ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE TRAVELLING WITH KIDS HIT THE WATER! IT’S HIGHLAND GAMES TIME! Issue 65 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2023
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Raring2go! 2 raring2go.co.uk 3 We are looking forward to a jam-packed summer, with everything open, lots of great events on and fun activities for all! Summer is Highland Games and local Show season across Aberdeenshire, and we have an overview in this issue. Along with other events like LEAF Open Farm Sunday, NUART and NEOS, there’s something to do every weekend over the summer! While you’re out keep an eye out for local wildlife – make a bug hotel, check out ponds for tadpoles or go rock pooling. The Big Butterfly Count is also running again this year so you can record what your kids spot to help monitor these important creatures. If you are staycationing in the UK this year, you may want to factor in a trip to a Water Park –and we’ve got a great Guide to help you! Travelling can be a bit stressful so check out our top tips. Keep up with What’s On via our FB, Twitter or Insta feeds or sign up for our monthly newsletter with a round up of what’s coming up in the month ahead. As we go to print, many events are still being planned so we will share details when we have them. Amazingly this is issue 65 of your local Go To Guide and marks 16 years of me owning and running Raring2go! and bringing you the best of what’s on in the local area for families – what a milestone! Enjoy the summer months, whatever you do and wherever you go! i Hello! Routine eye checks play an important role in the health of Children’s eyes. Find your nearest branch Myopia (short sightedness) Management Healthy eyes. Healthy life. Do you receive our free local e-newsletter? Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. www.raring2go.co.uk/join Copyright © 2023 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publishers. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printed by Gemini Print. Telephone: 01273 468884 • Receive monthly reminders about family-friendly events • Be the first to hear about local and national competitions • To sign up, go to our home page: EDITOR Victoria Withy EDITORIAL Victoria Withy Aileen MacVicar DESIGN ADVERTISING SALES Aileen MacVicar ADMINISTRATION Alison Smith GET IN TOUCH T: 01467 629491 M: 07795 118228 E: aberdeen@raring2go.co.uk THE TEAM Victoria Withy Editor & Owner Minco Design & Print
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Raring2go! 5 Communities around the globe are concerned about plastic ending up in landfill and polluting the oceans ... that’s why hundreds of millions of people worldwide are choosing to be part of Plastic Free July Will you join thechallenge? 1. Visit our website plasticfreejuly.org 2. Choose what you will do Avoid single-use plastic packaging Target the takeaway items that could end up in the ocean Go completely plastic free 3. Choose the length 1 day 1 week 1 month Always Yes, I will join the challenge! AVOID WASTE, PROTECT THE OCEAN, SIGN UP AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION. PLASTICFREEJULY.ORG Please join our effort to help the environment. Choose to refuse single-use plastic during July. Advert Proof LOCHTER 01651872000 www.lochter.co.uk info@lochter.co.uk FUNFORALLTHEFAMILY! The well-known Lochter Activity Centre near Oldmeldrum has opened some fantastic new activities for families this summer! The team at Lochter told us, “We have THREE fantastic new activities added to our list this year! They are all high ropes and are all very exciting - Jacobs Ladder, Walk the Plank and The Vertical Challenge. Our climbing wall has been extended by a whole metre so it is even higher than before, and once you have reached the top, you can choose to either zip line down or walk the plank and feel the exhilarating feeling of free fall for a couple seconds.” For those daring enough to try these new activities, they can accommodate ages 7 years and over but usually recommend 8 or 9 years +. A minimum number of 10 people is required to book these high wire activities currently. So, if you want to challenge your head for heights on the Climbing Wall (one additional metre may not sound like much but when you’re up there you will certainly feel the difference!), test your climbing skills up the Jacobs Ladder and Vertical Challenge, master a new skill or overcome a fear Lochter is the place to go! For those who maybe are keener to keep their feet on the ground, there are other new activities to try. The team told us, “We have almost finished our new and improved Clay Shooting area. This is for those aged 12 years and over, however if your little one is a little younger and enjoys target sports, the Rifle Shooting and Target Archery are just as exciting and work well for ages 7+ years.” We also know that Lochter is a great place to for a birthday party! Lochter offers a fantastic and very popular party package for groups of six party goers or more aged (7-12years) costing £50 per person which includes three activities of your choice - Karting, Segway, Water Roller are all very exciting as is the Digger Challenge. They can also do the catering for you! The Lochter restaurant and café provide breakfasts, lunches and afternoon fly cups, and the inhouse team of chefs are here to cater for birthday parties too - with fantastic BBQ menus on offer (pre-booking needed). Did we mention you don’t have to be a little person to book your birthday party at Lochter? They have lots of exciting package available for adults too! Do YOU think you could handle the challenge? All roads lead to Lochter for summer party fun!
