The School Summer Holidays Are Here... What Do You Have Planned?
By Darkwing
@Darkwing (21583)
July 24, 2008 10:45am CST
The schools have broken for their Summer holidays in the UK... I think later than in the U.S.A. The weather has been gorgeous for the last couple of days... blue skies, sunny and warm, with a light breeze. So, what are your plans for the kids' Summer holidays. Six weeks is a long time to fill, and can become quite expensive. Do you have one big day out, and the rest at a cheap price, like picnics, walks, the beach, fetes etc?
I'm planning my Quest for the Bolney Grail treasure hunt again, for the August Bank Holiday Sunday, so I'm out and about, taking in the surroundings again. I love the history of West Sussex, which is mainly Saxon and Medieval. We have hammerponds and forests all over. Today, my eldest son has taken his family to Chessington World of Adventure and Zoo. We have a choice of theme parks in the area, like Thorpe Park, Legoland and various farm parks and gardens. We're also not too far from the seaside either, where the kids love to go. Littlehampton, in fact, is a very vast, sandy beach, split into two by the inlet of the River Arun. On the west side, there is a sandy beach, edged by big sand dunes. The kids love it here, and it's ideal for picknicking as it's sheltered by the dunes. A sun trap really. The only problem is, Theme Parks and Farm Parks can become expensive for a family of four, especially when one of the children is over fourteen. So... they have one big day out, then they're going to my sister's caravan in Camber Sands for a few days, but other than that, it will have to be cheaper outings.
What do you have planned for your kids?
2 people like this
12 responses
@cupid74 (11388)
• Pakistan
25 Jul 08
Hi dear
We also have summer vacations here and my kids are not school going though
so so far every day is same for us
and here mostly peoople want to go to Northern areas of Pakistan as they are very green, good weather and hilly area and u can have lot of fun their
Zoos, oicnic and visiting relatives is other option
Take care
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
My kids are far from school age too, but the Grandkids are still going through their school years. I tend to take quite a few weekends or short breaks away at various places during the year, but Summer is a special time for visiting the greener places and the beaches.
Brightest Blessings, my friend, and thank you for your contribution.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
There's nothing wrong with swimming a lot. Kids love water and it's good exercise for us all, at the same time.
Sorry, you lost the rest as I would have been interested to read it. lol. Brightest Blessings, my dear friend and thank you for your contribution. xxx
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
25 Jul 08
lots of exerce in swimming specially when she wants me to jump up and down lol then we al got to kicking to spry the water and that took alot of energy lol wore me and mommy out .
Dont know where it went all of a sudden when writting it went right back to the pic of the park then I got back all my writting was gone grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr hugs and blessings
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
26 Jul 08
It sounds as though you have a great time in the water with Chey, and even if it does tire you, it's good for you, as long as you don't overdo the whole thing, my friend. I guess you know how far you can go with it. You've done well so far!
Brightest Blessings, love and hugs. xxx
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
28 Jul 08
It is funny how your school holiday is just starting. Ours started on May 30th. But what makes it even stranger is that our school system just ended their vacation and the kids started back at school today, June 28th. It sounds like there are a lot of things for kids to do there. We usually have a holiday during the school break and do something. Usually go camping. But this year we had a child who had an operation and was confined to a wheelchair for most of the time and I had to take her to physical therapy every day the last three weeks. Some vacation she got.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
29 Jul 08
I think it's mainly because of the weather patterns in our individual countries. I believe you Summer comes much sooner than ours. Our weather is a bit inclement until at least the end of June, when it tends to settle more into warmer, sunnier days. The school terms, or half terms, are divided each into six weeks, and that's just the way it pans out.
Well, it's sad that you had a child confined to a wheelchair this year, but by next year, it will probably be a different story altogether, and the lousy break she had this year will be forgotten in the enjoyment of next. Camping is fun... kids normally enjoy that sort of thing. It's an adventure for them.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
25 Jul 08
Our kids are all grown, both of them and my granddaughter is not old enough for school or pre school for that matter. When my sons were in school, in the holidays, when we lived in Saskatoon, we went berry picking, we went to the Fair, and when we moved to Winnipeg, we would drive to Saskatoon, we also went to the parks, etc. One time we drove all the way from Winnipeg to Vancouver, B.C. and camped in the parks on the way there. They enjoyed it, but I could not sleep with an air mattress in a tent on the damp ground. I felt every bump.
