Every child is capable of extraordinary Scan here to find out how to save 40% on your fees! Save 40% Scan today REGISTERED www.smart11plus.co.uk 0121 517 0339 Based in Solihull at Tudor Grange Academy SOLIHULL MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2026 CLUBS & CLASSES P16 WHAT’S ON? P6 COMPETITIONS P30 WIN!
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Raring2go! EDITOR’S WELCOME 4 raring2go.co.uk • It’s FREE to join • Monthly email newsletters with new offers and events • Download vouchers and save £££’s • Great competitions Become a website member Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. JOIN NOW raring2go.co.uk Copyright © 2026 TDW 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 Solutions. • Sign up for FREE! • Monthly email NEWSLETTERS with the latest OFFERS and EVENTS • Download VOUCHERS and save £££’s • Enter COMPETITIONS for amazing prizes! Contents Page What’s On at the Theatre?..............6 What’s On?.......................................8 Santa’s Diary....................................14 Clubs & Classes...............................16 Preschool......................................... 23 Parties. ............................................ 25 Competitions................................... 30 Raring2goSolihull raring2gosolihull FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Welcome to our Autumn edition As the leaves begin to turn and the days get a little shorter, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with the family. From exciting local activities and Autumn adventures to seasonal events, days out and ideas for keeping little ones entertained, we’ve packed this issue with inspiration. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, discovering somewhere new or simply looking for something different to do at the weekend, we hope Raring2go! helps you make the most of this colourful season. So grab your coats, pull on those wellies and get ready for an action-packed autumn! Happy exploring! Nicola, Editor
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Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? What’s On at the Theatre? There are lots of family friendly shows coming up at our local theatres. Here are some of our favourites. 6 raring2go.co.uk 20 October – 1 November The Snowman Birmingham Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 28 October – 8 November Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic BP Pulse Live, Birmingham www.bppulselive.co.uk 29 – 31 October The Mystery of the Belgrade Theatre The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 18 November – 2 January Beauty and The Beast The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 18 November – 17 January Peter Pan Birmingham Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 20 November – 12 December The Nutcracker 2026 Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com 21 November – 31 December Beauty and the Beast The Old Rep, Birmingham www.oldrep.co.uk 28 November – 9 January The Three Musketeers Royal Shakespeare Theatre www.rsc.org.uk 1 – 27 December Tales from Acorn Wood at Christmas mac Birmingham www.macbirmingham.co.uk 3 – 27 December Father Christmas The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 3 December – 10 January The Ugly Duckling Birmingham Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 4 December – 3 January Peter Pan – Pantomime The Core Theatre, Solihull www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 5 December – 5 January One Tiny Penguin Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com 11 December – 10 January The Bear and the Piano The Other Place, Stratford Upon Avon www.rsc.org.uk 18 – 24 December Santa’s Best Ever Christmas The Core Theatre, Solihull www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 19 December – 31 January Sleeping Beauty Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 7 BY PAUL HUNTER FROM THE NOVEL BY ALEXANDRE DUMAS STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 28 NOVEMBER - 9 JANUARY ALL FOR ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE New Work at the RSC is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust 3M_Raring_2Go_Ads_128mmx89mm_PRINT.indd 1 06/08/2026 15:51
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 8 raring2go.co.uk Until 8 November NEC Birmingham – Peppa Pig’s Space Adventure Blast off with Peppa Pig and her friends on an out-of-this-world adventure for families with young children. With hands-on play, storytelling, and gentle surprises throughout, Peppa Pig Space Adventure is here for a limited time at the NEC. Join Peppa’s crew! www.peppapigspaceadventure.co.uk 3 – 31 October Pumpkins R Us Warwickshire’s biggest and best Halloween experience is back for 2026! Open Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, then daily from Friday 9th to Saturday 31st October 202 at Dallas Burston Polo Club near Southam. Pick your pumpkin, find your Halloween decorations in our shop and tuck into some tasty treats in our on-site cafe. Bring the kids, the grandparents, the dog – everyone is welcome! www.halloweenpumpkins.co.uk 3 October – 1 November Hatton Adventure World – Halloween Spooktacular This Halloween, Hatton Adventure World is being transformed for a brand-new Halloween Experience. Four Witches have descended on Hatton, bringing magic, mischief and mayhem to the