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A very merry London Christmas

Image by Kotomi_

Christmas is a magical time of the year regardless of where you are. That being said, there is something extra special about enjoying the festive period in London. If you are spending time in London this Christmas these are just some of the things that you can do.   

  • Winter Wonderland
  • Christmas lights
  • Ice skating 
  • Christmas at Kew
  • Christmas shopping 

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest festive attractions in London. Hosted in Hyde Park from November to January, it is the best way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit. Whether you want to skate on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, create an ice sculpture, wander around the Christmas markets, or take in the view from the iconic observation wheel, there is something for everyone at Winter Wonderland. 

Image by Garry Knight

Christmas lights

London is home to some of the most iconic streets and landmarks in the world, and there is no better way to see them than under twinkling Christmas lights. From Covent Garden to Oxford Street, Carnaby Street to South Bank, the city of London becomes even more magical under the glittering lights of the festive season. Don’t miss out on seeing the world-famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which has been gifted by Norway every year since 1947 as a thank you for Britain’s help in World War 2. 

Image by RussellHarryLee

Ice Skating 

Skating around an ice rink whilst warming your hands on a delectable hot chocolate, is the picture perfect festive activity. In London, there are an array of places to enjoy ice skating. As mentioned, Winter Wonderland is home to the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, however, arguably the most iconic London ice rink is at Somerset House. On a normal day, the 18th Century courtyard of Somerset House is a wonder to explore. At Christmas, when the courtyard is transformed into a picturesque ice rink, Somerset House becomes truly magical. Complete with a 40ft Christmas tree, it really is the ice rink of dreams, and the perfect place to enjoy some festive skating. 

Image by Eagleash

Christmas at Kew 

Kew Gardens, otherwise known as the Royal Botanical Gardens, is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It is home to 500 acres of woodland and over 50,000 living plants. At Christmas, this biodiverse haven turns into a festive wonderland. Opened after-dark, you can walk down the magical winter trail, illuminated by stunning lights hanging from the trees. As you venture along the path you will come across wondrous tunnels of light, waterside reflections, and delicious independent street food vendors. At the end of the trail you will be treated to a panoramic light display, after which a very special festive visitor might pop by. Christmas at Kew is the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and enjoy some festive outdoor fun. 

Image by Alex Liivet

Christmas shopping 

London has some of the best and most iconic shopping locations in the world. From Oxford Street to White City, Regents Street to Stratford, there are no end of shops ready for you to browse. That is why London is one of the best cities to do your Christmas shopping in. Whether you are looking for high-street deals or the hottest designers, you will find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Whilst you are shopping, don’t forget to go into the iconic Liberty’s to see their famous Christmas display. 

Image by James Petts

Whilst you enjoy the festive period in London, we will take care of your laundry. Book your Laundryheap order today by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.


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Free things to do in Rotterdam

Photo by Steshka Willems from Pexels

Holiday’s are expensive, so finding free things to do is a great way to save money. Luckily, Rotterdam is brimming with fun, free, things to do, see, and explore. 

  • Stroll along the harbour
  • Explore the Markthal
  • Wander the markets
  • Sail on the SS Rotterdam
  • Learn about Rotterdam on a walking tour 
  • Visit De Ster
  • Take in the views at Lührs viewpoint
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet of Eiland van Brienenoord
  • Cycle the city 
  • Visit Rotterdams iconic structures 

Stroll along the harbour

Rotterdam is home to the largest harbour in Europe. As you journey along the harbour, you will come across some of Rotterdam’s most famous landmarks, including the Erasmus bridge, Hotel New York, and the SS Rotterdam. If you find yourself stuck for something to do on a clear, dry, day in Rotterdam, a stroll along the harbour is the perfect solution. 

Photo by László Hegedűs from Pexels

Explore the Markthal

In the heart of Rotterdam you will find the Markthal, a quirky take on the classic market square. A large arch of 228 apartments covers a central market hall of 96 food stands where you will sample some of the best food you will find in Rotterdam. From classic cuisine to exotic eats, the Markthal is a culinary lovers dream. Whilst sampling Rotterdam’s finest foods, look around at the mural painted on the arch covering the square. “Cornucopia” shows enlarged food items alongside flowers and insects in reference to Dutch paintings from the 17th century. The masterpiece was created by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, and provides a glorious view to enjoy with your food. 

