutton-coldfield-fire-station
HouseofMashHullabaloo CircusWorkshop&Show OutdoorTheatre,MidlandsArts Centre
30Jul(10:30,13:00&14:45)
JoinBirmingham’sfavouritecircus performersfor3newimmersive musicalandcircusskills workshops.3differentshowsand skills.Ticketedseparately. Agerecommendation:5+ macbirmingham.co.uk/whatson/category/family
SummerLates
BlackCountryLivingMuseum, Dudley 1,8,15,22&29Aug(16:00–20:00) Explorethemuseumafterhours withthefamilyforjust£8.49. bclm.com
BirminghamMuseum&Art Gallery Birmingham 2Aug–2Nov
GIANTS
Afun,family-friendlyimmersive exhibitionwithlife-sized3D modelsofprehistoricgiant animals,nearlycompletefossil skeletons,hands-onactivitiesand digitalprojections.Childrenupto 15FREEwithpayingadult. birminghammuseums.org.uk /exhibitions/giants
BarbaraNiceKidsComedy Special MidlandsArtsCentre 3Aug(11:30)
JointheKingsHeathcomedy legendandspecialguestsfora KidsComedySummerSpecial. AgeRecommendation:6–12.All adultsmustbeaccompaniedbya responsiblechild!90minshowfull offunandgames. macbirmingham.co.uk/events/b arbara-nice-kids-comedyspecial
TheHundred VariousvenuesthroughouttheUK 5-31Aug
FixturesatEdgbaston, Birmingham-8,12,17,22Aug
World-class100ballcricket,live music,concourseentertainment, foodanddrinkandfamilyfriendly activitiesawaityouaseightcitybasedmen’sandwomen’steams battleitoutinTheHundred competition.Unmissablecricketat affordableprices. thehundred.com
PAWPatrol®Live!“TheGreat PirateAdventure” UtilitaArena,Birmingham 16Aug
Seethewholepackliveonstage inthisinteractive,action-packed, music-filledproduction.Buckleup asRyderandhisteamofpups embarkonapirate-themed adventuretouncoverhidden treasure.Ticketsonline. PAWPatrolLive.co.uk
BirminghamBookExtravaganza LightwoodsPark&House, Bearwood 25Aug(10:30–16:00)
Immerseyourselfintheuniverse ofbookswithadiverserangeof literature.Celebratewords, creativityandcommunity.£2entry. Under16s,studentsandover65s FREE. rosiesretrobazaar.co.uk
MoseleyFolkandArtFestival MoseleyPark,Birmingham 29–31Aug
Immersivefamily-friendlyfestival celebratingtheverybestof contemporaryFolkMusic,Arts andCrafts.Activitiesforallages. Childrenunder12FREEwith payingadult. moseleyfolk.co.uk
BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham TheAddamsFamily Thu10–Sat12Jul
AgeRecommendation:7+ MaryPoppins Wed16Jul–Sat23Aug
AgeRecommendation:7+ birminghamhippodrome.com
SuttonColdfieldTownHall SuttonColdfield ADHDUnmasked-Livein Conversation Sun6Jul Age:13+ PrincessesUnite Fri1Aug
suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
SymphonyHall
Birmingham
TheNationalScoutandGuide SymphonyOrchestraand ConcertBandAnniversary Concert Sat9Aug bmusic.co.uk
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham Cirque:TheGreatestShowReimagined Sun20Jul
NaturalHistoryMuseum presentsDinosaursLive! Sun31Aug
AgeRecommendation:3+ atgtickets.com
TheCoreTheatre Solihull
BhangraTotsStorytime Tue29Jul&Thu7Aug
AgeRecommendation:2-6 thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
OutdoorFun
MartineauGardens
Birmingham
2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. SummerGardenParty 6Sep, 15:00–19:00. martineau-gardens.org.uk
NationalTrust
BirminghamandWestMidlands
Exploretheoutdoorsthissummer atourlocalNationalTrust properties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,Wightwick ManorandGardens,ClentHills& MoseleyOldHall.Eachproperty hasitsownuniquefamily activitiessowhynotvisitthemall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails andprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturban parksinEurope.With playgrounds,restaurants,sailing, bikeridingandkiteflying,there’s somethingforthewholefamily! birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall
Accessiblewalkways,boating lakeandlakesidecafé,tennis courtsandacresofopenplaying fieldstoexplore.Plus,achildren’s playareawithskateparkand splashpad.FREEentry. go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-andgreen-spaces/visit-our-parks-a nd-play-areas
WinterbourneHouseand Garden Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearround forchildren.Children’sgarden, familytrail,TeaRoom,giftshop andsecond-handbookshop. winterbourne.org.uk
BigButterflyCount2025
NationalSurvey 18Jul–10Aug
DON’T MISS!
