What a sportastic week last week was. Usain Bolt broke yet another world record (now that man can run!), England won The Ashes , excuse to open another beer! And Burnley F.C. the underdogs beat both Manchester Utd and Everton! After watching all those highlights in the comfort of my lounge, I feel like it’s time to get out and get some exercise as a family.

As we are all aware this weekend is the last bank holiday weekend of the year, time to campaign for one more around October, that aside tt also marks the countdown until the kids go back to school and so I’ve been thinking of what to do to ‘send the kids off in style’ while not spending an arm and a leg!

Now there are the normal ideas such as camping in the back garden, a trip to the swimming pool or a big family meal (using our Recipe of the week) but I want to do something a bit more fun. A few brainwaves came over me including:
- Building a tree house (don’t know if the Daddies will be up for this on their weekend off!)
- A boat trip down the Thames (if you live in London)
- A speed boat ride on the Wave Rider in Scarborough (£4 for adults, £3 for children)

The best last minute idea I came up with (which actually lasts a whole day) is to take them on safari!

knowsley-safari-park

Yes I know, it’s not exactly the African savannah but I discovered that there are a number of safari parks around the UK jam packed with amazing creatures worthy of a mini-safari for you and your kids this bank holiday weekend (check out the Safari Park website, it’s really useful).

The one which is infamous near me is Knowsley Safari Park. They have giraffes, elephants, tigers, white rhinos and monkeys to name but a few, and the idea is for you to drive round in your car while the animals walk around outside. It’s great because it gives children the chance to see the animals up close and personal, with no bars in between, and it’s also better for the animals not to be cooped up in cage. If you do decide to go then there is a ‘Fun Zone’ on the site to get your kids all excited!

It’s open throughout the summer from 10am-4pm and costs £12 for adults and £9 for children – they have a Family ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children which costs £37 which is ideal.

Hectic mum top tip: Take some binoculars, a notebook and camera. Also, if you don’t get the chance to go this weekend then it’s always a great idea for a children’s birthday party.

If you have already made plans for this weekend, seeing the family or going to the coast for example, but don’t have a clue what to wear then Get The Label has come up with some ideas, whatever the weather. Cargo shorts are ideal for dads if it’s sunny, but I’d advise to wear some waterproofs if the weather takes a turn for the worse (mums heed this advice too with this lightweight Nike jacket!)
So what are you doing this bank holiday weekend? Please leave your ideas below.