“Delightful!” The Stage the egg and Travelling Light present CO DURHAM & DARLINGTON WHERE TO GO WHATS ON COMPETITIONS MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2023/24
2 raring2go.co.uk 3 Raring2go! Raring2go! Winter Wonderland 25th Nov - 24th Dec Please check website for dates Meet Santa and visit his Toy Shop to choose your own gift Ride the Winter Valley Express Visit Claus’s Candy sweet shop! Make a bag of reindeer food to sprinkle for Rudolph and his gang on Christmas Eve BRAND NEW Christmas show Decorate a festive Gingerbread Biscuit with Mrs Claus Enjoy ride-on animals & bounce high on the huge winter inflatable adventurevalley.co.uk Ticket includes a full day admission to Adventure Valley Hello! We are thrilled to launch our rst edition as the new editors and are excited to embark on this journey with you! Our mission is to bring you the latest news, updates, and insider tips on all the incredible family entertainment and excursions happening in our area. But we can't do this alone - we need your support! We believe in the power of community and collaboration, which is why we're reaching out to you. We are a dynamic platform where families can discover the best activities, events, and attractions our area has to offer. Whether it's a weekend adventure, a fun day out, or learning experiences, we are your go-to guide! Be the rst to know about exciting new excursions, exclusive discounts, special offers and win FREE family tickets to some of the most sought-after attractions in our area by subscribing to all our social channels and newsletter via www.raring2go.co.uk Become a part of the Raring2go! community. Share your experiences, recommendations, and photos with us by tagging us and getting featured on our social platforms. Let's create a space where we can connect, inspire, and support one another! Nadeem, Ayesha, Mikaail and Jibrael. teesdurham@raring2go.co.uk 07787 584878 /R2gTeesDurham
4 raring2go.co.uk 5 Raring2go! LEARN Raring2go! LEARN #MoreThanJustFootball To join the fun call 0191 4066224 jtemple@littlekickers.co.uk 18 months - 7th Birthday www.littlekickers.co.uk CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs and classes are a valuable resource in building your children’s con dence, growing their social skills and so much more. To get them thinking which kind of club they would be interested in joining, here’s a bit of fun with suggestions included… Here are 10 quiz questions for your kids to answer… 1. What type of kids’ class focuses on teaching children how to paint using various artistic techniques? a) football b) Dance c) Painting d) Math 2. Which of the following is a popular coding language often taught in kids’ coding clubs? a) French b) Python c) Spanish d) Guitar 3. In a drama club for kids, what do participants typically do to improve their acting skills? a) Solve math problems b) Sing songs c) Perform scenes and plays d) Play video games d plays d) Play video games 4. Which of the following is a science-based club that allows kids to explore and conduct experiments? a) Cooking Club b) Science Club c) Gardening Club d) Music Club 5. What is the primary goal of a kids’ sports club? a) Learning to cook b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork c) Building robots d) Writing poetry 6. Which type of kids’ club often involves learning and practicing martial arts techniques? a) Chess Club b) Science Club c) Karate Club d) Cooking Club 7. In a kids’ astronomy club, what do children study and observe? a) The behaviour of ants b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky c) How to make paper airplanes d) Geography 8. hat type of kids’ club might involve learning to play musical instruments the piano or guitar? a) Gardening Club b) Coding Club c) Music Club d) ketball Club 9. Which club encourages kids to explore and appreciate nature through tdoor activities? a) Video Game Club b) Outdoor Adventure Club Chess Club d) History Club 10. What is the main focus of a kids’ language club? a) Learning to juggle b) earning a new programming language c) Learning and practicing a foreign anguage d) Playing board games QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! C Clubs and classes hildren’s con de h ANSWERS: c) Painting, b) Python, c) Perform scenes and plays b) Science Club, b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork, c) Karate Club b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky c) Music Club, b) Outdoor Adventure Club c) Learning and practicing a foreign language a c) Wh like t Bask W out c) C 10 Le la Raring2go Winter 2023 Clubs & Classes Quick Quiz page PA01.indd 1 02/11/2023 15:31 Over 30,000 highly targeted copies delivered! Call 07787 584878 or email teesdurham@raring2go.co.uk now! Stand Out, Grab Attention and Boost Sales!
