Families Cheshire July/August 22 DIGITAL

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Cheshire

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer activities Holidays What’s On

Lots of giveaways for our readers in this issue!

Magazine

July/August 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE INSIDE

Familiesonline.co.uk July/August 1

CLUBS & CLASSES

Performing and developing key life skills with PQA Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, although its benefits can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

Creativity. Naturally imaginative, pretend play and make believe come easily to kids and can assist their social and emotional development, helping them form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

Problem solving. Solving problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can help kids deal with issues in everyday life. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.

READ MORE

2 July/August

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CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome

2 4 11 15 Well, Families has you covered. We have plenty 17 of low-cost summer entertainment ideas and screen-free projects for the kids in this issue.

18 19 We hate to mention the words “school” at this time of year so all we will say is – September is 21 (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the 22 necessary preparations in mind. Check out our 25 recommendations for school bags and pencil The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family – and the challenge of keeping the kids entertained for six weeks!

cases for the new school year.

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of giveaways including cool kids’ backpacks and copies of the book Helping your Child Cope with Change.

By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive this wonderful magazine!

Clubs & classes What’s On Summer activities Holidays Summer days out Craft Screen-free kids’ fun Summer food Back to school Toys

Get in touch Competition winners from our March/April issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

JUST

£15 SCAN FOR INFO

M I W S R E SUMM PASS

Unlimited

juniors this r o f g in m swim

summer!

Sign up at your local centre today! *Available to purchase from 1 July. Pass valid from 22 July to 2 September only. Admission policy applies for every junior when swimming. †Terms and conditions apply. cheshire families 1/2 page 2022.indd Familiesonline.co.uk

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21/06/2022 10:12 July/August

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WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Daily until 20 Jul Mog’s Remarkable Adventures at Dunham Massey Spring into a nature trail adventure with Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat. Daily until 25 Sep Bouncing Boggles Bonanza at Bewilderwood Daily Boggles storytelling sessions, craft, face painting, park trail and more.

Wed 6 - Sat 9 Jul The Wizard of Oz at Northwich Memorial Court Brought to you by the Vale Royal Musical Theatre is a classic tale that will bring joy to adults and children alike! Join Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as they embark on a glorious quest in the magical land of Oz and, with their three new friends, set off to see the Wizard.

Fri 8 Jul – Mon 29 Aug Little Women at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre The treasured story of the March sisters is reimagined and brought to vivid life.

Fri 8 Jul & Fri 5 Aug The Greatest Circus Show at Tatton Park Spectacular performers and thrilling circus acts will present an amazing 4 July/August

theatrical show.

teaching gentle movements and poses Fri 8 – Sun 10 Jul in the beautiful butterfly Foodies Festival at Tatton garden.

Park Top chefs, tasty food, The Tale of Peter Rabbit delicious drinks and live & Benjamin Bunny at music. Kids can join in the Arley Hall & Gardens fun at The Kids Cookery Enjoy outdoor theatre in Theatre. the beautiful setting of the Garden.

Sat 9 Jul 21st Century ABBA at Holmes Chapel Village Dunham Massey Fair Come along with family Traditional village summer and friends, picnic fair with funfair, stalls and and enjoy a wonderful tug of war. performance of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Sun 10 Jul & Sat 6 Aug Kidchella at Tatton Park Prestbury Festival Ultimate kids festival with Great village fair with music and lots of family bouncy castles, go-karts, fun including face painting, fun rides dog show and glitter bars, children’s more. workshops and roaming entertainers.

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Jul Cheshire Steam Fair at Sat 16 Jul Daresbury Plaza Summer Fayre at Top steam fair attractions The Stockport Plaza including steam engines, Fantastic Summer Fayre fairground organs, with stalls, games and miniature steam engines, refreshments for all the old time funfair, arena family to enjoy. entertainment craft and food marquees.

Funtopia at Ellesmere Children’s festival, Sun 10 Jul filled with high energy Milkshake Live at inflatables and activities Waterside, Trafford Milkshake Monkey is back The Monkey with No Bum and can’t wait to put on a at The Brindley Theatre spectacular NEW Show for A brand-new interactive you. children’s show full of dancing, music and Family Yoga at Lion Salt laughter.

