Families NorthYorkshire magazine issue 88 May/Jun 2019

IN THIS ISSUE Party directory Is Alexa safe?

Competition time What’s on

MAY-HEM CIRCUS Crazy upside down juggling / death defying stunts / amazing acrobatics / Big Top Tent

/ Bale Play Baaarn, tractor & trailer rides plus all the usual adventure farm fun Book ay – Discounted M 5 2 Tickets ne 2 Ju Online

PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

Issue 88 May/Jun 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

MPS A C Y A D I L O SCHOOL H H A R R O G AT E

• RIPLEY CASTLE • 8-15 YEARS • 10% DISCOUNT FOR SIBLINGS • CONVENIENT DROP OFF

MORE! O E IN G / A N D N A C / S E P / H IG H R O / A R C H E RY G IN B R O Z Y IN G / B O D Find out more at: R A F T B U IL D

www.harrogateholidaycamps.co.uk

the ultimate beach retreat... with holiday home ownership at Withernsea Sands Holiday Park

caravan holiday homes from

£9,995*

A few of our favourite things about Withernsea Sands Holiday Park...

• Get active and entertain the kids in our heated indoor pool • The eccentric sights and classic amusements of Withernsea are just a short stroll away • Deposits from just 10%^ and payment options available • Up to 12 month owner season meaning you can holiday all year round†

• Both the local town and beach are in easy walking distance from park

Withernsea Sands Holiday Park Waxholme Road Withernsea, Humberside

HU19 2BS

Pop our postcode into your Sat Nav

take the first step on your ownership journey...

Give us a call on 01964 770 462 Or visit us online at parkdeanresorts.co.uk/own-wit *Prices vary between models and Parkdean Resorts parks. Subject to availability. All prices include VAT. ^The amount of deposit required may vary depending on the holiday home. †Owners can holiday as often as they like within their specified holiday season and pitch agreement. Parkdean Resorts holiday parks are not residential parks and holiday homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence. Facilities and entertainment will be available from time to time at the discretion of Parkdean Resorts and is usually indicated in the current Parkdean Resorts holiday brochure.

GA11466 Withernsea Sands Generic off park_210x148mm.indd 1

2 Families Vale of York

18/02/2019 16:26

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome

It’s well and truly springtime now and what a delight that is.

We love nothing more than getting out into the great outdoors and to make sure the whole family is prepared for whatever the British weather has to throw at us, we love the Mountain Warehouse range! Check out their new spring/summer range in stores and online now. Handily, they have a store in the York Designer Outlet too ☺ I am now on a wind down after running my first marathon last month! Thank you to all of my sponsors: I am raising money for the local charity Home Start in York. If you’d like to donate, the page is open still until 30th June: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ lauramacaulay1 In this issue, we’ve put together a party directory, hopefully proving useful for when you plan your little one’s next birthday party. All in one place, it’s a handy go to guide for the future!

Don’t forget to check out our competitions too on page 13 – you’ve got to be in it to win it!

Happy reading,

Editor, Families North Yorkshire Magazine

Get in touch E – editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T – 07794909820 @FamiliesNYMag @FamiliesNYMag @Familiesnorthyorkshiremagazine

Contents

4. Family News 6. Family Technology 8. Family Health 9. Holiday Camps 10. Party Directory 14. She means business...

15. What’s On?

Where is Families North Yorkshire?

Families North Yorkshire is distributed bi-monthly throughout North Yorkshire. You can collect a FREE copy from the scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs & classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors & baby clinics and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies please let us know. For families from birth to twelve. Read by over 20,000 local families 6 times a year.

Thirsk

Ripon

Easingwold Boroughbridge Strensall

knaresborough Knarsborough Harrogate

Stamford Bridge

Wetherby Boston Spa

York

Pocklington

Classes, Parties and Camps

Tadcaster

Selby

Snaith

Goole

Circlulation: 20,000 Deadline: The deadline for the Jul/Aug edition is early Jun 2019 Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Families North Yorkshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North Yorkshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North Yorkshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. familiesonline.co.uk

for children 4 months to 12 years

TRY US OUT! For every stage of your child's development, The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter for boys and girls.

Call us to book your free introductory class THE LITTLE GYM LEEDS 0113 3359915 leeds@thelittlegym.eu www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu

THE LITTLE GYM HARROGATE 01423 701560 harrogate@thelittlegym.eu www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu

Families Vale of York 3

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

FAMILY

News Family Fun with National Children’s Gardening Week Learning Life-Saving Skills to Become Compulsory

Walk to School Week 2019

Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during national Walk to School Week from 20 to 24 May. Families will be encouraged to walk to school for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps: from healthier and happier children, to fewer cars outside the school gates.

Walking to school is an easy way for children to fit more activity into their day whilst also helping them to develop vital road safety skills.

As awareness grows of the dangers of air pollution on our health, walking to school is a positive action people can take to help clean up our air.

Special Walk to School Week classroom packs are available for school pupils containing wallcharts, stickers, diaries and fun walking journey activities.

For more about Walk to School Week, visit www. livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw

This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Happening from 25 May to 2 June, this week-long event sees garden centres around the country providing activities and resources that offer parents a great opportunity to get children outside enjoying nature, plants and wildlife.

