Kidzania - A world where kids get to be the grown-ups

KidZania is a city built for kids with 75,000sq ft of mini streets and buildings, and over 60 role-play adventures.

There's fire and rescue and police training, and learning to be a dentist or a surgeon. Here the children (age 4-14) are firmly in charge and get to be hands-on in this mini world of educational sessions.

My husband, Mark, and I along with our two children, Amber, 12, and Jacob, five, headed to KidZania in Westfield, Shepherd's Bush, London.

Upon entering, there's a full-size front of a BA plane sticking out of the wall. The main entrance is also just like an airport so we went to check-in. Everyone, including parents, is given a security bracelet, and no child is allowed out without their parent or guardian. Allergy details are also recorded.

Amber and Jacob were given 50 KidZos each, the currency used. Children are encouraged to work so they can earn money, then they can spend it on goods or open a bank account.

As we walked through security, Jacob couldn't believe what he was seeing. Sessions are four hours. You may think that's a long time, but it flies by. We booked 2pm - good because there was no way we would get the kids to sit down for lunch with so much to see and do.

Jacob spotted the fire and rescue, so that was our first stop, and he waited patiently in the queue (no adults allowed). Each activity lasts about 20-30 minutes. At the door of each is a plaque that tells you how much you have to pay, how much you can earn, the minimum age and how long the activity is.

It was time for him to put on his fire jacket and helmet. Seven children sat and watched an educational safety video, then the fire alarm rang. Time to go put the fire out.

They got into a mini fire engine and with blue flashing lights, and set off around the streets until they came to a hotel that was on fire. Out they jumped and grabbed hold of one of the seven hose pipes and started squirting water on the fire.

Jacob absolutely loved getting to put out a (pretend) fire with real water.

He learned to fly a plane at the pilot academy, climbed the outside of a hotel, delivered money at the bank vault and took part in a pit stop with Renault Formula E.

I liked that there were only about seven children allowed in at any one time, so it's not crowded. There are also plenty of places to grab a coffee or food and there is an adults-only lounge, too.

Amber loved being a radio DJ with Capital FM. She also really enjoyed being a newsreader in an actual studio with green screen, microphones and an autocue.

Our children came away with new skills and they talked about it all the way home.

AMBER SAYS: I really enjoyed our visit to KidZania. My favourite bit was being a radio DJ with Capital FM. I sat in a studio and read a script with six other people who were a similar age to me.

Amber tries a DJ, both KidZania I also got to be a newsreader in a studio that had a green screen for the weather. I read a news report about a fire, and footage was shown of children putting the fire out. I would like to visit again.

JACOB SAYS: KidZania was great! It looked like it was outside, with different streets. My favourite bit was doing the pit stop with Renault. I got to be a fire fighter and put a fire out which was a bit scary.

I learned how to fly a plane and I didn't crash which was awesome. I climbed on the outside of a hotel and I wore a helmet and a safety harness. I also had my own money.
Can't wait to go again, I had a really fun time.

GET THERE:
A four-hour play session costs from £29.50 for 4-14 year olds. KidZania London is at the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush, with tube and railway stations right next door. kidzania.com

A thrilling family day out at Thorpe Park Resort

We were all so excited to be going to Thorpe Park Resort for a family day out.

Our team for the day was me, my mum Elaine (Nonna to the kids), Amber and Jacob. Dad, Mark, was off at a festival for the weekend.

As we looked at the park map on thorpepark.com before we set off, our daughter Amber was excitedly telling me which rides she wanted to go on. We even had a sneaky look on YouTube at some of the rides before we went. Our son Jacob couldn't wait to go to Angry Birds Land. 

In about an hour and a half's drive, we got nearer the park. The kids shouting out every time they saw the brown signs saying 'Thorpe Park'.

Just about to go into Thorpe Park. Very excited!

Heading through the famous entrance, we picked up our tickets and map, walked over the bridge, past the Shark Hotel and through the dome to collect our Fastrack wristbands.

While we collected our Fastrack passes, we were booked a time slot for the new Derren Brown's Ghost Train! Eeek!

A really good tip is to go to Guest services located just underneath the Dome. We got Jacob's height measured and he got a wristband saying he could go on ride of 1.1 metres and under. Just saves hassle with the height restrictions.

As we got there a little later to avoid queues, people were already on the rides. You could hear screams coming from the brave people on the rollercoasters nearby!

Looking at our big map, we planned where we would go first. Amber wanted to head over to Vortex as that was the nearest ride.

Jacob deciding which rides he wants to go on at Thorpe Park

Having fastrack really does make it quicker going on the rides, you don't have to wait as long in the queues.

The good thing about having my mum come with us, she is a bit of a thrill seeker, and would be Amber's ride partner for the day. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat!

While my mum and Amber went on Vortex, me and my son, Jacob watched them. Ambers face was a picture when she got off! 