Raring2go! Raring2go! 6 raring2go.co.uk 7 GARIOCH INDOOR BOWLING T: +44 (0) 1467 622622 | www.gibconline.co.uk Harlaw Road, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 4FR A GREAT FAMILY DESTINATION! ~ CAFE ~ shop ~ Icehouse Tour ~ dolphin watching Photo © WDC/Charlie Phillips 01343 820339 Website dolphincentre.whales.org Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ Free Entry Check our website for the latest information SUMMER JUNIOR 3-DAY GOLF CAMP Hosted by enthusiastic PGA Professionals, our fun golf camps provide an opportunity for youngsters aged 7-12 years to improve understanding of golf swing, short game skills, routines, golf rules & etiquette. Dates: 11, 12, 13 July, 18, 19, 20 July or 25, 26, 27 July Times: 10.30 - 12.00 or 14.00 - 15.30 Price: £65 per child for 3 x sessions Contact the Pro Shop to book now: Call: 01358 743300 (Opt 2) or Email: shop@trumpgolfscotland.com Trump International, Scotland, Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeenshire AB23 8YE
Raring2go! Raring2go! 9 What's On DISCOVER THE FULL LINE UP OF EVENTS AND FIND PREMIUM UPGRADE DETAILS TO TAKE YOUR NEXT SHOW TO A NEW LEVEL OF INCREDIBLE. BOOK TICKETS AT PANDJLIVE.COM 8 raring2go.co.uk Why you SHOULD take your children to a festival this summer! Despite there now being well over a hundred different family friendly festivals to choose from across the UK, the reaction from the majority of people is: “Why on earth would you want to take your children to a festival?” Here’s why: 1 You can still have your evenings In a hotel, you often have to all got to bed when the children do, but there’s no need to at a festival. You can sit outside the tent and chat or (if you’re lucky) pop them to sleep in a buggy and enjoy some of the evening festival! 2 It’s easy not to cook Family friendly festivals have lots of lovely food options so that you can eat a different thing at every meal time if you don’t want to cook. 3 Your children will learn from it Most festivals hold a variety of different workshops for children– from art and crafts, to dancing and drumming, to science and nature. 4 You will have the freedom to enjoy your second childhood If you want to wear butterfly wings, do arts and crafts, participate in an egg and spoon race, or a dance-off, or just run around blowing bubbles – you can! And so can the kids! 5 There is always something to do From when you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night, there is a guarantee the kids will be entertained. Kite making, drumming workshops, face painting, balloon modelling can often be found. Plus they will no doubt make lots of new friends to play with too. 6 You don’t have to drive anywhere Once you’re there and set up, that’s it! You can just wander around and there’s none of the ‘getting in and out of the car’ palaver, no need to find places to go and no screaming in the back seat – it’s bliss! 7 Your children will love it! Children love camping. Children love music. Children love dancing. Children love making things, they love picnics, they love being close to nature, they love dressing up in fancy dress and generally being silly (and let’s face it - so do us grown-ups!)
JUL 17 JUN 25 JUN 18 Raring2go! Raring2go! 10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Ballater Highland Games 10.8 2023 Monaltrie Park • AB35 5NN www.ballaterhighlandgames.com Scottish Charity No. SC188241 Free Parking The Invercauld Highlanders • Food stalls The Balmoral Stones • Fun Fair • Beer Tent Highland Dancing • Piping Competitions Tug O’ War • Hill Race • Heavy Events Online tickets available Gates open 10am The Traditional Highland Games - Since 1867 SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 2023 On The Green - Commencing at 10.30am Heavyweight Events - Highland Dancing - Hill Race Tug-o-War - Light Events - Massed Pipe Bands Fiddle Competition - Clan Village - Local Trades & Crafts Large Fun Fair - Marquee Discos Further information from Secretary Morag McBeath Tel: 013398 86049 secretary@aboynegames.com Aboyne Highland Games, 1867 -2023 What’s On this Summer? Haddo Silent Discos with Right Here Productions. Themed sessions covering Disney tunes, 80’s Classics and Dance Anthems. For further information and tickets see Haddo House & Country Park | Ellon | Facebook Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Come for a funfilled Teddy Bears’ picnic at Haddo House terrace garden! Bring along your favourite teddy to enjoy the fun! Included in the ticket: Storytelling and sing along; teddy bear hunt; picnic bag for 1 child (juice carton, mini brioche roll with ham or cheese, packet of Pom bears, Tunnocks tea cake and an apple) and other fun activities! For more information and to purchase your ticket(s) see https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/o/haddo-house-33796344905 Oldmeldrum Sports. The Pleasure Park, Oldmeldrum. For further details see Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games – The Sunshine Sports – Oldmeldrum Bon Accord Steam Fair. Castle Fraser. Vintage Vehicle displays, funfair rides, stalls and more. For further information see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk) Aberdeen Highland Games. Hazelhead Park, 10.00am - 5.30pm. Traditional Highland Games, Stalls, Catering and much more. For details and tickets see Aberdeen Highland Games 2023 | Aberdeen City Council Community Music Day at Haddo. Lots to see and take part in. For a full programme of events see the website. No charge. https://www.haddoarts.com/events/ song-for-haddo-community-music-day/ JUN 3 JUN 10 JUN 17 JUN 17&18 JUL 15 Damsels & Dragon Flies Festival. Castle Fraser. Join our Rangers for a closer look at our dragon flies. For more information see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk) Wild About Aden. 11.00am - 