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How to Celebrate International Mud Day?

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International Mud Day (29 June) is a great way to connect children from around the globe while celebrating nature and encouraging outdoor play. Spending time actively outside can provide hours of fun and help children learn about their environment.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate International Mud Day and get your community involved, see our ideas and get inspired to spend an exciting day out. Getting muddy is just an added bonus! 

Go on a hike

Get outside with the whole family and enjoy nature this International Mud Day! Go for a hike and explore the muddy trails. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and have fun getting dirty. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature in your local area. Happy hiking!

Organise a muddy obstacle course

If you’re looking for a fun and muddy way to celebrate International Mud Day, why not organise your own muddy obstacle course? This is a great activity for kids of all ages, and it’s sure to be a lot of fun. Create obstacles that involve muddy water, muddy trails or mud pits. The dirtier the better!

Try painting with mud

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate International Mud Day, we recommend giving painting with mud a try. This activity is perfect for all ages, and can be done indoors or outdoors. All you need is some mud, a whiteboard (or other surface), and your imagination! You can even let kids use the fence or the driveway to paint on.

Make mud pies

Although it is unclear how or where International Mud Day began, what is clear is that it offers a fun and easy way for kids to get outside and enjoy the benefits of mud. So this year, why not celebrate by joining in on the fun? Let your children make their own mud pies from the garden dirt, and see who can come up with the most creative recipe. Not only will they have a blast playing in the mud, but they’ll also be getting some exercise and learning about nature too.

International Mud Day is an event that celebrates nature and encourages outdoor play, which can help improve physical health and cognitive development. Get your friends and family together and try out one of the activities we’ve suggested, or come up with your own mud-filled adventures. Just be sure to take plenty of pictures (and maybe even videos) to share with everyone afterwards!

How To Make A Construction-Themed Sensory Bin?

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What is a sensory bin?

A sensory bin or sensory box is simply a container filled with objects. It can be anything from sand and shells to stones, pine cones and coloured buttons.

If you are looking for a fun, simple activity to do with your child, consider making a sensory bin. This is a great way to encourage exploration and creativity while providing an enjoyable learning experience for kids. 

It is a great learning tool. By providing different textures, colours, and sounds, you can help your child learn about their environment and the world around them. And if your little ones are obsessed with all things construction – you can even make a construction-themed sensory bin. They’re sure to love it!

How to make a construction-themed sensory bin?

 All you need is some simple supplies that you may already have on hand:

Fill your plastic bin ⅓ full with play sand and to make the whole thing more genuine, create a few holes and heaps so that it resembles an actual construction site. Add several stones and pebbles and use twigs to create trees. You can go a little bit more creative and build little tunnels, roads or even a quarry!

Once you’ve prepared the surface, add some small construction vehicles, including excavators, trucks, cranes and dump trucks.

Now that you’ve put together all the elements, your little builders can finally start digging, building, moving things around, exploring and enjoying various textures, sounds and materials. This will help to stimulate their mind, whilst supporting their creativity and sensory development.

To make your sensory bin safe for younger children, you can use edible items like black beans, rice, pasta shapes or nuts. Jelly beans, marshmallows and fruit will also work great.

Benefits of using sensory bins

Sensory bins and boxes are a great way to keep your child occupied, engaged, and learning. 

They provide hours of fun for children of all ages and can be tailored to fit any interest or theme. The different textures, colours, and sounds in each bin can promote development in various areas. If you’re looking for a new activity to keep your little one busy, consider giving a sensory bin a try.

Construction Fun Facts

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Construction seems like a dull and uninteresting field, but it is actually quite fascinating. The construction industry has been around for centuries and it never ceases to amaze. If you’re interested in learning more about how buildings and structures come together, read our blog post and discover some interesting, little-known aspects of this ever-evolving industry!

  1. The Eiffel Tower moves

One of the world’s most famous buildings is arguably the Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889. This Parisian landmark has become an international symbol for France and one of the most recognisable structures on Earth. But did you know that it actually moves? The immense structure is wind resistant and will sway during a storm. The heat of our sun also affects this huge tower causing its iron components to expand or contract up to 7 inches.

  1. The Burj Khalifa weighs approximately 450,000 tonnes which is an equivalent of 100,000 elephants

The Burj Khalifa is a huge monument to human ingenuity and determination. It took an army of people, from architects to engineers, scientists, builders and more just to construct the building that stands as one of the most recognisable structures in the world today. One of the most mind blowing Burj Khalifa facts is how much it weighs. To put things in perspective, 100 thousand elephants’ worth of concrete was used to build this building!

