Here are our 10 top hacks for keeping you and your young ones busy this July | Daily Mail Online

2022-07-29 23:43:54 By : Ms. Anna Jiang

Published: 10:09 EDT, 22 July 2022 | Updated: 04:14 EDT, 25 July 2022

Maintaining harmony in the home is important for a successful family dynamic, no matter how big or small your brood. From entertaining days out for the entire family to little gadgets that make parenting that little bit easier, here are Checklist's top tips for the entire family this July.

Bring your baby up boarding! 

Have you ever considered what sport your young one could grow up to excel at? You could always go the conventional route with football or netball, but why not try something a little different. Introducing the world’s first learner skateboard specifically designed for young children.

The Ookkie Skateboard, a 4-in-1 learner skateboard, features handles that  can be removed in stages as the child starts to gain confidence and skills. The last stage is your traditional skateboard so when they're ready to skate freely, they can!

This is a learning tool that can last for years as your child progresses and the stages allow you to safely teach your child whilst still being in control. With an Ookkie Skateboard, you can help your young one develops balance, core strength and stability. There have been riders as young as 10 months old who've enjoyed their time on the Ookkie!

Every trainer board is super easy to set up: simply click the handles together, insert into the skateboard deck and you’re ready to roll! It's also easy to take apart and pack down when preparing for a day at the park.

What makes this the ultimate training tool is that the height is adjustable for both child and parent. If you’re a tall parent, you can adjust the handle to be higher. Then the child’s handle can be adjusted as they grow.

Kick your family walks up a notch by helping your child learn to skate with their very own Ookkie Skateboard. 

The info: Click here to shop the range now and save 10% on your first Ookkie purchase by signing up to their newsletter. 

Bask in the glow of the Northern Lights 

'Bucket list' and 'wish list' are currently THE travel buzzwords. There's one ancient attraction that almost invariably sits at number one on many of those lists: the Northern Lights.

If you've ever been fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights for yourself, you'll know that nothing, absolutely nothing comes close. No images, no time-lapse footage can compare to standing on a frozen Arctic lake under a pitch-black northern sky and watching a pale green smudge of faint light develop into a full-blown flickering and shimmering Aurora Borealis.

Last year, 85% of their guests saw the Northern Lights whilst out on a trip with The Aurora Zone. Due to an increase in solar activity, top scientists are now predicting over 200 days of the best Northern Light displays ever for the upcoming 2022/23 season. 

Also, The Aurora Zone's core focus is purely and simply on this natural wonder. They research it, they visit it regularly and, most of all, they absolutely love the Northern Lights and want to share it with you. 

Their holiday prices included everything; flights, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, soft drinks and all the activities listed in the trip itinerary, all you have to do is turn up! The Aurora Zone will do everything else for you! 

The info: Click here to get your quote for a trip with the experts of the Aurora. 

Embark on a treetop adventure 

Looking for a summer activity where the memories will last a lifetime? Get back to that primal urge to climb trees and book yourself an adventure with Go Ape.

The ideal activity for all ages, Go Ape offer adventures across 34 sites nationwide based in some of the UK's most beautiful terrain. Helping you and your kids step out of your comfort zone, it's the perfect summer activity solution for the entire family – adults included.

This year, Go Ape celebrated two decades of helping others to live adventurously. Over the last 20 years, they've facilitated more than 11.5 million visits, events, school trips, and corporate team days across their locations. They've even hosted a hen do or two!

They're the experts when it comes to creating adventures and their incredible tribe are dedicated to crafting meaningful and memorable experiences. Whether you're already a daredevil or are stepping outside of your comfort zone, you're sure to find something that pushes you.

This summer, it's time for some grin-inducing quality time in a forest creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The info: Click here to book your adventure and start living life more adventurously.

Kitting out the kids for another year can be daunting. Ensuring you have all your little one's bases covered, from day-to-day uniform to PE kit, can be a real stress - especially if you've left it 'til early September.

Trutex offer a full range of 'Made to Last' school uniforms for boys and girls including trousers, skirts, blazers, shirts, jumpers, polo shirts and PE kits. Investing in Trutex means your child’s uniform will grow out before it is worn out, creating real value for money in the long run. 