3.30pm. Lots of fun for all the family. No pre-booking required, free to attend. For more information check the Buchan Development Partnership Facebook page. Otter & Osprey Walk at WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre. 11th at 19.00 / 28th at 10.30. To book and for more information see https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/otter-ospreywalk-2195609%20 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 22 JUL 11&12 JUL 11&28 Once Upon A Crime, a family friendly whodunnit! at Haddo House in collaboration with Right Here Productions. Find fairy tale characters around the park and solve their riddles and puzzles! For further information see Haddo House & Country Park | Ellon | Facebook Stonehaven Highland Games, Mackie Academy Playing Field. For further information see Stonehaven Highland Games Folksy Theatre, Castle Fraser. Outdoor Theatre performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor & The Ugly Duckling. For tickets and information see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts. org.uk) Illyria at Aden Country Park. From the earliest ballads of Robin Hood, some pre-dating Chaucer, Illyria has created a fast-moving, fun-packed family show. Bring your own seating, picnic and suitable clothing. For more information about tickets and to book see https://adencountrypark.org.uk/ event/illyria-robin-hood/ Banchory Show, King George V Show Park. For more information and timings see Banchory Show | Facebook Turriff Show. For further information see Home - The Turriff Show JUL 16&19 JUL 30&31
Raring2go! Raring2go! 12 raring2go.co.uk 13 STARRING Divina de Campo as Plankton IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE THE SMASH HIT FAMILY MUSICAL 18 Jul - 22 Jul 2023 aberdeenperformingarts.com ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS IS A CHARITY REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND, NO.SCO33733 ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Created by Stephen Hillenburg. Please check details before setting off! We are hearing about new events constantly – keep an eye on our social pages and our What’s On? Diary at www.raring2go.co.uk/aberdeen-city-and-shire. If you are organising a public event, please add it to our What’s On? Diary (quick, easy and free to do!) so we can help you promote it. Aboyne Highland Games, The Green, Aboyne. For tickets and information see Aboyne Games | Welcome Aberdeen Performance Car Show. Returning to Castle Fraser, the annual car show which includes static displays, stalls, children’s activities and a food village promises to be bigger and better than ever. For information see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk) Ballater Highland Games, Monaltrie Park, Ballater. Gates open at 10am, free parking, online tickets available. See www.ballaterhighlandgames.com Otter & Osprey Walk at WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre. 15th at 19.00. To book and for more information see https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/otter-ospreywalk-2195609%20 Castle Fraser’s History Weekend. The Northern Alliance re-enactment group with armoury and archery displays will be onsite and inside the castle the collection care team will be showcasing the sword collection, demonstrating how they care for them and offering an up-close look. For information and tickets please see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk) Lourin Gala, Old Rayne Village Hall. For more information see Lourin Gala 2023 | Facebook Lonach Highland Gathering and Games, Strathdon. For more information see Home | Lonach Archaeology weekend at Castle Fraser. A rare chance to join our archaeology team in digging up the Castle’s past. Public digs will take place on both days and offers fun for all the family! For further information see Castle Fraser | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk) Braemar Highland Gathering, The Princes Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. For further information see Braemar Gathering - the best highland games Otter & Osprey Walk at WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre. 13th at 10.30. To book and for more information see https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/otter-ospreywalk-2195609%20 AUG 5 AUG 26 SEP 2 SEP 13 AUG 6 AUG 10 AUG 15 AUG 19 AUG 19&20 AUG 26&27
Raring2go! Raring2go! 14 raring2go.co.uk 15 Visit a Farm on Open Farm Sunday Visit a farm on LEAF Open Farm Sunday, 11th June 2023 and find out about the story behind our food and how farming affects our everyday lives. LEAF Open Farm Sunday, 11th June 2023 is farming’s annual open day giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about what they’re so proud of: British food and farming! LEAF Open Farm Sunday is managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), and since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, over 1600 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed over 2.7 million people onto farms for one Sunday each year. About LEAF Open Farm Sunday Click on https://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm and enter your location into the search box to find a local farm to visit. Scroll down to see the events and click on ‘Full Details’ for the event and farm descriptions. We hope you can get out and about in your local area this summer. Find out about exploring the countryside and some family friendly activity ideas here. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover first-hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food, enhancing the countryside and all the goods and services farmers provide. Each event is unique based around the farm’s individual story. Activities during the day may include a farm walk, nature trail, tractor and trailer rides, demonstrations, pond dipping, activities for children, a mini farmers market or farm shop. Here are two Farms in Aberdeenshire who are opening their gates this year: Campbell Cairns, AB38 9SL Date: 11th June 2023 Time of event: 11am - 4pm Booking details: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CKAC Address: Near Archiestown, Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9SL Event cost: Free Highlights: Sheep; Other livestock; Farm shop / retail Other livestock: goats and alpacas Web: https://www.elchies.co.uk/ Ardo Christmas Trees, AB41 7HS Date: 11th June 2023 Time of event: 10am till 4pm Booking details: Visit website Address: Hillhead of Ardo, Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, AB41 7HS, Event cost: Free Highlights: Cereal crops (eg. barley, wheat); Flowers and plants; Farm shop / retail; Other Other highlights: Christmas Trees Web: https://ardochristmastrees.co.uk/ LEAF Virtual Farm Visits Another way to take part is virtually - including recorded content of all of live farm tours, an Out & About in Springtime PDF, a Climate Change Booklet and a host of resources and activity sheets - something for all the family! Virtual Farm Visits - Open Farm Sunday
Raring2go! Raring2go! 16 raring2go.co.uk 17 Advert Proof Music instrument tuition Under 5’s music group In-school tuition Get an ASV Family or ASV Kids Lifestyle Membership this summer & enjoy: @aberdeensportsvillage Find the membership for you & get your pass for summer fun at aberdeensportsvillage.com/memberships racquet sports | discounted kids camps | group exercise classes | family swimming | world-class gym facilities ...and so much more!
Raring2go! Raring2go! 18 raring2go.co.uk 19 Top Waterparks and Swim Fun From the north of Scotland to the south of England and across to Wales, wherever you’re going on holiday in the UK this summer, here’s the Raring2go! list of for you and your family to visit… Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Queen Elizabeth Park, The Links, Stonehaven AB39 2RD. Olympic-sized, open-air, seawater swimming pool with water slide and sun loungers The Time Capsule, Glasgow ML5 1DL. Family friendly waterpark The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford EX39 5RY. Outdoor adventure with inflatables Prudhoe Waterworld, Prudhoe NE42 5DQ. Swimming pool with slides Haltwhistle Outdoor Swimming Leisure Centre, Greencroft, Haltwhistle NE49 9DP. Warm water outdoor swimming pools Splash Stockton TS18 1TY. 25m pool, toddler and confidence pool, two flumes, wave machine plus cafe and leisure centre on site Waves Leisure Centre, The Links, Whitley Bay NE26 1TQ. Wave machine and small slide North Yorkshire Water Park Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU. Outdoors with inflatables, paddleboarding and Kayaking Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool FY4 1BB. Water fun including slides, fun pools, a wave machine, lazy river and chutes Barnsley Metrodome, located in Barnsley S71 1AN. With twisty waterslides, splash pools, pirate themed play zone and driving boards, fun for all the family! Alpamare UK, 28 Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO12 6PH Aqua-Tek at Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU. Slides, rides, pools and flumes, fun for all Alton Towers Waterpark ST10 4DB. Both indoor and outdoor water rides Cliff Lakes Tamworth B78 2DL. Jump, bounce and slide on the outdoor Aqua Park The Wave Waterpark, Coventry CV1 2PS. An indoor waterpark with the largest wave pool in the UK Twin Lakes Outdoor Waterpark Melton Mowbray LE14 4FF. One of the biggest outdoor waterparks in the country, with slides Aqua Park Rutland, Oakham LE15 8BL. Inflatable obstacle course on a lake, with thrill slides, free falls and trampolining sessions Box End Park, Box End Rd, Box End, Bedford MK43 8RQ. Outdoor leisure park with inflatables and wakeboarding, waterskiing and more Aqua Parcs, Willen Park Sports Centre Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill St, Milton Keynes MK15 0DS. Outdoor inflatables and slides Southlake Aqua Park, Saint Neots PE19 6BN. A course of inflatables slides and platforms Colchester Leisure World, Cowdray Ave, Colchester CO1 1YH. Indoor pools with obstacles, slides and rapids Liquid Leisure Windsor Aqua Park, Horton Rd, Datchet, Windsor SL3 9HY. Outdoor water activity park Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park, Thorpe Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PH. An adventure centre with water skiing, inflatable slides and obstacles Water Kingdom at Paultons Park. Home of Peppa Pig World, Park Place, Tredegar NP22 4LD Splashdown Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NY. Multiple rides and flumes Splashdown Quaywest, Paignton TQ4 6LN. The UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark with 8 adrenaline-pumping flume rides overlooking the beach plus a swimming pool and amusement arcade
Raring2go! Make summer a breeze with our handy holiday hacks Whether home or abroad, we asked our fellow Raring2go! Editors to tell us what useful items they always pack to help make travelling with the family that little bit easier… *Use a fitted bedsheet as a playpen on the beach. * Hide valuables inside a (clean!) nappy. *Take a multi plug extension when going abroad, you then only need one adapter but can use all the plugs. * Use an insulated flask to keep icepops frozen for longer. * Pack a coolbag when going away. * Mosquito bands/coils have been a lifesaver for us. * Definitely take tin foil to use as black out on the windows. * Plastic stacking cups kept my little one amused for ages whether on the beach, in water or in the room. * We always bring a backpack that doubles as a car-seat. It means we always have a safe travel option plus the kids can also use it to carry their