Category: Dinosaurs

Children, cleaning, Dinosaurs, Families, Family Life, Farms, Kids Days Out, Large Families, Outdoor Play, Parents, Parks, Photography, Reviews, Reviews, Summer, Surrey

Our First Trip To Godstone Farm After Lockdown

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[PRESS TICKETS] Godstone Farm is one of our favourite places to visit and I can safely say I must have racked up a fair few visits with my crew over the years – so after months of being stuck inside with very limited time outside of our own four walls we couldn’t wait to have our first real trip out at Godstone Farm.

Ordinary Godstone Farm is really good at putting hygiene first and I was at ease knowing they would do their upmost to get the farm ready for visitors after lockdown.

I wasn’t disappointed as when we arrived there were very clear instructions as to what is expected of you on your visit and wash stations and hand sanitizer at every turn.

You need to pre-book online before your visit, time slots have been made to stagger people on entry and numbers have been limited to make sure it is easy to stick to government guidelines.

Due to the amount of open space at the farm keeping your distance can be done with ease and in the few areas that it may become tricky, one way systems have been put in place and reminders dotted around the floor telling you to keep ‘2 pigs’ apart.

One of the first things that really struck me was the fact all the animals looked as happy to see the children as they were to see them. They we happy coming over the the children to say hi and the boys couldn’t have been happier.

We spent ages walking around and seeing if there had been any new arrivals since our last visit and I was happier than the boys I think to see the gorgeous little piglets that were only a few days old.

My children are always thinking about their bellies and although we took a picnic with us there were plenty of places to grab something to eat, and we enjoyed a coffee and an ice cream on our way to the play area; and I can say I was definitely tempted with the delicious looking pizzas.

My main worry of getting back out again was letting the boys on play equipment, but I shouldn’t have worried as the farm had carried out a deep clean and with it being so vast it was easy (even for my boys) to keep a good distance from others and still have a great time.

We finished our day with a walk around the Dino Trail and can safely say that even though a few areas of the farm have been closed we still had a day as full of fun and adventure as always and will be back again more than a few times over the summer I’m sure!

Children, Dinosaurs, Families, Family Life, Festivals, Food, Holidays, Large Families, Memories, Outdoor Play, Parents, Photography, Reviews, Summer, Woodland

Camp Bestival 2018 Highlights

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Camp Bestival 2018 Highlights

All I can really say about Camp Bestival this year is, “you’ve done it again”.

Despite being battered by 50mph winds and torrential downpours Camp Bestival still managed to keep shinning and gave everyone a weekend to remember.

I’m not going to give you a blow by blow account of the whole weekend, as to be honest there is way to much to cram into one post, so instead I will give you the highlights of my amazing weekend and will have more posts to follow.

Food Glorious Food – When we first visited Camp Bestival three years ago now one of the biggest surprises for me was how amazing and varied the food on offer there is.

The moment we leave the car Izzy is on a mission to have her first Nutella and cream cover waffle whilst Darren finds it hard to move away from the Paella UK stall the entire weekend.

I however like to try something new each time we visit and for me it was DJ BBQ that tempted me this year with his woody flavoured pulled pork, crispy rustic chips and of course the fab tunes blasting out whilst waiting for your order. You really do get a feast for all your senses when you eat there.

Absolutely every taste is catered for from delicious maki rolls that are perfect for vegan diets, crispy breaded chicken, amazingly creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, corn on the cobs as big as your head and so much more!

Music, Singing, Dancing – One of the main attractions at Camp Bestival is the music and in the past the boys were a little young for us to really appreciate it due to the fact they got a little restless. This year however they fully embraced it all and we couldn’t be happier.

It as actually my youngest that made my weekend when we when to see YouTube star HRVY take to the stage in the big top. Izzy had left us all and weaved her way to the very front of the stage to get as close to her teenage crush as possible, while Oscar waited patiently on Darren’s shoulders for him to take to the stage.

His little face lit up and he spent the entire set transfixed on the stage, singing along to his favourite tunes. It so amazing that children so young can get the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of live music in such a safe and friendly atmosphere.

Sarah Cox wowed the crowds with an outstanding set of all our 80’s favourites that we took great pleasure in dancing along to whilst embarrassing the kids. Basement Jaxx and Clean Bandit were as awesome as I expected and we were thrilled that the boys managed to stay awake long enough for the later acts this year…with the help of a little sugar!