Raring2go! WHATS ON 6 raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Families and friends come out and play with the stars in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough after dark across Wednesday 29 November – Sunday 3 December. For tickets and to plan your visit: www.nightfallfestival.co.uk Tickets are £14.50 per adult & £9.50 per child. Under 2s are free but still need to be booked. Family Friendly Light Art Trail // Interactive Performances // Colourful Memory Making Artist Led Making Workshops // Live Music Nightfall Lates Programme // Street Food Scran Unforgettable Fun Experiences & Magical Moments // Hot Chocolates Galore Get ready for a galaxy playground descending from the Middlesbrough night sky, full of hopeful stars bursting to play, dance & fly. And across five nights, a cosmic event for all the family will unfold, revealing enchanting twinkling, shimmering stars, and their story untold. Take a winter walk around the Botanic Garden Discover loads of amazing things to do this winter, whatever the weather. Visit our website to find out more about our events and activities in the heart of Durham. durham.ac.uk/things-to-do Follow us on social media to do Things Celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights at the Oriental Museum, Tuesday 14 November Welcome the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, Saturday 24 February, 6pm – 8pm Join the Christmas fun at Durham Castle, Sunday 10 December MW/10/23/373 Enjoy exhibitions inside Palace Green Library @DUThingsToDo
8 raring2go.co.uk 9 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON 03000 266 600 galadurham.co.uk A Gala Durham Production Thursday 23 November to Saturday 6 January £8 - £20 (£60 - £70 family ticket) In a happy and caring environment, Teesside High School pupils are inspired to achieve great things both in and out of the classroom. We combine small class sizes, inspirational teaching, outstanding pastoral care and exceptional co-curricular opportunities to nurture, support and challenge every individual. Register to attend our Open Day on Saturday 20 January to find out more, or book a private tour at your convenience via admissions@teessidehigh.co.uk www.teessidehigh.co.uk Shaping a future. Joining a family. 13177_THS_Raring_2_Go_Ad_129x89mm_OCTOBER.indd 1 10/10/2023 12:33 What's on at the Theatre Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool 10 Dec - 28 Dec - Peter Pan and the Lost Boys Get ready to join Peter and the lost boys as they fight to defend Neverland against the dastardly Captain Hook! So get ready to hiss, boo and sing along! As Peter Pan takes flight, what could possibly go wrong? culturehartlepool.com Gala Durham 23 Nov - 6 Jan - Cinderella A new take on the oldest fairy tale of all time, full of magic and excitement, strange characters and talking animals. New twists and magical turns in this retelling of one of the greatest stories ever told! 5 Dec - 24 Dec - Tinsel Tinsel is the tale of one magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree! He can sing, dance, and wear a sparkly tiara as well as anyone else can. galadurham.co.uk Empire Consett 1 Dec - 31 Dec - Jack and the Beanstalk Join Jack, Dame Tilly Trot, Lord Mayor Tommy Tomato, Big Mac the Cow, Cowella Daville and a whole host of other characters on an adventure packed full of fun, hit songs, dazzling costumes, audience participation and more, in our GIANT panto that’s Fe-Fi-Fo-FUN! empireconsett.co.uk Bishop Auckland Town Hall 8 - 10 Dec - Aladdin Join a whole host of hilarious and colourful characters on an enchanted journey of magic and mysticism as the greatest panto of them all flies into Bishop Auckland this Christmas… Aladdin! 30 Nov - 3 Dec - Tinsel Tinsel is the tale of one magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree! He can sing, dance, and wear a sparkly tiara as well as anyone else can. bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Darlington Hippodrome 8-31 Dec Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don't miss the fairest pantomime of them all! darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk The Hullabaloo, Darlington 18 Nov - Little Murmur Based on the true story of one child's struggle with letters and words. Little Murmur is a dance theatre show about facing challenges and overcoming the odds. An honest and funny tale about the trial and tribulations of seeing things differently. 6 - 24 Dec - Snow Mouse An enchanting winter's tale for the very young. Come and join two new friends on their adventures in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music! theatrehullabaloo.org.uk WIN TICKETS Lots of tickets to be won! Enter on the Raring2go! website, look out for the win tickets symbol WIN TICKETS