Gardening can play a huge part in a child’s health and wellbeing with over 1.5 million children gardening at school in the UK. As well as simply good outdoor fun, school gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing. These include being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week from DIY activities at home to attending an event at a garden centre.

Visit www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk for DIY project ideas and details of local events.

Low Take-Up of Free Childcare

Government figures show that far fewer families than expected are using the tax-free childcare offer.

According to figures released by HMRC, just 91,000 parents accessed the offer by December 2018, far below the 415,000 the government had budgeted for.

This number represents just 5% of the 2 million families the government estimated would be eligible for the scheme when it was first launched.

The tax-free childcare scheme is a replacement for the previous childcare voucher system, which closed to new entrants from October 2018.

Ongoing technical difficulties, the complexity of the system and low awareness have been attributed as causes for the poor response by families.

The government has said it is running a national communications campaign to raise awareness and encourage more parents to apply.

4 Families Vale of York

Parent school holiday fines at record level The number of fines issued to parents in England for taking children on term time holidays has risen to record levels, according to figures from the Department of Education (DfE).

Beginning in 2020, all state schools in England will be required to teach “life-saving skills” under new plans for health education announced by the Government.

According to draft guidelines released by the Department of Education, primary school children are set to learn basic first aid, as well as steps they can take to protect and support the health and wellbeing of others, including calling emergency services. Children age 5 years will learn basic first aid and children as young as 11 years will be shown CPR at school.

“Learning the basic skills of first aid and techniques like CPR will give young people the confidence to know that they can step in to help someone else in need and in the most extreme cases - it could potentially save a life” announced Education Secretary, Damian Hinds.

More info visit: www.gov.uk/government/news

Bring in Spring with Mountain Warehouse

Penalty notices for unauthorised absences rose to 260,000 in 2017-18, an increase of 110,000 compared with the previous year.

“Unauthorised family holiday absence” was the most common reason for attendance fines, the DfE said.

In September 2013 the government changed the law so head teachers could only grant a leave of absence to pupils during term time in “exceptional circumstances”, such as funerals.

Councils can require parents to pay £60 per child taken out of school without permission. This rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days, and after 28 days parents can be prosecuted.

To prepare for those Spring showers, or the ceremonial swapping of winter coats for lighter ones, Mountain Warehouse’s brand-new Kids’ spring/summer jacket offerings are just what you need! We are big fans of the Mountain Warehouse range at Families North Yorkshire and with a store in the York Designer Outlet, you can’t go wrong! familiesonline.co.uk

The Little Gym raises over £12,000 for Sparks during The Little Gymathon

Fo r� a� v er y� i mp or ta nt � p ar ty th ey �w il l� tr ea su re �f or ev er

Members of The Little Gym across the UK have raised over £12,000 for Sparks during The Little Gymathon, a UK first. The Pullover Challenge invited children as young as four months to master one of the most difficult gymnastics techniques while collecting donations for vital research into childhood illnesses.

Tracie Kinsey, Owner of The Little Gym Chiswick said: “We’re so proud of our members who raised so much money during The Little Gymathon in aid of Sparks. The Pullover Challenge perfectly demonstrates a key skill taught at every The Little Gym in the UK, where we promote confidence and help children to reach their potential in our fun and nurturing gymnastics classes.”

At The Little Gym, children take part in progressively structured classes which encourage them to try new things, strengthen their bodies, intellectual and social skills as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem. It’s a unique environment where children learn at their own pace, without the pressure of intense public competition.

Amy Perkins, Gym Director at The Little Gym Hampton & Teddington: “We believe that our holistic, non-competitive approach to teaching brings out the best in our children, physically and emotionally. As well as teaching fundamental gymnastic techniques we also pride ourselves on our members learning about the world and their place in it. Partnering with Sparks has given all The Little Gym members the opportunity to learn that even small contributions from the smallest of people can make a huge difference.”

The Little Gym has local venues in Harrogate, Leeds and soon to be York.

Charity Dog Show & Family Day On 6th July at The Fox - Holgate Road, York a fun filled family day and dog show will take place. All to help raise much needed funds for the charity: Hero Paws.

A small team of ex-military soldiers have set up the organisation Hero Paws. They’re planning to build a suitable dwelling where ex-service dogs can unwind and desensitise from their working days, ready to be rehomed into normal life. Hero Paws is currently in the process of becoming a charity where all services can off load their dogs to give them the full care and attention they need to become pets with no time limits or limitations involved. Their aim is to give every service dog that goes into their care the time, patience and attention they require in order to give them the best chance of a long, happy and safe retirement.

Angie at Hero Paws: ‘Our aim is to set up a sanctuary where ex-service dogs can be rehomed or live out their lives in peace and comfort. We need your help to raise vital funds to give these heroes the retirement they so highly deserve.”

Could you help a Hero? Then why not come along with family, friends and your Mutts to Claire’s K9 Clips Fun Dog / Family Day & support this very worthy cause?

Entry £1 includes Programme & Dog Treats Rosettes & Goodies for places 1st – 3rd 14 Fun Dog Classes with great prizes to win Trade/Craft Stalls, BBQ, Tombola, Bouncy Castle, Face painting and more!

