Our son is very happy! His progress at Smart 11+ is positively reflected in his school report. REGISTERED Saima www.smart11plus.co.uk 0121 517 0339 Trusted by 1000's of parents in Solihull! Book a FREE assessment AND save 40% on your fees* RARING2GO!™ OFFER Don’t miss out! Scan today SOLIHULL MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2026 CLUBS & CLASSES P16 WHAT’S ON? P5 COMPETITIONS P30 WIN!
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 2 raring2go.co.uk YOUNG ENGINEERS Where Play Meets Purpose ROBOTICS & CODING (ALGOPLAY®) From Builders to Coders. From Ideas to Innovation. Young Engineers uses a unique spiral learning approach, meaning every programme builds naturally on the last, helping children progress with confidence. Students first build their robot… Then code it using smart, child-friendly blocks… Then hit play and see their ideas move in real life. Trial class: Sunday 19 April Solihull School – 11:00 AM Warwick School – 2:30 PM Perfect preparation for today’s digital world and tomorrow’s careers. SCAN FOR 50% OFF TASTER CLASS AFTER SCHOOL CLUB Build. Create. Think. Solve. The Harvard University-recognised Young Engineers programme blends education and entertainment into an exciting hands-on STEM adventure. Children don’t just learn science and engineering… they experience it. Children design, build and experiment with our exclusive engineering models, discovering real science, technology, engineering and maths concepts through hands-on creation. Real building. Real thinking. Real confidence. Locations & Times Sundays Solihull School – 11:00 AM Warwick School – 2:30 PM Weekdays After School – 4:00 PM Bablake (Mon) King Henry VIII (Wed) Warwick School (Thu)
3 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES HOLIDAY CAMPS Learn big. Play hard. Grow confident. Our camps are packed with creativity, movement, teamwork and hands-on STEM challenges, keeping children engaged, active and inspired all day long. Every day brings something new. What to expect • Engineering & model building • Robotics and coding challenges • Science Experiments • Sports & outdoor activities • Team projects and new friendships • Lots of energy, laughter and achievement Exciting days. Big smiles. Real learning. Easter Holidays: 30 March – 10 April (Two Weeks) May Half Term: 25–29 May Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Solihull Preparatory School 0749 609 5050 Solihull@youngengineers.org www.solihull.youngengineers.org We are currently looking for new people to join us at Young Engineers. Get in touch and join the team.
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 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 • 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?.......................................5 Clubs & Classes...............................16 Preschool..........................................21 Parties. ............................................ 22 Dinosaur Day Out........................... 24 Competition. ................................... 30 Raring2goSolihull raring2gosolihull 2026: A year of celebrations This edition of the magazine marks 10 years since I took over the Raring2go! reins in Solihull and South Warwickshire. They say time flies when you are having fun – and it certainly has! I have loved bringing you all ideas for places to go and things to do with your families and am looking forward to continuing to do the same for a while yet. Thank you so much to the businesses who have featured in the magazines over that time and to the schools, nurseries and other venues that help me get the magazine out into the community. More importantly, my own milestone coincides with the wider Raring2go! network coming of age – the very first magazine under the Raring2go! banner was published in 2005 in Wolverhampton making us officially 21 this year! Now that really is something to celebrate! Nicola, Editor FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 5 Thu 26 - Sun 29 Mar Sat 9 May Thu 21 - Sun 24 May Wed 1 Jul - Sun 2 Aug Thu 13 Aug - Sat 19 Sep Sat 19 Dec - Sun 31 Jan 2027 0121 689 3000 birminghamhippodrome.com Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm excl. Bank Holidays. Play Opera LIVE Plus FREE pre-show activities B.Hipp.Raring2Go.128x182mm.qxp_Layout 1 12/02/2026 14:26 Page 1