       3. There are 10 million bricks in the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in all of New York City. It’s hard to believe, but this immense project took only 20 months from start-to-finish and 10 million bricks were used in the process. But did you know that the construction process came with a human cost? At least five workers were killed during its construction. While it may have been completed ahead of schedule and under budget, this tragedy cannot be overlooked or forgotten.

     4. The largest machine in the world is the Large Hadron Collider. 

The Large Hadron Collider is the biggest machine that man has ever built. It was designed and constructed to study subatomic particles. It lies in a tunnel 27 kilometres (17 mi) in circumference and as deep as 175 metres (574 ft) beneath the France–Switzerland border near Geneva.

  5. The filming of the Teletubbies was done using two JCB generators for power

The Teletubbies series was a hit show for children and adults alike. But did you know that filming of their famous episodes required two JCB generators? These machines were used to power the necessary equipment while creating the artful content we all loved so much.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the fascinating world of construction, and that it gives you some facts to show to your children. If so, we encourage you to share it with anyone who also might find it interesting!

Best Easter Egg Games & Activities For Kids

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With Easter quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do with your kids over the holidays.

If they seem excited for eggs and chocolate bunnies, make sure their fun doesn’t stop there! 

Check out our blog post on Easter egg games and activities that are perfect for getting them in a celebratory mood. From traditional games like egg hunt and egg & spoon race to new ideas like Easter crafts or making a bunny pancake, you’ll find something that is just right for your family!

Easter egg hunt

Easter is almost here and we know that you’re probably getting excited about the annual tradition of hunting for eggs! If you want to make this year’s egg hunt a little more exciting, try putting a little spin on it. You can hide some prizes, riddles or challenge cards inside the eggs or alongside them. This will ensure that your kids can have a unique experience hunting down their Easter eggs this year. And if you want even more ideas, see how to make the Easter egg hunt even more fun here!

Egg & spoon race

This good, old-fashioned outdoor game is a perfect way to get the kids moving, teaching them how to work together as well. It’s also a great chance for parents to have some fun with their children. This Easter morning activity will be sure to keep you all entertained until lunchtime rolls around. Watch and see who can cross the finish line first after they’ve had their fill of chocolate treats!

Bunny pancake making

If you want to spend some quality time with your kids this Easter, why not make them involved in the preparation of the Easter breakfast for the family?

Surprise everyone with some delicious and easy-to-make bunny pancakes! This is an easy recipe that doesn’t require many ingredients and can provide hours of fun. Here’s how it works:  

  • Step 1 – Make the pancake batter by combining flour, sugar, eggs, milk and baking powder in a bowl. Blend well with a whisk or fork

  • Step 2 – add a generous portion of batter to the pan in a round, for the bunny body. Then, add a smaller one for the head, two small ovals for the feet, and two long thin strips for bunny ears. To make it easier you can cook the components in batches.

  • Step 3 – After they’ve been cooked, put the bunny body in the middle of the plate, position the head, ears and feet to make it look like the back of a bunny. You can add a strawberry or banana slice for the tail.

Easter crafts

The Easter holidays are a great time to bond with your kids while creating new memories. With paper crafts, your children will be entertained and creative while also learning new skills. Whether it’s painting the eggs, decorating Easter baskets, making paper decorations or making bunny ear headbands – this activity is sure to engage not only kids but also the adults!

We hope these Easter activity ideas have  inspired you to try something different this year. Whether you’re looking for a kids’ activity, or an indoor game that the whole family can play together, be sure to try the above ones this Easter.

Outdoor Family Activities For February Half-term

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Half term is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for some fun outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained, we’ve got you covered.

From nature walks and picnics to hikes and snow sports, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ideas that are sure to get everyone out and active. So get your planning hat on and start ticking off these exciting adventures!

Winter walk

If you’re looking for a way to spend time with your kids and get some fresh air, we recommend taking the family on an outdoor winter walk. There is no better way to embrace British winter than by bundling up and going outside in the cold. A winter walk provides lots of opportunities for children (and adults) to explore their senses as they experience different textures, smells, sounds and sights that would otherwise go unnoticed during other seasons.

Just make sure you have appropriate outdoor attire. A warm jacket and comfortable, waterproof  shoes are a must.

Family picnic

Don’t let the weather stop you from enjoying a picnic, especially on a sunny winter day. It may be chilly outside, but it’s still fun to enjoy some time outdoors with friends and family. Here are some tips for winter picnics:   

  • Bring warm blankets or sleeping bags so everyone can snuggle up on the ground when they get too cold. You’ll stay warmer together! 
  • Cook some hearty, warming food like chilli or a tomato soup and put it in your thermos flask so that it stays warm. This will ensure your meal is delicious no matter what the temperature is outside.
  • Don’t forget hot drinks like hot cocoa, tea or cider, and always bring along blankets in case it gets chilly.

