Families Dorset Jul/Aug 2023 Digital

CONTENTS

Welcome

We have tonnes of ideas for summer fun in this issue. If you’re looking for a day out, take a look at our articles on top UK beaches, theme parks and outdoor adventure parks to get truly inspired. And, if you’re heading on holiday or on a day trip, don’t forget to download our free activity printables for those ‘I’m bored’ moments.

Closer to home, try some Forest School activities and some great recipes which will develop your child’s cooking skills.

September will roll round before you know it, so read tips on how you can help your child with the transition to a new school year and check out the best uniform labelling and stationery ideas.

Look out for LOADS of fabulous giveaways in issue too. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Numberblocks toy bundles to giveaway For endless play and learning adventures Bundles include: Numberblocks Friends One to Five & Six to Ten Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset As seen on CBeebies Officially licensed from Learning Resources™ T&C’s apply APPLY HERE

In

Get in touch

Devise a production this summer

New Perform classes in Bournemouth

International British Theatre School Junior Holiday Camps bring professionals from the British performance industry to children ages 5 to 13 in their local areas in order to improve their social skills, confidence and live public speaking and performance abilities.

In small, age-appropriate groups, students are supervised by a trusted, qualified team of facilitators to devise a twenty minute production. This is performed to an audience with lights, sound, scenery and costumes.

With their consent, shows are filmed and provided to parents to treasure as a family memory or material to send on to industry professionals.

Camps in Sherborne run 14 to 18 and 21 to 25 August and feature water games, creative drama games, supervised theatre and public speaking, art and craft and prop design, daily sport at the end of the day – and more!

Register HERE

Children’s drama school, Perform, has opened classes in Bournemouth and are offering every child a FREE trial class.

Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform’s weekly classes focus on developing confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

From September, children ages 4 to 7 join an adventure based on the story of Phileas Fogg, in Around the World. Meanwhile, those ages 7 to 12 will take part in a modern rock version of Cinderella, in Cinderella Rocks.

Classes: St Augustin’s Church Hall, BH2 6NU on Tues (4-5pm ages 4 to 7) and 5.05-6.05pm ages 7 to 12).

Find out more and book class HERE

Visit Wimborne Model Town this summer

Summer family fun at Highcliffe Castle

Explore the world of historic Wimborne in the 1950s – in miniature!

Peek through the windows of the hotel to see what the guests are watching on TV, identify the goods for sale in the shop window and listen for the telephone and flushing toilets! Spot the tiny model of the Model Town – and even tinier model of the model of the Model at 1/1000th scale!

Touch, smell and enjoy plants in the Sensory Garden and create your own garden music with musical instruments. Check out the mischievous Wareham Bears; drive a train in the interactive Model Railway; drive a train in the interactive Model Railway, discover the world of model building in Life Before Lego and wonder at the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection.

Nine-hole crazy golf and tearoom serving light lunches and refreshments. And come back again for free! Entry tickets give you unlimited visits for a year.

More info HERE

There are lots of fun family activities at Highcliffe Castle this summer, so if you haven’t visited before, now is the perfect time!

Explore the grounds by taking part in the Outdoor Trail, running Sunday to Thursday (£3 per child). Pay in the gift shop and collect a craft activity to take home and complete.

Or venture inside the Castle on Tuesdays and Thursdays for its popular crafts sessions, with different seaside themes every week. Craft sessions are included in normal Castle admission. Enjoy a lovely selection of dressing up clothes, as well as colouring activities and interactive displays along the visitor route.

And what could be nicer on a summer’s evening than sitting on a blanket or deck chair on the lawns for an outdoor theatre performance? Performances include Wind in the Willows (Sunday, 23 July), Bad Dad (Sunday, 20 August) and Robin Hood (Sunday 27 August). Booking required.

More info HERE

Become a challenger at Monkey World

Fun for all ages at RockReef Bournemouth

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre near Wareham is challenging your little monkeys to learn about primate rescue and rehabilitation at the park this summer! For just £2.50, each challenger will receive a beautiful card to fill with stickers and a Monkey World pencil. Children completing five challenges from the huge list of fun activities will receive a certificate and be entered into a prize draw.

Home to over two hundred and fifty primates, including more than fifty chimpanzees and Europe’s official crèche for orphaned orangutan infants, many of Monkey World’s residents have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions or experienced unbelievable cruelty. Now they enjoy each other’s company in a safe, natural environment.