Works Free sessions of yoga, perfect for families, Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 16 Jul Alderfest at Whitchurch Day of summer family fun including live music, children’s entertainment, Food, open-air shopping and water sports.

Macclesfield Family Festival One of Cheshire’s biggest family friendly festivals includes live music, kids’ entertainment stages, funfair, inflatables and stalls.

painting, Malpas fire engine and more.

Thu 21 – Sun 24 Jul Bluedot at Jodrell Bank Observatory Music, science and culture event includes live science experiments, galactic games and the Klangers.

Fri 22 Jul – Mon 29 Aug Stig of the Dump at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Popular family show is back.

Winwick Carnival Fun day including stalls, Sat 23 Jul rides, falconry displays and Family Film at Weaver more.

Hall Museum Free screening of The Sat 16, Fri 29 Jul & Thu 4 Lorax, an adaption of Dr Aug Seuss’ children’s book.

Princess Party at Tatton Park Sat 23 & Sun 24 Jul An interactive show Medieval Weekend at filled with your favourite Beeston Castle Princess sing-along hits Step back in time to includes glitter stations, medieval England. Meet photo opportunities, characters from the children’s workshops and past and hear tales from more. centuries ago.

Sun 17 Jul Wallace & Gromit with Live Brass Band at The Stockport Plaza WFEL Fairey Band will bring to life a screening of Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers.

Family Fete and Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens Fun day including bouncy castle, balloon man, face Familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 23 Jul – Wed 7 Sep A Fairy Tale Summer at Dunham Massey Daily magical activities including storytelling, trail of discovery.

Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep Let’s Play at Quarry Bank The Play Pavilion, a largescale play installation is coming to the Mill Meadow, as well as a nature themed obstacle course.

Sat 23 Jul & Tue 23 Aug Free Family Activities at Lyme Park The visiting Bogtastic Van will be full of interesting and exciting games, videos and interactive experiences.

Sat 23 Jul – 2 Oct The BFG in Pictures at Grosvenor Museum An exhibition of original Quentin Blake illustrations, prepared for Roald Dahl’s classic story The BFG.

Sat 23 Jul & Sat 3 Sep Funtopia at Northwich Children’s festival, filled with high energy inflatables and activities.

Tue 26 Jul – Wed 27 Jul Union Jack Ribbon Wands and Jubilee Crafts at Lion Salt Works Celebrate the jubilee with ribbon wands and more.

Free drop in.

Sat 23 Jul – Fri 5 Aug The Nickelodeon Experience at Heaton Park, Manchester An immersive outdoor experience where all your favourite TV shows come to life.

Tue 26 Jul – Fri 26 Aug Summer Farm Fun at Tatton Park Programme of activities and events including sheep racing, storytelling, milking demos and more.

July/August 5

WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Wed 27 Jul The Nantwich Show Animals, technologies, businesses and entertainment for all ages.

Wed 27 – Thu 28 Jul Box Corner Models at Weaver Hall Museum Make a model of somewhere you’ve been or want to go. Free drop in.

Thu 28 Jul, 11 Aug Storytelling at Grosvenor Museum Enjoy a magical morning of storytelling in the giant’s cavern. Free drop in.

Fri 29 Jul Lily and the Heron at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre A story of bravery, courage and magic told through puppetry and music.

Sat 30 Jul & Fri 5 Aug The Greatest Family Show at Tatton Park A jam-packed live stage show to delight children of all ages.

Sat 30 & Sun 31 Jul, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Aug Murgatroyd’s Brine Pumps Open Days at Middlewich Salt making demos, activities, displays.

Sat 30 Jul – Sun 21 Aug The Gruffalo at The Lowry, Manchester Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3+.

6 July/August

Sun 31 Jul Abba Mia The Party at Tatton Park Incredible cast will take to the stage with a show filled with sequins, flares and ABBA’s biggest hits.

Wed 3 – Thu 4 Aug Make a Clay Pot at Weaver Hall Museum Have a look at one of the museum’s prehistoric pots then make one for yourself.

