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LATEST BLOG POSTS
Why Active Kids Need Proper Foot Support for Sport and Activity
It might begin subtly, with your child mentioning tired feet after playing, or seeming to…
Why I Stopped Worrying About My Kids’ Screen Time When We Discovered Chess
There’s a certain twinge of worry that sweeps over many parents when their child disappears…
Creative AI Ideas for Personalised Birthday Decorations
Every parent knows the joy, and mild panic, of planning a child’s birthday party. We…
How to Create a Family Entertainment Corner Without Overspending
Meta description: Learn how to create a family space full of warmth, laughter, and simple…
Are Baby Bottle Warmers Safe? A Parent’s Guide to Safe Milk Warming
With a baby, you have to heat bottles on a daily basis. It is due…
Could Do June – Joyful Activities for Families
Activities, Activities for Children, Could Do List, Summer, Family Fun Let me start with a…
Summer Crafts & Activities
{How to} make a two colour daffodil pinwheel
Spring is one of my favorite seasons and I have been seeing pictures of daffodils…
Summer Water Fun for Kids | Exciting Outdoor Activities
One of the things that my boys love the most is water play, and summer…
Free Summer Planner – Keep Kids Entertained All Summer
Download your free summer planner and keep the kids entertained over the summer. We love…
#Freerangesummer – The next installment
Can you believe that it is less than 4 weeks until the children go back…
#Freerangesummer and an Epic Visit to Kielder Forest
We spent a fabulous couple of days at Kielder Forest staying at Leaplish water park…
Go, Make, Do, and Read Summer Planner Printable – Fun & Organized Activities
It certainly feels like we are on the home stretch of school before the summer…
Six Things You Won’t Regret Learning During a Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is about taking a break from a busy life and enjoying a wonderful…
Summer Bored Jar Activities
Summer holidays is nearly upon us, which means updating our summer bored jar activities. We have had…
How to Shop the Summer Sales for Kids and Save Money
We are back this month with our picks from the Melijoe summer sale. I love…
What activities have been keeping the boys busy this summer
Most of this summer has been spent making the most of the wonderful weather outside…
Lightwater Valley: Top Tips for a Great Visit
We had an amazing day at Lightwater Valley last week with friends. Between us we…
Over 50 Low-Cost Ideas to Enjoy Summer with Your Family | Fun and Affordable Activities
Along with the The Tots100 and Amazon Prime Video I co-hosted an amazing #AmazonSummer twitter…
5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Kids’ Eyes This Summer
There’s sunscreen lotion for your skin but how do you protect your kids’ eyes from…
Could Do List for July – Fun, Family-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate Summer
July brings longer days, school holidays, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy…
Tips for Keeping Kids Hydrated Over Summer | Healthy Hydration Guide
Earlier this year I worked with Highland Spring to bring you some tips on keeping…
Top 8 Essentials Your Newborn Baby Needs For The Summer
Summer is coming, and everyone, including your baby, needs to be prepared to stay fresh….
Simple Ways to Save Money This Summer and Still Have Fun
The endless summer days are often a real challenge on a family budget. When you…
The ultimate summer holiday bucket list
Call it what you will, summer holiday bucket list, summer activities, summer wish list. Here…
Tips for Dealing with Eczema and Sensitive Skin in the Summer
Tips for Dealing with Eczema and Sensitive Skin in the Summer is a paid collaboration…
5 Summer Jobs in California for Students Who Love Animals
Everyone is waiting for summer to finally refresh themselves after a hard year of studying….
5 Ways to Keep Your Children’s Minds Active Over the Summer
There’s no denying that over the long summer holidays children lose the momentum they’ve had…
Free Summer Reading Bookmarks Printable – Fun and Functional
I love a printable bookmark and these summer reading bookmarks printable are perfect for using…
A free range summer
When I think of my summer holidays as a child, they were filled with sun,…
Summer Screen Rules – Free Printable | Manage Screen Time Easily
It is no secret that I find balancing screen time challenging. My boys would quite…
Summer Holidays – The write way! Bookmaking with Children
This week we are going to make our own book. There are lots of ways to…
#Freerangesummer doesn’t mean that I ignore my children………..
Nor does it mean that I let them be bored or fail to plan activities…
Homemade Flowers for Kids to Make | Fun and Easy Craft Ideas
Spring is on it’s way in the UK and I for one am looking forward…
Summer Holidays – The write way!
