Families Glasgow Issue 56 March April 2016

www.somersetnursery.com 6 Fitzroy Place Glasgow G3 7RH

Places available from Birth-5 years

Music and Dance for Boys and Girls aged 6 months - 5 yearswww.ballet4babies.co.uk

Miss [email protected]

0775 911 9965

GlasgowIssue 56

March/April 2016

March/April 2016 Families Glasgow2

Did you knowFrom 4-17 April 2 under 16s travel free with each full paying adult on the Glasgow Subway. www.spt.co.uk/kidsgofree

Inspiring Tuition Free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Oscars Childcare Easter Camp PlacesOSCARS are delighted to offer 2 x weekly tickets for their summer holiday programme based at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, senior school campus. These can either be for 1 child for 2 weeks or 2 children for 1 week, and the prize includes all activities.

To enter children should simply email a photo or scan of a picture drawn by them of their favourite activity they participate in during the summer time. It could be a picture of them playing football or dancing for example with a sentence saying why they would like to attend OSCARS.

Please send all entries to [email protected] subject line: OSCARS Closing date: 19 April. Good luck from OSCARS www.oscarschildcare.com

News & Views

In this issue...

2-5 News & Views

6-9 Easter Camps and Activities

11-10 Mini Cruise Break

12-15 What’s On Highlights

Get in touch Editor: Anna [email protected], 07796 946661Keep up to date at www.familiesglasgow.co.uk or find us on facebook

Next issue: Special features include Children’s Parties, Get Set for Summer, Family Breaks.

Booking deadline: 15 April Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more.

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers cannot be held responsible for the claims made by advertisers.

Designed by [email protected]. Printed By Warners (Midlands) plc.

Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine March 2016.Families Glasgow is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

56th Annual GUVMA Rodeo 2016Every year, the Glasgow University Veterinary Medical Association (GUVMA) organises the Annual GUVMA Rodeo, an animal charity fundraising event.

This year, Students for Animals In Need, Trusty Paws, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Horse Rescue Scotland, will be the main beneficiaries of our event.

Riding for the Disabled will also be benefiting from the rodeo through our annual raffle ticket sale.

There are plenty of activities for the whole day from hand-made crafts, food, beverage and face-painting stalls to animal charities, games and animal interaction booths! There will also be animal-related showcases lined up for the whole day from falconry to guide dog demonstrations.

The rodeo will be held on the 16th of April 2016, Saturday from 11am to 5pm at the Garscube Estate.

Find out more about the rodeo by following us on Facebook - 56th Annual Rodeo 2016.

Win

Families Glasgow March/April 2016 3

News & Views

Sport Relief Games, Glasgow (Sunday March 20th 2016)Glasgow has been selected as one of six cities across the UK to host a Flagship Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.

The Glasgow Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games will take place on Sunday 20th March 2016 in Glasgow Green and the surrounding area. Participants will be encouraged to walk, run, swim or cycle themselves proud by entering one of the many events on offer. The money raised by those taking part will help disadvantaged people living incredibly tough lives, both here in the UK and across the world’s poorest communities.

The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile winds its way around the picturesque Green and the Cycle route skirts the River Clyde towards the East End and back towards the city centre. The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon action takes place a few minutes away from Glasgow Green in the Glasgow Club Gorbals.

Or, a good way to get the whole family involved is to join the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Cycle. It’s a 3-mile ride that’s the perfect chance for all budding bikers to saddle up with family and friends and wheel in the sponsorship cash – stabilisers and tandem bikes are more than welcome!

There will also be entertainment for the whole family throughout, so it really will be an unmissable day.

Sign up at www.sportrelief.com/glasgow and bring the whole family along to Glasgow Green on Sunday 20th March – events start from 9:30am.

Please call Karen on

0141 945 2030www.stepbystepnursery.co.uk

Step by Step

Places available for children from 6 weeks to school age.

Part and full time places

Private Nursery

Let your kids follow the clues, solve the puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.

Each Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt is different – the perfect excuse to try your hand at more than one!

Bunny’s been up to his old tricks again! He’s left clues at lots of National Trust for Scotland places

across the country. Join us from Good Friday to Easter Monday for lots of family fun.

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

You’ll f ind everything you need to know at

www.nts.org.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts

Pollok House Holmwood Ben Lomond


News & Views

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

www.bkrailway.co.uk

Travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Open Easter - October

Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ

*one child free with each full paying adult with this ad not valid with any other offer.Valid any day until end April 2016 ref famglas

Kids gofree!*

Registered charity SC002375

Childminders are Making it Work in Glasgow An innovative service in Glasgow is working to address both employment and childcare issues faced by lone-parent families in the area. The ‘Making it Work’ service, run by Scottish Childminding Association and funded by the Big Lottery, aims to help lone-parents tackle the challenges they face getting into the job market.

The service has two main aims: firstly to match lone-parents who want to return to work or education but are struggling to find childcare with a suitable childminder and, secondly; to encourage lone-parents to open their own childminding services to get them back into employment and provide a much-needed quality childcare service in their community.

Making it Work Childminding Development Officer, Jacqueline Spence said,“This service offers great support to lone-parents trying to get back to work. I’m delighted SCMA can help not only in finding reliable childcare but also in helping some parents start their own businesses too.”

Are you a lone-parent looking to get back to work but struggling to find flexible childcare? Or would you like to find out more about becoming a childminder? Call the Making it Work service on 01355 238593 or visit childminding.org.

Color Run Tickets now on sale!Tickets are now on sale for The Color Run Presented by Skittles, as the original, happiest and most colourful party of the summer visits Glasgow for the first time, ready to cover Scotland in colour.

Last Year, the ‘Happiest 5K on the planet’ saw more than 59,000 ‘Color Runners’ from all walks of life enter into the spirit of the event in cities across the UK. The Color Run Presented by Skittles has now spread its love, fun and happiness to more than 39 countries and more than five million ‘Color Runners’ across the globe.

There are no stopwatches or timers involved in The Color Run Presented by Skittles, meaning participants can walk, jog, dance and party their way along the course at any pace. Starting in a white t-shirt and reaching different colour zones at each kilometre, it’s impossible to finish the ‘Happiest 5K’ without being covered in colour!

Plus, brand new for 2016, The Color Run Presented by Skittles is bringing a tropical twist to the event. Featuring an all-new Tropicolor rainbow zone on the course where participants will be bathed in a tropical array of colours on their way to the finish line. Featuring island-style music and palm trees in the finish festival, runners will be given the chance to live their life in Tropicolor!

The Color Run Presented by Skittles in the City of Glasgow takes place on Sunday 17th July 2016 at 11am. Event entries are priced from £24, with individual entries, group entries or the option to purchase an exclusive premium ticket. Participants should visit www.TheColorRun.co.uk to enter now with a special early bird price.