Hiking adventure

Hiking can be a great way to spend time with your family. It is possible to go hiking even in cold weather, as long as you dress appropriately and take the necessary precautions before going out on the trail.

When winter comes around, don’t let it stop you from enjoying nature’s beauty and head to some of the UK’s best hiking places like the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales or Snowdonia.

Snow sports

If you are looking for a winter holiday activity, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy snow sports with your family.

From skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowball fights, there is something for everyone.

All in all, snow sports are perfect for the winter season. They allow you to enjoy time with your family and friends while getting some exercise at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert skier, these fun activities will keep everyone entertained.

We hope that these ideas will help you make memories of a lifetime during your half-term week away. Remember to take time with those closest to you and enjoy the winter season! It is important not only for our mental health, but also for physical wellness.

How To Reduce Your Child’s Screen Time After School

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We all know that kids spend too much time in front of the screen nowadays. Whether you’re a parent, educator or just someone who spends time with children, it’s important to encourage them away from screens and into a more active environment.  Luckily, there are ways we can help them break out of their digital bubbles and get back outside.

With our tips below, you’ll be able to teach your child healthy habits for an engaged life without screens – no matter what age they are. Read on for some insights into how technology has changed childhoods forever – but also hints at what we need to do about it going forward together.

Children who spend more time in front of screens are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Parents should limit screen time, monitor their child’s use, and make sure they maintain other activities like physical exercise even if it is just walking around the house.

Encourage Other Activities

If you want to limit your kids’ screen time, encourage them to do other activities. When it comes to limiting screen time for children and teens, most experts agree that less is more. But the question remains – what are they supposed to do instead? Encourage kids of all ages to get up off their screens by doing something else – anything! This could be reading a book or magazine, colouring with crayons or markers, or playing outside in nature.

Create Technology-Free Zones

When it comes to the benefits and drawbacks of screen time, there is no black and white answer. The key is moderation, which we all know can be hard with our plugged-in society. This doesn’t mean that you should ban screens from your child’s life entirely—it just means that they need a break every once in a while too. Consider instituting “technology free zones” where kids are not allowed to use their phones at particular times throughout the day or week to give them some much needed breathing room. Make sure these technology breaks are spent on activities like reading books together as a family, playing outside with friends, doing arts & crafts projects at home or visiting relatives who don’t have internet access.

Schedule Family Activities

As a parent, establishing boundaries and imparting responsible screen usage to your kids is crucial. For effective screen time management, consider scheduling family activities. Explore JCB Explore’s website for ideas on how to spend quality family time. You can find plenty of engaging and fun activities here!

Whether it’s a family movie night or a thrilling theme park trip, engaging activities not only divert kids from screens but also strengthen familial bonds among household members.

Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free

If you’re worried about the amount of screen time your child is getting, there’s a simple way to mitigate this problem. Make it a rule that televisions and video game systems don’t go into their bedroom. Instead, they can use these items in other spaces throughout the house where you are able to monitor how much they are using them. This will still allow your children to watch television or play games while you are taking care of chores or relaxing, but at least then you will  know what kind of content your  kids are consuming when not under supervision.

As you can see, there are many ways to get your child off of their screens more often. We hope these screen time reduction  ideas have helped you find the solution that is right for your family. It is important to teach kids the balance of offline and online activities so they can enjoy their childhood while also being safe on the internet.

Tips On Making The Most Of The Winter Season

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Winter is a time of year that many people anticipate with great excitement. The snow, Christmas  and all things winter bring so much joy to those who love this season. But let’s be honest, it can get difficult to enjoy the outdoors  due to the fact that some options might not be available because of  the harsh weather. So, what are you going to do? Stay home and hibernate until spring or head out into the cold for a winter adventure with your friends and family? The choice is yours but to make your decision easier, we’ve listed some ways you can make the most of your winter experience. Read on and get inspired!

Try winter sports

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating – all these are super fun.  And with the right gear (and maybe some lessons), anybody could do it. So, if you’re looking for a change of pace this winter and want to try something new, we encourage you to give one or more of these sports a shot. You might be surprised at how much fun they can be! 