This summer is going to be the summer of writing at The Mad House and…
Skimming Stones
Part of our #freerangesummer means that I have to learn to let go and be…
110 Summer Acts of Kindness for Kids – Fun and Meaningful Activities
Often we focus on having fun over the summer and making it a great time…
Free summer printables from Pen and Paint Blog
Pen and Paint is Lindsay Hopkins and I first discovered her fab artwork on Instagram….
Simple Ideas to Keep Kids Occupied at Home This Summer
It is a really weird time at the moment, many summer holidays are being postponed…
#Freerangesummer in France
We have continued our #freerangesummer this week in France thanks to Thompson Alfesco at La Croix…
Getting Your Home Summer Ready | Essential Tips for a Refreshing Season
Do you do anything to prepare your home for summer? It seems as though the…
Summer Manifesto 2013
The sun has been shining, so I do not think that I am tempting fate…
Late Summer Activities for Families – Fun Ideas to Embrace the Season
Late summer is a magical time—hedgerows are heavy with fruit, the sun hangs low in…
Summer holiday Love it or loath it
I took the boys to school this morning, which calls for a celebration in itself….
Keep your garden in shape this summer
If the weather is good – and you’ve made preparations for adequate seating areas and…
Ultimate Summer Activities & Bored Jar Lists | Endless Fun Ideas
We long time I’m Bored Jar users and I wouldn’t be without one. With the summer…
The Ultimate No Spend or Low Spend Bored Jar list
In addition to our fabulous summer bucket list and activity list, we have a Bored…
Free Flower Colouring Page for Adults – Relaxing and Intricate Designs
Since I know how much you all like free adult colouring pages, I have teamed up…
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt | Free Printable for Outdoor Fun
This Summer Scavenger Hunt with Free Printable is brought to you in conjunction with fab® Ice…
The Summer of Sport | Encouraging You to Get Involved and Stay Active
I am delighted to be working with the nation’s leading breakfast cereal Weetabix to help…
How to Keep Your Dog Happy in the Summer | Tips for Hot Weather Care
Everyone looks forward to a nice warm summer, particularly in the UK where dismal, rainy…
150+ Low Cost and No Cost Summer Activities for Kids | Budget-Friendly Fun
Summer holidays, you either love them or hate them. I am never sure about which…
Free Summer Holiday Planner
Free Summer Holiday Planner is a paid collaborative post with Very designed to showcase their…
Free Things to Do in the Summer Holidays with Kids: Fun and Budget-Friendly Activities
These Free Summer Holiday Activities are perfect for helping your budget stretch over the summer…
Encouraging Independence in Kids Over the Summer | Tips and Activities
My boys are eight and nine and this is our third summer of the Bored…
August 2025 Could Do List – Family Activities, Festivals & Fun
August is all about long summer days, family time, and soaking up the last weeks…
Summer Holiday Planning and Activities
Just because we are having a free range summer, it doesn’t mean that we can…
How to give your child a global perspective with a summer school
In our vastly interconnected world, it’s more important than ever for our children to develop…
Free Summer Bucket List Template – Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Create a memorable and fun summer with your children using our free summer bucket list…
Free Summer Coloring Bookmarks – Fun and Printable Designs
These free summer colouring bookmarks will really brighten up any summer reading that you do….
Water Sports Your Kids Will Want To Try On Your Next Summer Vacation
Water sports are a great way to have fun, stay active, and get outdoors. Whether…
The World’s 8 Best Waterparks for Summer
With tentative glimpses of sunshine on the horizon, our thoughts turn to summer holidays. Aside…
Over 101 Ideas for Summer Activities for Teenagers
Over 101 Ideas for Summer Activities for Teenagers is a paid collaboration with Goodfella’s Romano…
Frozen Flowers Sensory Ice Play – Cool Play for hot days
Are you looking for a fun and interactive activity for kids? Try making frozen flower…
Father’s Day
Recipes
Wild Alaska Salmon, Potato, and Leek Frittata Recipe – Delicious and Nutritious
Wild Alaska Salmon, Potato and Leek Frittata is a paid collaborative post…
Pulled Pork Leftover Recipes and Instant Pot Perfect Pulled Pork: Delicious Ideas and Easy Methods
Pulled Pork Leftover Recipes and Instant Pot Perfect Pulled Pork is a…
Cooking with Children – Lamb Stir-Fry
We were given a some welsh lamb and the ingredients to make…
Homemade Pizza Recipe | Fun Cooking with Kids
Do you have pizza nights? We do and have done since the…