Families Glasgow Magazine is for sale!•Flexible and part-time job•Ideal for parents with a baby or young children•Fun, creative, worthwhile work-from-home business opportunity•Be your own boss! •Make a work/life balance to suit you•Satisfied and regular customer base •Print and online growth potential•Training and support for any skills gaps•Families Magazines have around one million readers across UK•Support from both our Families and Emma’s Diary teams.•National sales (with advance bookings already in).•Excellent Google page rankings.

Confidentiality agreement must be signed before financials released. Please email Anna for more information: [email protected] with subject “Magazine"

ParentLine Scotland providing support for parentsBecoming a parent makes beginners of us all. You might prepare by reading books, or by asking other parents for tips. But acting on such advice doesn’t necessarily give you the results you hoped for. Or, what worked with one child, doesn’t work with another. What then? Talking things through, with someone who is caring, non-judgemental and impartial, can help. That’s what ParentLine Scotland offers. It can support you through parenthood’s challenges, from the early to teenage years.

Call us on 08000 28 22 33 and we’ll listen while you say what’s on your mind. We’ll ask some questions so we’re clear about your concerns. Then together, we’ll explore options for moving forward, or perhaps look at ways to cope with any difficulties you face. Our call-takers are trained to assist with very serious concerns for or about children. But mostly we help ordinary parents with everyday problems such as family relationships, bullying, online safety, coping with parenting pressures, children’s behaviour and family separation.

New Dance UK classes in Giffnock Dance UK are delighted to announce they have launched their popular Mini Movers Dance Classes in Giffnock. Classes are held every Wednesday, from 4-4.45pm in the lovely dance studio at the Maccabi Sports Centre which is situated just behind the Police Station in the centre of the town.

Principal Jacqui Wilson told us, ‘we want to welcome any mums with little girls from 2 yrs upwards who love to dance. To book a free taster, please get in touch. Hope to see you soon.’

Dance UK Office weekdays: 0141 387 5163 or via the website www.danceuk.co.uk at any time. Check website for classes across Glasgow and Wishaw.


t: 08000 28 22 33e: [email protected]: children1st.org.uk/parentline-scotland

A helpline, email and web chat service for anyone caring for or concerned about a child.

You can call about any question or concern no matter how big or small.

Children 1st Registered Office: 83 Whitehouse Loan Edinburgh EH9 1AT Registered Scottish Charity No. SC 016092

News & Views

OSCARS After School ClubsOSCARS operates After School Clubs, Breakfast Clubs and Holiday programmes from 21 venues across Central Scotland. Founded in 1992 by Andrew and Fiona Fisher the programmes are now attended by 800 children aged from 5-14 years on a daily basis. Trading in its earlier years as EAC, the company established its first holiday programme in Glasgow in 1997 and was fully rebranded as OSCARS in 2009.

2016 sees OSCARS celebrating their 25th operational year, and they will be holding a number of events throughout the year. Andrew Fisher commented ‘Everyone at OSCARS is delighted to be celebrating our 25th operational anniversary. We work hard to always provide a safe and fun experience for children, whilst offering a truly reliable, secure, flexible and personal service for parents’. He goes on to say that ‘the success and quality that OSCARS offers is made possible through our fantastic staff many of whom have been with the business for many years. Indeed, the Operational Manager Jonathan Combe, commenced employment as a Play leader in 1994’

Become part of the Oscar’s Network?OSCARS is always looking to expand its network of services and will be pleased to hear from any operators who are finding further regulation around policies and staffing a daunting proposition. On this point Andrew Fisher commented ‘becoming part of the OSCARS network of out of school care can guarantee the on-going development and viability of a service’

Andrew Fisher can be contacted on [email protected] .

Big Pedal 2016: 18-29th AprilSustrans’ tips on cycling and scooting to school

The Big Pedal, run by Sustrans, is back for another year and for 2016 the charity has provided a number of top tips for parents to get involved. The competition is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting competition.

Top tips to get your child walking or cycling to school:•Plan your route together in advance, finding quieter roads

and cycle paths wherever possible.•Practice the journey at the weekend when the roads are likely

to be quieter.•Make sure your child’s bike fits and that all your bikes are

roadworthy.

If you’re on the road with children, take up a position behind them as you’re likely to be more visible to anyone approaching. If there are two adults in your group, it’s a good idea to have one at the back and one in front of the children.

Look into local cycle training schemes, it can be a great way to help children develop skills and increase their confidence on the roads. Sustrans runs the Big Pedal to encourage children and parents to travel to school in ways that are healthy, better for the environment and that help reduce congestion at the school gates.

To find out more about how schools can take part in the Big Pedal visit www.sustrans.org.uk/bigpedal. The website also has lots more information on cycling with children – including information on what to look for when buying a bike and safety.

2 great tracks in Glasgow,call 0141 641 0222 or visit

www.scotkart.co.uk for brilliantBirthday Parties! (age 8+)

Find out more about Step by Step NurseryThe opportunities for the children who attend Step By Step Nursery in Sandfield St, G20, are quite exceptional. In addition to visits to the Children’s Woods in Kelbourne Street, the older children enjoy Music and Mini-kickers almost every week. Last year they were part of the first year of ‘Play on Pedals’ in Glasgow where our pre-schoolers had the chance to learn to ride a bike, and this year they have added swimming lessons to their programme. Some comments from parents include “the swimming lessons are fantastic – we both work full time and don’t have time to fit these into our busy family schedule”, “I have been amazed at how my daughter’s confidence has improved since she has been swimming regularly”.

In their recent inspection they were graded Very Good or Excellent across the board, and their care for babies was particularly commended. They have a full and exciting programme of activities for all children from babies right up till they go to school, and they have a few places available at the moment.

If you would like to visit or to book a place for your child please call Karen on 0141 945 2030.

t: 08000 28 22 33e: [email protected]: children1st.org.uk/parentline-scotland

A helpline, email and web chat service for anyone caring for or concerned about a child.

You can call about any question or concern no matter how big or small.

Children 1st Registered Office: 83 Whitehouse Loan Edinburgh EH9 1AT Registered Scottish Charity No. SC 016092


Easter Camps

SPRING SCHOOLS 2016

We are offering a selection of fun and exciting performing arts spring schools this April for young people aged 4 - 17.

Come and meet new friends, discover new things and be a part of the RCS.

RCSshortcourses

RCSshortcourses

Apply now at rcs.ac.uk/spring

2970 Spring Schools_Ad.indd 1 23/02/2016 09:43

WORKING TOGETHER TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN GLASGOWCITY PARTNER

CITY PARTNER SUPPORTER


Easter Camps

Open Morning on Saturday 23rd April 10.00am-12.30pmAt Belmont House School, we value every child for the individual that they are. Discover how your son or daughter could benefit from small class sizes, personal attention and a seamless transition from Nursery to Junior School and Junior through to Senior School.

