kids direct liverpool summer 2013

Free!Summer 2013

www.kidsdirectliverpool.com

Kids Direct Liverpool Education & Childcare Summer 2013

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Kids Direct Liverpool Editors Note Summer 2013

3To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: [email protected]

Visit the CreepyHouse, this yearssummer reading

challenge (page 9).

Hello and a very warm welcome to ourSummer issue of Kids Direct Liverpool. Theschool holidays are upon us and we havelots of great days out for you and yourfamily in this issue.

In this issue we are proud to support ClaireHouse Children’s Hospice. The work theydo is so important to families and they havegiven us lots of ideas on how we can all helpto raise vital funds for them and detailsabout their very popular annual duck race(pg 30).

Jessie J is in the house! We bring you thelow down on this very popular diva (pg10).

As always we love competitions and wehave quite a few for you: Win a familyticket to Cadbury World (pg 6), a familylunch for 4 with Olive Restaurant & Bar,(pg 20), a hugely popular and addictivegame of Racing Demons, seriously greatfun for all ages (pg 22), personalised rewardcharts for your little ones (pg 6), an ‘Offto School’ set from Easy2name (pg 21), afamily ticket to Greenwood Forest (pg 21)and a yummy cake from Hours of Fun (pg14). Also look out for the money offvouchers for the Aintree Hot Air BalloonFestival and Easy2name are offering ourreaders 10% discount on their products.

Our next issue will be out in the winter. Inthe meantime keep up to date with us on

Kids Direct is owned by Megan Kneale. Registered trademark no. 1468409. Kids Direct Liverpool is a franchise owned,operated & published under licence by Anna Taylor. We believe all information to be correct but do not endorse anyproducts or services. The views expressed in Kids Direct are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannotbe held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from artwork supplied by its contributors and clients.Reproduction, in whole or in part, of any of the text, illustrations or photography without the express permission of thepublisher is strictly forbidden. Competitions: Prize winners will be drawn at random, no cash alternatives will be offered.Personal information will not be shared with organisations external to Kids Direct unless a third party is issuing the prize.

our facebook page for the latest events,even more competitions, great offers andlots more fun. Have an amazing summereveryone.

Win this great cardgame. Fun for the

whole family(page 22).

Anna x

Looking forsomething to do?

Check out ourcalendar (pages

16-18).

Win a deliciousfamily lunch for

4 at OliveRestaurant(page 20).



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Jean Robb and Hilary Letts, the acclaimedauthors of the Creating Kids Who Can series,offer tutoring with a difference. SuccessfulLearning are experts in and achieve amazingresults in :

● helping children learn how to learn.● changing children who feel they can't

into children who know they can!● creating an environment where

children learn more effectively.● creating confident parents.

Teaching all ages from pre-school tosecondary, their methods work with allchildren including those diagnosed as havingdyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD andADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.

Single days and 3 or 4 day schools available,dates for summer are : Sat 24�� Aug, and 29��Aug to 1�� September. Contact 0151 6252619 for lots more details.



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Literacy Solutions offer expert bespokedyslexia and consultancy services toschools and parents including SENCoadministrative support, examinationaccess arrangements, specialist teaching,English tuition for all key stages, Irlens’screening & Dyslexia assessments.Contact Sara for details about a free 30minute consultation with no obligationon 07899 757139.

Kids Direct Liverpool Book Review Summer 2013

8 www.kidsdirectliverpool.com

Kids Direct Liverpool Feature Summer 2013




Jessie J - the lowdown..

Singer songwriter Jessie J has hadphenomenal success around the world. Sheis the first British female singer to have 6 topten singles on one album, and has wonnumerous awards and critical acclaim forher work.

She recently caught the imagination ofchildren and adults across the nation whenshe so selflessly shaved off her hair on ComicRelief in March this year, raising £500,000for the charity. She said “ I feel exhilaratedto be able to have the opportunity to raisemoney for people that aren't fortunateenough to say something and be heard."

