Wouldn't You Just Know It!

[Caran]

Forecast tomorrow for lots of rain, we are having 3 youngest grandchildren ages 7-10 for the day. intended to take them to Cattle Country not far from Gloucester, most of the attractions are outside, there are 2 smallish play barns but not enough for the day inside really. i have already prepared the picnic. Have found an alternative, Magic Land near Cirencester, quite large indoor area but, do not bring food in as you will be asked to leave. Its an expensive day out without having to pay for food in their cafes. So all you Abers please invoke the Rain dance in reverse and pray for a dry day.

[sherrardk]

Fingers crossed for you. I have heard that Cattle Country is excellent. Bit stuck around here for indoor stuff to do. Dick Whittington's has a big indoor play area although it was quite run down when we went there last year - although I am v picky (but quite reasonable). Have a nice day, x

[venator]

Don't worry - when have forecasts ever been right?

[Caran]

We go to Dick Whittingtons on a regular basis, it has had a bit of a make over, but it wouldn't be a great treat for them as we live not too far away. Thanks for good wishes Sherr.

[Caran]

venator that is what I am hoping, have sid we will leave it till morning and see what is happening.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

make a tent in the garden of chairs and bin bags and have the picnic in there. Count the birds or something.
You can pretend to be pioneers crossing the plains searching for new lands.
Give them a map and set up a treasure hunt. You don't have to pay to have fun.

[Caran]

Mojo our back garden is just a terrace on the side of a hill, about 12 x 14. so not practical. Daughter has just phoned and suggested Techniquest at Cardiff so will investigate that.

[sherrardk]

Techniquest in Cardiff is quite small, would be hard pushed to spend much time there. Could go bonkers and take them to the swimming place in Swansea (bit of a drive but it is fabulous!). If it is nice, there is a pretend beach at Cardiff bay that looks good, maybe combined with Techniquest depending on the weather?

[sherrardk]

Oh! You could got to @t in Bristol combined with the SS Great Britain?

[Caran]

Just found a fantastic website. DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk hundreds of places to go in a very large radius of Bristol including the Forest of Dean.

[Caran]

the upper and lower case letters are correct. Thanks Sherr like the sound of pretend bech in case in brightens up.

[stewey]

Not to knock what you are intending to do for your grandchildren, Caran; but, when I was their age our relatives didn't take us anywhere. First of all these theme things didn't exist, and second, even if they did exist the money wasn't there to go. We kids would just don our Wellingtons, slip our arms into a Mac, and go forth into the fields, streams, and woods, and with fantastic childish inventiveness create for ourselves an adventurous day. Just being nostalgic. Anyway, whatever you do today with the kids, have a good time.

[waterboatman]

Gloucester Docks has a child friendly museum, all to do with the inland waterways. Close by is the Soldiers of Gloucester museum. Probably not suitable for the very young. @Bristol has been mentioned, Berkeley Castle and butterfly farm, Edward Jenner,s house has all sorts of things for youngsters to do. Stroud Museum in the Park is also child friendly with a sort of treasure hunt for the young ones to follow. Always a favourite with youngsters of that age. I van recommend the Jenner museum and Berkeley Castle. They are close to each other. I hope that helps.