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 6 raring2go.co.uk 21 March Museum of the Jewellery Quarter – Kids’ Jewellery Workshop Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity. Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 26 – 29 March Birmingham Hippodrome - Tales from Acorn Wood Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages. www.birminghamhippodrome.com 28 March Herbert Art Gallery & Museum – Doze Under Dippy Come and experience a truly unique family experience with our Doze Under Dippy sleepovers. Snooze under the feet of a 26m Diplodocus. Take part in a torchlit treasure hunt around the museum. Get creative with arts and crafts. Take on the mission to rescue dinosaurs with LEGO bricks. Wind down for a short film and handle fossils. Enjoy a tasty breakfast to start the day. Stretch, shake, and play with dino-themed activities. www.theherbert.org What’s On? Spring 2026 28 March Market Hall Museum – Warwick Castle Unboxed Launch Event 10am – 2pm. Join us to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition at Market Hall Museum all about people who have lived and worked at Warwick Castle in the last 300 years. Meet Parliamentarian soldiers from the British Civil War and a surgeon from a World War 1 ambulance train. Take part in craft activities. www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk 28 March – 5 April Resorts World – Eggcellent Art Adventures Free workshops with professional artists for kids aged 3 – 16 (booking required). Plus a picture hunt, creative activities and Art Among Us Pop Up Gallery. www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk 28 March – 11 April Market Hall Museum - Easter Museum Trail Pick up a family trail to join an Easter hunt around the museum to explore our collections with a Spring twist; including the curious tale of a servant who took a bite out of an easter egg. www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk 28 March – 12 April West Midlands Safari Park – Easter Eggstravaganza Hop into the Easter festivities at West Midlands Safari Park’s Easter Eggstravaganza. Meet Bramble Bunny and Chirpy Chick, take part in a quest to earn a chocolatey treat and enjoy a range of themed activities for the whole family. You’re sure to have an egg-citing time! www.wmsp.co.uk 28 March – 12 April Hatton Adventure World – Easter Eggstravaganza Get ready for a day of springtime fun at Hatton Adventure World! Our farm will soon be packed with adorable baby animals – piglets, lambs, and goat kids – all waiting to meet you in our Spring Arrivals Marquee, where you can enjoy animal handling sessions and baby animal talks. You might even be lucky enough to witness a birth! www.adventure.hattonworld.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 7 BOOK NOW belgrade.co.uk The Detective Dog 1 – 2 APR 12 – 16 MAY 20 – 21 JUL 27 – 30 MAY 20 JUN 11 – 14 JUN
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 8 raring2go.co.uk 28 March – 12 April Stratford-Upon-Avon Butterfly Farm – Easter Holiday Activities It’s all about the Egg at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm during the Easter holidays. Visitors can discover the freshly laid eggs from tropical butterflies and see the caterpillars that have hatched out of them and the pupae they turn into. Within the Emerging Case visitors may even see a butterfly hatch from its pupa! The friendly and informative Education Team will once more be hosting the popular Meet the Mini-Beast, Butterfly Life Cycle and Pupae demonstrations. These will take place daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00am, except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 30 March – 10 April Thinktank – Electrifying Science Live Get ready for a shockingly fun family adventure! Join us for buzzing experiments, spark-tastic science, and even a human circuit as we explore the wonders of electricity, from ancient discoveries to modern-day marvels. Bright, bold, and bursting with energy, this family show is packed with live demonstrations and plenty of audience participation. Expect electrifying surprises at every turn! www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 31 March & 4 April The Chocolate Shed – Chocolate Making Workshops Ideal for any weather, these sessions are a special treat. Each workshop is run with a seasonal twist. Suitable for children of all ages (5-16). Check website for the timing and recommended ages for each session. www.thechocolateshed.com 1 – 2 April The Belgrade Theatre – The Detective Dog Tiny & Tall Productions brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective What’s On? Spring 2026 Dog on stage for D/deaf and hearing family audiences. Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Nell’s ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. So, when the books at the school have disappeared one morning, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit! www.belgrade.co.uk 7 April Utilita Arena – Gabby’s Dollhouse Live A fun new sprinkle-filled adventure, live on stage. In this a-MEOW-zing show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a colour cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colours again to set things right. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings to life an original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, and songs that will have audiences singing and dancing along, from beginning to end. www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk 10 April Thinktank - Lego Relief Printing Want to learn how to make your own printed artwork using LEGO®? Join Stirchley Printworks for a fun, friendly, and creative relief printing workshop that’s perfect for families. In this hands-on session, children and adults will explore how LEGO bricks can be used to create bold and playful printed designs. You’ll build pictures, patterns, or words using LEGO pieces, roll ink onto your design, and watch it come to life as it’s printed using a traditional printing press. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 25 – 26 April Thinktank – Earth Day Weekend Join us for two days of hands-on activities, creative workshops, and inspiring demonstrations as we celebrate Earth Day at Thinktank. This year’s theme, Planet vs Plastic, invites visitors of all ages to explore our relationship with the environment and imagine a cleaner, more resilient future. From ecocrafting to science experiments, music, and expert talks, this action-packed day is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and climate-conscious thinking. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 9 Reggae & Ska Weekend 29th / 30th May Family Fun Day & Dog Show Saturday 6th June It’s a 90’s thing 19th / 20th June Icons & Anthems 10th / 11th July Country & Western Event 7th / 8th August Monster Truck Motor Fest 14th / 15th and 16th August Blues Festival 28th / 29th August & Nature Inspired Gift Shop The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise! A Unique Rainforest Experience for all the Family Open throughout the year Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS Tel. 01789 299288 enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 10 raring2go.co.uk 2 – 3 May Riverside Venue – Cruftside 2026 Get ready for a paw-some two days filled with fluffy friends, wagging tails, exciting competitions, fun activities, and plenty of treats. Browse our stalls selling everything your four-legged friend could need, with toys, treats, and apparel for both dogs and owners. www.avon-estates.co.uk 9 May Birmingham Hippodrome - WNO Play Opera Live: Shipwrecked! Our fearless captain, Tom Redmond may be stranded on a desert island but we’re not that worried, as he’s in great company with his trusty crew of the WNO Orchestra and singers. Together, we will introduce you to the orchestra’s many instruments with melodies that take you on a What’s On? Spring 2026 journey accompanying our talented singers through story, song, and of course, the swashbuckling music, from stage and screen which are our absolute favourites to perform. www.birminghamhippodrome.com 21 – 24 May Birmingham Hippodrome – The Gruffalo 27 – 30 May The Belgrade Theatre – The Gruffalo Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. On a daring adventure in search of hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the scary Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and mischievous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups. www.birminghamhippodrome.com/ www. belgrade.co.uk BIRMINGHAM | MAY HALF TERM 25-29 MAY 2026 “AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE” “A WORLD FIRST LIVE EVENT -THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE” FROM BBC & DISCOVERY FEATURED PRODUCERS THIS IS A UNIQUE, WORLD FIRST HANDS ON LIVE EVENT. EXPECT THE FAMILY TO BE INVOLVED IN DISCOVERING INSIDE THE T.REX FEATURING ‘KEVIN’ A UNIQUE WORLD FIRST T. REX YOU CAN VIEW INSIDE FROM THE CREATORS OF INSIDE THE CADAVER LAB TICKETS & BOX OFFICE: WWW.INSIDETHETREX.CO.UK EARLY BIRD 1ST RELEASE EARLY BIRD 2ND RELEASE STANDARD 1ST RELEASE SOLD OUT BOOK NOW 16TH MARCH SUITABLE FOR ALL THE FAMILY | AGES 6+
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 11 • Cinema Under the Stars • Earth Day Weekend • National Train Day birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank Funded by: EGGCELLENT ART ADVENTURES AT RESORTS WORLD FREE KIDS’ WORKSHOPS WITH PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS!* • Picture hunt • Creative activities • ART AMONG US Pop‑Up Gallery 28th March – 5th April Ages 3–16 Scan for schedule! *Workshops on select dates only ‑ booking required 5550 PLUS Ages 3–16 5550_Easter Activity_RARING2GO AD 128mm wide x 89mm high_v4.indd 1 17/02/2026 09:32
