10 ideas to make your family walks extra fun

Spring can be such a lovely time to get out as a family and enjoy the great outdoors. We’ve come up with 10 ideas to help make getting some much needed fresh air and exercise a little bit more fun…

Our first tip is to try and add some variety to your walking route so you are not doing the same old circuit again and again. If possible try and change your route as much as you can to try and see new things. Play some of the games below whilst walking along or have an I spy list so you have something to look out for. That always seems to make sure little legs don’t get as tired.

1. Play a game 🎰🎰🎰

This idea is pretty similar to how you might pass time on a long car journey. Try and think of different games you can play together whilst walking along. Here are a few suggestions:

• I spy – needs no explanation!
• Going on a picnic – one person says an item you’d take on a picnic. The next person then repeats that item and adds a new one to the list. It carries on until someone forgets the whole list!
• Alphabet hunt – look for the letters of the alphabet in order on road and street signs
• Counting game – count 10 cars, 10 trees, 10 dogs…you get the idea!
• Create a story together – each person takes it in turns to say make up a story by saying one line at a time
• Think of an animal – the rest of your family has to guess what animal you are by asking you questions that you can only say yes or no to!
• Ghost – a good spelling game for older kids. The challenge is to add letters to form a word but not be the one that completes the word. Start with a random letter, then each player takes turns adding new letters.

2. Make your own ‘I spy’ list 👀 👀 👀

Make up your own simple ‘I spy’ lists to take out on your walk and tick off. You can do a new list each time you go out. You can include anything from road signs to nature! We’ve listed some ideas below:

• Tick off different types of vehicles
• Tick off different road signs
• Tick off numbers in sets
• Tick off and identify different types of trees or flowers
• Tick off a list of things you know you’ll see but your children might not have noticed…letterbox, manhole cover, bus stop, park bench etc

3. Go looking for bugs 🐞🐞🐞

If you have a magnifying glass, why keep your eyes on the ground and go looking for some bugs in your street. Just remember not to touch or pick anything up. Just look at the insects if you are out in public. If you want to do some real bug hunting, and if you have a garden, then that is the safest place for a full bug hunt.

4. Take some photographs 📸📸📸

Letting your child take some photos can add some variety to your daily walk and they will probably love being in charge of the camera. Try writing a list before you go out of things to photograph. It’s also a good way to ‘collect’ the items on your ‘I spy’ lists.

You could set a theme for the photos you take on your walk and print them off when you get home to turn into a collage.

Of course, you also get to enjoy ‘editing’ 3 million photos from your camera/phone when you get home. 😂

5. Turn your walk into an obstacle course 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Ok, so it’s not going to be as fun as a trip to the park, but why not try balancing on any lines you see, not standing on the cracks or jumping over any covers in the pavements. Please engage in this activity responsibly, and remember to keep at least 2 metres apart from others not in your family at all times.

6. Play what does the sign mean? 🚫🚫🚫

As a lot of us are simply walking around our local neighbourhoods at the moment there are probably plenty of road and street signs to see. Ask your child to read the signs or ask them what they think they mean.

7. Design a trail 🗾🗾🗾

You could design your own trail for your children around your local streets. Decide on a simple circular route and write down basic directions and clues for them to solve. The clues can be based on street signs, road signs or shop names, even manhole covers – there are plenty of words out there when you start looking. The answer to the clue should reveal one letter and then all the answers (letters) make up an anagram your child needs to work out at the end.

8. Beat your step count⌚️⌚️⌚️

Why not try to beat your previous day’s step count…another lap around the block anyone? 😂

Or you could do the same walk a few times and see if you can beat your time! Might get everyone moving along to try and shave a few seconds off your personal best!

9. Map reading 🗺🗺🗺

Give your child a map (either print off a map of your local area or use your phone). You can teach your child how to read the map, identify north and south, and try to navigate. Maybe you can encourage your child to plan a route or draw a map of your route before you head out.

You could also use a mapping app on your phone and show your child how to use it.

10. Do one of our themed Scavenger Hunts…simply write a list of things to find and tick them off as you go.

With special thanks to our lovely sister site, York Mumbler for this super blog.

101 Things To Do With Kids Indoors (and your own garden)

If you’ve decided to spend more time at home this week, or you’re trying to juggle the school holidays and work – then this blog is for you!