TheBigButterflyCountisanationwidecitizensciencesurvey aimedathelpingtoassessthehealthofourenvironment.Itwas launchedin2010andhasrapidlybecometheworld'sbiggest surveyofbutterflies.
Jointhecountthissummerandbecomeacitizenscientist!The datafromthisandothercountswillhelptoassesshowmuchhelp natureneedsandalsohelptoidentifyimportanttrendsinspecies thatwillassistinplanninghowtoprotectbutterfliesfrom extinction,aswellasunderstandingtheeffectofclimatechange onwildlife.
HowdoItakepart?
GetReady -DownloadtheFREEbigbutterflycountappand butterflyIDcharttoidentifyandrecordthebutterfliesyouspot.
JoinIn -Chooseaplacetoconductyourcount,itcouldbeapark, garden,fieldorforest,onabright(preferablysunny)daybetween 18Jul&10Aug.Watchfor15minutesandrecordwhichspeciesof butterfliesandmothsyousee.
AddyourCounts –Logyourresultsonthewebsiteorviatheapp andtakealookatthefascinatinginteractivemaptoseehowyour dataiscontributingtoconservationscienceandresearch. Formoreinformationandtodownloadyourhandyidentification chart,pleasevisit bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessions forhomeschoolersandmore. BirthdayPartiesandHoliday Schemesavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
FourAshesGolfCentre,Solihull 18holesoffunpackedadventure golfwithcascadingwaterfalls, rockyroutesandapossiblehole inone-It’sfunforallthefamily! fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk /adventure-golf-coursemidlands
CliffLakes
Tamworth
TheUltimatewatersports destination!HometotheUK’s biggestAquaPark.Withan extensiverangeofinflatable slides,climbingwallsand trampolinesover5parks.Plus SUPandcoldwaterswimming. clifflakes.co.uk
GoApe
CannockChase(Staffordshire), WyreForest(Kidderminster), CoombeAbbey(Coventry) Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethe bestofhighropeantics,forest segways,netadventures,ziptrek adventure,axethrowingand mini-LandRovers.Activitiesvary bylocation.Bookonline. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
VariousLocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14years old)EverySundayat9:00. Childrenmustbeableto completethecoursewithoutan adult. parkrun.com
RockUp
Birmingham
Enjoysomehealthy,actionpackedfuninasafe environment.Climbingwalls (age4+),toddlerclimbandplay (upto5’s),verticalchallenges, highropes(minheight requirements)plussoftplayfor 0-5’s.Alsoavailableforgroup bookings,schoolsandparties. rock-up.co.uk
RushUKTrampolinePark Stirchley,Birmingham Theultimateplayexperiencefor allages!OpenJump,Sunset Sessions,ToddlerTakeoverand NEWValoArena-Theworld’s firstmixedrealityplayground. Plus,thebounciestpartiesin town!Jump&Savewitha SummerPass2025.
SunsetSessions
Lightson,musicup!EveryFriday andSaturdayevening,Rush transformsintotheultimate trampoliningparty.Thinkdisco lights,groovytunes,electric atmosphereplustonsofdifferent attractionstochoosefrom. Bounceacrossaseaof trampolinestothelatestdance hits,challengeyourfriendson theirinteractiveattractions,or grabapizzainthecafeafter workingupanappetite!It’sa sessionyoudon’twanttomiss. Ticketsarelimited–booknow! rushuk.com
WHAT’SON
SummerHolidayFun!
