From gross science experiments to robot-building kits, your kids will be too busy having fun to realise they’re learning. You could be nurturing a future coder, scientist or mechanical engineer without even realising.

1.GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope

This beginners’ microscope will give your budding scientist an early understanding of what goes on inside a real-life laboratory.

This isn’t just a prop, the GeoSafari First Microscope is a working tool that’s easy to use for little inquisitive kids who want to examine things under the lens. Let them make their own discoveries and who knows where it might take them.

Find out more at educationalinsights.com

2. Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House

Are you parenting the next Gaudi? Do you dream of your kids becoming the brains behind the houses on Grand Designs?

The Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House helps aspiring architects to build their own home, complete with lights, sensors and motorised parts. This fun architecture project teaches your kids basic circuitry and allows them to light up the rooms they’ve just built.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

3.KIDWILL STEM 14-in-1 Educational Solar Robot Kit

Not only are kids able to build their own robot with KIDWILL STEM 134-in-1, you’re also able to teach your kids about renewable energy.

This solar-powered robot can become a dog, a crab, a surfer and a zombie chaser, to name just some of his possible personalities. Its unique attachments also make it amphibious, allowing it to move around on land and on water.

A great project to work on with your kids that results in a fascinating, educational toy.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

4. Totally Squishy from Head to Toe

If you want your kids to learn all about their anatomy, this is a fantastic starter toy. They get a peek inside the human skeleton with squishy organs, glow in the dark bones, and a giant skull to examine human brains.

There are surgical tools in the kit to allow them to remove different parts of the body and compare them to the accompanying activity book.

Parents can use this as a launch pad for talking about lots of different parts of the human body and how they function, and might even learn a thing or two themselves.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

5. That’s Gross Science Lab

There comes a point in every kid’s development where they become fascinated with the grotesque. Bums, poo, farts, and snot all become favourite topics of conversation.

This fun science lab, rather than discourage such behaviour, harnesses toilet humour and makes it educational.

The kids will be so distracted by stink bubbles and potty putty they won’t realise they’re finding out about chemical reactions and gas expansion!

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

6. National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit

Eat your heart out, Indiana Jones! This archaeologist investigation kit will have your little ones dusting for treasure and finding out all about dinosaurs in the process.

They’ll learn all about the prehistoric era and all the stages of life before humans arrived.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

7. Science of Cooking Bread and Butter

It’s time to teach kids that chemistry is everywhere, even in the kitchen.

This cooking set teaches kids to make cinnamon swirls and garlic butter among other delicious treats, while teaching them all about yeast and emulsion.

These little experiments will get their brains engaged in science and also result in yummy things for them to eat, providing rewards and a sense of achievement.

Find out more at kiwico.com

8.Dash Coding Robot

Teaching your kids to code will set them up for a technology-driven future, and being bilingual in English and code will be extremely beneficial in the job market. Start them off with this adorable yet educational robot, Dash.

He responds to your child’s voice but can also be used with several apps to maximise his functions, like singing and drawing. A fun intro to code and a new, interactive friend for the playroom.

Find out more at makewonder.com

9. Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit

There’s a reason Bill Nye’s teachings have lasted the test of time.

This friendly scientist has educated generations of children in STEM and his VR science kit is the latest development allowing your kids to appreciate his lessons further.

Beakers, brushes, instructional videos and a VR head set to open their eyes to whole new STEM worlds are all included in this fantastic kit.

Find out more at abacusbrands.com

10. Genius Kit for Ipad

Is your kid hogging your Ipad for games, but you’re not sure what the benefit is to their developing brains?

Make their screen time count with the Genius Kit, by adding letters, numbers, and shapes so that they can play along with tablet games.

Puzzles, problem solving and more creative art activities are all included, so they get an all-round experience and you know they’re not just idly frittering away their screen time.

Find out more at playosmo.com

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If your kids have bags of energy and want to develop lifelong skills in their free time, sports camps are a great way to keep them busy over the school holidays while also boosting their self-confidence and introducing them to other children from different backgrounds.

We’ve picked a selection of the UK’s best sports camps and adventure holidays for kids to enjoy, while you can get some peace of mind.

1. PGL

An adventure holiday that’s just for kids may sound like a Peter Pan daydream, but PGL has been running these sorts of activity breaks since 1957 with over 8 million families.