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 5

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

FAMILY

technology

FOMO & Low Self Esteem

By Soren Kenner and Imran Rashid Absorption into our own private screen universe is pulling us all further and further apart. Look at how our gait has changed: ten years ago people walking down the street were upright and orientated outwards. Today they are slouched forward looking into the smartphone they hold in front of them. At the playground, parents stare into their phones while children’s calls for attention go unheeded.

Studies have shown that the hormone oxytocin which helps facilitate human bonding and closeness (among other things) tend to drop in both parents and children when they ignore each other in favour of the tantalising online universe. Another study that tracked thousands of people over many years, found a sharp drop off in their level of empathy over the last ten years. Coincidence? Maybe not.

What is it inside those screens that is so magic and powerful that it compels your attention away from where you are? The answer is mostly “smoke and mirrors” –– you are being elegantly manipulated by very savvy marketeers using what is known as “addictive design” to keep your attention riveted - fixating your attention and reselling it to advertisers is how they make their living.

Online Tribalism For many youngsters being part of the group and gaining social acceptance weighs heavily; so heavily, in fact, that young people often organise in what can only be described as “online tribes” - groups that have internal ranks and hierarchies (often governed by how many likes or how much attention you get). This behaviour is not particularly healthy –– examples are rampant of young people being scared of missing out on anything (also known as FOMO). The UK Medical Examiner recently reported that as many as one youngster out of five wakes up during the night to check their social media feed.

There is a clear correlation between teens (especially girls) that use social media extensively and issues that range from stress to anxiety, lowered self-esteem and even lowered empathy. For girls especially social media groupings can be harsh –– many of these groups promote unrealistic ideas of what you should look like –– ideals that most people cannot live up to.

Lead by Example Be here, now, in the present and interact with your children. Show interest in what they do, ask questions, do things with them. Talk about issues in an open and non-confrontational manner. Getting your kids to talk about what they feel and experience builds trust and will make them more likely to listen to your suggestions and advice.

Make their Phones Less Addictive Get your children to turn off notifications on their phones and in their social media feeds.

This way the pull of the phone or tablets reduces and children have an easier time pulling away as needed.

Put Screentime on a Schedule Make an online schedule with your kids –– set the parameters for usage clearly and stick to what you have agreed.

Introduce Alternatives Try out some of the many good alternatives to being online. Play board games, solve puzzles, read a book, draw, learn to play the piano. The real gold here is doing these activities together.

Yes, children are at risk but there is plenty you can do about it. It requires being observant and takes discipline on your part but you can save your kids from smartphone burnout and also get to spend more quality time with them.

Soren Kenner and Imran Rashid (GP) have researched and written extensively on the risk factors associated with excessive use of smartphones and social media.

Their book Offline: Free your Mind from Smartphone and Social Media Stress is on Amazon and in bookstores now.

However, not everyone gets hit by every possible side-effect or even any at all. And the good news is that making a change from unhealthy online habits to healthier ones is pretty straightforward.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

Be Observant Is your child suffering from mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, trouble concentrating, being secretive or spending more time online than offline? Do you have the feeling that your child would rather disappear into the online universe than reside in the real world with friends and family? These are warning signs that should not be ignored.

6 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

The

Mount School York

Alexa? Are You Safe for my Child?

By Andrew Campbell The new range of smart speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Echo offer loads of content for children. What parent wouldn’t want one of these to replace screens and make life run more smoothly?

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.”

THE MOUNT JUNIOR SCHOOL GIRLS AGE 4-11

Curiosity Creativity Confidence

“The quality of the pupils’ development is excellent.”

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), November 2018

www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

admissions@mountschoolyork.co.uk

These smart speakers can play games, read audiobooks, tell jokes, provide homework help, stream music and even play mindfulness sessions for when your child needs to chill out. They can offer your kids an interactive, screen-less alternative to mobile games and social media, to help prevent them from becoming too dependent.

With smart speakers, children are able to interact with technology away from the screen, using audio.

However, they are not without risks. So what are the possible downsides?

Do Children Think Alexa is a Real Person?

A US university study found that younger children were more likely to speak to these ‘digital assistants’ as if they were real people, asking them their favourite colour and how old they are. Fears have been expressed that children could turn to these devices to find out or understand things that they might otherwise ask a parent about. This may lead to them to receiving incorrect or inappropriate information as well as potentially lessening of the parental bond.

Do Smart Speakers Make Children Rude?

A child growing up with a home assistant must learn to use the device’s way of interacting.

This includes the need to make demands of the device and accepting that the device has limited conversational abilities and social skills. This doesn’t adequately prepare young children for the nuances of human communication. Research has found that the way individuals interact with people in the real world reflects how they communicate with such device. It’s best to remind your child that even though the device doesn’t mind if you’re rude, parents do!

Visit us york.razzamataz.co.uk

Are There Hidden Costs?

A lot of the content and activities offered by these devices are free, but you still have to pay for memberships and subscriptions – for example, Amazon Prime or Spotify.

Are They Too Easy to Use? Given that all a child needs to do is say “Alexa” to start a game or activity, the temptation could be hard for some children to resist, even if they have been told not to use it.

Should I Worry about Privacy?

There are also serious privacy concerns about giving an always-listening device to your child. According to the NSPCC, putting one of these devices in your child’s bedroom raises worrying questions about how and what they will record. Some devices have been hacked in the past, allowing the smart speaker to become an always-on wiretap.

