Kids Go Free with CBeebies Magazine

Earlier this month Leo and I were invited along to Alton Towers with CBeebies Magazine, in celebration of the new kids go free promotion. This event had been highly anticipated by Leo, I had made the mistake of telling him the exciting news around the same time as I first received the email, of course with this being weeks ahead of the event.. I discovered just how exceptional a pre-schoolers memory really is... and also how impatient that they can be! Lesson learnt?

CBeebies Magazine took over a room in the Alton Towers Hotel and having never been to the accommodation side of the park before, I was suitably impressed. CBeebies had put together a series of educational activities for the children and divided us into groups so that we could all take it in turns and enjoy everything. Each of the activities supported the Early Years Curriculum, just as the magazine does from start to finish. 

After we arrived fashionably late (as always) we joined our group and participated in the group drawing activity. All the while Leo kept reminding me that this wasn't CBeebies Land... For the first half an hour or so Leo was completely out of his comfort zone, and he would not leave my side. This for Leo is very out of character, but after a long car journey and being landed in a room full of people he didn't know, he just took a little while to come around. In fact for those first few activities Leo clung to me like the world was about to end, but as time progressed and he became familiar with the people and his surroundings... Leo let his guard down and enjoyed taking part with everything. 

Leo's favourite activity was by far the Swashbuckling group where he got to make and decorate his very own pirate hat and badge. In fact I couldn't get him away from this group, and even after the session finished he carried on sticking and enjoying himself. 

As the event began to wind down our thoughts began to ponder who the special guest would be, CBeebies had arranged for a special someone to come along and hand out the children's goody bags at the end. Leo was really looking forward to discovering who was on his way, and he was not disappointed when Postman Pat strolled through the door with Jess cat!

Leo seems to be at an age now where he really appreciates character meetings, and his reaction was absolutely magical. He doesn't get scared or not want to make an effort with his super hero, he absolutely loves to interact with them. As you can see, Leo's meeting with Pat himself was one of those moments that he will cherish for a long time to come, and I am so glad that he came out of his shell by the time he arrived. 

The CBeebies kids go free promotion is running over 5 editions of the magazine starting from July 30th 2014 right through until 24th September 2014.

Issue 410 (30th July) – Chessington World of Adventures 

Issue 411 (13th Aug) – Alton Towers Resort inc. CBeebies Land 

Issue 412 (27th Aug) – Warwick Castle 

Issue 413 (10th Sept) – Legoland and Legoland Discovery Centre 

Issue 414 (24th Sept) – SEA LIFE Centres and Seal sanctuaries 

Thanks CBeebies Magazine for such a fantastic day, we had a super time!

Disclaimer: We were invited along to the CBeebies Magazine Event and provided with complimentary entrance to the park. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.