Self-guided audio tours, free keeper Q&A’s, see the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest adventure playground.

Book online and save up to 10% HERE

A huge range of amazing activities to suit all ages from 4+ awaits at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier.

The indoor adventure centre includes twenty-eight climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, Pier Cave and Vertical Slide. Great for rainy days or when you just need a break from the sun, it’s the perfect day out to keep the whole family entertained. And, outside is the awesome PierZip, the only pier to shore zip wire in the world!

For groups of four or more there’s a great value Friends & Family Ticket available which will save you money off the individual ticket prices.

Get the best price by booking online. Your advance booking confirmation will also give you free pier entry, saving you even more on the day. Sessions do sell out in advance during the holidays so book early to guarantee your fun day out.

More information and booking HERE

Summer entertainment at Bournemouth Pavilion

Summer fun at Purbeck Sports Centre

From the creators of the West End smash hit, Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss Dragons and Mythical Beasts at Bournemouth Pavilion running from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August.

Enter a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…!

Then, from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 August, escape like no other with CIRQUE: The Greatest Show. You will be taken into a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meets a jaw-dropping circus spectacular. This is an awardwinning, smash-hit sensation that is fun for all the family.

For more information and booking, click HERE

At Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham this summer, families can enjoy Laser Tag, Nerf Gun Fun, archery, tennis, Wipeout World, trampolining and gymnastics, intensive and private swimming lessons, Football Fun, Archery Tag, dodgeball and Jump Up and Dance workshops.

The pool is open seven days a week to the general public for lane swimming and family fun sessions, along with the popular Wet and Wild sessions featuring the pool inflatable.

Find out more HERE.

From Monday 31 Jul to Thursday 24 Aug, kids can enjoy Purbeck Sports Centre Summer Camp. The camp for kids ages 8 to 12 runs 8.30am to 4.30pm and costs £35 a session or is free with a HAF (Holiday activities and food) code. A typical day includes sports, activities, swimming and hot lunch.

Find out more HERE and call 01929 500 000 to book.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

JULY

Until 31 Aug

Summer at Monkey World

Monkey World– Ape

Rescue Centre is challenging your little monkeys to learn about primate rescue and rehabilitation when they visit the park this summer. For just £2.50, each challenger will receive a beautiful card to fill with stickers and a Monkey World pencil. There is a huge list of fun challenges and activities to complete at the park and those who complete five will receive a certificate and be entered into a prize draw.

Summer at RockReef

A huge range of amazing activities to suit all ages from 4+ awaits at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier, it’s the perfect fun day out to keep the whole family entertained! The indoor adventure centre includes twenty eight climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, Pier Cave and Vertical Slide. Great for rainy days or when you just need a break from the sun. Outside is the awesome PierZip, the only pier to shore zip wire in the world. Book online.

School Summer Holidays

Activities at Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham

Laser Tag, Nerf Gun Fun, archery, tennis, Wipeout World, trampolining and gymnastics, intensive and private swimming lessons, football fun, archery tag, dodgeball, jump up and dance workshops. The pool is open seven days a week for the general public for lane swimming and family fun sessions, along with the popular Wet and Wild sessions featuring the pool inflatable.

Sat 8 Jul

Autism Friendly Day at Monkey World

Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for visitors with autism and their families. Sensory trails, a calm room and a drop-in support room.

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jul

Victorian Weekend at Nothe Fort

Variety of re-enactments, craft demonstrations,

activities, displays, military demonstrations, traditional crafts, games and more.

Fri 14 Jul to Sun 16 Jul

Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival 2023 in Dorchester

Annual festival includes procession and kid’s area with free entertainment and activities.

Jurassic Fields Festival in Bridport

Community family friendly music festival celebrating local musical talent.

Fri 14 Jul to Mon 28 Aug

Summer Live in Bournemouth

Free event for all ages in Bournemouth town centre, includes free children’s entertainment plus free art and craft.

Sat 15 Jul to Sun 3 Sep

Summer of Play at Kingston Lacy

Explore the craft zone, practice your building and balancing skills around the Woodland Wall, or dressup and stage your own performance in the field theatre.

Sat 15 Jul & Sat 29 Jul

Swim, Bike, Run

Experience Days at Wimborne Minster

Taster sessions to provide foundation skills across all three disciplines.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sun 16 Jul

Meet the Vikings at Dorset Museum

Witness hand-to-hand combat, visit craftspeople, discover Norse cooking, mint a coin and enjoy Viking sagas.