If your children would love to try activities like climbing, white-water rafting, trapeze, and fencing, PGL offers all-inclusive residential holidays and a supportive environment for kids to flourish while learning skills and having fun.

There are options for multi-activity holidays and ‘action and adventure’ breaks, which involve adrenaline-rush activities like coasteering and rollercoasters. Your kids will have the time of their lives and have plenty of stories to tell back at school.

Find out more at pgl.co.uk

2. Clifton College

For more sport-specific camps, Bristol’s Clifton College offers Performance Sports Courses for your little up-and-coming athletes.

Have your kids’ skills honed in rugby, hockey, cricket, or netball from the best coaches Clifton has to offer.

Many of the coaches are former professional players themselves, so have plenty of expertise to pass to the kids they train. Their intensive courses are tailored towards ambitious kids of any gender at a variety of playing levels.

Beginners are welcome, right up to those who are on the cusp of qualifying to compete at regional level.

Find out more at ccsl-cliftoncollege.com

3. Fit for Sport

Fit For Sport offer multi-sport holidays in every school break, so that your kids can enjoy action and adventure year-round between terms.

They have themed holidays which encapsulate music, dance, arts and culture as well as sport, so your kids get a rich and fulfilling experience beyond the sporting activities.

Find out more at fitforsport.co.uk

4. Camp Beaumont

Camp Beaumont offers age-specific programmes for fun-loving kids looking for enriching life experiences.

Whether your kid is three or 16, there’s a programme at Camp Beaumont that will keep them entertained while also equipping them with valuable life skills.

Archery and ball sports feature alongside crafts and creative classes for an all-round camp experience that will give them plenty to write home about.

Find out more at campbeaumont.co.uk

5. King’s Camps

King’s Camps is a not-for-profit organisation which hosts exciting school holiday experiences for kids aged five to 17.

Highly enthusiastic and experienced coaches will pass on “The King’s Factor” to your children, creating fun, high-energy activities which will keep them engaged physically and mentally.

King’s Camps then use their expertise to help transform children’s lives around the world through sport.

Find out more at kingscamps.org

6. Barracudas Activity Camps

There are 43 Barracudas Multi-Activity Camps in the UK, offering a range of amazing holiday entertainment for kids.

From ‘dance fusion’ to motorsports, your children will have an active and engaging stay-away trip with like-minded kids from around the UK. They also host themed events and football-specific camps for budding Beckhams.

Find out more at barracudas.co.uk

7. Superweeks

More game-based than sports-based, Superweeks focuses on the importance of play during their holiday camps.

Your kids will experience the great outdoors, running around in nature and getting to know lots of different people from different backgrounds. There’s the opportunity to go swimming and on fun day trips, too.

Find out more at superweeks.co.uk

8. Rock UK

From bouldering to bushcraft, caving to climbing, Rock UK have action-packed activities for your energetic brood to enjoy.

Please note that Rock UK is a Christian organisation, so expect their instruction and teachings outside of the activities to centre around the faith.

Find out more at rockuk.org

9. Camp Cooper

For a truly American-style camp experience, send the kids to central Scotland!

With only 110 places, Camp Cooper creates a positive and inclusive environment where kids can thrive.

High ropes, games, sports competitions and campfire sing-a-longs are all on the schedule at Camp Cooper and kids get to opt in and out of the activities that suit them best.

Find out more at internationalsummercampuk.com

10. Activate Camps

Activate Camps offers sport-specific camps in a variety of disciplines, including netball, gymnastics, cricket, and lacrosse.

There are also multi-activity camps for kids who would rather have a taste of lots of different sports than hone in on just one.

Find out more at activatecamps.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Keep the kids happy with these top 10 sports and adventure camps appeared first on Checklists.

1. Harry Potter Calendar from Get Trend

How do you treat the ultimate Harry Potter fan in their life at Christmas time?

While watching the films on repeat and brewing your own pumpkin juice is all well and good, one thing that is sure to really charm them is the official Harry Potter advent calendar.

Complete with 24 magical surprises, this enchanting cube of seasonal joy holds lots of trinkets for Harry Potter buffs. From cosy house socks, keyrings and hair accessories, to pens that look like wands, the goodies in this calendar beat your traditional chocolate one for sure.