park, plus a NEW Haunted House. they are looking for little witchlings to help find the witches searching all the spooky corners to learn about their magic. Your child will also be able to pick a FREE pumpkin and then carve it, leaving all the mess behind for our resident pigs to gobble up. www.adventure.hattonworld.com 10 October – 1 November West Midlands Safari Park – Spooky Spectacular This Halloween, West Midlands Safari Park is hosting a monster mashup for a spooky experience What’s On? Autumn 2026 like no other! They are pulling out all the stops with a mix of thrilling adventures, spooky shows, and monstrously good fun for the whole family! www.wmsp.co.uk 17 – 18 October Thinktank – Unicorns are Real Are Unicorns real? Lollihop Puppet Theatre think they can prove it! Join them on a playful journey of discovery as they explore factual and scientific theories, alongside some wonderfully fantastical hypotheses. Watch as puppets, fossils, and magical potions come to life before your eyes in this familyfriendly show designed to make you giggle, gasp and think twice about everything you thought you knew about mythical beasts. Alongside the show, families can get creative in a drop-in puppetmaking workshop. Younger children can colour and decorate their own stick puppet, whilst older children can have a go at folding their own unicorn to take home. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 23 October – 3 January Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – Neverland This Winter, The Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is set to transform into a spellbinding Neverland, enchanting visitors of all ages with a festive experience inspired by the beloved children’s classic, Peter Pan. The museum will pay homage to J M Barrie’s legacy, transporting visitors to the fantastical world of Neverland with the space exquisitely decorated to reflect scenes from Peter Pan. Visitors will journey through rooms adorned with twinkling fairy lights, pirate ships, and whimsical forests, encountering beloved characters like Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, the crocodile and Tinkerbell along the way. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 24 October – 1 November Riverside Venue – Halloween Week Get ready for a week packed full of Halloweenthemed events! Spooky crafting, pumpkin carving, live music, and plenty of Halloween fun for all the family. Get creative, carve a pumpkin, enjoy some live music, and celebrate the spooky season! www.avon-estates.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 9 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TICKETSOURCE.COM/BOA 30 NOVEMBER - 15 DECEMBER 2026 BOA THEATRE, 1 GROSVENOR STREET, BIRMINGHAM, B4 7QD MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN LYRICS BY LYNN AHRENS BOOK BY MIKE OCKRANT & LYNN AHRENS BASED ON THE STORY BV CHARLES DICKENS ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY BY SUSAN STROMAN ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY MIKE OCKRENT
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 10 raring2go.co.uk 24 October – 1 November Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm – Día de Muertos This October half term the Butterfly Farm will be celebrating the amazing migration story of the Monarch Butterfly, and why they are associated with Día de Muertos. Visitors can expect to see plenty of beautiful Monarch butterflies flying freely throughout the Flight Area during the half term, providing a wonderful opportunity to see these iconic butterflies up close in our tropical rainforest environment. Daily butterfly lifecycle minibeast demonstrations will take place at 11:30 am in the Discovery Zone, with the friendly and informative Education Team. The Monarch butterfly is renowned for its remarkable long-distance migration. They arrive like clockwork each year in Mexico around early November, which coincides with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 24 October – 1 November Thinktank – LEGO Coding and AI Workshop Is it magic, or is it computer science? (It’s both!) Thinktank is thrilled to introduce brand-new, nextgeneration Computer Science & AI kits direct from LEGO® Education. In this fun-filled 50-minute hands-on session, families will explore building and coding smart machines, and using kid-safe, ageappropriate AI featuring privacy-first technology like auto-blurred camera images. Discover how realworld coding can feel just like casting a spell! www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 24 October – 1 November Mini Mugs Funhouse- Halloween fun Fun activities every day throughout half term including a Halloween disco and crafts. Check the website for daily schedule. www.minimugsfunhouse.com 26 October Utilita Arena – Deadly Live! Hosted by Steve Backshall The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure. Following the What’s On? Autumn 2026 hugely popular 2025 tour, Deadly Live! is back this October half-term for another action-packed, edge-of-your-seat experience based on the hugely popular CBBC show. Join award-winning presenter Steve Backshall as he embarks on heart-pounding adventures, tackling daring stunts, mind-blowing experiments, and cutting-edge science. Brace yourself as he tracks down some of the world’s most formidable predators — the creatures most would never dare to face! From big cats and birds