![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/28f4385e-417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/5e860bed-353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/0977c2ca-341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/aa004e9d-337327232_3347621672145747_6958750057427557935_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/d63fb514-333324764_3585822551653806_1461730182166520034_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/a8f9bd79-334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n-320x320.jpg)
![📚 Are you ready for World Book Day? 📚
[AD - Gifted] I don't know about you, but I have never made the boys a costume for #WorldBookDay. I just don't have it in me to be creative that way. Their costumes have always been bought or cobbled together with what we already have, and luckily, the school allow you to wear pyjamas to school, which makes things a lot easier!
M has been living in his @TheRealTomGates pyjamas recently, and I think he might wear these when his World Book Day dress-up day comes around (the school celebrate with Book Week rather than just Book Day)
The boys have been fans of Tom Gates for a while now. M has always loved reading books that make him laugh and contain humour - they tend to keep him engaged in reading.
Did you know that there are now 20 Tom Gates storybooks to get stuck into? Ideal for kids aged 6-12, the series consists of feel-good, hilarious books full of photos and stories about Tom's life at home and school. Best of all, you can read them in any order.
The latest book is Tom Gates: Happy to Help (Eventually), and along with the pyjamas, you can pick them up from @GeorgeAtAsda just in time for World Book Day!
There's also a range of Tom Gates items, including games, puzzles and greeting cards at major retailers.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/8ddc1d60-333834012_233243062459121_4168822235387052550_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
We went to check out the newly opened @laserquestkingston last week.
Laser Quest, VR Experiences and Arcades all under one roof means only one thing - bundles of fun and games for the kids at really affordable prices.
Laser Quest games start from just £7.95 but you can also buy a Laserquest and VR Experience combo pass.
You need to purchase tokens for the arcades (they’re all 1 token to play). Arcade tokens are 6 for £5 or 12 for £10
Feeling super lucky that this is practically on our doorstep and we will definitely be back again because Mr H came second in our Laser Quest game and refuses to be beaten by E!
Do you have a Laserquest near you?
#Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #LaserTag #ActivitiesForKids #ThingsToDoWithKids #FamilyFun #IndoorActivities #Kingston #DaysOutWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyFamilyDaysout #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #Familyof4 #Familydayout #Familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2022/11/28c60989-316091191_1767700090262610_8985686719346908962_n-180x320.jpg)
When you have kids, Christmas is a big deal. When they are babies you are excited about them celebrating their 1st Christmas and as they grow older you begin to talk about being on the “good” list. Letters are written and re-written as they forever change their minds about what they would like from Father Christmas.
I’ve decided to compile a list of the things we have bought the boys for Christmas so far. Maybe they might give you some inspiration?
1st Christmas
E’s was 7 months old when he had his first Christmas, he didn’t really have a clue what was going and was more interested in the wrapping paper than the actual presents. He was at that stage when everything he picked up went straight into his mouth. He loved making lots of noise and had an obsession with banging. We bought him a musical spinning drum, a tambourine, a toy phone as well as clothes.
M was a little older at 10 months and he was much more active. I went a bit retro with his presents and went back to traditional wooden toys. We also bought him a baby walker which he loved going full speed around the house in.
If you have a little one to buy for this year check out Online4Baby. They have a really good selection of toys and accessories.
Most played with toys
Mr H and I spent the first few Christmases frantically building toys on Christmas Eve. Not sure why but it took us a while to realise that it was not a good idea to do that! Having said that though they have been the most played with toys so I guess it was worth it!
Train Table
We spent Christmas Eve building this beauty when E was 2 and a half. It wasn’t stressful at all having to put the table together and set up the track and the trains! (yeh right!) We bought it from The Early Learning Centre and managed to get a really good deal. We’ve since had to get rid of the table as it was taking up far too much space in our living room but kept the track and trains – we have copious amounts of those that are played with every single day!
Play Kitchen
Children all go through a phase where they love pretend play and when E was 3 and a half he would spend hours “pretend cooking” for us so it seemed apt to buy him a play kitchen. We invested in this Country style one from John Lewis (cue more building and putting together on Christmas Eve) which both boys love playing with. If only it still looked as neat and tidy as the photo below!
Cleaning Trolley
This was another one of those toys that have been played with time and time again. My sister bought this one Christmas and it was the most played with toy out of all the Christmas presents E received that year.
What are your children’s most played with toys that they received at Christmas?
