School Holiday Deals guide discussion 11 April 2011 at 5:39PM edited 1 May 2019 at 11:04AM in UK holidays, days out & entertainments 15 replies 12.9K views

mandragora_2

Beware of Go Ape (mentioned as one of the deals you might want to spend Nectar points on) if planning on taking children - they DO NOT provide instructors, and the systems they use for harnesses etc are on an 'you look after yourself' basis of such a nature that our LEA says that if you plan to take a group there, YOU have to be a qualified instructor yourself, and have no more than two kids per instructor. It's because they use a system of clipping/unclipping that is not the standard set up used by other climbing/adventure venues and because they don't provide instructors to oversee what clients are doing, and take responsibility for them in the way that other climbing/adventure centres do.

This is ok if you're with adults who are happy with the risks and willing to take responsibility for themselves, but if you take children/teens, you need to be aware that YOU will be the one taking on the responsibilities you'd normally associate with a qualified instructor taking care of at the venue.

MSE_Rhiannon

Re-opening thread for comments/suggestions for the kids guide

Bushy2

For those in London and Kent watch Just Add a Picnic; she has produced a list of free activities and is always posting about new ones. Search 'Just Add a Picnic' on Facebook, Twitter or google

*advert warning* (because I am involved as a volunteer), visit any one of 40 Museums in Kent with your child aged 5-11 (flexible) and collect a badge. Collect 10, 20, 30 or 40 badges for a personalised award. Normal entry fees to museums apply but many are free (donations welcome). Search 'Wheels of Time' on Facebook or Google, #RoaminRex on Twitter

Bushy2

Also for Kent but outside Kent check whether you have a local Children's University that runs something similar: Kent Children's University run a challenge of extra curricula educational activities every summer. If your child can register through School it is free. Family membership £25 but you can print free a temporary 'passport' for the Summer Challenge to earn Learning Credits. Search Kent Children's University. The challenge is posted on their facebook page.

onashoestring

FREE Arts & Crafts activities for kids @ IKEA , check what’s on at your local store :

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/stores/ikea-store-events-pub92d571d0

Here are a few ( more on website )

Belfast - Bug Hotel workshop.
Birmingham- Make Your Own Game, bookmark, Summer Collage
Cardiff - free arts and craft activities Activities will change throughout the summer holidays, Monday-Friday 11am-4pm
Coventry - planting workshop, where you can decorate the plant pot and pick your own plant to grow take your creation home for free.
Edinburgh- FREE Arts & Crafts Every Wednesday and Friday
Exeter Kids Macram! workshop
Glasgow free arts and crafts from 12PM - 4PM every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Nottingham- Sea Creature Craft