days out over christmas

[ethanryan]

hi i have a 1 year old and a 2 year old who are already excited about christmas. has any one any ideas for evenings out for them over christmas. we live in birmingham but do have a car so dont mind travelling- within reason. I have heard about the santas grotto at the snow dome in tamworth has anyone been and is it suitable for my two.

[annie0000]

I'm afraid I don't live anywhere near you, so can't give you a personal recommendation, but my kids always enjoyed the theatre at christmas - you could check to see if there is anything suitable on. The smaller theatre's tend to put on some good shows for kids with puppets and things.

maybe something like this:

http://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/Y2007/elves- and-shoemaker.html

or this:

http://www.livenationtheatres.co.uk/prod-produ ctions_details.asp?VenueID=87&pid=372

[ethanryan]

thanks will have a look. not sure if they may be a bit young to sit through a show though. thanks for your suggestions though

[annie0000]

The shows for kids - probably the first one - tend to last less than an hour - my kids were always ok - even from 1 and 2, maybe I was just lucky - pick something cheap to try it out on!! I also took them to the cinema from about the same age - our local arts centre does baby showings where adults only get in if the have a young baby, then they can relax knowing that there are other parents with babies there that are less likely to get upset of the babies cry. I would even just wrap them up and take them out to see the Christmas lights - if the ones in town aren't very good, there is always someone who puts on a great show in their garden - simple entertainment and cheap - or free!

[spudqueen]

Why wait until Christmas? Have you taken them to the illuminations in Walsall? We live near Blackpool but my kids loved the Walsall illuminations, preferred them in fact to Blackpool!

[ethanryan]

yeah we have planned to take them there next weekend. we were looking for something with the christmas theme for then but because of there age there isnt many places that cater for them.
thanks for your idea though!!

[rosandjohn]

Have you been to ash end farm somewhere near you. The father christmas is the best I've ever seen, real donkey, cattle the kids get dressed up and sing carols. google it and take a look. Otherwise hatton country world near warwick is fantastic loads to do.

[ethanryan]

thanks rosandjohn i will take a look