belongings. * Carrots are perfect beach food! Easy to clean if they get dropped in the sand, and no melting or making a mess! * Take some clothes pegs. Handy for keeping swimwear from blowing off balconies, fastening food bags for the beach/pool, and keeping towels on sun loungers if it ’s a bit blowy. I always have them in my beach bag. *Always carry a pack of cards and dominoes. So many games the whole family can play. *We take a foldable, fabric storage box so we can easily throw the toys into it at the end of each day to keep the room tidy. Got any more to share? email us with your favourite summer holiday hacks. ake su er a br eze with our handy holiday hacks Whether home or abroad, we asked our fellow Raring2go! Editors to tell us what useful items they always pack to help make travelling with the family that little bit easier… *Use a fitted bedsh et as a playpen on the beach. * Hide valuables inside a (clean!) na py. *Take a multi plug extension when going abroad, you then only n ed one adapter but can use all the plugs. * Use an insulated flask to k ep icepops frozen for longer. * Pack a c olbag when going away. * Mosquito bands/coils have b en a lifesaver for us. * Def nitely take tin foil to use as black out on the windows. * Plastic stacking cups kept my little one amused for ages whether on the beach, in water or in the r om. * We always bring a backpack that doubles as a car-seat. It means we always have a safe travel option plus the kids can also use i to carry their belongings. * Carrots are perfect beach f od! Easy to clean if they get dro ped in the sand, and no melting or making a mess! * Take some clothes pegs. Handy for k eping swimwear from blowing off balconies, faste ing f od bags for the beach/p ol, and k eping towels on sun loungers f it ’s a bit blowy. I always have them in my beach bag. *Always carry a pack of cards and dominoes. So many games the whole family can play. *We take a foldable, fabric storage box so we can easily throw the toys into it a th end of each day to k ep the r om tidy. Got any more to share? email us with your favourite su mer holiday hacks. 21 You don’t need to save these fun and cheap ways to entertain the children for just Summer: wrap them up and get them out in the fresh air whatever the season. Under-fives Magic paint The simplest and easiest way to make a mess! Using as big a paintbrush as their little hands can carry, find a dry surface – a wall, a fence, a paved area, paper on the ground – and ask them to ‘paint’ using a bucket of water. If you’re brave, you could even add a splash of food colouring to the water. Just make sure you wash it all off afterwards. Or wait for the rain to wash it all away. Mud pies Clear away a patch of ground and give your toddler a watering can (or an old washing-up liquid bottle filled with water), a spade or even a large spoon and let them dig to their heart’s content. Add small containers or flowerpots as castles, flowers for flags etc. Or just mix in grass, leaves, twigs to get really messy! Just make sure none of this goes into their mouths. Minibeast hunt You can do this in a public park or wood as well as a private garden. Lift up rocks, look under leaves, paddle in shallow water or ponds to see what they can spy – snails, frogs, woodlice, worms, the list is Let’s go outside endless. Older children can research what they find later. Don’t disturb the creatures’ habitat – and try not to admit to your kids if you have a phobia about insects! Teddy bear’s picnic Put down a blanket and ask them to invite their favourite toys. If you have plastic or paper plates, so much the better. But it doesn’t really matter what it looks like as long as your child is involved. Take some newspaper: could this become invitations? Party hats? Bunting for decorations? It’s up to you how creative this gets. Make some tiny sandwiches, cut up some fruit or use play food. They’ll have their very own cafe in the park in no time. For all ages Create a den You’ll need something for the structure – a clothes airer, a table, a chair – and some material like an old towel, say, for the covering. Or make a wigwam shape by pegging an old sheet to a washing line and securing it to the ground with a large stone. The important part is your child’s imagination. Is this their shop, their school, their new home, their spaceship? Are adults allowed inside? Raring2go! 20 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! Raring2go! 23 First timers Go slow. You won’t be able to pack in as much sightseeing – nor unfortunately, late–night boozing – as you’re used to before you had your baby. Remember your holiday is supposed to be restful as well as a change of scene, so don’t put pressure on yourself, so you can take the odd toddler tantrum or rainy day in your stride. Enjoy the ride Car, train or plane journeys can be long and boring for little ones. Think of the journey as part of their holiday: easier said than done, so make sure you’ve packed plenty of favourite toys, changes of clothes and for older children, possibly even a checklist of things to look out for. Take plenty of rest breaks to stretch legs or have a run about. Many service stations have play areas. Red tape and red rashes Do your research beforehand. If you’re going abroad, check if your child needs a passport, a visa, any innoculations and organise them long before you plan to travel (go to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-checklist). Make sure you’ve bought enough sun screen, insect repellent etc and refresh your memory on how much liquid you’re allowed in your hand luggage. Be prepared to have to taste your baby’s milk or pureed food at security. Home from home If you’re worried your little angels will trash a smart place, consider a home exchange that’s child-friendly, or a farm stay, or