Family Fun at Greenwood Forest Park

Named the best family attraction in North Wales for the past 4 years, GreenWood Forest Park caught our eye while travelling around Snowdonia during April. Entry for the four of us would have been just under £40 so for a day of entertainment that's really good value. The setting is very natural and relaxing and dogs are welcome on site too which is certainly a bonus when on holiday with pets.

Aimed more so at younger children, the attraction has a combination of indoor and outdoor play areas plus some furry and feathered friends to see too. It really is a place of adventure, fun and confidence building with the challenges to get involved with. We began our day by going on the Green Dragon Coaster which is a people powered ride, the only world's only, where you can email the snap shot to yourself to print at home for just £1.50 at the end. I thought this was such a great idea!

Equestrian Fun with Star Stable (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

Star Stable is a 3D virtual game which combines both equestrian role play and fantasy fun that the children (or kids at heart) can enjoy. It's ideal for those that love horses or animals in general and being a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) they can chat safely online with friends to build their social skills without even leaving the house.

Apart from many educational benefits which include teaching your children about caring for animals, they can select and name horses for their personal stable before training them, competing in races and solving mysteries along the way. There really is so much to do and Minxy in particular has really liked this game so far. It's also far cheaper than riding lessons or purchasing her a new pet which many mums and dads will appreciate!

Ladybird Egg Box Bugs

With Spring upon us, I've been thinking about clearing out some of the clutter and it has enabled us to be quite creative in the process. All of the packing from various things can easily be transformed into something fun for the Mini Mes and these Ladybirds are an example of that!

They are rather cute and so simple to make all while using up old egg boxes from the recycling tubs. Your little ones could make an entire family too just like we did.

You will need

Caption THIS #4

We all manage to capture a few odd expressions, funny faces or mishaps on camera so why not share them so we can all have a giggle? That's what I will be doing each Saturday and for those that join in by commenting there will be a chance to win some treats each week!

WIN a Playskool Heroes Set

This amazing Spider-Man playset (RRP £24.99) comes with a special edition Spider-Man figure and his speedy racer vehicle for web slingin’ fun.

Kids can save the day as Spidey races down the ramp and leaps from his bike onto the swing bar of the crane to capture the villain Electro.

Remote Control Racing Fun

Jamster loves vehicle toys, be it bikes, tractors or trucks, so the Street Troopers Project 66 Gold really made his eyes light up when it arrived in the post from Hawkin's Bazaar. Not only is it a great remote control car but it has a unique feature that many other toys lack; it fires 5 darts from a hidden cannon! 

It certainly keeps Minxy and Spartan (or anyone else in it's path) on their toes when the big red

Silent Sunday

Back to Basics

No TV and remote to argue over who watches what.

No games consoles to fight about which character they want to be 

No board games to stress about who goes first and which colour counter they wish to control.

Going back to basics brings the Mini Mes together.

3 Fun Pool Activities For Families

There’s an autumnal nip in the air, and although the weather may not always be on our side, there is still one family activity that can be always be enjoyed: swimming. The country is full of local pools that you and your family can visit, whatever’s happening outside.

While a simple web search can direct you to your nearest pool, a much easier way is using Nectar’s new swimming offering Nectar Swim. Simply put in your postcode and a list of local pools in your surrounding area will appear. For those who collect points, the swim programme also allows you to redeem for emailed vouchers to use at your local participating swimming pool, opening up a whole world of water-based fun for you and your family. Before enjoying any of our suggestions, please do make sure that children are supervised at all times in and around any pool area.

Once at the pool, your family will find any of these three water games great fun:

• Bobbing heads – To play bobbing heads all you need is a soft foam or rubber ball. One person is designated ‘it’ and is given the ball. The other players move a distance away and submerge, popping their heads out of the water at irregular intervals. ‘It’ has to hit one of the other players on the head with the ball while their head is above the surface. If a player is hit then that player becomes ‘it’. Any number of players can join in and the game can continue as long as everyone remains interested. You can also vary the game by having those who are hit join ‘it’ with extra balls. The winner of the game is the one who is the last to be hit.

• Dolphin race – This race game can be played individually or in relay teams. The object is for players to stand in the water on one side of the pool and, on the starting signal, to move a beach ball to the other side of the pool using only their noses. The winner is the first to get the ball to the other side or, in the case of a relay, to get the ball across the pool as many times as there are members in the team. Anyone using a part of the body other than their nose has to start again.