Free drop in.

Family Fun Day at Chester Racecourse A wonderland full of free activities for children and families

Thu 4 Aug Surrealist Museum at Grosvenor Museum Decorate a bust in a surrealist style – the only limit is your imagination.

Free drop in.

Sat 31 Jul & Sun 14 Aug Wild Science at Quarry Bank Come, meet, hold and learn about the wildlife friends that live in back gardens and hedgerows.

Tue 2 Aug Art Through Time at Grosvenor Museum Make a mini version of a painting in the style of an historic artist. Free drop in.

Fri 5 Aug Rapunzel at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Unique adaptation of the iconic Grimm’s fairy tale with music, circus and lots of family fun.

Fri 5 – Sun 7 Aug The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Storyhouse Chester Join the tea-guzzling tiger Tue 2 & Thu 18 Aug in this delightful family Tatton Tales: Peter Rabbit show. at Tatton Park Explore the Gardens on a Sat 6 Aug delightful storytelling tour. Neonino: Family friendly indoor festival at Tue 2 – Wed 3 Aug Packhorse Social Club, Cardboard Dinosaurs at Stockport Lion Salt Works Neon and UV indoor Come to the saltworks festival with live DJ’s and and make your very own fun for all the family. dinosaur. Free drop in.

Gadgeteering at Stretton Soft Play at Sandbach Watermill Town Hall Learn about the history of Free soft play sessions for the Watermill, the gadgets 0-5 years at 9am and 1pm. of old and do a bit of Contact Sandbach Town gadgeteering. Free drop in.

Hall.

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WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 6 & Sun 28 Aug Working Science at Quarry Bank A hands on interactive event for budding scientists aged 7-11.

Sun 7 & Sat 20 Aug Explorer Dome at Quarry Bank Crawl down the tunnel into the Dome, to visit some of the great natural habitats of Earth.

Tue 9 Aug Dinosaur Adventure Live at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall!

65 million years in the making... are you ready for the adventure? Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as you journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs. This aweinspiring show captivates both young and the young at heart!

Dreams Around the World at Grosvenor Museum Learn about how different cultures think about dreams and make some dream-inspired crafts. Free drop in.

Creepy Crawly Show at Sandbach Town Hall Free shows at 11am & 1 pm, a real hands on experience to meet the exciting critters.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Wed 10 Aug Stained Glass Window Art at Lion Salt Works Create your very own piece of stained glass art which you can decorate.

Free, drop in.

Fri 12 Aug The Giant Balloon Show at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Expect feverous balloon sculptures, high energy comic performance and, of course, a giant balloon.

Fri 12 - Mon 14 Aug Deva Fest Family-friendly three day extravaganza of music, parades, shows and fabulous food and drink.

Sat 13 Aug Cinderella at Dunham Massey Magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best loved of all fairy tales.

Sat 13 & Sun 21 Aug Storytelling Artwork at Quarry Bank Create your own artwork inspired by the story of Quarry Bank.

Sat 13 – Sun 14 Aug Astle Park Traction Engine Rally Leading outdoor show features steam engines, fairground, firework display, craft and food marquees.

Sun 14 Aug Fun Dog Show at Tatton Park Farm Join the farm team for a fun-filled day for you and your dog.

Mon 15 Aug PAW Patrol Live at O2 Apollo, Manchester Everyone’s favourite pups come to the stage for an action packed, high energy, musical adventure.

Tue 16 Aug Fireworks Champions at Children’s Entertainer at Arley Hall & Gardens Sandbach Town Hall An evening of four Amazing Andre the amazing firework displays, Magician, including games lasers lights, drones, music and a disco for 4-8 years. food, drink and fair.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall.

Mini Matsuri at Tatton Park Tue 16 – Thu 18 Aug Festival showcasing Secrets and Spies at authentic Japanese Grosvenor Museum cultural experiences Try the code-breaking trail, including art & craft plus make your own spy kit activities and dance to take home. Free drop in. workshops.

July/August 7

WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Wed 17 Aug Summer Seascape at Lion Salt Works Produce your own seaside-inspired piece of art work. Free drop in.