DiscoverDudley
Dudley VisittheheartoftheBlack Countrywithsomuchtoseeand dointheboroughfromfamous visitorattractions,historic buildings,beautifulnature reservesandparksandasummer ofspecialevents.There’s somethingforallthefamily! www.discoverdudley.org.uk
SummerReadingChallenge Birmingham,Solihull&Sutton ColdfieldLibraries 21Jun–30Sep
Getreadytogetreadingthis summer.Setyourreadinggoal, exploretheStoryGarden collectionforinspirationandread anythingyoulike!Encouraging childrenage4–11toenjoythe benefitsofreadingforpleasure. Signup,readbooks,earnrewards. Takepartonlineoratyourlocal library. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
WestMidlandsSafariPark Bewdley
JurassicJuly WeekendsthroughoutJuly Prehistoricadventureforallthe family.Keepyoureyespeeledfor dinosaursroamingaroundwith theirexpertkeepersasyou exploretheSafariWalk,visitthe LandoftheLivingDinosaurs,doa DinoDigandgrababiteatthe DinoDiner. wmsp.co.uk
BirminghamBotanicalGardens Edgbaston 18Jul–7Sep PollinatorTrail Funandinformativetrailtaking youthroughthegardensona journeytodiscoverhowimportant pollinatorsare.Age recommendation:6+,younger childrenmayrequirehelpto complete.Ticketedaddon(£2) TheGardenshave7,000plants, 4VictorianGlasshouses,anda playground. birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
PlanetIce
Solihull 18Jul–8Sep
SummerHolidaysIceSkating Skateforfun,learntoskate(3day or5daycourses),sub-zerodisco skateeveryFridaynightorbooka party.Iceskatingfunforallthe family.Doublediscountson selecteddatesandholidaysforIce CardMembers. planet-ice.co.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick 19Jul–1Sep
TheGreatSummerAdventure Getreadyforadventurethis summer!NEWFoamParty,Maize MazeandStoryTimewithSnorty andmuch,muchmore!Saveupto 77%withanUnlimitedGreat SummerAdventureMultiPass, availableonline.PlusNEWParty Packagesavailable. hattonworld.com
SellyManorMuseum Birmingham 19–29Aug(10:00–17:00)
TreasureIsland Ahoymehearties!Makeandtake homesomepiratecraftsandenjoy someswashbucklingfuninthe garden.Recommendedage: Under10s.Nobookingrequired. (Closed25Aug) sellymanormuseum.org.uk
DaysOut
BirminghamMuseum&Art Gallery
Birmingham 23&30Jul,6,13,20&27Aug
ArtsClub:SummerFunatthe Museum
Joininwithsomehands-onfun throughoutthesummerholidays inaseriesofworkshopsaimedat children5+fromjewellerymaking topatternprinting.Eventsstartat 12:00,13:00&14:00.Tickets£3.50 perchild.Under3’sFREE. Bookingadvised. birminghammuseums.org.uk/ev ents/arts-club-summer-holidays
StatfoldCountryPark Tamworth 23Jul-31Aug
Everythingyouneedforafun familydayout!Steamtrain,Toby’s Barnsoftplay,world-renowned locomotivemuseum,shop,café, vintagecarouselride,colouring station,outdoorgamesandplay park.Gainunlimitedgeneral openingvisits,20%offspecial eventsand10%offPeeler’sBar& CaféwithaSteamintoSummer Passfrom£20perpersonforvisits until30Sep. statfold.com
SamuelJohnsonBirthplace Museum
Lichfield 31Jul,7,14,21&28Aug (11:00–13:00)
SummerFunFamilyCraftActivity Hands-onfamilycraftactivity.£2 perchild,accompanyingadults FREE.Bookingrecommendedbut notessential.FREEentrytothe museumwithmorefunactivities includingquillpenwriting, colouringandcostumestotryon. samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk /whats-on
Parkridge BruetonPark,Solihull Mon&Wed (10:00–11:00&11:15–12:15)
HolidayEvents
Themedworkshopsforprimary agedchildrenrunthroughoutthe schoolholidays.Frompond dippingandbrilliantbirdstoden buildingandwickedwoodlands. £6perchildplusonefree accompanyingadultadmission. Fulldetailsonline. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk /events
GoldenPutter CannonHillPark,Birmingham Mon-Sun10:00-20:00 Challengethekidsto36holesof minigolfmadnessthissummer. Perfectforpeopleofallages. Wheelchair/pushchairaccessible. Brilliantwaytospendthedaywith friendsandfamily! cannonhillpark.co.uk
SummerFun