Model Building Day at Wimborne Model Town & Village

Model building fun for the family.

Tue 18 Jul

Nature Tots at RSPB Arne

Discover butterflies and mini-beasts in the cafe garden and woods, then making a butterfly to take home.

Tue 18 Jul to Thu 10 Aug

Time Travellers Activity Trail at Durlston Country Park

Take a trip through time and learn about Durlston from pre-historic to present day, 10am-4pm, £3.50 per trail pack.

Wed 19 Jul, Fri 21 Jul, Wed 16 Aug & Fri 18 Aug

Nature Tots at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

A group for parents/ guardians to bring children ages 4 and under to experience the wildlife of Kingcombe.

Fri 21 July to Sun 23 Jul

Wareham Carnival

Come along for a weekend of fun and frolics.

Fri 21 July to Sun 30 Jul

Circus Extreme at Poole Jam-packed circus production features showstopping performances.

Fri 21 Jul to Sun 1 Oct

Hidden History Family Quest at Corfe Castle

Discover the hidden history of Corfe Castle on this new family quest.

Natural Seaton Festival

A community event with lots of activities throughout the town.

Sat 22 Jul

Traditional Summer Fete in Wimborne Minster

A fun-packed day for the whole family at the Museum of East Dorset.

Sat 22 Jul to Sun 23 Jul

Family Big Wild Seep Out at RSPB Arne

Spend the night at the reserve overlooking Poole harbour and enjoy a hearty dinner and a breakfast next to Poole harbour.

Sat 22 Jul to Sat 29 Jul

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

Whole week of fun, games, entertainment music and displays for all the family to enjoy.

Sat 22 Jul to 30 Jul

Pre-History… it’s before your time at Corfe Castle Watch demonstrations of ancient crafts, including tin-casting, pottery making and weaving. Join in pottery and mosaic making, cave painting and ‘The Dig.’

Sun 22 Jul to Sun 3 Sep

Summer Holidays at The Tank Museum

Live displays, activities, vehicle rides and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction.

Summer Family Fun at Highcliffe Castle Seaside crafts (10am3pm) every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the holidays. Included in Castle Admission. Outdoor trail £3.00 per child. Sunday-Thursday (10am3pm).

Sat 22 Jul to Fri 4 Aug

Summer of Fun at Upton Country Park

Three challenges set over the six weeks of the summer holidays, each with a different theme.

Sat 22 Jul to Sun 10 Sep

Summer Games at Corfe Castle

From lively activities like archery and skittles to more sedate games such as Jenga, there’s something for everyone.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sun 23 Jul

The Tree Festival of Live Cinema at Durlston Country Park

Interactive workshops for families, bringing animation to life.

Mon 24 Jul

Try Orienteering at Durlston Country Park

Try orienteering – an event for all ages. £3.50. Booking required.

Chesil Strandline Detectives at The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

A guided walk along the strandline at Chesil to search for wildlife treasure washed up on the beach.

Tue 25 Jul, Tue 8 Aug & Wed 30 Aug

River Dipping at Kingcombe

Explore Kingcombe Meadows and the minibeasts living in the River Hooke.

Kimmeridge Plankton Day at The Fin Foundation Wild Seas Centre

Discover the amazing microscopic world of plankton.

Tue 25 Jul & Tue 22 Aug

Kids Drawing Workshop at Durlston Country Park

Join artist Mark Page for a workshop learning to draw

everything from animals to plants. Materials included. Ages 7+. £15. Booking required.

Wed 26 Jul

Community Wildlife Adventure Day at Upton Country Park Help record as many of the plants and animals you can find in the Country Park as possible.

Wed 26 Jul & Wed 30 Aug Pond Dipping at Lorton Meadows

Join a pond dipping session at Lorton Meadows.

Wed 26 Jul & Wed 23 Aug

Kingcombe’s Marvellous Minibeasts at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Explore Kingcombe Meadows and the minibeasts living on the nature reserve.

Wed 26 Jul & every Wed in Aug

Wild Wednesdays at Durlston Country Park Drop-in craft activities for kids and families, FREE.

Thu 27 Jul

Nature’s Arts and Crafts at Durlston Country Park

See what natural resources we can find to make art and craft. £3.50. Booking required.

Thu 27 Jul to Fri 30 Jul

Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle

A host of thrilling activities and family fun from soft play and circus skills to bushcraft and the world’s biggest bouncy castle!

