So, the summer holidays have crept up on you and you don’t know what to do with the kids for six weeks? Do not fear, help is here! Our top ten should help you plan.
1. WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes
Image Courtesy of Londonist: http://goo.gl/SrVzgg
Set in 100 acres of woodland, the WWT London Wetland Centre is Europe’s biggest urban wetland site, and is home to hundreds of birds as well as an array of furry animals. One of the attractions is the otters, which you can see and feed up close in a natural habitat. You can get a family ticket for a little over £30, so it’s not an expensive summer holiday trip out. Close to Hammersmith, and open 7 days a week it’s an ideal choice for exploratative kids.
2. Bodium Castle, Sussex
Courtesy of Sam Moore, Creative Commons http://goo.gl/vTzALG
We mentioned Bodium Castle in our Top Ten UK Castles To Visit post, and it makes another appearance here, as a great place to take the family over the summer holiday period. With the look of a “proper castle”, Bodium is a great way to get children excited about history, and learning new things. It’s open throughout the summer holiday and the website is here.
3. Kew Gardens, London
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia http://goo.gl/K2ZMra
Kew has a lot to offer the family over summer. It’s fantastic to simply walk around, and is also packed with activities for children. On until Sept, Barefoot Walks in Kew’s Arboretum encourage you to climb and clamber along branches, beams and boardwalks to get close to nature. Also, the treetop walkway is a popular attraction for older children and adults.
4. Legoland, Windsor
Courtesy of Pavlina Jane: http://goo.gl/IFHrd5
Legoland doesn’t really need an introduction, as it will definitely be a hit with families this summer! With Kingdom of the Pharoahs, Pirate Shores and Knights Kingdom, there are so many activities and attractions for the children to enjoy. See the website here.
5. Bewilderwood, Norfolk
Image Courtesy of Visit Norfolk http://goo.gl/cfN2tH
Now I’ll be honest – not one of the team at My Time Rewards has actually been to Bewilderwood, but having heard so many good things and had a look at their website, it’s definitely on the Summer Holiday 2014 List! There are just so many things to see and do.
6. Become a Nature Detective
The Woodland Trust has a great idea to get the children going this summer: becoming a Nature Detective. The website gives parents loads of activities to download and suggest for family activities, and is a great way to save money and still have lots of fun!
7. Teach the kids how to cook!
Image Courtesy of the Daily Mail http://goo.gl/I39oyu
The Kid’s Cookery School in London has workshops over the holidays for children to perfect their culinery skills. A great way to have some time to yourself as parents, and also for your children to learn a few things and get excited about cooking at home (we hope!). Budget-friendly option: do messy baking at home. Note: get lots of colourful icing ready!
8. Visit the Butterlies at NHM
Courtesy of NHM: http://goo.gl/fHyILF
The Natural History Museum (NHM) has a fantastic Butterly House, which is great for families! Children can learn about the life of a butterfly, and take in the atmosphere in the house itself. Prince George visited for his first birthday, so if it’s good enough for him!
9. Get Ice-cream Making Certificates
Image Courtesy of My Vegetarian Friend http://goo.gl/PgzLUC
You can send the children to a gelateria in London where they can learn how to make gelato, create logo designs, and gain a certificate. Possibly the best part of this idea is that the children then get to bring home 1/2 a litre of their creation! Maybe not so great…
10. The Crocky Trail, Chester
Courtesy of Irqan’s Blogspot http://goo.gl/tFc1CW
The Crocky website describes the trail as the ultimate outdoor family adventure day out, and it lives up to the name! If you’re happy to get muddy and completely wear the children out, then this is the day out for you. Have a look at their website for more information.
Have we missed anything?
So that’s your lot. If you have anything to add to our list of Summer Holiday ideas, just comment below or get in touch on Twitter @MyTimeRewards. Have a great summer!