university accommodation. Try homelink.org or venuemasters.co.uk for more information. Relieve the pressure This tip for a stress-free flight is from the Rough Guide to Travel with Children: massage your child’s ears from behind and give the earlobes a few gentle tugs from time to time. Toddlers also find it helpful to suck on something or have a drink during take-off and landing. Hotel hot tips Check out the ones that offer free places for kids, or discounted meals, especially if all yours want is a small bowl of cereal or some fruit. Posh hotels are the best places to breastfeed. Seriously. The staff will pride themselves on their discretion and should be understanding that you don’t want to do it in a loo or an unfamiliar place. With a little charm and luck, you should be able to sit in comfort in their lobby. Baby on board? Travelling with children needn’t be stressful if you follow these simple hints First imers Go slow. You won’t be able to pack in as much sightseeing – nor unfortunately, late–night boozing – as you’re used to before you had your ba y. Remember your holiday is upposed to be restful as well as a change of scen , so don’t put pressure on yourself, so you can take the odd toddler tantrum or rainy day in your stride. Enjoy the ride Car, train or plane journeys can be long and boring for little ones. Think of the journey as part of their holiday: easier said than done, so make sure you’ve packed plenty of favourite toys, changes of clothes and for older children, possibly ev n a checklist of things to look out for. Take plenty of rest breaks to stretch legs or have a run about. Many service sta ions have play areas. Red tape and red rashes Do your res arch beforehand. If you’re going abroad, check if your child needs a passport, a visa, any innoculations and organise them long before you plan to travel (go to w .gov.uk/foreign-travel-checklist). Make sure you’ve bought enough sun screen, insect rep ll nt etc and refresh your memory on how much liquid you’re allowed in your hand lugga e. Be prepared to have to taste your ba y’s milk or pureed food at security. Home from home If you’re worried your little angels will trash a smart place, consider a home xchange that’s child-friendly, or a farm stay, or university accom odation. Try homelink.org or venuemasters.co.uk for more information. Relieve the pressure This tip for a stress-free flight is from the Rough Guide to Travel with Children: massage your child’s ears from behind and give the arlobes a few gentle tugs from time to time. Toddlers also find it helpful to suck on something or have a drink during take-off and landing. Hotel hot ips Check out the ones that offer f ee places for kids, or discounted meals, especially if all yours want is a small bowl of cer al or some fruit. Posh otels are the best places to breastfeed. Seriously. The staff will pride themselves on their discretion and should be understanding that you don’t want to do it n a loo r an unfamiliar place. With a little charm and luck, you should be able to sit n comfort in their lobby. Baby on board? Travel ing with children ne dn’t be stres ful if you fol o these simple hints 22 raring2go.co.uk 1 Remember your first aid kit! Make sure it is well stocked and that everything is in date. Useful items might include sterile water for cleaning wounds or irrigating eyes, plenty of plasters and a couple of larger dressings for wounds and an instant ice pack to reduce swelling from bumps, bruises, or stings. Fran from Little Lives First Aid has shared her top tips for keeping safe when out and about this summer: 2 Water safety Ensure you follow safety advice and educate your children about the dangers of water and teach them to swim – and of course, young children should always be supervised in and around water. If your child has a near drowning incident with apparent recovery, observe them closely for a few days. Signs such as fatigue, cough and breathing difficulties could indicate secondary drowning. 3 Sunburn Keep kids out of the sun at the hottest times of the day. Use a high SPF sun cream with a good UVA rating and reapply regularly, especially if they have been in the water. Cover heads with a hat and eyes with sunglasses. To treat sunburn, cool the skin with water, apply a soothing after sun lotion, and give them pain relief. Seek medical advice if it’s severe. 4 Heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion can occur when the body gets too hot and can make a person very unwell if untreated. Be particularly alert if your child has been playing in the hot weather all day. They may start to look pale, sweaty and complain of headaches, nausea, vomiting, and tummy cramps. If this happens move them to a shaded/cool area, remove excess clothing and give them plenty to drink. If their condition worsens, phone 999. 5 Bee and wasp stings Remove a bee sting from the skin by scraping it out sideways using the edge of a credit card. Wash the area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Consider pain relief too! If the sting is in the mouth, get them to take sips of cold water or suck on an ice cube. Phone 999 if you see signs of an allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, a rash, swollen face, lips, or tongue. Have a wonderful summer and stay safe! www.littlelivesfirstaid.co.uk 5Top Tips for keeping your little ones safe in the sun
