7 Things to do this month - April

April is not only the fourth month of the year but also gives us April Fools Day, more often than not Easter, and school holidays too. It is also a month commonly associated with the season of spring. And here in the northern hemisphere, the nights start to get lighter, the days warmer and if you can dodge the April showers it's lovely to get out and about both in the daytime and evening. 

So here are seven things to do with and without the family, to eat, make and also enjoy in April.

Where to go with the family?

There are lots of free activities in the region but also some great exhibitions and attractions too that do have an admission charge. Three that we have really enjoyed recently are Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral, Brick Dinos at Woodhorn Museum and Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens.

Where to go without kids?

Time without the children is usually minimal, often hard to plan and sometimes disrupted however if you do get the opportunity to have a date night have you thought about going to the theatre for a different experience, or just do the tried and tested and book a table at your favourite restaurant.

What to wear?

It is at this time of year that I get to put my winter boots away (finally) and put back on my Vans. I love how comfy they are, but this year I'm hoping not to have too much use out of my new poncho. But if those April showers do come I'll be ready!

What to play with?

Last month the boys were lucky enough to test out two new Spy Gear Toys - the Ninja Sword and Wrist Blaster from Spinmaster, but they are also still utterly obsessed with Minecraft too.

What to make?

I really go into making a tasty light lunch at home this year. Making the most of being freelance and working from home means I’ve experimented more on a lunchtime. Not only is it tasty but it gets me away from the computer screen for short time too. My favourite new dishes this month have been Tuna Rosti with Poached Egg and Mushroom Quesadillas.

What to watch on catch-up?

Have you watched Stranger Things yet? Celebrating all things 80s – even making you think it was filmed in the 80s is the great Netflix drama. If you haven’t seen it watch it now. Series two has been announced so you want to be all caught up before that appears on our screens later this year.

What music to stream?

April Come She Will. From the amazing Sounds of Silence album by Simon and Garfunkel, this gentle, short tune, less than two minutes long, uses the changing nature of the seasons as a metaphor for a girl's changing moods. It was also used in the film The Graduate, but is really good music to work or relax too

What are your plans for April?

Deb x