Things to do outdoors no matter what the weather!

I’m always desperate to get Madame to play outside in the garden more.  However, are garden is the size of a postage stamp and really not that appealing.

The other night I was cooking dinner and to amuse her, while I was busy, I passed her this book with a few post it notes and asked her to mark the activities she liked.

Activities for kids in the rain

 

The next time I turned around she’d put her coat on, was in the garden and had made this…

Art from Nature

 

And then was doing this….

Playing in the Rain

Fabulous!  As you can tell I absolutely love this book, it has loads of things to do outdoors in the rain, wind and snow from Mud Castles to Puddle Reflections to Rain Painting!

You can find it here on Amazon.

 

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

Win a Family Ticket to Midnight’s Pumpkin at BAC

This looks like a great night out for all the family.  Renowned Theatre Makers, Kneehigh, are bringing Cinderella to the Grand Hall at Battersea Arts Centre this Christmas from 8th December – 13th January 2013.

The usual cast of characters will be there; the Step-mother, two ugly sisters and of course Prince Charming but the big difference to this well known Fairytale, is the audience gets to attend the ball, learn the dance and join in the story.

We’re going in December and I’m sure Madame will be dressing up in one of her many Princess outfits.  Photos to follow.  :-)

Fancy winning a family ticket? Simply enter by using the Rafflecopter form below.  Please note:

Tickets must be redeemed between the 12th and 15th of December 2012

The family ticket is for 6 people, two of which must be children (Value £100)

Full Terms and Conditions can be seen at the bottom of the form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Our tickets to see the show are complimentary

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

Highlight of Half-term: Forest School

And breathe!  We’ve just come to the end of a very busy half-term.  For once, I was organised and booked a few activities in for Madame.  She’s been to the local farm, play dates with friends, Play in the Parks Scheme, Spooky Animal Magic and Trick or Treating.  We almost need a break from our break.

However, the highlight for her by far was Forest School in St Albans.  I don’t know if it’s the Canadian in me but when I saw it advertised at school, I knew she had to go as I’m always on a quest to get her outside more.  It was held in a small Wood on the school property and runs rain or shine, so pop some wellies on and wrap up warm.

She came home beside herself with excitement.  They climbed trees, dug trenches for daffodils, carved wood medals using a peeler, made toast on the fire, drank hot chocolate and played on a make shift swing.  She also mentioned a Fire band for her hair but I’d rather not think about that one.

My only regret was not signing her up for the full 3 days, but we will definitely next time.

Disclosure:  Madame’s stylish Hunter Wellies were courtesy of Simply Hike

 

 

My Friday Five: Local Parks (Herts)

With Half-Term looming, remind me to get loads of wine in, I thought I’d share some of our favourite parks to visit.  For the most part they’re free; however there is a chance you’ll be fleeced when you get there.

The weather isn’t looking promising so you’ll need to wrap up!

As the Comedian, Billy Connolly once said

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little’.

In no particular order here are 5 of our favourite Local Parks:

Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton, technically it’s not a park but it’s free to go in there is an amazing outdoor play area, grab a latte in the cafe and watch your kids play, the children’s menu is reasonable and they have seasonal exhibits, currently they have DinoMites, which my daughter really enjoyed but it costs extra.

Cassiobury Park in Watford, parking is a nightmare but they have a fantastic play area, something St Albans should aspire to, there is a Mini Steam Train, hot dog stand and make sure you make the effort to wander down to the canal and see the Locks.

Aldenham County ParkAldenham County Park – one of our all time favourites, it’s free to go in but you have to pay to get out of the car park, if I remember correctly it’s about a fiver and take change.  However, there is a great adventure playground, Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Akre Wood and a few Nature Walks.  Back in the day it was all free but sadly they’ve gone a bit commercial and now you can pay for the Rare Breeds Animal Farm, Pony Rides and Tree Climbing.

Ashridge Estate – Fancy getting the kids outside to blow off some steam?  Then this is for you.  We love it.  There is a cafe where you can get lunch, loads of trees to climb, kick a ball around the foot of the monument or they have organised activities during half-term (Halloween Madness and Skeleton and Skulls).

Knebworth Gardens and Dinsosaur Trail – sadly their Pumpkin Trail is sold out, but it’s a great day out, the Dinosaur Trail, with 72 life sized Dinosaurs, will keep them busy for hours and then you can drive around to the Fort and Playground, we love the slide that goes through the middle of the hill Note:  This one is not free!

As I’ve done most of these, I will be at a loose end myself, so all suggestions (cheap) welcome!

 

 

Things to do in London with Kids: Science Museum Live

I want my daughter to want to learn.  I want her to be a curious soul like me.  If I don’t know the answer to something I love Googling to find the answer.  Kids nowadays don’t appreciate education and take it for granted and don’t seem bothered to make the effort.  Some kids in Africa walk miles to be educated in makeshift classrooms, but they can see the link between education and the opportunities that it can offer.

We don’t pressure her but try and make learning fun and expose her to wide variety of activities.  On the weekend we went to the Science Museum Live.  It’s billed for kids aged 7-11 and quite a bit went over her head as she is only 5 and to be honest, I got a bit lost with Potential Kinetic Energy myself.  But she did get a lot out of it and the explosions made her jump out of her seat, spilling popcorn everywhere.

If you’re at a loose end this weekend, I’d recommend it and if you quote “blog1” (or enter into the booking system) you can get 25% off full price adult and kids tickets. The offer is only valid from 22nd October – 28th October.

If you do go we’d love to hear what you thought?

Disclosure:  Our tickets were complimentary