Latest news with #summeractivities
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free padel sessions for kids at Southampton courts this summer
A popular padel operator is offering free sessions for children during the summer holidays. PadelStars is inviting children to play for free at its Southampton courts on Stoneham Lane as part of a new initiative. The scheme is aimed at addressing the rising costs of summer activities and the decrease in children's physical activity, and will run throughout the summer holidays. New research from Coram has revealed parents now spend more than £1,000 per child during the holidays, while only 47 per cent of children achieve the recommended daily activity levels. READ MORE: Celebrities to attend 'summer smash' padel event in Southampton With grandparents increasingly stepping in to help, a quarter of them are reportedly worried about the financial strain. Padel, a sport similar to tennis, has quickly gained popularity, with celebrities such as David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kate Middleton, and Kendall Jenner among its fans. PadelStars has locations across England and the south coast, including Bournemouth and Reading, with a site earmarked for Winchester too.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cost of living: 'Forgotten about' Lurgan parents rely on £20 summer scheme
"Forgotten about" parents are calling for more financial support for children's activities during the summer comes as research by Ulster University suggests more parents are cutting back on children's sports due to the rising cost of living.A number of parents whose children attend Clann Éireann summer scheme in Lurgan, County Armagh, spoke to BBC News costs just £20 a week and is able to keep costs low as it is run mainly by volunteers. Seana McConville, who volunteers at smaller sessions in the club that are adapted for children with additional needs, like her son, said if her child was going into childcare over the summer she would have to pay for one-to-one support for said families like hers were "forgotten about"."I'm a full-time worker and every other year I would have to work term time, which is less money throughout the year in order to be able to take off the summer," she said."But that's not good for me or my son, because we are then tied to just being in the house. "I miss the social side of being at work and the rest of the year you can struggle because your wages are less." The Clann Éireann summer scheme runs for two weeks and this year 180 children are Coleman has worked at the club for 30 years and is a classroom assistant at the local said it was a lifeline for many parents."We know people are trying to cut corners on food, clothes, for basic toiletries, that's the way it's going, like back in your mummy's day nearly," she told BBC News NI. School uniforms and PE kits Ulster University surveyed 855 research suggested 37% of parents reduced spending on sports and 35% said their child had missed out because they could not afford also found 30% of parents were unable to afford clothing and equipment needed for Science lecturer at Ulster University, Maria O'Kane, said at this time of the year researchers heard a lot about the cost of school uniforms and PE kits as families were beginning to budget for them ahead of the new school year."Maybe it comes at the sacrifice of a family holiday or a family day out," she said."We heard in the interviews even going for an ice-cream is a luxury they just couldn't afford any more." Mum-of-six Natalie Geoghegan said the sharing of Gaelic kits at Clann Éireann helps keep costs down."With football, you need the latest kit, but with this gear, it's not the latest - one from four to five years ago is just the same, you've got the badge and you're part of the group," she her family, holidays are a luxury that do not happen every year."You like to try and get away because life is hard and you like to get away in the summer, but you have to cut back in general on things like clothes and [use] hand me-downs," she said."When they're in school all year, there's a routine. I'm lucky I'm at home - I'm not working - but for me to entertain them in the house and run the house, it's mundane for them for me to try and do everything." While Clann Éireann is proving to be an affordable option for these parents, Maria O'Kane said summer schemes do not always suit working families as the hours can be quite short and they can be expensive."That puts another pressure on families if their child is expected to attend," she added. Single mum Nicola Fagan said she felt many parents were "left in limbo" over the summer."Not everyone has grandparents or family who are going to cater to your needs," she works overtime to save for the summer months and her children's many activities."I try my best to make ends meet so they can get to everything they want to do and their friends are involved in," she said."It's a whole lot of pressure because you don't want them missing out on anything that everybody else is doing."I come last all the time and I wouldn't have it any other way, because you aren't going to have your kids for a very long time when they are small so as long as they are happy I can do without for another couple of years." Summer anxiety She said the summer scheme had given her children opportunities and day trips that they would otherwise not have had."It would have been an anxiety for me over how much it would be and what you are going to have to cut back on," she said."Or are you going to be caught out in a week's time thinking, 'I shouldn't have spent that money because I need diesel in the car or extra electric because Finnian hasn't turned off his PlayStation overnight?'"It's stuff like that you need to think about when it comes to money and cost of living." The survey also suggested that more limited disposable income would mean siblings had different is the case for Claire King who said: "From my older child to my younger child, he doesn't get as many days to soft play areas or trips to the zoo, things like that."Between camps, feeding them, childcare costs - they've all gone up in prices, so it is definitely more expensive than it has been in the past."