Sandringham Avenue, Newton Mearns

0141 639 2922

We can make the difference

www.belmontschool.co.uk

Enjoy Free & Discounted Family Activities this Spring with Glasgow LifeJoin the thousands of Glasgow kids who enjoy Glasgow Life’s free or discounted Holiday Programme activities when they show their Kidz Card!

When the schools close for the holidays, Glasgow Life opens their doors to let the kids in! Their community centres and libraries are bursting with fun, free, local activities that your kids will love.

Coming up this spring we’ve got:•Arts and crafts•Dance and drama•Indoor and outdoor play clubs•Fun storybook activities •Play activities for kids with additional support needs•Games •Plus lots more

So if you’re a parent who wants their kids away from the tv, or maybe you just want a few hours of peace and quiet, let the friendly Glasgow Life staff entertain the kids so you can relax or get involved yourself!

Find out more about the Holiday Programme or apply for a Kidz Card at youngglasgow.org.uk

Language Hub CampIn need of some Easter holiday fun and child care? Between the 4th and the 15th of April, The Language Hub will be running an Easter holiday camp with lots of different activities and work-shops for kids to enjoy, not just language related. Costs are £19,- per child for an 8:30-13:00 session (snacks included) or £6,- per child for an hourly session; best suitable for ages 4-8.

For more information see www.thelanguagehub.co.uk or contact us directly at The Language Hub children’s bookshop and language centre, 52 Keith Court, Glasgow G11 6QW, 0141 258 2700 or 07505144476.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland CampsThis April the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has a selection of fun and exciting spring schools for young people aged 4-17. Improve your dance techniques at one of our modern ballet courses, perform some of the most iconic songs from West End and Broadway hits at a musical theatre course or rock out at our very first Rock School, there’s something for everyone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this spring.

There’s also a variety of summer schools on offer for chil-dren, young people and adults. Students will learn from guest artists such as; Nicola Benedetti, Sir James McMillan, Patricia McMahon, Tommy Smith and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

To find out more about our unique spring and summer schools, visit rcs.ac.uk/rcsfamilies

Oscars Easter CampOscars Childcare will again be running their successful Easter camp at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, located on the south side of the city.The school provides excellent facilities, with a large sports hall, playing fields, tennis courts, a dining hall, bistro, classrooms and an art room. For swimming activities, children will be taken by private coach to the Gorbals Leisure Centre. OSCARS@Hutchesons is open to children ages 5-14 years, and from any school.

The Easter camp runs from Monday 4th – Friday 15th April 2016 between 0800hrs – 1830hrs each day. www.oscarschild-care.com/easter/glasgowhutchesons


Easter Activities

See Pages 12-15 For loads more Easter ideas!

Bo’ness & Kinneil TripThe Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway & Museum of Scottish Railways - five fun ideas!

Make the most of your visit to central Scotland’s family friendly steam railway and museum when their 2016 season starts on 19 March.

1. Show your old fashioned ticket to the Guard, he may even let you help him clip it on the journey!

2. Watch the engine being coupled up to the carriages … is it really magnets that hold them together?

3. Be Harry Potter in a compartment carriage with its own sliding door.

4. Enjoy some spotting fun on the Visitor Trail to the Museum5. Have fun sorting letters in the Travelling Post Office in the

Museum.

www.srps.org.uk/railway 01506 822298

Easter Eggstravaganza Mugdock Country Park, Sunday 27 March 2pm to 4pm

Celebrate all things spring-like and join in with all the cracking activities! Remember to bring decorated eggs for the competition and hard boiled eggs for the rolling race and egg assault course. Activities will be based around the Visitor Centre. Free.

Hop into Easter at Dobbies With Easter weekend fast-approaching, get set for a cracking Bank Holiday at Dobbies Garden Centres. With lots of events running in-store including Bunny breakfasts, you can also make a day of it at Dobbies with fun for all the family, find your nearest store at www.dobbies.com.

Plan the perfect egg huntTo make the most of the Easter Bank Holiday and make it eggstra special, why not host your very own egg hunt at home. Perfect to keep the little ones (and big kids) entertained, simply hideaway sweet treats or wrap up little gifts with clues to the next lot of treasure dotted around the home or, if the weather allows, out in the garden. Traditional garden trugs are also ideal for easy gathering!- Felt Egg Basket (3 Asst) £3.49 each; Easter Bunting £2.99- Large Easter Egg Hunt Bag (12 X 500g) £8.99; Large

Traditional Trug £24.99- Hare Pencil Sketch Cushion £14.99; 4pk Egg Tealight Holder

£4.99; Faux Daffodil in Paper Bag £4.49

NTS Easter Egg Hunts!For the ninth consecutive year, the National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Cadbury to host dozens of Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts across the country from Friday 25 to Monday 28 March. The Easter Bunny has left clues to follow, and children can collect them, solve the puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.

Highlights include the indoor hunt at Pollok House, Pollok Country Park and the hunt around Greenbank Garden in Clarkston to the magnificent hunt around the grounds at Culzean Castle & Country Park in Ayrshire.

Carly Lamberty, Marketing Manager said: “We’re getting cracking on our visitor season extra early this year, with lots of Easter fun thanks to our partnership with Cadbury. And every egg hunt helps us to look after the special places in our care.”

Each of the hunts is completely different – the perfect excuse to try your hand at more than one!For details see nts.org.uk

25 MarchCadbury Easter Egg Hunts - David Livingstone Centre, 165 Station Road, Blantyre, G72 9BY, 0844 9932207Turn eggsplorer at the David Livingstone Centre...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 4pm / £2 per child www.nts.org.uk

From 25 March to 28 MarchCadbury Easter Egg Hunt - Holmwood House, 61+AC0-63 Netherlee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, G44 3YU, 0844 493 2204Turn eggsplorer at Holmwood House...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 4pm / Normal admission charge applies + £2 per hunt

Greenbank Garden, Flenders Road, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8RB, 08444932201Turn eggsplorer at Greenbank House and Garden...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 5pm / Usual entry prices applies plus £2 per hunt

Pollok House, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0844 4932208Turn eggsplorer at Pollok House...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 10am - 4pm / Usual entry plus £2 per hunt.

Tenement House, 145 Buccleuch Street, Glasgow, G3 6QN 0141 3330183Join us for a weekend of fun as we celebrate Easter at the Tenement House including an Easter Egg hunt. 1pm - 5pm


Easter Activities

Easter Activities at Scottish Youth TheatreThere’s plenty going on over at the SYT Building in the Merchant City this Easter! Their ever-popular interactive Family Storytime sessions have an Arabian Nights theme this season, and the Easter’s holiday’s offering will be The Historic Fart. Great fun for 3-7 year olds and their grown-ups, with loads of opportunities to join in!