Doing It For The Kids – Ultimately Camp Bestival is all about the kids and this year as always there was something for them to do around every corner. This year we didn’t watch so much on the main stage although Dinosaur World Live was pretty amazing. Instead we spend a lot of time in the Kids Garden where the children got their craft on in the craft tent, turned into little einsteins in the Science Tent, wurled around on the helter skelter more times than I can remember, dug away in the sandpit and created some brilliant sandcastles.

A big hit with us was the LOL Surprise stand that was a real crowd pleaser. Izzy and the boys are all big fans of these little collectables and as you can imagine a whole area dedicated to them went down really well. They got to hunt for prizes in the ball pit, get a glittery makeover and even take to the catwalk that Izzy relished in.

All Mucking In – Camping is bundles of fun but far from easy, especially when there are a few little ones to sort out. This calls for everyone to have their own little tasks which is something they don’t really get involved with at home. I’m actually my own worst enemy and take care of all the cooking and cleaning at home for a quiet life so I love that Camp Bestival allows me to relax a little and hand the meal prep baton over to Darren, the washing up and water runs to Izzy and the tent cleaning to the little ones.
A bit of responsibility is certainly good for them and something I love to see.

Good Friends – Over the past few years Camp Bestival has been a brilliant place to make new and meet up with good friends. The blogging world is a funny one with a lot of friendships being built online and I love that Camp Bestival gives me the opportinity to meet with them at least once a year and have a good catch up over a cocktail or two! Aby from You Baby Me Mummy and Caro from The Twinkle Diaries being two of the lovelies I can’t wait to see each year.

Back To Basics – Every year I say the same thing but it always has and probably always will be the most import thing about Camp Bestival for me – family time.
We all spend way to much of our live lost in our own little words and rushing around worry about the next thing, tied to our smart phones and computer screens and forget about the things in life that are really import.
The ability to really get back to basics and forget about everything else for a few days is the perfect way to draw closer as a family and just enjoy each other.

If this sounds like the kind of place for you, and lets face it why wouldnt it! take a look HERE and get yourselves booked in for more fun next year.

*I went along as an ambassador for Camp Bestival and here are all my own honest opinions.

Children, Dinosaurs, East London, Families, Family Life, Kids Days Out, Large Families, London, Memories, Parents, Reviews

Dinosaurs In The Wild:Review

by thejoyoffive2 Comments on Dinosaurs In The Wild:Review

Sunday got off to a fraught start as usual with me dragging children through central London at 100 miles per hour due to the fact we were running ridiculously late on our way to the Greenwich Peninsula to experience the new immersive walk through experience – Dinosaurs In The Wild.

After a quick dash to get our tickets wee headed straight to the start of the experience where we were handed 3D glasses and prepared to get ourselves ready to transport back in time to the Chronotex research station.

The time machine saw us encounter all sorts of hurdles on its mission, but we arrived safe and well and in perfect time to explore the labs.

We stayed in each lab for around 10 mins which was the perfect time for inquisitive hands and minds to stay occupied without getting bored and distracted. Each section had the children transfixed to everything that was going on and i didn’t hear a moan or a groan from my own or any of the other children at all.

They got to see a huge beating heart of a Alamosauraus, get really hands on by touching ‘real’ dinosaur poo and teeth, watching baby dinosaurs hatching and the feeding time of lot of bigger dinosaurs too.

Oscar was really taken with a baby dinosaur that was brought out for them to see and got pretty upset that he couldn’t the one home!

The climax of the event took pace in the Lookout at the very top of the research station and I don’t want to spoil the experience by letting you know what goes on. All I will say is that its not for the faint hearted and although the age rating is 5+ I would say if your little ones are sensitive souls then this is something to consider.

Oscar who is 4 went through pretty unfazed but bolshy Frankie was soon put in his place by the whole experience.

I loved every minute of our trip and the set up left nothing uncovered. The charaters stayed in role fabulously throughout and keep the children involved and engaged for the entire 70 mins. The set and models were so lifelike that the children at not point doubted we have travelled back thousands of years through time and completely believed each and every moment.

The experience is running until the end of July 2018 and whether you are a dinosaur fan or not this is one not to be missed!

