By Kate Hodges
02nd June 2017
DO and LEARN Pop!
Even the biggest of kids love to blow bubbles, and these heeeeyyyyyuuugeee ones are even more fun than the standard blobs - find glycerin in larger branches of Boots or the baking area or supermarkets. Want to know how to make caterpillar trains of bubbles, how to play bubble tennis, or more about the science behind bubbles? Find out here and find more bubble experiments here
GROW and COOK True Blue
It’s June; time to forage for borage. Find this edible herb growing wild across the country in woodlands, pastures and parts of the city – you can’t miss its brilliant blue flowers. Use those flowers and leaves in salads, wilt the larger leaves in olive oil or butter, or use a sprig to add a cool flavour to cocktails and beers - find some recipe ideas here. Celtic warriors drunk borage tea to gain courage, and a cup will still lift spirits today – it’s also meant to have a beneficial effect on the heart and digestive system. If you want to grow your own, planting borage near strawberries is meant to benefit fruiting - there’s some good gardening information here.
EVENT Girl Powered!
Teenagers and craft-crazy older children will love Bust’s annual Craftacular, held in York Hall in London. A super-cool art fair, as well as stalls from some inspiring and inventive designer-makers in the country - including amazing kid accessories from Sparklechild and the coolest teething necklaces and rattles from Mustard and Mint, there’s an all-woman DJ line-up and some incredible workshops – we like the sound of knitting a fox headband with Sincerely Louise or creating a glitter and pompom-bedecked watermelon piñata with The Make Arcade. £3 entry, kids under 16 free.
EVENT and LEARN Going Wild
This June, the Wildlife Trust is challenging you to go wild and do 30 simple, fun and exiting Random Acts of Wildness. We know the month has already started, but you can catch up easily this weekend. A Random Act of Wildness is about making time to connect with nature, or doing something small to help the environment. One day you might write a wildife-inspired poem, the next sunbathe like daisies or go barefoot in a meadow. It’s a great way to get some fresh ideas for outdoor experiences, and children will love ticking off their experiences on the wall chart. Order a pack that includes stickers, a wall chart and some seeds, or download one here
EVENT Magic Meadow
Make your way to Edinburgh’s Meadows for their annual festival. As well as a huge line-up of bands on the Banshee Labyrinth stage, there’s a dog show, football competition, a big kids area and lots of other activities. It’s free of charge, and last year over 20,000 people attended. Saturday and Sunday.