Unauthorised Purchases Make sure your children know to ask for permission before buying things or adding items to your shopping list. You can prevent unwanted purchases in the device’s security settings.

Raunchy Music You will need to set parental controls if you don’t want your child to be exposed to inappropriate songs or content.

Should Children Have Their Own Smart Speaker?

If you accept that voice-based technology is where our gadgets are headed, then there is an argument that children need to be familiar with it as it evolves.

If you decide to take the leap and buy your child an Echo or Google Home, make sure you’re aware of how to keep your children secure whilst using them.

Supervision is vital. Pay attention to what your child is doing and don’t allow them to access the device without your permission. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 7

FAMILY

health

Preparing for your birth

By Kim Brown RMN, SCPHN HV

So, you’ve found out you’re pregnant (Congratulations!) and have found yourself in the potentially overwhelming world of preparing for your baby’s arrival. Firstly, take a deep breath, get a cup of tea (decaf) and make yourself comfy. Now let’s take a whistle stop tour through the world of pregnancy, taking a brief stop at the land of labour and birth and arriving safely with baby at the end of the journey!

Taking Care of You

This is one of the most important things to ensure you do during pregnancy. Baby is getting everything it needs to grow and develop from you right now, so you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself in order to provide this. I know that it can be hard to eat for some, especially in those early weeks when morning sickness, (which incidentally happens anytime of the day) tends to be at its worst. Eating small amounts regularly not only ensures you’re getting the nutrients that you need, but can also help manage those feelings of sickness, which can be caused by low blood sugar. As well as the vitamins and nutrients you should be getting by eating a healthy varied diet, it is recommended that you take a folic acid supplement until you are 12 weeks pregnant to help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Alongside, take a vitamin D supplement throughout your pregnancy. This regulates the amount of calcium you have to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. You can take these as part of a multivitamin, however, it is important to check that it does not contain Vitamin A (retinol) as this could be harmful to baby. As well as taking the time to take care of yourself physically, don’t forget your mental health. It can be difficult to find time in our busy lives for ourselves. Something like taking a trip away is fantastic if you can, but even little things like taking a bath (not hot!), reading a book or taking a walk are all good. Especially in the time leading up to the birth of your baby making a plan of things you can do that make you happy is really important. This helps with the levels of endorphins and oxytocin in your body both of which are important when it comes to the birth of your baby.

Antenatal Classes

There is a wide choice of antenatal classes available including those on the NHS as well as an array provided by other organisations and individuals. The information and focus of these classes can be hugely varied. You should be able to get an overview of the course as well as checking the qualifications and experience of the organisation or individual to check that it meets your needs and expectations. Antenatal classes should leave you feeling confident and informed. They can get booked up quickly so it’s advisable to look earlier in your pregnancy than you intend to attend the class. Most people attend classes around 30 weeks into their pregnancy which is around 7 months, but you can choose whatever time is right for you. It’s also worth noting that you can attend more than one class if you feel this is what meets your needs.

Your Birth Your Way

Health professionals are fantastic and are there to share their knowledge and experience with you. But do remember that you have a right to make informed choices about your birth. So, it is okay to question anything you are told and to ask for more information to be able to get a better understanding. Health professionals are there to guide you with evidenced based advice and recommendations, but the final decisions remain with you.

Making a list of your wishes relating to your labour and birth can be helpful both for you and the professionals involved. It’s a good idea to have some flexibility in this as things don’t always follow one set course. Remember you can change your mind about these wishes at anytime.

What to take to the hospital

Whether you’re planning on having your baby at home or in another setting such as a hospital it is advisable to have a bag packed from at least 2 weeks before your due date.

The contents of this bag can differ greatly from person to person, but here’s a list of essentials you may want to consider: Your hospital notes and birth wishes.

Comfortable clothing including several pairs of comfy knickers. We’re talking Bridget Jones not your posh lacy ones, it’s all about comfort rather than style at this point! Comfy bras are also advisable, nursing bras can be helpful if you’re intending to breastfeed.

If you’re not intending on breastfeeding it’s advisable to take some bottles and your chosen formula into the hospital with you as this is not always provided.

Sanitary pads or maternity pads as well as breast pads.

Toiletries Healthy snacks and drinks, you’re wanting to try and get energy rich foods that are not going to give you a sugar rush and then leave you to crash and burn; bananas are perfect.

Things to make you feel more at home in an unfamiliar environment e.g. pillows, blankets, music.

Clothes for baby as well as plenty of nappies.

And don’t forget the car seat!

So, you’ve got some ideas to help you on your way and you have it in writing from a professional that you need to take time for yourself doing things that make you happy! The last bit of advice I’ll leave you with is don’t forget to take the time to enjoy the experience.

Life moves so quickly, and it can be so easy to get caught up in planning things and making sure everything’s done right. What you’re doing right now is amazing, you’re actually growing a little person! Just remember you were perfectly made to do this.

This article was written by Kim Brown a Specialist Public Health Nurse and proud Mum. Kim works as an Independent Health Visitor throughout York, North Yorkshire, East Riding and Leeds. She provides services during pregnancy and after you’ve had your baby. To find out more visit: www.sebeauhealthvisiting.com 8 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

Holiday Camps!

