Getting Kids To Understand That Exercise Is Important

Getting Kids To Understand That Exercise Is Important

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

As adults, we all know that exercise is important. But as children, it doesn't occur that exercise needs to be something you stick to! After all, kids run around playing all the time, and have to do regular physical activities to learn key developmental skills. It’s only when you get a bit older that exercise can turn into a boring chore! But if you want your kids to always know the importance of regular movement, you need to help them make it fun. Here’s how. 

Turn It Into A Game

If exercise is a game, it doesn’t seem like exercise. That’s a very interesting proposition for some kids who hate having to do P.E classes at school! It’s not boring, it’s not something they have to try and excel at, it’s just a fun game everyone can take part in. 

Batting balloons around to stop them touching the ground, throwing balls at each other and trying to catch them, playing ‘red light, green light’ and being the last person standing. Even simple ideas are enjoyable! 

Explain Your Own Workout Routine

If your kids see you exercising, explain to them what you’re doing! And as you go, explain why. Kids are naturally curious simply thanks to their age, and you’ve got a chance to get a real message in here. You don’t have to preach to them about body image and healthy weight levels - although you can learn more here about why that can be good. 

But you can also talk about how good exercise can make a person feel and how important that is as people get older. And if you’re not too sure what to say here, you can look up some talking points and then translate them into kid-friendly material. 

Limit Screen Time In Fun Ways

Spending time staring at a screen is incredibly common these days. Never before have kids been so indoors, and it’s hard to tear them away when they’re stuck in a video or game with their friends. So you’ve got to put on something better to attract them away. There are plenty of screen free activities to explore.

Something that’s just as fun and fulfilling, and will have the kids forgetting there’s a world of adventure inside on the iPad. Game nights, days out, craft sessions, and baking in the kitchen are all great ways to get the kids on their feet, and as long as they stay that way they’ll experience some healthy effects. 

Keep School Timetables In Mind

And finally, maybe you don’t have to really worry! If your kids are in school, they might be getting plenty of exercise already. They go outside during playtimes, they have regular physical education lessons, and they may even be part of clubs - all of these things count towards their activity quota. The more this kind of schedule is normalised, the more exercise will be important - simple! 

Let kids be kids and have fun as they go; that’s how you make exercise an important thing in their lives. 

Michelle

Read More

Our Place In Space Trail, Liverpool

Our Place In Space Trail, Liverpool

No comments

We recently visited Liverpool to complete the Our Place In Space Trail inspired by Oliver Jeffers. The trail is centred around an epic scale model of the Solar System designed by the artist Oliver Jeffers. Together with Scientist Professor Stephen Smartt and a creative team led by Nerve Centre the three dimensional sculpture trail, interactive AR app and learning and events programme was created. We love heading out on walks in the North West and they're even better if there is a trail to follow. 

What To Expect When Visiting Our Place In Space, Liverpool City Centre, L1

The Our Place In Space trail is available every day. It is recommended to visit between 9am-9pm for the best experience. If you are familiar with Liverpool, the journey begins on Church Street which is in the centre of Liverpool.

Trail staff are available to help you on your journey through the Solar System with lots of information including how to download the app. 

The start of the trail focuses on the Sun and then you can follow the signs, your trail map or use the app to then visit the rest of the Solar system. Once you have visited the planets in the main city centre shopping area you will then head to Liverpool's iconic waterfront where you will pass the Museum of Liverpool and catch Jupiter close to Tate Liverpool. You will then continue along the waterfront all the way to Pluto.

The trail from the Sun to Pluto is 8.1km in total. With an average walking speed the trail should be completed with 2-3 hours. However if you need to take a round trip then you would need to add on more time to your visit. 

The end of the trail is a short walk away from Aigburth train station where you could hop back in to the city centre if needed.

The planets are really interesting to see and the scale of the solar system is 591 million to 1. At this scale the Sun is 2.35m, the Earth 2.2cm and Pluto being just 4mm.

This is mainly a walking trail, however you could actually drive from one planet to another once you have visited the planets in the city centre and Royal Albert Dock. 

Toilets are available at various public locations along the way. 

The trail is fully accessible by bike should you chose to visit this way. 

We love trails and they are a great way to explore a city and see things you may not would have noticed before. The Our Place In Space Trail will be in Liverpool until the 6th November 2022 and you can find out more by visiting Our Place In Space

Have you visited the trail or are you planning to?  If so I would love to know. Do leave us a comment or message us on socials. 

If you enjoyed this post you can check out more by clicking our  'you may also like' posts below. 