Thu 27 Jul to Thu 31 Aug

Children’s Yoga at Kingston Lacy

Little ones will love these outdoor yoga sessions for ages 5-9 and 10-14.

Every Thu from 27 Jul to 31 Aug

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks

FREE live music, entertainment and family fun which finishes with a summer firework finale.

Fri 28 Jul

Amazing Archaeology at Dorset Museum

Become an archaeologist for the day and handle a range of archaeological material. Ages 5+.

Sat 29 Jul

Kimmeridge National Whale and Dolphin Watch Survey

Learn how to spot dolphins and help watch for them from the cliff top lookout at Kimmeridge.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 29 Jul & Sat 26 Aug

Fox & Cubs Club at Upton Country Park Sessions designed for dads and kids to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Sun 30 Jul

Hengefest at Maumbury Rings

A FREE family fun even with activities that celebrate the sacred history of the space and its history.

Mon 31 Jul

Kingcombe’s Tremendous Trees at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Explore Kingcombe Meadows and the trees growing on the nature reserve.

Mon 31 Jul to Thu 24 Aug

Purbeck Sports Centre Summer Camp in Wareham

Runs Mon to Thurs every week from 31 Jul to 24 Aug. £35 a session or free with a HAF (Holiday activities and food) code. Ages 8 to 12. 8.30am to 4.30pm. Typical day includes sports, activities, swimming and hot lunch. Call 01929 500 000 to book.

AUGUST

Tue 1 Aug

Little Explorers Ready, Set, Go at Museum of East Dorset

A sports and gamesthemed craft and activities morning.

National Whale and Dolphin Watch at Portland Bill Help look out for dolphins and other marine animals.

Tue 1 Aug

Family Leaf Bunting at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Use leaves, flowers and the Japanese art of Tataki Zome to print leaf bunting for the centre.

Young Marine Rangers at Kimmeridge Come and spend a day with the team behind the scenes at the Wild Seas Centre.

Wed 2 Aug

Big Blue Play’s Pop-Up Playground at Upton County Park Come and celebrate with a fun day of child-led play in the park, FREE.

Big Butterfly Count at Lorton

Join a butterfly survey at Lorton Meadows.

Kisses 4 Fishes Litter & Craft at Kimmeridge

Remove discarded fishing nets (kisses) from the beach and craft them into something.

Wild Durlston at Durlston Country Park

Join a Ranger to learn about Durlston through games and activities. £3.50. Booking required.

Pandora’s Box at Bridport Arts Centre Gallop through Greek mythology – and discover goofy gods, hilarious heroines and daft deities. Ages 6+.

Thu 3 Aug & Thu 17 Aug Butterfly Bonanza at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Explore Kingcombe Meadows and the butterflies on the reserve.

Rockpool Ramble at Kimmeridge

Join a guided rockpool ramble in Kimmeridge Bay to discover wildlife on the seashore.

Every Fri from 4 to 25 Aug

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Pull up a chair and watch. the skies light up in Bournemouth. FREE.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 5 Aug to Sun 6 Aug

Family Big Wild Sleep

Out at RSPB Arne

Spend the night at the reserve and enjoy dinner and a breakfast next to Poole harbour.

Wed 9 & Wed 23 Aug

Mini Beast Hunting at Lorton

Join a mini beast hunt at Lorton Meadows.

Thu 10 Aug

Moths at Beacon Hill

Help record the fabulous moths that live on the edge of Upton Heath.

Thu 10 Aug

Kingcombe Moths at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Discover the moths living at Kingcombe.

Fri 11 Aug

Wild Diaries at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Explore Kingcombe Meadows and create a wild diary.

Fri 11 Aug to Sun 3 Sep

Pirates of Purbeck at Durlston Country Park X marks the spot! Follow the map and find the treasure. £3.50 per trail.

Mon 14 Aug

Make a Bird Box at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Support the wildlife in your garden and make a bird box.

Tue 15 Aug

Nature Tots at RSPB Arne Go on a reptile hunt then make your very own spiralling snake.

Little Explorers Make It Snappy at Museum of East Dorset

Creative morning of camera-themed crafts, stories and a fun garden trail.

Wed 16 Aug

Nature Walk at Lorton Meadows

Join a nature walk at Lorton Meadows.

Wed 16 & Thu 17 Aug

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

Traditional show with great range of attractions for all the family.

