Things to make & do

Looking for somewhere to take the kids without breaking the bank? City farms are often free – or they ask for a donation – and offer families opportunities for wonderful interactions with a range of animals and birds. 

Health Optimisation Summit explores the latest innovations, trends, and strategies in health and performance. Founder Tim Gray reveals his top health tips for making the most of your vacations.

Active Leah is a cuddly doll which says Mama, makes sucking noises when fed, burps, cries and sleeps after being gently rocked – a dream doll for toddlers and young children, writes Anne Coates.

Teddy Keen, editor and compiler of The Lost Book of Adventure, discovered the works and illustrations of The Unknown Adventurer in a sealed metal container in a remote hut on the banks of Jari River. Review by Christine Mayle. 

Dr Emma Derbyshire who headed a new research review published in the journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research, explains the benefits of Ubiqinol especially if you are struggling to conceive.

The Surprise Box doubles as a vending machine, adding to the excitement for slime enthusiasts. Natasha Da Souza's two daughters, loved discovering what was contained in each of the 20 golfball sized containers. 

Ruth Ewing, pregnant with her first baby, takes inspiration and reassurance from this collection of birth stories shared  by 30 women from the US, Canada, and the UK collected by Claire Fulton. Not all deliveries go to plan but all end on a positive note.

Puzzles, matching and recognising shapes are a precursor to learning to read and these lovely wooden animals offer a fun and educational way to begin recognising the alphabet for toddlers and young children. Review by Anne Coates.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the existing EHIC and can be used to get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.

Play is vital for fostering creativity, physical development, social skills, and emotional wellbeing. But sometimes, even exciting games can become less engaging. Here are simple ways from TP Toys to every game more enjoyable for everyone.

This set of 12 mini colouring books from Vibe Better range in subjects varying from food and holidays to aliens and cats in hats – all of them engaging and fun as well as aiding concentration, writes Anne Coates. 

As part of a new menu launch, Frankie & Benny’s are introducing five seriously indulgent burgers and to celebrate they’re giving away a staggering £100,000 worth of burgers absolutely free. Get your voucher code now.

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count runs from 18 July to 10 August and is completely free to take part in. Plus, there's a family fun pack full of activities for all ages, come rain or shine, that's sure to keep active imaginations occupied.

Three great books for older readers – adventure and romance: Alice with a Why by Anna James illustrated by Matthew Land; Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli and Rewind to us by Molly Morris. Perfect summer reading and gifts.

Clara Kervyn, Physiotherapist, Pilates, and Musculoskeletal specialist and Elyn Marwick, Personal Trainer, Coach and Functional Fitness Specialist advise on what to do when you're suffering pain in your feet and ankles.

In summertime, a family's thoughts turn to  paddling pools and here's one which doesn't have to be inflated, won't be be punctured by animal claws, is made from slip-proof material  and has eco friendly drainage – well done Peteast.

Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Zapf Creation UK to offer readers the chance of winning one of their fabulous toys: BABY born doll, BABY born My Cat Cookie, Splish Splash Surfing Berta and Splish Splash Swimming Emma.

Frontier Publishing introduces, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here! is the first in a brand new young fiction series, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.

These HECCEI sunglasses are perfect for toddlers – a lightweight nylon frame which is ergonomically designed  for small faces and which changes colour in the sunshine while offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Following on from her huge success of her How to Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Colwell is delighting fans with her spin-off: How to Train Your Dragon School as cinema goers get to see the remake of the animated trilogy with a live action film.

Being prepared for summer ailments is the best way to stay healthy during this sunny season. But how? Dr Nisa Aslam, a GP, shares her simple self-care hacks borne out of nature and using Puressentiel products.

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, two engaging picture books: The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Oliver Jeffers and Drew Daywalt and Michael Rosen's Snow White and the Seven Bears, illustrated by David Melling.