*We were given tickets for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Children, Christmas, Dinosaurs, Education, Families, Family Life, Festivals, Food, Friendships, Imagination Play, Kids Days Out, Learning, Memories, Outdoor Play, Photography, Summer

Camp Bestival-The Best Christmas Present EVER

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Camp Bestival-The Best Christmas Present EVER

When it comes to Christmas presents I always have a bit of a dilemma with myself. The children compile lists of plastic toys that I know will be discarded before Boxing Day, and every part of me wants to fulfil their wishes…however the sensible side of me thinks all that money would be better spent on experiences that will last a lifetime rather than faddy toys that will last for minutes.

If we look back over our year then one of the experiences that sticks in all our minds the most is certainly Camp Bestival – the family festival that has to be seen to be believed.

This year sees fantastic musical acts taking to the stage such as Rick Astley, Clean Bandit an Simple Minds. Regulars to the festival are Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom will be returning to amuse the children…well and the adults too!

One of the shows that my little ones are most excited to see though is Dinosaur World Live that looks absolutely outstanding.

This really is the kind of gift that I would love to find nestled under the tree on Christmas Day and if it sounds like something your family would love to receive to then there is a great promotion running until 11th December.

If you book your tickets before this time you will receive a whole host of fantastic stocking fillers such as nautical tattoos to go with this years ‘Sets Sail’ theme, character stickers, a hand illustrated Christmas card and a limited edition sew on patch.

If you would like to spread the cost then you can still sign up to the 30 week payment plan and still receive all your goodies!

Take a little look at just a few of the reasons we love Camp Bestival so much:

Scree Free, Quality Time: This for me has to come top of my list as it is something that is so lacking when we are at home. Its a chance to put away those phones, leave the iPads alone and just enjoy spending time together talking, laughing, playing and having fun.
My lot spend a huge time arguing and fighting when we are at home, and don’t get me wrong it is never an argument free trip but we are certainly more drawn together as a family and that bond gets a little tighter.

Good Food: As a family we are often drawn to places with our bellies and I can assure you if you are a foodie like me then Camp Bestival won’t fail to stimulate your taste buds.
From ice cream covered waffles to juicy burgers, scucculent corn on the cob to crispy chips every palate will be catered for and every belly filled.
Th little ones can also get more hands on and prepare their own food which was a big hit for mine last year.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors: The whole trip involves being outside which can seem a little daunting but there is actually nothing better.
From enjoying the hustle and bustle of the main festival to simply chilling out round the tent or hiding away in our favourite place – The Dingly Dell there is a whole host of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Late Nights: As a Mum of five bedtimes are pretty strict in this house for the sake of everyones sanity to be honest. Camp Bestival allows us to kick these rules aside and just let them all stay up until they drop. They love being up until way after dark, huddled up in their trailer listening to music and watching Mum and Dad’s silly dancing.
The last night has to be the favourite though with is spectacular firework display that is simply not to be missed.

Learning New Skills And Using Their Imaginations: Camp Bestival isn’t just about the music and acts on stage, it holds so much more and really allows the children how to build skills by trying things they may not have come across before such a circus skills, woodwork and cooking and bundles of activities that allow them to use their imagination and just LET KIDS BE KIDS!

I hope this has given you a little snippet of just some of the fun Camp Bestival can bring and has you wanting to experience it for yourselves next year!

Children, Dinosaurs, Education, Families, Family Life, Gardens, History, Imagination Play, Kids Days Out, Learning, London, National Trust, Outdoor Play, Reviews, Stately Homes, Uncategorized

Dinosaurs Invade London At Jurassic Kingdom

by thejoyoffive14 Comments on Dinosaurs Invade London At Jurassic Kingdom

Who would have thought that tucked away in a suburban part of town there would be grand Georgian house with stunning grounds homing a whole host of dinosaurs!

Last week we went on the hunt for them and wasn’t disappointed.

After a more than a little fraught journey to from South London we made it to Osterley House in Isleworth, which a a stunning National Trust property with acres of beautiful land that is just perfect for hosting Jurassic Kingdom which is there from now until the 17th April.

It is accessible by public transport but a long walk from the train station for little legs or a short bus journey but the buses are only scheduled every 20 mins which was a long wait for my impatient children.

The car park however is huge and free to National Trust members of £7 all day.

Time slots are available to book easily on line for the event and I would suggest you allow yourself plenty of time as there is lots to see and do.

The Jurassic Park style entrance paved its way into the attraction itself which has you following a path through the grounds spotting dinosaurs as you go.


Some are static but the majority have moving limbs and sound effects which the children loved.

