Alternatives to TV

With all the electronic toys and tv-based entertainment of today it can prove pretty tricky to persuade kids to step outside and take in some fresh air. But what can parents do?? Well, the answer is to find something exciting that really grasps the childrens imagination. Check out the following examples of activities that can be enjoyed as a family or for your children to enjoy with their friends!

Nature Trekking
The draw back of living in the city or a built up areas is that it's easy to forget how important it is to teach your kids about the natural world. When you've not got green space, it's great to step out into the countryside once in a while. A brilliant way to experience the best of Mother Nature's bounty is to go on a nature trail. There are many official nature trails spread throughout the country, with details listed on most local council websites.

Official nature trails will usually have information boards detailing the specific types of trees, flowers and wildlife to be found in the area, thereby teaching your children the various species, while challenging them to be observant. Even if there isnt an official nature trail nearby, it is still great fun to head out with a country guide and go looking for the wild and wonderful. For a cheap and very cheerful weekend with an added educational twist, a nature walk makes for a great day out.

Adventure Playgrounds
All adults can look back to their childhood and remember the fun they had in local playgrounds. The assortment of varied apparatus in the adventure playground not only gives children fresh air and physical exercise, they are able to improve their problem solving skills when tackling the obstacles..

Rather than watching virtual characters run assault courses, your children will be able to imagine and take part in their own adventure on a level that suits their abilities.. It is also a great environment for stimulating and developing friendships and leadership skills. Many parents have enjoyed seeing their child help another overcome their fears of a particular obstacle in an adventure playground.

Seaside Tripping
If there is a stint of good weather coming up planning a trip to the seaside is the perfect weekend getaway. The wide variety of seasides around Britain have meant that kids through to adults will find something they enjoy.

Whether you wish to enjoy the razzle dazzle of the roller coasters, bright lights and candyfloss at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or have a quieter visit to Northumberland to see such historic sites as Bamburgh Castle, walking and playing across the dunes, there is a wealth of diverse options to pick from. The seaside provides an abundance of activities that will keep you and your family entertained; from local museums to funfairs, there is something for everyone.

Day Trip to a Theme Park
Theme parks are enjoyed by adults and children of all ages alike? An incredibly fun day out for all, the wide range of theme parks dotted throughout the UK means families are spoiled for choice.The mixture of white knuckle rides, different themed settings, restaurants, amusements, bright lights and music can get your children so excited that they dont know where to start!

There are some true favourites such as Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach have some mind-bending rides, while the extremely popular Chessington World of Adventures and Drayton Manor Theme Park combine the high octane rides with the more tranquil attractions in their zoos. Mention any of these theme parks and the TV and games console will be switched off in seconds!.

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Top Ten Things to Take To A Theme Park

If you're looking for a fun filled family day out then theme parks are a great idea. There are rides to suit all.

It's worth giving some thought to what you might want to take with you before you head out so that you're prepared for every eventuality. Make sure your day is all about fun and runs smoothly by checking out the following suggestions of things to take with you.

1. Waterproofs
The sun might be shining when you leave the house in the morning, however, a rain shower could take you by surprise. There's nothing worse than spending the whole day in soggy clothes. Avoid this situation by packing a poncho or rain mac and keep one step ahead of the weather? Cheap and compact, ponchos take up next to no space and handily fit in a pocket..

2. Umbrellas
If you don't fancy walking around in a poncho, make sure you pack an umbrella. The weather can be very changeable and it is always best to be prepared should the heavens open half way through the day. There are many small pocket-sized umbrellas that you could opt for to save yourself from the rain.

3. Sun lotion
Even if it doesn't seem that sunny outside, it's always an idea to include some sun cream in your bag. Theme parks are largely based outdoors and therefore you could potentially burn if you are not protected even on a cloudy day. Equally, sunny spells can be sporadic, so be prepared for the rays.

4. Change of clothes
It's always a sensible idea to take a spare set of clothes when visiting a theme park. Water rides and log flumes are great fun, but they present the downside of getting soaked, so having something else to wear after you've enjoyed a splash is a good idea. The last thing you want to do is avoid the best rides out of fear of getting wet, so prepare a second outfit and enjoy a great day out.

5. Shoes that fit properly
You'll be walking around and out on your feet all day, so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that fit well. The last thing you want is to lose your shoes on a ride and have to go barefoot for the rest of the day, so make sure that your footwear is going to stay on. Sure, on a hot day those flip flops and sandals might seem like a good idea, but you might want to avoid wearing them if they're likely to go flying.

6. Hairbands
It's a good idea to have a hair band handy if you've got long hair, especially if you enjoy riding the bigger hair-raising rides. The whole point of theme park rides is to wizz you round and give you a 'hair raising' experience, so tame your barnet rather and enjoy the ride rather than missing out on the fun behind a face full of hair. Don't let your hair ruin your photos either - make sure your smile can be seen when you're snapped - by taking a hair tie.

7. Mini first aid kit
You can never be too prepared, especially if you have small children, so a small first aid kit is a good idea to take with you on a day out. A couple of plasters and a bit of antiseptic could come in very handy if you or someone in your group should take an unexpected tumble. The last thing you want is to spend your day in an emergency room, or having to locate a first aider, so by being prepared you can ensure that aid is easily accessible.

8. A pack up
If you're on a budget, or would rather not spend additional money on expensive fast food, why not pack yourself a little picnic and enjoy the delicious feast outdoors? It doesn't take too much to make a few sandwiches, grab a few packets of crips, a few sausage rolls and lunch box treats to keep the hunger at bay. The other thing is you'll know where your food comes from, you can choose exactly what you fancy, and you'll save money too - bonus!.

9. Mobile phone
A mobile phone could come in very useful should you lose your group among the hustle and bustle of a theme park. If you find yourself alone, you can make contact with your friends easily and arrange a meeting point without any hassle. It's always a good idea to make sure that your phone has enough charge before you go out so that you don't find yourself with a dying phone when you need it most.

10. Change
Although most perfer to pay for their tickets in advance or by card on the door, it's always a good idea to have some cash handy. There is usually cause to have a few coins spare for things like parking or the odd ice cream. Treat yourself for a delicious snack or even visit the souvenir shop without worrying which card to pay on, or which pin to type.

So, there you have it, ten useful things to take with you when visiting a theme park. Book Thorpe Park tickets/hotels near Thorpe Park and enjoy a fun-filled theme park adventure that you won't forget.