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 12 raring2go.co.uk 23 – 31 May Hatton Adventure World – Junior Jurassic Junior Jurassic is back – bigger, better, and bolder than ever! Get up close with life-sized dinosaurs, take part in thrilling interactive shows, and enjoy hands-on animal encounters perfect for the whole family. Meet Scar the Spinosaurus, the latest fearsome addition to our dino line-up! Fan-favourite Ranger Zoobee returns, packed with even more dino knowledge and prehistoric fun! www.adventure.hattonworld.com 23 - 31 May West Midlands Safari Park - Giraffe Jamboree Join us this May half-term for our brand-new event! Enjoy a giraffe-themed acrobatic show, meet our friendly mascot Gerald, get creative with crafts, and learn more about these incredible animals. Plus, keep an eye out for baby giraffes Namara and Olive out on Safari. www.wmsp.co.uk 25 – 29 May The Village Hotel Solihull – Inside the T Rex Join us for a world first. This half term step inside the jurassic lab as we take you inside the anatomy of the most formidable predator ever to walk the Earth. Discover how evolution engineered the ultimate hunter. Using a full-scale scientifically reconstructed adult male Tyrannosaurus rex our team takes families beneath the skin and bones on an exciting journey to reveal how the T. rex moved, the jaw size and bite force, its hunting adaptations and how its body worked. www.insidethetrex.co.uk 27 May The Chocolate Shed – Chocolate Making Workshops Ideal for any weather, these sessions are a special treat. Each workshop is run with a seasonal twist. What’s On? Spring 2026 Suitable for children of all ages (5-16). Check website for the timing and recommended ages for each session. www.thechocolateshed.com 29 – 30 May Thornborough Events – Reggae and Ska Weekend Two days of live music, relaxed festival atmosphere, and early-summer energy. www.thornboroughevents.com 6 June Thornborough Events – Family Fun Day and Dog Show The event offers a mix of live music, children’s attractions, stalls, food, and space to enjoy a stressfree day out. Alongside the main event, the popular Dog Show returns, with plenty to see and enjoy throughout the afternoon. www.thornboroughevents.com 11 – 14 June The Belgrade Theatre – The Enormous Crocodile He’s greedy, he’s grumptious, he’s horrid! The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to the Belgrade Theatre in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute. www.belgrade.co.uk 19 – 21 June Solihull Town Centre – Solihull Music Festival There will be music of all genres to enjoy at our FREE family event with the main stage in Mell Square and over 15 venues around the town centre hosting the action. www.solihullbid.co.uk 20 June Thornborough Events – It’s a 90’s Thing It’s a 90’s Thing returns to Thornborough for a full day of outdoor dance music, celebrating classic rave, house, and old-school anthems from one of the most iconic eras in dance music. www.thornboroughevents.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 13 2026 FREE EVENT Across Solihull solihullbid.co.uk FRIDAY SUNDAY JUNE SCAN FOR INFO Town Centre 21ST 19TH -
Raring2go! WELLBEING As parents, it is natural to want to protect our children from distressing events in the news. Seeing them upset can feel overwhelming, and it is understandable to avoid difficult conversations out of concern that talking might led to more anxieties. However, open and supportive discussions can help children feel safe and reassured, reminding them that they do not have to carry their worries alone and that it is okay to ask questions or feel upset. Even when children do not fully understand events, they are often aware that something troubling is happening. Without guidance, they may imagine scenarios that are more frightening or confusing. Discuss your child’s concerns openly rather than saying ‘there’s nothing to worry about’. Feeling worried at times is normal, keep talking and offer reassurance. We might be tempted to ‘fix’ our children’s worries, but support comes from validating emotions and exploring together how we can understand our worries. Use ageappropriate language. Young children benefit from Big News, Little Ears: Helping Children Make Sense of the News short, clear explanations, while older children and teenagers may want more detail and discussion. Be mindful of exposure to news and social media, particularly repeated or graphic coverage. Talk about helpers, such as emergency workers, doctors, teachers, community members, as this can offer reassurance that even in difficult situations, adults are working to keep others safe. These discussions do not need to answer every question; they simply help children feel heard, supported, and not alone. Dr Danielle Grey is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Director for the Purple House Clinic, Birmingham. The clinic is based in Coleshill and offers private psychological health care. For more information visit www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk or call 0121 820 7851. 14 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 15 BUY NOW: TICKETS.AVFC.CO.UK VILLA PARK IS THE PLACE TO BE!
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 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!