of prey to Dinomania dinosaurs, snakes, and more, this electrifying live show takes you across land, sea, and sky in an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Think you can handle the thrill? Don’t miss out on the ultimate half-term experience for adventurers of all ages! Book now — before it’s too late! www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk 26 – 30 October Thinktank – Magic Mayhem Science Show Science and magic collide in this fun-filled Halloween science show! Join one of the resident Thinktank science witches as they take you through some enchanting experiments. Expect astonishing demonstrations, magical mishaps and plenty of opportunities to get involved too! www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 26 – 30 October Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – Art Club Led by the museum learning team, celebrate the changing of the seasons and give little ones the chance to make their own clay leaves. Either bring your own leaves, or use ones which the learning team have collected around their Historic Properties! Pre-booking advised. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 26 – 30 October Touchwood – Halloween Zombie Survival Step into a virtual Touchwood world and fight the zombies this October half term! The zombies are coming, and Touchwood needs heroes! Enter a thrilling virtual survival challenge where you’ll teamup to gather resources, construct defences and fight off hordes of spooky enemies in a popular creative block-building world. Are you brave enough to survive? 50 minute session. £5 per child. Suitable for ages 7+ www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk
FOR HOW TO ENTER, SCAN HERE Terms & Conditions apply. Parental/Guardian consent required. 6046/ART/RAIRING Send us your 'Winter Wonderland' themed artwork and you could WIN: £250 FOR YOU AND £250 FOR YOUR SCHOOL (Several prizes up for grabs!) Plus the chance to feature in Resorts World’s ENCHANTED ART GALLERY THEME: WINTER WONDERLAND FREE TO ENTER DEADLINE 1ST NOVEMBER CALLING ALL ARTISTS AGE 16 & UNDER
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 12 raring2go.co.uk 29 – 31 October St John’s House – St John’s Haunted House Get ready for a family-friendly, spine-tingling experience this October half term! Take your little monsters, brave explorers, and curious minds along for a magical mix of thrills, storytelling, and handson fun. Wander through the mysterious rooms of St John’s House and see them transformed like never before. Follow clues and uncover the traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty—but beware… something wicked may be lurking in the castle woods. Create, Experiment, and Get Messy! www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk 30 October Riverside Venue – Fireworks Extravaganza A spectacular evening of fireworks, fun and festive atmosphere! Take your friends and family, grab a drink, settle in and enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars! www.avon-estates.co.uk 31 October West Midlands Safari Park – Drone Show Get ready for an unforgettable day and night at West Midlands Safari Park as the sky comes alive with an incredible 12-minute drone show, featuring spectacular images of some of the world’s most amazing animals, all brought to life through light, movement and music. Watch as hundreds of drones transform the night sky above the Park, creating breath-taking wildlife scenes high above you in a spectacular display that’s perfect for the whole family. www.wmsp.co.uk 31 October Solihull Town Centre – Spooktacular Get into the spirit of Halloween in Solihull town centre for the amazing Spooktacular – free for all! There will be plenty of roaming street entertainment on hand to make sure your visit is one you won’t be forgetting in a hurry! www.solihullbid.co.uk 19 – 22 November nec Birmingham – Festive Gift Fair Festive Gift Fair returns to NEC Birmingham for its landmark 30th Anniversary. Christmas shopping starts here! The fair has built an incredible and loyal following of over 30,000 visitors. Tickets sold out in 2025, making 2026 the one not to miss! Visitors can browse 325 eclectic stalls brimming over with thousands upon thousands of unusual gifts, affordable presents, gorgeous decorations, jewellery, crafts, fashion, beauty, toys and artisan food and drink – an eclectic mix of brands from across the UK and beyond. Something for every age, taste and budget, all under one roof. www.festivegiftfair.co.uk 21 November The Chocolate Shed – MYO Chocolate Advent Calendar What better way to kick start your festive season than creating your very own, bespoke, delicious chocolate Advent calendar! Children and families attending will have the opportunity try their hand (and sticky fingers) at chocolate making, moulding and decorating at least 24 fun festive shapes each. At the end of the workshop, each guest will take away the chocolate Advent calendar of their dreams, crafted by themselves. www.thechocolateshed.com 29 – 31 December Thinktank – Lights, Science, Action! The Science of Light Show A fantastic live show all about the science of light. Explore what the Sun and the Earth have to do with those short winter days, how we might use light to have a little fun, and even use light to add a splash of colour. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Selected dates 18 – 31 December West Midlands Safari Park – Sleeping Beauty Christmas Panto Due to popular demand from last year, the Christmas panto is returning this festive season! With laughter, music, magical moments and plenty of festive fun for the whole family, this enchanting Christmas pantomime is not to be missed! www.wmsp.co.uk What’s On? Autumn 2026