Dark Age Jewellery at Weaver Hall Museum Make some jewellery to take home and visit the Viking room to try on a helmet & some armour.

Free drop in.

Fri 19 Aug DIG! at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre A gentle first theatre experience, perfect for the very young with music, rhythm and singing.

Fri 19 – Sun 21 Aug Just So Festival at Rode Hall A wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits.

Sat 20 Aug Outdoor Cinema at Dunham Massey Outdoor screening of Mamma Mia (PG).

Tue 23 Aug Prince & Princesses Morning at Sandbach Town Hall Craft making and party games, 10am-12 noon.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall.

Superhero Afternoon at Sandbach Town Hall Meet Spider Man and 8 July/August

Wonder Woman, 1pm-2pm. living, breathing, life-like Contact Sandbach Town dinosaurs.

Hall.

Sat 27 – Sun 28 Aug Tue 23 – Wed 24 Aug Summer Country Fayre at Summer Garden Clay Tatton Park Farm Tiles at Lion Salt Works Visit the farm for a Use different-shaped pasta weekend of traditional to create your very own English fayre and fun. summer garden-inspired clay tile. Free drop in.

Cheshire Festival of Power at Ashley Hall Tue – Thu 25 Aug Showground Look Out, there are New weekend family Giants About at festival with family-friendly Grosvenor Museum entertainment, helicopter Transform yourself into a displays, funfair, zipwire giant by making your own and food village. mask and huge ears Free drop in.

Sat 27 – Mon 29 Aug Legendary Joust at Tue 23 – Sun 28 Aug Beeston Castle Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Thrillingly authentic Birthday at The Lowry, 13th-century tournament Manchester of strength, skill and Sarah and Duck’s horsemanship. enchanting world is brought to life.

Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug Cheshire Game and Fri 26 – Sun 28 Aug Country Fair at Cheshire Luna Outdoor Cinema at Showground Tatton Park From falconry, shire horse West Side Story on Friday, display, cooking demos, Grease on Saturday & ferrets and fishing there’s Moulin Rouge on Sunday. something for everyone.

Fri 26 – Mon 29 Aug Geronimo Family Festival at Arley Hall & Gardens UK’s largest family festival, catering solely to children and allowing families to connect for a fairytale weekend of madness.

Sat 27 Aug Dinosaur Adventure Live at The Brindley Theatre Journey to a world of

Tue 30 Aug Fireman Sam at The Brindley Theatre Come along to Pontypandy for an all singing, dancing, action-packed show.

Tue 30 – Wed 31 Aug Jurassic Live at St Helens Theatre Royal A new and thrilling, fun, educational and interactive stage show.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

A splashing summer with Brio Leisure!

It’s time to enjoy the summer holidays and Brio is here to help you keep the kids busy. You can buy a kid’s summer swim pass from 1 July and let your youngsters enjoy unlimited swimming* between 22 July and 2 September.

That’s six weeks’ worth of casual swims, wet & wild sessions, family swims and more, in participating centres. So dive into a summer of fun and inflatables and have a splashing good time.

With six pools across Cheshire West and Chester, you can buy a Kids Swim Pass for just £15. There’s something for everyone to enjoy so simply pop in and speak to a member of the reception team to get started!

Find your local Brio Centre HERE or find out more HERE. * T&Cs

Help your child navigate 75 difficult times!

available

Apply for your FREE book Written by Liat Joshi Hughes Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

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July/August 9

Calling parents living in Cheshire!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing?

Do you think you could grow a business?

Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.

Are you interested in media and marketing?

Come and run Families Cheshire magazine!

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Activities Tips/Advice Days Out

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Free printable activities for all ages

Solve the “I’m bored!” problem - remember to take a stash of these with you when your family is out and about!

Seaside Holiday Activities

Stargazing Live Activity Pack

The Usborne Unworry Pack

Including word searches, I Spy Seaside and more.

Activities to explore the night sky from the BBC Stargazing LIVE team.

Collection of fun, mindful activities to help children calm their minds.

Road Trip Games

There Once is a Queen Jubilee Activity Pack

My Holiday Book

Fun-packed games including bingo, word search and maze.