Jessie J was born Jessica Ellen Cornish in1988 and was born and raised in London,she studied at the BRIT School beforebecoming a singer songwriter. Jessieattended Colin's Performing Arts School andas an 11-year old-was cast in Andrew LloydWebber's West End production of WhistleDown the Wind. She then joined theNational Youth Music Theatre.

Jessie has two older sisters, who were bothhead girls at school but Jessie says she was"never really that good at anything". Shesaid, "At school they were like 'oh, you're

a Cornish girl' and they kind of expected meto be the same as my sisters. Give mesomething to draw or an outfit to pick forsomeone, or hair, make-up, acting, write asong, I'm fine with it, but anything to dowith sums – it was never my thing." Shealso said she never based her intelligenceon her exam results. She said she was alwaysgood at singing - that was her "thing".

In 2003, aged 15, shewon Best Pop Singerin the TV showBritain's BrilliantProdigies, performingas Jessica Cornish. Atthe age of 16 shebegan studying at theBRIT School and at 17 she joined a girl groupnamed Soul Deep. A year later at only 18,she suffered a minor stroke as a result ofWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, acondition that had been diagnosed whenshe was 11.

Jessie still has an irregular heartbeat, whichshe says is the reason she doesn’t smoke,drink alcohol or take drugs. Her hospitalstays were the inspiration for her song "BigWhite Room" from her debut album “Who



Jessie J - the lowdown..You Are” although she wrote the song at age17, in hospital, where a ward mate, a littleboy, died. Jessie J says the album's titletrack, "Who You Are", is one of her proudestcreations, she said the song is a "positiverole model for young people" and "I alwayssay that I'm half-artist, half-therapist".

Although Jessie began recording her debutstudio album “Who you are” when she wasjust 18 in 2005, it was 5 years before thiswas released, and there were variouschanges of record company before shesigned with Universal, as her first recordcompany Gut Records went bust before theyreleased any of her music. Jessie just keptgoing though, and wrote songs for otherartists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus,including "Party in the U.S.A."

Jessie’s real shot to fame when her firstsingle "Do It Like a Dude", got to numbertwo on the UK Singles Charts. Her next song“Price Tag” topped the charts in nineteencountries and was on the lips of childrenaround the world as well as everyone else!“Who You Are” was Jessie’s hugelysuccessful first album which went to number2 in the UK charts and included anothermassive single "Domino" peaking at number6 in the US, and becoming her second UKnumber one. She’s now sold over 11 millionsingles and 2 and a half million albumsworldwide with her own mix of soul singingand R&B, pop and hip hop beats. Jessie J isalso famous as a coach and mentor on thepopular television show, The Voice UK andher second album may includecollaborations with her fellow coaches."Wild", the first single from this, which

features Dizzee Rascal and Big Sean, wasreleased to iTunes in May this year. Jessiesaid of her second album "It's still tough, it'sstill rebellious, it's still hard hitting but it'sdefinitely more grown up, but it's definitelymore thought through," she said.

Entertainment Weekly's music critic AdamMarkovitz said of Jessie: "The 23-year-oldBrit has all the tools, from a monster voiceto an ear for hooks '— and a manic personathat's equal parts Katy Perry, KristinChenoweth, and Alice Cooper."

Jessie J calls her fans "heartbeats", after herHeartbeat Tour. Of her fans, she has said,"They're amazing, and they're the onlyreason people know who I am," she toldme. "They support me and buy my albumsand singles, and they stand outside hotels,and they come to shows, and they gettattoos of my lyrics and they cut their hairlike me. You have to love your fans. That'swhy I call them my Heartbeats, becausewithout them I wouldn't be here".