SycamoreAdventureCentre, Dudley Tue–Sat(SummerHolidays) Childrencanexplore,playandfeel freedomintheadventure playground,sensoryroomandsoft play.£5perchild,payonarrival. Indoorandoutdoorfun. Supervisingparents/carersFREE. Inclusiveplaysessionsforchildren withdisabilitiesandtheirfamilies. sycamoreadventure.co.uk
NPFBassetsPoleAdventure Park
SuttonColdfield 20+Kidsandfunfamilyactivities, idealforkeepingactive, adventurouskidsaged5+ entertainedthroughouttheschool holidays.Paintball,LaserTag, Archery,Bushcraft,QuadTrekking, JungleEscape,Gelballandmuch more.Agerestrictionsapply. www.npfbassettspole.com
LichfieldMaizeMaze
Lichfield
Exploretheamazingmaizemazes, walkthroughthesunflower avenuesandPYOsunflowers. Enjoygardengames,countryside funandfreshairthissummer. Perfectforlittleexplorers! Ticketsonline. lichfieldmaizemaze.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth
Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm. Entryincludesanimalfeed,tractortrailerride,pony-sit-onandlotsof animalinteraction.Outdoorplay areas.Children’sPartyPackages. ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark
Edgbaston
Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld. Thereareredpandas,lemurs, reptiles,meerkats,otters,birds, wallabiesandacollectionof monkeys. birmingham.gov.uk /conservationpark
BurntwoodAlpaca&Animal Farm
Burntwood
Fun-filleddayoutonthefarmfor allthefamily!Hands-onanimal experiences,seasonaleventsand children’sbirthdaypartypackages. Bookonline. burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
CadburyWorld
Birmingham
Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowCadbury Chocolateismade.Interactive factorytourwithdemos,exciting rides,meetCadburycharacters. Withplentyofchocolateytreats! cadburyworld.co.uk
DraytonManor
Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthe familytoenjoy.Ticketsinclude ThomasLand,a15-acrezoo,a Vikingsareaandnauticallythemed AdventureCove.SummerWater FestinAugust. draytonmanor.co.uk
LegolandDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwith yourfavouriteLEGOcharactersin Miniland,the4Dcinema,the KingdomQuestRide,LegoCity Softplayandsomuchmore.50% offwithcertainlocalpostcodes. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
NationalSeaLifeCentre
Birmingham
VisittheAquariumwiththeUKs only360-degreeoceantunneland over60displaysoffreshwaterand marinelife.QuieterSENDsessions firstSunofeverymonth.50%off withcertainlocalpostcodes. visitsealife.com /birmingham
Sing,Learn&Growwith BilinguaSingBirminghamSouth!
IntroducingLucyAbraham-localmum andlanguagesteacherwhohasrecently beennamedoneof ClubHubUK’sTop 100Children’sActivityProvidersfor2025! BilinguaSingBirminghamSouthoffer joyfulbaby,toddlerandpreschool classescombiningmusic,sensoryplay, andlanguagelearningwithyourchoice ofSpanish,FrenchorItalian(andEnglish too-sonopriorknowledgeisneeded!).Withpuppets, movement,parachutes,lightsandbubbles,theiraward-winning methodsupportsearlydevelopmentandmakeslearningfun-for littleones(fromjust4weeks)andtheirgrown-upstoo! Song-filledweeklyclassesareavailableinHarborne,Bearwood andBournvilleaswellasinnurseriesandprimaryschoolsacross SouthBirmingham.
Comeandexperiencethemagicofmusicandlanguages!
Visit: bilinguasing.com/find-a-class/birmingham-south/
Isyourchild ready forschool?
IfyouareaparentofachildstartingschoolinSeptember,you maybewonderinghowreadyornottheyareforthisnew challenge.Sowethoughtittimelytoaskourfriendsat LearningJournals(www.learningjournals.co.uk)totellus what‘schoolreadiness’reallymeans.
Whatis‘schoolreadiness’?
Therearemultipleinterpretationsof‘schoolreadiness.’Herewe explorethedefinitionoftheearlyyearsfoundationstage(EYFS): ‘Thebroadrangeofknowledgeandskillsthatprovidetheright foundationforgoodfutureprogressthroughschoolandlife.’
StatutoryFrameworkfortheEYFS,2014
Sotheabovedefinitionreferstochildrenaroundtheageof5 whoareabouttostartformaleducation,i e primaryschoolin theUK.Somewillrefertothisstageaskindergarten.
