Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

23rd June 2017

Play games on bikes, make no-heat eats, chill out with ice, enjoy Hebden Bridge, meet the robots!

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

23rd June 2017

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

23rd June 2017

DO and LEARN Pedal Power
Riding a bike is practical, great for health and liberating for every kid. Balance bikes make the transition to proper cycles incredibly easy, and learning to pedal is a vital part of a child’s life. To make riding even more fun, try some bike-based games. Create an obstacle course with chalk, sprinklers, cones or arches, go on a bike photo safari, or try a bike tightrope! We also love a slow bicycle race – wibbly wobbly hilarity!

EVENT Bloom’s In Town
One of the most progressive towns in the UK, Hebden Bridge always punches above its weight when it comes to attracting performing talent, so the annual Arts Festival is stacked with wonderful shows. There are lots of free street performances, workshops and exhibitions, including an appearance by CBeebies’ Mr Bloom, plus a fierce, all-female folk show, poetry and book readings, open studios and gardens, and tons more. Don’t miss Sunday’s warmly spectacular Handmade Parade, which includes open workshops, stilt-walking, samba drumming and dance. Until July 2

COOK No Heat Eats
In this hot hot heat, cooking using heat seems like way too much faff and sweat. Kitchn have some fantastic inspiration for recipes that are easy, simple and absolutely delicious. We’re already slavering over the melon with lime-chilli syrup, avocado breakfast pudding, and green tea shakes. The dinnertime chilled buttermilk soul, sprout slaw and cold peanut sesame noodles are mouthwatering too. Ice cool!

LEARN, PLAY and DO Chill Out
Ice games may take a little planning, but they’re one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat. We love these Octo-Ice monsters, which are a tactile treat for really small kids, this very simple game that encourages vestibular play, and scented ice to stimulate little senses. Older kids can incorporate some learning into their ice play – use special moulds to create Lego figures and watch their behaviour, create your own ‘cloud in a glass’, or make an ice volcano!

EVENT Sci-Fi Hi Fives
Into the Unknown is a new exhibition at the Barbican that takes a whoosh through the history of science fiction. There are exhibits that will fry the circuits of big and small fans – see props and costumes from Star Trek, Jurassic Park, Alien, and Star Wars, manuscripts and exhibits from Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury and George Orwell, and interactive exhibits from Territory Studio who worked on Ridley Scott’s The Martian, and Double Negative, featuring the android Ava. Adults £14.50, students £12, Under 14s £5, under 5s free. While you’re in the stunning environs of the Barbican, head to the Barbican Blocks – an adventure for under 5s, explore the building with this DIY adventure trail, or, if you head there on the right Sunday, venture inside the secret green spaces of the conservatory (all free).

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