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 13 peppapigspaceadventure.co.uk Book Now Limited run until November Now Open at the Step into Peppa’s home for a storyteller-led playful adventure ©2026 ABD Ltd/Hasbro/HCPL Ltd GR000660 - Peppa Pig - Advert Half - 129x89mm_AW.indd 1 28/05/2026 13:17
14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 21 November – 24 December West Midlands Safari Park – Santa Safari A magical festive day out the whole family will love - combining a four-mile winter Safari with an unforgettable visit to Santa in his beautifully decorated Grotto. With your pre-booked time slot, you’ll begin your journey at the Discovery Trail, where one of Santa’s cheerful Elves will greet you and guide you through a magical North Pole adventure. Along the way you can spot some elves making some gifts ready for the workshop! You’ll also encounter some delightful characters and be dazzled by the northern lights. www.wmsp.co.uk 21 November – 24 December Magic Alley – The Curious Case of the Christmas Crumbs This Christmas, Magic Alley returns with a brand new home and even more magical adventures. For the first time, the festive world of Magic Alley joins forces with The Crimson Chamber, bringing together beloved Christmas traditions and brand new immersive experiences. Whether you are visiting Father Christmas in his study, stepping into a festive mystery, or enjoying magical moments designed especially for younger visitors, each experience offers its own doorway into the spirit of Christmas. Step inside, gather your loved ones, and discover a place where wonder, laughter and a little bit of magic wait around every corner. www.magicalleychristmas.com Santa’s Diary 28 November – 24 December Hatton Adventure World – Enchanted Christmas Kingdom Step into a fun filled day filled with wonder, laughter and Christmas magic. You and your children become Father Christmas’ little helpers, journey through the Enchanted Kingdom and meet Father Christmas. Your child will then receive a magical key to Create-a-Bear or choose their own toy from Father Christmas’ Secret Toy Shop. www.adventure.hattonworld.com 5 – 23 December Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Thinktank – Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Workshop Enjoy breakfast in the tea rooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery or the Signal Box Café at Thinktank. While everyone enjoys their meal, the jingle of sleigh bells will signal the arrival of Santa Claus himself! He’ll stop at every table to share a warm hello, hand-deliver a special gift to each child, and pose for that all-important festive photo. Children may also meet Father Christmas in either of these museums, before heading to his workshop with our Christmas Elves for a hands-on craft activity. While families get creative, each child will be invited to meet Santa personally to receive a special gift and have a photo taken to remember the day. This 45-minute experience is filled with festive cheer, creativity, and memorable moments, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season together. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 5 – 23 December Coventry Transport Museum – Vintage Sleigh Ride Experience This year is extra special as they celebrate the Vintage Sleigh’s 70th anniversary, with a 1950s “Driving Home for Christmas” theme. The experience will feature 1950s-inspired Christmas décor, vintage cars and plenty of festive touches throughout. The Experience Includes a ride on the vintage sleigh, a visit to Santa, where children can tell him their Christmas wishes, a visit to the Elves’ Toy Shop, where each child can choose a Christmas gift and a Christmas goody bag for each child. www.transport-museum.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 15 birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank Funded by: • Santa’s Workshop Crafts • Seasonal Planetarium Shows • The Science of Light Live Show
Claim Ýz¾ Claim your FREE DAY! FREE DAY! “Children are extremely happy, safe and welcomed at this high-quality setting.” Ofsted Inspection - 2026 a¶ Szlih¾ll P e Schzzl in Solihull www.teamsupersports.co.uk @teamsupersports (500+ eÖieר) 4.9
SimlÝ head ¶z: ×××.¶eam¨¾e ¨z ¶¨.cz.¾k/oe×-¨zlih¾ll 7 Sports - 6 sessions Children choose a sport for each session! +SWIMMING RUGBY CRICKET FOOTBALL GYMNASTICS HOCKEY NETBALL TENNIS www.teamsupersports.co.uk Tax-Free Childcare Tax-Free Childcare Childcare Vouchers Childcare Vouchers for all new customers! FREE DAY FREE DAY 5Ý ¨ - 16Ý ¨ zld Szlih¾ll P e Schzzl, B91 3EN 8am - 5m “My son loved playing a wide range of sports and the medal ceremonies. Best holiday club in terms of coaching and sport played, as well as encouragement and fun!” Parent - Summer 2026 10% OFF Early Bird 10% OFF Early Bird 10% OFF Siblings 10% OFF i li 2 20% OFF Full Week 0% OFF Full Week 20% OFF Full Week Join us every holiday! Join us every holiday! Ofsted Inspection ‘S¶ zog’ 2026 “Children are extremely happy, safe and welcomed at this high-quality setting.”