Next Jacob and Nonna headed to Mr Monkey's Banana Ride, which is a big banana that swings. Jacob loved it.

We were quite near one of the big roller coasters, Colossus. Again, team thrill seekers rushed off to join the queue. Amber is 12 now, so is the perfect height to go on any of the monster rides. I think because her friends at school had been on them, she wanted to go on them too. And this was a big one! She's so much braver than I am, must take after her dad for that!

Having lunch in the Bush BBQ at Thorpe Park

As it was lunchtime, we decided to grab some food. There's plenty of food outlets for all tastes, pizza, fish and chips and burgers among a few. We decided to have a burger in the Bush BBQ as it was near the Derren Brown's Ghost train.

Thorpe Park thrill seekers: Elaine and Amber

Me and mum shared a chicken BBQ melt burger, Jacob had a cheeseburger and Amber had lattice fries (I think she was a bit nervous to eat much). All washed down with a free refill in the £6 cup we bought. There are plenty of outlets to keep you hydrated around the park and once you buy the cup, you can go to any (take your receipt) and fill it up.

As they had a time slot, getting on the Derren Brown's ghost train didn't take too long. And before we knew it my mum and Amber came out looking shocked! Of course, I didn't go on it, someone had to look after Jacob - well that was my excuse anyway!

I can't tell you anything about the ghost train, as it would spoil it for people. But all I can say, is Amber and my mum had an experience they will never forget!

Amber a bit nervous about going on Derren Brown's Ghost Train at Thorpe Park

Jacob didn't like the Angry Birds 4D experience

Thorpe Park is great because everything is close together. You don't have to walk miles to get to the next ride.

As we entered Angry Birds land, we decided to all go in the Angry Birds 4D experience. Something I thought would be ok for Jacob. I was wrong!

After settling in our seats and putting on our special glasses, the animation started. The seats moved, we were sprayed with water, felt wind rushing in our faces among other things. Jacob hated it. I think it was the shock of the seats moving, but he took his glasses off and spent the rest of the show with his hat over his eyes, very upset!

That's better! Jacob enjoying the teacups with his nonna at Thorpe Park Resort

He soon got over his experience as nonna took him on the Storm in a Teacup. He was back to a smiling happy boy. 

I can't quite believe that Amber went on the Angry Birds Detonator ride. I don't think she realised what it was until she was right up at the top, when the countdown began. Gulp!

After another application of suncream (it was very hot that day), we went to the Rhumba Rapids at the top of the park. I didn't go on as I wanted to take pictures and video of them on it. Jacob took great delight in telling me all about it!

Amber in front of the Angry Birds Detonator ride at Thorpe Park Resort

After another drink refill stop, Amber wanted to go on another of the big rides, Nemesis Inferno. Just by the name, you can tell it's going to be high and very fast.

Amber with her refillable cup at Thorpe Park Resort

Amber was a bit gutted that Stealth was closed for maintenance work, but she said it gives us another excuse to come back another day!

Mum and Amber rushed off to join the queue, a little time went by, then I got a phone call from Amber saying - with an excited voice - 'Mum, me and Nonna are going on Nemesis again, see you in a bit'. 

Jacob enjoying Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park Resort

As the rides closed at 6pm, people were running around the park to get a last thrill before the park closed. 

Walking back to the car, we talked about our day. It was such a great family day out, something for everyone and even if, like me, you aren't too keen on going on the rides, just seeing the faces of your loved ones coming off rides is a pleasure to see.

Not big enough yet! Just a few more years until he's big enough to go on nemesis Inferno!

Sleepy boy!

With our memories of the day still whirring around in our heads, we walked back to the car with the kids, over-excitedly reminiscing about the day.

No sooner had we got on to the motorway on our journey home, Jacob was fast asleep.

We made a video of our day which you can watch below.

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When you've been out for the day, and you get back home, the last thing you want to do is start cooking a big meal. So I decided to make my mum's Shepherds Pie with Branston Baked Beans. After all, I had the expert with me and my helpers Amber and Jacob!

Here's what ingredients you will need - Serves 4/6 people:

• 500g beef mince
• 1 tin of Branston Baked Beans
• 1 onion
• 4 stock cubes (whichever flavour, but we think beef is best)
• 2 tbsp gravy granules
• 5/6 medium potatoes
• Splash of milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Cheese of your choice (enough to sprinkle on top)

Here's how we make our Shepherds Pie:

1: Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.
2: Peel potatoes and put them on the hob to boil.

3: Chop the onion.

4: Put mince and onion in an oven-proof dish, break the mince up.

5: Crumble 4 stock cubes over the mince and onion

6: Add boiling water (just enough to cover everything) and give it a good stir.

7: Put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
8: Take out of the oven and add your tin of Branston Baked Beans.