It is a far more interactive experience than I had imagined and there are dinosaurs that you can climb onto, a sand pit that lets the little ones try their hand at becoming an arciologist and digging out bones and an education tent where you can sit and watch a short show that explains a little more about dinosaurs.

As far as eating goes the places is perfect for picnicking as there are so many great places to pitch up. There is also a small selection of fast food stands where Izzy count resist the churros!

The children also has a great time making us of the National trust facilities which are always a winner by tree climbing, den building and swinging on the rope swings.

All in all it is the perfect day out for dino fans and even those that aren’t so keen could easy make us and enjoy everything else Jurrasic Kingdom has to offer.

*we were given tickets for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Country Kids

Children, Dinosaurs, Exercise, Families, Family Life

Scootaheadz Danny Dino Review 

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Scootaheadz Danny Dino Review 

All of my children have loved scooting and my eldest son got pretty good, which even lead to a little part time job at a local skate park.

This really rubbed off on the youngest two and now it’s hard to go anywhere without them bringing their scooter along!

Scooters for preschoolers have become increasing popular and a trip to the park can often end up with a bit of a puzzle as to who’s is who’s.

When we were asked to try out the Danny Dino from Scootaheadz I knew the boys would love it and it would be something to add a little individuality to make our scooter stand out from the crowd in the sea of scooters at the park!

Danny Dino arrived and we were immediately taken with his loveable face.

Attaching him to the scooter was super easy. You supply have to make a like room between the handle bars, face his nose towards the sky and slip on, then pull forwards to fix in place.

My boys can destruct anything but he stated firmly in place for the whole trip.

There are other fun and colourful characters than can be chosen that are just as cute as Danny.

We might have to get another one just so he doesn’t get lonely!

*we were provided with the Scootahead for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Children, Dinosaurs, Education, Families, Family Life, Fashion, Kids Days Out, Large Families, Memories, Outdoor Play, Parks, Photography, Surrey

Sunny Sunday At Godstone Farm

by thejoyoffive2 Comments on Sunny Sunday At Godstone Farm

  
With such a hit and miss Summer weather wise this year we took the opportunity to visit Godstone Farm in Surrey on this wonderfully sunny day. 

We are lucky enough to have this fabulous farm only twenty minutes drive from home; but it is well worth a drive out to as you can have a full day here as there is so much on offer.

Our first port of call is always the petting area as mine love nothing more than getting hands on and getting to know the animals.  They had a great time holding the chicks and stroking the rabbits.  It took a good while to prize number five away from the chickens.

   
 

From here we moved onto the bigger animals and the boys loved shooting the feed down the tubes to feed the sheep and goats.

   
 

In between visiting the animals there are several small play areas that the children can hop on and ride toy tractors, wizz down slides and clamber into big wooden cars. 

  

 

Soft play is always a big hit with all mine and they are never disappointed with the large area that Godstone has to offer.  They had a great time climbing and sliding whist we grabbed a coffee.

A relatively new attraction to the farm is the Dino Trail.  Number five is a massive dinosaur fan so this is a very welcome addition for us.  We walked through the trail where the huge dinosaurs are nestled amongst the undergrowth for you to spot, there are lots of fun facts to read on the way round and some big bones to excavate. 


  

We only had the youngest two with us today but the huge playground area is always the biggest draw for my brood. There is a massive sandpit that we build sandcastle and burried number four in, a brilliant climbing wall that leads to a super steep slide and so much more than I can mention.

   
     

We only had a limited amount of time here today as we had the others to collect but we could have happy stayed and eaten at the lovely cafe which serves a good selection of hot and cold food and yummy cakes and taken a ride on the tractor to take in the sights on four wheels.

We will be visiting again very soon and hope to get along in the half term holiday to join in with their spooky Halloween events. 

   
  

Children, Dinosaurs, Families, Family Life, Kids Days Out, Memories, Outdoor Play, Parents, Parks, Photography, Picnics

Hunting For Dinosaurs At Dinosaur Island

by thejoyoffive30 Comments on Hunting For Dinosaurs At Dinosaur Island

  
The sun finally came out for us today and my husband had some unusual time off, so we decided to venture out a little bit and take a drive to Horsham in West Sussex to visit Dinosaur Island.

We were super exited to follow the dinosaur footprints all the way down to the fabulous play area that had everything you could ask for.

   
      
There was a great sandpit with buckets to fill with sand and pull up and down, fabulous things to climb on and explore, along with brilliant swings and slides.