Reading Reward Chart

Encourage the kids to keep reading during the holidays with this chart.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Celebrate Jubilee year with this activity pack.

Ladybird Activity Pack

Bumper activity pack with over thirty pages of fun.

Fun games and activities to entertain kids ages 3-5 on holiday.

Puffin Activity Pack

Word searches, activities, experiments and more.

July/August 11

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle. *while stocks last T&Cs apply

12 July/August Magazine

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Low-cost summer fun Something different

Out and about

Enjoy a wild swim When it warms up, take a dip at your local wild swimming spot.

Let’s fish!

The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing expert guided taster sessions.

Borrow a doggy Join Borrow My Doggy to bond with a dog in need of love while their owners are at work.

Free tennis coaching and court usage The LTA is running free tennis sessions or coaching at venues across Britain.

Cinema deals Odeon and Cineworld will be running kids’ screenings with tickets priced from £3.25.

Hop on board the train. Have a rail adventure. Visit somewhere new on the cheap using a Family and Friends Railcard.

Visit a pet store Kids will enjoy checking out the pets for sale. Some stores run animal handling sessions and other activities.

Pick your own berries Gather a heap of juicy strawberries, raspberries or other summer fruit.

Fresh air

Safer sleeping outside for little ones!

Join in National Play Day Join in one of hundreds of community events that celebrate the importance of play.

Go fly a kite!

Cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them.

Find the Gruffalo There are themed walks based on the books up and down the country.

Woodland adventure Explore your nearest woodland, enjoy adventure play, off-road cycling and create a den.

APPLY HERE for your FREE Snoozeshade

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July/August 13

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Best holiday activity books for kids Want something to occupy the kids on the plane, train, in a café or restaurant or if they just need a quiet ten minutes? You can’t go past these brilliant activity and sticker books.

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday Sticker Book

Dinosaurium Activity Book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Nature Sticker and Colouring Book

Find Tom in Time

Never Get Bored Activity Book

Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Unicorns

Ages 7-9. £9.29

Ages 2-3. £5.57

Age 6+. £7.43

14 July/August

Ages 6-10. £9.28

100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey Age 3+. £6.50

Age 3-5. £6.73

Age 6+. £9.29

Sticker by Letter: In the Wild Activity Book

Age 4+. £5.57

Holiday Puzzles and Games Age 7+. £6.50

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Perfect eco-friendly swimwear for summer Mix tops and bottoms to suit the occasion. Protect your child’s precious skin in a shortie suit or watch them cartwheel in a cossie!

If we had to pick one ‘can’t live without’ item, it would be the Power Poncho with its fast-drying fabric and hidden game on the inside.

Whatever your summer vibe, Grass&Air has got your family covered. Just add water.

More info HERE. This summer, Grass&Air is coming with you and your kids on every single adventure.

Its new Sun+Swim collection for kids ages 1 to 10 is bursting with clever ideas. Made using recycled plastic bottles and fabric offcuts, each piece has been designed for maximum enjoyment, whether kids are splashing in the paddling pool or doing karate kicks at big waves in the sea.

Get the best out of family life!

SIGN UP HERE to receive every issue IT’S FREE!

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July/August 15

HOLIDAYS

How to holiday responsibly We all need to do our bit for the planet so we asked our friends at Tested by Tots for their ideas for some eco-friendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives.

Beeswax wraps

Washable & reusable for up to six years.

15% discount - TOTS15

Reef-friendly sunscreen

Switch to biodegradable spray from Nivea, freefrom ingredients that damage ocean life.

Beachwear

Frugi clothing uses GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled materials.

16 July/August

Reusable BBQs

Shampoo bars

Sustainable toys

Bamboo nappies and wipes

Saves space and is as The Landmann Piccolino effective as the runny BBQ comes in two stuff. Trial sizes available. colours for under £70.

These use recycled materials and are vigorously safety tested.

10% discount -10GREENTOYS22

Sustainable teethers

Decompose much more quickly than regular products.

50% off newborn starter kit - NBTOT50

Eco sunglasses

Made from sustainable wheat straw.