18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs & Classes Diamond Swim Academy A high quality Learn To Swim provision for all with staff who have represented Great Britain in Swimming at 5 Olympics and competed internationally over a period of 18 years. www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk Drama Tots Drama Club A high energy, fun and engaging after school club for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 using a variety of songs, drama games and storytelling. www.dramatots.co.uk/solihull Smart 11 Plus Our 11+ tutors will give your child outstanding support in their journey to grammar school. Private group 11+ tuition to assist your child in their preparation personalised to meet the needs of each individual. www.smart11plus.co.uk Solihull Young Dancers We welcome ballerinas (age 2 1/2 +), plus any tap and modern jazz dancers (aged 5 +). Encouraging musicality, expression and imagination. Exam and Show work. www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk Stagecoach Dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 2-18. Theatre schools on Saturdays plus holiday workshops open to all. Tel: Jenny on 0121 745 4007 www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull Team Super Sports At Team Super Sports, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Passionate about sport, every member of our ‘Team’ of young people join us to improve in their sport(s) while having fun with their friends. www.teamsupersports.co.uk Young Engineers Education and entertainment in a powerful STEM learning experience. Each session inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and equips children with lifelong problem-solving skills. www.solihull.youngengineers.org Be a part of the family go-to guide for Solihull Advertise with Raring2go! and reach 1,000s of local families Contact Nicola nicola.maile@raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 19 2 - 18 KING EDWARDS GIRLS SCHOOL, EDGBASTON, B15 2UB KING EDWARDS BOYS SCHOOL, EDGBASTON, B15 2UB KING EDWARDS CAMP HILL GIRLS, KINGS HEATH, B14 7QJ ARCHBISHOP ILSLEY, ACOCKS GREEN, B27 7XY THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL, HARBORNE, B17 OHR INFO@DIAMONDSWIMACADEMY.CO.UK TO BOOK
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 21 BOOK A FREE ASSESSMENT AND GET 40% OFF YOUR FEES! REGISTERED The feedback given to parents after every session is very valuable and confidenceboosting. Children are taught and cared for just like their own. Elara, the centre manager, has been very approachable, kind, understanding and dealt with all and any worries (big/small) in a very friendly and professional way. Saima Our son went to Smart 11+ for about 8 months prior to sitting his 11 plus exam and I can honestly say that they were brilliant. He loved the tutors and always came out of his sessions really positive. Danny Brooks The tuition provides overall information about the test and the progress of your child. Also it provides a sense of company with many other buddies who are working towards the same goal. Alex Lam What our parents say... BOOK YOUR CHILD'S FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY *Not the normal small print. We are extremely confident that your child will love our tuition, so following your free assessment you can decide THEN if you wish to sign up. 40% off fees is available for new customers signing up using a multi-session discount and paying by Tax Free Childcare. You are protected by our no-risk two-week guarantee. Scan the QR code for more information! Don’t forget... the clocks go back October 25th!
Help your child learn to read in 30 days for FREE with Reading Eggs! Created by experts and loved by over 20 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is designed to develop early essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words and vocabulary, planting the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Here’s why you’ll love our programs: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE! readingeggs.co.uk/bts21 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Hundreds of fun learning games Exciting rewards keep your child motivated See results from just 15 minutes of play a day! Positive screen time that’s KidSAFE & Ad-free Automated progress reports Log in across multiple devices at the same time, with no restrictions!