BYAS Academy BYAS ACADEMY offers a variety of top quality sports camps during school holidays in Hockey, Cricket and Rugby.

The camps are based at Pocklington School, near York, and are available to children aged between 8-16yrs old.

The Academy offers a mix of residential and non-residential courses across all three sporting disciplines during the summer and half term holidays with ability streaming, so it doesn’t matter if your child is an absolute beginner or sporting whizz kid.

What makes the Byas Academy stand out from the crowd is the quality of its coaching staff with many of them currently or former players are county, national and international level. The cricket course is led by David Byas, himself a former Yorkshire County Cricket Captain and Junior hockey international player and we work with Kyle Dench at ACamps for our Rugby camp. Our coaching team often includes international past and present players as well as qualified coaches in each sporting field.

Live for today!

School holidays should be about having fun, trying new things and adventuring!

That’s why Live For Today have created the best School Holiday Camps EVER! Situated in the lovely grounds of Ripley Castle, the Live For Today team have taken their most popular activities and created a program full of excitement and fun! Try out everything from High Ropes, Raft Building, Survival Skills, Body Zorbing, Navigation, Archery and more.

This year will be even more jam packed with the addition of very exciting Dart Football and mysterious Escape Rooms!

A hand-picked dream team of instructors will be on hand all day to make sure your kids are having the best time, whilst keeping them safe and comfortable. It’s a great way for kids to challenge themselves and push their limits in a safe and friendly environment. Whether they’re 35ft up a wobbly pole, navigating the vast grounds of the Ripley Castle Estate, or rafting together a couple of canoes, they are guaranteed to make memories to last!

At £40pp for a day, or £150pp for the full week, it’s a great way to keep the kids occupied through the holidays. Siblings even receive a 10% discount! This covers all the activities and safety equipment, as well as morning fruit bowls and an afternoon snack.

Convenient drop off times allow for kids to be dropped off from 08:15 and collected by 17:30.

What do you need to bring?

• Packed Lunch

• Spare trainers

• Bottle of Water

• Sun cream

• Waterproofs

• Towel

Said David: “We believe our success comes down to the facilities we have on offer, coupled with a top quality coaching team. We make sure that the Camp emphasis is on ensuring every player leaves with a better technical understanding and skills than when they arrived.

• Spare change of Clothes • Change for an ice cream!

“We also guarantee a low coach-to-attendee ratio so we see boys and girls coming back year after year - more happy and confident each time.”

www.harrogateholidaycamps.co.uk

Find out more by visiting https://www.byasacademy.co.uk or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/byasacademy/

To find out more and see the 2019 dates and schedules, visit our website; If you have any more questions, you can contact Live For Today by calling 01423 229780, or emailing theteam@live-for-today.com.

Advertise for as little as £50!

Do you run a holiday camp or workshop in the summer holidays?

You can promote this to our 40,000 readers in our Jul/Aug issue!

Don’t delay, contact Laura on editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk or call 07794909820

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 9

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

Party Directory Little Gym, Harrogate

Children love our Birthday Parties and so do Mums and Dads. The Little Gym® Birthday Parties is a time to relax and enjoy the fully supervised party where you have exclusive use of the whole gym. Our custom designed facilities are complimented by our lively and friendly staff. Every party includes plenty of music, movement, games and FUN. We mean it when we say our birthdays are no fuss; because we do everything from providing the invitations to the clean-up of the party.

Children have a blast and parents can sit back and enjoy the special occasion.

‘What was so lovely was that they made sure all the time that the party was what we wanted. We walked in and everything was set up and then we walked out and they had cleared up. What is not to like?

It was the most enjoyable day’ www. harrogate.thelittlegym.eu/

If you’re looking to hold a children’s party, our directory should come in very handy!

Keep it safe for future birthday celebrations too – lots of ideas all in one place.

Adventure

The best in children’s entertainment!

Rascals Entertainment have been offering Award Winning Children’s entertainment since 2011. Whether you want entertainment for a corporate family event, school disco, wedding or child’s birthday party. We offer fun, exciting, interactive, stress-free parties aimed at children aged 3-12 years. With over 30 themes, we have something for everyone!

These are just a few offered: Disco fun & games; princess; superhero; Star Wars; Pokemon; Harry Potter; unicorn; Paw Patrol; Frozen; Transformers & dinosaur. Call: 07855 844265 www.

RascalsEntertainment.co.uk

Live For Today

Live For Today delivers outdoor parties for the most adventurous of kids, all set in the fantastic grounds of the Ripley Castle Estate. They can choose from High Ropes, Bubble Mayhem, Dart Football, or the mysterious Escape the Island party! One of our amazing, fully qualified instructors will be on hand to ensure everything runs perfectly and make sure the birthday boy or girl has the best party ever! To find out more about what we have to offer, visit our website: www.live-for-today.com, email: theteam@live-for-today.com or call: 01423 229780

Piglet’s Adventure Farm

Leave it all to us and give your child an unforgettable party, to remember forever!