Schoolreadinesscanbebrokendownintomultiple characteristics.Understandingwhereachildisatintermsof thesecharacteristicswilldeterminehow‘schoolready’theyare.
Someofthesecharacteristicscanbedifficultforchildren toachieve.Theimportantthingisthatparents,carersand practitionersareawareofanydifficultiesandcanthenputsteps inplacetoprovidetherightlevelofassistance.
Self-regulation
Thisrelatestotheabilitytoobtain,maintainandchange emotion,behaviour,attentionandactivitylevelsinlinewitha certaintaskorsituation.Inotherwords,howachildcanadapt tovarioussituations,beitplayingoutsideorlearninginsidethe classroom.
Sensoryprocessing
Sensoryprocessingisaformofstimulationthatoccursin variousenvironments,aswellasinone’sownbodythat influencesattentionandlearning.Thiswouldaffectthingslike howachildmightsit,holdapencilandlistentoothers.
Receptivelanguage(understanding)
Thisisasimpleonetograsp.Essentially,receptivelanguage referstohowchildrenunderstandwhattheyhear.Theyneedto beabletounderstandquestionsinordertorespondaccordingly.
Expressivelanguage(talking)
Expressivelanguagelinkswithreceptivelanguage.Aswellas understanding,yourchildwillneedtobeabletocommunicate withotherstogetthemostoutoftheireducation.Inother words,it’sanessentialpartofschoolreadiness.
Articulation
Articulationisquitesimilartotheprevioustwocharacteristics.It referstohowachildpronouncesindividualsoundsinwords.
Executivefunctioning
Executivefunctioningrelatestoahigherorderofreasoning andthinkingskills.Forexample,achildwhohasaprettygood ideaofwhattheyneedtopacktotaketoschool(e g completed homework).
Emotionaldevelopment/regulation
Likeself-regulation,emotionaldevelopmentisallabouthow achildperceivesandrespondstotheiremotions.Childrengo throughawaveofemotionsatayoungage,soit’simportantfor themtounderstandwhythey’refeelingthewaytheyareand howtoprocesstheirfeelingsappropriatelyatschool.
Socialskills
Achild’sabilitytoengageinreciprocalinteractionswithothers, eitherverballyornon-verbally.Schoolissocial,meaningchildren willneedtobepreparedtospeakwithteachers,fellowchildren andothers,withoutworry.
Planning/sequencing
Whenitcomestoschoolreadiness,planningandsequencing arekey.Afterall,howachildperformsamulti-steptaskor activitywilldeterminehoweffectivetheyareatdeveloping integralskillsthatwillhelpthemlaterinlife.
Youcandownloadaschoolreadinesschecklistatthelinkat thebottomofthispage.
From5Julyto13September,theSummerReading ChallengeinviteschildrenacrosstheUKtoexplorethe ‘StoryGarden.’Thisyear’sthemecelebratestheoutdoors, encouragingreadingwhileinspiringcreativityand imagination.
TheChallenge,designedtopromoteliteracyandalifelonglove ofbooks,keepsyoungmindsengagedoverthesummer. Childrencanjoinbyborrowingbooksfromtheirlocallibrary, loggingtheirprogress,unlockingactivitiesandearning rewardslikestickersandcertificates.
Organisedby TheReadingAgency alongsidelibraries,this freeinitiativemakesreadingfunforallagesandabilities.With plentyofadventurestodiscover,it’saperfectwaytoenrich theschoolbreak.Visityourlocallibrarytosignupandsee yourchildgrowtheirloveforbooksintheStoryGarden. www.readingagency.org.uk
Problemswithschoolreadiness
Youcantellyourchildhasproblemswithschoolreadiness whenthey:
•Geteasilyfrustratedorareirritablewhenaskedtodo something.
•Relyonyouorotheradultstogetdressedorgotothetoilet.
•Struggletofollowinstructionsand/orretainfocus.
•Aresociallyimmature(i.e.unabletoshare,don’tinteract wellwithotherchildren).
•Havepoorreceptiveskills(i.e.can’tarticulate).
•Don’tunderstandconsequencesforactions.
•Resistnewactivitiesorthechancetolearnnewskills.