9: Add the gravy granules and give it another stir.
10: When the potatoes are cooked, mash them using a splash of milk, and butter.

11: Take out the mince mixture from the oven and scoop the mash on top.

12: Add grated cheese on top of the mash.

13: Eat any cheese that's left over! My little cheese monster, Jacob!

13: Put it back in the oven until the cheese has melted and is a golden colour.

14: Serve with gravy and either on it's own or with vegetables.

Enjoy!

Empty plates all round!

This blog post is in association with Branston UK

A spooky stay at Dover Castle

Do you believe in ghosts, we were asked. My answer was Yes, my husband Mark was sceptical and our daughter Amber thought it might be like an episode of Scooby Doo!

Whatever the family's opinions, we were about to find out on a weekend break in haunted Dover Castle.

We stayed in the former home of the Battery Sergeant Major of the castle, an elegant four-storey Georgian house sleeping up to six guests.

It is stunningly located at the heart of the castle and very spacious. Amber was pleased to see the basement has a games room with table tennis and a second sitting room with a plasma TV.

The house stands near 13th century Peverell's Tower and both can be rented from English Heritage. Guide Gavin showed us round the castle and grounds perched on Dover's white cliffs.

It was windy and rainy, a perfect evening to hear about ghostly goings-on at the castle. The secret wartime tunnels were particularly eerie and the underground hospital is said to be the most haunted spot.

An apparition of a soldier staring at the picture of Winston Churchill is said to have disappeared through the wall. A surgeon on one evening ghost tour is said to have vanished before visitors' eyes. We didn't see any ghosts in the tunnels - but I did have my eyes closed for much of the time.

The castle's most famous ghost, a headless drummer boy, also failed to show. But we felt thoroughly spooked.

The Sergeant Major's House sleep 6 and costs from £823 per week. 

www.english-heritage.org.uk 

Family fun day out at Chessington World of Adventures

It was a bit of a girly weekend when my mum Elaine and I took my daughter Amber to Chessington World of Adventures.

We had a fun-filled couple of days at the theme park in its 25th anniversary year. They have a great new stage show, Madagascar Live!

We were lucky enough to be among the first to see it.

If, like us, you love the Madagascar films you will enjoy seeing the characters and joining in the fun with Alex, Gloria, Mort and the penguins. You can pose for photos too, as did Amber, eight, with her favourite King Julien.

We stayed in the safari-themed hotel only a few strides away.

It is a great base from which to explore the Park, zoo and Sea Life Centre.

Now we know the answer to: “What’s better than spending a day at Chessington?

It’s: “Spending two days there.”

For a fun family day out visit: www.chessington.com.

Visit Eureka! the national children's Museum this half-term holiday

Stuck for somewhere to take the kids this October half-term holiday? Why not visit the Eureka! museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

When I say museum, this isn't a place that you have to look but don't touch, this is a hands on interactive museum that we spent hours in!

Everything at Eureka! has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them through 100s of hands-on exhibits.

They are just putting the fiendish finishing touches to their haunting Halloween programme for October half-term, so keep checking for the latest updates on their wicked week of tricks and treats for all the family.

We had a great time. Our daughter Amber loved the different galleries. The Me & My Body gallery where she learned about how the body works. She especially liked putting the bean bag into the mouth and watching what happens to it.

Lots of sights, sounds and smells! She went on the special bike to see a moving skeleton appear! She enjoyed measuring all of our stretch, reach and stride. We all had a go. There's something for everyone.

The Town Square at Eureka! is really well done, it's so cute! It provides a wonderful opportunity for role play - a small world for small people!

Children can explore the world of work as they become cashiers, postal workers and mechanics or try out some everyday grown up tasks such as writing cheques, going shopping and making lunch.

There is even a gallery for under 5s. Baby Jacob was quite happy playing in the Baby Oasis.

Amber really enjoyed the Soundspace where you can make music and use the sliders to change the music and lighting.

There really is so much to see and do that I can't mention them all!

There is a large cafe if you get peckish or they have a picnic area if you want to bring your own. The large car park is very nearby.

During the half-term week visitors can enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween.

Wandering through the galleries, children can watch out for scary characters including the Banshee, Medusa, Vampires and Grave Robbers.

After surviving the murky swamps, the daring explorers can investigate the wreckage of cursed ship the 'Black Light' in search of treasure and delve into its disgusting barrels. To help them on their quest they can confuse the spooks by Mummifying their Mummies and making new pirates out of discarded bones.

Buy your tickets anytime before the day of your visit and jump the queue. See the website for details www.eureka.org.uk During the holidays the museum is open everyday from 10am to 5pm. Admission prices are: * Adults: £9.95 Children age 3+ : £9.95 Toddlers age 1-2: £3.45 Babies age 0-11 months: free.

*Prices correct at the time of writing this blog.

www.eureka.org.uk