Made from natural, plantBiodegradeable. Four based rubber. colours for kids ages 5-9.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Days out – put the kids in charge!

There are so many advantages to this including increased confidence for your kids and less brain work for you!

Benefits

Tips

Builds confidence that can then be applied in other areas eg school morning routines.

Set a budget and be clear what it covers eg entry fees, travel costs and food.

Provides valuable source of additional thinking and planning for you!

Spell everything out. Make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to do.

Research and planning

On the day

Ensure they gather all relevant information eg opening times, entry fees, travelling times etc.

Let them navigate, whether that’s using a phone, map, tube map or street directory.

Suggest they plan the day including time for departure, arrival, journey and food breaks.

Be tolerant; making mistakes is all part of the learning.

Allows kids to exercise independence and test their abilities.

Offer incentives such as bonus spending money for any savings they achieve.

Keep it up Build on the confidence your child has gained by introducing new family responsibilities.

Get them to plan the weekly dinner menu or help draw up the shopping list.

Start a fun day out ideas jar that everyone contributes to. Pull one out every weekend or holidays.

Put ONE child in charge. Others will get their turn IF they cooperate with their sibling.

Try to back off and not interfere too much but be there in case guidance or intervention is needed.

Dozens of family activities!

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July/August 17

CRAFTS

Have a crafty summer!

Help the kids with these bright and beautiful ocean and summerthemed craft projects this holiday season.

Paper plate aquarium

Ocean dioramas

Butterfly finger puppet

Recycled plastic jelly fish mobile

Fish soap carving

Cupcake liner crabs

Egg carton bumble bee

Sea turtle

Wooden spoon mermaid

18 July/August

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SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Garage sales

Toy purge

A great way to declutter, reuse unwanted household items and make some money. Help the kids choose a date, decide what to sell, organise the items for easy browsing and label and price everything. You can then get them drawing posters to advertise the event. You can help by posting on social media.

TIPS

Disposing of old toys can be challenging but is worthwhile for children and parents alike. If your child is resistant to parting with old favourites, challenge them to play with them for an appropriate amount of time or donate them to charity. Involve your child in taking their toys to the local charity shop.

TIPS

Put on a show

Retro games day

Challenge your kids to put on a mini-play or concert or re-enact a favourite book or movie scene.

You may have a budding standup comic, magician or storyteller in the family! An old sheet can be a backdrop or curtain; reading lamps can be spotlights.

Get them making tickets and setting up seating.

TIPS

Make a list of your favourite games from your own childhood such as hopscotch, marbles, elastics, Grandmother’s Footsteps, long rope skipping, Oranges and Lemons and spend a fun filled day reminiscing with your kids. For extra nostalgia, provide some of your favourite childhood snacks and sweets.

TIPS

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July/August 19

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Water wars

Make a movie

When temperatures rise and tempers start to fray, encourage the kids to have an old-fashioned water fight. Use buckets, sponges, watering cans or fill up some balloons (purchase refillable water balloons). You could invest in fancy water pistols or a novelty sprinkler, water play mat or water slide.

TIPS

If you are prepared to lend your phone for filming, this is a great creative holiday project for older children. A short film is ideally three to five minutes long and it can be factual or story based.

Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt

Family Mini-Olympic Games

Create a list of landmarks for the kids to find in your street or the local park eg a distinctive house or a large tree. Write clues that help them find these landmarks.

This gets the kids active and requires little equipment. They can make a torch and have an opening ceremony. Races can include a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt, discus with a frisbee, shot put using bean bags or tennis balls.

TIPS

Go along with them or clearly outline the area of the hunt so they don’t wander too far.

TIPS 20 July/August

Advise your child to keep it simple and start with a plan or better still a script.

TIPS

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FOOD

Summer lunch and picnic ideas

Whip up these delicious dishes with the kids, courtesy of Neha @squashedpickle Click on the images to watch her helpful videos!

Egg & Pea Cheesy Waffles

Sweet Pea Pasta Muffins

This three-ingredient recipe couldn’t be any easier, making it perfect for little hands! You can switch up the vegetables or even use a frozen veg mix if you prefer. The waffles are a great alternative to the usual picnic food or lunch at home.