Todiscoverhowtohelpyourchildwithschool readiness,visitwww.bit.ly/schready
IndependentSchools
PrepandJunior Schools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214545831
www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham
T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham
T:01214547021
www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214404103
www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat10May 09:30–13:00
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398
www.sgse.co.uk
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800 www.thebluecoatschool.com
Asrecommendedon Daynurseries.co.uk,pleasevisit toseewhatourparentssay
T:01214541170
Atallour nurseriesthewarmand welcomingenvironment ensuresthat your child’sindividualneeds areprioritised,and theirinterests nurtured.
E:highfield.nursery@childbase.com
HighfieldDayNursery,3-4HighfieldRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B153ED
T:01217529750
E:crescent@childbase.com
CrescentDayNursery,21-22CalthorpeRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B151RP
Birmingham,Solihull&SuttonColdfield
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097
www.westhouseprep.com
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582
www.shrubberyschool.com SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
HallfieldSchoolSeniors Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolSeniors
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400
www.highclareschool.co.uk
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham T:01214721672 www.kes.org.uk
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls
Birmingham T:01214721834 www.kehs.org.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103
www.prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu26Jun 16:30–18:30
SolihullSchool
Solihull
T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
Registerforopen eventsonline
Summerreadingchoices
BySarahCampbell
Lookingforthebestnewbooksforyourfamilyreadingthissummer?There’snothingbetterthansharingstories-andthere’sa bookoutthereforeveryone!Hereareourtoppicks.
AGoodNight’sSleepby EmmaChichesterClark (HarperCollins)
Ages3-5
Wittystorytelling,stunning illustrationsandplayfulanimal characterscometogetherin thisgorgeousnewpicture book.It’sthemiddleofthe nightandMaudiewouldreally likeagoodnight’ssleep. Headingtoherlovelyhouse inthewoodsforawellearnedrest,shefindssome unexpectedvisitorsinthe way…
WildMagic:Legendofthe BlackLionbyAbi Bello (Simon&Schuster)
Ages5-8
Thefirstinathrillingnew seriesofillustratedchapter books,thisstorytakesreaders onawildlifeadventure toEthiopia,wheretwins MishaandZiggyputtheir extraordinaryanimalpowers tothetest.Mishacanspeak toanimalsandZiggycan shapeshiftintothembutwhen thelegendaryBlackLiongoes missing,cantheykeepthe wholejunglesafefromharm?
There’saGorillaatthe DoorbyClareHelenWelsh, illustratedbySamCaldwell (LittleTiger)
Ages3-5
Packedwithfun,characterful illustrations,thislaugh-outloudstorycelebratesthejoyof differenceandbelongingina blended-familyenvironment. Daphne’smumandstepdad arethrowingafamilyparty. It’sgoingtobesoboring.But whenagorillaknocksonthe door,arhinorollsinanda kangaroopopsup,thispartyis goingtogetwild!
SolvingCrimesisNOTMy SuperpowerbyNathan Lessore (LittleTiger)
Ages5-8
Mysteryandadventure combineinastoryabout beingextraordinary.Everyone elseinSara’shometownhas beengrantedextraspecial powersbyamysterious treasure–butnotSara.She can’tevenlevitateasquirrel! Whentheschoolfootball trophyisstolen,itfallsto Saratofinditandmaybe,just maybe,shewilldiscoverher superskillsintheprocess.
BeastieBros:TheCabbage JuiceCrimebyDavid O’Connell (Scholastic)
Ages5-8
Thishighlyillustratedchapter bookisperfectforyoungeror reluctantreaders.Minibeast bestiesDash,afireflyand Dribble,asnail,mustfoila mastercriminalplotinvolving acrystalworm,ancient custard,astolenRoboslugand somedastardlydungbeetles. Riotouslygoodfun,thiswill haveyoungreaderslaughing outloud.
MyDogbyOliviaWake (HarperCollins)
Ages8-12
Thisisastoryaboutan extraordinaryfriendship.When RhysmovestoLondontolive withhisestranged ad,he decidestokeepsecretthelost blackLabradorhehas adopted–butlookingaftera secretdogisanythingbut easy!Toldwithheartand empathy,Rhys’sstoryis perfectforreadingtogetheras afamily.
Mart Moose:FirstClass MischiefbyClairePowell (Walker)
Ages5-8
MeetMart Moose!Aquirky character,funillustrations, humour,adventureandheart combineinaperfectpackage fornewlyindependent readers.It’sMarty’sfirstday onthejobasPostmouseand he’sreadytogo.Butthings takeatrickyturnwhenhegets lostinWhiskerWarrenand needsrescuingbyadoolally rabbitnamedNibbles.Who knewpostagecouldbeso perilous!
