Latest news with #familyActivities
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Ithra Unveils Cultural Events for Eid al-Adha
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran will host 31 cultural and artistic events to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The events will take place from June 7 to 9 and are tailored to engage all family members, combining entertainment, education, and cultural enrichment. Highlights of the program include 'Eid Stories' at the Ithra Library and 'Celebration in Every Tune,' a vibrant interactive show that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Islamic world through music and storytelling. The Ithra Museum will also feature exhibitions spotlighting traditional handicrafts, aligning with the national Year of Handicrafts initiative. Programs will also include interactive educational experiences, film screenings, and art installations reflecting local culture. Workshops for both children and adults will focus on various forms of giving.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Here's where kids can eat for free this May half-term
With May half-term just around the corner, you might be on the lookout for fun family activities. There are few things as special as a delicious meal with your family, but costs can quickly add up. That's why we've compiled a list of the restaurants, cafes and supermarkets where your kids can eat for free during the school holidays. However, we use the term 'free' with some caution. Most locations require you to purchase an adult meal in order to get your child's meal for free. With this in mind, we've also done some digging to find out how much an adult meal costs so you can estimate your total bill. Whether it's a coffee break in the middle of your weekly shop or a lunchtime pizza treat, we've found a range of cuisines and options that suit different budgets. Keep reading for our pick of the best kids eat free offers this May half-term. Free piccolo meal at Pizza Express If your kids love pizza and pasta, you can get a free piccolo meal (aka the restaurant's kids' menu) when you order any main course from the standard menu. The offer runs from Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June and kids will get dough balls to start, a pizza, pasta or salad as a main, plus a dessert and bambinoccino. Keep in mind that if you're going as a group, you'll only get one free kids' meal per adult at the table. A classic margherita at a Pizza Express in London costs £12.25, so you won't need to spend too much to make the most of the offer. Free kids buffet at Pizza Hut Pizza Hut's lunchtime deal includes one free kids' buffet when you spend £10 at the restaurant. Using the code KEF when you book will secure you the freebie, which you can use from Friday 23 May to Monday 2 June, up until 3pm each day. Kids can choose from unlimited pizza, pasta and salad options and for an extra £2 (using the code MOREKEF when you book), they'll get a bottomless soft drink and ice cream included. Children up to 12 years old can get three courses from Prezzo's kids menu for free, with the purchase of one adult main meal from Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June. Kids can tuck into a starter, main and dessert with fried mozzarella, carbonara, pepperoni pizza, and lots more. A kids' meal at the Italian restaurant chain usually costs around £8.50, so you can make a decent saving with this offer. An adult meal will cost you £15 upwards, depending on the location. Whether it's a stack of pancakes for breakfast or a bowl of creamy mac and cheese for lunch, children can tuck into a free meal at Bill's this half-term. Up to two kids can eat for free if one adult orders any main, so this beats most restaurants, which offer one free kids' meal per adult. The offer is valid all day from Monday 26 May to Friday 6 June, excluding weekends. Adults can get avocado on sourdough for around £11.25 or a Greek salad for £13.95, so you're looking at spending around £20 as a group of three, once you add on a service charge. Free meal at Côte Brasserie French-inspired cuisine might not be top of your child's list, but Côte Brasserie has options for little gourmands, such as steak frites or French onion soup, as well as classic comforts like tomato pasta bake and burgers. Parents have from Monday 26 May to Saturday 1 June to redeem the offer and need to spend at least £20 to get the free two-course kids' meal. 60p meal at Asda cafes Asda has lowered the price of its kids' cafe meal deal from £1 to 60p, and you won't need to buy an adult meal or spend a certain amount to use the offer. Kids can choose from pasta with meatballs, chicken nuggets, fish fingers or pizza, and they'll receive a free piece of fruit with their hot meal. The offer is running for the whole of May, so it can be used over most of the half-term. You can spend as little as 65p on a piece of fresh fruit at a Tesco cafe or coffee shop this half-term, and you'll be able to claim one free kids' meal worth up to £4 when you use your Clubcard. Breakfast options for little ones include pancakes and beans on toast, while the lunch menu has fish fingers, chicken goujons and tomato pasta shells with garlic bread. The offer is valid from Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May, so it's perfect timing for half-term. When you spend £5 or more on an adult's meal at a Morrisons cafe this half-term, you'll also