Raring2go! 24 raring2go.co.uk Swimming is a fun activity, a sport you can enjoy all your life, and most importantly, will keep you safe. A child can get used to water from as young as 6 months old (after they have had all their initial injections,) and you can find plenty of classes that are held locally if you can’t teach them yourself. If your child is not already enrolled in swimming lessons then don’t panic. There are crash summer courses available and plenty of tutors around who can advise you. Top Tips for the Beach • If you are letting your children explore, set a time and agree a meeting place for them to return to if you get separated. • Make rules regarding playing on the beach versus going in the water. Don’t let your child go in the water alone. • Keep an eye out when the tide comes in, especially if your children are playing in rock pools, as they may become stranded. • Watch out for waves, especially if you have small children. Even a small wave can knock a child over. Dumping waves – when they break with great force in shallow water – often occur at low tide. According to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), of the 17,000-odd rescues they make each year, most of them involve children and the incidents occur not far out at sea, but on the UK’s busiest beaches. The most common problem is a rip current that can take anyone, even a strong swimmer, out of their depth. ‘Rip currents can occur at any beach with waves – so that’s most of the UK coast,’ says JoJo Mains, RNLI’s beach safety manager. ‘This is why we encourage people to swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded beaches. Lifeguards know their beaches and are experienced in spotting rips and other dangers. They place the flags to identify the safest areas to swim.’ Other rules to follow include checking the tide times, reading safety signs and flags and making sure children – or in fact anyone – never swims alone. Staying safe near water This summer give your child a skill for life by helping them learn to swim 25 Raring2go! Big Butterfly Count 2023 What…. The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) you see. Launched in 2010 and run by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, the Big Butterfly Count is the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. When…. The 2023 Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 14th July until Sunday 4th August. Why…. Butterflies are a vital part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and as food for other wildlife. However, they are under threat – 80% of butterflies have declined since 1976 – and this is a warning that cannot be ignored. Butterfly declines are a warning for other wildlife losses. Butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists as they react very quickly to changes in their environment. Therefore, if numbers are falling, nature is in trouble. So, tracking numbers of butterflies is crucial in the fight to conserve our natural world. That’s why taking part in this massive citizen science project is of great importance not just for our butterflies but for the wider environment and biodiversity in general. The results of the Big Butterfly Count, along with other butterfly and moth survey work, also helps Butterfly Conservation and other organisations to identify where conservation action is needed most. The data helps us to identify important trends in species that assists us in planning how to protect butterflies from extinction, as well as understand the effect of climate change on wildlife. How…. Everyone can take part in the Big Butterfly Count. All you need to do is spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot outdoors and record the number and type of butterflies and some day-flying moths you see. 80% of butterflies have declined since 1976. “ ” Download the free app for iOS and Android to identify and record the butterflies you spot or visit bigbutterflycount.org for a downloadable butterfly ID chart and upload your results there. 14th Jul – 4th Aug
Raring2go! Raring2go! 26 raring2go.co.uk 27 National Picnic Month During July it’s National Picnic Month, so we’ve gathered our Top 10 ideas for you to make and take along for your family picnic! 1. Finger sandwiches Making finger sandwiches filled with your little ones’ favourite fillings is a guaranteed winner. Ham, cheese, eggs, cucumber or the traditional jam, they’ll be eaten and enjoyed by all! 2. Sausage rolls Meat or vegan, they are a family favourite for the traditional picnic, making your own is fun, however bakery or supermarket bought ones can be just as tasty. 3. Cucumber and carrot sticks The healthy snacks are great finger food with no mess, with or without a dip! 4. Pizza fingers Making your own pizza fingers is great value as you can personalise them with your own fridge ingredients and know that they will be a firm winner with the family. Need a recipe? click here for a fab flatbread one www.raring2go.co.uk/activities/ flatbread-pizzas/ 5. Hard boiled eggs A picnic isn’t a picnic without the hard-boiled egg, one for all those egg lovers out there! 6. Cherry tomatoes A cute bitesize cherry tomato is a five a day winner every time! 7. Chicken/ Veggie nuggets Buying from your local supermarket or making your own, veggie or meat lovers, they are finger food heaven. Need a recipe, here’s one you might enjoy… www.raring2go.co.uk/activities/bakedchicken-strips/ 8. Fruits: apples, bananas, plums, peaches Handheld fruit in a picnic is a must, another one of our five a day with no mess! 9. Healthy flapjacks These are full of energy and goodness in a bar and a family favourite, to try our recipe, click here: www. raring2go.co.uk/activities/healthy-flapjack/ 10. Fruit parcels Making a picnic dessert is a challenge, as you want it to be perfect for eating with your fingers, here’s one to try… You can find the recipe here www. raring2go.co.uk/activities/fruit-parcels/ JULYis
