Imagine my son's surprise when this parcel arrived at Entertain the Kids with his name on it. I tried, and failed, to get a picture of him opening the parcel : why did I fail? Because William was so excited he had the box opened in a matter of seconds.
A sturdy parcel which cannot fail to impress budding London Explorers of all ages, lots of things to keep them amused on the journey plus the fantastic travel guides (which we will talk about below); all complete with a sturdy, lightweight bag to keep all the new treasures safe and together. The bag is very much like a swimming bag : so no concerns that your budding adventurer will be left carrying a heavy bag.
Contents may vary : you can find up to date information, prices and special offers by visiting Step Outside : here is a direct link to the London Adventure Box where they are running a special introductory offer until 20 April 2015 at just £10 per person.
Initial impression from Entertain the Kids
Entertain the Kids were delighted to be sent a couple of sample books to check out and review. I can honestly say "WOW" it isn't often that a product exceeds my expectation : these books certainly did that : left me "speechless" (which is unheard of).
In my opinion, these books have been pitched for under 12yr. My 5yr old son, however, was delighted to read through some of the pages and talk about the pictures. I would say I would happily allow William to take an "assisted lead" for our family tour around London using these guides. Confidently, 8/9yr olds should be able to take the lead unaided allowing a full family experience (and allowing parents to relax a little too). By allowing the children to take an active role in the day's adventure their own learning experience will be heightened too.
At £5 per book for an adventure around London is a snip.
The Little Books That Give You a Big Day Out!
Since publishing their first child-friendly guidebooks to free London three years ago, Step Outside Guides have established a sound reputation for providing delightful days out for families and groups of friends.
Written so that children from about nine can lead, these offbeat and beautiful little books take the users on a day which explores both the great sights and hidden treasures in our Capital. Meticulously researched and carefully written, each of the six Step Outside Guides provides a complete day out which is not only cost-free, but stress-free too.
Every route begins and ends at a Tube station, and each adventure is escorted by a resident animal statue who comes to life, charmingly illustrated by Sam Fenn. Each animal leads their readers on a themed route full of interest and surprise to captivate both adults and children.
The days are free apart from travel costs, and ever mindful of expense, the trips are thoughtfully designed to fit into the cheap day return fare slot. Aware that exploring London can be tiring on the feet, there are rest-your-legs pages of activities and puzzles. Just as importantly, the guides highlight good picnic spots and free toilets and give full accessibility details for buggies and wheelchairs.
Co-owner and creator of Step Outside Guides, Francesca Fenn says "London is such a fantastic city, but people can be intimidated by both the size and cost of visiting the capital. Step Outside Guides take away both those worries, and offer brilliant days out”.
Here are just a few comments from happy Step Outsiders:
“We have had a fabulous day today following the Treasure Trail – thank you!!”
“We thought the book was awesome, pitched at just the right level for Leo (7yrs) to lead us and to keep Edie (3yrs) on the look out for Tembo's next treasure. We can't wait to get the next one!”
“Just to say we had a fantastic day out with this book at half term. Your book enabled me to share with my 10 year old daughter some of the magic of our capital city and I now understand why people travel from far and wide to see the sights.”
“Just to let you know that my son and I did the treasure trail book at half term and loved it. The highlights were the museum in Lincolns Inn fields and the flamingoes in Kensington Roof Garden.”
Step Outside Guides are £5 each
Available from bookshops or online at Step Outside Guides
About the Step Outside Guides
Book 1 : The London Treasure Trail
The London Treasure Trail leads you from Holborn to Kensington, finding treasures indoors and out, high in the sky and hidden away. Your guide is Baby Tembo, the little bronze elephant by Derrick Hudson outside the London School of Economics.
Book 2 : Down by the Thames
Down by the Thames begins at Tower Hill and wends its way round the outside of the Tower of London, over Tower Bridge and along the South Bank. It is led by Octavius Octopus who lives on the gates of Shakespeare’s Globe, and who loves participating in London Life to the full!
Book 3 : The London Lion Hunt
The London Lion Hunt starts at Westminster. Readers are escorted by William, the South Bank Lion. The day explores Westminster and Whitehall, and all the way to Chinatown. Lions are discovered everywhere, and we guarantee that after spending a day with this book, every future visit to London will be enhanced by spotting lions!
Book 4 : Christmas in London
Christmas in London follows a festive trail from Leadenhall Market to Marble Arch in the company of Jenny and Christopher Wren. En route you will find characters from the Christmas Story to stick in a Christmas scene, and golden decorations to decorate a Christmas tree. Includes bus rides, and stickers.
Book 5 : If Statues Could Talk… A London Adventure
If Statues Could Talk explores the stories of statues great and small, from Westminster to St Paul’s, and most especially inside Westminster Abbey, which Step Outside Families can enter free-of-charge. Help Dr Johnson’s cat Hodge complete his catalogue of statues on this magical day out.
Book 6 : To Kensington Gardens and Beyond…
To Kensington Gardens and Beyond spends the day enjoying the delights of this royal park, with a detour into Hyde Park. Bird life and royal connections offer sticker opportunities, and there are games and activities dotted through the book between points of interest and exploration. There is plenty for adults to enjoy too, including Hermione’s Grand Tour of the Albert Memorial. The day finishes at the Princess Diana playground.
Delightful, beautifully illustrated guide books guaranteeing a Family Adventure never to be forgotten.
Step Outside Guides are £5 each
Available from bookshops or online at Step Outside Guides
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Prepared by : Sharon Steed
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