Days Out

Following on from our Parent Meetings, here are some ideas for days out!  Please send us your tips and comments, and we'll add them here 🙂

Planning

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/out-and-about/holidays-and-days-out.aspx

This site gives practical information on planning a day out including evidence of your child’s disability, eating out, finding out about disabled facilities and the National Key Scheme.You can also find suggestions for day’s out in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

There is information on many considerations when planning holidays with children with ASD – deciding where to go, preparation, passports, check-in, insurance etc.

Ideas

http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/solihull

This is a vibrant and clearly defined site with colour coded attraction categories. Each place has a link to access descriptions and contact details.

http://www.netmums.com/birmingham/local/index/childcare/holiday-schemes/solihull

This site gives details of holiday clubs in Birmingham and Solihull

http://events.birmingham.gov.uk/

For those of you who want to see what Birmingham may have to offer.

 

Saving Money

Summer holidays can be very expensive with day trips and activities. Check out some of the ways to save money for your youngsters.

https://www.ceacard.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx

The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed by UK cinemas – to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for disabled guests when they go to the cinema and it ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them.

http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/faqs.aspx

If you purchase an annual Merlin pass for your youngster it gives entry into hundreds of attractions including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Chessington, Lego Land etc.

You can apply for a free Carer’s pass for an over 14 year old who accompanies your youngster. In addition you can apply in advance for up to 4 ‘family and friends’ tickets at a 50% reduction.

http://www.kidspass.co.uk/what

Kids Pass allows you and your family to benefit from some fantastic savings at the UK’s top attractions, restaurants and cinemas! Kids Pass 12 months membership covers your entire household and gives:-

  • Up to 57% off at over 200 attractions - including 22 Theme Parks, 56 indoor attractions, 34 outdoor attractions, 13 go karting centres, 13 aquariums and many more
  • Up to 40% off at over 300 cinemas nationwide
  • Kids Eat Free (or better!) at hundreds of restaurants nationwide

Free places to go in West Midland

  1. Coventry Transport Museum

Discover the fascinating history of road transport from bicycles to fast cars. With buses, tractors and fire engines, everyone's favourite can be found here. There are lots of interactive exhibits to play on, free activity sheets and regular children's activities and events.

  1. Museum of Cannock Chase

This museum is housed in the former Valley Colliery corn store where they kept food for the pit ponies. Discover the history of the local area and how the local miners used to live and their work underground. Afterwards, enjoy a walk around Cannock Chase.

  1. Brampton Park and Museum

Hidden away in Brampton Park this museum is very family friendly. Scenes and galleries show the history of the local area and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits for children to interact with. Outside there's a lovely park and a sand-pit, so remember to take a bucket and spade.

  1. BBC Birmingham Open Space

Read a news bulletin, present the weather, see where the Archers is recorded or have your photo taken with a Dalek. These are some of the things you can do at the The Maibox.

  1. Wyre Forest

Follow one of the three way-marked trails and explore the forest. Download one of the activity sheets before you go to help your children get the most out of their visit and learn about forest life. There's an adventure playground, too.

  1. Redwings Horse Sanctuary (Oxhill)

The Redwings Oxhill Rescue Centre is home to adoption equines Dylan, Felicity, Will and dinky pony Wensley, along with more than 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. There is a play park and café and regular tours and demonstrations are given. Entry is free, though as a charity donations are appreciated.

  1. Wolverhampton Art Gallery

This gallery is situated in the centre of Wolverhampton, and is worth a visit, even if you have young children with you. There are plenty of hands-on activities for young and old alike. The aim of being family friendly is at the heart of many of the exhibitions. Entry and all activities and workshops are Free.

  1. Worcester Woods Country Park

Worcester Woods Country Park has two nature reserves, both with an abundance of wildlife. The 100 acres of Nunnery Wood & and the 10 acres of Hornhill Meadows are home to many varieties of birds and butterflies.  The Countryside Centre has information displays and children will love the adventure play area.

PLEASE SHARE WITH US YOUR GOOD (AND BAD EXPERIENCES) OF PLACES OR EVENTS YOU VISIT OVER THE SUMMER

HAVE FUN!