By Kate Hodges
08th September 2021
DO GARDEN CAMPOUT
We’re trying to cram as much summer fun into this last burst of warm sunshine. It might be too late for a full-on summer holiday, but why not plan a mini camping trip; even pitching up in your back garden is a great way to connect with your family and enjoy some outdoor time together. Find our top tips here, hacks for first-time camping with kids here and ideas for camp cooking here You may make a fire and spin tales; learn some ideas for creative storytelling here.
DO UNLOCK DOORS
The annual Heritage Open Days festival opens up hidden places, history-soaked houses, and culturally rich spots for everyone to explore for free. There are over 5000 events taking place from September 10–19, including plays, talks, open houses and trails (find a map of them all here). There’s a family-friendly selection here that include storytelling under the stars in Milton Keynes, a free vintage locomotive ride in North Shields, and Ghastly Gargoyle making in Norwich or a cosy, cottage-core traditional pick here
RECIPE CORN TO BE WILD
Eating new season corn-on-the-cob is one of early autumn’s joys (and our guinea pigs just love the husks!) We love them Mexican street food style, spiked with lime, cheese and chilli, but there are more simple topping ideas here. Alternatively, look to Japan for inspiration, and serve corn pops with a sweet, sticky dipping sauce. Or go cosy – veggie corn chowder makes perfect autumn comfort food and is easy and quick to make.
EVENT TIME AND TIDE
Snaking through London bringing trade, travel and people, the Thames is one of the most important waterways in the UK. For the whole of September, the waterway is celebrated; the Totally Thames festival sees the river come alive with performance, incredible art installations, sound walks, projections and lights. This year go mudlarking, take walking tours that explore the history of the river, enjoy dance performances on the Thames and watery sonic journeys or listen to a composition that lasts a thousand years! We’re especially looking forward to this weekend’s jazz-tinged Turning Tides festival in Greenwich. Find the full line-up here. Free/ticketed.
EVENT ROALD UP
Magical storyteller Roald Dahl is beloved of children across the globe, and every September 13, his birthday is celebrated with a day of events, parties, book readings and online broadcasts. Download a pack for older kids and find craft activities, puzzles and educational resources, or toddler-focussed resources here Alternatively, throw your own party, dress up as your favourite character, or make some marvellous medicine. Find out more here
WHAT WE’RE READING
‘There is so much bad behaviour everywhere’: how to raise a good child in a terrible world In the vast realm of parenting advice, there was plenty on diet, sleep and how to turn your child into a superhuman genius, but not a great deal on how to create a kind, compassionate person. Read it here
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer follows Chris Packham and his sparky stepdaughter Meg as they travel across the country. The nature and the scenery are stunning; puffins in Pembrokeshire, dolphins and red kites, but it’s the touching relationship between Chris and Meg that is at the heart of the show. Watch here