get a free kids' meal. If your child is picky, they can build their own breakfast or main meal, and they'll get a drink included too. The offer is available every day, not just during half-term, and is for children aged 16 years or younger. Take a break from garden centre shopping this half-term with Dobbies's offer. Kids can get a meal for just £1 when you buy a traditional adult breakfast or main course lunch option, both of which start from around £9. Kids can choose from cooked breakfasts, jacket potatoes, fish fingers, pasta and more. Some Dobbies restaurants have soft play areas, so you can relax while they play. If you're jetting off from Heathrow Airport this May half-term, there are restaurants across the airport's terminals where kids eat for free. When you spend £14.95 or more on an adult meal at a participating restaurant, such as Leon or Giraffe, you'll get one free meal from the restaurant's children's menu. You can claim a maximum of four free kids' meals per table, and the offer can be used all through half-term from Monday 26 May to Monday 2 June.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Free and cheap activities for the kids during May half term – from Legoland to splashpads
WHEN May half term comes around, parents across the UK can breathe a sigh of relief knowing there is plenty they can do to keep their children occupied for free. That's because, as the weather warms up, we can make the most of cheap, or free, days out while the kids are off school. 6 It's a good job too, as I often find that this half term costs almost as much as the summer holidays if you want to go away - which is why me and my family like to hunker down at home and enjoy budget-friendly day trips that won't break the bank. Here's how you can do the same. Museum specials According to the Museums Association, there are almost 1,800 museums in the UK are free to enter. Many of these are holding additional special free activities for kids during half term. For instance, in London, the British Museum is hosting a series of free family activities inspired by their new Ancient India exhibition and the National Maritime Museum has free storytelling and workshops on the wonders of the ocean. In Manchester, the Manchester Museum has free dance workshops and storytelling as part of a collaboration with Afrocats. In Edinburgh, the National Museums Scotland is hosting a day of free performances and activities to kick off the Edinburgh International Children's Festival. To find out more about what's happening in a museum near you, head to the Which Museum website. Get hands on with art galleries Many of the country's top art galleries hold child-friendly sessions and workshops during the school holidays, and May half term is no exception. The National Gallery is holding special sessions in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, showing children how to decode pictures. Parents are scrambling to The Range to nab new kids' toys - there's inflatables, swimming pools and up to 40% off The Tate Modern has a free programme of art and activities for kids as part of its Uniqlo Tate Play sessions. In Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery is hosting a Big Art special: Art Sparks session, where kids can make their own masterpiece to take home. Head to the big parks Many of the country's top parks are hosting free activities and festivals over half term. In the capital, Brockwell Park is hosting Brockwell Bounce which claims to be London's biggest kids' festival. Free to enter, it has live music, creative workshops, skateboard lessons, theatre and much more. For something a little quieter, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens are hosting nature roadshows, and Greenwich Park is holding a welcome day with London play - inspiring kids through nature-based play. In Manchester, Heaton Park is holding its #sevendaysofstufftodo throughout the entire half term, with craft-making, family-friendly films and traditional games. Splashpads and paddling pools Getting out and about in the fresh air is so much easier if the weather is warm. Pack a picnic and head for your nearest park so the little ones can let off steam. In May lots of councils will be opening up their splashpads and paddling pools for the summer season, so check those out if you feel like you've done all your other local outside spaces to death over the winter. Most are free to access and there's often other facilities like playgrounds nearby, so you can make a day of it. We also love a lido, but you usually have to pay. If you have monthly membership at your local leisure centre or your kids take swimming lessons there, it can sometimes cover taking a dip in the outdoor pool, so it's worth checking. Don't forget the suncream and hats! Start of season offers Lots of visitor attractions want to start the summer in style, so you'll often find some good deals if you keep your eyes peeled. The more visitors they can get through the doors in May, the more their site will appear on social media, so it's worth their while to keep costs low at the start of the season while they build up a buzz. 6 And some seasonal sites are still getting fully up and running after the winter so aren't charging full price yet. One year, we spotted an incredible deal on social media for Legoland Discovery Centre in Birmingham over May half term, which dropped prices to less than £10 per person, compared to more than £20 per person at peak times normally. We had a fantastic day out for less than £50 at a place that would normally be out of budget. Annual passes about to expire May half-term can be a great time to make one last visit to any attractions covered by a pay once, visit all year scheme, particularly if you're planning to go away at the start of the summer holidays. There's nothing more annoying than getting out annual passes and finding they are a few days out of date when you want to use them again. 