Also you can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

Read More

The Unlimited Buffet At Pizza Hut Plus Giveaway

The Unlimited Buffet At Pizza Hut Plus Giveaway

No comments

If you could choose a favourite meal out what would you choose? I know John and the boys would always choose pizza. If we are ever eating out or grabbing a takeaway I don't even need to ask them now as I know what their answer will be, Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut is a very popular choice and we are lucky to have quite a few restaurants local to us that we like to go to, especially their Pizza Hut Unlimited Buffet. 

When eating out the Pizza Hut Unlimited Buffet is the perfect choice for a family. Now available 7 days a week you can enjoy an unlimited variety of freshly made pizza, pasta and salad for a set price. 

Weekday buffets start from just £9.99 for adults and £6.49 for kids. This includes unlimited salad.

When you are ready to order you can choose to upgrade to the buffet bundle. The buffet bundle includes your unlimited pizza, pasta and salad but also includes a bottomless drink and Ice Cream Factory. The bundle is from £13.99 for adults and £8.99 for kids.

Now that the buffet is 7 days a week you can also enjoy the deal on a weekends and also bank holidays. 

The unlimited buffet on weekends and bank holidays is just £13.99 for adults and £6.99 for kids. Weekend bundles are also available and cost just £8.99 for kids and £17.99 for adults.

Last but not least you can add a tasty side to your buffet from just £2.99!

We love visiting Pizza Hut and the unlimited buffet is definitely our favourite time to visit, it offers delicious food at an affordable price and is available up till 3pm every day. 

If you would like to try out the Pizza Hut buffet for yourself we have a gift card loaded with £75 to giveaway. 

All you need to do is complete the entry form below and make sure you pop back daily for bonus chances to win. The giveaway will close on 13th November and the winner will be contacted within 7 days. If not claimed a new winner will be drawn after 28 days. Open to UK residents only. 

Good Luck

Win A £75 Pizza Hut Voucher

Michelle

Read More

Five Years From Now By Paige Toon Book Review

Five Years From Now By Paige Toon Book Review

No comments

Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links. I am part of the Books2Door referral scheme. If you buy this book or any books through this link it gives us both £5 off our orders.

What if you met the right person at the wrong time? Nell and Van meet as children when their parents fall in love, but soon they are forced worlds apart. Five years later, they find each other.  Their bond is rekindled and new feelings take hold, but once again they must separate.

 

For the next two decades, fate brings Nell and Van together every five years, as life and circumstance continue to divide them. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?

 

‘One day, maybe five years from now, you’ll look back and understand why this happened…’ Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

Five Years From Now tells the story of Nell and Van. Each chapter tells their story at a different age. Nell lives with her mum but heads to Cornwall every Summer to spend it with her dad. The first chapter is when Nell and Van are five and they have just met. They were born just days apart but brought together by Nells dad falling in love with Vans mum. 

Every chapter moves on five years and we read about Nell and Vans life at each age but also see a snippet of Nell and Vans past over the previous five years giving us hints of what they have been up to and why they are brought together at age ten. fifteen, twenty, twenty five, thirty, thirty five, forty and then forty three.

Five Years From Now will give you a warm fuzzy feeling but will also pull on your heartstrings and bring a tear to you eye. 

It's been a while since I picked up a book. As you may know I was part of a monthly book club up until spring this year and then I just felt like I didn't have the time to read anymore. It was such a shame as I really did enjoy reading and it was a lovely way for me to step away from the screen and just relax.  I was hoping to read over the Summer however that didn't happen but now Summer is over and we are all back to our normal routine of school and work, I needed to start making some time for myself again. I haven't read any other books by Paige Toon so I just closed my eyes and chose Five Years From Now from the small selection I own. I couldn't put it down and eager to read the rest of the books I have by Paige now. 

Have you read any of Paige Toons books?  If so I would love to know as I will definitely reading more so would love some recommendations. Do leave us a comment or message us on socials. 

READ THESE NEXT

IT ONLY HAPPENS IN THE MOVIES BY HOLLY BOURNE BOOK REVIEW

THE STOLEN ONES BY VANESSA CURTIS BOOK REVIEW

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

The Best Pumpkin Picking In The UK

The Best Pumpkin Picking In The UK

No comments

Updated for 2022

A few years ago we went Pumpkin Picking for the first time and it was so much fun. We went to Kenyon Hall Farm in Warrington and it was really good. We wanted to choose somewhere close by, so I asked some of my friends and Kenyon Hall Farm was the most popular. Being popular means you usually have to book your tickets early and we have already secured ours for this year. If you are looking to pick a pumpkin this year, I have asked some friends from all over the UK to tell me their favourite places to Pumpkin Pick so check out their recommendations below.

