Latest news with #kidsactivities
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
No shoes, no screens, no problems—why these birthday party venues are bouncing
If you've spent any time on the kids' birthday party circuit in the past few years, you've likely logged more than one Saturday at a trampoline park amid packs of children freed from the tyranny of indoor voices. Parents of yore in search of movement-focused venues had to settle for Chuck E. Cheese or the ball pit at McDonald's. Today, chains like Sky Zone, Altitude, and Urban Air are competing to earn the loyalties of energetic children everywhere. With a mix of acrobatics, rock climbing, and foam pits, these venues prioritize exercise over technology—and their recent success challenges common assumptions about modern parents' tolerance for risk, if only for the length of a children's party. Or perhaps they're just thrilled by the absence of smartphones. 'We hear a lot from our customers about screen time,' says Shawn Hassel, CEO of Sky Zone, the trampoline park sector's dominant player. 'We focus on that analog experience, where kids can just be kids.' Sky Zone's 251 locations in North America, almost evenly split between corporate owned and franchises, collectively hosted 300,000 birthday parties in 2024. The company saw $435 million in corporate revenue, $80 million of which Hassel says will go toward expanding to 500 locations by 2027, mostly via franchises. Fueling its growth is a shift to targeting experienced franchisees; the company recently closed a 10-pack deal in the Dallas and Oklahoma City markets with a family that owns several McDonald's locations. Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters advertisement The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- The Sun
American-style summer camps in the UK that kids will love – with breaks in the school holidays from £83
For anyone who wants the fun of an American summer camp without the long-haul flight, there are some right here in the UK. PGL runs 10 camps across the country where kids from eight years up to 16 can join with thrilling activities from abseiling and canoeing to campfire singalongs - just like they do in America. 5 5 Holiday camps are ingrained in American culture, a rite of passage that entertains kids over the summer holidays and gives their parents a break. In the UK, our answer to this is PGL, which is designed to do exactly that. There are summer camps all over the country, whether you're heading to Suffolk, Lancashire or Wiltshire. Kids can stay at the camps between one and seven nights. The children are split up depending on their age, and are grouped as from eight to 11 years, 11 to 13 and 13 to 16. For peace of mind, PGL camps have been approved by OFSTED, have world-class safeguarding, expertly trained teams, and 24/7 care. Now for the fun part, kids can do a range of activities including abseiling, archery, climbing, fencing, laser tag, high ropes and orienteering. Some activities, like 'Survivor', teach children how to find shelter in the woods and learn basic navigation skills. During the evening, there's US-inspired entertainment including film nights, silent discos and roasting marshmallows around a campfire. With the Trailblazer package, which is available on seven-night stays, children get to take on an extra interest or hobby on top of the best of PGL's multi-activity activities. Holiday Park in UK village that looks like Greece 5 5 This can be anything from pony riding lessons to bush craft and baking sessions. And for parents who want to join in on the fun, families are welcome on certain breaks too. The family options are available at two locations in the UK, Barton Hall in Devon and Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. During their stay, families get to compete against each other in a series of challenges, like seeing who's fastest flying down the zip wire, or the best at scaling up the climbing wall. One visitor wrote a review on Trustpilot that described the camp as: "Full on, jam-packed activities ... the children were never bored. Great food too!" Another added: "The kids had such a great time with activities like the giant swing, zip line and archery. " Some sites even have trips to the local theme parks as part of the adventure. Boreatton Park in Shrewsbury has day trips to Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park. And Marchants Hill in Hindhead has days out to Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventure. Other holiday camps specialise in water activities, at Liddington and Osmington Bay kids can go canoeing, build rafts and sail across the nearby lakes. All the packages include accommodation, three meals a day, and a full program of daytime and evening activities, including equipment and instruction from qualified holiday camp leaders. Currently, there's 40 per cent off the multi-activity camp on stays of selected one, two, three, four and seven nights. You can now get a one night stay from £87 per night - this discount is valid for bookings made up until July 23, 2025. Here's another American-style summer camp in the UK that kids will love – with bunkhouses and beach adventures. Plus, ten campsites in the UK with nearby beaches – and they start from just £15. I spent a summer at a USA holiday camp Jenna Stevens spent time at a summer camp in America working as a counsellor - and here's what she thought... As a Brit brought up on a diet of American movies and TV shows, I've always longed to be part of a US summer camp. Thankfully, I could. As summer camps often look for international staff to bring their skills across the pond. My days started at 6:30am - going from snoozing my alarm at home, to getting