   
        
After we had worn ourselves out it in the playground we grabbed an ice cream and made our way down to the lake in the country park.

There was plenty of open space to set ourselves up to paddle in the lovely warm lake.

   
     

I could have sat here watching the kids paddle all day.  They were more than happy splashing around and throwing pebbles for a good few hours.

We were a little unorganised today before we set out and only got a few hours over here.

Next time we will defiantly be packing a big picnic and making a whole day of it.

  

  

Ask Italian, Blogging, Cinema, Dinosaurs, Families, Kid Bloggers, Parks, Photography, Reigate, Restaurants, Skateparks, Spaghetti, Uncategorized

My Budding Blogger: Sleepover At Auntie Kate’s 

by thejoyoffive4 Comments on My Budding Blogger: Sleepover At Auntie Kate’s 

Number three has recently found a real love for photography and looking through fashion vlogs and blogs online.  I often catch her making her own vlogs and writing blogs in her notepad.

Because of her passion for this I have told her that every Sunday she can write and take pictures of anything she likes and I will add it to my blog.

I hope you all enjoy seeing the world through her eyes.

Hi this is my weekend with a sleepover at my Aunties.

  
First I had to go to Italia Conti, but I had to leave 15mins early this week because my Auntie was taking me to see the new Cinderella movie, it was great.  After that we went to Ask Italian where I had a lovely spaghetti carbonara and a plateful of olives.  If you don’t know I love olives.

   
     

The next morning I went for a two mile run.  I go to a place called South London Harriers so this was good for my training.  When we finally got back I had a nice bubble bath then watched the London Marathon with some pancakes and maple syrup yum yum yum.

Then we met the rest of the family in Priory Park.  We didn’t stay in the playground very long.  We went to see my older brother in the skatepark.  He was not very happy we were there, he didn’t speak to us.  I think he was pretending we were not his family. Teenagers!!!!

  
Next we went round to the duck pond and a nice man gave us some bread to feed the ducks.  After that we went through the woods And my little bro was pretending to be a dinosaur, silly him!!

   
 

I took some nature pictures and found some animals made out of willow.

   
    

Finally we had a stroll down the High Street and I was eager to get into Acsessorize where I bought some mini notes and a pen.  

I hope you enjoyed a bit of my weekend.
             The Twinkle Diaries

Boating Lake, Cafes, Crystal Palace, Dinosaurs, Kids Days Out, London, Parks, Shopping, Vintage

Window Shopping and Dinosaur Hunting in Crystal Palace

by thejoyoffive2 Comments on Window Shopping and Dinosaur Hunting in Crystal Palace

For me a trip to Crystal Palace has only ever entailed a trip to the park, but over the past few years as I’ve driven down the high street I have slowly seen some more interesting shops and eateries popping up.

With my sister after some different household goodies for her new home we decided to give the town centre a visit today and were pleasantly suprised.

There were some fantastic independent coffee shops and resturants, a few good clothes shops and ample home ware shops offering something a little different to the norm.  I would recommend a look around Crystal Palace if you are looking for some one off pieces or a good restoration project to sink your teeth into.

          

Once the little ones had, had enough of the shops we headed to the park.  I have a real love for this park for many reasons.  It is steeped in history and I love climbing the steps, with the children of what would have been the magnificent Crystal Palace.

  

From there we made our way across the vast parkland and down into the ornate gardens of the ‘Victorian theme park’ that homes the magnificent dinosaur sculptures.  We never tire of walking around, clambering on the rocks and feeding the ducks whist looking at the fantasic dinosaurs; although number four was disappointed with their lack movement today!

          

During the summer months the boating lake is open and you can hire a pedalo or rowing boat which is alway a great addition to our trip.

After our dinosaur hunt we made our way to the farm to meet the animals. It  is only  small but there is always a chance to meet one of the animals up close, and the volunteers there are always on hand to answer any questions.  There is no charge to enter but a donation is asked for.

  

A short walk from the farm leads you to the dinosaur themed playground where the little ones burnt off some energy in the sandpit, slide and swings.

  

Our final port of call was the maze.  For some reason this has always eluded us in the past and we wished it had today!  Due to our lack of direction it was a very anxious and muddy twenty minutes.

This park has good public transport links and is directly next to the train station.  There is a free car park that is located by the ruins of the old palace.  As it is such a vast area a buggy will be needed for tired little legs.

Come rain of shine this is a beautiful piece of history that is defiantly worth a visit, especially for dinosaur lovers.