The Ultimate Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
I like to think I am something of a pizza aficionado and…
Korean Style Beef Tacos Recipe
Korean Style Beef Tacos with Sriracha Mayo and Pickled Cucumber is a…
25 Family-Friendly Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
I love my slow cooker and use it all the time in…
Bubble and Squeak Soup | Fun and Easy Cooking with Kids
We are delighted to be partnering with Sainsbury’s Waste less, Save more…
25 Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas for Families
Delicious meals that are kind to your wallet and quick to cook!…
Tomato and courgette bruschetta – cooking with kids
This is one of those recipes, that isnt really a recipe as…
Cod and Potato Hash – A Delicious and Simple Family Meal
I love introducing the boys to simple, but delicious meals that they…
Fridge Bottom Curry: A Delicious Recipe for Using Up Leftovers
Baked Chicken Parmesan or Parmo (Cooking with Kids)
Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmos as they are known are a local…
Fakeaway slow cooker doner kebab
I am going to admit I am not a doner kebab person…
King Prawn and Spicy Maple Curry – A Delicious Recipe for Cooking with Teens
King Prawn and Spicy Maple Curry – Cooking with Teens is a…
Perfect Pizza Dough even for Pizza Ovens
Perfect pizza dough – that seems like the dream doesn’t it or…
Roasted Sea Bass in a Parcel | Easy and Delicious Recipe
I am delighted to bring you this fabulous recipe for roasted sea…
Piri Piri Beef and Wedges – Cooking with Kids
Growing up we always had a Midweek Roast – it was a…
Classic Kedgeree with Green Asparagus – Cooking with Kids Recipe
One of the great things about getting your kids in the kitchen…
How to make the perfect Mashed Potatoes – Cooking with Kids
How to make the perfect mashed potatoes is a paid post in…
Cooking with Children – Tarka Dal and Naan Bread
I love cooking and more than that I adore cooking with my…
Tandoori Chicken Tray Bake – Fun and Easy Cooking with Kids
We have been trialing the BacoFoil Non stick for the last month…
Viral Home Doner Kebab – TikTok Style (with Mum in the Mad House twist)
Our slow cooker doner kebab fakeaway recipe is the most popular one…
Creamy Leek and Mustard Chicken | Fun Cooking with Kids
One of the most monotonous bits of parenting is feeding. I swear…
Easy And Delicious Coca Cola Chicken Recipe
Looking for a new and easy chicken recipe? Look no further! This…
How to Cook Jacket Potatoes: Perfect Methods and Ultimate Toppings List
There’s nothing better than a perfect jacket potato—crispy skin on the outside,…
100 Fabulous Family Meals perfect for Meal planners
Food glorious food. I have a love/hate relationship with feeding my family….
Mama’s Simple Sausage Meatballs in a Tomato Sauce
Mama’s Simple Sausage Meatballs is a paid collaborative post with Sacla. These…
Crushed Jersey Royals – Cooking with Kids
The first Jersey Royals usually herald the start of the BBQ season…
Chicken Shawarma Recipe: Authentic and Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight
I am not going to lie, this Chicken Shawarma Recipe is going…
Simple Sticky Chicken Sausage Tray Bake – Low FODMap
This sticky sausage tray bake is perfect with chicken sausages and will…
Cod and Pea Fritters or Fishcakes Recipe | Easy and Delicious
These Cod and Pea Fritters or fishcakes are simple to make in…
10 Delicious and Simple Air fryer Recipes
I am a big airfryer fan. We have had one since 2011…
Cooking with Kids – Pan-Fried Chicken Breast with Sweet Potato Mash & Peppercorn Sauce
One of the most monotonous and challenging parts of motherhood for me…
Ready Meals for the Cook from Scratch Woman | Convenient and Delicious Options
I used to love ready meals. ready meals were all that the…
Szechuan Beef – A Chinese Fakeaway Recipe
Veggie Taco Bowls | Fun and Healthy Cooking with Kids
I am passionate about the fact that I want my boys to…
Hairy Hot Dogs or Scary Spaghetti – Fun and Spooky Recipes for Cooking with Kids
We first made hairy hot dogs or scary spaghetti back in 2009 (just…
Slow Cooked Birria Beef Tacos with Brisket
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with serious flavour, these…
Smoky Beef and Crispy Potato Hash with Eggs
Smoky Beef and Crispy Potato Hash with Eggs is a paid collaborative…
16 Leftover turkey recipes that the whole family will love
We love turkey here in The Mad House and every Christmas we…
One Pot Wonder: Beef and Ale with Crispy Dumplings | Easy and Delicious Recipe
We are big fans of winter cooking and one of the best…
Sweet Chilli Chicken with Noodles – Fabulous Family Food
Sweet Chilli Chicken with Noodles is a paid collaborative post with Hello Fresh….