10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON What's on at the Theatre Forum Theatre, Billingham 2 Dec 23 - 31 Dec 23 Jack and The Beanstalk Join Jack, Dame Trott, Simple Simon and Daisy the Cow for a thrilling adventure filled with magic beans, a castle in the clouds and a walking, talking, very bad-tempered Giant. 17 – 21 Feb – Humpty Dumpty Join Humpty Dumpty, Bo Peep, King Cole, Boy Blue and Mother Hubbard on the most magical adventure of all as they try and put a stop to the wicked Queen of Hearts ruining all the fairytales in storyland. The most hilarious and ‘eggciting’ show yet! forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm 14-24 Dec Cinderella Don’t miss the most magical pantomime of them all CINDERELLA. Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will Prince Charming find the girl of his dreams? Will everyone live happily ever after? 16-17 Dec Santa Rocks - A Magical Family Santamime Santa’s busy getting ready for the annual ‘Snow Ball’ and all is going well until the wicked Jack Frost zaps the North Pole of all it’s festive cheer! Luckily Santa has a jolly plan to keep everything under control and tries to raise enough festive cheer in time for the party! Free gift for each child ticket purchased! thepaaonline.org Middlesbrough Theatre 8 Dec – 7Jan - Cinderella The fabulous family show will feature enchanted pumpkins, sparkling glass slippers, a pair of Ugly Sisters, a handsome Prince, amazing costumes and loads of audience participation. 20 Jan - The Wizard of Oz Follow the yellow brick road and find your way to Oz with the fabulous Ballet Theatre UK. There’s no place like home! 24 Feb - Alice in Wonderland A magical family musical from Immersion Theatre. Packed with comedy, music, audience interaction and fun for the whole family. You’d be Mad (Hatter!) to miss it! middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk ARC Stockton Arts Centre 25 Nov - The Nosy Little Troll Deep in the heart of the Norwegian Forest live the trolls – big trolls, tiny trolls and a Nosy Little Troll who has an amazingly sensitive nose… What is that wonderfully stinky smell wafting through the trees? The Nosy Little Troll sets off to follow her nose on a quest to solve the mysterious pong. Garlic Theatre hold their young audience spellbound with wonderfully crafted troll puppets, live music and lots of joining in. 5-23 Dec Well Done, Mummy Penguin Amidst the snowy Antarctic landscape, Mummy Penguin is off to find a fishy dinner for her family. Daring acrobatics, integrated sign language and heartwarming humour. A perfect wintery treat for everyone aged 3 and up. 22 Dec Club Groovy: Christmas Sparklefest Join Club Groovy for a fantastically festive end to the season at their magical Sparklefest Christmas party! Full of Christmas hits, glitter, and grooviness! arconline.co.uk WIN TICKETS Lots of tickets to be won! Enter on the Raring2go! website, look out for the win tickets symbol WIN TICKETS
12 raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! LEARN Raring2go! WHATS ON Join us for our Open Morning The Old Vicarage & 36 The Green, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1DX T 01642 558119 E claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk Independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-16. redhouseschool.co.uk Saturday 20 January The Red House difference: + Best in the North in the Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ 2023. We are recognised once again as the top school in the whole of the North in our category in the Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ list + 2023 GCSE results: 99.2% of grades were 9-4 (A*- C). Outperforming the national average of 69.4% + Highest rating of ‘Excellent’ in both categories following our inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate + Small class sizes + Unique family atmosphere + Extensive co-curricular activities + Focus on teaching and learning, not testing + Bespoke education, tailored to the needs of the children + Flexible wrap around care from 7.30am-6pm + Holiday club - the school is open 50 weeks of the year + Far reaching coach service + Competitive fees 9am-12.30pm Booking is essential Ideas from Santa’s Diary and Festive Family Fun! Christmas in Middlesbrough 18 Nov - A Festive Night at the Movies, Centre Square, 5pm - 7pm Wrap up warm, bring a blanket or deck chair and cosy up to watch a truly classic festive film outdoors on the big screen in Centre Square. There’s also some fairground rides for little ones and of course, plenty of festive cheer! Dressing up in your best Christmas costume is welcomed – and don’t forget those gloves and scarves. The event is FREE and all ages are welcome. Please note it is encouraged to bring your own portable chairs as limited seating is provided; cover from the weather is not provided. Check out wearemiddlesbrough.com to see which film will be shown on the big screen. 19 Nov - Christmas Lights Switch On with BBC Tees, Centre Square, 12pm - 7.00pm (lights turned on at 5.30pm) Join the stars from Middlesbrough Theatre's pantomime including Amelia Lily and Philip Green plus some very special guests as they switch on Middlesbrough’s Christmas lights. The FREE event will feature a huge ‘Big Sing’ with choirs and community groups from across Middlesbrough who will lead the crowd in a mammoth sing-along to some of the best loved Christmas tunes. Channel your inner Slade or Mariah and join BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson for a fun-filled evening that will get everyone in the festive spirit. Plus don’t miss the street theatre, festive food and gift stalls and the Classical Christmas Café in Middlesbrough Town Hall. 19 Nov - 2 Jan - Walking with The Snowman Trail, Middlesbrough Town Centre Everyone’s favourite giant snowmen are returning to venues across the town centre over the festive period. 