Kids Direct Liverpool Music, Drama & Dance Summer 2013


Exciting dance classes for children agedfrom 6 months to 6 years.The babyballet Song and DanceAcademy is an exciting educationalmovement to music programme for pre-school boys and girls. It encouragesyoung children to enjoy the benefits andjoys of song and dance. The classesprovide a fantastic mix of education andenjoyment for both boys and girls andunlike other dance schools children canjoin from the age of 6 months. Childrenup to the age of 6 can now takeadvantage of “babyballet” classes herein Liverpool at various venuesthroughout the city.For more information please callChristine on 0800 840 3122 or [email protected] orvisit www. babyballet.co.uk

Little Actors Theatre Company is a socialenterprise offering performing artsactivities for children aged 2½ - 11. Agrant from the John Thaw Foundationenables them to offer discounts to lowincome families. Based in the L15 area,they are offering DramaTots for pre-school children and their parent/carerswith singing, dance and drama andTheatre Club for ages 5-11 with twohours of drama and musical theatre. Allfacilitators are professionally trained andexperienced actors. Participating in theperforming arts improves health andwell being and also builds children'sconfidence, communication skills andself-esteem. For further details contactSamantha Giblin on 0151 336 4302,email: [email protected] orvisit www.littleactorstheatre.com.

Kids Direct Liverpool Parties Summer 2013


For lots of fun in a safe environment,where parents can relax whilst the kidssafely run wild visit Funtown. They offera wide range of indoor play activities forchildren from 0 - 12, with something foreveryone! There are fabulous slides, a ballpool, specially constructed climbingareas, and even a dedicated toddler area.Their cafe has been awarded 5 stars forfood hygiene by the local council andoffers everything from a quick snack to ahearty hot meal and overlooks the playarea so parents can relax and enjoy acuppa whilst keeping an eye on theirchildren. Their in-house team of chefsprepare delicious, healthy food on thepremises so you can rest assured thatyour family is eating good food of thehighest quality. Funtown is availablefor parties and can cater for up to 45

childrenat a time.As well asthe playtime funand thegreatfood anddrink, thechildrencan be greeted by one of Funtown's manygreat characters who will ensureeveryone is enjoying the party. A partyfor 10 children costs as little as £75 andsummer season tickets are now available.Funtown is open every day from 9.30amuntil 6pm. So, for guaranteed fun, pay avisit to Funtown - you'll never want toleave! Call 0844 567 9677 or visitwww.funtownliverpool.co.uk.



Gabby goo parties was set up by a mumfor mums. Having been to fancy partiesand play centres they felt the purpose ofa children’s party was being lost. Theybelieve a children’s party should bemagical and personal to each child.Therefore, Gabby goo parties specialise inlistening to what families want andtailoring each party to suit their child.They do themed parties such asprincesses and pirates, first birthdayparties with Igglepiggle, princess pamperparties and superhero crazy parties toname but a few. They can provide extrassuch as face painters, special guests likeSnow White and Spiderman as well asproviding food, party bags and actually, ifthey haven’t got it they will endeavour toget it to ensure your child's birthday partyis special. Call them on 07584 416840.

Every occasion deserves a cake and atHours of Fun they can make you anextra special cake, working with you onthe design and flavour.

Hours of Fun have grown over the lastsix months with their online craft shopflourishing , they have turned their loveand hobby of cakes into an excitingbusiness and they have been workingwith Kurt Wilson (as seen on TheApprentice) on a new range of proteinsnacks.

It is a very exciting time for them andthey want you to join them on theiradventure. Simply sign up to theirnewsletter and they will enter you intotheir competition to win a cake voucherworth £40 to spend on an Hours of Funcake. www.hoursoffun.co.uk/blog



Party Bliss and CoverStar Experiences havecome together to create the Ultimate PopStar Party offering you and your friends aprivate recording session in a professionalmusic studio in Liverpool. Party extrasinclude a photo shoot, music video, vocalcoaching, personalised framed discs andgoody bags. The can even arrange alimousine to take you and your friends tothe party! Call Louise on 07774 822228.