• Whirlpool – This is a simple game that requires no equipment and everyone is happy because there are no winners or losers. This is how it’s played. Everyone in the group joins hands in the shallow end of the pool and then starts to walk clockwise in a circle around a given point. Gradually, everyone starts to walk faster until they are running as fast as possible. Then, on a given signal, everyone turns and tries to go in the opposite direction. It’s practically impossible, as the current created is so strong. Most will slip and fall as they struggle to move the other way, creating a melee that is hilarious to watch – and be part of.

These games will keep your family happily occupied for hours but remember to stay safe and don’t forget that there are other people in the pool who want to have some fun too, so try not to interfere with their enjoyment. And make sure to follow the rules of the pool, as they are intended for the benefit of everyone.

Have fun in the water this autumn using your Nectar points, and don’t forget to check out Nectar Swim – which can cost as little as 300 points for a child ticket.

*PR Collaboration*

Green Bee Toys *Review and Giveaway*

It can be difficult to find products that are both great quality and created ethically for kids, so we were thrilled when Green Bee Toys got in touch and provided us with some lovely items!

They have some key principles that more toy companies should really think about taking on board!

 - Their products are from natural materials (organic, wood, recycled materials)

 - Their products comply with sustainable production

 - Their toys are painted with natural colours

 - Their toys are of high-quality construction

 - Their toys are easy to clean & repair

 - Their toys have a positive influence on your baby’s development skills


Some of their products...

Eco Crayons - £7.99

Unlike standard crayons these are shaped like rocks making them easy for toddlers to grip! They are made from 75% fruit plant with vegetable extract and 25% bees wax meaning they are 100% natural.
The Mini Mes (and I) found that these were great for shading in particular and they never go blunt which is certainly useful.
Our box contained 6 colours; red, orange, yellow, blue, green and brown.

Toolbox Workbench - £24

This wooden set will help to develop your child's imagination and motor skills through play. It includes a hammer, bolts, ruler a wrench and more for great role play fun. Although it's suitable for children as young as 3, Jamster at 7 has really enjoyed 'fixing' everything from beds and doors to his other toys! The set itself is storage for the tools so you don't even need to worry about bits going missing.
It's great value and great quality.



Baby Toy Bunny - £13.99

A soft and cute rattle for newborn+ this grasp toy helps to stimulate your little ones senses and build hand eye coordination. The soft fabric, 100% organic cotton, is perfect for delicate skin and the different textures creates variation for your little one to enjoy.

The website was easy to navigate and delivery was swift! I was really pleased with all of the products and I'd happily order from Green Bee Toys again. What's even better is that your purchases can earn you points and with 10 equaling £1 you can save money when you shop. Bonus!

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win 1 of 2 £25 vouchers for Green Bee Toys you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes at the end of 17th January 2014

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*We selected this three products for the purpose of this review and giveaway. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister

Sometimes when parcels arrive the Mini Mes want to jump straight in and that was definitely the case with this set from Mattel. I've never seen them unpack their bags and get out of their school uniform so quickly to play!

Although there are quite a few pieces included with the Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister, assembly takes just a few minutes and the instructions are very informative to make it an easy process. I was surprised by how big and impressive the set actually is and it's also quick to dismantle if you want to pop it back in the box for another day of play.

What's included:

• 1 die-cast vehicle
• 3 tracks with gravity-defying loops
• 2 motorised boosters
• 2 diverters
• iPad stand

The set is suitable for children aged 5+ and is ideal for your little car fanatics, like Jamster.

The cars travel at some seriously fast speeds and all three tracks merge into one for super fun crashing action! If you want to involve extra vehicles it is best to buy some in advance as your existing collection may not be compatible - they need to be a certain size and weight to stay on the track with the amazing twists and turns that go upside-down! Luckily, being big Hot Wheels fans, we have lots of suitable vehicles that work well so the smashing and bashing racing began.

The diverters give you full control and you can flick them to alter the course of each vehicle sending them off around the tracks of different heights and shape - there is even a trap door you can activate!

It was easy to use and I could leave the Mini Mes to play by themselves without any issues.

There is the option to bring the track to life with glyph technology too. You can race through virtual worlds; Farm, Dinosaur, Robot Battle, Shark Park and Team Hot Wheels using the iPad stand supplied, the free downloadable Hot Wheels Power Port app and your own device. I didn't have an iPad at the time but that didn't affect the fun we had as a family.

