If You Go Down to the Woods Today ....

Regular readers of my blog will know that I LOVE organising parties! I am nearly always organising something and more often than not will have a few events on the go.  Recently we had a fabulous Mad Hatters Tea Party and today was our Teddy Bears Picnic.

I get a group of my lovely family and friends together and we have fun, lots of fun.  I love seeing the kids faces, I love seeing the parents watching their children having fun and most of all I love trying to bring a bit of magic into lovely little lives.

Over the last couple of years, I have been extremely lucky to have come into contact with some absolutely fabulous people and companies.  Today, these wonderful people all came together to give our kids a wonderful afternoon and by the feedback received from the children and parents, they did just that.

Going to do a bit of a roll call as I genuinely believe that I have encountered some of the best people at what they do and I want you all to know about them.  First of all, I was recommended a face painter called Rosie Cheeks.  I had never met Debbie but she came with a glowing recommendation so I booked her.  She is absolutely awesome! Such a lovely person and her face painting was tremendous.  I can see me giving her lots more bookings in the future! :0)

Next up we were lucky enough to have some critters visit us courtesy of Animal Antics. When I first contacted Stef about bringing along her pals, she had already had a booking in later that afternoon and made a huge effort to fit us in so the children could meet them. She really didn't have to do that, could have just told me she was full but no, she didn't and we all loved seeing her gang.  Looking forward to having another event with the animals hopefully very soon (and for longer!)

 

 

Luca and I have been attending Musical Safari sessions with Rob and his Jaminals down at The Splat Centre in Whitley Bay for a while now.  Sadly, my big boy will be starting school in September so no more Jaminals for us but I highly recommend them for pre-school children.  Rob came along with his family, instruments and Jaminal Crew and gave us a fun filled half an hour music session.  The kids loved it and all joined in with enthusiasm!

We had the most beautiful princess visit us. Emma Enchanted is the company that I always book for my princesses and these photo's show why. Attention to detail is second to none, the dresses, the accents, the acting, practically perfect in every way :0) (check out my other blogs to see the other princesses Emma offers)

Laura is just gorgeous and is magical with the children.  We all got a princess lesson and she sang and led the dancing. Just fabulous.

Our finale of the day was provided in the most spectacular way with a couple of super heroes dropping by.  Jaws dropped and the kids flocked to Captain America as he greeted them all with hi-fives and posed for numerous photos.  Hopscotch Entertainment sent the super team along and we loved them

Captain America led the kids in general madness! Running about and having roaring competitions to see who could scare Iron Man.  They had a blast and I was particularly impressed at Iron Man's ability to move in that suit! 

Last but not least, I must mention my gorgeous glittery angels, Lauren and Katie, fabulous girls who did me a massive favour and sat and did glitter tattoos on all the kids and despite neither of them ever doing it before they did a fabulous job. Thank you girls, your hired!

I provided some other activities to keep the kids occupied, we had biscuit and cake decorating with TONS of sweets (that was a very popular activity for some reason!), we also made teddy bear puppets (wow, I didn't realise how hard cutting out 40 teddies by hand would be haha!) and we had a story corner, filled with books from our own collection at home, bear based mainly.

I think we all agreed that we had a fabulous day and for once, I was really proud of myself.  Of course I could not have done it without all the fabulous guests and helpers I had, together they made a truly magical experience for the children.  Thank you everyone, see you same time next year?

Summer Fun - Week Four

Arrgghhh as the weeks are going on I am finding more and more stuff! It's taking ages haha! Please bear in mind, that if you keep checking the previous weeks blogs, a lot of the events I have posted are continuous throughout the holidays, ie the events at Chesters Fort is all week as it Ouseburn Farm's lovely events, Delaval Hall have Make & Do every Sunday, Playhouse Playtime is every Tuesday.  Musical Safari have events all week running throughout the holidays.  Don't forget to check out The Splat Centre and Round the Twist, they have lots going on included in the cost of the entry price.

I have again tried to find mainly free or very low cost events as by week 4 the purse strings have probably snapped!

All details are correct at the time of writing but please remember to check with the venues before making any travel plans.