Would you like a FUN packed memorableparty? The Creepy Crawly Show isenjoyable for all ages and great for homeparties, children's birthdays, christenings,holy communions and other familycelebrations. Everyone can join in fromtoddlers to teens and the adults areentertained too. From party games, musicto ‘Get Me Out of Here’ style challengesand don’t forget the animals, with snakes,tarantula, scorpion, lizards, giant Africansnails, hissing cockroaches, turtles andmany more. It offers great photoopportunities and is all presented by theircomical ‘Explorer’ style entertainer who’llensure your occasion is a fun andmemorable one. Available throughoutMerseyside, Wirral & Cheshire.

Book your adventure now: 01244 646045www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk

1 green apple, cutinto slices

1 Babybel cheeseA piece of Fruit

Winders.Method:1. Place the cheese onto a

plate for the head.2. Place the apple slices in a

line to form the body. Leaveone slice for the eyes.

3. Cut two small eyes from theapple slice and place ontothe cheese.

4. Carefully cut the fruitwinders to make the legs,antennae and mouth.

Recipe inspired by Chantelle Ellem.

Regular EventsEvery Saturday 2-4pm, Capoeira Clubat The International Slavery Museum.If your interested in martial arts, danceor acrobatics go along to one of theirfriendly classes. All ages and levels offitness welcome. Free event.Prebooking is essential. Visitwww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/Ism.

Daily from 20th July 1st September,Donkey Rides at Croxteth Hall andCountry Park. (Subject to weather).The donkeys will be near the children'sadventure play area. A small charge ispayable. www.croxteth.co.uk

Daily from 20�� July to 1�� September.Croxteth Hall, Lord Sefton's Teddy BearHunt. 10.30am -5.00pm (last admission4.30pm). Popular annual summer event.Count the Teddies you find in eachroom, add up the total number andenter their prize draw. Normal Halladmission prices apply. Visit:www.croxteth.co.uk.

July12��-20�� July, Brazilica. A week ofCarnival on the streets of Liverpoolending with the Carnival day parade.Visit www.brazilicafestival.co.uk forlocations and times.

13�� July to 3�� November, Mind-Bogglingly Big Bugs, Chester Zoo. Newexhibition of robotic creepy crawlygiants. www.chesterzoo.org.

14�� July to 31�� July, Museum ofLiverpool. Hands on activities for under

7’s. Free by timed ticket collected fromthe welcome desk. Each session lasts 30minutes. Visit their website for detailswww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol.

20��, 21��, 27��, & 28�� July, Dig like anarchaeologist , World Museum. Drop infrom 1-4pm suitable for the wholefamily. Free, no need to book.www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml

20�� July 12-10pm & 21�� July 12-6pm,Hot Air Balloon Festival with funfair andcircus acts, fireworks display and lotsmore for a great family day out. Aintreeracecourse. Entry £3, children under 1mgo free. See pages 28 & 29 for moredetails and money off vouchers.

21��-23�� July, Annie the musical at TheEpstein Theatre. Popular musicalperformed by the Chiltern YouthTheatre, tickets £9. Visitwww.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

22ⁿ� July to 2ⁿ� August, FamilyActivities, Martin Mere (see pg 26).Lot’s of great activities including: PondDipping, Mini-beast safari, family crafts,make mini-crafts, build a nest, denbuilding, hand feed the birds & create ahabitat.www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere.

27�� & 28�� July, Bhangra Dance, WorldMuseum. Join in the fun and energy ofBhangra at their North Indian danceWorkshop. No booking required. Free.www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml

27�� & 28�� July, 10-5pm, Summer ArtsMarket, St. Georges Hall. The very firstever Summer Arts Market celebratingthe artists and makers of Liverpool and

Kids Direct Calendar

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the North West,. With lots of stalls, artsand crafts workshops for adults andchildren, music, and a cafe. Entrance£2, children under 16’s go free.www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk.

30�� July -1�� August, Hatters Tea Party.Join the Walker Art Gallery for amagnificent tea party. Take part in teatime crafts and listen to terrific tales.Free, drop in event 1-4pm.www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.

August1��-4�� August, Disney Live! Mickey’sRockin’ Road Show, at the Echo Arena,Contact the box office 0844 8000 400.