You can watch the set in action here:

The RRP for this set is £44.99, which is quite expensive, but it has certainly kept the kids occupied and they have really enjoyed using it. It is quite noisy and you need to get your own batteries for it (4 x D) but seeing their faces light up with excitement as the cars collide is proof that is a great set. 

*We received a Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister for the purpose of this review, the opinions given are honest and our own*

Pine Cone Hedgehogs

Don't let the cooler weather put you off exploring the great outdoors, there is plenty to see and do during Autumn and some spectacular photography opportunities with the beautiful colours of the season.

We have had great fun collecting conkers and acorns and we decided to use the pine cones we discovered to create some cute little hedgehogs!

Equipment

Pine cones

Air drying clay

Fork

Googly eyes

Method

• Firstly clean your pine cones to ensure there are no little hidden bugs inside.
• Using the clay roll out a ball for a head, 4 balls for feet, 2 balls for ears and 1 ball for a nose.
• Shape the clay ball for the head into a cone, attach to the flat end of the pine cone and spread out the edges to ensure it is connected properly.
• Add the ears and use the fork to make a small indentation in each.
• Add the nose to the tip of the head.
• Press the fork down into each of the feet and then attach to the pine cone firmly.
• Use the fork to make a mouth, attach the eyes and leave so the clay can dry.
• Play!

Collect some Autumn items of your own and get creative!

You can find out more information on your local Forestry Commission woods here: 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn

Outdoor Family Fun - Den building, bug hunting and trees

The summer holiday has given us much more time to explore the great outdoors so we have been trying to squeeze in lots of days out before the return of school in September!

So far this week we have been working on completing a few activities from the 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 list while we have been visiting a variety of woods and parks.

 Climbing trees at Everdon Stubbs...

and looking for bugs...

Den building at Conkers....

We have had plenty of time to run, climb and play at Draycote Water...

The poochie often comes too...

What outdoor fun have you enjoyed as a family this week?

Linking this with:

Family Fun - Camping

Until I met the Mr I had never been camping. The thought of bugs and mud never really appealed but back in 2010 he convinced me to give it a go and I've never looked back; we have had many breaks as a couple and as an entire family too, and we now have a wide selection of tents and equipment!

My first time camping 2010

We went to Derbyshire last week for a few nights, and stayed at a lovely campsite named Pack Horse Farm, not far from Matlock. I tend to go for smaller, quieter sites and avoid those with evening entertainment and swimming pools as I like to enjoy nature and the peaceful environment, so this was perfect.

We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and set up our tent before heading off to the local supermarket for some food and drink. I was pleasantly surprised by just how quiet the site was, especially being the summer holiday, and by how much space there was to play!

Our Vango Kasari 800.

Camping is the perfect opportunity to leave technology behind and enjoy the simple things in life. It also makes you appreciate what you do have when you return home! 

Apart from our trips to Chatsworth House, Gulliver's Kingdom and Spy Zone plus a day at Conkers we had plenty of time for family fun on the camp site.

Water fights...

Talking, being silly and playing charades...

Playing cards...

If you are thinking about camping as a family this summer here are a few tips that should help to make your experience enjoyable and as stress-free as possible:

Erecting your tent - Read through the instructions and ensure everything is in the bag before you leave home. Attempting to set up a tent when you don't know what you are doing or with pegs missing isn't going to be fun! Also try to get to the site while it's still light so you can see well to assemble it and don't forget a mallet.

Comfort - Sleeping bags will keep you warm but it's not particularly comfortable laying on the ground. Inflatable beds are a great base for your sleeping bags to go on.... don't forget the pump!

Weather - The weather can be unpredictable and being outdoors you can get cold or hot very easily. Pack a variety of clothing and include both sun lotion and waterproofs/coats so you are prepared. Pack pillows and blankets too if there is space in the car to do so.

Hygiene - Although you may have access to toilets and showers, taking anti bacterial hand spray and wipes is always useful. 

A lot of people I've spoken to that haven't been camping before say they are concerned by the cleanliness of facilities and lack of privacy but there are some great sites available. I would recommend reading reviews of where you are travelling to to in advance. 

Shower cubicles at Pack Horse Farm - lockable doors and lots of hot water!



Have you been camping?

Outdoor Family Fun

With the weather being so beautiful over the past few days, we have enjoyed lots of time outdoors in the sunshine. Not only only is spending time outside in the fresh air beneficial in terms of your health and fitness but it's a great way to reduce stress... which some of us parents may be suffering from now the summer holidays have arrived!

We have taught the Mini Mes how to play rugby properly with an official HSBC Lions ball...