READ RECIPE

Zac loves pasta. I used to make these a lot when he was young.

They are light on mess, freezable and make a perfect on-thego snack. Kids can learn basic kitchen techniques while they experiment with different sauces and build their own muffins.

READ RECIPE

Pesto Cheese Twists

Pizza Croissants

These twists are super-easy to prepare and so delicious. If you are looking for a kitchen-based activity to do with the kids during the summer, this recipe is great for teaching basic cutting and pastry twists. And you’ll end up with a fabulous snack or lunch option at the end!

READ RECIPE

This is a fun way to use ready prepared croissant dough which is absolutely delicious. You can stuff the croissants with all your favourite pizza toppings.

If you have a child who is fussy with vegetables, try including them in the stuffing. We’ve used mushrooms in this example.

READ RECIPE

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July/August 21

BACK TO SCHOOL

School bags for the new school year Children really love to choose a new school bag at the start of the school year. Here are some of our top suggestions.

Frugi Adventurers Backpack Good quality bag uses recycled and organic materials. £28

M&S Minecraft™ Water Repellent School Backpack

Large, light and great for Minecraft fans. Machine washable. £24

Novelty Rocket Backpack

Eye-catching but practical. Mesh pockets, adjustable straps. £30 22 July/August

LittleLife Big HiVis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak

Eastpak Padded Backpack

Liewood Allan Backpack

Nobodinoz Sunshine Kids Backpack

Babymel Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack

Adidas Class Backpack

Suits Reception-aged kids. High vis material. £19.99

Sturdy backpack for A4-sized books. Front pockets for smaller items. £47

Stylish, durable but comfortable with padded Made from organic shoulder and chest cotton with water straps. £47 repellent coating. £39.95

Colour your own with washable felt pens. £14

Great for sporty, older kids. Plenty of room for laptop/books. £21.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

Starting school VERY soon?

Want to get organised and prepare your child socially and emotionally?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Safer sleeping outside for little ones!

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

APPLY HERE for your FREE Snoozeshade

Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle.

Worth £29.99 each

5

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Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures

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July/August 23

BACK TO SCHOOL

Top pencil case picks for September Next on the list for kids, after a new school bag, is a new pencil case.

Here are our favourites for the new season.

ZIPIT Talking Monstar Large

Fun pencil case which fits up to sixty pens or pencils. £8.50

Helix Pro Athletic

Large main compartment with wide opening zip, durable material. £4.52

Rachel Ellen Girls Rule the World Stylish and colourful, made from durable neoprene. £7.99

24 July/August

Maomaoyu Large Capacity

Dinosaur Colour & Learn

Smiggle Calculator Hard Top

Narwhal Plush

Durable and super-sized Fun and practical, comes pencil case with 3 zipped with wash-out fabric compartments. £8.69 pens. £12.95

Side panels with elastic pen and pencil holders. £15.50

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case

Makes a perfect ‘first pencil case’ for younger children. £3

Brown Paper Personalised

Roomy enough for pens, pencils, sharpeners Great for organisation. and rubbers. Can be Holds fifty pens/pencils personalised. £9.99 with a carry handle. £7.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

TOYS

Diversify your toy box Would you like your child to have toys which reflect the world in which we live? If so, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at Sheni and Teni which offers diverse books, toys and games for kids.

Sheni & Teni card games

Very Puzzled map puzzles

Cica Toys Yorupad

Our Kids Trove

Celebrate the wonders of Feature landmarks/ Africa through four loved attractions highlighting card games. notable people of colour.

Philly n Friends doll

Five African Iconic Leaders & Queens handpainted 9cm peg dolls.

Muffin Sisters

Helping children discover language through play.

An eclectic collection of culturally diverse toys and educational resources.

African-inspired elephant plush toys that encourage tactile play.

Colour Celebrations height chart

Imagine Me Stories subscription box

Learning with Ez emotions flashcards

Track your little ones height as they grow.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Monthly subscription offering of diverse books and black history activities. Ages 0-12.

Ten double sided full colour emotion and feelings cards.

July/August 25