Sourced using only the best quality materials, Trutex uniforms stand up to the rough and tumble of school life. Permanent creases, stain resistant finishes and non-iron technology mean your child looks as good at the end of term as they did in that first-day photo!

Trutex are specialists in providing school uniforms to parents, schools and retailers. Established for over 150 years, they are the experts in providing quality uniforms. Every piece is easy to look after, all machine washable makes your life easier too. 

Before school starts this September, they're offering one lucky parent the chance to win a £250 voucher to spend on school uniform. To enter, simply follow the link below! 

The info: Click here to enter the competition* and here to claim 20% off with code 'CHECKLIST20'**.

*Terms and conditions can be found here. Winner will be provided with £250 gift voucher to spend at www.trutex.com. Voucher must be used within 6 months. All stock is subject to availability.

** Redeemable against school uniforms that are non-specific only. 

Explore the wonders of Snowdonia 

Having enjoyed getaways that don't involve hours of waiting at the airport, it's no surprise that parents across Britain are now deciding to spend their summers discovering the wonders that lie just a car ride away.

One such wonder is Adventure Parc Snowdonia, located at the heart of Wales' largest national park. Inspired by the nature that surrounds it and introducing a few elements of their own, it's the perfect destination to spend a long weekend that's packed tight with adventures.

In addition to the abundant walks, hikes and trails that marble through the park, there are a host of surprising activities for all the family. The headliner has to be the Surf Snowdonia freshwater lagoon, where you can learn to surf and enjoy the guaranteed waves, with lifeguarded SUP and outdoor swimming available too. Then Adrenaline Indoors offers nature-inspired activities like indoor caving, high ropes, climbing and extreme slides. There's even a soft play area for your younger ones.

To unwind from your adventuring, you can sit back and relax at the Wave Garden Spa which is carefully positioned on the shore of the glistening lagoon. Enjoy relaxing treatments against the stunning backdrop of North Wales' magnificent landscape.

When it comes to resting your head once night falls, you're spoilt for choice at the Parc’s Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia where you can choose from over 106 rooms and suites. If you'd rather the full wilderness experience, you can always book yourself a spot at the rustic Woodland Camping Pod Village, where every pod brings together the magic of camping with creature comforts like heating and charging sockets.

The info: Click here to start curating your nature-inspired summer adventure.

Your favourite card game, but beach ready!

It can be tough finding the time to have fun as a family, but board games are a great way to get everyone involved in the fun. A familiar favourite to many, Dobble is a quick and easy game to pick up and play wherever you are and whatever your age. With clear and high contrast illustrations and a wide variety of themes this is a game you can have fun with anywhere and anytime.

Chaos Cards have a wide variety of games for all the family ranging from games like Dobble, all the way through to trading card games like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Founded in 2011, they're one of the top retailers for tabletop games and take great pride in making sure they have only the best products available for their customers.

They also stock board games which can be played solo for the quiet moments where you want to escape to a different world. With plushies and toys from your favourite tv shows

Chaos Cards have everything you need to complete your collection. If you consider yourself a fan of card and board games, why not try out their membership scheme? It allows you to receive cashback on your purchases, as well as exclusive discount codes and offers!

The info: Click here to shop and enjoy an exclusive 5% discount with code 'Checklist'*.

*Offer only available on orders over £30. 

Nothing beats escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life for a long weekend in the countryside. When swapping out the smog and traffic for fresh air and wildlife, you can't go wrong with a stay in Cornwall.

With a blend of 12 characterful cottages, Tremaine Manor and Country Cottage near Looe offers luxury accommodation with all the comforts of home. The interesting interiors, unique surroundings and the utmost privacy, each property is full of Cornish authenticity. 

Delivering the best of both worlds, the luxury accommodation offers all you'd expect from a high-end hotel yet with the flexibility of catering to suit your needs and the indulgence of relaxing in a generous, well thought out private tranquil space.

They offer a host of tantalising extras to enhance your stay, from a barbecue delights package all the way through to a private chef service. You can even arrange a private beauty treatment beforehand if you're really looking to luxuriate. 