For those of you whose kids have ambitions for a career on the stage , the Easter Theatre Toolbox offers a range of day-long workshops for ages 8-11 and 12-15. Whatever you are interested in there’s a specialist skills to choose from, and you can take part in the whole week or pick and choose the ones you fancy.

For more information and details of how to book go to www.scottishyouththeatre.org [email protected]

Egg Bunting- You’ll need:- Plain white paper- Poster paints - Stickers- Glitter- Glue - Scraps of paper, fabric and wool- Mini pegs- String

1. Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper 2. Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs;

stripes and circles work well.3. Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics and stickers to make the

eggs even more decorative. 4. Use some glue to create lines or shapes and scatter the

glitter for the final touch.5. When the egg shapes are dry, hang them on a piece of string

with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the st


Easter Breaks

Mini-Cruise: DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam By Families Glasgow Editor and family (kids age 6 and 10)

What is a Mini-Cruise? You take an overnight ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam and either return the following night or choose to extend the trip by spending an additional night or two in Amsterdam. You can leave your own car at the terminal because DFDS provide a shuttle bus into the city centre where you can then walk or catch a bus or a canal bus to pretty much everything there is to do in this great city.

What is on the ferry for families? Most kids absolutely love ferries and ours especially do. Our summer holidays usually begin the moment we arrive on board, when someone hands them a balloon animal or two and they run off to the play area or disco. (Mum’s holiday starts a moment or two later, once the wine is ordered...). We always spend a good hour exploring all the different decks and seeing what’s happening where. Then we head outside and watch out for whales and dolphins as the sun sets. (The stern deck is the best place as it’s sheltered from the breeze.)

King Seaways and Princess Seaways, the ferries which ply the Amsterdam - Newcastle route, have a Kids Zone (thought-fully placed right next to the Navigator Bar and Light House snack bar!) where a children’s entertainer can be found at fixed times for balloon tying, face painting and treasure hunts etc. There’s also one of those grab-a-toy machines, with that Claw from Toy Story, which for the first time in my life I actually saw grab a teddy bear! The delighted little girl then handed her newly-won teddy to my daughter because she had already won one, which, sad to say, if their situation had been reversed wouldn’t have been reciprocated in a million years...

On board there is also a small arcade games room, a whale and dolphin spotting exhibition, plus a couple of shops with excellent kids clothes. There are two cinemas, showing PG films until around 8ish. (Dad didn’t fancy Alvin and the Chip-munks and I swiftly vetoed his plan to take our ten year old to The Revenant). There was also a nightclub, a small casino and a live entertainer at the Navigator Bar.

On board Family Dining. The largest dining area is the Seven Seas restaurant that offers a huge 80-dish all you can eat buffet, including a kids section with the old standards, spag bol, nuggets etc. The main buffet has a fantastic selection and the starters in particular were very tasty. (As always with buffets, I ended up with an eclectic mix of dishes that Chef most likely never intended!) Although we returned to the buffet many times for starters mains, puds and cheese and the quality was decent enough, I still wasn’t entirely convinced that 40 euros/adult is all that great value but if you haven’t eaten all day and feel in the mood for a serious feed, then the Seven Seas is the place to dive in. The house wines were very good value though. The Seven Seas breakfast buffet is 15 euros/adult with a great Dutch-style con-tinental buffet (breads, fruits and ham), cereals, pastries and our opinion was that these were definitely the better option to the English cooked breakfast although our daughter loved the perfect soft boiled eggs on offer.

We also ate at the Little Italy restaurant offering... you guessed it, pizza and pasta. Our pizzas here were absolute-ly fantastic, among the tastiest and most perfectly cooked pizzas we have ever enjoyed. Our daughter is the pickiest eater in Scotland, suspicious of anything ‘different’, and even she agreed it was brilliant. Our total bill including drinks for the four of us was 88 euros and we were stuffed, so I think Little Italy for us this time around was definitely the best value food on the ship. There is an a la carte restaurant called the Blue Riband with menus starting from around 45 euros/head. (children are welcome). Finally, we checked out the Light-house snack bar next to the play area has a simple selection of snacks as well as a quality cook-to-order selection of fish and chips etc which looked very nice indeed with decent portions for around 17 euros/main.

Key InfoNewcastle – Amsterdamwww.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ ferry-to-holland/newcastle-to-amsterdamPrices start from £38 each way for a car and two passen-gers. This is an overnight crossing.

DFDS have other destinationswww.dfdsseaways.co.uk/mini-cruise-breaks 0871 522 9955 [email protected]

i


Easter Breaks

Accommodation Standard family cabins sleep four with two bunk beds plus a sink/shower and cupboard. These ferries (and the DFDS cross channel ferries) have slightly larger cabins than their compet-itors and this does make a difference as they are definitely less claustrophobic and I have to say all our family members reported a very comfortable and good night’s sleep. There is also a Commodore class cabin if you want even more space.

What is there in Amsterdam for families? The ship docks at around 9.00am which, after passport con-trol and bus transfer, means you arrive in Amsterdam central around 11.00am, surely one of the most beautiful city centres in the world. The last bus back to the ship, departs at 4.00pm so there’s little time to waste if you’re returning the same day, so choose your activities wisely.

The main family attractions are Artis Zoo, a canal boat trip (1hr or 2hrs), a bus tour and the Nemo Children’s Science Cen-tre. If you visit the zoo, there’s no time for seeing anything else but we’ve visited before and the Zoo makes for a lovely family day out and well worth visiting as you still get a good feel for the city.

If you take a canal boat tour, there’s still time to enjoy a bus tour and visit Nemo. However, there are just so many great shops and cafes close to where you meet there you meet the bus, including several big toy shops, that we had a lovely couple of hours just walking, popping into shops and soaking up this stunning city, particularly enjoying the flower market, the endless canals, bridges and the world famous ‘dancing houses’ - which are rows of houses so crooked they appear to be dancing. There are so many art galleries and museums in walking distance it feels like you have to do everything.

Websiteswww.dfdsseaways.co.uk/mini-cruise-breaks www.e-nemo.nl/en/www.rijksmuseum.nl/enwww.annefrank.org/en/Museum/Practical.../Online-tick-et-sales/

Getting to Newcastle (North Shields Ferry Terminal)

Driving is pretty easy: straight down the M74/M6 turn left at Junction 44 towards Hexham / Newcastle and pick up signs to the ferry terminal once you approach Newcastle.