A Made by Mumbler Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Agility Indoor Adventure Fitness Park

AGILITY is one of the most exciting and unique centres for fitness in the UK. The main feature is two ninja warrior style obstacle courses catering for the whole family. Sports camps available throughout the year too.

T: 01904 340495
London Ebor Business Park, Millfield Lane, York, YO26 6QY

Beningbrough Hall – May Half Term 2023

Come out to play in Beningbrough’s gardens with a brand-new free nature trail, 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ and all the usual places to adventure.

Launching for the holidays is Who’s hiding in the trees? At first glance, trees may appear to be quiet and peaceful, but in fact they are full of life – hidden between the branches, in hollows, or even under the bark.

T:01904 472027

Bolton Abbey Welly Walk 2023

Saturday 27th May – Sunday 29th October

Embrace the outdoors and get ready for a muddy adventure! Our Welly Walk leads you from the stepping stones to the Cavendish Pavilion cafe, taking in bridges, grassland, ancient woodland and riverside paths.

Children will encounter lots of fun obstacles along the way. Let your little ones put their balance skills to the test, scramble up nets, navigate the pole-to-pole and try their hardest to keep clean as they come down the slides!

Enjoy plenty of picnic spots at the beginning and end of the walk, and perhaps even an ice cream treat. Entry to the Welly Walk is included with your car parking ticket. So enjoy a great value day out, for all the family, here at Bolton Abbey.

This trail is very popular. To guarantee a car parking space please pre-book your car park ticket in advance.

This is a challenging adventure and some obstacles are not suitable for all age groups. The Welly Walk is approximately 1 mile in each direction.Unfortunately the path is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, as it is steep in sections with unguarded steep drops. Please wear appropriate footwear, especially when it has been wet – it’s not called the Welly Walk for no reason. A spare set of clothing might be welcome!

Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD236EX
T: 01756 718000

Castle Howard Skelf Island Adventure Playground

A day out with the kids at Castle Howard just became even more adventurous and intriguing. Now they can join into the treetops of Yorkshire’s newest adventure playground, Skelf Island.

Ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment will allow the Skelves to take young visitors on an adventure like no other.

Skelf Island is included in a gardens ticket.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA.
T: 01653 648333

Chestnut Forest School – Forest School Sessions 2023

Tuesday 30th May – North Duffield
Thursday 1st June – Stockton on the Forest
Sessions at 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.00 -3.00pm each day.
£10 per child each session.

Have a fun time outdoors, learn new skills – and there’s chocolate, s’mores and popcorn!
Parents are welcome to stay but there is no need if the children are primary school aged. Parents must stay if children are preschoolers.

T: 07790 602135 (Caroline)

DIG – An Archaeological Adventure

St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
T: 01904 615505

East Riding Leisure May Half Term

Half term holiday fun at East Riding Leisure centres

For those unsure what to do with the little ones (or not so little ones) during the half term school holidays, East Riding Leisure centres are running activities, including:

• Fun Floats
• Inflatables
• Born to Move LES MILLS classes for children aged 2-16 (East Riding Leisure Driffield and South Cave only)
• Soft Play

Easy Picnic Food Ideas for Kids

I don’t know about you but sometimes I fancy something a bit different for picnics. As a kid I remember squashed cheese and piccalilli sandwiches which perhaps have made me a bit adverse to the whole picnic idea, but in recent times and since having a child of my own, I’ve discovered you can totally make it worth while dragging picnic bags around on days out. Some of the ideas are really simple and some take a bit of prep (hardly any, I promise) – but you can get the kids involved the day before as something to do. Kids love to “help” out in the kitchen, don’t they? We’ve put together a mix of nutritious and yummy ideas that we have used ourselves, found online or been told about by friends, so that you can have some relaxed family time while knowing you and your mini mumblers have happy full tums.

SAVOURY

Puff pastry is your best friend.