This month, Tremaine Manor and Country Cottages are giving one lucky winner the chance to win a three-night stay in a three-bed cottage. Sleeping six people and two canine companions, the stay also comes with a continental daily breakfast and a copy of the Daily Mail. 

To be in with your chance of winning, simply follow the link below! 

The info:  Click here to enter the competition* and here to book your next escape to the country.

 *Terms and conditions can be found here. 

Get yourself an innovative car seat 

It's the age-old struggle of the young parent. The dance of the cumbersome car seat has been a feature in the lives of new mums and dads for decades now. Enter Turn2Me, Graco’s swivel car seat that's designed to make life that little bit easier when taking your young'un out for the day. 

Graco’s Turn2Me is an Isofix rotating car seat that swivels 360° to help you avoid that awkward backseat contortion. Turning smoothly with just one hand, the motion is smooth and a fuss-free way of getting them in or out of the car. The morning run to nursery has never been easier.

The seat offers superb comfort, featuring luxury padding from top to bottom, to ensure your child is sitting comfortably. The headrest and harness are easily adjusted as your child grows, and the no re-thread harness ensures a correct fit. There's also built-in side ventilation to keep your baby cosy through the changing seasons. 

For peace of mind, the one-click Isofix has an intuitive rearward-forward facing locking system which means the car seat installs easily and instantly, with the added benefit of an integrated colour-coded indicator. 

With a 12-position loadleg, you're able to find the very best fit for your car. The seat also features side impact protection for additional peace of mind and ensures your child has powerful head and body protection at each stage of use.

The info: Click here to shop and discover a new generation of car seats. 

Discover Holland's largest theme park! 

When planning your next family trip, it's essential to ensure there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. A trip to Holland could be just the ticket, especially considering that's where you'll get to experience Efteling.

First opened in 1952, Efteling is now the largest theme park in the Netherlands and the third largest in Europe! It boasts a thrilling roster of things to see, with 32 attractions which include six rollercoasters and three water rides.

Inspired by familiar fairytales, it's the perfect setting for some family bonding where you'll get to explore the enchanted world of the Fairytale Forest or face your fears on the rides. 

Thrill-seekers can enjoy high-adrenaline roller coasters like dive-coaster Baron 1898, which freefalls 37.5 meters into a mineshaft and reaches a top speed of more than 90 kilometres per hour. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacular park shows like Aquanura, or the wonderful theatre show CARO, a visual spectacle suitable for all ages.

Kids and adults can enjoy becoming the characters of their own fairytale at the Efteling Hotel, where 20 enchanting theme suites include the Cinderella Suite, Sleeping Beauty Suite, Snow White Suite and a Hans Christian Andersen Suite. Overnight stays always include unlimited access to Efteling Theme Park and are FREE for children up to 3 years old!

There's no better time to book your visit as the park celebrates its 70th birthday, marking the milestone with special parties and special attractions that will only be running for a limited time. 

The info: Click here to discover more and plan a wonderful trip to Efteling.

As you ponder where's the next spot to take out the family, why not take on an adventure in the limestone caverns of Somerset. This summer holiday, you can enjoy an experience millions of years in the making at Wookey Hole. These caves, legends, and adventures will bring a smile to the faces of explorers of all ages.

There's plenty to see and do both inside and out, from vintage penny arcades to museums, adventure golf, and soft play zones, to name but a few of the attractions. All this is not forgetting the breathtakingly beautiful caves, for which Wookey Hole is renowned. There are eight unique chambers to be explored, plus the Wookey Hole cheese tunnel! 

Over the years, Wookey Hole has been home to giant hyenas, bears, Neanderthals, and many local people. The most famous of these being the Witch of Wookey Hole. The Witch will be meeting and greeting visitors this holiday season, ready to cast her spells on your little ones. 

Kids are free to enjoy a fun trail around the park and everyone will be astounded by the daily performances on display by the Wookey Hole Circus School. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth visit, you’ll take home magical memories to cherish.

The info: Click here to find out more and start planning your visit.

If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration in everything from food and drink, health and wellbeing to family life, why not follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ChecklistSocial, or sign up to the newsletter? Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too - discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.

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