How to Make Perfect Potato Rösti: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
We really love Potato Rösti and it is something we always order from…
Pork Loin and Sweet Potato Fries – Easy Cooking with Kids
Wednesday nights are our kryptonite. Both boys have to be at after…
Sausage, Cheese, and Bean Melt Recipe – Easy and Delicious
If your family loves the classic Greggs bean and cheese melt, then…
New Potato, Spring Onion & Cheddar Quiche Recipe – Easy and Delicious
New potato, spring onion & cheddar quiche is a paid collaborative post…
Chilli with Dips – A Perfect Family Dinner
Chilli with Dips – A Perfect Family Dinner is a paid collaboration…
Vegetable & Salsa Verde Scone Pizza – Kids in the Kitchen
I am a huge advocate of encouraging kids in the kitchen and…
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes – Easy and Delicious Recipe
One of the things I am passionate about is eating with my…
Chinese Chicken Recipe – Delicious Fakeaway for Cooking with Kids
One of the things that I find hardest as a mum is…
Chicken Tikka Masala – Cooking with Kids
This Chicken Tikka Masala was cooked by Mini aged ten from scratch and I…
Yorkshire Pudding Wraps – Delicious Recipe for Roast Dinner Leftovers
Yorkshire Pudding Wraps is a paid post for the Family Favourite campaign,…
Chicken Sausages and Roasted Vegetable Traybake
Chicken Sausages and Roasted Vegetable Traybake is a paid collaboration with Richmond…
Cooking with kids – budgeting, buying and cooking
Welcome back to our A-Z ingredients cooking with kids series. We are…
Free Printables
FIFA World Cup 2026 Mascot Colouring Pages Free Printable – Clutch, Zayu and Maple
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and this year things are…
Free Spring Bookmarks to Colour In – A Fun Printable for Kids
Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a…
Reverse Perspective Art for Kids (With Free Printable 3D Magic Templates)
Have you ever made a picture that seems to move when you walk past it?…
A Creative Way to Keep Kids Busy: Custom Colouring Pages with Colomio
If you are anything like me, you’ll know that keeping children entertained – especially on…
Kindness Writing Prompts Printable for Kids
Helping children understand kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest activities spark the…
6 Free Pancake Colouring Pages (Perfect for Pancake Day & Beyond!)
Pancakes are always a hit in our house – especially when they come with smiles,…
Bold & Easy St Patrick’s Day Colouring Pages for Kids (and Grown-Ups!) ☘️
St Patrick’s Day is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a little seasonal creativity – and…
Chinese / Lunar New Year 2026 Colouring Pages (Bold & Easy) + Mini Colouring Book
Chinese (Lunar) New Year is a wonderful opportunity to explore culture, traditions, and creativity with…
How to Celebrate Imbolc as a Family
Welcoming the first light of spring together Imbolc (pronounced im-blk) is an ancient Celtic festival…
Free Valentine’s Day Surprise Cards – Printable Colour-In Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive, and totally adorable Valentine’s Day craft, you are…
Four Free Inspirational Quote Bookmarks to Colour
There’s something quietly magical about slipping a handmade bookmark into a well-loved book — especially…
Free Happy New Year Activity Book for Kids (Ages 4–8)
Celebrate the New Year with fun, creativity, and learning with this Free Happy New Year…
Free Happy New Year 2026 Colouring Pages (Bold & Easy)
Looking for a calm, screen-free activity to welcome in the New Year with your children (or to…
Build a Christmas Tree – Free Printable Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for a fun, low-prep Christmas activity for kids, this Build a Christmas…
The Best Stranger Things Colouring Pages – Free Printables for Fans of All Ages
If you have Stranger Things fans at home (big or small!), then you’re going to…
Free Christmas Candle 3D Colouring Pages – A Fun & Festive Kids’ Craft
Looking for a simple but beautiful Christmas craft that kids of all ages will love?…
DIY Cardboard Christmas Village (Plus FREE 7-Page Houses Printable!)