The Sun
21-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
A spoonful of 89p Aldi bakery staple will fix bald, brown patches on your lawn WITHOUT having to returf
PREPPING for summer activities includes making sure your lawn looks as pristine as it can be. And luckily, you can do just that with just a spoonful of a cheap 89p Aldi bakery staple. 4 Getting the ideal lawn means fighting against moss, fungal infections, and numerous insects determined to leave it looking sparse and uneven. But we have an affordable and easy method to immediately enhance your lawn's appearance whilst deterring nuisances and making your grass look greener. The 89p Hack Gardeners are being urged to sprinkle cinnamon powder on their lawns this summer because it's a cheap and easy way to instantly boost the look of your lawn. Cinnamon isn't just a spice to season food, but it actually contains some properties that make your lawn look better. According to cinnamon is a good eco-friendly alternative to spraying chemicals on a lawn which will repel insects and pests, including ants, aphids and mosquitoes. But it will also stop squirrels from digging in your lawn to bury food too reports The Express. It says: 'Sprinkling cinnamon on your grass isn't just a quirky garden trick; it's a natural defence against a host of unwanted critters from industrious ants to delicate aphids to buzzing mosquitoes. 'Research, like a study featured in Molecules, suggests that cinnamon possesses remarkable properties. "That not only repel pests but can even deter insects from laying their eggs when applied in larger quantities. "This repellent effect can be attributed to the presence of potent compounds like cinnamaldehyde as well as terpenoids, known for their insecticidal properties." Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Not a one-trick pony 4 Cinnamon isn't just a one-trick pony when it comes to pest control. The company said: "It boasts a versatile repertoire, capable of warding off and even deterring larger nuisances like squirrels and raccoons, making it a comprehensive solution for safeguarding the grass in your garden.' Cinnamon's anti-fungal properties also block the growth of moss, fungus and other harmful bacteria that would mean to do your lawn harm. It adds: 'Cinnamon doesn't just stop at repelling pests; it's also a powerful ally in combating harmful bacteria and fungi that threaten the health of your grass, as shown by a study in Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Gardening tips and hacks How to transform your garden on a cheap budget How to preserve your favourite flowers at home - 5 easy tips explained Which plants should I be wary about my dog being around? When is the best time to prune roses? When should I start planting daffodil bulbs? How high can a garden fence be and can it be taller than my neighbours? What colour of fence paint makes a garden look bigger? Will my garden plants still grow if my backyard doesn't receive any sun? "This aromatic spice has remarkable antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde. "When sprinkled onto your grass, cinnamon acts as a natural barrier, inhibiting the growth of detrimental bacteria in the soil.' So there you go - Cinnamon can stop mildew, and also stimulate plant growth for your grass and with Aldi selling it for only 89p - it's an easy gardening solution. Other garden hacks 4 Here are 7 simple hacks to get your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank. An old-wives hack that gets rid of rust from garden furniture for free – it used to be a gypsy secret but we are revealing all. The Queen of Clean's 5p hack that stops wasps & hornets attacking you in your garden – they get 'dizzy' & fly away. A cheap 30p hack that will transform patios and garden paths in seconds & make your outdoor space look very smart.
BBC News
20-07-2025
- BBC News
What are YOU up to this summer?