Image by Paul Arps

Wander the markets 

The Markthal is not the only market in Rotterdam. There are an array of street markets running 6 days a week, selling all manner of fresh produce, trinkets, and flowers. The biggest market in Rotterdam is at Binnenrotte near the Rotterdam Blaak train station. Here you will find more than 250 stalls selling everything including fresh fruit, fish, cheese, flowers, vintage goods, and even furniture. If you are visiting the city during the Christmas season, there are plenty of Christmas markets selling perfect stocking filler gifts and traditional Danish food and drink. 

Sail on the SS Rotterdam

The SS Rotterdam is iconic. Launched back in 1953, the ship sailed for 41 years, ferrying passengers from Rotterdam to New York. In 2000, the SS Rotterdam was returned to the city, where the ship has since been turned into a hotel, restaurant, event space, and tourist attraction. You can explore the ship for free, learning about it’s rich history and tales of it’s transatlantic voyages. If you are willing to splash out on dinner on the boat, there are plenty of options for you to indulge in. Whether you fancy a relaxing afternoon tea, suave fine dining experience, or simply some greasy finger food, there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes on the SS Rotterdam. 

Image by Frans Berkelaar

Learn about Rotterdam on a walking tour  

The best way to get to know a new city is by exploring it with the locals. Free Walking Tour Rotterdam is run and conducted by volunteers who live in Rotterdam and truly love their city. The tour begins at the Markthal and takes you to some of the most iconic areas of the city where you will learn about the history of Rotterdam. The tour runs every day from 1:30pm and there is an additional morning tour on a Saturday beginning at 10:30am. 

Image by Zairon

Visit De Ster

Did you really go the the Netherlands if you didn’t visit a windmill? The Kralingse Bos forest is a beautiful recreational area, perfect for running, cycling, or simply taking a stroll. The forest encases Kralingse Plas lake, along which you can find windmill De Ster (the star). Dating back to 1866, windmill De Ster is a fully functional windmill which is still used to grind tobacco leaves to create snuff. Guided tours of the windmill are available every second Saturday of the month between 10am to 4pm. Entrance to the windmill is free, however any generous donations made do go towards maintaining the windmill. 

Image by Jchmrt

Take in the views at Lührs viewpoint

Lührs viewpoint is a Rotterdam hidden gem. After hiking up a 40 meter hill you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Rotterdam skyline and, on a clear day, The Hague. It is the perfect place to escape the city, enjoy nature, and unwind with a beautiful view. 

Image by Kristoffer Trolle

Enjoy the peace and quiet of Eiland van Brienenoord

Under the Van Brienenoord Bridge in Rotterdam you will find a slice of peace and tranquillity- Eiland van Brienenoord. Grassy plains, open waters, and a forest make up the island, giving a home to a multitude of plants, birds, and animals. The island was created in the 19th century when silt plates formed in the Nieuwe Maas and became overgrown. Whether you are looking to do some bird watching, enjoy a gentle jog, or simply stroll around the island, Eiland van Brienenoord is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Photo by Annelies Brouw from Pexels

Cycle the city 

There are many ways that you can enjoy the city of Rotterdam, but none are as fun as cycling. You can spend hours cycling across the city, from the city centre to Delfshaven, exploring the hidden gems that the city has to offer. There are cycling routes that you can take, or you can make your own route, following the harbour and simply seeing where you end up. 

Photo by TRAVELBLOG from Pexels

Visit Rotterdams iconic structures 

Rotterdam is renowned for its quirky architecture and iconic structures. Spend a day charting the structures of the city, roaming from one icon to the next. From the Cube Houses to Hotel New York, the Witte Huis to the Euromast, create yourself a route to all of the famous landmarks in Rotterdam and spend the day exploring. 

Photo by Claudia Schmalz from Pexels

There are so many fun, free, things to do and see in Rotterdam that you won’t have time to do your laundry. Luckily, Laundryheap are here to help. Book your Laundryheap service today and have your laundry picked-up, laundered, and redelivered to you within 24 hours. To book your Laundryheap order today head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.


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Things to do in Chicago this fall

Photo by Nate from Pexels

Fall has finally arrived, and there is no city to enjoy the changing colours and festivities of the season quite like Chicago. Here are just 10 things that you can do this fall in Chicago. 

