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Not long to go before the summer holidays! If you are around this summer, there are lots of things do with the children over the summer. And many of the activities are free. Here is just a start, we'd love to hear what you'll be up to.

Kick off the holidays with some quality family time at the GMRC which hosts a creative family workshop inspired by the collections 1.00-2.30pm. There is a family tour at 2.30pm, which you will need to book in advance (GMRC (200 Woodhead Road G53 7NN)

Dig This! is an archaeology fun day at the Hunterian Museum with free activities for all the family: learn how to carve stone like a Pict, discover how to drill wood and stone with a bow drill, have a go at making flour and spinning wool, or be an archaeologist and investigate evidence that the Vikings left behind. Admission is FREE and there is no need to book. (University Avenue, G12 8QQ). The Huntarian Museum also has a wide range of activities for the children.

Did you know that the Glasgow Boys exhibition is free to under-16s? The Kelvingrove Museum also invites children to discover the Glasgow Boys in a fun and accessible way with their Wee Glasgow Boys and Girls weekends. Once a month, have fun getting creative with a variety of activities for familie, including painting, drawing, dressing up and games.

Will You Be My Guinea Pig?, asks Katy Wilson, the Starcatchers Artist in Residence at Tramway. Through creative playing Starcatchers will try to disrupt the expected and create something dynamic, original and multi- dimensional for 0-4 year olds and their adults. On July 2^nd and 3^rd at The Tramway.

Remember to pick up your Glasgow Kidz Card before the holidays. It gives the children aged 5 to 12 access to free swimming, free movies and more activities like the Tall Ship, City Sightseeing Glasgow. Although accompanying adults still have pay their entry, it is still a good discount and great fun for the family.

Photo Credits: The Huntarian Museum & Art Gallery

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Children birthday parties – these three words evoke both fond childhood memories and a moment of panic when comes the time to organise your children's birthday parties. How many children will come? How expensive will it get? What does that the said child have in mind?

From parties at home, to taking a few friends to the cinema, or invite the whole class to the party, there are so many options. To give you a hand, here are five ideas for children's birthday parties in Glasgow.

The Tall Ship has a delightful children's party area below deck. Pirates and fairies, prepare yourself for an afternoon of play, music and snacks in a private area. The incredible setting is sure to ravish your little guests.

The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre also hosts fun birthday parties for children from age xx to xx. Attend the puppet show on a Saturday afternoon and have a fun snack time after the show. You can also choose a purposely designed workshop to make your own puppet and theater.

For a birthday party with a difference, try the An Clachan cafe. The team is lovely, coffee is delicious and the food is prefect. The cafe is tucked away in Kelvingrove Park. When your little guests need to stretch their legs, they can go out to the adjacent play area. They will be able to run around the slides, scisaws, climbing frames and enjoy themselves.

Jungle in the City (Gardner Street, Partick G11) can reserve the whole place for your party. On weekdays, parties are from 3.30-5.30pm and weekend times are also available. Your friends will be able to run around on the play frame for an hour and enjoy a healthy and delicious snack. There are dress up costumes available, coffee and tea for parents.

Busy Bees Crafts Studio in the South will help you plan your crafty birthday party in their private party room. Party guests decorate their chosen craft and also paint a cotton party bag, and receive a craft project to take home.

Happy birthday!

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With the sunny and warmer days hopefully returning soon, we find ourselves looking for ideas of places to go for the day. Somewhere to enjoy sun, nature, peace and fresh air. A place where the children can run around to their hearts’ content.

The Finlaystone Country Estate is only 20 minutes away from Glasgow on the way to Langbank, and a beautiful place to spend the day. The 140 acres of gardens and woodlands have something for everyone.

Finlaystone is perched on the banks of the River Clyde with breathtaking views over the river. There is a formal garden with a scented garden, a walled garden and an intricate Celtic paving. The original Finlaystone House was built in the 14th century and extended in 1760 and 1900. It has been a home for three families over six centuries and is currently home to the Chief of the Clan MacMillan and his family.