Amsterdam is obviously famous for its stag/hen parties and those districts you wouldn’t visit with children but the tourist maps make it clear where to avoid. Amsterdam city centre feels as safe as any other major tourist destination. Although it’s a very cycle friendly city with dedicated cycle lanes and traffic lights, many cyclists seem to ignore all the traffic lights and even mount the pavement when they please - so stay alert!

In Conclusion Obviously, your family has to love ships to enjoy a mini-cruise like this, because your time at the destination itself is so limited compared to the travelling time. We have tried this mini-cruise twice now and thoroughly enjoyed each weekend but on both visits we concluded there was so many more activities we would have liked to have tried if we had time. (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum etc.) So we think spending the additional night off-ship in Amsterdam itself would probably be the recommended option and packing in more before returning back to Newcastle. All the same, we felt like we’d truly been away from it all and given the kids some wonderful family memories.


What’s On

See www.familiesglasgow.co.uk for our complete listings!

5 March

Deadly Dinosaurs Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NN 0141 276 9300www.glasgowlife.org.ukTravel back in time and meet and learn about the most dangerous animals to roam the planet! 11‚ 12noon & 2‚ 3pm

5 March

Tiny TalesTron Theatre Ltd, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB 0141 572 4267www.tron.co.ukTiny Tales are fun-filled storytelling sessions especially for babies and crawlers. 10.30am / £5

6 March

Funday Sunday at the AvenueThe Avenue Shopping Centre, 250 Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 6AA 0141 639 5926www.avenueshoppingcentre.co.ukThe Avenue Shopping Centre holds their Funday Sunday every week with loads of free kids activities. 11am - 4pm

8 March

Goodnight Mister TomThe Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA www.atgtickets.comThe Olivier award-winning Chichester Festival Theatre production of Goodnight Mister Tom comes to the Theatre Royal. / Tickets £14.40 - £32.90 plus £2.85 transaction fee

12 March

Glasgow World Cup GymnasticsEmirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow, G40 3HG 0141 287 7000www.emiratesarena.co.ukGlasgow World Cup sees the world’s top gymnasts compete in the uk’s only round of the prestigious FIG World Cup Series. 11am - 6pm / £8 - £58

12 March

Hessilhead Wildlife Hospital VisitRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663, www.rspb.org.ukCome and learn about the wonderful work done by Hessilhead Wildlife Hospital on this visit with RSPB Lochwinnoch. 12 noon - 3pm

12 March

Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting ChildrenThe Stand Comedy Club, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG 08443358879www.thestand.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Enjoy charmingly sickable songs and lots more for the whole family at The Stand Glasgow. 2.30pm & 3.30pm / £4

12 March

National Disabled Access DayCastle Semple Visitors Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4EA 01505 842 882www.clydemuirshiel.co.ukCastle Semple staff will show you the ropes at Scotland’s first and best Centre of Excellence for Disability Sailing.

12 March

PinocchioScottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185www.maskandpuppet.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Clive Chandler and Tip Top Puppets present Pinocchio at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. 2pm, £5.95

13 March

Den Building and Survival SkillsFinlaystone Country Park, Finlaystone Mansion House, Langbank, Port Glasgow, PA14 6TJ 01475 540505www.finlaystone.co.ukCome along to Finlaystone Country Estate and try your hand at den building. 1pm - 3pm

13 March

Family Entertainment AfternoonSt Athanasius Community Hall, 21 Mount Street, Carluke, ML8 5EB 01555 771250www.stathanasiuscarluke.org/hallDon’t miss an interactive entertainment event performed by Ricky Nelson to raise funds for Carluke & District Gala Day. 3pm - 5pm / £3.00 per person

13 March

Mr Punch’s AnticsScottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185www.maskandpuppet.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Clive Chandler present Mr Punch’s Antics at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. 2pm / £5.95

16 March

Avenue Q (School Edition)Eastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukAvenue Q is a laugh-out-loud Tony Award Winning musical performed by harlequin youth theatre. 7.30pm / £12 - £14

19 March

Allergy and Free From Show Scotland 2016Secc, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW 0141 2483000www.secc.co.ukThe Allergy & Free From Show Scotland at Glasgow’s SECC is Europe’s greatest ‘free from’ family day out. 10am - 4pm

Regular EventsTimes can vary so please check their websites before going. They all have other activities going on too.

Every Wednesday

Playdays at the MuseumPaisley Museum, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BA 0300 300 1210www.paisley.org.ukPlaydays at the Museum are creative play sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers at Paisley Museum. 1.30pm - 2.15pm

Wee Wednesdays

Burrell CollectionPollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0141 287 2550www.glasgowlife.org.ukFun museum sessions for children aged 2-5 years and their carers. 1-2pm

Every Friday

Toddler TimeKelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG 0141 276 9599www.glasgowlife.org.ukJoin us for fun in the galleries with songs, rhymes and stories. Sessions take inspiration from artworks and animals on display 11.30‚ 12noon

Every Saturday

ARThouse 5-8 YearsHouse For An Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck Road, Glasgow, G41 5BW 0141 353 4770www.houseforanartlover.co.ukThe ARThouse course at House for an Art Lover will inspire, entertain and educate children aged 5-8 years! 9.30am-10.45am,11am - 12.15pm / £90

Every Sat from March 5 to 26

ARThouse 9-12 yearsHouse For An Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck Road, Glasgow, G41 5BW 0141 353 4770www.houseforanartlover.co.ukThe ARThouse course at House for an Art Lover will inspire, entertain and educate children aged 9-12 years. 1pm - 2.30pm, 2.45pm-4.15pm / £90

Every Sat from March 5 to 26

Annual Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Family Poetry CompetitionRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663www.rspb.org.ukRSPB Lochwinnoch would like to invite families along to their poetry writing workshop as part of the Arts Festival. 11am - 12 noon

Every Sat from 5 March

Wee Write! Family DayMitchell Library, 201 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN 0141 287 2999www.glasgowlife.org.ukWee Write! the dedicated book festival for children and families returns to the Mitchell Library. 10am - 5pm

From 19 March to 20 March

Bikes, Buses and BoatsGlasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NN 0141 276 9300www.glasgowlife.org.ukJoin us on a fun-packed interactive journey through our amazing transport collection. 11‚12noon & 2- 3pm


Jack & The BeanstalkScottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185www.maskandpuppet.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Talking Heads Puppets present Jack & The Beanstalk at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. 2pm / £5.95

19 March

James Campbell’s Comedy 4 KidsThe Citizens Theatre, 119 Gorbals Street, Glasgow, G5 9DS 0141 429 0022www.citz.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Lollip ladies and tartan badgers find out more with James Campbell’s comedy 4 kids. 2pm / £7.50

19 March

Peregrine Watch Launch 2016New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgHead along to the Falls of Clyde for the 2016 Peregrine Watch Launch event on 19 March. 10am - 1pm

19 March

Wildlife Explorers - Barking MadRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663www.rspb.org.ukCalling all children, learn about nature, get dirty and have fun. 10am - 12 noon / £5 ( £3 RSPB Members ) Adults free

20 March

March Hare’s Springtime ShindigWhitelee Windfarm, Moor Road, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 OQQ 0141 6140851www.whiteleewindfarm.co.ukJoin the Whitelee Countryside Rangers for some fun crafts and games at the March Hare’s Springtime Shindig. 1pm - 3pm

20 March

People’s Postcode Lottery Peregrine WatchNew Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgVisit Britain’s best peregrine watch site at the Falls of Clyde and view these beautiful birds nesting. 10am - 4pm


What’s On

See www.familiesglasgow.co.uk for our complete listings!