*Collaborative post
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=xs8ts7wqOFUQ7kNvgHI8NXC&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfDvBgH_Yk6oJMdq3fA90Jho0rdyKjMfnv_iMroFm48krA&oe=663010F6)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334067699_956216515750432_286974433888814683_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=4AwXjHRFbv4Q7kNvgHC-xsh&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfBh2OG4i6l6kO9YnZu7pQih_VFb0R80oCMWGN2v3TKBbw&oe=662FF76E)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334520323_227914339632366_7177231793717696790_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=Z5h5MqBOPZgQ7kNvgFr8lKV&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfC8Lhtw1b_Db8iNgNmmQl6z9gAwJVqzOZCARyZx4tyeMA&oe=663016F4)
Some great ideas here, we have the Tidlo play kitchen, it’s one of the best things I ever bought. X
Oh I love the kitchen! Our most played toy is probably the kitchen too and dressing up clothes. The kind that shed glitter everywhere! #KCACOLS
Some great ideas! I’m just compiling Chase’s Christmas “Wish list” at 18 months. And a kitchen is definitely on it! #KCACOLS
Yep the play kitchen has been a massive hit with all our 3 too! #KCACOLS
The most played with Christmas toy in our house so far is a red plastic house for mice that cost just £15 and isn’t branded – typical! #KCACOLS
Do you know what – I’d have to agree with you here! My kids played with these toys the most too – its bizarre how much enjoyment they get out of sweeping up for you eh! (enjoy while it lasts, somehow the dishwasher rota doesn’t go down quite as well when they’re older!) #kcacols
That kitchen is gorgeous! We have a kitchen, a till and some lovely wooden play food that you can chop up that get used a lot, I think the pretend play toys seem to be the ones that last the longest. x #KCACOLS
My two both loved the kitchen when they were younger, I think it is a staple of childhood lol.
#KCACOLS
You’re right – I think they all go through that stage of pretend play don’t they? If only it would translate into later life so I didn’t have to do the cooking – now that would be good! 😉
Some of our favourites have been Hungry Hippos and Dino Bite! 🙂 #KCACOLS
My daughter spends all her time playing with her dolls and my son loves anything to do with Star Wars and can spend hours with it! Love the idea of the cleaning trolley! #KCACOLS
Here it’s definitely anything to do with trains. My youngest lives for trains hehe.
My daughter loves Lego and so does my oldest. 🙂
#KCACOLS
Mine also live for trains although my eldest has gotten into Minecraft recently so I have a feeling we will be buying him Lego Minecraft for Christmas this year!
we had a cleaning trolley for b’s second xmas and he LOVES it even now. everyone thought we’d gone mad when we said he wanted a cleaning trolley and a cup and saucer set! he loves playing pretend clean up and cooking! Love the train table. i want to try and make one from an old coffee table…will see! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS Maria. Hope you come back again next Sunday!
That toy kitchen is beautiful! x #KCACOLS
That train table is awesome! Marianna was just turning one last year and didn’t really understand what was going on – she was most interested in the wrapping paper! I think she’ll be more into it this year though. 🙂 #KCACOLS
They look so adorable with all the toys! x #KCACOLS
A great idea to share what your children have actually enjoyed playing with rather than the usual Christmas gift guides. It’s my daughter’s first Christmas this year and I definitely want her to have some trains! Maybe it’s a bit early for that, though? #KCACOLS
Thank you! I don’t think it’s ever too early to trains! They are nice and chunky for her to hold in her hand and great for developing motor skills – I would say go for it! 🙂
The girls got a bunkbed last year and a lot of new furniture so not many toys but Izzy still LOVES her Frozen snowglobe wand! x #KCACOLS
Evie’s most played with Christmas present has to be Baby Annabelle! Max’s would have to be his play kitchen x #KCACOLS
The train table!!!! Ours has become a catch all for every little piece of crap in the house! Most of the time it is covered in Shopkins and My Little Ponies.
#KCACOLS
Great toys and post, the whole idea of getting new toys for my boys is going to start to be on my mind now as we are getting nearer to christmas!
Mainy
#KCACOLS
I did a craft box for my niece last year, which was made up of 50% random things I’d collected (empty kitchen rolls, crepe paper, offcuts of paper, animal pictures clipped from magazines…) and she’s gotten so much use out of it, especially considering the cost 🙂 #KCACOLS
That play kitchen is gorgeous! My sister has got my son a kitchen for his upcoming birthday and my partner thinks he won’t play with it because he’s a rough little boy. I think he will and it’s a great toy, I’m so pleased to see other boys who love a kitchen too!
#KCACOLS
(http://accidentalhipstermum.com)
Thank you for the helpful website! My little one will be 11 months on Christmas and I am so stuck as to what to get him!! #KCACOLS
Out train table and trainset were really well played with, and the table was also used for lots of craft activities and other games too. Probably the best purchase I ever made (apart from Kindles and an Xbox now they are older of course!). I do love your play kitchen though – we never had one of those. #KCACOLS
That kitchen is gorgeous, I brought my son one and kept it in the kitchen so he had a kettle that was similar to mine and would love pretending to cook tea. I at 29 would love to get given those wooden trains. I have just brought him a ninja turtles playset off Argos on sale this year…We try and just buy one bigger present then some books and sweets as they get given so much! Such lovely memories you have shared #KCACOLS
Thanks for this! We’ll have a 7 month old and I’m struggling with what to get him as wrappign paper will be flavour of the month here too! #kcacols
Hi Maria, i completely agree with you. Boys always like Christmas presents mostly. They always love these toys and play with them. Thanks for sharing.