Pre-School Solihull Young Dancers Ballet classes for children aged from 2 ½ years and tap classes from 4 years on. Our lessons focus on strong technique whilst retaining an element of fun to keep the pupils engaged at all times. kate@ solihullyoungdancers. co.uk / 07722 732678 www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL 23 Stagecoach Stagecoach Mini Stages (for 2 -4 year olds) 45 Minute Classes are a fun and exciting way for you and your child to actively experience the performing arts in a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull Drama Tots Imaginative play classes for Under 5s. Transport children into the wonderful world of their imagination using a combination of props, movement, puppets and music! Our lively classes engage children in both life and learning, increasing their understanding of the world, while developing personal skills such as confidence, self-awareness, communication, language and creative thinking. Rebecca@dramatots.co.uk, 07810815114 www.dramatots.co.uk Mobile Petting Zoo at Resorts World Birmingham Come and get up close with a range of friendly animals as Nature’s Burrow brings their FREE Mobile Petting Zoo to our atrium on selected Mondays! The petting zoo will be in the atrium from 11am - 12pm on 28th September, 19th October and 23rd November.. www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk Diamond Swim Academy Our focus is on quality rather than quantity and, therefore, our classes have no more than six pupils. Our swimming lessons are open to anyone from the age of 2.5 upwards. www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk Toddler Thursday: Planetarium On selected Thursdays at Thinktank, inspire your future scientists and astronauts by joining our familyfriendly relaxed Planetarium experience for children aged 12m to 3yrs. Join us as we explore our night sky, look for shapes and patterns in the stars, and use our imaginations to blast off to explore the Solar System! Our adventure will finish with immersive space imagery ideal for your young astronauts! Session lasts for 30 minutes. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
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25 Party Time! Ackers Adventure Three hours of pure, adrenaline-pumping excitement! Two hours packed with thrilling activities that’ll have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even discovering your inner daredevil. Plus, a full hour in our party space to recharge and celebrate your special day like a true champion! www.ackers-adventure.co.uk Solihull Play Town We offer exclusive use birthday parties at Solihull Play Town. You will have a member of staff available to help you organise your day, exclusive 90 min play session for up to 20 children, Mini Disco, Party Invitations, a free return visit for the Birthday Child and free jugs of squash. Catering is available from our café or you can bring your own food. www.solihullplaytown.co.uk Hatton Adventure World To provide you with the maximum flexibility and choice for your party we have options ranging from Party Venue hire to just admission for the Adventure World at a discounted party price. All party bookings include all day access to Hatton Adventure World for you and your guests, downloadable party invitations, a birthday card for the birthday child with a £5 Hatton voucher (£10 for Members), a pot of animal feed, per paying child (value £1) and access to Super Slide Mania. www.adventure.hattonworld.com Fired Crafts We put the ART back into Party. Let them get creative with our pottery party. We come to you with all that is needed for them to make a mini masterpiece and return up to 2 weeks later with their gift wrapped party bags with the finished piece inside. Plus a FREE personalised birthday plate for the lucky Birthday Boy or Girl! www.firedcrafts.com Raring2go! PARTIES Team Super Sports Give them the ultimate sports party! Get in touch with the team to start building your child’s dream party. With access to first class facilities and excellent coaches, we can arrange a sports party to meet any/all requirements. www.teamsupersports.co.uk
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ENVIRONMENT 15% discount with Raring2go! use code GO15 Screen-free fun Uses everyday materials Inspires curiosity Planet-friendly learning Hours of family adventure “Activity boxes for children that are just outstanding!” Award-winning eco activity kits filled with creative, hands-on activities that inspire children to explore, imagine and care for the planet.