2 - 3 Dec - Christmas Extravaganza at the Dorman Museum, 10am - 4pm Help Santa’s elves get ready for Christmas at the big Christmas Extravaganza! Activities include a visit to Elf Town, a festive VR ride, a gingerbread trail, arts and crafts and the chance to spot Santa as he walks the museum galleries. £5 per child. wearemiddlesbrough.com 2 - 24 Dec, Weekends 10am - 4pm, plus late night Wed 20 Dec, 4 - 8pm, Newham Grange Farm Enjoy loads of festive fun at Newham Grange Farm this Christmas. Featuring a family-friendly trail, Christmas characters and carol singing with the elves, drop-in crafts, a mini pantomime and free reindeer food to take home for the big day. Optional extras include visiting Santa in his stables, breakfast and story time with Mrs Claus, decorating cookies with Mother Ginger and Build a Teddy workshop. newhamgrangefarm.co.uk 16 Dec - Orange Pip Market Festive Edition, Middlesbrough Town Hall, 11am - 6pm Enjoy a Merry Pipmas with pop-up shops, foodie delights and festive fizz! 29 Dec - Kidz Sound – Christmas Concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall, 2pm A fantastic live show featuring four hours of music from the biggest names in pop, performed by the best tribute artists. Dance, sing and party to Pink, Little Mix, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande! Also includes additional entertainment, refreshments, a photo booth, sweet stalls and lots more family fun! Tickets: £22 (adults), £17 (child under 16) including booking fee. middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk Christmas at NT Ormesby Hall The scene is set for one and all for a panto themed Christmas at Ormesby Hall. The rooms will be decorated with sparkling lights and pantomime inspired decorations, such as Cinderella, Snow Queen and Aladdin. Normal admission applies. nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Guide
14 raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! WHATS ON Raring2go! PLACES2GO Christmas Guide Christmas at Durham Christmas festive fun at Durham Cathedral Experience the joy of this extraordinary time of the year with us. Come along to a candlelit carol service, see the Christmas tree being lit and enjoy family-friendly events including The Snowman and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Get crafty with drop-in activities or follow a trail to explore the cathedral’s connections to Saint Bede, reading and writing. Then take inspiration from the collections of Durham Cathedral’s unique collections of treasures to create your own artwork to take away. Suitable for all ages. For details and booking see the cathedral’s website. durhamcathedral.co.uk 18 Nov - Enchanted Christmas Trail Raby Castle is the perfect place for families to visit with the Enchanted Christmas Trail in The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground within a Christmas Tree plantation to the picturesque Deer Park overlooking the magnificent castle where red and fallow deer roam with a brand new Christmas trail throughout. raby.co.uk 22 Nov - 31 Dec (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Auckland Castle’s dazzling new light trail AGLOW will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland this Christmas. AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East, featuring 17 incredible illuminations including the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England and the country's longest outdoor light tunnel. Family tickets available and pre-booking is recommended. aucklandproject.org 25 Nov - 25 Dec - Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley Ride the Winter Valley Express, visit Claus’s Candy sweet shop!, make a bag of reindeer food to sprinkle for Rudolph and his gang on Christmas Eve. A BRAND NEW Christmas show. Decorate a festive Gingerbread Biscuit with Mrs Claus. Enjoy ride-on animals & bounce high on the huge winter inflatable. Meet Santa and visit his Toy Shop to choose your own gift – Babies & 1 year old’s will be able to participate in all activities and will receive an age-appropriate wrapped gift from Santa Claus. adventurevalley.co.uk 1 - 3 Dec - Durham Christmas Festival Christmas is coming and so is Durham Christmas Festival. There are three festive markets; the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place and Durham Market Hall with gift ideas, seasonal food and drink and handcrafted items all ready to welcome Christmas shoppers! The Children’s Lantern Parade on 2 Dec will get the kids excited as hundreds of children carrying lanterns will lead their families up through the city as the light fades, arriving at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service. For details and booking please visit the website. durhamchristmasfestival.com 16 Dec - Countdown to Christmas Craft Workshop, 1 - 3pm Explore, learn and create at the Oriental Museum. Taking inspiration from objects on display across the Oriental Museum's galleries, families can get creative. These FREE activities are suitable for families with children aged 5 - 11 years, accompanied by an adult. Drop in, no