6 Last summer, we visited the National Space Centre in Leicester at the very start of August and entry tickets are converted into an annual pass if you prebook online. So I need to make sure to use our tickets again in May half term or the start of the summer holidays if I don't want to miss out on a return visit. Launch parties Lots of places will be launching new or refurbished attractions in time for May half term, so it's worth taking a look at whether there's any launch parties you can latch onto or new locations near you that you haven't visited before. The National Trust has just announced that Coventry Charterhouse, which has a children's playground and heritage parkland, will reopen in time for the half term holiday. This former monastic house in the Midlands city had been operating independently but will now be part of the National Trust, so members can get in free and there will be a programme of children's activities provided. Bouncy castles in beer gardens If the sun is out, there's nowhere better to enjoy the great British summer than a beer garden, particularly if it's got bouncy castles, sandpits or games to keep the kids happy. While you might be expected to buy a round of drinks, you can choose how much to spend and the bouncy castle itself is usually free, so the kids can have fun for as long as they like. 6 6 Our local has even gone one step further and opened a small soft play and ballpit for younger children in its outdoor space. You can treat yourself to some pub grub and a drink instead of splashing out on entry fees and parking costs. Even better, if it's within walking distance of home, you haven't got any travel costs either! Having a great half-term doesn't have to cost much at all. It's all about thinking outside the box and making the most of what's on your doorstep. And supporting local sites is a great way to keep them open to all, so it's a win win. 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 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.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I play alongside my kids now that they're older more than I did when they were toddlers
When my kids were young, I often felt tired of playing with toys by the time I was done with work. We connected in other ways and loved dancing together and being silly throughout the day. Now they're older, and I love "big kid" toys, like board games and video games, and we play more. I've been taking care of kids since I was a teenager. It started with babysitting, tutoring, and eventually working as a nanny. When I became a speech-language pathologist in my early 30s, I learned that playing with young children is a huge part of language growth and bonding. For years, I spent my workday on the floor, playing pretend and zooming a car down a track hundreds of times to teach vocabulary and speech sounds. While I was spending all day with other people's kids, I also had three young kids of my own. As a single mother, after work, I was completely "played out." I couldn't stand the idea of spending even more time sitting on the floor, doing the same repetitive task. But I knew that quality time and communication were important for my kids' development. Instead of playing with toys, I focused on embodying playfulness. I prioritized meaningful, joyful engagement during everyday tasks. When we cooked together or did chores, we got silly and danced. When we went on walks, we talked about everything we saw. We rode the ferry, hiked, and tried new cuisines together. Wherever we went, I made sure to keep my phone in my purse unless I really needed it. When I truly needed time to myself, I made sure to tell my kids we'd spend time together after I recharged. But I'd do so in a soft, developmentally appropriate way by saying something like, "Let's bake cookies in 20 minutes," and setting a timer. Because this was a normal part of our routine, my kids didn't seem to mind. They often played independently or with each other. From my training, I knew that the most important part was telling my kids the plan in a way they could understand and sticking to it. This built trust, modeled healthy communication, and set kind boundaries. Now, my kids are 15, 13, and 10. As they've gotten older, we started scheduling designated fun time together to make sure we don't get lost in the rush of dinner, homework, and extracurriculars. Last month, my 10-year-old wanted to wander around the local plant nursery, where he could smell the herbs and buy a vine for his bedroom window. My 15-year-old and I spent time learning to animate our illustrations together on Procreate Dreams. My 13-year-old and I still love baking unique treats, and we use The Great British Baking Show as inspiration. I've also realized I love "big kid" toys more than I expected. A couple of years ago, we invested in board games for our family Christmas present, and last year, we had a blast playing our first