![[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)
Modern day technology is great – children get to watch TV on demand and can access a huge range of programmes and games on their tablets. There’s no need to wait for a set time of day to watch a particular programme and adverts are now few and far between as there’s the ability to whizz pass these too. It means children can easily be in front of the screen for too long and I am certainly guilty of putting the TV on to keep my boys entertained or let them play games on their tablets. I then forget how long they’ve been sat in front of the screen for. So it’s no surprise that this could be a contributing factor to childhood obesity.
A Health Survey for England (HSE) shows that in 2014, 31.2% of children aged 2-15 were classed as either overweight or obese which rather high. It’s becoming more and more apparent that we need to be encouraging our children to be more active and have a healthier lifestyle to minimise the risk of future health problems.
Research commissioned by playground equipment provider ESP Play found that “68% of a child’s PE lesson is spent stationery” which is really surprising. Luckily further research shows there is a 19% increase in physical activity when ESP’s methods and playground environments are utilised. These include multi-skills concepts that have been specifically designed to improve activity levels in the playground. It’s reassuring to know that certainly some of these concepts have been implemented at the school my boys currently attend.
Their playground is full of playground markings which include hopscotch and snakes and ladders.
Specialist playground surfacing has been used to create these markings for children to play with. These tarmac surfaces, as you would imagine, are very durable and even suitable to play on in all weather conditions. They also have a good sized field, a football court and an adventure playground.
Thankfully, we’ve not had to worry much about the boy’s weight as they are both in the “healthy” range but we do still want them to make healthy choices and have an active lifestyle. I think it’s something they should be made aware of so that it becomes second nature and not a chore.
Naturally, they will learn from us as parents too of course, so it’s important that we eat well and are active too. We both definitely need to improve in the “active” part ourselves but we do very much encourage the boys to be active wherever possible.
Here are just some of the things we do to encourage them to be active.
Walk/Scoot to school
The trip to and from school is a great way of fitting in some physical activity in and the boys enjoy going in on their scooters. It makes for a much less stressful journey than attempting to drive too as we end up leaving at the same time regardless anyway!
In the garden
I barely see the boys in Spring/Summer time because they spend most of their time outdoors. They love bouncing on their trampoline as well as competing in imaginary bike races and competitions. When the weather allows we even get the paddling pool out and put together a makeshift water slide!
Local playground
There are some great parks near us, all within a 10-15 minute walk. Our closest one has a big area for kids to run around in as well as a basketball court, tennis court and a play area with swings, slides and climbing equipment. There has also been a recent addition of outdoor gym equipment too.
Bike riding
We’ve been doing a lot of this over the Summer and are lucky enough to have a place close to us that is perfect for children learning to ride their bikes. It has a BMX track, skate park and a multi-court play area. We’ve spent a good few hours here – the boys happily go off on their bikes and I get to sit back and watch them zoom past me!
Classes
It’s not possible to be active outdoors all the time and although we don’t do many classes we do feel that learning to swim is an important thing to learn at a young age. E has been having swimming lessons since he was three and it has improved his confidence in water no end. We also went to The Little Gym which is fantastic for building strength in their core and for improving their coordination.
There’s nothing groundbreaking on our list but I really like the fact that some of these are incorporated into our normal day-to-day lives.
What do you do to encourage your children to be active?
*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=j9JFLMqzaAsAb4_YMXj&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfD1p1mddtlqhWEeC2m3fuSW7r27ZUeQ_QQLiFIoOhiKBw&oe=662EBF76)
![[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=4AwXjHRFbv4Ab7C-xsh&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAD_SlHb5nYq840RMIaud8pNEGxIhN-xZFBe_PHrk_Jxw&oe=662EA5EE)
![[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=vYiRWfxr4ZwAb6TX5Yq&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfC_R9Rxxw9Ywc5XFaTCUqRxiG3OhGdUaIEXpSqAcB-v3g&oe=662EC574)
Keeping children active is so important. I love the look of The Little Gym!
#picknmix
I definitelly agree with you, we have to encourage our kids to be active. Me and my family try to be as much outdoors as possible, with biking, roller blading, jogging, hiking. It has a big impact on our family’s wellbeing..
#picknmix
Our local park is just a five minute walk so we visit there often. The children often play out on their scooters too. We also don’t have a car so our daily lives involve a lot of walking! #PicknMix
I can’t believe so much of a PE class is spent stationary – doesn’t that defeat the purpose?! We live right next to a fab park so I hope Piglet and I will spend many an afternoon wandering around and playing in there as he grows 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
This is probably the ONLY thing that I dont fret over regarding my kids- they never ever stop moving….not a single one.
#KCACOLS
Luckily for us living in Wales there are lots and lots of outdoor spaces to enjoy. In the summer my daughter spent so much time in the garden on her trampoline too because we just moved house and the new garden is so much better to play in. She also likes to do a lot of dancing too, in the house, in the garden, wherever we are. Oh and Hoola hooping too! #KCACOLS
Wow I’m shocked most of a PE lesson is stationery! Like you say it’s so easy to sit them infront of a tv or with a tablet. These
Day to day activities you do just goes to show how easy it is to incorporate exercise in everyday life. #KCACOLS
I was honestly shocked last year to find out just how many children at Eva’s school are classed as overweight. The school runs a course to help children & their parent’s who are classed as overweight which at first I though was a bit OTT but tbh I do now think it is a great idea, I hadn’t realised just how uninformed some parents are. I have been lucky tbh as both my girls seem to always be eating but they never stops moving either! Eva absolutely loves her 1mile run with the school each morning, I wonder how many schools are doing the same!? X #KCACOLS
I have never had to worry about my kids being active. Even now that they are older, they both still like to get outside and get moving.
#KCACOLS
It’s great to keep your children active, I love the idea of gymnastics classes. My sons only a baby but I can tell already he won’t be a dormant child, he’s always moving! #KCACOLS
This is AWESOME! Childhood obesity is also a major issue here in the US, and keeping my son active is something that is always on my mind. I love the idea of walking/scooting to school! Great way to wake up before classes, and get some energy burned. I also want to enroll my son in some classes when he gets a bit bigger. Thanks so much for the reminder <3 #KCACOLS
I remember when I was a kid I was spending all days outside with friends. TV could not exist but nowadays when I see all this kids with phones, tablets, computers eh it’s make me sad I hope my son will no how to spend time without this kind of ‘toys’
#KCACOLS
It’s so easy to get stuck in doors with the electronic bits. Sometimes, it’s ok but we have to work on getting the kids out, they always end up enjoying it. #kcacols
Completely agree on the importance of keeping our kids active. Like you I don’t need to worry as they are naturally active and enjoy physical activities. A great list of easy ideas. Thanks for linking to #PickNMix
Eilidh x
Fantastic post! Luckily, our little guy gets plenty of exercise, but its always something I’m conscious of every day. Thanks for sharing #KCACOLS
Seeing kids overweight literally breaks my heart. I have a 6 and 4-year-old boys and it is so incredibly easy to keep them active. I was an overweight kid and I am determined to not have overweight kids myself as it is something I STILL struggle with. #KCACOLS