20 March

Sainsbury’s Sport Relief GamesGlasgow Green, Greendykes Street, The Saltmarket, Glasgow, G1 5DB 0141 287 5064www.sportsrelief.comJoin in with the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games taking place on Glasgow Green.

20 March

Southside Mother, Baby and Parenting FayrePollokshields Burgh Hall, 70 Glencairn Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 4LL 0141 423 8858www.merrygoroundglasgow.co.ukAnnual family fayre. 11am - 4pm / £2

20 March

Story Telling - with TV Presenter Rory!Rspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663www.rspb.org.ukJoin TV presenter and RSPB employee Rory Crawford for some story telling at RSPB Lochwinnoch. 11am - 3pm

23 March

Evening Talk - Feathered Friends? Are there Dinosaurs in your Garden?Rspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663www.rspb.org.ukAre there dinosaurs in your garden? Join Simon Cuthbert at RSPB Lochwinnoch for this evening talk and find out! 7.30pm to 9pm / £5 adult £3 child (RSPB Members £3 £2)

25 March

Cadbury Easter Egg HuntDavid Livingstone Centre, 165 Station Road, Blantyre, G72 9BY 0844 9932207www.nts.org.ukTurn eggsplorer at the David Livingstone Centre...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 4pm / £2 per child


Cadbury Easter Egg HuntHolmwood House, 61+AC0-63 Netherlee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, G44 3YU 0844 493 2204, www.nts.org.ukTurn eggsplorer at Holmwood House...collect clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 4pm / Normal admission charge applies + £2 per hunt


Cadbury Easter Egg HuntGreenbank Garden, Flenders Road, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8RB 08444932201www.nts.org.ukTurn eggsplorer at Greenbank House and Garden...collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 11am - 5pm / Usual entry prices applies plus £2 per hunt


Cadbury Easter Egg HuntPollok House, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0844 4932208www.nts.org.ukTurn eggsplorer at Pollok House...collect teh clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury treat. 10am - 4pm / Usual entry plus £2 per hunt.


Once Upon a TimeThe Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA www.atgtickets.comThe Theatre Royal Glasgow runs regular delightful interactive workshops, inspired by favourite authors for pre-5s. 10.45am / £8


Peregrine Watch: Easter Weekend Special.New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgComplete our peregrine clue trail to our watch site over the Easter weekend and receive your FREE Easter egg. 10am - 4pm

26 March

Bunny MasksScotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, G5 8QB 0141 287 0500www.glasgowlife.org.ukHop along to the activity room today and make a funny, fluffy bunny mask

26 March

Egg-stravaganzaKelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG 0141 276 9599www.glasgowlife.org.ukJoin RSPB and KG Learning & Access team to do a range of fun eggy activities! 1-4pm / RSPB suggested donation of £1.

26 March

Spring Fayre & Easter Egg TrailQuarriers, Laing Shrewsbury House, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3SX 01505 616000www.quarriers.org.ukPut on your bunny ears and hop along to Quarriers Village to join in the Easter Egg Trail and Spring Fayre. 10.30am - 2.30pm / £3 for Easter Trail, free for Spring Fayre

27 March

A Cracking Day OutWhitelee Windfarm, Moor Road, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 OQQ 0141 6140851www.whiteleewindfarm.co.ukJoin the Whitelee Countryside Rangers for ‘A Cracking Day Out’ this Easter and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games. 12 noon - 4pm

27 March

Easter Eggstravaganza at Mugdock Country Park2pm – 4pmCelebrate all things spring-like and join in with all the cracking activities! Remember to bring decorated eggs for the competition and hard boiled eggs for the rolling race and egg assault course. Activities will be based around the Visitor Centre. Free.

27 March

CinderellaEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukA family screening of the popular film Cinderella. 10am / £2

27 March

Easter Duck RaceNew Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgHelp raise money for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde at their annual Easter Duck Race. 3pm / £2 per duck


Easter Egg HuntTollcross Children’s Farm, 254b Wellshot Road, Tollcross, Glasgow, G32 7AX 0141 2760931www.glasgow.gov.ukJoin the Glasgow Countryside Rangers at Tollcross Park and take part in some Easter fun on this family event. 10am - 3pm

27 March

Easter EggstravaganzaRouken Glen Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7LL www.roukenglenpark.co.ukBring your boiled egg to Rouken Glen for a fun-filled Easter morning or afternoon full of activities. 11am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3pm

27 March

Easter Eggstravaganza CraftsChatelherault Country Park, Carlisle Road, Fernegair, Hamilton, ML3 7UE 01698 426213www.slleisureandculture.co.ukDecorate your own Easter egg before heading to roll it at Chatelherault Country Park this Easter Sunday. 12pm - 4pm, £2.50

27 March

Easter Eggstravaganza Magic ShowScottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185www.maskandpuppet.co.ukGlasgow Comedy Festival: Alex the Magician presents an Easter Magic Show at the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. 3pm / £5.95

27 March

Easter Sunday Fun DayNational Museum of Rural Life, Philipshill Road, Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride, G76 9YR, 0300 1236789www.nms.ac.ukMeet the Easter Bunny and join in the Easter Egg trail at the National Museum of Rural Life. 10am - 5pm

27 March

Faery HuntPollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 0141 276 0924www.glasgow.gov.ukThis Easter, bring the kids down to Pollok Country Park and go on a hunt for the new residents...fairies. 1pm - 3pm

27 March

New Lanark Easter Egg-StravaganzaNew Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgMeet the Easter Bunny and enjoy lots of fun filled activities at the New Lanark Easter Egg-Stravaganza. 10am - 5pm


Rumble in the JungleGlasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NN 0141 276 9300www.glasgowlife.org.ukExplore the Amazonian rainforest and learn about the animals and people living there. You will handle real objects from the rainforest and then re-create your own blowpipes and headdresses. 1‚ 3pm

