Spooky fun: Howl'o'ween at CWOA

With half term looming next week 

and Halloween just around the corner, 

one of the best spots in the capital 

to spend a family day out and get in a Halloween mood 

is undeniably the Howl'o'ween at Chessington World of Adventures.

Last year I wrote about all the fun 

we had at Chessington's Howl'o'ween attractions.  

The attraction park has this year surpassed itself 

with the addition of spooky attractions that cater 

for families with children of all ages. 

On a wet, dark evening we got the opportunity 

the preview the 2017 Howl'o'ween additions 

and to spend a spookily fab time.

The Attractions

The newest one, called Creepy Caves Unearthed, 

is the scariest attraction at Chessington. 

Recommended for persons aged 10+, 

this is a bloodstopping experience in an eerie fun way, of course. 

It takes place in the reptile and creepy crawlies section of the zoo, 

so do I need to say more?

The Trick or Treat Wood is back, 

an enchanted place full of fairies, fawns and magic tricks, 

that delights my kids every time. 

The creatures wear amazing costumes 

and the wood is decorated in every detail.

This attraction is for children of all ages. 

Last but not least, another new addition is 

the Room on the Broom Spooky Story Time; 

my kids are huge fans of the witch's adventures 

and the storytelling captivated them 

despite knowing the story almost by heart. 

During half term the attraction park will be open till 8pm 

for lots of after dark spooky fun. 

Oh, and don't forget to dress up for extra treats!

In a nutshell: one of the best ways to spend 

Halloween in London for families.

Howl'o'ween at Chessington, until 31 October 2017, open daily from 10am to 8pm

Tickets from £26

*All photos courtesy of CWOA

Disclosure: We were invited as Blogger Ambassadors 

to preview the Howl'o'ween attractions and were not paid to do this review.

All words and opinions our own.

Making a Difference: Chelsea Children's Hospital Charity

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital holds a special place in our hearts.  

It was there that our second-born came to the world; 

we have lots of happy memories and are eternally grateful 
to the doctors and staff for their care. 

Despite having my baby there, I had absolutely no idea
that based within Chelsea & Westminster Hospital 

is the Chelsea Children's Hospital, 

one of three specialist children's hospitals in London 

and one of the biggest providers of children's medicine in the capital. 

Three decades ago, a team of doctors founded 

the Chelsea Children's Hospital Charity

in order to raise money for much needed equipment 
and services which would otherwise not be available. 

The charity's work is of immense importance 
for poorly children and their families: 

thanks to its efforts they managed to acquire
the first children's surgical robot in the UK named Pluto,  

infrared vein finders and much needed foldable overnight beds 
for the children's parents.

On a human level, the charity offers glimpses of hope 
to the families and children themselves, 
as we were told by a parent who had their child there. 
The charity organises Christmas parties, 
hands out emergency toiletry packs for parents 

to get them through the first night 
and offers support and a smile when things are tough.

How Can I Help?
The Chelsea Children's Hospital Charity
has teamed up with Merci Maman,
who donate 10p from every sale and provide gifts for the mums on the ward,
with Thomas's School and Fulham Cricket Club
as well as with the local community
which help them to raise money.

You can help this amazing charity
either by volunteering,
fundraising or simply donating.

A little always goes a long way.

Chelsea Children's Hospital Charity is based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH

Thank you to the Charity and Merci Maman 
for inviting me to the brunch 
and for the ward tour.

Treetop Fun: Go Ape at Chessington

I was reading recently a study on the importance 

of outdoor play for children: 

the close contact with nature 

encourages children's perception of the world, 

it enhances the mastering of important physical skills 

and makes them appreciate and respect the environment.

With that in mind, this summer has been all about planning 

entertaining outdoorsy activities with them, 

and, undoubtedly, one of the most fun we've had 

is the Go Ape Tree Top Junior Adventure at Chessington.

Set in the woodland next to Chessington World of Adventures, 

Go Ape's Tree Top Junior course 

is especially designed for younger children over 1metre tall; 

since there is no age minimum an adult on a 1:1 ratio
is required to be on the course for children under 6 years-old, 

which meant you can join on the treetop fun too! 

The 5year-old and I arrived just on time for our allocated slot 

{the booking is for a one hour time slot} 

and were quickly set up with the harnesses 

{remember to dress the children and yourself appropriately, 

with suitable clothes and closed flat shoes}. 

We were told the safety rules, given a quick demonstration 

and off we went; so, here is where I confess that, 

while the Kid was confidently climbing the stairs to the treetops, 

I started wishing I had sent Mr K instead. 

The course is made of tricky and easier parts, 

strategically combined to build up self confidence and the fun. 

It is quite high at six metres above ground, 

but the harness gives a good sense of safety.