When our sons were older, they would take turn driving the car. So it was mostly visiting relatives.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
I know what you mean, my friend. I'm way past my "canvas days" too. I like my comfort, but the things you used to do with your kids sound great! I would imagine they really enjoyed themselves. Money's tight at the moment though for everybody, so I just wondered what plans and ideas people had.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution. xx
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
25 Jul 08
Summer holidays don't really mean anything special for us because we hardly have any money to spend. We do get to see each other every day which is a treat because we hardly ever see the kids when there's school.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
Awwww... you don't need a lot of money to enjoy the Summer my friend. I love to walk for instance, on the hills, through the woods and on the beach. You can take a picnic, so that you don't have to buy extra food. The kids love the fun of it all!
Brightest Blessings, and thank you for your contribution.
@littleowl (7157)
•
24 Jul 08
Hi Darkwing as my grandson is only 4yrs old I takr him out for the the days when I have him,being thst age he gets really tired and when he goes to bed hr is reallu tired so thst he falls asleep very quickly..normally I just take each day as it comes and see what comes up bright blrddingd
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
It's nice to be able to take them out when they're little, isn't it? They grow up all too fast these days. I hope everything's ok with you, and that you can make August 1st/2nd. I've been really looking forward to that. Fresh air always makes the little ones tired, as does travelling and watching out of windows, but they enjoy themselves learning about things.
Brightest Blessings, and thank you for your contribution, my dear friend. xx
@Darkwing (21583)
•
26 Jul 08
Yes, they do grow up all too quickly, my friend. I always tried to keep mine attached to the natural world though by taking them for walks in the woods and out in the countryside, pointing out the wonders of nature and marvelling at animal life. They love it still... although the attraction of theme parks does hold a draw now. Such a shame. There's not much sand castle building on the beach nowadays, is there?
Yes, I received your message and replied to it. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it yet, whether to stay the night somewhere down there, because it's bound to be busy, or whether to travel down both days. It depends on the programme I suppose. If most of it takes place on Saturday, there's not a lot of point repeating the journey on Sunday, is there? I'll play it by ear I think. Hope the weather holds till then!
Brightest Blessings... keep your head up to the light, my dear friend. xxx
@littleowl (7157)
•
25 Jul 08
Sometimes I think it is such a shame for the little ones to grow up the way the world is going etc..it comes to quickly for them Brendan starts school in September the years have flown by I remember when my daughter was pregnant with him! Am really hoping that I will be able to come on Aug 1st/2nd but can only really stay for one day..have sent you a pm explaining why..bright blessings littleowl
1 person likes this
@deeeky (3667)
• Edinburgh, Scotland
25 Jul 08
The school of life is always on the go and it seems like a never ending quest for you my friend with the activities that you do each year.
A lot of people enjoy hunts as they must look forward to them each year.
We all need from the rat race and i reckon eight weeks should be split into four two week sessions which would break the year more wisely.
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
I do have a little help this year with a couple of volunteers setting up the route and clues, so all I have to do is set them all up and print them out, then be down there on the day, my friend. So, it's not so bad this year as far as the Quest goes. Having said that though, there is plenty more coming my way. lol. Darts is starting a month earlier and I have to get all the fixtures and competition forms done and dusted. Never mind... it's all part of life. I wouldn't have taken it on if I didn't enjoy it.
The kids here only have six weeks holiday. The rest is added on to Easter and Christmas I believe. I don't know how it works in your part of the sunny isle!
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my dear friend. Have a Great Day! x
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
24 Jul 08
Aah Zoo's and theme parks are my son's favorite. He's been on Summer holidays since June 17th and so far he has had two weeks of swimming lessons, numerous visits to Museums and Monuments downtown DC with family who came all the way from New Zealand, a few bbqs at various parks around our county, play dates with a few friends, playing ball at the park and he is scheduled for his next set of swimming classes in two weeks. He has also attended a few birthdays as well.
His birthday is on Saturday so I am taking him to see the movie Space Chimps with his new friend he made in swimming class and then we are taking him to SplashDown Waterpark for the afternoon. We already celebrated his birthday last Saturday with my Mum and family before they left to go home, and before his Dad left for overseas.
We have seen a few movies as well and have also spent a bit of time at home playing games and just hanging out together. I think he is tired of me already haha.
Enjoy the summer holidays - those look like fun things to do with your grandkids :)
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
My little Granddaughter's too!!! She particularly wanted to go to Thorpe Park because she likes the thrill of the bigger rides, but unfortunately, most of Thorpe Park is now bigger rides on which, only over sixteens or eighteens can ride, so at age eleven, it would be a bit of a waste of her parents' money. So, they opted for Chessington.