The children will enjoy the woodland play area best of all. Where else can you find a huge pirate ship, a double-decker bus complete with internal slide, a massive humvee, swings, flying hawks, climbing frames, Fort William and Fort George all built out of wood?

There are numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the Estate. There are also several walking paths to discover the woodlands.

The rangers organise regular events and workshops for everyone. The guided walks allow visitors to discover the diversity of the woodlands (May 16th, ‘Bluebells & Azaleas’, June 5th ‘Northern Frontiers’...). On May 30th, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic & Dolls’ Tea Party promises to be a huge hit with the children. Puppet, magic shows and games will ensure a day of fun. During the summer holidays, the park will be buzzing with busy workshops from dragonflies, to banner making, kite making and recycling crafts...

The rangers can even help you organise your children's birthday party.

Looking ahead, we are really looking forward to the Halloween Party. It will be cold but it sounds so much fun!

Photo credits Finlaystone Country Estate

Finlaystone Country Estate

Langbank,

Port Glasgow,

Renfrewshire

PA14 6TJ

Tel: 01475 540505

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Glasgow has a vibrant French-speaking community: French expats, bi-national families, people from other French-speaking countries or Scots with an interest in French. Whatever your interest in joining the French community in Glasgow, there are lots of opportunities.

Let's start with children: Le Club Picoti, the French-speaking parent and toddler group meets every Wednesday morning at the Hillhead Parish Church (Observatory Road G12 9AS). From 10am to 12pm, prepare yourself for two hours of play, crafts, songs and a snack.

The Alliance Francaise also runs a French playgroup for English speaking children from age 3 to 6. It takes place on Saturday mornings (10-12) 3 Park Circus G3 6AX tel: 331 4080 admin@afglasgow.org.uk

La Maison du Sud is another French Playgroup for children age 2 ½ to 5 and their parents or carers. La Maison du Sud meets up every Thursday morning (10-11) at Newlands South Church (Riverside Road Langside G43 2EG). You can contact Assia (assia.meknache@btinternet.com)

There are plans to start French classes in Clarkston on Thursday afternoons. You can register your interest at the Alliance Francaise.

For school age children, l'Ecole Buissoniere runs classes for children age 5 to 12. The classes are designed for children fluent in French to learn to read and write in French. They can meet up with other bilingual children and make new friends.

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Without further ado, here are five more things to do in Glasgow with the children.

1.Having a baby shouldn’t stop you from seeing the latest films. Several movie theatres in Glasgow offer special sessions you can attend with your baby. Among them is the Grosvenor Theatre in Ashton Lane. Babies are admitted up to 18 months, the sound is reduced, the lights stay slightly on and you can still enjoy the movie. Many of the children will fall asleep right away anyway! Showing on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 this week is the acclaimed 'A Single Man' with Colin Firth. (Grosvenor Cinema, Ashton Lane, Hillhead, G12 8SJ)

2.During the Easter Break, the Citizens Theatre runs a series of Arts and Crafts drop-in sessions, each with a theme that will challenge the children's imagination. Even better, the little ones can take their lovely creations home. Running from April 12th-17th at 3-5pm, each session costs £3, and there is no need to book. Call 0141 429 0022 for more information. (Citizens Theatre, 119 Gorbals Street, Glasgow, G5 9DS)

3.Crafty kids will love the Busy Bees Craft Studio’s drop-in sessions running from 11.30am-5pm every day during the holidays. Choose the craft you prefer (wood, ceramic, fabric or glass) and get creative with paint, glitter, stamps, stencils, sequins or beads. (Busy Bees Craft Studio, 82-84 Niddrie Road, Queens Park, Glasgow, G42 8PU, 0141 433 9506)

4.When was the last time you went to The Tall Ship? There’s no doubt that it’s one of the children's favourite places in Glasgow. Over the holidays, there is one more reason to visit. From April 6th to April 16th, enjoy the craft drop-in sessions (1-30pm). Help create a giant model of the River Clyde. Learn about the history of the river, how it has changed, where it begins and where it ends. Doon the River, The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour, 100 Stobcross Road, Glasgow, G3 8QQ, Tel: 0141 222 2513

5.Kids who crave a taste of country life can watch as the farrier gives the working horses their new shoes. It takes place at the Glasgow Green on April 6th and May 11th at 10am. (Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Glasgow, G40 1AT) Enjoy! We would love to hear from you. Have you found a great activity for the children? Or for the grown ups? Feel free to add it to the Join Gather event calendar.

