Summer Holiday Staycation – a week of activities with kids in Exeter

Summer holidays are BUSY and with seven weeks to keep the kids entertained it’s nice to have some inspiration from other local Mums. Our latest contributor Boudicca shares a week of her summer Holiday Staycation.

Day One

First day of the holidays.  We’ve spent a bit of time pre-holidays writing out lists of things we’d like to do over the summer holidays.  First on the youngest’s list is cupcake making.  This she remembered this morning and spent the day reminding me.  Cupcakes baked and decorated and eaten while watching Lego Movie 2.    

Day Two

Today we spent quite a bit of time in our local park St Thomas Pleasure Ground.  Our local Community Builder was hosting a Pop Up Games so the kids got to play Jenga, archery and much more.  Future dates are 26 August in Cowick Barton Playing Fields and 7 Sept as part of the St Thomas Community Festival.

We also took advantage of the fantastic splash park facilities in the park.  I have a feeling we’ll be spending quite a bit of time here.

Day Three

We had a birthday party to attend in Ide. It’s quite a walk for little legs so we spent a bit of time in The Twisted Oak garden play area while having a bite to eat and a refreshing drink.  Check out the FREE ENTRY kids discos there on the last Friday of every month (usually 5pm – 8pm).

Day Four

Today began with my relentless crafter setting up a baking shop – I was tasked with drawing a menu which was decorated.  No dogs and handwashing signs suddenly pop up around the house too.  I spent some pretending to drink tea and eat cake.  I think my acting needs as much work as my drawing! 

This afternoon we watched Margo and Mr Whatsit from Paddleboat Theatre Company as part of Exeter Fringe Festival.  Such a lovely production, both children we enraptured by the characters and found Mr Whatsit very funny.  My eldest Alfred had a chance to act out the role of a teacher, which he really enjoyed. 

Paddleboat Theatre Company are touring a new show to Devon libraries throughout August – November and performing their Hansel and Gretel at the Barnfield Theatre this Christmas.  Their website has a list with links to tickets.

Day Five

My youngest is spending time at a Dance Camp this week (dancing, games and craft which she loves) so I have a bit of time to spend with Alfred.  We start by making friendship bracelets.  I only remember how to make very basic ones so a brilliant kit from Flying Tiger Copenhagen comes in very handy.  There are lots of little kits available there and I have a few in the cupboard for those “I’m bored!” moments.

In the evening we went to see another great show as part of the Exeter Fringe Festival The show was from Cygnet Theatre and included tales from Struwwelpeter and Belloc.  A bit creepy but very funny. 

Day Six

A busy day as I was baking and delivering bread today at One Mile Bakery but as Alfred helped with the deliveries we had a late lunch in Chococo.  Absolutely wonderful service from Liv and her team as ever.  It such a lovely place to retreat to while in the city centre.  I noticed that they are offering little ones (and big ones) lolly making for just £3.50 each so we’ll definitely be back soon!  

Day Seven

This morning we headed to Cowick Barton Playing Fields with a group of friends for the morning session with South West Inflatable Theme Park.   £6 for two hours of non-stop bouncing for the kids and coffee, doughnuts, and a natter for the grown-ups.  A pretty perfect way to spend a morning!  They have other dates coming up over the summer in Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Teignmouth and more. 

About the author: Boudicca Woodland

Boudicca moved to Exeter in 2007 from London with her partner (now husband) after making a list of requirements – a theatre, a cinema, decent Sunday lunch pubs, excellent coffee shops, and access to good food. Exeter has not let her down in the slightest and in fact has encouraged her to explore lots of different food events and also locally sourced, seasonal, food more than ever before. 

Originally from an arts administration background, Boudicca now runs One Mile Bakery Exeter from her St Thomas home where she bakes bread for subscribers and hosts baking classes. 

She has two children who have given themselves the demanding role of Chief Tasters for the bakery!

Read about our visit to One Mile Bakery here

Read more about One Mile Bakery here