Saturday 8th August

A really fun looking event in Sunderland at Keel Row, A-Mazing Fun is an Alice in Wonderland inspired Giant Maze. Meet the characters and try to catch the elusive White Rabbit. Event is free, there will be a charge for some activities such as face painting. This is on Sunday 9th August also.

Northumberland Park in North Shields is having it's grand opening day today.  This looks wonderful and is where we are planning to be. There will be bands playing, princesses dancing and even birds of prey.  The event is free but there is a yummy hog roast from 4pm which is a ticketed event available on the day.

NWT have a great event on today in Weetslade Country Park, Campfire Cooking! Recommended minimum age for the kids is 5.  Tickets are only £3 per child (to include food) with the adults going free. Pre-booking is essential. 1pm - 2.30pm

This looks fun, Saturday and Sunday along at Tynemouth Priory is Clash of the Knights. Four teams of knights will battle each other to become victorious! Entry fee into the Priory applies.

Sunday 9th August

Lots going on at Woodhorn today.   They are offering family tours, winding demonstrations and art activities.  Find the details here. Entry into the museum is free, there is a charge for carparking and if you wish to take the family tour it will be £2.95 per adult and £1.95 per child (£9 for a family of 4). Contact the museum for more info.

The Hadrians Wall Farmers Market is on today in the village of Greenhead.  This is also on the 1st Sunday of every month, contact the organiser Wendy Bond 01697 747448.

Monday 10th August

Tynemouth Station have a Meet the Princesses event running over Monday and Tuesday.  Between 10am - 4pm there will be chances to meet fairytale princesses and join in with the singing and dancing.  Free event, contact 0191 6437409 for more details

There are two wonderful Hopscotch Entertainment events today up at Linden Hall (where I got married!) The Superhero squad will put you through your paces in the morning  at 11am and in the afternoon at 2.30pm, The Princesses take over for Once Upon a Time.  Tickets are £15 per child and include 1 adult entry.

It is Princess and Knights day at Newcastle Castle today.  Kids go free if they arrive dressed up.  We are really lucky to have our very own Castle to explore in the city. Pop along and support it. There will be a princess strolling the grounds and also a Knight School to take part in.  Entry fee applies to adults (and kids if not dressed up).  You can also take place in a Drum Circle right at the top of the Castle if you wish to make some noise.

Tuesday 11th August

Dennis the Menace will be in Eldon Square today!  He will be wandering around the centre, hopefully not getting up to too much mischief.  He will be appearing each hour, on the hour from 11am until 3pm.  There is also free Dennis the Menace face painting between Boots and John Lewis from 10am until 4pm.

All week at Life Science Centre you can make your very own Robot using recycled materials.   Each day from 11am until 1.30.  Top tip, if you take the metro into town, show your ticket at admission to Life and you will get a free child entry with each paying adult.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is holding a really fun Animal Tracks and Trails event today at Weetslade Country Park. £3 per person. 1pm until 2.30. Pre-booking is recommended.

Little Sparklers are running lovely sessions at North Tyneside libraries.  We went to the one at Forest Hall and it was really nice. Free sessions aimed at the under 5, there is singing, dancing and lots of fun.  Todays session is at Battle Hill library at 10.30 am, Contact the library on 0191 643 2255

Wednesday 12th August

We love Plessey Woods, always something new to spot and loads and loads of lovely space to run about.  Today they have a Small Mammals Session where you can learn all about the creatures that inhabit the woods.  Aimed at children 5 years and over, starts at 10am - 11.30. £2.50 per person. Contact 01670 824793 for more information.

Another one of my favourite places to visit with the kids is Bolam Lake just up past Belsay.  Beautiful place to explore, we have had some gorgeous days out here.  Today they have a mini beast hunt, always popular with the kids.  £2 per person starting at 2pm ending at 3.30.  All equipment is provided but please come suitably dressed.  Contact Frances Povey 01661 881 234

At Killingworth Lake today there is a lovely Butterfly Walk.  Only £1.50 per child to explore the woodland around the lake and see if you can spot some of these beautiful creatures. 10.30am contact alan.thurgood@northtyneside.gov.uk or 07976 307 347 to book

A fun packed Record Breakers session is on today at North Shields Library.  An hour filled with crazy games and challenges.  Aimed at children aged 6 and above, this is a free activity. Contact 0191 643 5270 to book your places

