Capable Child

Birmingham's famous German market is open! From 4th November to 23rd December the aroma of Gluhwein and gingerbread will be tempting passers by. Is it possible to enjoy it with children? Yes, with a little bit of a plan. We have been taking our girls to the German market since they were babies. Amazingly, babies are actually easier to take to the market than older children because time it right, and they sleep through your bratwurst and hot chocolate. Top tips for taking a baby: If you can, visit on a weekday as it's quieter. Consider a baby carrier rather than a pushchair. Head for the moving toy and model stalls to keep little ones occupied. If needed, use baby changing facilities in the Bullring or Grand Central (opposite Kitty Cafe). Take plenty of layers in case it gets chilly. For older children, there are plenty of stalls for them to browse. On our family visits, we spread out the food and drinks to keep them happy- drinking hot chocolate at one end of the market and eat

Finally back on my blogspot with a great family day out. Slimbridge is somewhere that I had been meaning to visit with my girls for sometime. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Birmingham when the M5 is happy. It's proximity to the M5 also make it a great place to break a journey if you are travelling south west. Do be sure to book in advance though as it's popular. The whole family really enjoyed our day at Slimbridge and that is the real brilliance of the place. It's engaging for adults and keeps toddlers happy. Not many venues can claim to please everyone. The children's favourite part of the day was Welly Boot Land. Amazingly, I had dressed the children appropriately in welly boots but it was a sunny day and within minutes boots were off, socks were off and trousers were rolled up. (Take a towel!) The girls were in the stream, on the slides and splashing each other. The take away coffee hut was aptly positioned just outside the gates to keep the gr