Sat 19 Aug

International Orangutan Day at Monkey World

Celebrate our orange cousins and learn about their tragic plight in the wild, with talks, stalls and trails. No additional fee.

Mon 21 Aug

Nature Art at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Enjoy the beautiful Kingcombe Meadows and get creative.

Thu 24 Aug

Painting with Nature at Durlston Country Park

Can we make paint with what we find at the park? Well let’s find out! £3.50. Booking required.

Fri 25 Aug

Orienteering at Durlston Country Park

Try orienteering – an event for all ages. £3.50. Booking required.

Fri 25 Aug to Tue 29 Aug

Great Dorset Steam Fair at Blandford

World’s largest heritage event, a fun and actionpacked family day out.

Sat 26 Aug

Go NUTS at Monkey World

Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge.

Thu 31 Aug

Mammals Safari at Durlston Country Park

Join a Ranger to hunt for signs of wildlife and maybe meet a mammal. £3.50. Booking required.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Thu 31 Aug to Sun 3 Sep

Bournemouth Air Festival

UK’s biggest air festival, four days of action and entertainment in the air, on land and at sea.

OPEN AIR THEATRE & CINEMA

Sat 22 Jul to Sun 23 Jul

Peter Pan at Maumbury Rings

Brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. Booking required.

Sun 23 Jul

The Wind in the Willows at Highcliffe Castle

Join Mole, Ratty and Badger in this outdoor adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s family favourite. Booking required.

Wed 2 Aug

Bad Dad at Maumbury Rings

Open-air adaptation of David Walliams, Bad Dad. It is perfect summer entertainment. Booking required.

Thu 3 Aug

Robin Hood at Kingston Lacy

Calamitous take on the legendary folktale in outdoor production. Ages 5+. Booking required.

Bad Dad at Corfe Castle

Open air adaptation of David Walliams, Bad Dad is perfect summer entertainment.

Wed 9 Aug & Thu 10 Aug

Open Air Cinema at Lulworth Castle

Catch Harry Potter & the Philosophers Stone (PG) on 9 Aug and Matilda the Musical (PG) on 10 Aug. Booking required.

Thu 17 Aug

Robin Hood at Corfe Castle

Open air adaptation of David Walliams’ Bad Dad. Booking required.

Sun 20 Aug

Bad Dad at Highcliffe Castle

Open air adaptation of David Walliams’ Bad Dad is perfect summer entertainment. Booking required.

Wed 23 Aug

The Jabberwock and Other Nonsense at Maumbury Rings

Hilarious open-air adaption of Lewis Carrol’s famous poem The Jabberwocky. Booking required.

Thu 24 Aug

The Tale of Peter Rabbit at Corfe Castle

An enchanting new openair adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved

tales. Booking required

Sun 27 Aug

Robin Hood at Highcliffe Castle

Calamitous take on the legendary folktale in outdoor production. Ages 5+. Booking required.

THEATRE

Fri 18 to Sun 20 Aug

Fireman Sam at Weymouth Pavilion

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all-singing, dancing, action-packed show.

Fri 18 to Sun 20 Aug

Dragons and Mythical Beasts at Bournemouth Pavilion

Enter a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family. Booking required.

Sat 26 to Sun 27 Aug

CIRQUE: The Greatest Show at Bournemouth Pavilion

Escape at Bournemouth Pavilion for a night like no other, where you will be taken into a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meets a jaw-dropping circus spectacular. Booking required.

The best start for girls at Talbot Heath School

Talbot Heath Junior School in Bournemouth is a vibrant flourishing part of Talbot Heath School dedicated to the care and education of its 3 to 11 year old pupils.

In its Junior and Pre-Prep School, every individual pupil is nurtured, guided, supported and cared for as they take their formative steps on an exciting educational journey.

Pupils are articulate, engaging, caring and respectful and dedicated specialist teachers and staff ensure they enjoy a broad, balanced, aspirational curriculum, full of opportunity.

All pupils are encouraged to revel in their learning, have a go, enjoy life’s rich variety and approach everything with a ‘can do’ attitude.

As a ‘through school,’ younger pupils benefit greatly from the support and role modelling of older girls. Talbot Heath Juniors are also guaranteed a place in its Senior School, which parents find very reassuring.

Read about the School’s admissions policy HERE.

Visit Talbot’s Open Morning on 29 September.

