By Kate Hodges
04th July 2019
EVENT Reuse, Recycle, Revitalise
Plastic Free July is under way! Originating in Australia, this waste-reducing challenge has now been taken up by families across the globe. They’re choosing to refuse single-use plastics in order to cut pollution and conserve resources. Sign up to take on the challenge and you’ll get weekly emails with tips and tricks, stories from other participants and inspiration for greener living to take beyond these 31 days. Read inspiring stories here. To help you on your way, use this online zero waste shop finder to track down refill stores and more near you. Green Parent writer, Kathryn Hould took on the challenge last year, find how she fared, and her hints and tips here.
EVENT High Tides
Celebrate the opening of London’s first linear park – The Tide – at this weekend’s free music, arts and wellness festival. The free-access park was designed by the team behind New York’s Highline, and features public art installations, landscaped trails and riverside views. This weekend and next, take in music from Gaz Coombes, Malatu Astatke and Eleanor Friedberger, art from Yoko Ono, Scanner and Damien Hirst plus drag queens,yoga, morning raves, talks art tours and food stalls. Find out more here
DO Field Trip
A simple wander through a summer meadow, insects buzzing, butterflies flitting, grass underfoot is a pleasure every child should indulge in. Use this Saturday’s National Meadows Day as a nudge to get you over the fence and into the long grass. Events countrywide include barefoot walks, wildlife hunts, and art workshops. Find one near you here. Or why not spend the weekend planting your own mini meadow.
EVENT Chock-A-Block
How will you celebrate World Chocolate Day? By whipping up a spectacular, rich cake? Or perhaps by trying something different – we fancy making this super-easy, no-churn, five-ingredient vegan chocolate ice-cream this year – perfect for hot sunny weekends. Maybe you could make some decadent treats for friends and neighbours as a special surprise – who wouldn’t be delighted with an unexpected box of goodies? The celebration takes place on the same date as International Cooperatives Day – why not combine the two and learn more about Fair-trade chocolate?
EVENT Nude Musical Express
Coventry’s dead cheap (£2 per person, per day), three-day Godiva Festival attracts great bands – this year’s headliners are Levellers, Feeder and Busted – that parents and children alike will enjoy. It’s a great entry point for older kids to the joys of festival going – big enough to be exciting, but manageable and safe-feeling. There’s plenty on offer for younger children too – not does it have a family field, but how many other festivals can boast that they have their own petting farm? We also love the Experi-Tent where families can have fun with science, and the Greenspace area with demonstrations of traditional crafts. Book in advance to avoid the queues.
