Perfect Gifts For Dino Lovers This National Dinosaur Day

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Disclosure - We were gifted these items for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. This post contains affiliate links. 

The 15th May is a date on the calendar that will be very popular with Dino lovers across the globe. National Dinosaur Day is celebrated on both May 15th and June 1st and is a day that we can celebrate all things Dinosaur. I've chosen some perfect gifts to help us celebrate this special day.

Carson the Triceratops Soft Toy from GUND

Carson may be a strong dinosaur but he has the sweetest smile and gives the best cuddles. His soft body, smooth fur and chunky feet are the perfect combination for cuddles and adventures. 

Carson is 38cm tall approx and is suitable for children aged 1+

Currently priced £19

Zuru Smashers Dino Ice Age Surprise

Surprise toys are so much fun and Dino fans will love the Smashers Dino Ice Age with over 25 surprises inside. Smash your way through to collect all the pieces to build your very own T-Rex, Pterodactyl or Woolly Mammoth.

Currently priced £25

Treasure Map Trails - Dinosaurs and Diggers

Take a walk about Chester town using the Chester Northgate and Cathedral treasure map. Following the clues on your map will take you along ancient streets, through holy grounds and onto the mighty Roman wall. Find 10 treasures along the way with a Dinosaurs and Diggers theme. 

Currently priced £5.99 for 1 map. Please keep an eye on our blog for a full review once completed.

 

National Geographic Dino Fossil - Dig Kit 

The Dino Fossil dig kit has everything you need for young paleontologists to dig up some fossils. Included in the kit is 1 dig brick, 1 carded coprolite specimen and 1 T-Rex Tooth Replica. A dig tool, brush and magnifying glass is included as well as a full learning guide with instructions. 

The T-Rex tooth is extra special as it is molded from a genuine tooth fossil.

Currently priced at £9.95

Dino Dash by Cheatwell Games

Dino Dash is a quick thinking card game that is perfect for dino lovers aged 4+. Once all the cards are dealt each player races to play out all their cards so they can be the winner. The cards feature T-Rex (Land Card), Plesiosaur (Sea Card) and Pteranodon (Sky Card) dinosaur and the aim is to much a dinosaur on one of your cards with the location on the discard pile. Watch out for the Meteor card!

Currently priced at £4.99

Fruit Bowl Dino Yogurt Eggs

Each bag of Fruit Bowl Dino Yogurt Eggs comes with  T-Rex, Pterodactyl, Velociraptor or Triceratops characters on the front of the bag. Inside are juicy raisins inside a Dino egg shell. The creamy yogurt shells come in red, green and blue speckled and are made using all natural colours. 

A healthy snack choice for Dino lovers. 

Currently priced at £2 for a pack of 5 at Morrisons and Waitrose

Do You Love Dinosaurs?

I'm guessing if you are reading this then the answer to that question will be yes. Do you love Dinosaurs is a brightly illustrated non fiction children's book all about Dinosaurs. Jam packed with fun facts about all your favourite dinosaurs including Titanosaurus, Ankylosaurus and the mighty T-Rex. This book has everything you need to know and reminds us just how amazing Dinosaurs were. 

Currently priced at £5.99

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How will you be celebrating National Dinosaur Day this year? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

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Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow Cheshire

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At the weekend we visited a new National Trust property, Quarry Bank Mill in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Although some of the property was closed it was still definitely worth a visit. 

What To Expect At Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4LA.

Quarry Bank Mill is one of Britains greatest industrial heritage sites, home to a complete industrial community. Although the mill and apprentice house remains closed at the moment there is a huge estate to explore.

On arriving at Quarry Bank Mill you will be checked in by a member of staff. Pre booking tickets is essential and guarantees entry. 

There are a couple of paths to choose from once inside the estate with most heading towards the upper gardens. 

The path that leads to the upper gardens is only a short distance away. The upper gardens are filled with beautiful spring flowers and landscape gardens. There are toilet facilities in the upper garden as well as a small shop and newly opened Garden Cafe.

There is a downward winding path from the upper gardens which takes you in to the lower grounds and mill. 

The path can be steep in places however there are oils to hold on to in certain parts. The path features lots of spring flowers and benches to enjoy the view of the estate below. 

Once at the bottom you can access the lower grounds, a range of walking routes, the mill (when open), weaving shed restaurant, mill shop and stables ice cream parlour. 

There are four walks to enjoy in and around Quarry Bank Mill. 

The Southern Woods Walk

Distance 2.5km

Duration 50 minutes

The Kingfisher Walk 

Distance 2km

Duration 50 Minutes

Giant's Castle Walk 

Distance 6.2km

Duration 2hrs30

We took the Southern Woods walking path and did the route in reverse. There are plenty of things to see along the way including rivers, wildlife and stunning views. There are benches along the way for those who need to rest or take in the views. If walking with the kids there are plenty of opportunities for them to explore and climb.

All routes are circular so bring you back to the estate. 

Anything Else?

The car park at Quarry Bank Mill is free and has lots of parking spaces. It's open daily from 8am - 8pm. The estate opens at 8:30am and there are individual opening times for the range of facilities available 

Gardens 10:30-5pm

Garden Shop 12-4pm

Mill Shop 10:30-5pm

Stables Ice Cream Parlour 10:30-5pm (weekends only)

Weaving Shed Restaurant 10:30-4pm (weekends only)

The Garden Cafe 10:30-5pm 

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Quarry Bank Mill. 

Pre Booking tickets is essential. 

Prices are 

£8 per adult

£4 per child

£20 per family

There is plenty of grounds and space around the gardens and mill to ensure social distancing. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you been to Quarry Bank Mill? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit.

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                                      Michelle

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Healthy Snack Ideas For Kids On The Go

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Disclosure - We were gifted a selection of Love Corn products. The idea for this post, thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

We were so ready for things to start getting back to normal but now as restrictions have started to lift I have realised how busy we usually are. On top of work and school we now have football training and matches 3 times a week, swimming, friends over in the garden plus we are still trying to fit in our daily walks and our longer weekend walks too. 

I feel like we are always on the move with somewhere to go so I make sure I have some snacks handy for the boys to eat. These are our go to snack ideas for kids on the go. 

Proper Corn

There are a variety of brands and flavours on the market but we opt for Proper Corn. Proper Corn is one of the healthier popcorn choices and is also vegan friendly and gluten free. The sweet and salty bag has the perfect balance of sea salt and raw cane sugar giving it a caramelised glaze. 

Fruit Bowl Juicy Yogurt Raisins and Strawberry Yogurt Flakes

Fruit Bowl offer a variety of snacks however we have found the juicy yogurt raisins and strawberry yoghurt flakes work best for us. Both are made with real fruit and have a tasty yogurt coating which gives them a sweeter taste. The yoghurt flakes are also gluten free too. 

Go Ahead Fruity Cake Bites

Go Ahead fruity cake bites are delicious orange and lemon sponge bites with an orange filling. Each pack is high in fibre and offers no artificial colours or flavouring. The pack size is ideal for a snack on the go when you feel like something sweet and filling but without the calories. 

Love Corn

Pieces of crunchy corn sprinkled in a choice of four tasty flavours. The Love Corn flavours will definitely satisfy your taste buds with a choice of salt and vinegar, smoked BBQ, Habanero chilli and sea salt. Each pack is plant based, vegan friendly and gluten free. Again the pack is a great size for snacks on the go, lunchboxes or even add to a salad for an extra crunch. 

I have teamed up with Love Corn to offer you the chance to win a delicious box of 12 packets of Love Corn and Love Corn Merchandise. All you need to do is complete the entry form below, pop back daily for bonus chances to win. 

Win a box of 12 packets of Love Corn and merchandise

If you are not lucky enough to win you can still enjoy Love Corn. Head to the website, order some tasty Love Corn and enter CRUNCH20 for 20% off. If you would like to try before you buy thats okay too. Grab a free sample of the four flavours (postage is £1.99). Grab Your Free Sample Here 

Michelle

Terms

Competition closes on Sunday 2nd May 2021

Entrants must have a valid UK address. 

Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified. 

All entrants and entries are checked and verified. 

1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. 

Playdays and Runways will contact the lucky winners within 7 days of the competition closing. 

The winners will be emailed to the email address given at the time of entering. 

The winners will not be announced on my blog or social media until they have agreed that their name can be displayed. 

The winners must respond within 28 days, if no response a new winner will be chosen. 

This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative 

The Prize : 12 packets of Love Corn and branded merchandise

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What's New At Merlin Attractions In 2021

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Today is the day that we begin the second step of the Roadmap out of lockdown and restrictions. All non essential shops will open, as well as hairdressers and beer gardens to name a few. I think the one thing we have been looking forward to the most is the opening of the Theme Parks. Visiting theme parks is our favourite day out and we can't wait till we can visit our favourites this year. 

We are Merlin Pass holders so their attractions will be top of our visit list this year. They have been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown to bring lots of new and exciting updates to their parks and attractions in 2021. Here is what we can look forward to.

Alton Towers

Due to Covid-19 the opening of David Walliams land was delayed but it now looks set to open this year with the 'land' being added to the park map and features new rides. 

Gangsta Granny: The Ride

This dark ride will take you on a journey based on the popular David Walliams book, Gangsta Granny. 

You must be 0.9m or over to ride, and 1.2m or over to ride without an adult. All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Royal Carousel

Hop on board the Queens horses or sit on the throne as you spin round and round. 

If you are under 1.3m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp

Bounce up and down on Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp Ride. 

You must be at least 0.9m to ride Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp. If you are under 1.1m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

If you are familiar with Alton Towers you may know David Walliams land will take over the former land Cloud Cuckoo Land. 

Although the location has not been confirmed yet I can only assume that Gangsta Granny The Ride will either be in the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ride which closed in 2015 or the old Wobble World play area. 

The Royal Carousel and Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp sound very familiar to the Carousel and Frog Hopper which were located in Cloud Cuckoo Land so may not be new rides as such, maybe just rebranded. 

Alton made a very exciting announcement recently on their social media that they have added three 'pop up' type rides to the park called The Retro Squad. 

We don't know a lot about these rides other than they are old school rides called Mixtape, Funk'n'Fly and Roller Disco. 

The locations of the rides have been shared with a brief description.

Roller Disco 

Located in The Dark Forest and is a spinning ride.

Mix Tape 

Located in X Sector and seems to be a 'bouncy' type of ride. 

Funk'n'Fly 

Located in Forbidden Valley and says we will soar to heights.

All three rides require you to be a minimum of 1.2m and all riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

All the above rides may not open on the 12th April 2021. Further updates will be made with opening dates once released.

Chessington World Of Adventures

It looks like there is just one new addition to Chessington World of Adventures in 2021. 

Croc Drop

Jump on board and reach great heights before being plunge 25m in to the Crocs Jaw.

Croc Drop is a fun and exciting 'drop tower' type of ride which requires all riders to be a minimum of 1.2m. If you are between 1.2-1.3 you must ride with an adult over the age of 16. All riders over 1.3 can ride alone. 

There is no update about face masks for this ride however I assume it will be similar to Alton Towers. 

Legoland Windsor Resort

Opening on the 29th May Lego Mythica is a new land coming to Legoland Windsor Resort. Mythica is a parallel universe where all the lego creatures we create go so they can come to life. 

There are three new rides opening in the land of Lego Mythica and includes the UK's first ever flying theatre ride. 

Flight Of The Sky Lion

Take a ride with Maximus through Lego Mythica and explore the realms facing some of the rarest and scariest creatures.

Fire and Ice Free Fall

Two spinning top tower rides.

Hydra's Challenge.

An interactive water ride with twists and turns.

Again there isn't much information about the new land and the three exciting new rides. As soon as information is released I will update minimum height restrictions and other updates. 

Thorpe Park 

Just one new attraction heading to Thorpe Park this spring and it is a UK first.

Black Mirror Labyrinth

Opening on May 21st The UK's first ever Black Mirror Experience attraction. Described as a twisted and sensory defying maze it will lead you in to the core of the Black Mirror Universe. 

Based on the description I will assume this will be adults only however will update as soon as more information is released. 

Warwick Castle

A new activity trail to follow.

Zog and The Quest For The Golden Star

Included in the price of your ticket and available until 5th September 2021, the Zog activity trail will keep you busy. Learn how to become a true dragon, rescue a princess and collect stamps along the way. 

Zog will be there to pose for a photograph and hand out some golden stars too. 

All these new rides and attractions should keep us busy this year. What are you looking forward to most?

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The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail | Tatton Park

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After visiting Tatton Park last Christmas time to join in with their Holly's Festive Feast trail we have been on the lookout for something similar. We found the new trail, Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail, which started on 2nd April. 

What To Expect At Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail. Tatton Park, WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)

Percy The Park Keeper and all his animal friends have headed to Tatton Park this Spring for an adventure. 

The idea behind the trail is Percy is working in Tatton Gardens. You must follow the trail along secret paths and sloping hills to help Percy find all the items that have gone missing which he needs to have a big Spring clean-up

The trail begins in the garden entrance. You can pick up your trail map and pencil upon arrival and head out in the gardens to start your journey along the secret path. 

Once you are on your way you can follow the squirrel signposts which will tell you which direction to go in next. 

There are 7 clues in total hidden around the gardens and you can solve each one and write them down on your trail sheet. Each answer is a missing item that Percy needs to finish his Spring clean up. 

The gardens are so big and you can of course head off and explore the gardens along the way or after you gave finished the trails. There is lots to explore and you can use your map to help you get back on track. 

If you complete all the clues in order when you complete clue number 6 you may spot someone in the distance. It's Percy! Percy is at his potting shed ready to say hello to all his visitors. 

When we arrived at the potting shed, Percy introduced himself and had a lovely chat with little J about what football team he supports. He then gave us a a little pot which contained a french bean. He told us all about the bean and the steps we need to follow to help it grow. As it was Easter weekend Little J was also given a Lindt chocolate bunny which was a lovely surprise. We took a quick photo with Percy and then we were on our way to find the last clue. 

Once you complete the trail there is another photo opportunity with Percy and his animal friends.

On your way out you can collect your Percy The Park Keeper trail sticker to keep. 

Anything Else?

Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail is available every day until 13th June 2021.

Times:

10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) 

Price: 

Garden entry: £8 adult, £6 child, National Trust members go free (but must still book a timed ticket to visit). 

£1 per child for Percy the Park Keeper’s garden trail sheets (including NT members).

There are no toilets inside the garden area so make sure you head to the toilets before you enter which are just outside the gardens entrance. 

There are plenty of grass areas suitable for a picnic both in and outside the gardens plus there are picnic benches and tables scattered around the estate too. 

The Stable Restaurant is open daily 10am-5pm and offers a limited takeaway menu. 

Parkland is open daily 10am – 7pm (last entry 6pm). The Farm and Mansion are currently closed. 

All vehicles will be charged £8 parking fee, this is half price for blue badge holders, cyclists and pedestrians are free to enter.

The gardens have plenty of space to ensure social distancing and the trail is a lovely family day out to enjoy with the little ones.

Michelle

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

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Ideas To Keep You Busy In April

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We have made it in to the second quarter of the year. How have you found this year so far? As much as I have enjoyed the restrictions being lifted with more to follow this month I really do hope we will still embrace the simpler days of walks in the park and exploring our local area. Here are a few things to keep us busy in April.

April Fools Day (1st)

Play a trick on your family and friends. Can you fool them?

Good Friday (2nd)

The first of two bank holidays this month and depending on your religion today is the day we remember Jesus dying on the cross. 

Easter Sunday (4th)

Easter is celebrated in so many ways. For Christians, Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus rising  from the dead. Amongst the younger generation Easter is a day when the Easter Bunny arrives to give out lots of chocolate eggs.

Grand National (10th) 

One of the biggest sporting events in the UK, the Grand National will take place behind closed doors this year after cancelling last year due to Covid-19.

The three day racing event will run from 8th-10th April with the main race taking place live at 5:15pm and available to watch on ITV.

National Siblings Day (10th) 

Whether you are young or old today is the day to reflect on the bond between siblings. You may not always get along with your sibling, they may not be with us anymore or maybe you are best friends. Today is a day to remember the bond you share. 

Roadmap Step 2 Begins (12th)

April 12th is a date that has been on our minds for sometime now. It's the day when non-essential retail, personal care venues, gyms and most outdoor attractions can open as part of the easing of restrictions in the UK. 

Anniversary Of The Titanic Sinking (15th)

If you are looking for something to watch tonight then maybe you could watch Titanic to mark the anniversary of the day it sank. 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Finale (23rd April)

For Marvel fans the 6 episode mini series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier finale will air on Disney+ on the 23rd April.

What are you looking forward to in April?

Michelle

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

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