There are so many ideas online using puff pastry. It’s easy to find in supermarkets, pretty cheap, and can hold a host of yummy ingredients. A couple I use are:

Pastry Pesto Pinwheels

Literally, all you have to do is lay out your ready made pastry, smooth on your favourite pesto, some parmesan or cheddar cheese, roll up and slice. Brush a bit of whisked egg on for a golden, crispy finish, then bake. A nut friendly version I found online uses ready made tomato pasta sauce, cheddar and ham instead of the pesto. I’ve linked this below.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pizza-puff-pinwheels

Home Made Sausage Rolls

You’ll wonder why you ever bought supermarket sausage rolls when you’ve tried home made ones – there’s literally no comparison! They’re super easy to do. I follow the recipe on the box of ‘Jus’ Rol’ and they’re SO good. I found the recipe on the website so I have linked below. There’s six steps, it’ll take about ten minutes to prepare and twenty to cook but I promise, it’ll be worth it. 

https://www.jusrol.co.uk/pastry-recipes/garys-sumptuous-sausage-rolls

Pasta salad

If your kids are like mine then they’re probably made up of about 98% carbohydrates, so pasta salad is always a hit (and my favourite too). I usually mix boiled pasta with tuna mayo, sweetcorn, cucumber and tomatoes but you could stick anything in that you know they’ll eat. I save jam jars and the like for putting individual portions of pasta in to save taking plates. Plus there’s only so much tupperware one can own! Other ideas we like are; pesto pasta and tomato and sausage pasta. It’s a good idea if you’re making it for tea one night to make extra for picnics. 

Savoury Muffins

Muffins are ideal for packing up and taking on days out. Just throw them in a box and they’ll be fine – no leaking or falling apart like sandwiches and they make a change too. They’re nice and soft for babies who may be weaning and still perfect for older children. You can sneak veg in as well as cheese and loads of other stuff. My favourite recipe is linked below. Super easy and yummy. You just add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and you (and the kids) can get creative with flavours and toppings. 

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/ham-cheese-tomato-muffins/2a1b1044-2dab-4268-9b0e-f4fe995b4dae

Banana and Peanut butter Wraps 

Another mum told me their kids love these.  They’re perfect for picnics and are a genius idea for all ages. Just spread some peanut butter on a wrap, pop a banana in the middle and wrap them up. I’ve been told many times that my favourite breakfast of Peanut butter and sliced banana on toast was a “weird” combination so I’m very glad to discover I am not the only one who loves it! A bit of sweetness, protein and tons of energy, and they’re perfect for little hands. Ideal picnic refuel food!

Dips, Veg Sticks and Pitta Breads

Good old Pinterest suggested putting dips, veggies and crackers or pitta breads into a cupcake tin. I’d say take all of your things separately and decant into it when you get there and are settled in a nice spot. It means the kids can pick and choose and dip to their hearts content. I find that Arthur eats lots more variety when there are choices and things to pick up with his fingers and dip. Our favourites are hummus, tzatziki, pesto, cucumber, carrots, apples, pitta breads, rice cakes and little tomatoes, but you can just choose whatever your family loves! 

Hot Dogs

We’ve seen this shared loads of times recently and can see why!  You just put tinned hotdogs in a flask, pour over boiling water and put the lid on.  Hot hotdogs ready to cram in a bun and cover in tomato sauce. The kids will be really happy with this one and it saves you paying goodness-knows-what for a floppy hotdog while you’re out and about. 

SWEET TREATS

I never feel like spending ages in the kitchen preparing for a picnic so I’ve shared a few ideas we use that are really easy and quick and don’t cause too much mess or faff. 

Fruit Kebabs

I’m not sure on the science of it but there’s something about putting fruit on a stick that entices kids to eat it. Let them dip it in yogurt to help them cool off, but do remember to pack the baby wipes!  NB – remember grapes should be sliced length ways down the middle before the little ones tuck in 

Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

I’ve never met a soul who doesn’t love these. They’re my husband’s favourite and about the only thing he can make (sorry Phil) – so much so, he made me a giant one for our Anniversary. I woudn’t recommend a giant one, it was like a boulder and did cause a bit of jaw ache, however, little ones are so yum and fun to make with the kids and most importantly- really easy. They’re good for picnics as they’re quite indestructible and won’t melt much. His “secret” recipe which I think is actually pretty widely known, is below. Arthur loves making these with us.