27 Raring2go! ENVIRONMENT Autumn has a magical way of turning ordinary places into extraordinary adventures. A familiar park becomes an expedition, a pile of leaves becomes a treasure trove, and even the walk to school is filled with seasonal discoveries. The best adventures aren't always the biggest - they're the moments spent collecting colourful leaves, spotting squirrels, finding conkers or simply listening to the wind in the trees. This autumn, slow down and see the world through your child's eyes. You might be surprised how much wonder is waiting right on your doorstep. Together, can you... THE BEST AUTUMN THE BEST AUTUMN ADVENTURE ISN'T ADVENTURE ISN'T VERY FAR AWAY VERY FAR AWAY Why children don't need expensive days out to make magical memories. Find 5 different shaped leaves Listen for birds instead of looking for them Build a tiny home for a bug Collect nature's colours Watch the sunset together Jump in a leaf pile Find something that makes you say "WOW!" Finish with hot chocolate! If your curious little one loves nature, take a look at our activity boxes - our TOOL KIT FOR ECO HEROES - use GO15 for 15% discount www.itsourplanettoo.co.uk
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WELLBEING You know the moment. The school gates have barely closed behind you and suddenly your sunny, sociable child has transformed into someone who can’t cope with the wrong colour cup, the wrong shaped toast, or simply existing in the same room as their sibling. Welcome to the 4pm Slump - one of the most universal, least talked-about parts of family life. It isn’t bad behaviour, and it definitely isn’t your parenting. It’s biology. After six hours of sitting still, concentrating, and managing their emotions in front of other people, your child’s brain is genuinely out of fuel. Blood sugar dips after the long stretch since lunch. Light levels are already dropping at this time of year, nudging tired little bodies toward “shut down” mode. And, perhaps most importantly, school is the one place all day they’ve had to hold it together - so home becomes the one place they’re allowed to fall apart. The good news: it’s predictable, which means it’s manageable. The 4pm Slump Why your child turns feral the second they walk through the door (and what actually fixes it) Build in breathing space The walk or drive home with your child can help provide a little breathing space with a chance to discuss lighter things or maybe just have a moment of quiet to decompress. Sometimes sitting (or walking) side by side rather than face to face makes it easier for your child to open up and ‘chat’. Feed first, talk later. A proper snack - not just biscuits - within ten minutes of walking through the door works wonders. Think oatcakes and cheese, or fruit and a handful of nuts, rather than asking “how was your day?” before they’ve eaten anything. Lower the demands. This is not the moment for homework, decisions, or important conversations. Let them potter, watch something undemanding, or just sit near you in silence for fifteen minutes. Don’t take it personally. The meltdown about the wrong cup is rarely about the cup. It’s the only safe place left to let the day out. Protect a landing strip. Even ten device-free, demand-free minutes straight after school - just you, them, and nothing required of either of you - can take the edge off the whole evening. So next time the 4pm slump hits and chaos follows, take a breath. It’s not a bad day. It’s just 4pm - and by 4.20, with a snack and a bit of space, it usually passes.
29 Raring2go! EDUCATION
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS A chance to WIN! 30 raring2go.co.uk Festive Gift Fair Win a pair of tickets to the Festive Gift Fair Closing date: 19 October 2026 Sleeping Beauty – Birmingham Hippodrome Win 4 tickets to see Sleeping Beauty on Friday 15 January 2027 at 7:15pm Closing date: 3 January 2027 West Midlands Safari Park Win a family ticket to West Midlands Safari Park’s Spooky Spectacular Closing date: 21 October 2026 Pumpkins R Us Win a family ticket to visit Pumpkins R Us at Dallas Burston Polo Club Closing date: 16 October 2026
31 Resorts World Birmingham Win a £50 gift card for Resort World Birmingham Closing date: 13 November 2026 Enter these and many more competitions online at raring2go.co.uk. Make sure you select where you are to see competitions in your local area. Stratford Butterfly Farm: Charlotte Crank, 6, Dorridge Primary School Chiltern Railways: Katie Hanrahan Belgrade Theatre, The Tiger Who Came To Tea: George and Rose Bell, Castle Nursery, Kenilworth Boom Silent Disco: Tina Rowlands, David Coverdale Wistow Maze: Grace Blackman, Alison Brown, Jessica Robins, Lorraine Woodward, Vaishnavi Hanumantha Nemakal Competition Winners COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS: Enter the competitions online at www.raring2go.co.uk/ solihull/competitions. The winner will be the first correct entry or entries drawn at random. No cash alternative. The winner will be notified by phone or email. Full terms and conditions are available online at www.raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms. Raring2go! COMPETITIONS
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