Thursday 13th August

Animal Antics are at Howdon Library today bringing along a selection of cuddly - and not so cuddly creatures for you to handle.  Free event but must be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0191 643 2070 or email howdon.library@northtyneside.gov.uk

More fun at Tynemouth Station today and Friday with free circus skills workshops. Suitable for all ages, learn juggling, hula hooping and more! Sessions are at 11am and 1pm. Contact 0191 643 7409

Kielder Water has a Red Squirrel Morning today.  From 10am - 12am, join the team for a short talk on squirrels and then explore in the woodland and hope to spot some of them. £3 per adult, £2 per child, booking is required on 01434 221 000

Friday 14th August

There is a Family Fun Day on today at Churchill Playing Fields in Monkseaton today.  Always great fun with loads of free activities for the family to get involved in.  11am - 2pm, lots of games, inflatables and face painting amongst other things. This is a photo of my daughter and her pal at one of the fun days a couple of years ago, always makes me laugh :0)

At Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend today we have Laser-Tag, aimed at the older kid (8+) challenge your friends in the giant inflatable arena. £5.60 per session. Contact 0191 643 2025 for more info and to book.

Lakey Lions at Lakeside Leisure Centre in Killingworth have 2 sessions on today. There is Bouncy Castle and Games on from 1 - 3pm for kids from 4 - 7 and there is also Pool Toys and Floats from 1pm - 2.30pm. £3.60 per child with an Ease card, £5.60 without. Contact the Lakeside to book a place 0191 643 4177

Lakey Lions at Killingworth and Burney Bear at Wallsend have activities on most days of the holidays. Contact either centre for more details

The Secret Garden ... in the Garden

I have seen outdoor theatre shows advertised at various locations over the last couple of years but for one reason or another I had never been to one.  An opportunity arose (thanks Gwenda!) for 2 tickets to see The Secret Garden at Alnwick Garden and I jumped at the chance.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect.  We have visited the Garden on many occasions since it opened and love the place.  Such a wonderful idea and we have enjoyed many a family day out here over the years.  So I knew it would be lovely and was very much looking forward to it.

Armed with picnic blanket, umbrella's (just in case), drinks and snacks, my daughter and I arrived at the Garden at about 6.10 with 20 minutes till showtime.

The stage was set just to the left of the Grand Cascade and it was magical.  It was an absolutely perfect setting.  The staff were lovely, exceptionally helpful and always on hand to help out.  We were directed to the 'blanket only' spot which was a great idea as a lot of people had brought their own chairs, this way we got a perfect view.

This performance was put on by Chapterhouse Open Air Theatre Company who are putting on 6 wonderful shows throughout the summer in some of the country's most beautiful locations.  Check out their website, there is sure to be one near you.

The actors were brilliant,  we loved them all and they played their parts perfectly.  Eva particularly liked Mary and Colin, she found their stroppiness really funny!

The performance lasted approximately an hour and a half and there was a 15 minute interval in the middle which was perfect timing to let the kids have a run about in the garden, we even found our own secret door.

The bar was open throughout the first act and the interval and there was also a yummy barbecue serving burgers and sausages in buns complete with salad.  Most people had come well prepared with large picnic baskets, we will do better next time!

At the end of the performance, Eva got the chance to meet some of the cast and Mary posed for a photograph on the stage with her which she was over the moon with.

Chapterhouse and The Secret Garden are moving onto Auckland Castle on 8th August and there are plenty more productions in the North East before the end of Summer, Jane Eyre, Pride and Predjudice, Sherlock Holmes and A Midsummer Night's Dream all taking place in stunning locations.  I would love to see Jane Eyre at Belsay Hall, that would be wonderful.

The Alnwick Garden was the perfect place to watch this performance and we will definitely be back for more shows.  Thank you Chapterhouse and Alnwick for a lovely evening.

Summer Fun - Week Three

Here we are, halfway mark, running out of ideas yet? Here are a few

Saturday 1st August

Maximus the Roman Soldier is at Segedunum this weekend.  He will be on hand to put your little centurions through their paces and learn about life as a Roman Soldier.  Children under 16 admitted free, adult entry fee applies.