4oz Butter

4oz Drinking chocolate (we use Cadbury)

4 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup 

4oz Cornflakes

Slowly melt the butter in a pan. Add the golden syrup and stir together. Add the drinking chocolate – stir. Add the cornflakes, but stir carefully so as not to crush them too much. When the cornflakes are evenly coated with the mixture, pop into cake cases and then into the fridge. Done. 

Flapjack 

Another really easy option and good for boxing up and taking to a picnic is flapjack. I follow a really basic Mary Berry recipe, but add raisins. You could add other dry fruits though or chocolate if you feel fancy. They take five minutes to make and twenty to bake, hardly any clean up and are very yummy!  

https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/mary-berrys-flapjacks

Pretzel Buttons

I saw these on the instagram of Frances Quinn of The Great British Bake Off. It was on a hot day that she decided to pop some salted pretzels on her partly melted chocolate buttons. I had to try it, obviously, and they’re amazing. Just about as easy as it gets too. Just lay the buttons out on some greaseproof paper, on a baking trey. Put them in the oven for about 30 seconds – no longer! Then let the kids push the pretzels onto the squashy buttons, place in the fridge and there you have it. The salt and chocolate together are so good. If you don’t eat them all there and then, chuck them in a box to take on your picnic. If you don’t keep them cool they’ll probably become a bit of a sticky mess but at least then they will double up as a pretzel/fruit kebab chocolate fondu! A good idea for keeping food chilled in general is to freeze your water bottles the night before and put them in your picnic bag with all the food. The ice will have partly melted by lunch time – so will be good to drink, but it will have also kept the contents of the bag chilled too.

With special thanks to our wonderful sister site, East Cheshire Mumbler for this super blog! 

May half term at Harlow Carr: Sow Awesome 2023

27 MAY – 4 JUNE 2023
Learn more about where our food comes from with a week of fun family activities at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Yorkshire

Get sowing this May half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and learn how to grow your own food. Follow our grow-your-own-themed trail around the garden and see if you can spot the fruit and vegetable superheroes along the way. Discover their amazing powers and find out how you can grow them at home.

All activities are included with garden admission. Free to RHS members and children under 5. Suitable for all the family

Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
T: 01423 565418

DATE FOR THE DIARY: Howden Show – Sunday 2nd July 2023

Join the much loved annual agricultural show. Fantastic entertainments lined up for what promises to be a fun filled day out for the whole family to enjoy.

Keeping Baby Cool In Warm Weather

Remember to keep your baby safe in the warmer weather. They can overheat quickly and do not have the ability to cool themselves down. The lullaby trust have some great information on keeping your baby safe and well.
https://www.facebook.com/LullabyTrust/
http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

Information below taken from the Lullaby Trust Website (http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/roomtemperature)

AVOID LETTING YOUR BABY GET TOO HOT
It is important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot.

A room temperature of 16-20°C, with light bedding or a lightweight well-fitting baby sleep bag that is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.

It can be difficult to judge the temperature in the room, so use a room thermometer in the rooms where your baby sleeps and plays. A simple room thermometer is available from The Lullaby Trust online shop. For more information please call 020 7802 3200.

Advice on room temperature is intended as a guide. Every baby is different, so while it’s important to be informed about overheating you need to check your baby regularly to see if he or she is too hot. Feel the baby’s tummy or the back of their neck (your baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If your baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes.

Babies who are unwell need fewer, not more bedclothes. Babies do not need to wear hats indoors, nor sleep under a duvet or quilt.

Remember that the safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room with you for the first six months – this will be especially helpful in judging the temperature they will be sleeping at.

Some extra super tips shared from our sister site, Harrogate Mumbler 

1.   Blinds/Curtains shut and windows open

My daughter was born in the middle of a heat wave.  When we finally got her home at 8pm – our flat was a sweltering 31 degrees. Damn that sad face on the Gro-Egg Thermometer!  If we’d just thought ahead – closed all the blinds to block the sun, and opened the windows to create a breeze we could have knocked a good few degrees off that thermometer – but I guess we were kind of busy!  It’s what we did for the remainder of the heat wave and it worked a treat. Keep them closed all day if you can.

2.   Freeze large bottles of water

Ice Ice baby (anyone else counting how many rap references I can shoe horn into this article?!).  I’m talking 1-litre bottles plus, if you’ve got enough room in the freezer, freeze as many as you can!   Place them in your little ones room overnight – it will help to cool the air as they melt.

