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Days out and Travel

Discover family-friendly adventures, local attractions, and travel tips for making the most of your days out with kids. From hidden gems in the Midlands to unforgettable weekend getaways, we share our favourite places to explore together.

Umberslade Farm changes

May 2, 2025December 7, 2020 by Lavania Oluban
Umberslade Farm Park Pony Experience

Just before Christmas 2020  many of our planned activities were cancelled. I felt heartbroken for all of the businesses struggling amidst the chaos of 2020 and was delighted to see places such as Umberslade Farm try to make the most of things. During the summer we visited and went on a 5k trek around the … Read more

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Greetings, fellow brummie mummies, parents and adventure enthusiasts! I'm Lavania, the driving force behind "The Amazing Adventures of Me." If you're on the hunt for family-friendly escapades and hidden gems in and around Birmingham, you've just stumbled upon your new favourite hub!

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Creatively Parenting a little whirlwind
👩‍👦#teacher (DT food specialist)
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2025 was full of so much fun Arlo’s highlights w 2025 was full of so much fun 

Arlo’s highlights were @officialbutlins and @legolandwindsor 

Mine was completing @the_wolf_run after an eight year OCR hiatus and being able to take Arlo on a @jet2pics holiday to Portugal for work. 

Will always be grateful for the opportunities and collaborations and also going to give myself a little pat on the back for making it all happen. 

Social media can make everything look so shiny and polished  but the reality is I’ve worked harder than I ever have this year, started a new job, run dozens of craft workshops, launched and published books and hit so many more milestone achievements in my long term plan. Huge shout out to my parents who have helped me with Arlo over so many weekends when I’ve been putting in seven days straight at work. 

It’s difficult trying to find the work life balance but when I scroll back it always feels worth it. Memories have been made which we will treasure forever.

I’ve spent Christmas having a much needed break before kicking off the new year with yet another exciting project and lifelong dream of mine. 

Bring on 2026 ♥️
Discounts for teachers /ad Super excited to work Discounts for teachers /ad 

Super excited to work with @discountsforteachers - I’d already registered a while ago and saved some cash this year but now it’s even easier to save money when shopping as they have an app you can download (link in bio). 

The best bit is that this app is for all teaching and education staff including TA’s, support, admin, caretakers, catering, lecturers and anyone else you can think of….. and it’s totally free to use too! 

I placed a quick next day delivery order to get my Christmas Day outfit with @newlook - one of many brands featured on the app and it’s been handy for my Christmas gifts and of course the sales shopping so far too. 

Share this with all your teacher friends 🥰 
 
teachersofinstagram #teacherlife #education #teaching discounts #SMG0fitqwngQ2
Explosive …. In more ways than one! /ad Yesterda Explosive …. In more ways than one! /ad 

Yesterday we visited the Town Hall in Victoria Square to see @brainiaclive - a show which has us shrieking with delight! 

As a teacher myself I appreciate any attempts to make STEM engaging for young people and I love how the audience participation, the multiple (loud) explosions and all of the fun stuff bought things to life for the kids and adults alike. 

With the Brainiacs bringing great showmanship and comedic value but balancing this carefully with accurate scientific terminology and detailed explanations the kids were learning all about rocket science, molecular structure, static electricity and sound waves all whilst cheering for more! 

Did I also mention that for accessibility the performance was signed, and they had a great merch stand and the chance to meet and greet the cast too! 

This teacher approves, and so do the boys who now want to go and explode hot water bottles and run through walls all in the name of science. 

There are shows today and tomorrow at 11am and 2pm with tickets remaining if you wish to see the new year out with a bang! 

@brainiaclive @dancolmancreative @bmusic_ltd  @anr.pr
Discounts for teachers /ad Super excited to work Discounts for teachers /ad 

Super excited to work with @discountsforteachers - I’d already registered a while ago and saved some cash this year but now it’s even easier to save money when shopping as they have an app you can download (link in bio)

The best bit is that this is for all teaching and education staff including TA’s, support, admin, caretakers, catering, lecturers and anyone else you can think of….. and it’s totally free to use too! 

I placed a quick next day delivery order to get my Christmas Day outfit with @newlook - one of many brands featured on the app and I have a few last minute gifts to organise so this will come in very handy over the next few days. 

