Ikea stores across UK have free family events this summer – including outdoor cinemas, kitchen raves and Funland days

Scottish Sun

9 hours ago

Plus, how to survive six weeks of the school summer holidays
FUN DAY Ikea stores across UK have free family events this summer – including outdoor cinemas, kitchen raves and Funland days
LET'S face it, a trip to the ikea Markethall followed by a plate of meatballs ni the restuarant is a day out in itself.
But the furniture stores are turning themselves into full-on family attractions this summer, with a range of free events including outdoor Disney cinema, quizzes and 'Roomset raves.'
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Ikea stores offer different events across their stores - most of which are free
Credit: IKEA
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At Wednesbury, Ikea has an outdoor cinema experience with £1.95 ice creams
Credit: IKEA
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And until August 15, this includes a free outdoor cinema at Ikea Wednesbury, near Birmingham.
The outdoor cinema experience features a giant inflatable movie screen, comfy seating and headphones to enjoy the film.
The films being played are Disney classics - so are suitable for all ages - and it is completely free to go to.
Whilst you're there, you can also grab one of Ikea's new ice cream flavours for just £1.95.
If you aren't close to Wednesbury, then there are plenty of other stores with events.
For example, at the Cardiff store you could head to a car boot sale on the last two Sundays of August and September, attend an adults-only Sip and Paint, or a kids hot air balloon workshop.
Again, all of these activities are free to do.
Over in Gateshead, there are quiz nights for the family where you are asked Ikea trivia and have to solve home decor brain teasers, with prizes up for grabs.
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Several other locations including Edinburgh, Lakeside and Croydon also have quizzes.
Heading to Ikea during the day and want to tire out the kids? Well then head to Funland which features in several Ikea stores, which includes indoor and outdoor play space, activities, selfie pods, face painting and music.
Or you could head into a 'Roomset Rave' which could see you quite literally dancing in the kitchen.
Pretty much all of the stores also have craft sessions, which could involve building a hot air balloon, personalising your storage boxes, or creating a cardboard city.
There are even family paint and sip sessions at the Reading and Sheffield stores (though in the latter, kids must be 16-years-old or over).
Some of the events do require booking, but pretty much all of them are free.
One thing worth bearing in mind though, is that to attend a lot of the events you will need an Ikea family card.
But this is also free to get and will earn you rewards and offers on things in store.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
Still looking for things to do this summer? These are the five free days out for your kids – and you don't need to be on benefits.
Plus, the 10 days out in the UK that cost less than a pint from free-to-visit lidos to cheap cinema mornings.
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Most stores have craft sessions too
Credit: IKEA