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 19 ackers-adventure.co.uk Outdoor Kids Activities & Parties in Birmingham Looking for the ultimate school holiday escape? Looking for the ultimate school holiday escape? ACKERS ACKERS ADVENTURE ADVENTURE 360 WEEK 360 WEEK The Ultimate 5-Day Outdoor Experience for Ages 8–12! HOLIDAY SCHEME HOLIDAY SCHEME Our Daily Holiday Scheme PARTIES PARTIES Unique outdoor party experience’s 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 SMITHSWOOD ACADEMY, B36 0UE THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL, HARBORNE, B17 OHR (BCS PUPILS ONLY) INFO@DIAMONDSWIMACADEMY.CO.UK TO BOOK
Pre-School 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 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 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 21
22 raring2go.co.uk 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 Kiddie Car Play Enjoy a session where children can play with all our car themed toys, including Hot Wheels Cars, Speed Ramps, Racing Tracks, Monster Trucks, Toy Cars, Baby Toys, Big Play sets and so much more and let their imagination run wild! www.kiddiecarplay.co.uk 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
23 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 The Chocolate Shed Celebrate your child’s birthday this year with a fun, creative and yummy(!) chocolate-making party at The Chocolate Shed. Suitable for children of all ages. Party-goers get to design, create and decorate chocolate pizzas, frogs, pictures, bars or truffles to take home and enjoy. Parties tailored to suit your child’s age & hobbies that will make their chocolate-y dreams come true. Tel: 01564 794718 www.thechocolateshed.com Raring2go! PARTIES 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! THINGS TO DO 24 raring2go.co.uk 2 Market Hall Museum, Warwick Market Hall Museum is located in the Market Hall, a 17th-century landmark in the heart of Warwick and is free to enter. Amongst the popular exhibits you will find the historic Wilmcote Plesiosaur skeleton and the Cross Hands Quarry Dinosaur. You can even have a dino themed party at Market Hall Museum. Their party leader will run crafts, games and activities to help the children find out who has been leaving mysterious footprints around the museum. 1 Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry The nation’s favourite dinosaur, Dippy the Diplodicus, has extended its stay in Coventry. You will now be able to see the 85ft replica dinosaur skeleton until February 2027.Look out for lots of dinosaur themed family friendly events and activities at the museum such as ‘Doze under Dippy’ overnight sleepovers. 3 West Midlands Safari Park Experience the prehistoric world of Land of the Living Dinosaurs, where every step unveils a new era of jaw-dropping wonders. Journey into the past as these colossal creatures come alive; towering over you and roaring before your eyes! Roar-some places for Dino fans
Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Children’s love of Dinosaurs is not looking like it will be extinct any time soon and here at Raring2go! we can’t believe how many opportunities there are in our region to have fun days out with these ancient creatures. Here are the best places to find them. 6 Inside the T Rex at The Village Hotel, Solihull 25 – 29 May 2026. Join us for a world first. This half term step inside the jurassic lab as we take you inside the anatomy of the most formidable predator ever to walk the Earth. Discover how evolution engineered the ultimate hunter. This is not a theme park show. Pull-up seats to this live interactive experience designed to educate, fascinate & inspire all the family. 4 Hatton Adventure World Junior Jurassic is back during May Half Term at Hatton Adventure World. Get up close with life-sized dinosaurs, take part in thrilling interactive shows and enjoy hands on animal encounters. 5 Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum Come face to face with a dinosaur and other skeletons from the past. Highlights include a Triceratops skull from the Late Cretaceous Period 68 to 66 million years ago. The real skull of a Triceratops was found in the USA in 1908 and was brought to Birmingham in 1955. Discover the Ichthyosaur skeleton, an almost 200-million-year-old giant sea monster from the time of the dinosaurs. 25
Raring2go! EDUCATION Three Top Toys to Support Your Child’s Talking By Lucy Creed, Speech & Language Therapist 1.BALLOON-POWERED CAR PUMP Why it’s brilliant: Cause-and-effect toys are gold for early communication. Children love watching the balloon inflate and the car zoom off. That predictable sequence builds attention, anticipation, and interaction. Supports: • Early requesting (more, again, go) • Turn-taking • Joint attention • Action words (blow, pump, go, stop) How to use it: Use simple, repetitive phrases: “Ready… steady… GO!” Pause after “ready… steady…” to give your child space to copy or anticipate. Model “more?” each time they want another turn. 2. WOODEN VEHICLE PUZZLE Why it’s brilliant: Puzzles create natural chances for pointing, naming, matching, and understanding everyday words. Vehicles are especially motivating for many young children. Supports: • Vocabulary (car, bus, ambulance, fire engine) • Understanding simple instructions • Prepositions (in, out, on) • Sound imitation (nee-nah, beep, brum) How to use it: Label each piece as you lift it out: “Car out!” Give clues: “Find the one that goes nee-nah.” Offer choices so your child can communicate even if they’re not yet speaking. 