3.   Cool baths

A slightly cooler bath than usual just before bedtime should help refresh your baby – just a quick one though – don’t want them getting too chilly!  This was another staple last summer in our household – my then 9 month old spent most of her time in the tub on the really hot days.

4.   Hang the washing out

Hanging damp towels or sheets in front of an open window will help bring down the room’s temperature.

5.   Ice fans

Another firm favourite in our household.  An electric fan on its own doesn’t really cut the mustard– generally just blowing the warm air around.  But put a large bowl of ice in front of the fan and it will cool the air that circulates the room in no time!

Hope these tips help to keep your little ones cool this summer.   Hang on in there and just remember, it’ll probably rain tomorrow!

Half Term: Family Fitness

There is so much fun to be had when a family all gets involved in fitness. Whether you’re doing it in your home, garden or out on a walk, this page is packed full of ideas.

FIND OUT MORE

Half Term: Food, Snacks and Meal Ideas

If like us, you have a house full of snack monsters, you’ll know first hand how hard it can be spreading them out throughout the day and keeping those little tummies full, without spending a fortune. Here we’ve shared some snack ideas.

FIND OUT MORE

Bolton Abbey Family Cycle Zone – The perfect spot to practise on two wheels

Saturday 6th May – Thursday 28th September 2023

A great spot for little ones to build their confidence on two wheels! Our Family Cycle Zone offers a safe area for children to cycle, away from the hazards of traffic and pedestrians. With “roads” cut through the grass and road signs to mark the way, children can enjoy endless fun and freedom manoeuvring the roundabout and junctions! Situated adjacent to the Bolton Abbey car park, the Cycle Zone is the perfect place for your little one to gain courage and find their balance. Please remember to bring your own bike.

Entry to the Family Cycle Zone is included with your car parking ticket. So enjoy a great value day out, for all the family, here at Bolton Abbey.

Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD236EX
T: 01756 718000

Northwood Trail Fairy Sanctuary

Northwood Trail is nestled in a 100 acre wood at Buttercrambe close to York and this delightful woodland fairy sanctuary is the first of its kind in the world. The eco-aware sanctuary is off grid and, quite uniquely, designed to appeal to adults as much as children. As well as a beautiful woodland trail, it also includes an intriguing Fairy Museum, to display what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of fairy artefacts, collected over many years by owners Carolyn and Christian.

Buttercrambe Wood, YO41 1AP

Oxygen York

Oxygen is a Free-Jumping, climbing, soft play and trampolining centre for lots of energetic fun. The Park includes – Open Bounce, Trampolines, Parkour Area, Inflatable Park, Interactive Sports Pitch with AirTrack, Airbag Jump & Trapeze, Baby and Toddler, Soft Play, Climbing Features including cargo, ladder & totem poles, Strike Arena
Along with an extensive café plus a separate quiet lounge, Oxygen York will have two VIP party rooms on the mezzanine floor and additional party areas on the lower floor.

Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 4XU

T: 020 8050 1315

May Half Term Adventures at Piglets – 28th May – 5th June 2023

Sewerby Hall – May Half Term 2023

27th May to 4th June 2023

• Rusticus Adventures: 27th May & 3rd June – Wind in the Willows, 29th May – Viking, 30th May – Knights of the Round Table, 1st June – Wonderland Adventure
• Zoo Activities: 27th May & 3rd June – Meet the Hoof Stock, 28th May – Penguin Hat and Talk Workshop, 2nd & 4th June – Orange Fat Balls
• Wildcats: 28th May – Mini Beast Hunt, 2nd June – Card Making, 4th June – Extinct Creatures
• Plus: 31st May – Magic Shows and Face Painting, 1st June – Active Coast: Creature Create Event, 4th June – Craft Fair & East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club: Spring Gathering

Sewerby Hall, Church Ln, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1EA
T: 01262 673769

The A-Z Game

This kept our mini mumbler busy for hours!!

The Deep: H20 Heroes 2023

27th May- 4th June 2023 from 10am- 5pm

Join our crew this May Half Term for some action- packed fun, in partnership with our very own H20 Heroes, the RNLI! Climb onboard as we explore safety at the coastline and in the water.