Our party package costs £17.95 per child and is available Saturdays and Sundays with 2 slots to choose from: 10.30am – 12.30pm or 2pm – 4pm. There’s so much included: Admission to the farm park all day; a private decorated party space in our indoor play barn; exclusive tractor and trailer ride; animal feeding/ petting with our animal barn team; party tea and drinks plus yummy ice-cream for pudding; party bags full of goodies; printed party invitations sent in the post to the organiser; a free £10 gift voucher for the birthday child to use in the shop and a birthday badge for the birthday child. www.pigletsadventurefarm.com

10 Families Vale of York

Harrogate Climbing Centre

Rascals Entertainment

Rugby Tots, York

A Rugbytots Party is a fantastically fun-filled way to celebrate your child’s birthday, starting school or any other special event. Distinctive and dynamic, our parties follow a slightly different format to our standard Rugbytots classes, with a greater emphasis on play, plus plenty of party games and group participation Whether your child already attends our classes or not, at a Rugbytots Party they’ll be sure to have a ball! Contact Rob on: 0345 3136716 or email york@rugbytots. co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk

Summit Indoor Adventure

Book a hassle free Very Important Party for your child! With a Summit Indoor Adventure Very Important Party children can run, swing, slide, clamber & bounce around Adventure Play. Show off their tricks & jumps in the Indoor Skate Park.

Reach new heights in Adventure Climb.

Navigate around the obstacles of Aerial Trek or see who can strike it lucky on Ten Pin bowling. They’ll then tuck into freshly prepared food, with unlimited juice in their very own V.I.P. room & receive a photograph of the occasion as a memento. PLUS, it’s all looked after by their very own Party Host so mum & dad can relax and enjoy the party too. Find out more: www.Summitindooradventure. co.uk or call: 01757 293292 to book your party.

Tamar’s Toy Box, Bishopthorpe, York Personalised and Unique parties now available at Tamar’s Toy Box. Contact Tamar and she will tailor your child’s party to suit your needs. From small parties of 4 up to larger parties of 12. All parties take place in the shop and activities take place in the den where the children can feel free to get messy and express themselves. Activities can include slime/smoothie making, pot painting, dance games, tea parties and lots more.

Fresh home-made food provided by Delicacy and cakes are available. Parties are available on Saturdays 4pm till 6pm and start from £11.50 per child. Book now: 07717 466733

The Web Adventure Park

Highly Commended by Little Vikings for fantastic children’s parties! A range of exciting choices including crafty, animal & Wired High Ropes, popular Laser Parties & original Creepy Crawlies Bug Tastic Party - there’s something for all tastes & ages. Parents enjoy a stress-free experience with a friendly, dedicated host, party invites and a reserved table for adults. With delicious party food, a private dining area, an activity to remember with at least an hour and a half of fun play time at the Web Adventure Park on top, our parties offer unbeatable value! Book online or call us for more information.

W: www.webadventurepark.co.uk T: 01904 692221

For anyone 7 years + and led by our climbing instructors in a fun and safe environment, with each instructor taking up to 9 kids. Includes 1 ½ hours of climbing as well as equipment hire. From £90 for 6 places. www. harrogateclimbingcentre.com

Live for Today

See enhanced listing above. www.live-fortoday.com

Piglet’s Adventure Farm

See enhanced listing above. www. pigletsadventurefarm.co.uk

Web Adventure Park, York

See enhanced listing above. www. webadventurepark.co.uk

Woodland Adventure Company

We run a range of different adventures that suit different age groups. Bushcraft adventures for 7-11 & fantasy-based adventures for 2-9. 1-hour adventure; toasted marshmallows; popcorn & hot chocolate. Min £170 for up to 15 children. Call: 07788713393 www. thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk

Creative Bead, Harrogate

Use your imagination to create beautiful jewellery items which everyone takes home. 5 packages to choose from, 1 ½ hours party time. Complimentary tea/ coffee for grown-ups. www.beadharrogate.co.uk

Clayfever, Tadcaster

A selection of 6 special items to choose from as part of the party package. 1 ½ hour party time with extra for food if needed. Min 8 & max 20. Age 5+ Call on: 01937 918100 www.clayfever.co.uk

Creation Station

DIG

Celebrate your birthday at DIG and make it a party for the history books! Go back in time for your birthday this year, hosted by your very own Viking host to take you on a hunt through history! For children 4-12 years old. To book or for further details call the Private Hire Coordinator: 01904 615505 or email at: birthdays@ yorkat.co.uk

Tailored to suit your child and budget and in a location of your choice. Party invites and party bags are included. www. thecreationstation.co.uk

Creative Studio, York

From special effects zombie to animal sculpting, we can host a party to excite your child and all their friends. With 4 party types to choose from and parties for under 3s, 3+ and 10+ all ages catered for. www.thecreativestudioyork.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

The Painting Pottery Yard, Thirsk Celebrate your child’s birthday with Paint a Pot Party. 1 ½ hours to 2 hours depending on age groups and activities picked. Children pick from a selection of pottery to paint. These start from £12 per child, minimum 8. www. paintingpotteryyard.co.uk

Entertainers Magic Hatter

4 party packages ranging from 1 hour to 2 hours for the complete party package! All include fun-filled Magic Show with games, prizes and lots of participation. Up to 30 FREE balloon models for the kids. York’s top children’s entertainer & magician! www.magichatterbirthdays.co.uk

Rascals Entertainment

see enhanced listing above – www. rascalsentertainment.co.uk

Rainbow Elf Entertainments

Balloon modelling, crafts, face-painting, glitter tattoos and disco eyes plus full party entertainment offered. www. rainbowelfentertainments.co.uk

Party Essentials Party Fever, Harrogate

Tamar’s Toy Box, York

Everything you need to party with a wide selection of toys to choose as gifts for the birthday child.