I knew that yours broke up earlier than ours. Ours are about a month later in breaking up, and have six weeks, returning early September. It sounds as though your son had a great time on his Summer holidays, and very educational too. Swimming classes are always a good idea, and it sounds as though he's going to be given a great birthday treat.
Brightest Blessings, my dear friend and thank you for your contribution. xx
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
Oh wow! Well done your youngest! I'll bet you're a really proud Mum. It'll be nice to see the grand wees from time to time, my friend. They keep you on the go, and help you forget other things, and it's best to just take things as they come, I guess.
Brightest Blessings for a Happy Summer Holiday, and thank you for your contribution, my dear friend. xxx
@FaerieAne2003 (679)
• United States
24 Jul 08
Oh, yes, definitely later! Our kids got out for summer break on May 23rd, and they go back August 8th. So strange to me that yours get out so late! But then again, much is strange to this "ugly American" concerning other countries. I'm highly interested in them, but still blown away by the littlest things!
My cousin has a swimming pool, a stock-pond, a really nice swing/slide set, and she and her husband let us bring our kids to wreck her yard. We went there a few times to fish, swim, play, and grill out, but we didn't really "go" anywhere. Still in all, it was a good summer. We had a good time with the things we did do, and never missed the things we didn't.
My husband and I are going to Florida in September, though, and the kids are staying home! 
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
Wow... that is early. Ours are only on half term at the end of May, and the weather isn't always great either. We have very inclement weather here. Now though, it's settled down for a while, and we're having some good, sunny days. The kids break up around 19th July and go back early in September, having had six weeks holiday.
You don't need to spend a fortune going places, my friend. Kids love water and eating out, and it's a break in routine, so I'm sure they really enjoyed themselves. Wow... I'll bet you're looking forward to your break in Florida, and hope you got all the stuff from last year sorted out. Be happy my friend.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution. xx
@ellie333 (21016)
•
25 Jul 08
Hi Darkwing, The main event this summer holiday will be to take J to the Dawlish carnival where they also have an airshow with the red arrows which he loves. We will be visiting my brother for a few days in Portsmouth, my father is coming to visit, my eldest daughter is home at the weekend so we will go down to the beach for the day, whether good or bad weather is an enjoyable experience. Trips to the park, Chessington and places like that are just too expensive and as still little won't go on many rides but will probably invest in a day like that out as older one year. Yesterday we spent time in the garden planting now it has been cleared. Also if my passport renewal comes back in time I will fly for a week to my mums in Spain. I may also try to go to Longleat for the day as I have never been and I think J will have fun. It sounds like your grandchildren will have a pretty packed holiday and hope they enjoy. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
They're usually given a bit of a treat for their year's school work, as once again, Lauren's report was excellent and Sarah did pretty well in her exams. She's finished at school now, but not as totally grown up as she thinks! lol.
I used to love watching the Red Arrows, until I saw one ditch into the sea, and the pilot killed. I somehow don't seem able to watch them so much any more... I love parachute jumps though... watching them float down from the plane.
You're right in what you say... for the young ones, there isn't too much at Chessington taking into consideration the price they charge. Legoland is the better for children J's age. It's good that you can get to visit parents. I'm going to Portsmouth in September... a bit old hat, The Victory and The Marie Rose, but I'm going on a coach with the peeps from the indoor bowls club, then we have a meal, on the return journey. I'm sure J will love the animals, especially the lions and monkeys. That should be a fun day out for you and Longleat's not too far. There are some quite nice places in Dorset too... a model village, for instance.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my dear friend. xxx
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
24 Jul 08
Hi DarkWing,
West Sussex is very beautiful place and I'm glad i live here though I must say I haven't up and about these days and will have to arrange something before the summer is over, I am enjoying the weather though and lets hope August Bank hoilday isn't a wash out like every year, enjoy your summer.
Bright Blessings
Tamara
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Jul 08
Yes, West Sussex certainly is a special place, and I'm not sorry I live here either, but there are a lot of beautiful places in our country to visit. August Bank Holiday was hot and sunny last year... I had to go back into the pub from the garden because it was too hot. lol. As you say though, I hope it holds out this year.
I'm hoping to arrange a meeting sometime soon with you and Littleowl, but she has a bit on her plate at the moment, as you probably know, and we don't seem to get any arrangements made. Still, all good things come to those who wait.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my friend. x
