Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Spectacle of Light
Review
“Playing in the dark but with loads of Christmas lights is a brilliant idea,” exclaimed my son as he appeared, red-cheeked, from his latest round of rope net, treehouse and flying fox at Dalkeith Country Park’s Spectacle of Light.
The Fort Douglas (mega) adventure playground is transformed into something of a winter wonderland, meaning the usual activities involving climbing and sliding are enhanced to a greater level with addition of some Christmas sparkle.
As a parent the first thing that occupy your mind on such evenings is whether it is safe – I know we are meant to be carefree and relaxed, but you just can’t help it. Well, the numbers were kept to a level that meant social distancing at this time of Covid was easily achieved. And, even though it was a dark night, the extravagant light show illuminated the play area enough to be able to keep track of a young child hurtling around in a state of excitement.
The evening started with walk across a river, illuminated wonderfully and with just enough light mist to make add to the feeling of enchantment. Then, a “secret” tunnel led up to Fort Douglas – our son chose the rope nets to reach it – adults can take steps.
But it is not just about the adventure playground, as good as that is for children, from tots right through primary school age. A Magical Trail has been set up through woodland with lights illuminating the trees and the ground, finishing with a wonderful garden of lights and strobes.
Food was needed and the hotdogs (at a reasonable £3.80) were judged “really good”. More adventure playground followed and a hot chocolate with marshmallows (£3) rounded off the evening which took a good hour and a half.
After all the exertion, excitement and sugar intake the final section of the Spectacle of Light was a really good winddown walk by fairy lights and across an illuminated old stone bridge – the perfect calm down before the drive home.
ENDS