Summer Holiday Madness.

Well, we are just over three weeks into the school holidays and with the excitement of the Olympics all over, I am starting to wonder if I am the only Mum starting to, dare I say it, count down the days to when the schools go back in September... Judging by the other Mothers I came across in town today I'm thinking that I am probably not!  Don't get me wrong, the last 3 weeks have been a lot of fun.  We have all really got into the Olympics, been to the beach several times (Frinton, Walton & Mersea) had play dates in the park, picnics, bike rides, lots (and lots!) of dog walks as well as attending workshops at Firstsite and trips to the local museums.  But it is at this half way mark that I find the ideas of things to do with the children that aren't going to break the bank start to run out.  So here are a few ideas of low-cost activities happening around Colchester this week.

The Natural History Museum has lots of exciting stuff happening this week as part of their Go Live Week.
14th August - Fur & Feathers - Meet some amazing furry and feathery animals, including meerkats, a sugar glider, hedgehog, chinchilla, cockatoo, macaw and giant rabbit. Drop in 12-4pm £2 per person.
15th August - Owl Show - See these amazing birds, hear how they live and watch them fly around the museum. Shows at 12pm, 1.15pm and 2.30pm.  £2 per person, booking not required.
16th August - You don't see this every day? - A show where you can come face to face with animals you would seldom get to see close up - like a wallaby, a large fruit bat, and maybe even the chance to touch a crocodile. Shows at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. £2 per person, booking not required.
17th August - Reptiles & Mini Beasts - From snakes to creepy crawlies.  You may even see very large python, a bearded dragon, a tarantula and even a blue tongue lizard. Drop in 12-4pm £2 per person.

Firstsite
This weeks Summer Space activity which runs every day at 11am - 1pm and 2pm-4pm  is "Futuristic Chatting Machines" where you can explore new ways to communicate, creating your own Futuristic Chatting Machines

Colchester Castle has an Art & Craft Event to celebrate the Chinese year of the dragon where you  work with a Chinese artist to create a beautiful, coloured dragon lantern for your home. Sessions are at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and the cost is £2 after normal Castle Admission price.

And if your children haven't already signed up, there is the Summer Reading Challenge at Essex Libraries where children can collect stickers, a certificate and a medal when they have read 6 books.

So there are lots of cheap events happening this week to keep your little ones occupied.  Plus Sunday sees the Extreme Stunt Show coming to the Avenue of Remembrance Circus Site and I am really excited to have some Family Tickets to give away.  So, if you haven't already entered the draw, do so now on our Competition page and you might be one of the lucky ones having a FREE day out!