A parents' survival kit to see you through the summer...
ALMOST four weeks into the summer and the dreaded boredom moans have set in, casting a shadow over the kids' two months of freedom from school and homework.
Finding things to do everyday and keeping them entertained is proving to be difficult. However, we've searched Mid Ulster and beyond to find you things to do and places to go.
We will provide you with some fun and creative ideas to fill those longs days that wont break the bank balance.
Whether it’s young toddlers or young teens in your household, they are a variety of activities and events happening throughout the area for you to take advantage of.
Cookstown’s District Council and Sports Forum are hosting a wide-range of programmes throughout the summer months, from netball to watersports, fun and games, and disability sports.
There is something to cater for everyone of every age, and each activity has a fully qualified coach.
For a budding Johnny Cash or Darcey Bussells, the Burnavon are hosting a music and ballet workshop, where participants will get the opportunity to learn how to cover tunes, write original songs and gain technical skills. The ballet class will be a fun-filled week of workshops leading to a performance in a professional theatre environment.
For a day of adrenaline-pumping games, including zorbing, clay pigeon shooting and archery, then The Jungle, just outside Magherafelt, offers just that.
It promises to offer you a fun-filled adventure you won’t forget.
Libraries NI is inviting children all over Northern Ireland to help the young crew of Ex Libris to set up the first library on the moon.
The Space Hop Summer Reading Challenge is running throughout the summer holidays, with incentives, activities and events designed to create a real buzz around children’s reading.
The challenge is simple - to read six or more library books over the summer and on completion receive their certificate of achievement
There are a number of boredom-buster games and ideas at home that you could use for young children.
If the sun is shining then spend the day out-doors, by playing games such as a treasure hunt. Hide lots of items, like their favourite toys, and a prize when they’ve found everything.
For older children, write out clues that lead them from one place to another around the house or in the area, and have a prize ready for the winner.
Get the kids to investigate your local area, whether it’s the street you live on or the town. Invite them to research the area to find if it’s famous for anything or anyone, who’s the oldest resident or what it looked like a century ago.
They'll need paper, pens, a disposable or digital camera and access to a computer.
Once they've made the discoveries, they can type it all up, add their pictures and print it out in a newspaper style.
Alternatively, they could make their own family newspaper, like a feature on the day in the life of mum, dad, granny or granddad.
You could explore Northern Ireland’s best attractions by hopping on a Translink bus, who are offering family deals.
A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs 18.50, which can take you anywhere you desire. With deals at Giant’s Causeway, Armagh Planetarium and the Ulster American Folk Park, you can find a cheap and cheerful way to spend the day.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take the family on a short holiday or simply a day trip to Scotland, then you could take advantage of Stena Line’s summer offers.
The Northern Ireland ferry company have put together a selection of holidays in a range of locations, which promises to suit all tastes and budgets.
There are also a host of events planned by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), which is commencing next week, from Monday July 26 until Sunday, August 1, NITB have put together a list of exciting things to do across Northern Ireland.
John Hewitt International Summer School, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, July 26 – 30. The summer school offers an attractive and stimulating programme of events from readings and talks to exhibitions and evening entertainment.
Introduction to Bushcraft Wilderness Survival Skills, Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh, July 28 – 29. Venture down the River Blackwater in an open Canadian Canoe, take a trip to the ancient Coney Island and learn basic skills including cooking, shelter and foraging for food.
Dancing Shoes – The George Best Story, Grand Opera House, Belfast, July 28 – August 14. A musical telling the story of the turbulent and colourful life of one of the greatest footballer’s the world has ever seen.
InterAct Youth Arts Festival 2010, various venues, Co. Londonderry, July 30 - August 5. This festival is back and is bigger than ever with workshops, film screenings, special guest events and live performances.
Feile an Phobail, various venues, west Belfast, July 30 – August 8. One of Europe’s leading community and arts festivals will bring concerts, debates, tours, exhibitions, drama and street theatre to various venues across west Belfast.
Barrontop Fun Farm Dog Show, Donemana, Co. Tyrone, July 31. Come along for some family fun down at the farm.
Lughnasa Fair, Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim, July 31. Enjoy this traditional fair which includes local crafts, food and entertainment.
August Jazz Series, Castle Ward, Co. Down, August 1. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon listening to the sound of jazz. Don’t forget your rug and picnic.
Clueso for kids, Springhill, Co. Londonderry, August 1. Calling all junior detectives - search Springhill inside out and try to solve the mystery.
Traditional Games Day at Castle Coole, Co. Fermanagh, August 1. Enjoy an afternoon of music and traditional games such as croquet, skipping, sack races, and egg and spoon races on the front lawn. Bring a rug and a picnic.
For more details on these and other events, click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events or visit your local tourist information centre.
Baking is a fun and simple way to pass an hour or two in the day, and it really gets children’s imagination going.
You could try a simple recipe, like scone baking, or if your brave enough you could tackle a desert.
They'll need to measure ingredients to get the results, so they'll learn some maths and science as they go.
Try this simple step-by-step guide on to how to bake delicious scones.
Heat oven to mark 7/220C.
Sift 225g of self-raising flour with a pinch of salt into a bowl.
Rub in 75g of butter, cut into small pieces, until the mix looks like breadcrumbs.
Stir in 40g of caster sugar.
Beat one large egg with two tablespoons of milk and add to the flour.
Mix together, shape into a round and roll out on a floured surface to 2.5cm thick.
Using a 5cm cutter, cut out the scones.
Bake on a greased baking tray for 10-12 minutes until risen and golden.
You could make them fruity by halving the sugar and add 50g of currants.
For further information on any of the above events contact:
Council activity programme, contact Paula McErlean at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena on 028 8676 7135
The Burnavon on 028 8676 9949
The Jungle on 028 8674 8881
Cookstown Library on 028 8676 3702
Translink webiste translink.co.uk
Stenaline at stenaline.co.uk or call them on 08447 70 70 70.
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
