Which Butlin's hotel is best? Which hotel at Butlin's Bognor Regis is best for children? In my opinion, the answer to both those questions is the Shoreline hotel - though admittedly we had the best room - the Nelson Stateroom. There are, by my calculations, eight such rooms, and they are well worth the extra... Continue Reading →
Monkey Bizness Softplay, Southampton – Review
We went to a birthday party at Monkey Bizness soft play in Southampton in late 2021 and found it offered just the right degree of challenge for my three (almost four) year-old and her just-turned-five year-old cousin, who was the birthday girl. There’s what is essentially a two storey structure but it isn’t strictly on... Continue Reading →
Cinema with Kids – Juniors and Baby Screenings
Going to the cinema with children may be an obvious suggestion for things you can do as a family – particularly on a cold or rainy day – but did you know there are special screenings for children and even babies? I’m going to cover both types separately, as they are very different – but... Continue Reading →
Days Out with Children – Box Hill, Surrey
Box Hill is a well-known beauty spot with fantastic views over the South Downs – but did you know that it’s also a great place to go for a walk with children, with a dedicated ‘natural play trail’ with plenty of things to climb on, swing from and explore? I’ve lived in this area for... Continue Reading →
How to make a 3D Dinosaur Birthday Cake
The lockdown in 2020 meant I didn’t post anything on my blog for several months, as I tried to juggle a full-time job with a toddler at home every day for nearly three months while nursery was shut. So I’ve only just realised that I never posted anything about her birthday cake in spring of... Continue Reading →
Little Seedlings Softplay at Dobbies Garden Centre, Wallington
I was really pleased when the soft play area opened at Woodcote Green garden centre as it’s only a few minutes from where we live. Dobbies, the garden centre chain that recently added Woodcote to its portfolio, runs something called Little Seedlings, which includes soft play and a monthly children’s gardening club, and we have... Continue Reading →
Easter egg hunt for children without chocolate
Easter is great fun for children, and not just because of chocolate. I think it is important to teach children why we celebrate Easter, whatever your religious beliefs - but for our family, as we don’t practice any religion, we don’t spend a lot of time on that aspect.My four year old daughter is mainly... Continue Reading →
Is it worth buying the Ikea Antilop high chair?
Which high chair is best? Is the Ikea Antilop high chair worth buying? And can you get a food tray that fits the Ikea Antilop high chair? This is one instance where I believe quite firmly that you don’t need to buy an expensive top-of-the-range item to get something that works perfectly. The Ikea Antilop... Continue Reading →
Bounce at the Barn Softplay at Flittons Garden Centre, Wallington
We are very lucky in that recently not one but two new soft play areas have opened within a few minutes of us – and they are both smaller-scale places much more suitable for smaller children than some of the other soft play providers near us. Bounce at the Barn is an inflatables-based soft play,... Continue Reading →
Crafting with Kids: Valentine’s Heart Suncatchers
Here’s a fun Valentine’s craft activity you can do with children where they will need adult help at the start and end but can go to town by themselves in the middle. And you have some pretty valentines decorations you can use again next year or something you can give away as a handmade gift.... Continue Reading →