Running wild These days, kids don’t have the same opportunity to run wild as previous generations did. Playing in the street is pretty much a forgotten art and the days when kids disappeared until it was time for dinner are over. Many children aren’t allowed out to play unsupervised and if they are, they have…

All present & correct Expectations are high and everyone’s claiming that they’re on Santa’s nice list this year. Seriously, there haven’t been so many little angels around since St. Winifred’s School Choir topped the charts.  Between home schooling, travel bans and restrictions on kids’ activities, many parents and relatives are planning to make Christmas a…

Making your own festive fun This year, many of the usual family activities that mark the run up to Christmas are on hold. There will be no chance to enjoy some piping hot roast chestnuts or succulent bratwurst in a bun as you wander the stalls in the Christmas Village. Many pantomimes and concert performances…

Cycling is a great activity for the whole family. Bikes offer teenagers more freedom and independence, which is increasingly important given that children are afforded far less roaming distance than a generation or two ago. For younger children, learning to ride a bike without stabilisers is definitely one of life’s early milestones. Smart trikes, a…

Outside, now! Now that the kids won’t be going back to school before August, invest in some garden toys to keep them busy and out from under your feet. Look for ideas that encourage cooperative play, imagination and messy fun. A BBQ or a fire pit means outdoor cooking and you’ll need somewhere comfy to…