3�� to 18�� August, History Weeks atMartin Mere. Visit the Roundhousevillage to step back in time and live likea viking. Activities include creating ashield wall, watch fire lightingdemonstrations, historical face paintingand lots more(see pg 26). Visit theirwebsite for times and entrance fees.www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere.

3�� August, 11am and 2pm. Walker ArtGallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year oldswho love arts and being creative. Free,must be pre booked. [email protected] call 0151 478 4171.

4�� August, 11am-5pm. KnowsleyFlower Show. Court Hey Park,Knowsley. Great family day out with lotsof exhibits, demonstrations, attractionsand entertainment. Free. Visit :www.knowsleyflowershow.com

Sundays 4��, 18��, & 25�� August,

Fairytale Forest, Church Farm, Wirral.Join Prince Charming on his trip throughthe magical Church Farm Forest to findhis bride with lots of fairytale fun.www.churchfarm.org.uk (see page 31).

7��, 14�� and 21�� August. Join theWalker Art Gallery for workshopWednesdays. A different themedworkshop each week. Free, drop inevent, no need to book.www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.

17�� August, 12-4pm, Hilbre Island.Take tea on Hilbre Island with the RSPB.Make your own way across the sands toHilbre Island where the RSPB will beserving tea and cakes and staffing thebird hide overlooking ‘Niffy Bay’.Contact 0151 648 4371 to book for thisevent. Or email [email protected].

13�� & 14�� August. The Gruffalo’s Childat the Floral Pavilion, Wirral. The TallStories Theatre Company brings JuliaDonaldson and Alex Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical,musical adaptation. All adults must beaccompanied by a responsible child.Bookings: www.floralpavilion.com

19�� August to 8�� September. FamilyActivities, Martin Mere (see pg 26).Lot’s of great activities including: PondDipping, Mini-beast safari, family crafts,make mini-crafts, build a nest, denbuilding, hand feed the birds & create ahabitat.www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere.

27�� , 28�� & 29�� August, Walker ArtGallery. Free event, no need to bookjust drop in 1-4pm for seaside themed

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Kids Direct Calendararts and crafts with your little ones. Visitwww.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.

30�� August, Family Fun Day, 11am-3pm, Wirral Rugby Club, Clatterbridge.In aid of Claire House Children’sHospice. Bouncy castles, face painting,arts and crafts, games and much more.Tickets £9, all proceeds go to ClaireHouse. Under 2’s and adults go Free.Call Rachel for tickets 07545 144 449.

September1�� September, Postman Pat at theFloral Pavilion. New Brighton. PremierStage Productions are delighted topresent a brand new, fun filled, allaction show featuring everyone'sfavourite postman. Family Ticketsavailable. www.floralpavilion.com

8�� September, 11am& 2pm. WalkerArt Gallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year oldswho love arts and being creative. Free.Booking essential. [email protected] call 0151 478 4171.

14��-15�� September, Southport AirShow, Southport beach. This greataviation show has something for thewhole family. Tickets £7, under 5’s free.www.visitsouthport.com.

21�� September, Duck Race, 12-4pm,Pier Head, Liverpool. £2 per duck for achance to win £1000. To adopt a duckvisit www.radiocity.co.uk/duckrace orcall Helen on 0151 236 2933 (See pg 30)

October5�� October, 11am& 2pm. Walker ArtGallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year olds

who love arts and being creative. Free.Booking essential. [email protected] call 0151 478 4171.

13�� October, Bananas in Pyjamas, TheAuditorium Liverpool. Join B1 & B2 foran all singing and dancing performance.Contact the box office 0844 8000 400.

25�� & 26�� October, Charlie and Lola'sExtremely New Play at the FloralPavilion, New Brighton. Charlie and Lolaare completely excited to be on stagewith their Extremely New Play, andthey’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog.Based on the well-loved BBC series andcharacters created by Lauren Child.www.floralpavilion.com

26�� October, 1-3pm, HalloweenHorrors, National Widflower CentreKnowsley. Join their Rangers for aspooky afternoon of family fun makingghostly ghouls, batty bats and wickedwitches! Free. Contact: Knowsleyrangers on 0151 443 3114 or 07771550843.