need to book. durham.ac.uk Christmas at Redcar and Cleveland Dec 16 - Saltburn Ice Trail, 10am - 4pm Renowned ice sculptors Sand in Your Eye will return, to place nine amazing ice sculptures across Saltburn, creating a wonderful one-day trail for families to explore. Each sculpture will reveal a secret that you’ll need to find to complete the trail competition. The trail will feature a live ice carve, and a workshop with its very own ice post box, where the elves will help you write and post your letters to Santa. www.redcarcleveland.co.uk Christmas is coming … and so is Durham Christmas Festival from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December, 2023. Feel the festive spirit and tick loads off the Christmas shopping list with a visit to this fabulous festival! For shoppers, there are three festive markets; the Craft & Producers’ Marquee* on Palace Green packed with gift ideas, seasonal food and drink and handcrafted items; the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place which is great for gifts and warming take-away food and drink, and Durham Market Hall, home to 40 businesses all ready to welcome Christmas shoppers! For families, the Children’s Lantern Parade**, on Saturday 2nd December, is a festive treat, when hundreds of children carrying lanterns will lead their families up through the city as the light fades, arriving at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service. To find out everything about Durham Christmas Festival, visit www.durhamchristmasfestival.com. (*Entry charge applies/ ** to reserve a lantern please visit our website) Here comes Christmas – and here comes the perfect shopping event!
16 raring2go.co.uk 17 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON Experience Christmas at Durham Cathedral: • Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the festive performance of A Christmas Carol, 24 & 25 November • Collect an interactive leaflet to discover more about how Advent and Christmas are celebrated within the cathedral, November to December • Experience family favourite service Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree where the cathedral’s giant Christmas tree is lit up, and the nativity scene is blessed, 10 December Family festive fun Plan your visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk From Christmas trees on sales from 25th November to the most elegant Christmas shopping. It is a perfect place for families to visit with the Enchanted Christmas Trail in The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground within a Christmas Tree plantation to the picturesque deer park overlooking the magnificent castle where red and fallow deer roam with a brand new Christmas trail throughout, all available from the 18th November. Raby Castle Raby Castle is the most magical place to visit throughout the festive season.
18 raring2go.co.uk 19 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON STOCKTON SPARKLES LAUNCH Thursday 23 November 5.30pm, lights switch on 6.30pm VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR Thursday 23 November - Sunday 26 November CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday 30 November - Sunday 3 December LANTERN PARADE Sunday 3 December, 4pm Victorian Christmas Fair Launch of Stockton Sparkles Lantern Parade Join us on Stockton High Street from Thursday 23 November for the return of Stockton Sparkles! Christmas Market For opening times and to view the full Stockton Sparkles offer visit www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/stockton-sparkles Delivered by Christmas Guide Christmas at Darlington Spend a few magical hours at The Hullabaloo enjoying these FREE festive activities! Write a letter and post it in Santa’s post box in the café area until the 2nd of December. The Hullabaloo have a wonderous outdoor interactive sound installation to play in for 0-10s and their families between 6th – 24th December. Their indoor Creative Play space will transform into ‘Snow Play’; a super-soft landscape inspired by the adventures of Snow Mouse for 0-4s and includes lots of opportunities for playful wintery fun! Snow Play will run from 4th December – 22nd January. Both these play areas are free to attend and there’s no need to prebook but there may be a short wait at busy times. theatrehullabaloo.org.uk 9 Dec - Ice Sculpture Trail, 11am - 6pm Enjoy the thrills and chills of winter with the town’s Ice Sculpture Trail returning with lots of exciting photo opportunities and ice installations to come and find in the town centre. Trail maps will be available online. enjoydarlington.co.uk FREE Santa’s Grotto in the Cornmill Centre Santa will be visiting the shopping centre on selected dates in December, please check website for opening times. cornmillcentre.co.uk Christmas at Stockton-on-Tees 25 Nov onwards - Santa’s Grotto at Billingham Forum Experience the magic of Christmas by bringing your loved ones to see Santa and his elves in the festive grotto and wintery themed garden. Speak with Santa and grab a few photographs together then head into the ice arena for a family ice skating session under a blanket of twinkling fairy lights with a festive soundtrack. All for only £10 per child - includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto, a free junior ice-skating voucher & skate hire, a selection box and a postcard from Santa and his elves! festiveforum.co.uk 2 Dec - 24 Dec (weekends) - Christmas at Preston Park Museum & Grounds There will also be live music and Christmas crafts to make and take home. There’s no need to prebook, you can purchase tickets for the museum when you arrive. prestonparkmuseum.co.uk Christmas at Hartlepool 24 - 26 Nov - Wintertide Festival, The Headland - FREE Taking over the historical Headland with three days of artistic programming that surprises and delights, transforming spaces and places to encourage people to see the everyday in a different way. This year the programme sees large sculptural build and burn, the reemergence of the community lantern parade and, Day & Night Art Trail. We will also have exhibitions, performances, makers market & full music programme across the site. 1 Dec - Christmas Light Switch On - Church Square, Hartlepool - FREE It’s the most magical time of the year when we illuminate the town in dazzling Christmas lights! Join us at Church Square when some very special guests will be pressing the button! 2 Dec - Festive Shopping Event at Hartlepool Art Gallery, 10am- 3pm – FREE This festive shopping event is the perfect opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit. Browse our eclectic range of beautifully hand crafted, local gifts, take in the artworks, enjoy a mulled wine, free family craft, opportunity to ‘meet the maker’ and gift wrapping all in the surroundings of our beautiful Grade II listed building. www.culturehartlepool.com Please do check all event details online as some events need prebooking. Find lots more ideas, half term events across the region in our What’s On Guide on the Raring2go! website – raring2go.co.uk
20 raring2go.co.uk 21 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON Scan me to find out more Experience the magic of a traditional Christmas full of wonder and delight! Enjoy our magical festive makeover, festive crafts, community choirs, cheeky elf trail and lots more. Sat 2 Dec - Sun 24 Dec (weekends) prestonparkmuseum.co.uk A Christmas of wonder and delight!
22 raring2go.co.uk 23 Raring2go! Raring2go! The Roolo® www.play9.co.uk An unparalleled, modern treat dispensing dog toy. Avoiding Christmas Crises for your Pets CHRISTMASis a happy time, but some dangers may arise causing potential problems for your pets. Here are some safety tips to ensure you can all enjoy a stress free (ish) Christmas! • CHOCOLATE– Not a myth, and fortunately much more recognised these days, chocolate contains Theobromine, which at best can make your dog very sick, and at worst can unfortunately kill them. The higher the cocoa content or the smaller the dog, the higher the risk, and any dog that eats chocolate MUST be taken to a vet as soon as possible. • OTHER TOXIC ITEMS– Onions, garlic, grapes and raisins (and mistletoe and poinsettias) are all around at Christmas, and are toxic to pets; do not feed them to your pets, even in small quantities, and seek veterinary advice if they get hold of them. • TURKEY BONES – Take care when storing and disposing of turkey carcasses and other bones, as if eaten they can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, or even worse to the internal digestive tract. • TINSEL – Tinsel and other decorations can prove very interesting to inquisitive pets, especially cats and young kittens and puppies, and can cause choking or internal blockages. • ANTIFREEZE – Antifreeze tastes sweet and is tempting for cats to drink. It is TOXIC and will KILL a cat that has ingested it. Take care with storage and mop any spillages immediately. Call the vet immediately if you suspect your pet has drunk Antifreeze. • SALT/GRIT ON PAWS – It is a good idea to wash your dogs paws after walks in the winter, as the frozen ground and grit can cause soreness and irritation. • FOREIGN BODIES– Small toys and batteries are often left lying around and can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed. They can cause obstructions, or in the case of batteries, chemical burns, so ensure everything is picked up off the floor. • DIARRHOEA – Remember when you are tempted to give your pet their ‘Christmas dinner’ or treats, they are not used to such rich food, so may have some vomiting or diarrhoea as a consequence. • STRESS – There are many potential causes of stress for your pets at Christmas, such as lack of routine, crowds and fireworks. They may may just want to hide away from it all so make them a den in a safe area where they can escape if need be. Hopefully these tips will help towards a happy Christmas for all. Anna Tilley RVN Newham G r ang e FARM newhamgrangefarm.co.uk Xmas Display Interact with Xmas Characters Mini Xmas Panto • Xmas Trail Available in addition to Festive Farm entry • Prices vary • Book online Visit Santa in his Stables Breakfast & Story with Mrs Claus Mother Ginger’s Cookie Decorating Class Head Elf Build-a-Teddy Workshop Weekends from Sat 2 - Sun 24 + Fri 22 Dec 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) Festive Farm evening: Weds 20 Dec 4pm-8pm (last entry 7pm) £9 per person • under 2s free! FEST IVE FARM FEST IVE EX TRAS BUY TICKETS NOW!