And that’s not all. Each advent calendar comes with its own invisible ink pen and Harry Potter stationery so you can write to Santa to ask for yet more magical gifts.

Find out more here.

2. Flik Flak watches

There’s nothing more grown-up than getting a watch for Christmas.

If you’re planning to buy your little one their first watch this year, Flik Flak could be the perfect option for you.

These popular, Swiss-made watches are water and shock-resistant, so they can withstand all the rough and tumble your little tykes get up to every day.

Plus, their simple, clear design has been specifically made with education in mind, aiding your child as they learn to tell the time by themselves.

Flik Flak watches can be personalised with your child’s name, making your gift one of a kind.

Find out more here.

3. Funko Loungers

If you know someone who is absolutely obsessed with Disney, Marvel or any other major film franchise, there is one place you need to go to get their Christmas present this year: Loungefly.

Loungefly by Funko offers a collectible range of accessories that are an absolute must-have for die-hard film fans.

Their bags in particular, which are made from premium materials, are a cute yet practical way of telling the world about your passions.

But it’s not just rucksacks on offer. From purses to wallets, there are lots of fun and creative designs to celebrate your favourite films and characters through. The only hard bit is knowing what to buy first.

Find out more here.

4. Tourtech Electronic Drum Kit

Give them the gift of electronic drums this Christmas without the noise with a Tourtech Electronic Drum kit.

Tourtech Electronic Drum kits are portable, quick to assemble and fun to play. There are four different models to choose from, each one taking up only a small amount of space. And, perhaps most importantly, thanks to their headphone jack, people can plug in and learn to play without everyone else having to listen.

Ideal for learners and experienced drummers, these kits come with a range of premium features such as play-along backing tracks. You’ll find each TOURTECH Drum Kit provides a solid foundation for anyone learning to play the drums.

Find out more here.

5. Homestar Flux

Finally, the most exciting thing is happening in your home since the Big Bang: Homestar Flux is Sega Toys’ powerful and advanced star projector. Space travel has become obsolete since you can now simply bring 60,000 stars to your room by pushing a single button.

Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Sega Toys series of home planetariums. They have taken their incredibly popular planetarium design and refined it even further.

Crafted in a satin black finish, this powerful star projector is designed to be your first-choice home planetarium. Brilliant glass lenses and the brightest LED ever make everything look vibrant and sharp. The indicated edges of a lunar crater surrounding the lens finish the look.

Find out more here.

6. Okido magazine

From the creators of the hit CBeebies show Messy Goes To OKIDO, this monthly art and science magazine is perfect for young children.

A fun and educational present that lasts all year delivered every month to your child through your letterbox with exciting new themes each month.

Linked to Key Stage 1 curriculum and designed to support ‘STEAM’ curriculum subjects – science, technology, engineering, art, and maths

OKIDO magazine engages young children in science and stimulates learning through play with meaningful content created by scientists, artists and educators. The magazine has stories, games experiment and recipes safe for your child and the planet.

Find out more here.

7. Hobbycraft

Calling all aspiring artists artists: get your craft supplies ahead of Christmas.

Discover the high quality brands you love at new low prices. There’s no better time to spruce up your art stash, with half-price special offers across Hobbycraft’s range.

Whether you’re a budding beginner or a professional artist, they’ve got all of the tools and materials you’ll need to create your next masterpiece. From Seawhite sketchbooks to Pebeo paints, brush sets, colouring pencils and more, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up.

As well as enjoying amazing value, you can also learn new techniques in-store with help from Hobbycraft’s expert colleagues. They’ll be offering in-store art demonstrations on brush lettering, fluid art and watercolour, perfect for artists of all levels looking to explore a new medium.

Find out more here.

8. kNOW! boardgames

Games night just got even better. kNOW! is the first board game to be powered by the Google Assistant app so it’s always evolving and up-to-date.  Packed with over 1,500 questions and with new content added regularly too, simply ask the Google Assistant for the most current information to find out who wins that round.

Perfect for festive get-togethers, kNOW! features a variety of mini challenges within the game. The challenges are based on knowledge, intuition, fun and creativity so there is something for everyone.

You can access the Google Assistant via Google Smart Home devices or by downloading the free app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.  Don’t want to play online? There are hundreds of offline questions in the box to enjoy too.

Find out more here.