  • Lincoln Park
  • Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns 
  • Sonny Acres Farm
  • All Seasons Orchard
  • Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa
  • Chicago International Film Festival
  • The Magnificent Mile Light Festival 
  • Thanksgiving Parade
  • The Chicago Marathon 
  • Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Lincoln Park 

You will find Lincoln park in the north of Chicago. Home to immaculate gardens, a hidden lily pond, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, there is an abundance of things to see and do in Lincoln Park. Despite the park being accessible at all times of the year, it is most beautiful during the fall. As you walk the expanse of the grounds there are plenty of trees showcasing the changing colours of the fall, and plenty of crunchy leaves to satisfyingly walk through. If you want a day in the fresh air whilst in Chicago, explore Lincoln Park to its extent. 

Image by Ronincmc

Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns

Fall means Halloween. There are several ways Halloween can be celebrated in Chicago, one of which is the Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns. Hosted at the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns is a celebration of the humble Halloween classic- the pumpkin. More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins light a paved path with a variety of faces from celebrities to iconic Chicago landmarks. Each pumpkin is true art. As you walk the Jack-o-Lantern path, the Halloween festivities continue with costumed entertainers, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and a light fare. Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns is only running from the 13th-17th and 20th-24th of October so make sure that you get your tickets ASAP. 

Sonny Acres Farm

Keeping with the Halloween theme, Sonny Acres Farm is the perfect place to spend a spooky day out. If you are in Chicago with children, the farms Haunted Daytime Fun is ideal. You can experience fun hayrides around the farm, pumpkin picking, and, if brave enough, even take a visit to the Haunted Barn. For older children and adults who are looking for the fright of their lives, wait until the evening to experience the Haunted Barn. With live actors taking on a variety of horrifyingly creepy characters, expect to be scared from the moment you step into the barn to the moment you leave. You can experience all of the Halloween fun at Sonny Acres Farm until the 31st of October. 

Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels

All Seasons Orchard 

If you are looking for a more wholesome Chicago fall experience then head to All Seasons Orchard. There is an abundance of fall fun to be had, including picking fruit from the 15,000 apple and pear trees, picking the perfect pumpkin from the 10 acre pumpkin patch, and getting lost in the All Seasons corn maze. There are two pathways you can take in the corn maze, a shorter one for those with young children, and a longer, more challenging, alternative. After tackling the corn maze, explore the All Seasons Orchard Barnyard, complete with petting zoo, mini zip line, and pumpkin bowling. All Seasons Orchard is the perfect fall day out for every age. 

Photo by Tim Cyphers from Pexels

Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa

For those cheese and wine lovers visiting Chicago this fall, book your tickets for the Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa. Over the course of an hour and 15 minutes you will be treated to a special selection of ten Tuscan wines, each paired with a chef-curated selection of artisanal cheeses. Once you have sampled each wine, you can further indulge yourself by purchasing the wines at the on-site marketplace. A ticket for the Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa is $59 and the event will only be running on Friday the 22nd of October and Saturday the 23rd of October. 

Photo by Jep Gambardella from Pexels

Chicago International Film Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. The festival is presented by its parent company Cinema/Chicago, which was founded in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza. The festival has been running since 1965 and is a celebration of the best in international cinema. All proceeds from the festival go to Cinema/Chicago’s programmes that help foster better communication between diverse cultures through film and moving images. The Chicago International Film Festival is a great opportunity to see international films and is perfect for any lover of cinema in Chicago this fall. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

The Magnificent Mile Light Festival 

Halloween isn’t the only fall festival to look forward to, there is also Thanksgiving. The week before Thanksgiving, along the length of Michigan Avenue, 200 tress are illuminated by over a million lights. The festival began in 1949 and has only grown in scale since. After the initial lighting ceremony, a parade of floats begins, featuring festive favourites such as Santa Claus, cartoon characters, and musical performances. To end an evening of magical fun, a firework display lights the nights sky, brining the event to a perfect close. The Magnificent Mile Light Festival begins at 11am. 

Image by Natasha Jelezkina

Thanksgiving Parade

Just one week after The Magnificent Mile Light Festival is Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade. On Thursday 25th of November 2021 thousands will gather on the streets of Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving and watch the Parade. From balloons of your favourite cartoon characters to parade floats, dance acts, and extra special guests, Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is a spectacle for all. The parade begins at 8am and runs until 11am, however it’s best to head to State Street as early as possible to secure yourself a good viewing spot.

Image by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is held every October and sees 45,000 runners cover 26.219 miles of the city. The track forms a loop both beginning and ending at Grant Park, and the runners will travel through 29 of Chicago’s neighbourhoods. If you would like to support the runners of the Chicago Marathon you can do so at one of the three ‘Cheer Zones’. The ‘Cheer Zones’ are located at the 8 kilometre mark, 15 mile mark, and 26th mile mark. The Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday the 10th of October 2021 and races begin from 7:20am. 