Stephenson Railway Museum has a free Family Fun Pirate and Princess day on today.  Pop along and meet pesky pirates and the Snow Queen for a day full of fun and activities.

We love Wallington Hall it is a wonderful place to explore. Today they are celebrating 30 years of Sylvanian Families with a big family picnic event.  There will be live character shows, face painting and treasure hunts amongst other activities.  The event is free however normal admission into Wallington applies.

Sunday 2nd August

Make and do Sunday is on at Seaton Delaval Hall.  Each Sunday throughout the holidays there is a free craft activity for the children (entry fee into the hall)

The lovely village of Gilsland has their annual agricultural show on today.  Loads of activities for the family including various animal shows and competitions.  Great day out.

Playhouse Playtime at Playhouse Whitley Bay today features the wonderful superheroes and princesses of Hopscotch Entertainment.   An action packed show where the Snow Princess will take on Bat Hero. The children will join in a series of challenges and princess lessons.  An absolutely super time is guaranteed.

Today's Monument Movie at Grey's Monument is Penguins of Madagascar.  Free screening of the smash hit movie starts at 11am.

The fabulous free summer music events at South Shields Bents Park continue today with a host of North East talent, Joe McElderry, Collabro and Lola Saunders will all be performing for you, Starts at 1pm.

Monday 3rd August

West Boldon Lodge has a Minibeast Open Day today.  You can take part in pond-dipping, meadow sweeping and hunting in the woods for minibeasts. £5 per child, contact the Lodge to pre-book.

Little Sparklers music workshops for the Under 6's have a session on today at Forest Hall library at 2.30.  Free session, contact the library on 0191 643 2085 for more information

Northumberlandia at Blagdon has a fun Wild Tots session today. Enjoy outdoor activities with your toddler, sessions aimed at under 5's. £3 per child but you must register in advance. 10am - 11.30 am. Contact 0191 284 6884 for more information.

Tuesday 4th August

Pop along to the Discover Museum today for a free event All About Animals, all sorts of friends from the animal kingdom will be making an appearance today and you can learn all about how they live.  11am - 3pm

How brave are you feeling? Great North Museum is all about the spiders today.  A brand new exhibition, Spineless has opened and there are various events running in conjunction with it.  Free drop in event, 11am - 3pm.

Glooptastic are at Tynemouth Metro Station today. Fun and free, messy play sessions for the under 5's. A drop in event, first come first served. Between 10am and 12noon.  Contact 0191 643 7409

Wednesday 5th August

This looks great fun, Alnwick Gardens are playing host to The Most Dangerous Cup of Tea in the World.  A comedy show full of juggling, acrobatics and general silliness.  Show is free, entry into the Gardens applies.

This weeks Big Wednesday at The Laing Art Gallery is all about Paddington Bear.  Bring along your own bear and get him ready for a journey.  These are always wonderful events, £2.50 per child, 10am - 2pm

There is a family bushcraft activity over at Kielder Water today.  build your own fire, bring food to BBQ and cook your supper.  £10 per person or £30 for a family  of four. 1pm - 5pm. Booking is essential, contact Bruce on 01388 529 154.

Thursday 6th August

The Under the Dome inflatablplaza in Whitley Bay has a free roller rink all this week, starting on Tuesday 4th until Monday 10th.  Advisable for aged 4 years and older, there are also skates available in various sizes,  Contact 0191 643 7409 for more information.

Bookhappy are running free sessions today at Tynemouth Station.  These are lovely sessions packed full of story telling based on your favourite story book characters.  Sessions are drop in on a first come first served basis between 10am and 12 noon.

Friday 7th August

A full day of fun today at The Rising Sun Centre.  10.30 - 12 is Aquatic Adventures where you can go pond dipping (nets supplied).  At 1pm is Butterflies, Bugs and Beasties, get up close to some of our smaller critters,  Both events are £2.50 per child, contact the Centre on 0191 6432241 for more information and pre-booking.

Another lovely event at Northumberlandia today, a Family Woodland Day. £7 per child, a day full of den building, bug hunting and a picnic round the campfire.  Aimed at children 7 - 11 years old, £7 per child. Contact 0191 284 6884 for more information.