Bluebell Party Tents

Catering for toddler parties and Christenings; children’s parties (2-12yrs), teenage parties (13-18yrs), sleepovers and weddings. www.bluebellpartytents. co.uk

Swimming Hydro, Harrogate

Main pool, activity pool or teaching pool all available to hire, Sat and Sun 4pm-5pm or 5pm – 6pm. Contact: 01423 556767

Ripon Baths

Parties are available from 4pm until 5pm on Saturdays. Early booking is advised.

Contact: 01765 603383

Selby pool

Splash party (teaching pool); Pool party (large pool) or Pool inflatables (large pool). www.selbyleisurecentre.org

Tadcaster Pool

An independent retailer of party supplies and decorations. We specialise in balloons and fancy dress. www. partyfeverltd.co.uk

Bubbles & toys in the training pool; inflatables, bubbles & toys in the main pool; inflatables in the main pool or water polo/snorkelling. www.tadcasterpool.

Simply a Party, Tadcaster

York Sport

Everything you need to party! Kids’ party; baby shower; wedding supplies; cake supplies; balloons & gifts. www. simplyaparty.co.uk

Our junior parties are a great way to celebrate any occasion. Starting from just £8 per child. www.york-sports.com/ parties/

Science Technology in Play

Choose from 5 different themes and let the TiP team guide the party through a series of fun, engaging and educational activities for 90 mins. www. technologyinplay.club

Whizz Bang Science

Includes mind blowing scientific experiments, spectacular demos and entertaining games. Designed to be 100% interactive and stress free. Call 07815530859 www.whizzbangscience. online

Sport Rugby Tots, York

See enhanced listing above. www. rugbytots.co.uk

Longs Black Belt School/ Martial Arts 4 U Locations in: Wetherby, Tadcaster, Selby, Haxby, Copmanthorpe & Acomb. Party is for 2 hours. £150 for setup, clean up and entertainment. 45 mins – warm up; fun and games; martial arts moves & jumping kicks. 30 mins – Food & birthday cake; 45 mins – sword fighting against our special guests (Tiger; Mutant Ninja turtle & Kung fu Panda)

Play Football, York There’s a trophy for the birthday child and every guest takes home a party bag and water bottle. Hosted by an FA qualified coach on our flawless 4G pitches. www. playfootball.net

York Sport Our junior parties are a great way to celebrate any occasion. Starting from just £8 per child. www.york-sports.com/ parties/

Soft Play Creepy Crawlies, York

Play inside and out, 1 ½ hours with ½ hour for food with one of our party hosts. From £12 per person. www. webadventurepark.co.uk

Kidzplay, Harrogate, Boroughbridge or Northallerton Fantastic unique kids’ parties with homemade food, party hosts and party bags. Tailored to your child. www. kidzplay.co.uk

Smile Café, Pocklington

Family friendly indoor play area for under 5’s, outdoor play paddock for under 12s, cafe serving home-made & healthy food using locally sourced produce wherever possible. Children’s parties include soft play, Be My Bear, Pottery and Pony parties. www.themilefarmshop.co.uk

Twiggy’s Play Centre, Thirsk

1 ½ hours play; a traditional picnic tea in our party room, complimentary tea/coffee for adults. Add ons available. www. twiggysplay.com

Keep up to date with all things Families in your local area Join our Families VoY Community Chat group on Facebook! www.facebook.com/FamiliesValeofYorkMag Topical articles / Recommendations / What’s on / Events / Chat / Sell familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 11

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

It’s Party Time!

By Claire Winter

Planning your child’s birthday can involve deep-breathing and military-style planning. This annual event has kids jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat.

Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you.

Food Parties Kids love food, so why not theme your party around it? A pizza making party is always a winner. You can go to your favourite pizza restaurant or hold a DIY party at home.

Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag. How about a doughnut themed party? They are even trending on Pinterest! Why not set up a Doughnut Wall covered in a variety of doughnuts? You could even attempt a DIY version.

You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it. A cake that is full of sweets when you cut it. Ice cream cones filled with savoury fillings. You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités. Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage. They make a great centrepiece on a party table.

Active Parties According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%. These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive - you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood.

You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre. They often offer a variety of swimming, inflatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves? You could also check out your local trampoline park to see what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and go-karting.

Parties at Home If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help. You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray!

Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you. If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?

Themed Parties Magical forest and flower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative. A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls. There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have the time!

Another popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make up lots of magical games to recreate a mini Hogwarts at home. You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party.

Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games.

Art Parties If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them.

You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making. Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag.

Remember not to stress too much! Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park. Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!

12 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

Competition time Win a Hape’s Teepee Tent, the perfect resource for play or party, worth £64.99 (as sold on Amazon).

Families North Yorkshire magazine have one of Hape’s Teepee tents to give away to one lucky reader! To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

What are the names of the two party kits offered by PlayChest which include the hire of Hape’s Teepees?

Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@ familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: 31st May at midday.

PlayChest, the number one place for party packages, offers 2 hireable party kits with Hape products, one of the world’s largest toy companies.