Tower Street, Hull, HU9 1TU

The York Dungeon

‘A uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to Yorkshire’s most perilous past. See, hear, feel and smell the chillingly amusing characters of the bad old days as they come to life before you.’ – TYD, Aug 18

12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
T: 01904 632599

Things to do with kids when you’re shattered

Guest Blog from Sally – Harrogate Mumbler.

There’s nothing harder than looking after kids when you’re tired or poorly. Much as we love them, they’re not the most sympathetic of creatures and will still want to bounce off the walls – and expect you to join in too!

The Duracell Bunny’s got nothing on my kids, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to buy peace and quiet when I’m desperate. Here are our favourite things to do with little ones when you’re shattered, poorly, or just need a bit of time to yourself.

Build a cushion fort: Pull the cushions off the sofa and let the kids get busy! They will enjoy bouncing around on it all and it only takes a few minutes to put away later.

Have a dance party: Sit back, play some music on your phone and let them bust the moves. You could also blow bubbles, or break out some glow sticks.

Soft furnishings obstacle course: This is great if they’ve got energy to burn! Tell them to make tunnels with cushions and other obstacles to climb and crawl across. They could pretend the floor is crocodile infested water and leap from cushion to cushion to escape!

Start a cupboard of cheap toys: My mother-in-law is a master of stashing away cheap toys and crafts for emergencies or rainy days. She often has a few of each, so no squabbling about who gets what. It works a treat and I have started my own with sticker books, fancy pens and colouring stuff, playdoh and joke toys. A Whoopie Cushion was a big hit recently!

Set a design challenge: Can they build a boat using only paper? Or an airplane from matchsticks? A tower from straws? Add glue, sticky tape and scissors, then sit back and enjoy the creativity.

Let them put on a show: An old cardboard box makes a great theatre, but kids are inventive and will figure something out. They could enjoy acting, use puppets (or make their own!), or their hands to make shadow animals.

Have a bath with regular toys: Baths are always a brilliant distraction for my kids, especially if they choose toys that aren’t usually allowed in there. Obviously, don’t use anything electrical, and only things that are okay to get wet.

Do Yoga: Cosmic Kids is a great yoga channel on You Tube, with lots of themed yoga sessions especially for kids. Some of our favourites are Frozen, Moana and Harry Potter. Even the three-year-old gets stuck in!

Play with a flashlight: Close the curtains, turn out the lights and hand out torches. They can make patterns on the wall, shadow animals with their hands, or go on an indoor scavenger hunt.

Build a tent under the table: An old blanket draped over the dining table makes a cool tent for the kids to hang out in. They can take in cushions and pillows to make it extra comfy, as well as a torch, snacks and water bottles, toys, colouring and anything else to keep them busy, all while you relax.

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We’re saying YES more: Mental Health Awareness Week and how it’s inspired us to make changes

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.

This week it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and we’re getting involved. Mental health is a word you hear so much more nowadays, and quite rightly, as there has never been a more important time to raise awareness of it and promote the importance of wellbeing.

This year’s theme is ‘Nature’ and as part of the theme, we are being encouraged to spend more time outdoors and embracing nature.

We’ve noticed a real change in us here at STAG HQ recently, there was a lot of saying ‘No’.

“No it’s raining darling”

“Maybe tomorrow, when the weather is better”

“Not today darling, you’ll get soaked”

“You can’t go outside, the garden’s too muddy, you’ll be filthy”……. and the list continued. Is it because I’m a bad mum? I don’t think so, it perhaps came with being a bit risk averse, well this is changing!

We watched a film recently called ‘Yes Day‘, it focussed around a family where the children were frustrated because mum said no to everything and they felt there was no fun or freedom. The mum was upset that she was always seen as such an authority figure and a party pooper, and sad because she recalled the days when she was younger, pre-children when she was a real go-getter. As a family they decided to have ‘Yes Day’, a day where the grown-ups have to say yes to everything. Watching the film made me realise just how much we say no, and while sometimes there is still a need to say no, there’s many times when it could be a yes.

What are we doing differently?