Photo Copyright Citizens Theatre

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With the Easter holidays coming up, it's time to start thinking on how to keep the kids busy during the school break.

Here are some ideas for some Easter Drama for 5-16 year olds.

Theatre Studio invites children between the age of 7 and 16 year old to a re-creation of the famous West End musical “Les Miserables”.

Prepare yourself for a week of music, singing, drama, crafts, dancing... Bring your energy and your creativity! 5 and 6 year old are invited to join in the morning school. All the children will be giving a performance for families and friends at the end of the project. Theatre Studio has a similar project running in the summer: “Tales of Alice”.

The City Halls organises a two-day Musical Theatre workshop for 7-12 year old. Singing, dancing, improving your vocal techniques, polishing your dance moves will be on the agenda. Two days to learn and practice for a performance for families and friends. The workshop takes place on April 15 and 16^th at the City Halls (Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ)

Young people between the age of 8 and 16 will find at the Scottish Youth Theatre an exciting week long musical theatre course based on the popular musical 'Hairspray'. The course runs from April 12-16th. Friends and family are invited to the final performance on the 16^th. A similar course will also run over the summer holidays.

With so much to do, there's no time to sit around on the couch and be bored! Discover a world of possibilities where imagination is the word.

Photo copyright Theatre Studio

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More ideas of things to do with the children in Glasgow over the next few months...

April

On April 7^th and 8^th, Peppa Pig is in Glasgow for the delight of babies and toddlers. Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Through everyday adventures she plays games, makes new friends and enjoys her absolute favourite activity – jumping up and down in muddy puddles! A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks! This BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets

May

Snow White on Ice... A fantasy take on the traditional tale. The world famous Russian Ice Stars will take you on a magical journey to the heart of the best loved fairy tale of all time, Snow White, on ice. The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a breathtaking and mesmerising experience. This spell-binding show promises to be lavish and spectacular, dazzling the whole family with its sheer beauty and elegance. (May 26^th to 30^th 2010 at the Theatre Royal)

June

A circus as the children (and the adults) will rarely have a chance to see is in Glasgow. Tickets will be selling out fast and it is an amazing experience of incredible acrobats not to be missed. Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants. The evocative music ranges from the classical to the modern, from the tribal to the cosmopolitan. The show's eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. (June 2^nd - 6^th 2010 at the SECC)

The Kelbrun Castle, dating back to the 13th century, is a know children paradise. It is open to the public in summer. The Kelburn Glen with its waterfalls and deep gorges is regarded as one of Scotland's most beautiful woodlands and leads to spectacular views over the islands of the Firth of Clyde. Choosing what to do might be difficult! With a pony trekking and riding school, an indoor playbarn, a pet's corner, an incredible adventure course, magical waterfalls, a wooden fort play area, there's enough to keep the family busy for several days in the summer. The Castle is open on June 28-29^th for a Family Art Weekend Environmental and Graffiti Project Art activities for all the Family.

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There is a new store in town that will no doubt be swiftly added to Glasgow's guidebooks: the new Hamley's in the redeveloped St Enoch's Centre. It’s the only other Hamley’s outside London. The new store is MUCH bigger than the old one at the top of House of Fraser across the road.

Inside is a child’s dream whether they are 7 or 70 years old. The store is bright and well laid out. There’s room to lose the kids, places for them to play and even dress up. There are lots of traditional toys including Hornby Railways, Airfix, Lego, board games, and dolls. Hundreds of them, a little girl's dream!

Hamley’s own brand range is lovely. There are plenty of nice simple toys. Particular favourites on the day of our visit were the House Puzzle and the Clever Cogs.