28 March

Easter EggstravaganzaRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663, www.rspb.org.ukFancy some egg-cellent Easter fun? Come and join us at RSPB Lochwinnoch for some egg-tastic Easter activities. 12pm - 3pm / £6 (RSPB members £3) Adults go free

28 March

Easter at Greenhead MossGreenhead Moss Community Nature Park, Tinto Field, Perchy Pond, Wishaw, ML2 8AY 01698 402090www.northlanarkshire.gov.ukBring the family along to our annual Easter celebration at Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park. 12pm - 3pm

31 March

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JREast Kilbride Village Theatre, Maxwell Drive, East Kilbride, G74 4HG 01555 248669www.eastkilbride.org


What’s On

1 April

AnnieBeacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ 01475 723723www.beaconartscentre.co.ukJoin the talented Albany cast at the Beacon Arts Centre for Annie - the extraordinary story of a little orphan. 7.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday Matinee / £18 / £13

From 1 April to 2 April

The Dragon Who Hates PoetryEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukThe Dragon who Hates Poetry is a fun, solo show packed full of lyrics, laughter and lots of joining in. 11am / Standard £5 Family £15

2 April

Buzz Off!Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, G5 8QB 0141 287 0500www.glasgowlife.org.ukCome and visit Scotland Street’s very own hive and watch as the bees begin to buzz around again looking for nectar! And if you ‘bee hive’ yourself, you can join in with some bee craft activities as well! 11‚ 12.30pm & 1.30‚ 3.30 pm

2 April

Family Storytime: The Historic FartScottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sherriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF 0141 552 3988www.scottishyouththeatre.orgJoin Scottish Youth Theatre for the interactive storytelling adventure The Historic Fart. 10:30am, 12:30pm & 3:30pm / Standard ticket £5 or Family ticket (Family of 4) £15


Funbox in Animal MagicCumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld, G67 2BN 01236 737235www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.ukJoin Funbox for their singalong show, Animal Magic, at Cumbernauld Theatre this Easter. 1pm & 3.30pm / £11/Family Saver (4 tickets) £42

Every other Sat from April 2 - 16

Knight-tastic Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NN 0141 276 9300www.glasgowlife.org.ukCome and explore the world of knights and princesses and have a go at our castle crafts. 1‚ 3pm


New Lanark Easter Holiday Daily ToursNew Lanark World Heritage Site, New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.orgExplore New Lanark with one of our guides and discover some amazing insights into the history of the site. 2pm / £2 on top of your Visitor Centre ticket


Pole to PoleKelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG 0141 276 9599www.glasgowlife.org.ukThis spring Kelvingrove unveils Phase 1 of its West Court re-display, with more exhibits coming next winter. † 11‚ 12noon 1.30‚ 4pm


Puss in BootsEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukCome and see the classic furry tail Puss in Boots. 12pm / Standard £5 Family £15

2 April

Wild Challenge - We are going on a bear huntRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663, www.rspb.org.ukSpend some quality family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch on their Wild Challenge - Going on a bear hunt event. 10am - 4pm / £3 (£1 RSPB members)

3 April

The Curious Adventures of PinocchioEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukCome and join Pinocchio on his incredible journey at Eastwood Park Theatre this Easter. 12pm / Standard £5 Family £15

4 April

Camp Indy - Easter HolidaysKelvinside Academy, 33 Kirklee Road, Glasgow, G12 0SW 0141 357 3376www.kelvinsideacademy.org.ukCamp Indy return to Kelvinside Academy for the Easter Holidays with their personalised activity programme for kids. 8am - 5.30pm / £150 per week / £33 per day


Easter Holiday ClubThe Experience, Lothian Street, Hillington Park, Glasgow, G52 4JR 0141 883 4005www.theexperience.org.ukLooking to keep the kids entertained this Easter? The Experience can guarantee a cracking time for children aged 6-14. 8.45am - 4.15pm / £150 per week or £35 per day.


Make Your Own MondaysRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663, www.rspb.org.ukHead along to RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve during the Easter holidays for their Make Your Own Monday events. 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm / £5 (RSPB members £3) Adults go free


Spring Break at Pollok HousePollok House, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0844 4932208www.nts.org.ukJoin us at Pollok House during the Easter holidays for a variety of fantastic children’s events. / £10 per child, one accompanying adult per child.

5 April

Holiday Programme: Driving You to Abstraction! Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, G5 8QB 0141 287 0500www.glasgowlife.org.ukAs part of the Glasgow International Festival 2016 we will be immersing ourselves this spring holiday in sculpture, abstract design and creating 3D objects. † 10.30‚ 11.30am & 1‚ 3pm


Holiday Programmme: Tabletop Siege EnginesBurrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0141 287 2550www.glasgowlife.org.ukMake your own small crossbow from paper, string and lollipop sticks 2pm


Pitschi - The Kitten with DreamsCumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld, G67 2BN 01236 737235www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.ukPitschi - The Kitten with Dreams is the perfect show for young kids and their families, full of music and song. 2pm / £5

5 April

Ready, Set... Create!Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS 0141 287 2720www.glasgowlife.org.ukLeap into Spring this year with creative fun at Riverside! Explore the museum through painting, drawing, dressing-up, looking, writing and much more! † 1.30‚ 4pm


School Holiday Programme: Simple meditative & mindful activities for families St Mungo, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0RH 0141 276 1625www.glasgowlife.org.ukCome along to create your own mini Zen Garden and try other simple activities that help relaxation and awareness of life’s joys in a busy world. 1‚ 3pm


Whitecraigs April Rugby CampWhitecraigs Rugby Club, Aurs Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 6BD 0141 616 3337www.whitecraigs.org/rugbyWhitecraigs Holiday Camp, is open to anyone willing to give rugby a try in a fun and safe environment. 10am - 3pm / £12 for a day, £30 for 3 days

6 April

AnonymousePaisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley, PA1 1JF 0141 887 1010http;//www.paisley.org.ukAnonymouse is a lyrical story for under fives told by a very shy and furry little poet. 10.30am & 2pm / £3 + booking fee*

6 April

The Elves and the ShoemakerCumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld, G67 2BN 01236 737235www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.ukThe Elves and the Shoemaker at Cumbernauld Theatre is a fun adaptation of the classic Grimm tale. 2pm / £5


Moonbeam on a Cat’s EarRutherglen Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 2JJ 0141 613 5700www.slleisureandculture.co.ukJoin us on a visual journey into an exciting world of dreams and imagination with Moonbeam on a Cat’s Ear. 2.30pm / £6.00 / Family ticket (x4) £20.00 Contact Information