Image by Marco Verch

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

For those who are visiting Chicago interested in exploring art and culture, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is a must see. At the Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germaina Club you can experience the legendary work of Vincent Van Gogh like never before. Van Gogh’s work is highlighted through 500,000 cubic feet of flawless projections that allow every brushstroke to be observed up close. From Starry Night to Sunflowers you can view Van Gogh’s work at an astonishing scale that will give you a new appreciation for his artistry. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit will be running throughout October and November and tickets start from $40. 

Image by Immersivearteditor

Chicago is a beautiful city, especially during the fall season. Too beautiful to miss out on because you’re doing laundry. Head to the Laundryheap website, or download the free Laundryheap app, to get your laundry picked-up, laundered, and redelivered to you within 24 hours.


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Things to do in The Hague

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, just behind Amsterdam and Rotterdam. There is no shortage of things to do in The Hague, but we have narrowed it down to the top 10.  

  • Escher in Het Paleis
  • Madurodam
  • Mauritshuis Museum 
  • Drievliet
  • Peace Palace
  • The Hague Tower
  • Landgoed Clingendael Park
  • Explore the canals 
  • Scheveningen
  • Haagse Markt 

Escher in Het Paleis 

If you are a fan of art and maths, then the Escher in Het Paleis is the perfect place for you. During the 20th century, Dutch artist M.C. Escher would apply mathematics and geometry to his graphic art, creating masterpieces with beautiful symmetry. What was once a royal palace, is now a museum dedicated to his work, showcasing over 150 of his most famous pieces. In addition to exploring Escher’s wonderful artwork, the second floor of the museum has been converted into an interactive, optical illusion experience, which allows visitors to see through Escher’s eyes. Escher in Het Paleis is opened 11 am-5 pm Tuesday-Sunday. 

Madurodam 

Madurodam is a miniature park that offers a unique way to explore the history of Holland. The park is divided into 3 sections- City Centre, Water World, and Innovation Island. In the City Centre, you can begin by exploring how Holland developed into the country we see today. Water World, showcases the port of Rotterdam and explains how the famous watermills of Holland work. Finally, Innovation Island showcases modern-day Holland, and all it has to offer. Once you have explored the past and present of Holland, there are an array of play parks and gardens to enjoy.

Mauritshuis Museum 

The Mauritshuis Museum is a cultural must when visiting The Hague. It is home to the most extraordinary collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including ‘The Girl With The Pearl Earring’ by Johannes Vermeer. You can wander the museum at your own leisure, or take part in the array of activities that are on offer. On Monday’s, a short talk is given by a member of staff discussing a particular painting, artist, or subject. In addition, there are monthly art lectures and various learning opportunities for children to explore the world of art. 

Drievliet

Whether you are exploring the park with family, or looking for a thrilling adventure, you will find plenty of rides to satisfy your needs at Drievliet. Included in the park are 20 rides that all the family can enjoy, and 5 deluxe rollercoasters, guaranteed to set your hair on edge. Once you are satisfied with your thrill-seeking experience, you can enjoy one of the family-friendly entertainment shows that are put on at Drievliet. 

Peace Palace 

The Peace Palace is why The Hague is known as the City of Peace and Justice. It was built at the end of the 19th century and established as the home for the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where alternative solutions to war between countries could be discussed. Now, you can visit the Peace Palace and join a 90-minute tour of the premises. As you are on your tour, take note of the various pieces of artwork that decorate the hallways. Each piece was gifted by various city governments. 

The Hague Tower 

Standing 132m tall, The Hague Tower is the third tallest building in The Hague. The majority of the building is made up of offices, however, further up the tower is a nightclub, restaurant, and viewing platform. From the viewing platform you can enjoy panoramic views of The Hague. You can even see boats come in from the North sea at the Hook of Holland. This is the perfect opportunity to see the whole of The Hague at one time.

Landgoed Clingendael Park

The Clingendael is a 17th century manor house which is surrounded by exquisite gardens. One of the stand-out features is it’s Japanese garden, although it is only open for a short period of the year due to it’s fragility. The Japanese garden was created at the beginning of the 20th century by the former owner of the manor house, Marguerite M. Baroness van Brienen. She had sailed to Japan on multiple occasions, and bought back lanterns, a water cask, sculptures, and several plants. It is the only Japanese garden in The Netherlands. 