We had a BBQ at my mums (which also involved assembling the BBQ and cooking everything for her) and drank lemonade from wine glasses. Because we can...

We walked the dog a lot further through woodland and fields...

and Minxy sat in a cardboard box, strapped to a skateboard and rolled down the garden while dressed as Iron Man...

As you do!

What outdoor fun have you had as a family this week?

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Bin Weevils Bling Collection

Bin Weevils is the free online community for children that has over 2 million active users throughout the UK, where they can create their own nest, interact with others and play games.

 

 

A new collection of playsets and figures has been launched which come complete with codes, to unlock different areas of the website, and Jamster was very pleased to receive a set to review.

 

 

 

 

 

Apart from being a great place to store your toys, the exclusive Bling Collectors Tin from Character contains 8 super special figures including a ‘blinged’ Tink and Clott, 6 crystalised Bin Bot characters, 6 clear Bin Bot plinths and a glitter sticker sheet. The plinths are a great way to display the figures and they also connect together to form paths or a circle which you can use during play. 

 

 

 

Suitable for children aged 5+ the figures themselves are solid and even the larger two, that have moving limbs, seem sturdy enough to be played with regularly without fear of bits falling off!

 

 

 

 

Jamster was pleased with the set and has found the tin really useful for storing both Bin Weevils and other micro sized figures he collects. The code was handy as it unlocked a nest item for him to use while playing online too.

 

 

 

The RRP is £12.99 for this set which is reasonable in comparison to similar alternatives.

 

You can find out more information on Bin Weevils, purchase the products and play the online game on the website:

 

http://binweevils.com/

 

 

 

*We received a Bling Collection for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do... The Dog Edition

It would appear that we have found ourselves a new dog. He is small and cute, about 7 years old, and very obedient (thankfully). He likes to play fetch and is very well behaved on and off the lead.

Minxy has really enjoyed playing with him this past week...

 

What funny things have your little ones done this week?

I'm linking this with...

 

8 Ideas For Kids Garden Fun

It won't be long until the Mini Mes, like your children, say farewell to their teachers and break up for summer. If you are dreading the expense of day trips and holidays you can always save the pennies and have fun at home instead!

There is so much you can do at home in terms of crafts and baking and when the weather is on your side you can head out into the garden to play. We often venture into the great outdoors as a family so hopefully these free (virtually) activities that we enjoy will inspire you to pop outside too...

 

 

 Bubbles
Children are fascinated by these and have great fun blowing, chasing and popping them. If you don't have any mixture to hand you can easily create your own with washing up liquid and a splash of water in a bowl of bucket - you can even make glow in the dark versions! Try making your own wands from utensils at home to make some weird and wonderful shapes!


Pebble pictures
Make the most out of the gravel and stones by turning them into masterpieces! Rearrange them to make dragons, princesses or maybe a family portrait. If you have some paint or pens you can try our simple Rock Pet activity too.


Mud pies
With a splash of water you can soon transform your mud into messy play and whip up some worm filled wonders like cakes and pies! This is a great sensory activity - get some sticks and leaves involved too.


Wind Sock

With some black bags and imagination (or rolled card and tissue paper) your little ones can get creative and make a wind sock in no time at all - giving you time to sit back on your deck chairs for 5 minutes as they keep themselves occupied. If you don’t have any garden furniture and you need something to relax in this summer, then have a look at Internet Gardener’s rattan garden sofa page.

Creature Feeder
Making fatballs and homes for bugs is great fun and helps to teach children the importance of looking after wildlife. You can always buy one if you don't have the time, but the kids will still spend many a warm afternoon watching the insects flying in and out. Ask them to draw some pictures too!


Picnics
Just eating alfresco can be a mini adventure for little ones. We often take our food outside with a blanket, a collection of bears and a few books to enjoy some fresh air together. You can do some drawing or colouring while you are outside and even some jigsaws or games for a change of scenery.

 Hoopla

Using some kitchen roll tubes and some paper plates you can easily create a garden game of your own. Stick the tubes into the ground and cut out of the centre of the plates to use as your hoops - quick and easy and great for developing hand-eye coordination. We have also used glow sticks for a night time alternative!

 

 

Treasure Hunt
Take it in turns to hide items in the garden and make a map so others can find the missing treasure! For older children you can make cryptic clues or for added fun have a pirate themed day where you can dress up and provide a themed lunch too. 

What outdoor activities do you enjoy?

*In Association with Internet Gardener*