24 raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! PUZZLE Raring2go! QUIZ PLACES TO GO 1. What type of attraction often features lifelike replicas of prehistoric creatures and is a popular destination for families? a) Science Museum b) Zoo c) Aquarium d) Dinosaur Park 2. Which type of recreational facility is designed for children to jump on trampolines and play in a safe environment? a) Ice skating rink b) Bowling alley c) Trampoline Park d) Art gallery. 3. In which type of venue can kids typically watch the latest animated movies on the big screen? a) Library b) Water park c) Cinema d) Supermarket. 4. What kind of outdoor space allows children to interact with and learn about various animals and plants? a) Botanical Garden b) Shopping Centre c) Amusement Park d) Theatre 5. Where can families go to learn about history through interactive exhibits and artifacts? a) Cinema b) History Museum c) Petting Zoo d) Car wash 6. Which type of establishment often features hands-on science exhibits and experiments for kids of all ages? a) Toy shop b) Science Museum c) Ice cream Parlour d) Gym 7. What kind of venue offers a wide range of books and often hosts storytelling sessions for kids? ) Sweet shop b) Bookshop c) Bowling alley d) Pizza place a 8. Where can kids enjoy slides, swings, and other playground equipment in a public setting? a) Hospital b) Park c) Cinema d) Airport 9. What type of establishment is known for serving ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes, making it a favourite among children? a) Petrol station b) Pet store c) Ice cream Parlour d) Hairdressers 10. Which of the following places often offers swimming pools, water slides, and other aquatic attractions for families to enjoy? a) Library b) Water park c) Bowling alley d) Post of ce ) Library b) Water park c) Bowling alley d) Post of QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! lley ANSWERS: 1. Dinosaur park 2. Trampoline park 3. Cinema, 4. Botanical garden 5. History museum, 6. Science museum 7. Bookshop, 8. Park 9. Ice cream parlour, 10. Water park Raring2go Winter 2023 10 Quick Quiz page PA02.indd 1 02/11/2023 10:23 SCATTERGORRIES
26 raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! FAMILY FUN Raring2go! FAMILY FUN 1 Winter Nature Hike: Take a leisurely hike in a nearby nature reserve or park. Look for signs of winter wildlife and enjoy the crisp, fresh air. Board Game Night: Gather around the table for a night of board games or card games. It's a great way to bond and have some friendly competition. Movie Marathon: Choose a series of familyfriendly movies or a theme (classic Disney films, Harry Potter movies etc) and have a ‘movie marathon’ with popcorn and snacks. Baking Extravaganza: Spend a day baking cookies, cakes, or other treats together.You can even have a mini-baking competition with different teams or family members. Volunteer Together: Give back to your community by volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity. It's a wonderful way to teach your kids the value of helping others. DIY Craft Day: Get creative with a DIY craft day. You can make homemade decorations, scrapbooks, or other crafts that you can cherish as keepsakes. Indoor Mini-Olympics: Create a series of miniOlympic games in your living room or back garden (weather permitting of course!).You can have events like a sock sliding race, minibasketball, and even a family dance-off. Visit a museum or Aquarium: Explore a local museum, science centre, or aquarium. It's both fun and educational for the whole family. Cook a Family Dinner: Have each family member choose a dish and cook it together for a special family dinner. It's a great way to share family recipes and traditions. Scavenger Hunt: Organise a scavenger hunt in your garden or at a nearby park. Create a list of items to find or clues to solve and see who can complete the hunt first. Remember to tailor these activities to your family's interests and the weather in your area. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor activities, the key is to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. After the Festivities are over… Christmas and New Year are such a busy time and once over, things can feel a tad flat, so we have come up with a few suggestions to keep the family busy for January and beyond… Here are 10 ideas for family activities to enjoy once Christmas is over: 1 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Family Cook-Off Night: Host a weekly or monthly family cook-off night where each member takes turns selecting a theme or cuisine. Everyone can work together to plan, shop for ingredients, and then prepare their chosen dishes.This not only promotes teamwork but also allows everyone to explore different culinary traditions. Outdoor Adventure Challenges: Plan a series of outdoor adventures or challenges like hiking to a scenic spot, geocaching, or orienteering. Create a "Family Adventure Passport" to track completed challenges and encourage friendly competition.This activity