Turning your child into a bookworm

By Emma Shingleton

Is your youngster a reluctant reader? Despite tempting them with every type of book, do they still only read when they ‘have’ to and not for pleasure?

The long summer holidays are an ideal time to encourage your child to ditch their screens and curl up with an engrossing story book instead.

So let’s get started:

Create a reading den

Every home should have a reading corner or den; a place that is inviting and excites children. Choose a quiet spot and add some pillows, bean bags or cushions to curl up on. Perhaps you could put up some posters to get them in the mood for imaginative thinking. What about: Under the Sea, Rainbows, Castles, Transport, In the Jungle?

Use television subtitles

Put your child’s favourite programmes on with subtitles and no sound. Can they read along and understand what is happening?

Try karaoke with lyrics

Host karaoke sessions so that children are challenged to read and sing lyrics on the screen.

Learn a poem together

Why not learn a topical poem alongside your child: find one about holidays, the weather or beaches to fit the season!

Film yourself reading a story

Think of it as CBBC bedtime stories. Use your phone to film yourself reading a story and send in the video to your child’s teacher. If other parents do the same, the whole class can enjoy a story read by someone other than their teacher!

READ MORE

NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!

8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games

Bundles worth £30

Fun ‘back to school’ stationery

There’s nothing more guaranteed to get your child excited about the new school year than some new stationery for back to school. Here are our top summer shopping choices.

Mini Highlighters £2.00 each

Fruit Eraser Collection £3.50

Magnetic Metal Ball Pen £14.99

Fidget Pen £3.50

Super 3D Moving Cover Notebook £2.65

Giraffe Wooden Ruler £3.95

Duck Crayons £3.95

Mini Stationery Set £6.00

Wild Wonders Colouring Pencils £9.95

Visual processing: what parents need to know

By Usha Patel

Helping your child with school transition

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

‘My son’s Educational Psychologist Report revealed he has visual processing problems. But what does this mean?’

Opticians check your child’s eye health and how well their eyes take in visual data. But how well does your child’s brain interpret what they see?

READ MORE

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Moving to a new class or school can be challenging for kids. Most adapt to changes within the first few weeks but preparation and emotional resilience can greatly help with this adaptation. So how can you support your child through this unsettling time?

READ MORE

Numberblocks toy bundles to giveaway

For endless play and learning adventures

Bundles include:

Numberblocks

Friends One to Five & Six to Ten

Numberblocks

Step Squad

Mission Headquarters playset

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4-11 to read six library books during the summer holiday and collect rewards, like stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will continue through September.

READ MORE

As seen on CBeebies

School uniform labelling options

Labelling school clothes is not a fun job so, to help, we’ve identified some of the most reliable labelling options out there.

SnappyTag

No ironing or sewing. Clip on plastic tags with special tool.

50 labels £23

easy2name Shoe Label Covers

Stick these over a stickon label to protect name from wearing off.

20 labels £3.95

MyNameTags Ministickers

Big enough for child’s name but small enough for stationery.

175 for £15.95

WovenLabelsUK

Sew On

For traditionalists, sew on labels offer durability and value for money. 36 labels £4.99

Stamptastic

Stamping with longlasting ink makes labelling fast and easy. Basic bundle £24

Petit Fernand

Convenient stick-on labels that can used on anything. 30 labels £9

WHSmith Laundry Marker

Short of time and money? Nothing beats a laundry pen. £4.99

Able Labels Iron On Labels

Avoids sewing and produces similar result. 30 labels £3.75

tinyme Nursery Labels

Nursery-themed colourful stickers. Starter pack 144 sticky labels inc 72 iron on labels £23

Avoiding summer learning loss

At home

Encourage creative play. Start with a box of dressing-up props. Teach them to cook. Check out skills it develops by age HERE. Make a scrap book. Encourages creativity, writing and reading. Get gardening. Explore plants in the garden, get kids planting their own.

Reading. Increases vocabulary, literacy and creativity. Try the Summer Reading Challenge

On holiday

Encourage organisation and research skills, involve kids in planning activities for your trip. Challenge kids to concisely describe their holidays in writing by sending postcards. Sandcastle building encourages learning about patterns and structure.

Learning lurks in seaside rockpools! Get the kids to draw and research their sightings.

How to go rockpooling

Out and about

Go on a mini-beast hunt at your local park. Visit a museum, zoo or aquarium. Frequently an interactive experience with educational school holiday activities on offer. Physical activity. Develops concentration, team work and logic. Visit a castle or stately home. A three-dimensional history lesson!

