From demands for snacks to clamouring claims of boredom, summer with kids is not for the faint hearted. I’m on a mission to keep my sanity and house relatively intact, and that can only mean one thing. It’s time for a Swallows and Amazons summer. By that, I mean I’m relying on the bounty of the North-east and heading out for adventures. I’m scaling right back this summer holidays, led by nostalgic memories from my own childhood where a picnic in the woods followed by pond dipping was considered a top tier day out. If I can keep my delightful offspring off screens and even have fun in the process, well that’s good enough for me.
HEAD TO HUNTLY
My eldest has been pestering to try tubing for at least six months. I confess I had no idea what tubing actually was; it involves riding on an inner tube down a dry ski slope. Perfect for that sought after adrenalin rush and a wee bit unusual, it’s on offer both at Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre alongside Alford Ski Centre. The sessions are run by Live Life Aberdeenshire and relatively cheap to book. See you on the slopes!
GRANITE ADVENTURES
Did you know there is a loch just outside Aberdeen, where you can have a paddle sports taster session? You can try out canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding under the watchful eye of coaches. The minimum age is four, but the toddler was happy enough to play on the shore with grandparents for back up. My eldest loved splashing around in the loch and the water trampoline was a huge hit. Kids holiday camps are also available; you can find out more at graniteadventures.co.uk
ON YOUR BIKE
We have an abundance of fantastic bike trails here in the North-east, but I have it on good authority that pump tracks are the next big thing. My eight-year-old loves taking his bike to our local pump park where there’s a fantastic track complete with ramps. Transition Extreme is the go-to with a great beginner’s track, my little one loves practising on his balance bike whilst big brother enjoys tearing along the more advanced route. You can get a day pass for around £13, before heading for ice cream at the beach. Haughton Country Park out at Alford also boasts a great track alongside an all-ability trail.
RANGERS AT YOUR SERVICE
Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council have a fantastic Rangers Service.My eldest still talks about rock pooling at Cove, where we found some incredible creatures under the guidance of an expert ranger. Bat walks, pond dipping, beach combing and mini beast hunts are all on offer this summer. I’ve always found the sessions fun and informative; our favourite to date has been the live bird ringing session as part of conservation efforts at Aden Park. You can see all the sessions by searching for your local authority Ranger Service on EventBrite, but be warned that tickets sell out fast.