Share this with all your teacher friends 🥰
Winter walks - The Christmas Stickman trail 🌲 I Winter walks - The Christmas Stickman trail 🌲 

I mentioned in our recent blog post that we visited @beechenhurstcafe for brunch on Sunday (huge portions by the way!) and then went for a little wander around @forest_of_dean_fe 

The kids were engaged with their festive Stick Man trail and the clues had them guessing the whole way round. For £4 they got a little activity pack which included a key ring, stickers, tinted magnifier and trail booklet with lots of challenges to complete. 

The circular walk is a perfect distance for little ones and manageable in about 45 minutes but you can really take your time and engage with different prompts around the route to embrace the outdoors. 

We went a little bit further in to the Forest to explore some more of the sculpture trail which also runs throughout and alongside some of the Colliers Trail (we cycled the route earlier this year). 

I could have walked all day long to see all of the installations but the little legs got tired which only means we’ll have to come back another time - not that I need an excuse. It’s only an hour and fifteen mins from Brum and such a scenic drive! 

There are various @forestryengland sites across the UK hosting the Christmas Stickman trail this year including @cannockchaseforest @wyreforestfe and @hicks_lodge for anyone local to the Midlands. 

Save this for when you need to walk off the festive treats and get the kids out on their new bikes and scooters over the holidays!
Glamping with Santa /ad This weekend was just wh Glamping with Santa /ad 

This weekend was just what I needed. I packed up the car with overnight bags, swimming kits, wellies, the kids and my mom plus all sorts of festive treats  and drove just over an hour away from Brum to the Forest of Dean to @whitemead_forest_park for a glamping with Santa experience. 

Their pods are super cute, and plenty big enough for the four of us to enjoy a cosy evening with crafts, pillow fights, story books and marshmallow toasting. 

With an onsite pool, mini golf and play areas as well as live entertainment and craft workshops with elves as well as he chance to meet the big guy in red - there’s plenty for families to do and of course you’re right in the middle of the Forest of Dean with loads of cycling and walking trails to explore.

I’ll pop a full review up on the blog as soon as I can…. But heads up, there’s still some availability for the pods with prices starting at £59 if you’re looking for a unique memory making experience!
Soooo…. Saturday night was fun! ♥️ The song choic Soooo…. Saturday night was fun! ♥️

The song choice is intentional.
Blinked and he grew up! I’m not sure what he thi Blinked and he grew up! 

I’m not sure what he thinks about Santa, but the magic will always be real in our home 

#christmasmorning #johnlewis #christmasmemories
A little bird told me….. AD If you’re looking for A little bird told me….. AD

If you’re looking for an awesome Christmas gift for little ones then this is it. From @alittlebirdtoldmepaperworks - a social enterprise based in Leeds created by adults with disabilities. This box came delivered with everything you could possibly need for a rainy day crafternoon. 

I’m determined to support small businesses and gift with purpose this year. 

With a Superhero theme the box was filled to the brim with all sorts as well as a little guide book explaining the possibilities. 

Every single thing including the dividers in the box was used to build a superhero HQ with all the accessories and the outer packaging designed as a board game. 

With glue, paint, brushes, masks, tissue, feathers, pipe cleaners and masks there was plenty to get the creative juices flowing with superhero models to paint and masks to decorate. 

With the superhero cards and mission challenges this is the gift that keeps on giving and prices at only £14.99 these boxes represent great value and excellent quality with hours of creative fun ready to go! 

#alittlebirdtoldmepaperworks
Christmas Markets Last night we were wandering a Christmas Markets 

Last night we were wandering around Stratford Upon Avon quite late in the evening post theatre trip and saw so many traders setting up stalls in anticipation of the Victorian Market which is taking place this weekend - the whole place feels so festive with twinkling lights and beautiful shop windows all around. 

What I will say is having been to the market in previous years, it’s probably the busiest we have ever been to so expect road closures, traffic and bustling crowds and please be patient with the traders! 

Last year saw so many events cancelled with awful weather that I’m delighted it’s going to be a fairly mild weekend to kick off the festive market season and give traders and small businesses the footfall and trade they deserve! 

If you’re at a loose end and looking for something to do today or tomorrow I’ve got a blog guide with dates and info about as many markets I could find information on in the Midlands: https://arloriverrex.com/christmas-markets-in-the-west-midlands/

Most of these are free to attend and will just need car parking costs covered ♥️
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