Now is the perfect moment to start crafting handmade décor for the festive season. One…
Free Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Printable – A Heart-Warming Christmas Countdown for Kids
If you’re looking for a meaningful, low-stress, and joy-filled way to count down to Christmas…
3 Free Christmas Present Folding Cards to Colour
If your children love making handmade Christmas cards, then they are going to really enjoy…
3 Free Snow Globe Folding Christmas Cards to Colour
If your children love colouring and Christmas crafts, then they are going to be absolutely…
3 Free Gingerbread House Folding Christmas Cards to Colour
If your children love colouring and Christmas crafts, then they are going to adore these…
Could Do December – Family Fun, Crafts & Cosy Christmas Ideas
December is a month wrapped in light, warmth and a touch of magic. The year…
Free Bible Nativity Colouring Pages – 5 Festive Christian Colouring Sheets for Kids
There’s something truly magical about sitting down with a box of crayons (or felt tips…
Disguise an Elf – Fun Christmas Cut and Paste Craft for Kids
If your children love our Disguise a Gingerbread Man activities, then they are going to…
Free St Nicholas Day Colouring Pages for Kids
If your children love Christmas colouring, then they will really enjoy this sweet set of…
Free Farm Animal Paper Bracelets for Kids
If your little ones love farm animals, they’re going to moo, oink, and baa with…
Winter Cut and Paste Craft – Fun Winter Activity for Kids
When the weather outside is chilly and the days are short, there’s nothing better than…
Free Printable Five Senses Paper Watch
Teaching kids about their five senses has never been more fun! These free printable Five…
How to Make a 3D Dog Origami Craft
If your kids love dogs as much as mine do, they’ll go barking mad for…
Free Gnome Cone Hats Printable Craft for Kids
Looking for a fun and festive craft to keep little hands busy this winter? Our…
How to Make Beautiful Christmas Sheet Music Angels – A Delicate DIY Ornament
There’s something magical about turning something old into something new – and these Christmas sheet…
Could Do November: Family Activities, Festivals & Craft Ideas
November often feels like a bridge between the golden autumn days of October and the…
Free Cute Autumn Village Cut‑and‑Paste Craft
Autumn is the perfect time to slow down and savour cosy afternoons with your children….
DIY Felt Poppy Pin Craft Tutorial for Kids
Remembrance Sunday is an important moment to pause, reflect, and honour those who gave their…
Free Immune System Activity Sheets – Fun Learning for Kids!
Understanding how the human body works is such an important part of science education—and now…
Free Printable Haunted House – A Spooky Halloween Craft for Kids
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for spooky stories, cosy…
Free Christmas Colour by Number Pages for Kids – Line Art Practice for the Holiday Season
Looking for a fun and festive way to sneak in some number recognition and fine…
Cute Christmas Jar Colouring Pages – Free Printables
Looking for a fun and festive way to keep the kids entertained this holiday season?…
Free Autumn in a Jar Craft – Cut and Paste Activity for Kids
Fall is a magical time of year. Leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and…
Free Printable Halloween Cards to Colour: Fun for Kids
Looking for a fun and simple Halloween craft for kids? These free printable Halloween cards…
New Year’s Hats Printable: 8 Fun and Creative Designs!
We have updated our New Year’s Hat prototypes for 2026. Ring in the New Year…
Free Autumn Bookmarks to Colour
Autumn, where I live means cooler winds off the North Sea, crunchy leaves underfoot and…
Create Stunning Pop-Up Firework Craft – Perfect for New Year, Diwali, Bonfire Night, or 4th of July Celebrations!
This pop-up firework craft has been updated for New Year and to welcome in 2026….
DIY Autumn Felt Leaf Garland
Autumn is the season of cosy colours and handmade decorations. A felt leaf garland, stitched…
Free Printable Autumn Bookmarks to Colour
I don’t know about you, but the darker nights are perfect for curling up with…
The Ultimate Halloween Hub – Crafts, Printables, Recipes and Family Fun
Halloween is one of our favourite times of year in the Mad House – a…
Decoupage Pumpkins with Napkins or Seasonal Tissue Paper
Looking for a fun and budget-friendly no carve pumpkin decorating idea this autumn? These decoupage…
Free 20 Pages of Autumn Quotes Colouring Pages
There’s something magical about autumn – the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cosy…
Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheets – Fun Halloween Math Activity for Kids
If you’re looking for a simple, engaging, and screen-free activity to enjoy with your little…
Exploring the Pumpkin Life Cycle – A Free Printable for Curious Kids
As the weather turns cooler and pumpkin patches burst into color, children naturally wonder how…
Build a Brain Hat – Free Printable to Learn the Parts of the Brain
Looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach your kids about the parts of the…
Fabulous family food and great recipes for cooking with kids
ABOUT ME
Hello, I’m Jen Walshaw, the UK’s #1 Parent Blogger