On the move

The AA’s 10 best car games can transform a boring car journey. Encourage appreciation of local food. Choose local and avoid fast food outlets or chain restaurants. Help kids observe climatic and geographic differences compared to where they live. Provide real life exposure to history and culture. Visit places of local significance.

Laying out a scrapbook

Watch

This guide gives you tips on what you need to take and shows what you may find.

Let’s go plastic-free in 2023!

Mark Plastic-Free July by reducing your family’s single-use plastic waste this summer. Try one of our ideas to help the planet and future generations.

Eco Warrior shampoo bar

Lasts longer and produces foamy lather with fewer chemicals.

Aluminium refill bottle

Zero waste. Just buy washing up liquid in bulk and refill.

Shaving soap

Free from plastics, including in the packaging.

Reusable cotton snack bag

Perfect alternative for sandwiches and snacks.

Plant-based dental floss

Made with 100% renewable resources. Recycle in food waste.

Bamboo dish brush

Made with natural bamboo, durable and effective.

Disney Stitch stainless steel straws

Reusable stainless-steel straws with adorable Stitch toppers.

Zero Waste Locator

Find your nearest plasticfree food outlets using this interactive map.

Toy swap

subscription library

The more affordable and sustainable alternative to buying toys.

Grab Start Rite Schools shoes worth £50

Families has 5 pairs of Start-Rite Schools shoes to give away.

A leader in children’s fitted footwear for over 230 years, StartRite school shoes are designed to be tough and provide the correct support for the age and developmental stage of the child.

Containing biomechanical sole units, a proprietary air flow system and with double industry standard testing, StartRite delivers shoes that are comfortable and dependable: never outworn, only outgrown.

Winners will receive a £50 voucher to select from a broad School Shoe range. The range includes a selection at a more value-driven price point and a selection that donates profits to The Daily Mile, a charity working to help children get more exercise during the school day, thereby improving their physical, social, emotional and mental health.

APPLY HERE

T&C’s apply.

FREE Readly digital mag subscriptions worth

£120

Families has 3 annual subscriptions to Readly to give away, offering hours of digital magazine fun for young readers, including 80+ Disney magazines and comics.

Featuring much-loved character comics such as Disney’s Frozen, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, High School Musical, Star Wars™ and MARVEL, kids can immerse themselves in the world of Disney through brilliant stories, fantasy adventures, craft ideas and activities revolving around their favourite characters.

The Disney magazines are available to all the family as part of the unlimited reading subscription on Readly – where users can instantly read over seven thousand magazines and newspapers via their smartphone, tablet or laptop. Five user profiles per household. Parental controls apply.

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Let the kids in the kitchen!

We asked Heather Staller, writer of the new book Kid Kitchen, for some of her favourite recipes for developing kids’ cooking skills.

No-Bake Trail Mix Cups

Healthier granola bar alternative. Use crushed pretzels, cereal, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit.

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

Wholegrain, lower in added sugar and made in one bowl!

Stuffed Pizza Bites

A fun twist on pizza night – stuff with whatever you like.

Baked Spaghetti Cups

Healthy and easy weeknight meal kids can virtually make all by themselves.

PB&J Breakfast Cookies

Full of fruit, protein & whole grains, kids will love this breakfast choice.

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Cobbler Blueberry pancakes BUT also a dessert cobbler that’s healthy enough for breakfast!

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls

Veggie-packed, easy dinner. Kids can make with just a little help!

Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake

Made from wholesome ingredients. Easy to stir up before breakfast.

S’mores Brownie Bites

Easy, impressive dessert that kids can make with just a little help.

Free activity printables for all ages

Perfect for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments or for some quiet time.

Bluey and Bingo paper masks

Make a Bluey and Bingo paper mask by downloading this template.

Duggee and his friends

Download this sheet to colour in Duggee and the Squirrels.

Make your own Routemaster

Download the template to make this iconic double-decker bus.

Tracy Beaker word search

For Jaqueline Wilson fans! Find the hidden words connected to Tracy Beaker.

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting activity book

Fun activities for 5-8s based on popular book.

Make a pirate hat

Download this pirate hat template to sail the seven seas in style.

Let’s play butterfly snap

Download these cards and play a fun snap game.

Everything Under the Sun activity pack

Test your knowledge and let your imagination run wild.

The Funny Life of Sharks activity pack

Activities for 8-11s based on the hilarious book.