3. FIRST 100 WORDS BOOK Why it’s brilliant: Books with real pictures support vocabulary, early categorisation, and word-to-picture association. They’re ideal for all early communicators, including those who prefer visual learning. Supports: • Everyday vocabulary • Pointing and joint attention • Early commenting • Building understanding of categories (animals, transport, food) How to use it: Avoid quizzing – simply comment, point, and model: “Look, banana… yellow banana.” Follow your child’s lead and stay on their favourite pages longer. Want more ideas like these? Visit www.sprinkleofsaltspeechandlanguagetherapy.com SAVE 10% off you first month of Sprinkle of SALT Speech & Language Therapy Hub with code RARING2TALK When it comes to boosting pre-school and primary aged children’s communication, you don’t need flashy gadgets or complicated programmes. Often, the simplest toys create the richest language opportunities. Here are my top three toys for supporting speech, language, and early communication skills at home – with ideas you can start using today. 26 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! CELEBRATIONS 27 In 2026, Raring2go! proudly celebrates its 21st birthday and in so doing marks over two decades of being the Go-To Guide for Families looking for things to do, places to go and ways to make the most of family life locally. What started 21 years ago as a simple idea has grown into a much-loved family magazine and website, trusted by parents, carers, schools and local businesses alike. Our aim has always been the same: to bring together the very best activities, events, classes, days out and familyfriendly services in one easy place. Over the years, we’ve supported thousands of local businesses, helped families plan brilliant days out and become a trusted source for everything from toddler groups to teen activities. As family life has changed, so have we; embracing digital alongside our much-loved magazines and continuing to evolve to meet the needs of modern families on the go. Turning 21 is a huge milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without our wonderfully engaged community. A heartfelt thank you to our readers, advertisers, contributors, schools and local partners. Your support means everything to us and is the reason for our enduring success. So, here’s to raising a (family-friendly!) glass to 21 years of Raring2go!. We’re excited about what’s ahead and remain committed to championing local businesses, inspiring family adventures and helping families create new memories for years to come. Here’s to the next chapter of Raring2go! – still raring to go, 21 years on. To celebrate Raring2go! turning 21 we have partnered with Maped Helix to offer a prize to one school in each magazine area to show our thanks for the support over the years. See page 30 for more details. turns 21 South Warwickshire Lots of Vouchers & Competitions inside R2G S/Warks Autumn 2013 CMYK_Layout 1 02/10/2013 22:54 Page 1 Solihull Wacky Warehouse offers Page 15 WIN: Tickets for Mother Goose at The Belgrade A Family Weekend Away with attractions passes A Family ticket to Alton Towers Tickets for the Severn Valley Railway Photocourtesyof Hatton Country World
Raring2go! RECIPE Makes 6 Portions Not Suitable for freezing Preparation 5 minutes 20 minutes cooking time 180 C°, 350 F°, Gas Mark 4 Ingredients • 110g Caster Sugar • 250g Cream Cheese • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract • ½ tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice • 2 Eggs • 12 Digestive biscuits • 4 tbsp melted butter • 1 Bag Mini Eggs • A 6 space muffin tray – I find the silicone, ones are the best, or lose bottom as these are easier to get the finished cheesecakes out Individual Baked Easter Cheesecakes Method 1. Preheat oven 2. Beat together the cream cheese, caster sugar, vanilla extract and lemon juice until light in colour and creamy in texture 3. Beat in the eggs one at a time. This is your cheesecake mixture 4. Crush the biscuits and mix with the melted butter 5. Place the crushed biscuit mix into the muffin tray. Push down to compact the biscuit 6. Top with the cheesecake mixture 7. Bake for around 20 minutes, until they just start to crack across the top 8. Cool in the tray for 10mins before placing on a wire rack to cool 9. Top with a few mini eggs 10. Serve! 28 raring2go.co.uk
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Raring2go! COMPETITIONS A chance to WIN! 30 raring2go.co.uk The Enormous Crocodile at The Belgrade Win a family ticket to see The Enormous Crocodile at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry between 11 and 14 June 2026. Closing date 10 May 2026 Complete Cricket Win an individual cricket coaching session with Complete Cricket Closing date 24 April 2026 Maped Helix Stationery Set Win a Maped Color’Peps 150 Piece Colouring Set for your school plus a pack of Maped Infinity colouring pencils for the winning child. Closing date 30 April 2026
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS 31 Lakefest Win a family ticket to Lakefest 2026 at Eastnor Castle. Closing date 30 June 2026 Family Fun Day & Dog Show Win a family ticket to Thornborough Events’ Family Fun Day and Dog Show on 6 June 2026 Closing date 6 May 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. Aston Villa Women Tiffany Carter Stratford Butterfly Farm Lois (10) St Margaret’s CofE Primary School Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum Noah (10) and Charlotte (6) Cassidy The Storm Whale at The Royal Spa Centre Cora Coe, Moreton Morrell CE Primary School 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.
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