6 April

Pips and Panda Meet The ToothfairyLanark Memorial Hall, St Leonard Street, Lanark, ML11 7AB 01555 667999www.slleisureandculture.co.ukPip & Panda Meet the Toothfairy is a fun story told with glow-in-the-dark puppets by the world famous Purves Puppet. 1.30pm / £5.50 all tickets

7 April

Elves and the ShoemakerRutherglen Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 2JJ 0141 613 5700www.slleisureandculture.co.ukThe Elves and the Shoemaker at Rurtherglen Town Hall is a fun adaptation of the classic Grimm tale. 2.30pm / £6.00 / Family ticket (x4) £20.00


Catch MeCumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld, G67 2BN 01236 737235www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.ukCatch Me is a puppet based comedy with running and singing designed for the youngest audience at Cumbernauld Theatre. 2pm / £5


What’s On

9 April

The Historic FartEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukJoin Scottish Youth Theatre for an interactive storytelling adventure. 11am & 1pm / Standard £5 Family £15

Every Sat from April 9 to 16

Song of the SeaPaisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley, PA1 1JF 0141 887 1010www.renfrewshire.gov.ukA screening of Song of the Sea, a wonderful family animation, rich in Irish folklore, at Paisley Arts Centre. 2pm / £4 + booking fee*

10 April

Bear Behaving BadlyPavilion Theatre, 121 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3AX 0141 332 1846www.paviliontheatre.co.ukGet ready for chaos and calamity as the hilarious CBBC show Bear Behaving Badly comes to the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow. 1.30pm / Adults: £15.00 Children: £13.00 Family Ticket: £13.00 Per Ticket (Minimum 2 Tickets)

10 April

The Chris & Pui ShowMotherwell Concert Hall And Theatre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB 01698 403120www.northlanarkshire.gov.ukCBeebies’ favourite double act, Chris & Pui from Show Me Show Me are coming to Motherwell Theatre. 11.00am and 2pm / £12 and £10 Concession, £40 Family of 4

12 April

Wild Challenge - Let’s Go Hunting for FoodRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663www.rspb.org.ukSpend some quality family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch on their Wild Challenge - Let’s go hunting for food event. 10am - 4pm / £3 per child ( £1 RSPB members)

13 April

Pedalers’ PicnicWhitelee Windfarm, Moor Road, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 OQQ 0141 6140851www.whiteleewindfarm.co.ukGet on yer bike and join the Whitelee Countryside Rangers for an easy family bike-ride to Blackwood Hill viewpoint. 11am-2pm

13 April

Ponds and Rivers: Water ExplorersRouken Glen Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7LL www.roukenglenpark.co.ukGrab your wellies and waterproofs and come hunting for Riverbeasts at the burn in Rouken Glen Park. 1pm - 3pm

15 April

Artie’s Tartan TalesEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukJoin Artie for traditional stories and songs with a Scottish accent. 11am & 1pm / Standard £5 Family £15

15 April

The Gruffalo’s ChildHamilton Town House, 102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6HH www.slleisureandculture.co.ukTall Stories Theatre Company returns with their magical, musical stage adaptation of The Gruffalo’s Child. Friday 4.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am & 2pm / £11.00

19 April

Into the WoodsEastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG 0141 577 4956www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.ukEros Musical Society presents Into The Woods, a twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytales 7.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday Matinee / £14- £16


Viva Las VegasMotherwell Concert Hall And Theatre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB 01698 403120www.northlanarkshire.gov.ukThe Easter Egg Club proudly presents Viva Las Vegas, a great night out for all the family at Motherwell Theatre. 7.30pm / Tuesday £12/Concession £10/Children (U16) £6, Wednesday ‚ Saturday £14/Children (U16) £7

20 April

Paisley Beer & Food FestivalPaisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JF 0141 8803388www.renfrewshire.gov.ukScotland’s biggest beer festival is back and accompanied by the Paisley Food Festival.

21 April

Bugsy MaloneHamilton Town House, 102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6HH www.slleisureandculture.co.ukHamilton District Youth Theatre presents Bugsy Malone at The Town House Hamilton in April. 7.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday Matinee / £10.00 / £9.00 concession


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour DreamcoatBeacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ 01475 723723www.beaconsartscentre.co.ukInverclyde Musical Youth Theatre present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Beacon Arts Centre. 7.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday Matinee / £16 / £14

23 April

The Singing Ringing TreeScottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185http;//www.maskandpuppet.co.ukA folk tale of European origin which tells of a prince and his quest for the magic tree. 2pm / Adult £6.50 child £5.95

Useful Apps & WebsitesKidED: Playtime, Educated.A children’s app that automatically pops up after set periods of kids screen time to force them to play educational games! For android. See google play store.

www.192.com/schools/FindASchool is the first service to display Successful Applicant Areas – the area where you needed to live last year to get a place at the school of your choice.

www.web-blinds.com/resources/kids-sleep-calculator/When should your child go to bed? Sleep calculator.

www.myfamilycare.co.ukTips for mums returning to work.

23 April

WWE LiveThe SSE Hydro, SECC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW www.thessehydro.co.ukGet your ticket to an incredible night of action packed entertaining experience when WWE Live hits The Hydro. Doors 6.30pm / £34.05 - £400.00

23 April

Wildlife Explorers - Group Re-introductionsRspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663, www.rspb.org.ukCalling all children! Learn about nature, but most importantly, get dirty and have fun doing it at RSPB Lochwinnoch. 10am - 12 noon / £5 (RSPB members £3) Adults go free

28 April

Disney on Ice: Silver Anniversary CelebrationThe SSE Hydro, SECC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW www.thessehydro.co.ukCelebrate the most memorable Disney tales with all your favourite characters at Disney on Ice at The SSE Hydro. / £17.60 - £45.40

29 April

Leaf by NiggleTron Theatre Ltd, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB 0141 572 4267www.tron.co.ukRichard Medrington recounts JRR Tolkien’s miniature masterpiece Leaf by Niggle. 7.45pm (+ 2.30pm Sat 30th April) / £10- £16

For lots of Egg-citing Easter events taking place in

Glasgow visit our website www.familiesglasgow.co.uk


Large enough to o�er an excellent choice of venues and a safe, fun and exciting experience for children, but small enough to provide a truly reliable, secure and personal service for mums and dads.We are looking to expand our network of after school clubs, breakfast clubs and holiday programmes and will happily discuss establishing new venues in schools or taking on the responsibility for existing facilities.

Our Easter and summer holiday programmes are open from 8am-6.30pm Monday to Friday and take place at:Hutchesons’ Grammar senior school 4-15 April + 27 June–12 August 2016

Interested in finding out more?Contact: [email protected] 0131 557 7500

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Glasgow Darnley 0141 404 1049

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Documents

Families Glasgow Issue 56 March April 2016