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Be a mud detective

Camouflage your hand

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Make a goblin or toy village

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or make this village for your favourite toy. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for roofs and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or toy.

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place it on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape. Rub back and forwards to smooth it, using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface. Hey presto! Your own simple stone tool.

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Nature is a rainbow

Make nettle smoothie

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

Conkers are a great resource

Pick a large handful in spring using a gardening glove. Add them to a blender with a banana, some pineapple, a glug of coconut milk, a slab of cucumber, half an avocado and blend until completely smooth: this will remove the sting.

At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin’ which has similar properties to soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands or clean your clothes!

Top family beaches in the UK

Pack the buckets, spades and picnic gear and head to one of these gorgeous 2022 Blue Flag Award beaches for an old-fashioned family day out. All have food outlets and toilets.

Llangranno, Wales

Sandy, sheltered ‘village beach.’ Various food outlets. Water sports, surfing, dolphin viewing. Parking.

Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire

Esplanade, hills, cliffs, crazy golf, surfing. Parking.

Burntisland, Fife

Sandy/rocky beach. rockpools, Seaside Park with crazy golf, bouncy castle, fairground. Parking.

Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

Long sandy beaches, donkey rides, funfair, paddle boating, crazy golf, bike hire, parking.

Cromer, Norfolk

Traditional Victorian seaside resort, with a wide sand and shingle beach and iconic pier. Parking.

Woolacombe, North Devon

3 mile sandy beach, surf school, kayaking/ kitesurfing, rockpools, theme park. Parking.

Southwold, Suffolk Pier, attractions, lighthouse, model boating pond, shingle beach, harbour. Parking.

Blackpool Sands, South Devon

Sand and shingle beach with clear, calm waters. Water activities. Parking.

St Ives, Cornwall

6 sandy beaches, surf & non-surf, Limited parking, take spectacular train ride from St Erth.

Top theme parks to visit this summer

If you’re thinking of visiting a theme park this summer and are not sure where to head to, take a look at our suggestions.

Alton Towers & CBeebies Land

Stoke on Trent

Offers thrills and spills for older children. Cbeebies Land for younger kids.

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

The New Forest Something for everyone, with Peppa Pig World tailored to pre-schoolers.

Chessington World of Adventures

Surrey

40 rides and attractions, zoo, Sea Life aquarium and Go Ape.

Drayton

Resort & Thomas Land

Rides for older kids plus Thomas the Tank area and big zoo.

Legoland Windsor Windsor, Berkshire

Iconic theme park, dedicated to children 3-12 years.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Scottish Highlands

From larger-than-life dinosaurs to water coasters

Sundown

Adventureland

Retford, Nottingham

Quaint and traditional attraction dedicated to children under 10.

Warrington, Cheshire

For ages 2-13, six themed areas, over 25 rides, host of attractions.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

North Yorkshire

40 rides and attractions.

Manor

Gulliver’s Resort

Outdoor adventures for summer

If you’re heading out of your local area this summer, here’s a selection of fantastic places where you can give your kids an outdoor adventure.

Lilidorei Play Village

The Alnwick Garden

Northumberland

NEW! Largest play structure in the world. Fantastical play universe.

Belvoir Castle

Grantham, Leicestershire

NEW! Set over 4 acres. Giant timber fortress, tunnels, zip wire, toddler area.

WildPlay at Whinlatter

Keswick, Cumbria

FREE! Forest adventures in 9 play areas on a 600m trail. Summer water features.

Culzean Castle

Ayrshire, Scotland

Adventure Cove & Wild Woodland play areas include towers, treehouse, zip slides.

Heartlands

Redruth, Cornwall FREE! Shipwrecked boat, mini beach, huge wooden climbing frame and more.

Tyntesfield

Wraxall, Somerset

Den-building village, Home Farm courtyard, big tractor to climb, slides.

Stanwick Lakes

Northamptonshire

Extensive adventure playground, water play, large sand play, climbing tower and more.

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Network of covered tunnels, wooden fort, slide, deep sandpit, stream, water play.

Chatsworth House

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Woodland playground with rope park, zip wire, water/sand play, working farmyard.

The Vyne

Numberblocks toys to giveaway

8 bundles worth £80 each Collectables and playset for endless play and learning adventures

As seen on CBeebies

Bundles include:

Numberblocks Friends

One to Five

Numberblocks Friends

Six to Ten

Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset