The end of the school year has arrived and youngsters can chill out for five or six weeks. For parents the end of the ‘school run’ is here, yippee!
Children and young people can now recharge their batteries after all their hard work. In many cases that will mean sleeping in until lunch time and when they do surface their sole occupation appears to be via a lap top or smart phone. There is much of value on the web but there is a good deal of rubbish too, some is downright nasty. Maybe it is a good plan to keep your youngsters busy?
So what can we do about it? To paraphrase an old saying, ‘Those who play together stay together.’ Here are a few suggestions that may help.
In Durham we have Freemans Quay Leisure Centre with its 25 m pool, and child’s pool. There is something here for swimmers of all ages, fun days, swimming lessons for all levels of ability, all good clean fun. There are pools in Spennymoor, Consett, Chester le Street, Newton Aycliffe etc., all will have summer events for the children and families to join in with. Swimming is a grand way to keep cool, get fit and bond with the family.
Public Parks are free. Wharton Park has a lot of attractions, not least clean fresh air and space in which to relax, and let off steam. Newly revamped Wharton Park is a gem right on our doorstep. There is much to occupy children with it’s play areas, and miniature cars, plus lovely tree lined walks that are accessible to all. Throughout the County there are public parks in Consett, Chester le Street, Stanley etc., all are great for a picnic and an afternoons leisure.
The Riverside is a lovely feature that meanders through the City and beyond, it is lovely for a walk, and a picnic. Plus, the Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers a one-hour cruise that takes in many of the City’s best sights from the unique perspective of the River Wear. Most of us only see the City from the pavement or the bus, so a cruise is a nice way to see the other side of our fair City and at a slower pace. With loos on board the trip is comfortable, and the informative commentary will keep all ages of kids interested.
Adventure Valley Come rain or shine, is a full-on fun-filled family day out with over 40 rides and attractions. There are two huge indoor play areas, fun animal activities, zip wires, tube slides, jumping pillows, a fort, pirate galleon and Tractor-Trailer Ride and more.
With a huge variety of things to do the school holidays are a great time for family regrouping and a good deal of fun.
Have a great holiday one and all.