kids' teeth brushed, boots on and out the door before 7am was quite the change from my routine as a 21 year old back in England. Each morning we'd gather on the sports field to raise the American flag, a key part of camp culture that we Brits soon had to get used to. After knocking back blueberry pancakes or French toast, and glugging down as much filter coffee as I could manage, the activities for the day began. The days were filled with everything from archery to animal care, ziplining to basketball. My group of girls and I would sit under a tree and make friendship bracelets, as they requested song after song by Taylor Swift on my Walmart speaker. Our lunches were traditionally American: sloppy joes (bolognese in a burger bun with cheese), hot dogs and chicken tacos. Afternoons were spent cooling off in the pool followed by chill time in our cabins. The kids would stay for one or two weeks at a time, but the camp environment made you grow close - so saying goodbye to them was always the hardest part. We'd end the week with a campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing our favourite memories - Jenna Stevens 5
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Three cool ways to keep kids entertained with ice cubes on hot summer days
ON hot summer days, playing games using ice could be just the thing to keep kids chilled. There's lots of fun to be had with a pile of frozen cubes, and they hardly cost a thing. So for some icy fun, try these simple challenges . . . COOL FOR GROUPS: For a kids' party or if you've got a crowd over for the day, try an ice relay. Players pick up an ice cube with a spoon from one bowl then race to drop it in another, before running to let the next player go. The winning team is the one to transfer all their cubes and get back to the start first. Also, with a bit of preparation, you could set up a frozen bowling game. Freeze water in plastic water bottles to use as the bowling pins. Then, try to knock them down with a ball. FUN FOR ONE: Keep boredom at bay with some games kids can play on their own or with a friend. Give them a big bowl of ice cubes and a tray. Let them build a slippery tower on the tray and see how high they can make it until it collapses. For arty kids, get them to paint with coloured ice. Add food colouring to the water in an ice cube tray. Then, as it starts to freeze, add a lolly stick or toothpick to each cube to use as a handle. I save £2,500 every summer by planning kids' activities in JANUARY... here's how you can too Once they're frozen, tip the cubes on to a tray and use to paint on paper, watching as the colours melt and blend, making amazing patterns. MELTING MAGIC: Just the effect of ice melting can be magical to behold for little minds. Freeze small items in a tray of ice cubes then get your kids to excavate them as they melt. You could turn it into a nature trail, freezing herbs, flowers and leaves. Another idea is to freeze small toys so the little ones discover their favourites as the ice melts. Also fun is freezing little snacks — half grapes, blueberries and slices of apple can all be frozen in water. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability 7 Deal of the day 7 GET wonder walls with the Fleur vinyl wallpaper from John Lewis, down from £40 to £12 a roll. Cheap treat SOFTEN up with Nivea rich nourishing body lotion for dry skin, 400ml, down from £7.99 to £3.99 at Boots.. Top swap FOR an easy drinking summer tipple, La Vieille Ferme rosé, £8.75, at Sainsbury's rules the roost. But Aldi's Le Petit Poulet rosé, £6.49, also slips down nicely. Shop & save FAMILY feasts just got cheaper with eight Birds Eye chicken burgers down from £4.75 to £2.37 at Iceland. Hot right now FREE 45-minute My Pet Pals workshops start at Pets at Home today and run every day at 2pm in the holidays. Kids can meet the animals, earn stickers and work towards getting a special badge. Sign up at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Fox News
What to pack for summer camp, 10 essentials every kid needs
Summer camps are a great environment where kids can engage in fun activities, build friendships and develop new skills. No matter if it's a day camp that's close to home, an overnight adventure in the wilderness or a sports-themed experience, there are plenty of options depending on your child's interest. Preparing them with the right essentials is necessary for whichever program you choose. Here are 10 essentials every kid needs for a successful summer camp experience in 2025. Hydration is crucial for kids spending long hours outdoors during summer camp, so a well-insulated water bottle is key. This Ozark Trail double-wall vacuum-sealed bottle at Walmart is a high-quality water bottle that can keep drinks cold for hours. You could also opt for this Klean Kanteen wide-top version at Amazon, or the ever-popular Yeti Rambler, which comes in tons of colors to choose from. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. A sleeping bag is a must-have for overnight camps, offering warmth and comfort after a day of adventure. Coleman Kids 50°F sleeping bag is designed for milder weather and has lightweight insulation and a cozy lining that ensures a comfortable sleep. It's also machine-washable, which is ideal for parents. Another insulated option is this L.L. Bean kids' 40°F sleeping bag which has easy zippered access for getting in and out quickly. Bug spray is essential for outdoor adventures, especially in wooded or grassy areas where mosquitoes and ticks thrive. This travel-sized OFF! insect repellent on Amazon is a non-toxic, child-safe option that provides adequate protection without strong odors and is easy to stash in their bag. Your kids will also love these colorful Bugables citronella bracelets, which repel flying pests without chemicals or sprays. Original price: $30 Protecting kids from the sun is key during outdoor play. Amazon offers a variety of stylish and functional options, such as this Columbia hat, which features a wide brim and UPF 50 sun protection. Lightweight and breathable, it keeps kids cool while shielding their face, neck and ears. Back Country also offers this Helios sun hat, which provides similar sun protection, for just $10. Originally $79.99 For camps with hiking or outdoor exploration, sturdy footwear is essential. These Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Kids hiking boots provide excellent grip and ankle support on uneven terrain. These boots are waterproof and breathable, keeping feet dry and comfortable during wet or muddy conditions. If your child prefers a sneaker-style outdoor shoe, consider these L.L. Bean Trail Model hikers. These KEEN Newport H2 sandals from Backcountry combine the sturdiness of hiking sandals with quick-drying materials, ensuring comfort in and out of the water. Their closed-toe design protects against sharp objects, while the secure fit prevents slipping during active use. Amazon also offers them for a similar price. Helping kids maintain good personal hygiene can be a battle, especially when away from home. L.L. Bean's Personal Organizer toiletry bag makes it easy for them, with multiple compartments to neatly store items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. Also, don't forget to pick up these refillable mini bottles and label them, so your kids have everything they need at their fingertips. Keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones and maintain tidiness in shared spaces with a laundry bag, like L.L. Bean's laundry tote. Its mesh sides allow ventilation, preventing odors from building up. Kids can easily transport their laundry back home with a drawstring closure and sturdy handles. Prolonged sun exposure can cause burns and skin damage, making sunscreen a non-negotiable item. Macy's offers the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector lotion SPF 60+, a water-resistant option that's gentle enough for kids. Its non-greasy formula ensures easy application and won't feel heavy on the skin. Another option for broad-spectrum protection is this La Roche-Posay Anthelios kids SPF 50 sunscreen, available at Ulta. For campers engaging in all-weather and all-terrain activities or hikes, this Hedgehog Buddy dryer on Amazon offers a practical way to ensure their footwear is ready for the next adventure. Its compact design makes it suitable for cabins and the adjustable heat settings cater to various shoe materials, preventing damage. Also consider this shoe deodorizer spray from Arm & Hammer at Walmart to add a double-dose of freshness to their footwear.
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Four fun ways chalk can be used to keep kids entertained this summer
WITH the pavement as a canvas, kids can let their imaginations run wild this summer. Just pick up some jumbo chalks and let the multi-coloured fun begin. You can get a pack of chunky ones from The Works for £2 to make amazing artworks on paths, paving and patios. They can also be used for drawing games to play with family and friends. TARGET PRACTICE: Use various colours of chalk to draw a huge circle, and then smaller circles inside. Colour in a bullseye in the middle. Give each ring between circles a points score, saving the highest mark for the middle. Get players to take turns tossing in three bean bags or small stones and then add up their score. HOP TO IT: Turn a garden path into an obstacle course. Use chalk to draw a series of squares or circles, each with a task. One could say, 'Hop forward three spaces,' or 'Do five star jumps' or 'Spin three times'. Kids can throw a beanbag or stone and do whatever it says on the landing space. MAKE A MURAL: Use a patio or flat area of paving big enough to fit the bodies of your family or group of friends. Get each person to lie down on the ground and draw around their bodies with chalk. Once you've traced them, add details to the outlines, drawing everyone's hair, clothes and faces. I save £2,500 every summer by planning kids' activities in JANUARY... here's how you can too Add their favourite things or speech bubbles for a bit of fun. Don't forget to take a picture before the mural gets worn away. PICTURE PERFECT: Youngsters will love creating pictures, such as flowers and rainbows, deep-sea scenes or an outer space picture. Set them a theme to unleash their ideas. Older ones can recreate a photo or picture using chalk. A great tip is to print out the picture and then draw a grid over the top. Create a scaled-up grid on paving or a patio. Refer back to your photo and draw what you see in each square. Square by square the pavement picture will take shape. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability 7 Deal of the day MAKE space for the pale blue Remi scalloped console table from Dunelm. It's down from £169 to £84.50. SAVE: £84.50 Cheap treat POPEYES UK has a cool deal on ice cream sundaes at its restaurants, today only, with M&M, Oreo or Biscoff Whipz down from £3.50 to 99p. Top swap DRY off using the pure cotton sand-resistant beach towel, from M&S, £15, or lie back on the large beach towel, £5.60 from Asda. Shop & save 7 WITH the new Superman film in cinemas, the Entertainer has a Ty Squish-a-Boos DC Superman soft toy for £10, down from £14. Hot right now BUY three bottles of Sainsbury's Taste the Difference wines and save 25 per cent, including Conegliano Prosecco, £10. So you get three for £22.50 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