promotes physical activity and bonding in nature. Family Book Club: Start a family book club where you pick a book to read together and then have regular discussions about it. Choose a diverse range of genres and themes to cater to different interests within the family.You can even create a mini-library at home to keep all your family book club selections. DIY Home Improvement Projects: Undertake DIY home improvement or decoration projects as a family. Decide on a room or area to renovate or redecorate and involve each family member in the planning and execution. It's a productive way to improve your living space while learning new skills together. Language Learning Night: Dedicate one evening a week to learning a new language as a family.You can use language-learning apps, online resources or enrol in a course together. This not only enhances communication skills but also opens doors to exploring different cultures and travel opportunities in the future. Remember that the key to introducing something new for the family is to ensure that it's engaging, inclusive, and adaptable to everyone's interests and abilities. These activities can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Something New for You and the family… Things can get very samey once the festive season is over, so we have put together a few creative ideas to introduce something new for your family to do together:
28 raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! SAVE Raring2go! FIT2GO 1 Set Clear Goals: Define your fitness objectives, whether it's losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or just staying active. Having specific goals will keep you motivated. Create a Workout Routine: Develop a structured exercise plan that includes a mix of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Consistency is key, so aim for at least 3-5 days of exercise per week. Find an Accountability Partner: Team up with a friend or family member who shares your fitness goals. Having someone to exercise with and hold you accountable can make a big difference. Try New Activities: Make fitness fun by exploring different activities like hiking, dancing, swimming, or martial arts. Experimenting with new workouts can keep things exciting. Join a Gym or Fitness Class: If you prefer a structured environment, consider signing up for a gym membership or fitness classes like yoga, spinning, or HIIT. Use Technology: Download fitness apps or invest in wearable fitness trackers to monitor your progress, set reminders, and stay motivated. Prioritise Nutrition: A healthy diet is crucial for achieving your fitness goals. Focus on balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Get Adequate Rest: Rest and recovery are essential for muscle growth and overall wellbeing. Ensure you're getting enough quality sleep each night. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting your workouts. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Track Your Progress: Keep a fitness diary or use a fitness app to track your workouts, nutrition, and how you're feeling. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated. Remember that getting fit is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Start small, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, and stay consistent. Consistency is key to long-term success in achieving and maintaining your fitness goals. Get Fit for 2024 Getting fit for the New Year is a great goal, and there are many ways to achieve it. Here are 10 ideas to help you get started on your fitness journey:
30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Raring2go! PARTY Raring2go! 1 1. Voxblock boosts literacy skillsListening to stories helps develop a child's vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. 2. Voxblock is ready-to-play as soon as it's unwrappedFree from Wifi and with no set-up - just press play! 3. Voxblock has hundreds of audiobooks Introduce children to a world of stories through a huge audiobook library. 4. Voxblock develops independence The player is easy-to-use and with no need for grown-ups, children can take control. 5. Voxblock is a gift that keeps giving Children enjoy Voxblock for years, not hours. This Christmas unwrap a Voxblock Starter Pack, it includes a Voxblock player, 3 audiobooks, and a protective bumper for £59.99. Buy at voxblock.co.uk reasons Voxblock makes the perfect Christmas gift Meet Voxblock: the easy-to-use screen-free audiobook player for children 3-12. Designed by parents, it empowers children to listen to audio stories independently. starter pack 99 £5 p £59. b aud the 00% connectivity free ong battery life build your child’s literacy as it's unwrapped ready-to-play as soon diobook player e screen-free voxblock.co.uk 1 lo a r
Book now at AucklandAglow.org Auckland Castle’s dazzling new light trail will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland this Christmas. 22 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER
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