Explore the outdoors

It’s time to get outside this winter. We know you’ve probably heard it said that the only way to go hiking or cycling is in the summertime, but we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure during the cold months as well. You can discover your local area even when it’s freezing out – don’t let a little snow stop you from getting outdoors and exploring our beautiful world. One of the best things you can do for your kids is to get them outside in winter. Encourage them to play with snow, make a snowman or angel, and enjoy their time!

 

Organise Cosy Movie Nights

Transform your living room into a cosy winter haven by dimming the lights and gathering your family for a delightful movie night. Select a variety of winter-themed movies, ranging from classic holiday films to animated adventures set in snowy landscapes. Encourage everyone to bring their favourite blankets and create a makeshift home theatre. Pop some popcorn, prepare hot cocoa, and let the warmth of the movie and the company fill the room. Discuss the films afterward to share favourite moments and create lasting memories.

Holiday Festivals

Explore the enchanting world of local winter festivals and holiday markets. Many communities host festive events during the winter season, featuring twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and a variety of seasonal activities. Attendees can enjoy live music, indulge in delicious winter treats, and browse through stalls offering unique handcrafted gifts. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the joyous spirit of the season, creates a magical experience for families. Consider making it an annual tradition to attend these events, fostering a sense of community and celebration during the winter months.

Do some baking

Baking is one of the most enjoyable winter activities. The winter season is a magical time when we get to spend cosy evenings with our friends and family. We encourage you to bake some delicious cakes this winter so that your house will smell like home-baked goodness all day long. The best way to get your kids into the kitchen with you is by baking together. Give them a chance to experience firsthand what goes into cake-baking, and they’ll be more likely to enjoy it as an adult. It’s never too early or late for learning new skills and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Want to make it even more fun? Try baking digger shaped biscuits using our recipe!

Enjoy a cosy evening in

If you’re looking for more activities, we encourage you to spend some cosy evenings with the whole family, playing board games or doing some colouring. You might also want to try cutting out shapes and pictures together – it’s an excellent way of developing their fine motor skills. Whatever your chosen activity is, make sure it feels like a fun time where everyone can participate. That’ll be the key to making these moments into happy memories that will last long after you kids have grown up.

As you can see, winter is a great time to enjoy the outdoors as much as indoors and make memories with your family. Regardless of how cold it gets outside, we encourage you not to be afraid because there are plenty of fun activities for all ages that will keep everyone entertained.

5 Christmas Gift Ideas For A Little Builder

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The holiday season is fast approaching and with the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, decorating, and family get-togethers it’s easy to forget about the gifts. If you’re looking for toys that will keep your kids entertained and enthralled, then look no further.  We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best construction toys on the market today. From dump trucks to bulldozers, there’s something here for everyone. Check out our list below!

Rolly Ride Ons

If you’re looking for a great gift idea this holiday season, we have one that will make any kid happy. JCB ride ons are the perfect way to introduce your children to their favourite toys in an interactive and exciting new format. Our wide selection of models means there is something for every child whether they want a tractor, digger or excavator. Visit our shop today and get started shopping.

Diggers &  dump trucks

There’s nothing like a little constructive play to help children grow and learn. Finding toys that promote spatial awareness is the perfect way to encourage it. Digger toys are an excellent choice for any young construction lover, as they allow kids of all ages to build and rebuild with ease while also providing hours of fun. They also provide  an opportunity for children to use their imagination and creativity while building a world around them with these toys.

Adventure-appropriate attire

With Christmas right around the corner, you may be wondering what to get for that hard-working little builder in your life. Luckily, there are a lot of great options out there from overalls  and boots  to hats,  hoodies and even Christmas jumpers they can wear when it gets cold outside. Our clothing line is made with high quality materials that will stand up to those big imaginations, as well as be easy for them to move around in. These durable, comfortable clothes will last season after season and provide hours of entertainment for any child who loves to get their hands dirty. 

Cool collectibles

If you’ve got a little one who loves to build, create or take things apart and put them back together again, then die cast models are the perfect Christmas gift.  We offer  all kinds of construction toys that will keep your child entertained for hours. Make sure they also have plenty of room to play with these new additions because it can be hard to find space in their room after they open this present!

Builder – worthy beds & bookshelves

For a little builder, there is no better gift than one that promotes their passion for construction. We have the perfect range of furniture to help them  feel like they’re on a construction site. From digger shaped beds to skip toy boxes and book shelves we have a range of JCB  branded furniture perfect for your little builder  this holiday season.

Hopefully this list of the best gifts for kids who love construction has helped you find your perfect gift. We hope you choose something that your child loves. We’re sure they can’t wait to see what’s under the tree this year!

