4 fun family time things to do in Inverness this weekend
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Choose from family show Misty's Magical Adventure a new show with a dragon and puppets, Paw Patrol's latest movie, a look at magic plants and potions plus follow the pawprint trail ...
1 Adventure in Dragonland
In new show Misty's Magical Adventure – opening at Eden Court on Wednesday, October 18 at 11am and 2.30pm – Ross Allan (Eden Court panto star!) and Jane McCarry (Isa in classic Scottish TV comedy Still Game) join a puppet cast to tell the story of Misty the Dragon in her cosy tower, high in the Misty Mountains of Dragonland. There she is protecting the Princess Dragonette from evil Chillblain. He has frozen Dragonette's parents in an attempt to take the throne before she comes of age. Misty and the Fairy God Dragons must keep the Princess safe from harm until she can use her qualities of fire, fairness and flight before it's too late! Will they be able to save the day? Only time will tell. Expect laugh-a-minute adventure, catchy songs and spellbinding effects. The show is suitable for 3+ and was written by Alan McHugh – actor, master panto writer and co-creator of the Susan Boyle story stage musical I Dreamed A Dream. Music is by Olly Ashmore and Alan Penman.
2 Magic potions for Halloween
On Friday, October 13 – the perfect date to find out more about plants and potions – get to Dobbies Garden Centre for 11am with your little ones (four to 10s). They will learn all about magical plants and potions – what plants have the most magical qualities, which ones are the most poisonous and scary. The Little Seedlings October Holiday Club Workshop will cover: plants with magical associations – such as rosemary, lavender, mugwort and sage; poisonous and medicinal plants – such as deadly nightshade and evening primrose; a magical potion game with a Halloween spell. Plus – why not try some enchanted plant charm craft activity. The advice is to book early to avoid disappointment.
3 Follow the pussycat pawprints ...
Get along to try out a new activity at Inverness Botanic Gardens on during the October holidays. Children of all ages can enjoy a self-guided trail, called The Purrrfect Potion, sponsored by Inverness Bark. It's a tribute to the gardens' well-loved late cat Shadow. The spiritual return of this familiar feline is sure to put a smile on visitors faces, whilst they follow pawprints along the trail into the more hidden parts of the gardens in search of plants and herbs for a magical Halloween potion. Ewan MacKintosh, High Life Highland’s facility manager there, said: “My hope is that parents, guardians, children and carers will enjoy getting outdoors and reconnecting with nature in a playfully-themed way. And that they discover fun facts about the gardens' magical plants – perhaps even exploring parts they have never been to before. Families can pick up a trail guide at reception in regular opening hours (10am to 4pm) every day of the week and fill in their findings. You don't need to pick any plants, children will be drawing their found plants in order to ‘fill’ their potion bottle on paper. Once the potion is complete, be sure to name it! Those taking part may redeem a free treat from Café Botanics when they complete the trail. Donations from visitors are gratefully received and go towards the development and improvement of the gardens. A donation of £2 has been suggested for families looking to take part in the Halloween trail. The Purrrfect Potion trail runs until Halloween day, Tuesday, October 31.
4 Added pooch power!
From Friday, October 13, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (U) is showing at at various times at Vue Cinema in Inverness. The story sees a turbocharge for each of the cute canines who find themselves with new powers relevant to each one. So firefighter Marshall summons balls of flame from his paws, aquatic rescue expert Zuma becomes one with water and construction pup Rubble turns into a wrecking ball. Tongue-in-cheek fun is packed into the animation with some knowing takes too, such as the moment when junkyard owner Janet (Kristen Bell) explains to her pet goldfish Bruce that PAW Patrol are little puppies that can somehow drive around in cars. “I know that sounds weird but… just go with it!” she says. Fans will love some new faces as three Pomeranians, aka the Junior Patrollers, join the gang. When mad scientist Victoria Vance (Taraji P Henson) wants to attract a meteor to Earth to harvest precious crystals inside, her plan backfires and they give the pups special powers. Can they make good use of them?