9. Wonderbly

Gift-shopping for the kids? Grab their attention with a book all about them.

Discover the world’s best-selling personalised books this Christmas, perfect for any child. Every one of Wonderbly’s extraordinarily personalised books have powerful messages for growing kids.

Choose from the sleepy, lyrical Bedtime For You, to the universe-hopping Where Are You?.

There is nothing more magical than a child’s imagination. It is limitless, glorious, and incredibly precious. Wonderbly  create meaningful, magical personalised stories which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things.

From learning about their own identity, to discovering the world around them and developing empathy, curiosity and confidence, their splendid stories help prepare children for every chapter of their life ahead.

Turn a child you love into the hero of their story and inspire their imagination, confidence and love of reading for life.

Find out more here.

10. Sylvanian Families

There are some Christmas presents that leave lasting impressions on us and Sylvanian Families has been bringing joy to millions of children for generations.

So, little and big children alike will be excited to learn that in honour of its 35th anniversary, Sylvanian Families is launching a brand new gift just in time for Christmas.

The Celebration Home is an enchanting pastel-coloured house complete with floral accessories. Inside, collectors and playful little ones will find an elevator to travel between floors, as well as a weathervane and stylish balconies.

The home comes with 47 pieces and, as with all Sylvanian Families toys, you can combine this with other separately sold figures, furniture, and vehicles for more pretend play.

Find out more here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Delight the little ones with 10 top festive presents for kids appeared first on Checklists.

This is according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming and recognised national governing body Swim England.

Learning to swim builds confidence in children, improves development of both fine and gross motor skills as well as their balance. Plus, it is both fun and an excellent way to build fitness. In addition to all of these benefits, it saves lives. According to The Impact of Coronavirus on School Swimming and Water Safety report, drowning remains one of the most common forms of accidental death in the UK.

According to the report, “With pupils not receiving face-to-face learning for a significant part of the 2020-21 academic year school swimming lessons were inevitably massively affected. Additionally, even when schools were ‘open’, public swimming pools across the country were shut, meaning that for schools without their own pool, it was not possible for lessons to take place.”

A staggering 247,000 children missed out on any participation in swimming during the summer term of the 2019/2020 academic year.

It may well be that your little fish has some catching up to do. If they have missed out on very early swim experience, it may be they lack confidence and the best way to address that is to make sure they catch up on lots of swimming experience.

Checklist spoke to Jacqui Tillman, head of sports and Aquatics at Everyone Active, to ask for her top tips when it comes to teaching your little fish to swim.

Have fun in the water

Learning to swim from a young age is important for many reasons; not only does it teach vital life skills but it also develops children in other ways, such as helping them to build confidence and social skills.

It’s important to make sure that however they learn that they always enjoy themselves when doing so.

Make it familiar

For babies, getting in the water is a new and sometimes daunting experience. It is important to make them feel safe and happy so you can build a relationship between you, your baby and the water. This way they will feel comfortable in their new surroundings, increasing their confidence and speeding up their progress.

Try singing songs, blowing bubbles and reassuring them through lots of smiles, splashing and laughter. They will soon be joining in with you.

Fun and games

Young children learn more effectively through play so as they start to move on to the next stage of their swim development make everything into a game to keep their interest. For example, see who can ‘scoop out the most ice cream’ from the water to develop their stroke or use pool toys to engage them.

The more fun they have the more they will enjoy their time in the water and the quicker they’ll start to develop their technique. You’ll also enjoy it more too.

Encourage competition

As children get older and more confident, they may develop a tendency to get bored in the pool but by introducing competition in a fun way you can keep them motivated and active.

Using Dive Sticks to play games is a great way to have fun whilst building confidence, and encouraging competent swimmers to dive under the water, either individually or with others. Ask them to try and beat their previous best time to collect all the Dive Sticks from the bottom of the pool or team up with their friends for a sink and retrieve relay race.

Many people see the ultimate goal of learning to swim as repetitive length swimming, keeping fit or just a survival technique but it can be so much more than this. Being in the pool can be social, stress relieving and most importantly a chance to enjoy yourself!

For many people lane swimming is fun but the water has so much more to offer whether it be playing water polo, diving or synchronised swimming. Teaching your little ones how to have fun from an early age and throughout their swim development will mean they get the most out of being in the water and will reap the rewards later on.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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