4 Must Have Back-To-School Accessories

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It is time to start getting excited for the new school year! We have compiled a list of some of our favourite classroom-ready accessories that will help you get  your child back-to-school ready. Whether it be pencils, pens and notebooks or just a cute backpack to carry them in, these items are sure to make going back to school easier than ever before. 

With Summer coming to an end soon, we urge you not to wait any longer and go out there and find everything you need. Being prepared allows your child to start the new school year in a relaxed and comfortable mindset.

Quality backpack

A good backpack can make all the difference in a student’s day. Consider purchasing one with padding on the back, an ergonomic design and plenty of space for books and supplies. 

It may be tempting to purchase a cheap option that is not built well but will you really want your kid carrying around something so uncomfortable? Our 3 in 1 backpack is a perfect option. It has so many fantastic features that will make it the envy of all their friends. 

There are three separate compartments – one large main compartment and two side mesh pockets which should be enough storage space for any small items they might need at school. And there’s an adjustable padded strap on the back making carrying it comfortable too. 

The lunch box also comes complete with a bottle inside – meaning everything they need will fit in just one place! Plus there’s a Joey JCB pencil case included too, so if anything spills during mealtime, pens stay safe from harm! 

Comfortable shoes

What are the best kinds of shoes to wear for school? It’s a question that many parents and kids ask. The best type of shoe is one that has good grip, conforms well to your foot and ankle, and offers plenty of support.

 If you are looking for a pair that will be comfortable, durable and stylish then JCB black leather children’s shoes are just what you need. They have an elastic lace up system with touch fastener strap to ensure they stay securely on the foot.

 The foam insole is designed for comfort while their slip resistant outsole ensures durability. This makes them perfect for school or playtime outdoors.

Warm outerwear

If you’ve already stocked up on backpacks, notebooks, lunch boxes etc., make sure to get your kids some warm outerwear like hoodies, gilets or coats too! These are all practical items that will help them enjoy their first day at school while keeping them cosy in the cooler months ahead. 

Practical desk

Whilst all those items can make for a great day at school, what about when it comes to doing homework at home?

You can’t beat a desk that is ergonomic and built to fit your body. It’s so important for student health and productivity. That being said, it might be worth investing in an adjustable chair too for extra support and comfort. 

With the new school year already here, it’s time to make sure you have all of your children’s necessary gear ready. Make sure that they are dressed for success by stocking up on supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks, shoes and clothing.

 You may also want to take a look at some supplies that could help them stay organised or keep track of assignments. These items are often forgotten but can be just as important as any other item on this list!

Top UK Outdoor Places For Kids

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The UK is a great place to get outside and enjoy the natural world with your kids. 

If you’re looking for some fun spots to get away, JCB Explore has got you covered. Have a look at our list of things to do in the UK suitable for kids. 

In the end, we’re all just looking for ways to help our kids grow up stronger and happier. And if that means more time outside playing in nature together as a family, then so be it!

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest theme park in Devon. It’s a great place for families to spend an afternoon together and enjoy themselves, rain or shine. 

With one of the best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained all day long at this fun filled family-friendly venue.

If you’re looking for something different than just another movie night getaway without breaking your budget then give this park a try.

The National Forest Adventure Farm

From indoor fun like drop slides and play barns to outdoor adventure in the form of assault courses, wooden mazes and go karts – there are activities that will have all ages excited. 

Whether they love farm animals or enjoy seeing how food gets from farms into grocery stores first hand, there’s plenty here for them to see at this Burton-based attraction. 

Make sure you also check the JCB Big Dig Zone which is a fun, interactive way to learn about construction equipment. You can ride on our pedal JCBs, excavate the sand pit and climb the traversing wall. 

Legoland Windsor

If you’re a lego lover and haven’t been to Legoland Windsor yet, we highly recommend that you do. There are lots of rides for the kids and adults alike, as well as plenty of attractions for fans of all ages! 

The creators of Legoland Windsor have recreated some iconic landmarks in miniland. You can walk around London’s Tower Bridge or New York City’s Grand Central Station in Lego form and see how they look from all angles.

Gulliver’s World

Gulliver’s World is a theme park for all those with children, young people and grown-ups alike. A place where there are no limits on your imagination – you can enjoy more than 25 rides in 6 themed areas, lose yourself in Ghost House or operate your very own bright yellow digger. 

You may also want to take advantage of some short break holidays at Gulliver’s World that will allow time off without having to worry about school! 

One of the best ways to keep your child occupied and entertained is by taking them on an adventure. If you’re looking for outdoor places in the UK that are perfect for children, then look no further than this list! From theme parks to adventure zones, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a map and start planning some family-friendly activities today.

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