Raring2go! Raring2go! 28 raring2go.co.uk 29 Fun Spring crafting ideas from our friends... Our friends at Red Ted Art have given us these wonderfully simple and fun spring craft ideas to share with you. Not only do kids LOVE to create, when crafting, there are lot of hidden learning opportunities too. Everything here and on their website is easy to set up and very do-able, even for the most “non crafty” among us. So fear not, Red Ted Art has your back. Just click the item below to be whisked to Red Ted Art’s amazing website for full instructions and further guidance. For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com Paper Tulip Origami Pop Up Rainbow Cards Paper Butterflies Origami Bookmarks Butterfly Lifecycle Paper Craft Large Paper Plate Flowers Fun Spring crafting ideas from our friends... Our friends at Red Ted Art have given us these wonderfully simple and fun spring craft ideas to share with you. Not only do kids LOVE to create, when crafting, there are lot of hidden learning opportunities too. Everything here and on their website is easy to set up and very do-able, even for the most “non crafty” among us. So fear not, Red Ted Art has your back. Just click the item below to be whisked to Red Ted Art’s amazing website for full instructions and further guidance. For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com Paper Tulip Origami Pop Up Rainbow Cards Paper Butterflies Origami Bookmarks Butterfly Lifecycle Paper Craft Large Paper Plate Flowers Make a simpleBugHotel with your kids byRedTe Art Our easy bug hot l is probably as simple and as easy as it gets! There are many prettier and cleverer bug hotels out there, but sometimes, you just have to make do with what you have and also make it easy for the kids to join in. Materials • A large plastic bottle cut into two cylinders • String for hanging • Sticks and twigs • Pinecones • Bark • Pieces of moss • Anything else you can find – bamboo with its holes make natural straws, which are great hidey hole for insects and bugs! Any natural materials are great! We also had some broken plant pots but forgot all about them until we had finished the Bug Hotel! Other bug hotels include other materials such as corn and drilled pieces of wood – to provide different nooks and crannies. We’ve seen some amazing ones on line - take a look for inspiration. But in essence, we suggest that you: “think natural”, “think nooks and crannies”, “think what will last” (e.g. paper could go soggy and leaves will go brittle and break or disintegrate). It’s great to use things from YOUR local environment, as you are looking to attract bugs and beetles and insects from the same local environment. How to make a Simple Bug Hotel: Time needed: 15 minutes. 1. Cut the bottl down to size We cut our bottle down to shape (may I add, that I actually drank 2 litres of fizzy w ter, especially for this task as we accidentally threw out our last bottle in the recycling?? Argh!) 2. Arrange your materials Check what materials you have and arrange by size and texture. We snapped our twigs to make them a little smaller. Add larger and bigger ones and arrange the pinecones. 3. Decide on the insect hotel location and add twine for hanging If you plan to hang your bug hotel, loop some garden twine round and then start layering your bug hotel. We did one hotel for on the ground and one for hanging from a tree to see if would attract different creatures. 4. Make the insect hotel nice and cosy Stuff it to make it nice and firm, so it doesn’t get blown about! 5. Location! Location! Location! Hang it or place it an it’s ready to welco e some new occupants!
Raring2go! Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Copyright © 2023 by Mojo Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Publishers. Produced and published by Clique Publications Limited 27 Fairway Avenue, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 3WY Telephone: 01467 629491. All information in the publication is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without written permission. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in the publication are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. Please note that points of view expressed in articles and in advertisements included in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the publication, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the Publishers for loss arising from the use of information published. All rights reserved. Competitions Our competition Ts and Cs are here: www.raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms. They don’t reference GDPR specifically because our privacy policy makes this very clear www.raring2go.co.uk/privacy. Enter via the Raring2go.co.uk/aberdeen-city-and-shire, simply by registering for free on the site. These rules apply to all the competitions in the magazine. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry drawn at random. No cash alternative to prize. The winner will be notified by email or by phone. A list of recent winners will be published in each edition. Any personal data provided will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It will only be used for the purposes of notifying outcomes of the competition. Your information will not be shared with any organisations external to Raring2go! except for when a third party is issuing a prize directly. If you don’t wish to be informed of future events or offers, please state so. Our Spring competition winner: Baby skin-care box from Ringana: Sunny Luck, Aberdeen
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 32 raring2go.co.uk Scan this code and sign up for free today THE WORLD AWAITS AT UNBEATABLE RATES Introducing the Raring2go! Travel Club, bringing you one online destination for all your family travel needs. Member benefits include: • Up to 60% off over 600,000 hotels • 50,000+ private, group and tailor-made tours • Weekly resort stays from £299 • Savings on 345,000+ activities • Member preferred car hire rates • Competitive flight prices Sign up for FREE today
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