Family fun Archives

Pumpkin picking in Surrey 2020

We always enjoy Halloween what with the dressing up, going trick or treating and catching up with friends. This year is going to look rather different (trick or treating in the house anyone?) but it’s not to say we can’t have some fun! We’re pleased to hear the local farms are still able to offer pumpkin picking as it’s such a great laugh. The whole process of selecting a pumpkin or two that are the right size for carving – or eating depending on how creative you’re feeling. There are inevitable changes this year, due to COVID, primarily in that, all tickets must be purchased in advance and groups must be six or less.

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

We’ve always enjoyed the National Trust’s 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of family, it’s a great list to work from and there are plenty of opportunities to keep children engaged. Living in Surrey with so many National Trust places to explore, we’ve ticked quite a few off the list over the years. But did you know there are a whole host of fun activities that can be completed while on lockdown? Here are 20 of our favourites.

Cooking with kids: Easy banana cake

We don’t bake together often enough but now we’ve managed to get hold of essential ingredients, like flour, eggs and sugar, it has been an absolute joy. We’ve made this banana cake a couple of times while we’ve been in lockdown and it’s delicious! What’s more, it’s super easy and quick to make as well as being a great way to teach kids how to measure ingredients. If you have some bananas on the turn and you’re not sure what to do with them, get baking!

21 fun activities for kids

We’ve been so lucky with the weather while we’ve been on lockdown. So much so we’ve even put the tent up in the garden, enjoyed a couple of BBQ’s and dabbled in a spot of gardening. There have been plenty of activities on offer for kids. We’ve taken full advantage of the great experiences and homeschool resources on offer. But what else can the kids be doing indoors while the schools are closed? Here are a few more ideas to keep those inquisitive brains occupied.

Great experiences for kids during lockdown

There’s been no shortage of resources while the schools have been closed and we relish the new experiences that have arisen as a result. Starting the days doing PE with Joe Wicks quickly became the norm. Since then there’s been English with David Walliams, Home Festival Fun with Oti, Karen et al, maths with Carol Vorderman, wildlife with Steve Backshall and tales of adventure with Ben Fogle. Here are just a few of our favourites – do make sure you check them out if you haven’t already.

#UKexplore in March 2020

What an extraordinary month March has been, unforgettable that’s for sure. From working from home every day to all the schools closing and not being able to visit our favourite places. We’re two weeks in now and already missing what’s local to us by car although we’re thankful for our garden and the nearby River Wey. We’ve at least been blessed with the joys of spring – the birds are singing, the blossom is coming and we’ve been blessed with beautiful sunny days. This month’s UK Explore is bittersweet in that 50,000 photographs have been shared on Instagram even though it’s likely to be our last #UKExplore. For a little while at least.

5 spring smells we love

Spring is always a superb time of year for the senses what with the birds singing, lambs being born and the sound of children laughing. Being on lockdown has meant we’ve appreciated what’s around us just that little bit more. Here are 5 of the smells we’re loving this spring – all of which from the confines of our garden.

#UKexplore in February 2020

Don’t know about you but after a particularly wet February, we’re looking forward to seeing some sunshine. As a general rule, we love being outside whatever the weather but spring must be here soon surely. Our outdoor adventures have been somewhat limited over the past month as I’ve been poorly so we’re craving fresh air!

Are Frog bikes worth the money?

Pardon the pun but POD’s not had an easy ride when it comes to cycling. When she was younger she wasn’t particularly interested in balance bikes, opting to scoot instead. And actually, that worked well for far longer than we anticipated. She had her first bike when she was around four and although she’d asked for one, even picked the style and colour out in the shop, she flat refused to ride it once the stabilisers came off.

A winter’s day in Brighton

Much as we relish the Surrey countryside only being a short drive away, there’s something to be said for heading to the coast. We love the sandy beach at West Wittering, a firm favourite all year round, and we enjoy making ad hoc trips to other coastal destinations as well. Brighton is not somewhere we get to as regularly as we should although it’s only an hour or so away. Added to which, we have some rather interesting memories!

Older Posts

Family fun

Pumpkin picking in Surrey 2020

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Cooking with kids: Easy banana cake

21 fun activities for kids

Great experiences for kids during lockdown

#UKexplore in March 2020

5 spring smells we love

#UKexplore in February 2020

Are Frog bikes worth the money?

A winter’s day in Brighton

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

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