DeepDarkbyZohraNabi (Simon&Schuster)
Ages8-12
Withchildrenbeingsnatched offthestreetsofLondon, CassiaThorneandher friendssetouttoinvestigate andrescuethembeforeit’s toolate.Theinspiringlead character,magic,mysteryand adventurewillhaveyouonthe edgeofyourseats!
SarahCampbellisco-founderofParrotStreetBookClub(www.parrotstreet.com),anonlinechildren’sbookshopfor ages5-14offeringahandpickedcollectionofhigh-qualitychildren’schapterbooks,plusanaward-winningmonthlybook subscription.
Healthysummer foodoptions
ByReneeKohley
GardenPartyQuesadillas (egg-free,gluten-free,nut-free,
soy-free)
Eventhetoughestlittleveggiecriticsinthehousewillfallin lovewiththeseooey-gooeyquesadillas!
Thereissomethingmagicalthathappenstoveggieswhen youroastthem,theybecomesweetwiththecaramelised sugarsthatnaturallyoccurinthevegetables.Soft,easy-to-eat roastedvegetables,yummycheeseandacreamy,proteinpackedbeanspreadmakethesequesadillasawell-rounded (andfun)lunch(orlunchbox)ideaforanydayoftheweek.
Makes4to6quesadillas(dependingonthesizeofthe tortillas;olderchildrenwilleatoneortwo tortillaswhileyoungerchildrenwilleathalf ofatortilla).
Asthereisquitealonglistofingredients, wehaveputtheseandthemethodfor GardenPartyQuesadillasonline.Justvisit www.bit.ly/recipegpqorscantheQRcode!
Five-ingredientfast-prep chickennuggets (dairy-free,gluten-free,nut-freeand soy-free)
Isitreallythissimpletomakechickennuggets?Mygoalin developingthisrecipewastogetyouawayfromboxedor baggedfrozennuggetswithmile-longlistsofingredientsand Icanpromisethesecrispynuggetswillnotdisappoint.Witha shortingredientlistandafiveminuteprep,you’dneverknow thesenuggetsarebakedinsteadoffriedwiththeircrispy exterior,juicyinteriorandamazingflavour!
Chickennuggetswilllastthreedaysintherefrigerator.Tofreeze thecookedchickennuggets,coolthemcompletelyandfreezein afreezer-safebagforuptothreemonths.Youcanputthechicken nuggetsintolunchboxesfrozenandtheywillthawbylunchtime.
Thisrecipealsodoublesperfectly-justusetwobakingsheets. Doublingwillhelpwithhavingenoughleftoversfromdinnerto stashinyourfreezerfortomorrow’slunchorapicnic.
Servethenuggetswithyourkids’favouritedippingsauce,suchas ketchuporhoneymustard.
Makesabout28(1-inch[2.5-cm])chickennuggets
1cup(55g)gluten-freepankobreadcrumbs 1tspseasalt
1largeegg
Theserecipes featurein TheLittle LunchboxCookbook byReneeKohleyand arereprintedwith permissionofPage StreetPublishingCo. 2020.
Photocredit:Becky Winkler.
1lb(450g)boneless,skinlesschickenbreasts Avocadooroliveoilspray,asneeded
Preheattheovento425°F(218°C).Linealargebakingsheetwitha siliconebakingmatorunbleachedparchmentpaper.
Putthebreadcrumbsandseasaltinagallonzip-topbagand shaketocombinethem.Inasmallbowl,whisktheegg.Setaside thebreadcrumbsandegg.
Lightlypatthechickendryandcutitinto1-inch(2.5-cm)pieces. Transferthechickentothebowlwiththeeggandstirtocombine, sothateverypieceofchickeniscoatedinegg.
Putthecoatedchickenpiecesintothebagof breadcrumbs.Closethebagandshakeit tocoatthechickeninthecrumbs.Place thebreadedchickennuggetsonthe preparedbakingsheet.
Spraythenuggetswiththeoilspray. Bakethemfortwentyminutes,untilthey aregoldenbrownontop.
Placethecookednuggetsonawirerackto cool.
Tip: Ifyourkids like shoneymustardtodip, implystirupa2:1ratio ofmustardtorawhoney foraneasy,fundipping sauce!