• We’re saying yes way more
• We’re not worrying about the mess, a messy house and garden is a sign of memories being made
• If I think there’s going to be a lot of mess, I’ll ask the kids to help us tidy, as a thank you for making the day extra fun
• If it’s dirty, we don’t stress, we can clean it, if it’s broken, we can fix it.
• If  we open the curtains and it’s chucking it down, we grab the waterproofs and wellies, and get ourselves out there
• We’re exploring new spaces. While we have some super places right on our doorstop, we’re searching out new places, this started with a tour of local parks.
• We don’t just walk outdoors, we explore the outdoors, we discuss what we  see, we take photos, we make things using the items we find, and most importantly, we look up, we look up and appreciate the things we so often miss when we’re rushing around
• We write about what we’ve done in a daily diary, so we’ll always have memories of the  fun times we made as a family
• We’re less stressed, the kids go straight to sleep as they’re tired after a fun day out, rather than wide awake after an afternoon just sat in front of the telly
• We hear them telling friends and family how much fun they’ve had, and then we realise just how much that time has meant to them.
• We’ve stopped caring about the work that hasn’t been done, the loads of washing that haven’t been put on, the pile of ironing that remains in the basket, they’ll be another time for that, but for now, I’m playing with my babies, because before long, my babies will all be grown up, they’ll be no little wellies by the front door, no little dirty handprints down the staircase wall, no sandpit in the garden, no scooter by the back door, and life won’t quite be the same. If this year has taught us anything, it’s about love, family and friendships, about  quality time spent together. Life is never a given, so we’ve decided to stop worrying about tomorrow, and to live for today. I hope that one day when we’re older, our kids will come visit us for dinner and they’ll share all the wonderful memories they made in this house, of all the times that mummy and daddy said ‘Yes’

Read more……

Mental Health Awareness Week resources from the Mental Health Foundation

What we get up to when staying at home: Exploring different cultures and traditions

What we get up to when staying at home: Making fudge to post to family

York Art Gallery ‘Colour & Light’ at York Art Gallery: 7 – 25 Feb 2024

From 7th – 25th February 2024, this innovative project will transform part of the city with a vibrant light installation during the colder winter months, creating a magical and memorable experience for everyone. Colour & Light is a high-impact and large-scale visual arts project, using 3D projection mapping to bring York’s iconic buildings to life. The projection will play every 10 minutes, between 6-9pm daily and viewers are invited to stay for as many showings as they wish. No booking is required – this is non-ticketed, free event

Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
T: 01904 687687

York Castle Museum May Half Term 2023

May Half Term 27 May – 4 June 2023

It’s all about imagination and play at York Castle Museum this half term! Enjoy our much loved museum with added ‘imagination’ stations positioned throughout, from creative craft activities to playful photo opportunities. Whether you’re taking a stroll on the cobbles of our Victorian Street, reminiscing in our 60s gallery or enjoying our fabulous fashion collections, there will be themed activities that’ll spark imagination for all ages to enjoy along the way!

York Castle Museum, Eye of York, YO1 9RY

T: 01904 687687

York Minster

York Minster is a fantastic destination for family days out in York with loads of things to see and do. We have lots of activities, events and learning resources to enjoy in the Minster to make the most of your family’s visit. Visit the website for free family-friendly trails before you visit and get the most from your trip to York Minster.

York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
T: 01904 557200

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Tickets must be pre-booked.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park, commonly referred to as YWP, is a wildlife park located just outside Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in England.

Warning Tongue Ln, Branton, Old Cantley, Doncaster DN4 6TB
T: 01302 535057

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Paw Patrol One Big Celebration 2023

2nd, 3rd & 4th June 2023

Get ready for some PAWsome family fun!

Join us from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of June for an adventure with Chase, Rubble, Skye, and Marshall from PAW Patrol at the UK’s no.1 walkthrough wildlife adventure! The heroic pups will be joining us at the Wildlife Amphitheatre for story time and meet & greets at intervals throughout each day! Grab a picture with your favourite characters and enjoy a day of adventure in the sun with arts, crafts, and fairground-fun – all included in your park admission tickets!

Plus, explore the lands of Yorkshire Wildlife Park and the incredible 450+ animals that call it home!
Hear the Lions roar, see the Monkeys swing from branch to branch and watch the Polar Bears splash around at Project Polar!

YWP, Hurst Lane, Auckley, DN9 3QY