GIVE THE KIDS AN ALTERNATIVE ‘DRIVE THROUGH' EXPERIENCE
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Summer hoi/ays
Alice Cooper may be thrilled that school’s out for summer, but making six long weeks stretch can be a tough call for parents. Kelly Apter and Jo Ross ease the pain with the first of a two—part look at fun-filled things to do in Central Scotland.
Where? Kelburn Country Centre
Why? Based in Fairlie. just down the coast from Largs. Kelburn Country Centre (01475 568685 www.kelburn countrycentrecom) works with its natural surroundings to create a great family day out. Kids can explore the waterfalls of Kelburn Glen: stroke the animals in Pets Corner; climb on rope swings on the Adventure Course: use their imagination in the sandpit of the Stockade: or get tough on the ‘death slide' in the Play Area. There‘s also the Soft Play Room for under-6s. But the real
feather in Kelburn's cap is the Secret Forest. a series of
walkways leading to one surprise after another.
While you’re there Experience the sounds and smells of a Viking village at Vikingar (01475 689777 www.vikingar.co.uk) where kids can learn all about the legendary warriors. The centre also houses Largs' leisure centre. including a pool and soft play area.
Where? Blair Drummond Safari Park
Why? Give the kids an alternative ‘drive through’ experience at Blair Drummond Safari Park (01786 841456 www.blairdrummondcom) near Stirling. Instead of burgers. they‘ll find lions. rhinos. bison and ostriches wandering past the car. They can also wear themselves out in the adventure playgrounds and fairground. There are sea lion and falconry displays. a picnic area and pet fartn. If you arrive by public transport. a safari jeep takes you inside the reserves. Best of all. Blair Drummond is home to the only elephants in Scotland.
While you’re there Iiasily one of Historic Scotland’s
best sites. Stirling Castle (01786 450000) is full of
nooks and crannies for kids to explore. The Old Town Jail (01786 450050) is quite an eye—opener. especially when an 'inmate‘ arrives full of hard-luck stories.
Where? .\l&1)'s Scotland‘s Theme Park
Why? With over 40 rides and attractions to choose from. M&D’s (0870 1 129777 www.scotlandstliemepark.coml is kiddie paradise. Situated in Strathclyde Country Park. and there are rides to suit every stomach. The Indoor Entertainment Complex has been developed to combat our climate. and also doubles as a recuperation point after you brave the roller coaster known as the Vortex. While you’re there Bothwell Castle at L'ddingston (just off the B707) may be a 13th century ruin. but there's enough of it left to let kids‘ imaginations run riot. Regular re-enactments make history come alive. with the next event set for 24 July.
Where? Mugdock Country Park
Why? Beautiful countryside only 30 minutes’ drive from Glasgow. off the A81 near Milngavie. Mugdock Country Park (0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country- park.org.uk) has loads of woodland walks. two castles. a loch and great views. The Visitor Centre provides trail maps. and the Rangers cart help kids lind beasties in the ponds. There are plenty picnic spaces and barbecue hire. While you’re there Head north-west tip to Loch Lomond and Balloch. Kids will enjoy the visitor lilnis in Druntkinnon Tower at Lomond Shores (01389 722406 www.1ochlomondshores.com) or you can set sail for a cruise round the Loch.
MO‘I
Labyrinth Fresh from its success at the Children's International Theatre Festival. Wee Stories (pictured) continues to tour its excellent reworking of Theseus and the Minotaur. Tron Theatre, Glasgow. Tue 28 8. Wed 29 Jun.
Children’s Midsummer Concert It's 12 months since the Children's Garden was set up to encourage the growing and eating of healthy food. So pack a picnic and join the birthday party, with light classical music by a quartet from the Scottish Opera orchestra. Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, Fri 24 Jun.
The Wiggles Four Aussie guys in bright coloured shirts who have taken Nick Jnr's pre- school TV audience by storm. See picture caption. page 66. Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 3 Jul.
Parade of Wheels Join the parade of vintage vehicles from the Museum of Transport, as it travels along Kelvin Way. Anything with wheels will do — skateboards, roller skates. bikes, even pushchairs. Kelvin Way, Glasgow, Sun 26 Jun.
RSNO Kids Prom Subtitled ‘Animals in my Soup‘. this fun family concert features a host of familiar tunes from the big and small screen. including Jaws and The Jungle Book. Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sat 25 Jun.
lee + Loud It's at times like this yOu realise what a gap Busted have left in your life. Ah well, there's always McFly, who share the bill with Rachel Stevens, KT Tunstail. Lemar and a host of others for this day-long musical shindig. Hampden Park, G/asgow, Sun 26 Jun.
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