Be prepared to do very wobbly plank crossings, 

to climb on wall frames and crawl through nets 

before a fantastic descent on the zip wire. 

I was truly amazed at how much fun and enjoyment 

all the kids were having at Go Ape, 

and their sense of achievement every time they finished one crossing.

We will definitely be doing that again 

{Mr K. that is, because I will be watching them from below}!

In a Nutshell: a fun, adventurous way for families 

to spend time outdoors and build up confidence and self esteem.

Tree Top Junior at Go Ape Chessington (just next to the theme park), for children of all ages above 1m tall

Tickets are £18 for children and over 18s.

Disclosure: We were invited to review the Tree Top Junior Adventure.

All views and wording my own.

Sun Safety for Kids: Five Useful Tips

Did you know that when our skin tans 

it is actually being damaged? 

The body's natural response to UV radiation 

is to produce more melanin, 

which causes the skin to change colour. 

So, in this glorious summer 

we are having here in the UK, 

it is vital to know how to protect our skin 

and especially children's skin from the dangerous 

consequences sun exposure can have. 

Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun 

have created this easy guide with tips 

for families to enjoy the sun safely.

Take C.A.R.E

C- Cover Up: wear a T-shirt, hat, sunglasses

A - Aim for the shade between 11am to 3pm

R - Rub on sunscreen of at least 15SPF

E - Enjoy the sun safely

What is the Best Time to be Outside? 

UV rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm 

when the sun is at the highest point in the sky. 

Try to find shade around that time 

or plan your outdoor adventures 

early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 

Teaching Kids the Shadow Rule 

A good way of teaching children to understand 

when the sun is strongest is to show them the shadow rule: 

when their shadow is short, 

that's when they are most likely to burn. 

Choosing the Right Gear 

Make sure children are covered up when the sun is strong. 

Long sleeve tops, shady hats and sunglasses 

are essential for enjoying the sun safely. 

Choose garments and accessories

 made from natural fibres, like cotton and linen.

Picking the Right Sunscreen 

We always use a SPF50 on ourselves and the children. 

The recommendation is to use a sunscreen 

with at least SPF15 and 4 or 5 stars on parts of the body you can't cover.

Use a generous amount and reapply frequently. 

For wriggly children, the new roll on sunscreen 

is a life saviour and even makes sunscreen applying fun.

Being the Good Example

Show your children how to apply sunscreen 

and teach by example, 

by protecting yourself with shade, clothes and sunscreen first.

I always do a funny face with sunscreen on my face, 

which makes the children want it too.

Nivea Roll On sunscreen, £4 | Available in Boots and Pharmacies

Flamingo Hat £5, Yellow Swimsuit £5 & Cover Up £7, all from Nutmeg | Available in Morrisons

Thank you to Cancer Research UK & Nivea for the sun protection guide and creams.

Thank you to Nutmeg for the summer essentials.

All views and wording my own.

The Gruffalo at the Chessington World of Adventures

It's no secret that we love Chessington World of Adventures.
It is our go-to place for family fun, laughs and lots of adventure
and we are lucky to be a short ride away from it.

But we are even luckier to have been asked
by CWOA to become blogger ambassadors,
meaning we will be testing all new rides
and going on amazing adventures
before reporting back to you.

So, when we heard that a new ride 

featuring the boys' favourite baddie

opened at Chessington World of Adventure, 

we packed our bags and got ready for an adventure.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 

is one of the kids' all time favourite books;  

I cannot tell you how excited they were 

when they found out that they were going to join Mouse 

on an adventurous river ride to meet the Gruffalo.

The Gruffalo ride is for families with children of all ages

{babies in arms are welcome too} 

and feature all the ingredients for a fantastic adventure. 

Firstly, explorers have to board a little boat 

and sail down a river in the middle of a dark wood; 

secondly, there are amazing visual and sound effects 

that make this journey truly magical and immersive;

thirdly, there are surprises at every turn 

that add to the fun and the excitement. 

Needless to say, the children were over the moon 

and asked "When are we doing it again?" 

as soon as it ended. 

For more Gruffalo fun, there are screenings of the movie, 

Gruffallo themed rooms at the Chessington Safari hotel, 

a Gruffalo gift shop and food outlet

and a Meet and Greet with the Gruffalo himself!

In a nutshell: the Gruffalo river ride is a must-do 

for all Gruffalo fans, small and big!

The Gruffalo river ride is included in the CWOA entry ticket (from £28 | under 3s go free)

This Saturday 17 June CWOA will remain open from 6.30pm to 9.30pm for Roar and Explore, an exclusive fund raising event which supports the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF) and which has raised £400,000 to date, to protect the future of nature and wildlife through conservation work and education within the local community and worldwide.

Disclosure: We were invited as Blogger Ambassadors 

to review the Gruffalo ride and were not paid to do this review.

All words and opinions our own.