For lots more familyfriendly events, services,competitions and of courseoodles of fun, come along

and join us on our facebook page:www.facebook.com/kidsdirectlpl.

Please note: Whilst every effort hasbeen made to ensure accuracy, detailsmay change. Please phone the venueconcerned or visit their website to checkdates, times, prices and if booking isrequired before setting out.

Kids Direct Liverpool Just For Fun Summer 2013


Kids Direct Liverpool For Parents Summer 2013




Easy2name solve all your labellingproblems. With waterproof stickers forlabelling shoes, lunchboxes andequipment, and a choice of clothinglabels, including Stick-Easy (the no sew, noiron option) you won’t lose anything!Their "Off to school" set is great value asit includes stickers, iron on labels, a shoebag and bag tag and you can choose fromred, blue or lilac sets. The innovativerange of labels can be used on every singleitem of children's belongings from socksand shoes to stationary, sports kit andmobile phones. Easy2name give 10%discount to Kids Direct Readers - simplyenter the code KD2013 at the checkout toautomatically get 10% off. For a chance toWIN an Off to school set email us whatcolours they come in by Fri 19�� July 2013,along with your contact details to:[email protected]



Verabella Boutique is a gorgeous familyrun boutique in the heart of Liverpoolbringing beautiful designerwear tochildren at affordable prices. They stocka great range of designer clothes andaccessories for boys and girls aged from0-12 and now include brands as Sarah-Louise, Me too, Boboli, Foque, Mimpi,Usb2, Butterscotch & Bonnie Jean.They pride themselves on givingoutstanding customer service and havea global customer following. Theircustomers are their number one priorityand they go out of their way to help youfind the perfect outfit for your child.So, for great designerwear andoutstanding service visit: VerabellaBoutique, Norton Street, Liverpool, L38QA. Tel: 07861 706250.



Behind the statistics: parents needguidance during summer holidaysSummer holidays often result in disputesbetween separated parents aboutchildcare.

When these disputes arise, it is preferablefor parents to agree arrangements. Ofcourse, sometimes, it may be necessaryfor a parent to make an application tocourt.

It is hard to know how to proceed in thisunfamiliar territory – but practical adviceis essential to ensure that contactarrangements are agreed amicably.

If you are contemplating summer holidaycontact arrangements with your formerpartner, here are some initial practicalpoints to consider:

1. Seek advice early and be aware of yourrights and responsibilities. Ignoring whatis happening initially could cost you morelong term.2. Be prepared to compromise andnegotiate the best outcome for yourfamily.3. Focus on what is in the children’s bestinterests.4. Get organised, plan ahead and do notleave discussions until the last minute.5. Don't panic - professionals are availableto assist you and explore alternative waysto resolve disputes.

To find out how Hill Dickinson can helpyou, contact: Tricia Cottrell, Head offamily law, on 0151 600 8412,[email protected]. Followus on twitter @amyfamilylaw.

Kids Direct Liverpool Sporting Fun Summer 2013


Liverpool Watersports Centre offers awide range of watersport activities. Theiraim is to open up watersports to thewhole community at affordable prices.They provide quality instruction in waterand land based activities for adults,children and groups. Lessons can behourly, half day, full day or as a courseand taster sessions are available too.

Children will also love celebrating theirbirthdays at Liverpool WatersportsCentre. Parties can be from 1 to 2 hoursand includes a choice of activity fromkayaking, rafting, canoes, stand uppaddleboards, sailing, windsurfing &water rollers. There is a room availableto hire where you can bring your ownfood or alternatively they have greatfacilities in their coffee bar not tomention its stunning views.

For something different, why not bookyourself onto one of theirAlbert Dock CanoeTours, where you canpaddle from thecentre in Queens Dockthrough the SouthLiverpool Docklands uptowards the Albert Dock andreturn. The tour is taken with one oftheir instructors who will guide you andtell you about the history of the docksand give you some handy tips on yourpaddling technique.