North

A popular choice amongst us is Kenyon Hall Farm

Emma from A Farmers Wife and Mummy visited too. We loved it so much last year I think we will be visiting again this year too.

Midlands

Laura from Little Ladies Big World visits Adventure Farm in Staffordshire

Emma at Mrs Shilts visits Essington Farm in Wolverhampton

SOUTH

Sian from quite frankly she said recommends The Pop Up Farm in Hertfordshire. 

Victoria from Verily Victoria Vocalises visits Bailey ridge in Dorset

Katy from Katy Kicker recommends Cammas Hall in Essex/Hertfordshire

Laura from Dear Bear and Beany - Millets Farm in Oxfordshire

Emily from Emily and Indiana enjoyed Pick Your Own Pumpkin in Sevington, Ashford

Jenny from The Gingerbread House - Farrington's Farm Shop, Somerset

EAST

Lauren from Dilan and Me gives us a round up of the best in Norfolk

Are you planning on going Pumpkin Picking this year? If you have any other recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I am always so grateful for any support I receive on my blog and social channels. If you did find this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought. 

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

Is Home Schooling The Right Choice For My Child?

Is Home Schooling The Right Choice For My Child?

No comments

Disclosure - this is a collaborative post. 

 If there is one thing that parents have been arguing over for a very long time, it is whether or not home schooling is right for children. It can be agreed that traditional schools work well for some whereas home schooling works well for others. However, this makes it difficult when it comes to new parents deciding whether or not they would like to home school their child. Every education system and style offer a unique way of learning so there is no right or wrong when it comes to the route you want your child to take. Here is some advice from a digital academy on if home schooling is the right choice for your child. 

Home schooling allows more time with your child. This means those younger years that pass by in the blink of an eye will be spent surrounded by family. It also means you will have a direct role in your child’s learning and be able to track their progress and see what areas need improvement. This then helps you build a stronger relationship with your child in the long run.

Home schooling gives you a lot more freedom than traditional schools would. With your child being away from the usual style of curriculum, there is freedom to choose when and where they study. School trips can be merged with vacations that can be taken whenever you want. Another benefit is that you won’t have to do the school run. 

This route of schooling allows your child to socialise in different ways. The social pressures are removed which can help improve confidence and self-esteem. Your child will be able to avoid bullying and gain real life skills in their home-based learning. 

The one-to-one learning style will ensure your child has less distraction and is able to work and progress at a pace that suits them. Less distraction means greater understanding and value for learning which is one of the greatest benefits of all!

Michelle

Read More

Why Is Reading So Important For Children?

Why Is Reading So Important For Children?

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

 There are many things that can be done for your child that will be beneficial to them both in their personal and academic development. This can be helping them strengthen their fine motor skills, giving them a healthy and regular routine and even reading to them. Yes, you read that write. Reading is heavily underestimated when it comes to the benefits it offers to children. These can be comfort, reassurance, confidence, relaxation and pure happiness. When you read to a child, you are giving them your full and undivided attention which they will perceive as you showing care. Due to the learning potential it has, it is important parents put the time in as early as possible in their child’s life to introduce them to reading. Here is some advice on why reading is so important for children. 

Reading assists children with their cognitive development. This phase of development is where children gain the ability to understand the world, intelligence, reasoning, language and how to process information. By reading to your child, you will help them develop a deep understanding of the world and give them a whole lot of background knowledge. this background knowledge is then used to be able to make sense of what they hear, see and read.

It helps to develop empathy. When reading a book, naturally we will put ourselves into the shoes of the characters. It is through this that we are able to develop empathy as we experience the lives and emotions of the characters themselves. This is really important for children to pick up as early as possible as it will help them empathise with people in the real world. Children also gain a greater understanding of emotions which can help them understand bigger emotions that they may experience later on in life.

Regular reading assists children with their concentration abilities. Overall, this will help children sit in one place for a long period of time which will benefit them when they go to school.

Michelle

Read More

How To Raise A Compassionate Child

How To Raise A Compassionate Child

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

 Our world has gone through many changes which has allowed newer generations to be provided for in more ways than older generations were. This has created a materialistic group of people with a ‘me’ mindset. However, compassion is still a must needed trait in a person which is why it is important parents do their best to nurture their child into this habit. Of course, the first step to teaching a child anything is by setting the example yourself. Then, integrating it into everyday life will be the next step. It is important to teach children from a young age so they are able to make it a lifelong habit that can be used at home and with friends and teachers alike. Here is some advice on how to raise a compassionate child.