Other than the Japanese garden, The Clingendael has an abundance of green space to enjoy picnics and relaxing days in the sun. There is even a large playground for the little ones. 

Explore the canals 

The Hague is home to 10 canals which were dug in the 14th century for transportation and defence purposes. In the 20th century, these canals were filled to improve sanitation. It wasn’t until 2004 that part of The Hague’s canal system was uncovered for people to sail or walk along. Sailing down the canals of The Hague requires payment, however, walking across them is completely free. 

Scheveningen

The beaches of The Hague is what sets it apart from other Dutch cities. You can spend your morning strolling across the canals, and be at the beach by the afternoon. The largest beach in The Hague is Scheveningen. Scheveningen is best known for its pier, which opened in 1959, but was sadly destroyed during World War 2. It was later renovated in 2015, and now includes a shopping centre. At the end of the pier is a 50 meter high Ferris Wheel from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, and the skyline of The Hague. 

Haagse Markt 

Haagse Markt is the largest outdoor market in Europe, and the place to enjoy the multicultural side of The Hague. Although this market does sell goods, such as flowers, clothes, and household goods, it is best known for its array of food. As you walk from market stall to market stall you can sample the cuisine of the Dutch, Germans, Turkish, and Caribbean, all in one place.

Whilst you are exploring all that The Hague has to offer, we will take care of your laundry. Simply book your Laundryheap service, and we will do the rest.

To book your Laundryheap service, head to the Laundryheap website, or, download the free Laundryheap app. 


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Things to do this Labour Day

Labour Day 2020 will be like no other Labour Day that has come before it. Due to COVID restrictions, many of the usual celebrations will be restricted, or not going ahead at all. That does not mean that the day should not be celebrated. Here are some COVID-safe things to do this Labour Day. 

  • Dip into a swimming hole
  • Watch a drive-in movie
  • Organise your own parade
  • Host a cookout
  • Enjoy a Labour Day camp out

Dip into a swimming hole

Sometimes it’s nice to be at-one with nature, especially when you spend your days relentlessly working. There are natural swimming holes located across America that are perfect for a Labour Day dip. Immerse yourself in refreshing waters, as you take in the mountains that surround you, and let all of your stresses melt away. A quick search will let you know where your closest swimming hole is. 

Image by Gerry & Bonni

Watch a drive-in movie

Drive-in movies were all the range in 50’s America, and some businesses are keeping them alive. With a mixture of new releases and golden oldies being shown on a regular basis, the only thing you need to enjoy a drive-in is a car. Gather your loved ones in the car, get the popcorn in, and enjoy a Labour Day movie in the same way they did in the past. 

Organise your own parade

A big part of Labour Day is the parade, so why not host your own? Gather your family, friends, and neighbours, adhering to social distancing of course, and put on an amazing parade. Spend the day making flags, banners, and getting dressed up, then march up and down your street to show off your hard work. Just make sure that you make your neighbours aware before you start making too much noise. 

Host a cookout

This Labour Day why not host a good old all-American cookout. Gather your friends and family and enjoy a spread of burgers, hotdogs, corn, etc. You have earned this holiday, so treat yourself to some good food and good company to enjoy it with. Make sure that you stay socially distanced and adhere to COVID guidelines. 

Enjoy a Labour Day camp out

Take advantage of the long weekend and camp out under the stars. Whether you camp with friends, family, or just on your own, enjoy some well-earned time to rest. Make smores on a campfire, go star-gazing, and simply enjoy some time out of the office. You don’t even have to travel to a campsite, simply do it in your own backyard. 

Don’t let laundry get in the way of your Labour Day fun. Let us take care of your laundry by booking a Laundryheap service. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app. We are operational in Boston and New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and The Bronx. 


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Things to do with kids during quarantine

With limitations on when you can go outside and who you can see, keeping your children entertained during quarantine can seem like a difficult task. Here are 10 fun, interactive things that you can do with your kids during quarantine. 

  • Bake 
  • Have a picnic
  • Video call family and friends
  • Make your own playdough
  • Create your own board game 
  • Make slime
  • Explore Africa 
  • Create pasta jewellery 
  • Take on Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge
  • Build a fort

Bake

Baking is fun for all the family. Gather your children and, together, choose a simple recipe to follow. Baking is great for teaching children how to measure ingredients and how to follow instructions, so divide the baking responsibilities amongst them. Not only is baking educational and fun, but you will all be rewarded with a delicious sweet treat at the end. 