video game together. I love finding new ways to goof off together, and we try to play games together twice a month as a family. My favorite part of the year with my kids is Thanksgiving, when we travel to a rural cabin. Half the trunk is filled with new board games, rackets, DIY obstacle courses, and craft materials. The best part is that all three of my kids often teach me how to play, and as I learn their games, I learn more about how they think. My son recently guided me through Roblox, and even though I called on my vintage Nintendo skills when we found Kirby's Return to Dreamland, I still had a lot to learn. As he explained strategies in both games, I could tell he cared about both of us having a good time. He often came to rescue me in Kirby when I couldn't figure out how to get out of a maze or beat a villain. When I truly couldn't understand the point of Roblox after several sessions, my son said, "Figuring it out together is the whole awesome point!" And he was right. My relationship with my kids has grown and changed over the years. For us, joyful connection is all about discovery and finding ways to make ordinary moments extraordinary. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Best May half-term deals on family days out: Alton Towers, Legoland and more
May half-term is almost here, and you may be looking for trips, days out and activities to keep the family busy. However, once you've paid for tickets, food, transport and, of course, a trip to the gift shop, excursions can be very expensive. Luckily, our team of expert deal-hunters are always on the lookout for discounts. We've done the hard work for you and found the best deals and ways to save on theme parks from Alton Towers to Legoland, as well as UK staycations and train travel. We'll keep updating this page as we spot more deals, so bookmark it and check back for the best May half-term offers. Our pick of the best May half-term deals: Book a short break at Alton Towers If you've got little thrill-seekers to entertain over half-term, look no further than Alton Towers. The theme park is best known for exhilarating rides like Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator, which is new for 2025. There's plenty for younger kids too, with rides, play areas, and meet-and-greets with well-loved characters in CBeebies Land. You can extend your visit into a short break. There are lots of places available to book in or around the theme park, starting from £49 per person per night at the beach-themed Splash Landings Hotel during half-term. As a hotel guest, you'll get breakfast and free parking included with your overnight stay, as well as early entry to popular rides on the second day of your stay. Stays are also available to book at the Alton Towers Hotel (from £56 per person), as well as cosy options in the Woodland Lodges (from £62 per person) and Stargazing Pods (from £32 per person). Planning a day trip this half term? Here's Save on advance bookings at Warwick Castle If your kids can't get enough of knights, princesses and dragons, they'll love the activities at Warwick Castle this May half-term. There's a retelling of the Wars of the Roses brought to life through a jousting show, birds of prey on display, meet-and-greets with Zog the dragon and lots more. Booking in advance will bring your tickets down to £29 per person, with under-2s and carers receiving free entry. Tickets can cost up to £39 when booked on the day, so you can save a fair chunk when booking for the whole family ahead of time. See even more of the best deals and discount codes for a day out at Warwick Castle Enjoy Lego Festival activities at Legoland The Lego Festival runs from now until the 8th of June, so Legoland Windsor makes for a great May half-term trip. As well as earning a Legoland Driving Licence and swooping through the air on The Dragon ride, kids can enjoy extra activities including brick-building challenges, dance parties, music and more. The festivities continue beyond half-term too, with Lego's World Play Day on 11 June bringing a whole host of activities and entertainment. The cheapest tickets start from £39 per person if you visit during the last Sunday or Monday of the month, the latter of which is also a bank holiday. A walk-up ticket on the day can cost up to £68, so it pays to plan. Book a last-minute staycation with Away Resorts You may think it's too late to book a trip away for May half-term or the bank holiday weekend. However, we've spotted some great options at Away Resorts, with holiday parks nestled in the Scottish countryside, on the sandy seafronts of North Wales and surrounded by stunning scenery in Cornwall. You can use our discount code below to get 10 per cent off your stay. We've rounded up even Save on travel with a family & friends railcard You may be making a train journey or two this half-term, whether that's to visit loved ones or head on days out. However, the cost of train tickets can quickly add up, particularly if you're travelling as a family. An easy way to save on tickets is with a family and friends railcard. This can be used on tickets for up to four adults travelling with four children under 16 years old. Adults will get a third off train travel, while children will benefit from a 60 per cent discount. The family and friends railcard costs £35 a year, or £80 for 3 years, so while there's an initial outlay, it quickly pays for itself in the savings that you'll make.
