By Kate Hodges
12th August 2017
DO In Tents
If we could, we’d spend the whole summer under canvas. Whether you’re headed for a wild hike, or just setting up a tent in the back garden, these tips for making camping easier are fantastic – we love the homemade bug spray recipe and tips to waterproof your shoes. We also love these ideas to make camping with toddlers that little bit easier. Finally, there are some ace recipes, games and fun ideas for things to do here. Happy camping!
EVENT Up and Away
The sight of dozens of beautiful, colourful craft soaring serenely across lush countryside at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will stay with you for a long time. Europe’s largest hot air ballooning event, it’s held over four days at the picturesque Ashton Court Estate, and hot air balloons shaped like minions, fish and galleons drift overhead, while on the ground, there are attractions, stalls and much more to keep everyone entertained. Don’t miss the enchanting night glow, when balloons are illuminated from within and float around to music. There are also spectacular firework displays to enjoy. Free, but book parking in advance.
RECIPE Give a Toss
When summer’s in full swing, we find it very difficult to be bothered with ovens and cooking. Our quest for vegan and veggie salads that are interesting and filling is ongoing. We love this Kale Power Salad with lemon tahini dressing, this Vibrant Spaghetti Squash Bowl with Smoky Waffled Tofu is colourful and tangy, while our mouths are watering just thinking about this Nectarine and Sweet Potato Summer Salad with garlicky lime dressing.
LEARN and DO Shooting Stars
This Saturday, the most popular meteor shower of the year, the Perseids, is at its peak. Want to wish upon some shooting stars? First, cross your fingers for a cloud free night! Either get up early, before sunrise on Saturday, or stay up late. Find yourselves the darkest place you can to watch it from – somewhere high and miles from artificial light sources is perfect, but your back garden with houselights turned off will do (check this guide to watching the shower in urban areas) – take something warm and waterproof to sit on, and wear coats. Then lie back, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and watch for the shooting stars show. Take a pocket full of home-made toffee for a treat when everyone starts to flag!
EVENT Sea This
London’s free National Maritime Museum is a great place to visit at any time. Walk over the museum’s interactive installation, The Great Map to find out about the real-time movements of ships around the world, or navigate to Ahoy!, the children’s gallery which includes a shoot-a-pirate-ship giant game, a galley where you can help prepare food for sailors, and the good (explorable) ship Seahorse. Older kids will absolutely love the huge ship simulator. Other treasures on display include a real-life pirate’s sword, Nelson’s jacket (complete with bullet-hole and blood), and the world’s biggest ship-in-a-bottle. This Sunday, enjoy the drop-in art workshop, Marvellous Maps and create your own sea chart.
