16 super things to do this summer!
9
Try sand sculpture
Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind? Start with a flotsam and jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.
10
Organise a rounders match
Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket). Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the postmarkers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.
11
Row a boat
Experience a quieter side of Bath by exploring the beautiful Kennet and Avon canal. Hire a powered electric boat for a relaxing experience or if you are feeling more energetic then try a canoe. Either way you will be able to explore the stunning stretch of canal between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon. Bring a picnic or stop at one of the many canal side pubs and tearooms along the way For more information contact Bath & Dundas Canal Co. on 01225 722292 or visit our website www.bathcanal.com
12
Go fishing
Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
13
Borrow a dog
You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning. To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.
14
Take a walk on the wild side
There’s a lot to see and do at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens this summer! Every Wednesday in August their keepers will be giving some of the animal’s ice pops! – animal friendly ones with lots of yummy things hidden inside. Wizard Animal Week – 22nd -31st July – To celebrate the launch of the final Harry Potter movie they will be giving away tickets to the film and Harry Potter goodie bags during the week.
8
Families upon Avon z July/August 2011
FuA Issue 21.indd 8
23/06/2011 18:45