School's out for most of you, which means one thing... the summer holidays are officially of you in Scotland and Northern Ireland have already been on your summer break for a while, and students in England and Wales are almost done for the summer term too. So with a good few weeks away from the classroom we want to know, what will you be getting up to this summer?Are you going away? Will you be spending time with friends and family? Will you be taking part in some new activities or catching up on hobbies? Whatever your plans, we want to know. You can let us know what you'll be doing in the comments below.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Beat the boredom without breaking the bank with these free summer activities in and around Edmonton
An aerial view of the downtown skyline in Edmonton in the summer 2025. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton) CTV News Edmonton has rounded up a list of affordable – mostly free – ways to beat boredom and get your kids out of the house this summer. Explore Edmonton's extensive trails, take a nature tour, start a reading challenge, enjoy city programs, festivals and more. There are fun activities to fit your family's budget. Here is a list of free, and nearly free, things to do in and around Edmonton before the new school year. Explore the scenic route at parks, trails and footbridges Edmonton has an extensive network of trails for walking, running or biking. The City of Edmonton website has a full map divided by area and graded for their steepness. Edmonton River Valley in summer An undated photo of a trail in the Edmonton River Valley in the summer. (File) There are several parks and spots that have benches to enjoy the view of Edmonton's River Valley, including: Constable Ezio Faraone Park; Legislature grounds; Louise McKinney Park; Queen Elizabeth Hill; and Rowland Park lookout. Or cross some of Edmonton's footbridges, which make for a great family photo spot and include: Capilano; Fort Edmonton; Terwillegar Park; and Tawatinâ. Take a nature tour with experts or self-guided From bugs to wildlife and from rivers to forests, learn more about nature with enthusiasts and experts at Family Nature Nights. Nature Alberta and its partners are holding two-hour interactive events on Wednesday evenings in July and August at various parks, including three in Edmonton. Families can register for free on site at the event, but everyone is encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Learn more on the Nature Alberta website. Edmonton river valley summer An aerial image of walking trails in the North Saskatchewan River valley in central Edmonton, with the Low Level and Walterdale bridges visible in the background, taken on May 24, 2024. (Cam Wiebe / CTV News Edmonton) For families wanting to explore natural area parks in Edmonton at their own pace, the city offers a free colourful workbook that can be downloaded, printed and used as a guide on your next urban adventure. The BioKit is filled with nature facts and kids can have fun spotting and matching plants and animals with the pictures on the pages. Visit Elk Island National Park with free admission and shuttle from downtown Edmonton Elk Island National Park is less than an hour's drive east of Edmonton. Herds of elk and bison roam on the grassy hills and more than 250 bird species call the natural oasis home. Visitors can learn about the history of the land and conservation efforts with free admission until Sept. 2 as part of the perks offered with the Canada Strong Pass. Elk Island The entrance to Elk Island National Park is seen on June 29, 2025. (CTV News Edmonton) A convenient free shuttle service is also available for booking this summer. Take the complimentary bus from downtown Edmonton — at Mountain Equipment Co-Op or the Royal Alberta Museum — directly to the park's visitor centre or Astotin Lake on select Saturdays and Sundays. Seats must be reserved online and a $15 deposit fee per person will apply, but the fee will be refunded to guests who arrive on time for their scheduled departure. A one-hour guided tour with Parks Canada staff is also included on select dates. Learn more on the Park Bus website. Hit the open road with the Alberta Strong Pass Venture a little further from home, with free admissions using the Alberta Strong Pass this summer. There are several parks and tourist spots in the province which are offering free or discounted admissions until Sept. 2, including: Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller; Reynolds Museum, Cardston; Oil Sands Discovery Centre, Fort McMurray; Stephansson House, Red Deer County; Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Crowsnest Pass; Fort George and Buckingham House, St. Paul; Historic Dunvegan, Fairview; Victoria Settlement, County of Smoky Lake; Turner Valley Gas Plant, Diamond Valley; and Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, Fort Macleod. The Green Shack program returns with an added summer concert series Edmonton's Green Shack program is back and will run until Aug. 21. The free drop-in program is geared towards children ages six-12, but kids of all ages are invited to have fun through organized games, sports, crafts and more. Kids younger than six years old can join with a parent or guardian present. A list of activities and scheduled events can be found posted on the side of the Green Shack each week. Find your nearest location and its hours online. The Brasstactics perform at a Green Shack show in Edmonton (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) The Brasstactics perform at a Green Shack show in Edmonton on July 2, 2025. The Green Shack program provides summer fun and activities for kids of all ages. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Families can also enjoy the newly added concert series this year. The full schedule of shows can be found on the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) website, which has partnered with the city for the events. Cool off at Edmonton spray parks, pools and rinks Make a splash and let the kids cool off for free at one of Edmonton's 78 spray parks, which are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. The city also has five outdoor pools, with Borden pool expected to open later in July. Admission is free for members and swim times can be reserved online. Drop-in prices for non-members range from $6.25 — for children under 12 — to $9.25 for adults. Edmonton spray park There is also a summer child and youth pass available for purchase. Children and youth between two years old and 17 can get unlimited access to city gyms and pools for $25 or $35 per month until Aug. 31. For those wanting to beat the heat with some ice-time, there are free drop-in times at Edmonton arenas. A full schedule is listed on the City of Edmonton website. Check out a new playground The City of Edmonton operates more than 400 playgrounds. They are free and accessible for kids of all ages, and range from skateparks to fitness features. Some may house the Green Shack program or have a spray park on site. There is even a website dedicated to finding the best playground in the city and surrounding communities. Listing ones with cool slides like in Glengarry to an inclusive playground in Clareview, there are hundreds to explore and find a new family favourite. Library summers programs encourage reading and more There are more than just books at the public library. Edmonton Public Library (EPL) and St. Albert Public Library (SAPL) are both offering fun reading challenges for children this summer. Kids can pick up a book and track their reading time to win prizes at SAPL until Aug. 17 and at EPL until Aug. 23. St. Albert Public Library Kids are encouraged to read through summer programs at the St. Albert Public Library. (Nahreman Issa/CTV News Edmonton) For more interactive fun, the downtown library in St. Albert has set up a 'mad scientist laboratory' for kids to explore science themed rooms, play reading games, and earn prizes. Devon Public Library, southwest of Edmonton, has a unique item to borrow. 'Bird backpacks' are bags filled with all the necessary gear to start bird watching. The library has three adult packs and one for youth available for loan, which staff believe will be flying off their shelves this summer. Isabel Gibbons, Devon Library Isabel Gibbons got her hands on a backpack complete with binoculars and a bird guide on July 10, 2025. (Marek Tkach/CTV News Edmonton) Explore the city for unique finds The city is dotted with unique gems, including a public art project that is nominated for an international award. The interactive art display, Play it by Ear, was designed by Calgary artists and installed in Butler Memorial Park in 2023. Sitting off Stony Plain road in Edmonton's west end, visitors can pick up one of the brightly coloured phones and make a call to another matching coloured phone in the park. The "Play it by Ear" art installation is seen in Butler Memorial Park in Edmonton on Friday, July 4, 2025. Each pair of telephones is connected by looping landlines. Park visitors can pick up any telephone, and a matching phone will ring elsewhere in... The "Play it by Ear" art installation is seen in Butler Memorial Park in Edmonton on Friday, July 4, 2025. Each pair of telephones is connected by looping landlines. Park visitors can pick up any telephone, and a matching phone will ring elsewhere in the park. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Spark a conversation with someone new or listen in on one of the phones. And if this art project doesn't get your family talking, there are about 300 other pieces of public art to explore in Edmonton. Find the full list on the EAC website. Free museum visits The Art Gallery of Alberta in downtown Edmonton offers free admission on the last Thursday of each month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome, but children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. See the schedule of exhibits online, including one comparing notable artists William Kentridge and Pablo Picasso. Art Gallery of Alberta Art Gallery of Alberta. (CTV News Edmonton) Before there were smart phones, there were just good old-fashioned telephones. See how people used to communicate with an extensive display of antique phones at the Telephone Historical Centre at the Prince of Wales Armouries in Edmonton. Admission is by donation and the centre is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The John Walter Museum is open for free from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Located in Edmonton's River Valley next to Kinsmen Park, learn about the life of John Walter and the Strathcona community of Walterdale by visiting the three historic homes on site. Summer festivals KDays is kicking off with a free pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. at Klondike Park at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday. The first 5,000 people can get their fill of complimentary flapjacks and gain free admission to KDays at 11 a.m. when the festival opens. There is also free general admission to KDays for Arc transit card holders on July 22. As part of 'Transit Tuesday', transit riders who show their Arc card at the gate will get into KDays for free. More information can be found on the Edmonton Transit Service website. KDays grounds A group enjoying KDays' offerings in an undated file photo. (Courtesy: Explore Edmonton) OEG Sports & Entertainment is holding a series of events in Ice District for their Summer SoltstIce festival. Some events are free to attend like movie night on July 26 and Aug. 9 in Ice District Plaza. Find the full schedule of events online. Here is a list of more festivals offering free admission or entertainment, or accepting donations for admission, this summer: St. Albert Botanic Park Take a walk and admire the flowers for free at the St. Albert Botanic Garden, which is open all year from sunrise to sunset. The five acre garden is run by a non-profit organization and it is maintained by volunteers with a green thumb. St. Albert Botanic Park A picture of the St. Albert Botanic Park. (Source: Facebook/St. Albert Botanic Park) Celebrate Garden Day and the park's 35th anniversary on July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The afternoon will have family-friendly entertainment including face painting, a scavenger hunt, live music and more. There will be food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase. Donations are also welcome at the garden, and the money goes directly back into the green space and its operation.