Being compassionate consists of many different traits. Being kind is one of them. Teach your child how to be kind to all around them. Even when they face a person who is unkind, insensitive and rude, approaching them with kindness will go a long way when moulding your child's character. Encourage them to be kind in their speech as well as their acts. Learning how to avoid and ignore rude behaviour and language will become a lifelong skill. 

Show them how to be respectful. This could be the way they talk to their teachers or address their elders in their family. Let them learn how to treat everyone with respect and equality. This also includes being able to listen well to others and attempting to understand other points of views.

Helpfulness goes a long way when it comes to being compassionate. Begin by including them in household chores and assisting elderly with errands. This will show your child that others are also in need of assistance that being helpful is one of the greatest traits to have. 

At the end of the day, they key is to raise someone who is a light in others eyes. This starts and ends with compassion.

Michelle

Read More

3 Common Mistakes When Buying New Jeans

3 Common Mistakes When Buying New Jeans

No comments

Disclosure - this is a collaborative post

 These mistakes apply to both men and women in their search for new jeans. You will likely buy a lot of pairs of jeans in your lifetime - sometimes even multiple pairs in a year. Unfortunately, it is extremely common to see the same mistakes crop up again and again. You end up with a pair of jeans that don’t fit correctly or deteriorate in quality after the first wash. 

So, it’s time to learn from these mistakes! Here are the three common errors you make when buying new jeans and how to prevent them in the future: 

Not Knowing Your Proper Size

Hands up, how many of you estimate your size when buying jeans? Usually, you guess what your waist size is - or you measure in the wrong place. Get some proper measuring tape and measure around your waist. This will be the point around your belly button, not around your hips. Then, measure your inside leg to get the leg length. A huge mistake is buying jeans that are too long for you, so the ends look all baggy and silly! 

Once you have your proper size, it is a lot easier to find jeans that will actually fit correctly for once. 

Buying The Wrong Style Of Jeans

What type of jeans do you want to wear? As you can see on https://www.883police.com/mens/jeans, there are countless types to choose from: slim fit, skinny fit, relaxed fit, straight fit, tapered fit, etc. The same is true for women - actually, there are arguably more choices! 

If you want jeans that are quite relaxed and baggy, but you buy slim-fit ones, you’re not going to have a pair that fit how you intended. Consider what type of jeans will suit your body before you make a purchase. 

Getting Cheap Jeans

This might sound snobbish, but cheap jeans are really bad. Sure, they help you save a lot of money on clothing, but they will usually be extremely low-quality items. The material feels strange and starts to deteriorate after a few washes. The fit isn’t good and it’s hard to find ones that are actually in the right size even after measuring yourself. 

Instead, high-quality jeans will cost a bit extra. It is worth spending a bit more on an item like this as you will get value from it. You’ll wear the jeans a lot, so you want them to actually last and feel nice. Cheap jeans are exactly as described…cheap! A good way to get some high-quality jeans while saving money is by purchasing second-hand items or waiting for sales/discounts. This lets you get jeans that fit properly and last a long time without breaking the bank. 

At the end of the day, jeans will probably be your most-worn item of clothing. You can wear them to the airport when you’re travelling, or to the coffee shop when meeting a friend - or even while you lounge around the house. So, it makes sense to make the right purchase and give a fresh way to wear a casual look. Avoid the three mistakes above and you will do exactly that. 

Michelle

Read More

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

No comments

This post was updated September 2023

You all know we love Alton Towers. I have been visiting since I was a little girl and I love how the park has developed and expanded over the years just getting bigger and better every year. A few years ago Alton Towers announced lots of events that would happen over the year including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest and our personal favourite Scarefest. We often get asked how scary is Alton Towers Scarefest? What I love about Alton Towers is they cater for all ages and you can make it as family friendly or scary as you want as there is so much going on. 

What To Expect When Visiting Scarefest, Alton Towers 

Alton Towers really do get their spook on when it comes to the Halloween event and you can expect all kinds of tricks and treats. 

Open till 9pm every night you can experience your favourite rides in the dark, 4 scare mazes, family fun and new for 2023 Daz Games - Panic 

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

The park itself isn't scary however like I said early it can be as scary as you like with 4 scare mazes and new for 2023 Daz Games Panic. These chargeable attractions are not for the faint hearted, trust me I've done a few. Whilst they make you jump and scream (I did both) the actors inside these mazes don't touch you they are just there to give you a scare. 

What Is Daz Games - Panic?

This is a new attraction for 2023 and it claims it will take you on the first adrenaline-inducing escape room meets live action scare maze for the ultimate horror experience.