Have a picnic

With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, people within the same household are now allowed to sit in open spaces. Take this opportunity to gather the family and head to the nearest park with a picnic. The fresh air and the chance for your kids to stretch their legs will do you all the world of good.

If the weather does not permit a park picnic, then have one indoors. Grab a blanket and lay out an abundance of snacks and treats on your floor. You can still have all the fun of an outdoor picnic inside, plus there is the added bonus of not being bitten by ants.

Video call family and friends 

During quarantine it is vital that we all stay in contact with our loved ones. Children may be finding it harder to comprehend why they can’t see their friends and family, so video calling them may satisfy their lack of interaction with people outside of your family home. To maintain some form of normality in your child’s social life, why not set up virtual play dates with their friends from school. This is a great way to ensure that your child is building on their social skills, despite being obstructed from the outside world, whilst freeing up some time for yourself. 

Make your own playdough 

Making playdough is fun, easy to do, and inexpensive. Additionally, just like with baking, your children will learn essential life skills whilst helping you make it. 

To make playdough you will need:

  • 2 cups of flour
  • ¾ cup of salt
  • 4 teaspoons of cream of tartar
  • 2 cups of lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • food colouring of your choice
  •  storage bags

To make your playdough begin by stirring together your flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next, add water, oil and, if you are making only one colour of playdough, your food colouring. Put your pot on a medium heat and stir constantly until your mixture becomes thick and begins to form into a ball shape. Once your playdough has formed into a ball, take it off of the heat and leave to cool slightly.

Once cooled, if you are making multiple coloured playdough, split your dough into one ball per colour. Place each ball into a zip-top bag with five drops of food colouring and knead the dough. If you would like a more vibrant colour, add more than five drops of food colouring. Once all of your colouring has been mixed into the dough and you are satisfied with the colour, the playdough is ready to play with. 

Store your playdough in a zip-top bag after use. If stored correctly, your playdough should remain soft for up to three months. 

Create your own board game

Board games can provide you and your family endless hours of fun, however, they can become boring and repetitive once you have played them multiple times. Rather than becoming bored with the same games, why not try and build your own game with your children. Think of a fun concept and let your mind run wild creating rules, a board and players for your game. Once you’ve completed creating your board game, have fun playing it. 

Make slime

 If playdough making was a success, why not get your kids to try and make slime. Similarly, making slime is inexpensive and easy. 

To make slime you will need:

  • 8 ounces of white glue
  • 1 1/2 -2 tablespoons of contact saline solution
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • Food colouring

To make your slime begin by squeezing the whole contents of your white glue into a bowl and add your food colouring. Stir the mixture together until it has combined. Once combined, add your baking soda and saline solution. Be aware that the more solution you add the thicker it will be and the less solution you add the slimier it will be. Using your hands, knead your mixture together until it holds- it will be wet and gooey to begin with, but as you knead it will become more solid. Once satisfied with the consistency of your slime, let your kids enjoy. 

Once your children have finished playing with their slime, store in a zip-top bag to keep fresh. 

Explore Africa 

Just because you and your kids are stuck in quarantine it doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world. Gather your children and head to the Explore website to watch the live African animals Livestream. On the website is an abundance of information about Africa, the watering hole where the Livestream is set and the animals that can be seen. Your children could encounter animals they have never seen before in this safari-style, educational experience, all from the comfort of your own home. 

Create pasta jewellery

Pasta jewellery is easy and fun to make. All you need is some different types of pasta and some string. Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they create pasta necklaces and bracelets. Stylish, organic and tastes great when cooked. 

Take on Dr Seuss’s Word Challenge

Open your child’s mind to the literary world by letting them take on Dr Suess’s Word Challenge. The aim of the game is to read as many books as possible. You could even create a rewards system or a competition between your child and their siblings or your child and their friends. All the information about the Word Challenge can be found at Seussville, where you will also find additional literary activities and games. 

Build a fort 

On rainy days there is nothing quite like gathering the family and building a fort. Use every cushion, pillow, duvet and blanket you can find and build the biggest structure possible. Once built, gather some snacks, some films and your family and spend the day together, relaxing in the fort. 

Image by ColdwellPro from Pixabay

Don’t stress about your laundry when you have to look after your children. Book your Laundryheap dry cleaning slot and we will pick up, launder and deliver your clothing within 24hrs. Now available in Kuwait and New York. Head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your service.