WIN a Collection of Children's Books

With the 6 week summer holiday now upon us, keeping the kids entertained may sometimes be a challenge. It's a wise idea to stock up on a few toys and games or plan some trips out but adding some paperbacks to the bookshelf may also help! 

These new releases from Macmillan Children's Books and Two Hoots are great for little ones aged 3 or above - and you have the chance to win them all below...

Calypso Holiday Hacks #4 - Summer Activity Jar

The Holiday Hacks app from Calypso has been a really useful resource this summer. It has provided us with lots of great ideas to keep the Mini Mes occupied, regardless of the weather, and we've spent time reading, enjoying time outdoors as a family and photographing animals at the safari park over the past few weeks.

As the summer holiday draws to a close you may want to squeeze in lots of last minute trips and activities or be looking for low cost entertainment to fill the last remaining days and this craft suggestion is a wonderful one that we decided to put to the test. Especially when after purchasing all of the new uniform and shoes for the return of school funds may be a little low.

"We have a big jar of notes, each with a free or cheap activity on it - we pull one out every day and do it! It adds some variety and you're never left wondering what to do."

Calypso Holiday Hacks #3 - Family Photography at Woburn Safari Park

Calypso have created the Holiday Hacks app which is a collection of great ideas, gathered from parents in the know, to keep the kids busy all summer until school restarts in September. We've already spent time reading some new books and enjoying time outside as a family which were super boredom busters suggested by the app, and now we've picked a third activity to keep the Mini Mes entertained - it was perfectly timed for our trip to the zoo!

"Take a disposable camera wherever you go - the kids love to see how the photos turn out at the end of the holiday, it's creative, and a lovely afternoon when we all sit together to see how the photos have turned out."

Family Fun from University Games

Whether you're at home or on holiday this summer this trio from University Games will help to keep the young, and young at heart, entertained.

Seagull Splat

Seagull Splat is the mischievous and hilarious children’s game that will have kids screaming with laughter. Are you lucky enough to dodge the poop? You may end up pooped out if you aren’t! For 2-4 players. 

Postman Pat Word Rhyming Game

A card game that helps children have fun while picking up the language and rhymes from the story. Players follow the rhyming patterns but have special cards to help them out. There is an additional, bonus card game inside where the characters in the story are collected and the first player to have the set wins.

Mini Games

If you’re planning on going away, take one of the Mini Games to keep the family entertained. These games can be played anytime anywhere, whether you’re travelling by car, plane or even boat. The collection includes: 5 Second Rule, Spot the Difference, Smart Ass, Who What Where Jr, Man Bites Dog, Pointless, and Sort it Out! 

Calypso Holiday Hacks #2 - Tween Reads

Keeping the kids busy all summer without selling your soul or remortgaging can be hard at times but thankfully Calypso have created the Holiday Hacks app. These simple top tips are provided by, and tested by, parents for parents so you can be certain that they will put smiles on faces until the return of school, regardless of the weather!

We have already put one idea to the test this month and we've now picked a second to keep the Mini Mes occupied, especially while I'm working from home.

"Keep your children reading throughout the holidays - it stimulates their imagination as well as keeping their minds engaged until they get back in the classroom."

Calypso Holiday Hacks #1 - Outdoor Family Fun

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a list of tried and tested tips and techniques suggested by parents for parents to keep the kids entertained all summer holiday? Thankfully, this year Calypso have created such a thing with their Holiday Hacks app so you can enjoy healthy fun (hopefully in the sun) with the whole family until the return of the school routine! 

We shall be giving 5 different ideas a go throughout July and August to keep the Mini Mes occupied and hopefully this will inspire you to get involved too. What's even better is that the majority of the activities are free!

The app suggests activities based on the weather and your child's age so you can take a peek out of the window and select something that is suitable on a specific day. The weather here in Northamptonshire has been a bit of a roller coaster recently but as we have had a few nice sunny spells we decided to give this tip a go first:

My Sunday Photo

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Cool Family Activities to do over the Summer

When the children are off school all Summer it’s difficult to keep them entertained without spending an arm or a leg. Nowadays it is imperative that you look online for events local to you on directory websites, to be able to get out and about as a family for as cheaply as possible.

Do not be scared to compare places depending on their prices, as long as it is an activity, and gets you out of the house, with a change of scenery, you will all have something to experience.

Another option is monitoring online competitions, which are often advertised via social media, such as this one from Wow247 where you can win an annual Merlin pass allowing you entry into over thirty attractions for free for four people (normally costing £146!). This also means exclusive offers on short breaks within resorts such as Legoland and Chessington Hotel.

You could also find some free activities online to do such as arranged park explorations to identify animals, trails and their habitats. Check out the top film releases and buy a family ticket to receive a discount.

If it’s enjoying your own home that you want to do then get baking with the kids, teaching them about ingredients, shopping for a recipe and culinary skills. What better excuse to invite friends and family round for a tea party afterwards to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to keep your eyes out on the Internet for discount deals, as well as competitions and free activities to keep you all busy over the holidays for a realistic price.

*Sponsored guest post*