I do love an escape room however you are plunged into darkness and have just 7 minutes to complete a series of tests that will challenge the mind and body as you try to locate the symbols and escape…. all whilst evading capture from the inhabitants within.

Racing against the clock you'll have to think fast and stay calm as you take on an AI-themed assault of the senses… all before the game strikes back and traps you within. Forever

What Scare Mazes Are Available This Year?

New for 2023 - Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge

Rumours are afoot that the old Altonville Mines are alive with activity once again. Following a breakthrough from local law enforcers, the notorious Skin Snatchers have been detained...but for how long? The ironically named Tiny, however, has evaded capture and is believed to still reside within the Mines. Explore at your peril and risk the adventure, if you dare.

The Invitation 

The Lakeside Cemetery invites you to join them for a grave experience that will live with you for eternity. Their friendly funeral director is dying to assist you as you descend in to the burial chamber, where you can choose your final resting place. Some caskets have already been filled while others are empty, waiting for you. Recommended 12+

The Attic: Terror of the Towers 

In Alton people talk of the Governess – how she’s haunted by the death of young children. She wants revenge, and she will do it by seizing the spirits of the living in retribution. They say her ghost haunts The Attic and that’s where you’re headed. Recommended 12+

Darkest Depths

Enjoy some extra-spooky swashbuckling aboard ‘The Mutiny’, a notoriously spine-chilling ghost ship. You’ll truly earn your golden Piece of Eight by venturing into the darkest depths, avoiding the hazardous calls of the treacherous Sirens, dodging the swords of terrifyingly ghoulish pirate mutineers and coming face to face with the Kraken – the legendary monster of the seas! Recommended 12+

We have done a few scare attractions over the years with Altonville Mine Tours our most recent and I can confirm they are very scary.

How Much Are The Scare Mazes?

Each maze is chargeable and can be pre-booked online. 

Daz Games - Panic

£10 or £8 for Merlin Pass Holders

Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge, The Invitation, The Attic: Terror of the Towers  and Darkest Depths

£34 for all 4 or £27.20 for Merlin Pass Holders. All 4 must be completed within 2 hours. 

I think on the day you can purchase single scare mazes as we have done that in the past.

What Attractions Are Suitable For All The Family?

Alton Towers do try to make it suitable for everyone and over the years we have seen new attractions introduced which make it a family friendly event too.

New for 2023 - Burial Grounds

Burial Grounds is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone shadowed by the mighty Wicker Man where you'll encounter the rejectors of modern-day society fulfilling their terrifying primal instincts.

Trick O'Treat Town

Suitable for all ages Trick O'Treat Town is an interactive walkthrough where you must pluck up the courage to knock on doors. The residents of Spooky Avenue up to Witchy Woods love Trick or Treating so be prepared for plenty of treats and tricks too.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 2 adults can accompany a child without a purchase of a bag (£12 or £9.60 for Merlin Pass Holders)

Alton Ancestors

On Arrival you will usually bump in to the Alton Ancestors. They have left their gravestones behind and are back from the dead. One thing you should know about the Ancestors is they love to dance so make sure you check them out and even join in.

CBeebies Land Monster Ball

Join the CBeebies characters live in Big Fun ShowTime as they dance and play games. the show features Bing, Ubercorn, Peter Rabbit and many more of your favourite CBeebies friends, you can even dress up in your favourite costume.

Freaky Fun Zone

You won't want to miss the Freaky Fun Zone on the front lawns.  The five super-freaky Halloween characters put on the most spook-tacular shows, with meet and greets and photo opportunities. Little ones will love this as the characters are so much fun and very colourful. 

There are also many other reasons to visit Alton Towers during Scarefest including the Alton Towers Dungeon

Alton Towers Dungeon

As Scarefest descends on the Towers, enter The Alton Towers Dungeon for a little less laughing… and a lot more screaming! Will you be found guilty by the Bishop of Stafford, survive a visit to the Plague Doctor and make it out of The Witch of Burslem’s Cottage? Enter The Alton Towers Dungeon this Halloween, as we celebrate the most hideously horrible time of year with your delightful peasant screams… If you dare!

Recommended for guests age 10+ and a charge is applicable. Pre booking is advised. 

As well as as this scary fun you can enjoy your favourite rides in the dark as the theme park is open till 9pm every night during Scarefest. 

Also if you want to make the most of your visit to Scarefest you can stay over at the resort where the spooky fun continues. 

READ THESE NEXT

HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT MERLIN ATTRACTIONS

MARDI GRAS AT ALTON TOWERS

CELEBRATING OKTOBERFEST AT ALTON TOWERS

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More