Essex Mums Blog

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Southend pier is one of those places that seems to be made for bringing your kids on a sunny day out. Sitting comfortably on their favourite pushchairs, your little ones will love to hear the crashing of the waves and watch the fishermen as they challenge the sea.

But Southend on Sea’s most famous landmark, open daily over the summer from 8.15am to 8pm, is also unique in its essence, being the world’s longest pleasure pier with its planks stretching 1.34 miles into the sea. And this summer, yet again, this iconic structure will host a unique event targeted at the whole family: we’re talking of the Puppet Festival, which will be back with its 24th edition from August 3rd to 5th, from 11am to 5pm.

In the company of Punch and Judy, Essex’s favourite marionettes and glove-puppets, the kids will be enjoying a weekend of fun at the pier while their parents go back some years and remember days gone by.

On top of the Puppet Festival, the pier can also offer more fun moments for kids within its fascinating museum: along with almost 200 years of heritage living on in the restored pier trains from the past, early slot machines with real old pennies and funny mirrors are there to make a day at the pier an unforgettable one for the whole family.

London is a truly remarkable city and those who visit never run short of things to do. Taking a child out for the day doesn’t lower your chances of finding an activity whatsoever and some of the shows and musicals playing within the city can be an ideal and entertaining experience for both mother and child.

These are our top 5 suggestions:

The Lion King
A timeless classic; everyone knows the story, and now you can watch the musical. The power and grandiose tone of the film is not lost and all your favourite songs appear with humorous, efficient performances, and stunning set design. This is an absolute must see and is kept suitable for all ages; there are some scarier scenes, but nothing too intense, and best of all cheap Lion King Tickets can be picked up from almost all major ticket retailers.

Wicked
Wicked is a beautifully creative musical, based on a novel depicting the relationship between two witches. Set in the world of Oz, this show is designed in the perspective of the Wicked Witch, a misunderstood figure who stands before an audience, emitting amazing spectacle, and outstanding heart. It’s a remarkably mature musical with some strangely heavy political undertones, but this shouldn’t put you off from visiting with your child, as the story is easy to follow nevertheless, and features many great song pieces and glittering production values.

Shrek: The Musical
Everyone’s favourite ogre gets a musical make-over in this hilariously fun outing. The musical is well directed and insanely colourful, featuring some great musical additions to the story which remains similar to the film. Songs such as ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ will prove to be instant hits with the kids and the set design is magnificent, truly reflecting a child’s fairy-tale book, and creating a different world for its marvellous actors to inhabit.

The Wizard of Oz
Another classic familiar to many; The Wizard of Oz strongly resembles its movie counter-part, and it is to its benefit that it does, considering the wide-spread appeal of the film and the songs featured. Songs such as ‘Follow The Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘You’re Off To See The Wizard’ will throw adults back to their childhood and guide children to an early period of movies and music with astonishing composition from Andrew Lloyd-Webber. The special effects used are nothing short of wondrous; it’s a magical musical for a magical tale of heart, brain, and courage.

Matilda
The musical version of Matilda is ideal for children and those who still remember the movie from their childhood. With music and lyrics provided by comedian Tim Minchin, it’s an unforgettably funny experience, and has been heralded as the best British stage-play in quite a while. The musical never alienates its audience and is suitable for all ages, containing show-stopping hit songs such as ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Revolting Children’. Its jokes will be appreciated by all, and its short time on the West End has been met by nothing more than unanimous critical praise.

Article provided by Leicester Square Box Office

Kids do Travel the e-tailer specialising in unique travel products for youngsters is now stocking a selection of items designed to make the London 2012 Olympic Games as stress free as possible for parents planning to visit with children.  From travel games and car seats to children’s suitcases and identity bracelets, the website has made it easy to prepare for the journey to the Games and keep children safe and entertained during the competition itself.

With over one million people expected to attend at least one sporting event, 6,000 full time Olympic staff, 70,000 volunteers and 30,000 accredited press all on site, Kids Do Travel’s child safety identity bracelets and wristbands are essential wear. The bands are designed to display a mobile number so lost children can be reunited with their parent or guardian in the shortest possible timeframe. Kids Do Travel stock both reusable and single use version of the bracelets, in a variety of bright colours and child-friendly designs including dinosaurs, stars and insects. They are priced from £3.05.

A trip to the Olympics is a great excuse to spend some time exploring all that the Capital has to offer. For those planning on turning their day out into a weekend break, the Kids Do Travel range of children’s suitcases in designs for  both girls and boys, and children’s overnight bags offer a stylish solution to the question of how to fit favourite outfits, toys and essentials into just one bag. Designed with kids in mind, choose from trolley suitcases and bags adorned with pirates, dinosaurs, animals, stars and hearts. The Cheri the cute panda suitcase and backpack are the perfect travel companions for girls and boys. With a 26.5 litre capacity and 13.5 litre capacity respectively, they are spacious enough to fit a whole weekend’s wardrobe while also being lightweight and easy to carry. The suitcase and backpack can be purchased separately or together as a matching set. Prices start from £22.25.

Covered in Union Jacks and London buses, the Britannia children’s washbag and purse set is an ideal Olympic travel companion, ensuring even the youngest members of the family enjoy the spirit of the Games. With a wipeable interior and exterior and two pockets for storage, the wash bag is the perfect size for all of the kid’s toiletries while the matching purse keeps spending money safe. The wash bag is priced at £13.50 and the wallet at £12.40.

To start planning your Olympic trip, to browse the full range of products from Kids Do Travel and to buy securely online, visit www.kidsdotravel.co.uk.