The staff at Liverpool Watersports Centreare friendly, very experienced and arealways happy to help. Contact them on0151 708 9322 or email them [email protected]

Kids Direct Liverpool Sporting Fun Summer 2013


Kids Direct Liverpool Great Days Out Summer 2013


WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Spring and summer are fantastic times to visit the centre as new life develops allowingyou to see the cute sights of ducklings, goslings, cygnets and flamingo chicks spring uparound the reserve and gardens. Seasonal attractions include the award winningduckling nursery open from late May to end of July, take to the water and get a closeencounter with nature on our award winning canoe safari and boat tour experience,get creative and have a go at den building, delve in and see what creatures you canfind on bug hunts and pond dipping sessions every weekend and each day of thesummer holidays. Every day you can also see the cute sight of our family of otters asThai (mum) and Ned (dad) play with their three young cubs,Belle, Flick and Penny. You can watch their feed everyday at11.30am and 2.30pm and hear all about Asian Short-clawedotters and why they have their home at Martin Mere.For young adventurers, a new imaginative play area wasopened in June 2012 were you can swing, climb, balance, slideand clamber as well as joining in the waterplay to have fun.There is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 typesof rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed, a family of beavers in residence, aninspirational eco-garden and a rolling programme of events, walks and talks includingToddler Thursday, every Thursday during term time.



Spend a summer’s day at Speke Hall.With their Victorian maze, children’s play area, family tracker packs – not to mentionoutdoor ping-pong, indoor billiards and woodland walks: Speke Hall is a great place totake the kids this summer.

Speke’s a top place to explore and enjoy the outdoors: try some of their ’50 Things to dobefore you’re 11 ¾’ activities including tree climbing, stone skimming and bird watching.Make sure you tick off the activities you do in their special ’50 Things’ scrapbooks availableat Speke Hall and download a ’50 Things’ planner at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest.

Try the new kids menu in Home Farm Restaurant or stop by their new Stables Tea Roomfor a lighter bite, delicious cake, ice cream or hot and cold drinks. Then head out for a walkalong their estate walk with great views across the Mersey or take a wander throughSpeke’s ancient woodlands. On the way back pop into the newly restored Victoriankitchen garden and see their busy bees at work.

Step back in time with their costumed guides to hear tales of times gone by or explore thehouse to discover the Priest’s Hole, the Victorian kitchen and the fantastic Great Hall.

For more information please call 0151 427 7231 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehallfor opening times and admission prices. Post code L24 1XD. National Trust members enjoyfree admission to the property. Additional charges may apply to certain events throughoutthe season.



Church Farm is a fantastic day out for all the family. There are lots of friendlyanimals to meet, a fun play area with go-karts, maze and swings and a farm walkwith beautiful views over the River Dee and North Wales. At weekends andholidays, join in with tractor rides, pat-a-pet and animal feeding, plus the new barreltrain. Don’t forget to come and watch our sheep racing too!Fairytale Forest is a special summer event on Sunday 4, 18 and 25 August. JoinPrince Charming on his trip through the magical Church Farm forest to find his bride.Meet the witch, the three little pigs and the gingerbread man and boo the big badwolf. Using a mixture of live action, storytelling, puppetry, song, dance and audienceparticipation, Fairytale Forest presents your favourite stories like you've never seenthem before. Suitable for boys, girls and adults who love a good story. The ticketalso includes entry to the farm for the day.Book a children’s party or a school visit; you’ll meet all the animals and help harvestthe organic fruit and vegetables. You can even take some produce home with you.The farm shop stocks a variety of home-grown, locally-produced and luxury food andthe cosy Munch coffee shop is a lovely place to sit with a posh coffee, cake or lightlunch.Church Farm is open EVERY DAY from 17 July – 1 September 10am – 5pm (usuallyopen Wed – Sun). www.churchfarm.org.uk

kids direct liverpool summer 2013

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