There are plenty of toys for the older child provided by Red5 and Game, plus a huge test area for radio controlled toys. Dads may have a hard time not buying Lego for themselves! The Lego Mindstorms Nxt 2.0 is amazing and will no doubt remind them of their childhood.

There are regular events to amuse the kids including extra shows at weekends and school holidays, including a very cute puppet show.

They even have a party room for birthday parties and will sort out all the details for the theme of your choice from the invitations to the cake and all the fun. Can’t think of many better venues than a toy shop for a party!

All in all a great way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day or take the kids for a birthday treat! Finally don’t forget to say hello to the lifesize giraffe and elephant on the first floor (accessible by lift and escalator).

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We've talked about singing in Glasgow, now let's turn our attention to dancing. Dancing is a great way to more active, become more aware of our bodies, our movements and our posture. Glasgow has a lot to offer for dance lovers. From beginners to more experienced dancers, from ballet to street dancing and jazz, there is something for everyone. Here are some ideas.

Remember if you run a dance school, you can create your listing in the marketplace and promote your events in the calendar.

Children

Every area in Glasgow has local dancing schools. Your local library, your children's school or nursery or the local community centres should be able to help you find them. Dance classes adapt to the children's age. Up to 5 year old, the emphasis is on movement, play and imagination. From 5 year old, children start to acquire some techniques but the emphasis is still on enjoyment. From age 10, dancing becomes more demanding and provides the child with a sense of achievement.

Located in the South of Glasgow, the Dance Factory has two large studio offering classes for children from pre-school age right through to professional level, from ballet, tap, modern theatre dance, highland and Irish. (142 Calder Street Glasgow G42 7QP)

The Scottish Youth Theatre offers classes from 2.5 year old to 25 year old with a wide range of style to choose from. From street dance to commercial jazz (The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF)

Dance House has a great programme for little ones from birth to age 9. Boogies babies sessions are packed with stories, movement, and songs. Mini-movers are designed to increase coordination, movement skills and imagination. Creative Dancing invites children from 5 to 9 to develop the basics elements of dance in a fun and interactive way.

Dance UK has several locations throughout Glasgow. Starting from 2 with Mini-movers, it has classes for everyone: ballet, tap and modern, hip hop, jazz, free style disco, acrobatics, rock n roll. They also offer a boy-only Street dance class.

It's not all about the children. There are lots of opportunities for the adults to get dancing as well... Stay tuned for our next blog post.

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Looking for things to do with kids in Glasgow? Look no further! We're gathering ideas of things to do with children over the next few months.  We'd love to hear your ideas...

March

The next Children's Classic Concert - Crash Bang Wallop – is not be missed on March 20^th. The Children's Classic Concerts aim to introduce young audiences to classic music in a fun, exciting and relaxing way. The children have the opportunity to meet the conductors and musicians after the concert. Each musical piece is introduced with age appropriate explanations. The audience is invited to participate and the kids are on their feet within seconds. A great afternoon out for the family!

April

On Saturday, April 24^th, take the children to the Scottish Mask And Puppet Centre for The Fisherman's Wife show. Day after day the fisherman took his boat out and threw his net into the sea, but day after day the net remained empty ! One day an enchanted fish arrived in his net and the fishermans’ wife demanded something in exchange for granting the fish its freedom…’ Inspired by a popular and universal legend, the story highlights some human frailties with humour, lightness and poetry.

May

Every Saturday from 10.30am, the GoMA opens its doors to young artists. Lively practical art activities in the galleries designed for children aged 3 to 12 years, and parents too! The professional art educators invite children to explore the art on display with drawing, collage, sculpture making and games, with different activities each week. Arrive early as the sessions are popular. GoMA Saturday Art Club

June

The Singing Kettle is back. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointed children. The Singing Kettle team will dress to impress after being invited by Lord Spout of Glenkettle to help rescue his run down castle. Artie has appointed himself as the local Laird and Cilla the Lady of the Manor while Kevin is the Gamekeeper and Gary is a Scottish Entertainer - bagpipes and all. Children will need to dress up in Tartan for some crazy Highland Fun! The Singing Kettle, City Halls, June 26-27th).

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