Check them out: www.playchest.co.uk/my-teepee-adventure

Win 2 tickets to your choice of four plays at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre Following its inaugural season last year, when it played to almost 80,000 people, garnering critical and popular acclaim as well as various awards, Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre returns to York promising Revenge, Heroism, Magic and Mischief with this year’s line-up of plays: - Hamlet - The Tempest - Twelfth Night - Henry V The season will begin on 25 June and run through until 1 September 2019 and Families North Yorshire magazine are giving 1 lucky person the chance to win 2 tickets to their choice of 1 of the 4 plays.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question:

Whose skull does Hamlet discover in the churchyard?

Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: 31st May at midday.

It’s official! Our readers prefer Families Magazine to the internet!

Last year, we conducted a survey across the UK asking readers to tell us what they find useful about our magazine and how likely they would be to respond to advertising in it.

and time consuming clicking on each one.”

We were delighted to receive almost 500 responses and the wonderful feedback you gave us.

Readers also told us that they really value having a physical magazine in their hands in which all the information relevant to family life has already been collated and is presented to them in an easy-to-digest format.

More than 70% of our readers said they were highly likely to respond to advertising in our magazine or had already done so. That’s fabulous news for our advertisers and for our readers, because it means we can carry on making the magazine better and better!

A typical response came from a reader in Manchester who says: “In this time of social media it is great to have a magazine you can pick up and physically flick through rather than having to fight through hundreds of e-mails and pop up adverts for individual offers.”

A whopping 79% of readers told us that they use the magazine to research ideas for local family activities or classes and clubs for children and an equally impressive 74% said they use it to plan family life.

A reader from York says: “Families magazine makes me a parent in the know! I know about all the new pre-school classes to keep my three-year-old entertained and the best days out to keep my five-year-old busy in the holidays. I love the events listings and jot everything down on the calendar so I’m always ready with a new day out or family event idea.”

Many of you also told us that you find it easier to plan family activities and entertainment using Families Magazine than using the internet! You told us that using the internet to research and plan can be time consuming and confusing, involving lots of trawling online for useful information.

We were also really happy that large numbers of you reported that Families Magazine makes your lives easier and less stressful and saves you time.

A common complaint seems to be the “endless trawling” that digital research involves.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered their comments.

A typical response came from a reader in Lancashire who says: “We can trawl the internet for an age, but with Families® Magazine we just turn the page.”

If you are interested in taking part in one of our Reader Forums, please email info@ familiesmagazine.co.uk with your name, phone number and post code. *Readers names have not been quoted for privacy reasons.

A reader in Portsmouth told us: “I have given up on googling what is happening over the school holidays as I just get bombarded with hundreds of websites. It can get exhausting familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 13

Working your way through IVF

By Georgina Thomas Clients often ask us what their obligations are to employees going through IVF. Sensitivity here is essential due to the highly emotional and often complex and differing needs of women undergoing IVF and one that employers often do not know how to handle -particularly in the absence of any written IVF Policy.

The law does not give women a specific right to time off for this type of treatment, which often leads to uncertainty on both sides as to what they can and cannot do. The ramifications of this, for all concerned, can be far reaching and can even result in discrimination, often unintentionally.

In our experience, strong (and if possible, early) channels of communication between employer and employee are often key.

Like any early pregnancy, the tendency is usually to want to maintain privacy.

However, in the case of IVF - where there is often a requirement for time off at short notice and increased physical and emotional toll - then early notification gives employers the chance to make adjustments and provide support, allowing them to protect their employees’ health and safety from the earliest possible stage.

This can be paramount in preserving working relationships that can otherwise easily break down at times when emotions are running high.

Whilst there is no specific statutory right to time off for IVF treatment, the usual rights to time off for medical appointments will apply, so check what these are in your organisation.

She means business..

Here, we find out a bit more about Katherine Peak, who runs My Baby Can Dance in York.

If an employment contract stipulates that medical appointments must be taken outside of working hours, knowledge of the circumstances may result in your employer treating requests more sympathetically.

Whilst sickness absence during IVF treatment should, largely, be treated as any other sickness absence i.e. with regards to sick pay entitlement and so on, for a short period before implantation onwards, employees are protected at law from experiencing any less favourable treatment. This can include counting such absences during this period of time in absence management or disciplinary processes or being subject to any other detriment because of them.

Who are you and where do you live?

This ‘protected period’ extends to either the end of maternity leave or two weeks after learning of unsuccessful implantation.

Hi, I’m Katherine Peak and I live in York and have done for most of my adult life with my husband and twin teenage daughters.

Employers therefore need to be mindful of sickness absence as the result of IVF treatment and the extent to which relying on it in any absence management or disciplinary processes should be discounted at certain stages in the IVF cycle.

Tell us a bit about business.

For just over 3 1/2 years I have run the York franchise for My Baby Can Dance, an amazing movement to music and development class for little ones from birth up to 4 years old. I started with 2 classes and now have 10 running each week throughout York with plans to start more. I’m so proud of what we have achieved in York in such a short period of time. We have been voted York’s Best Music Class in the Little Vikings Awards for the last 3 consecutive years so we must be doing something right.

What did you used to do?

For a number of years pre children, I was a corporate law solicitor in Leeds and London, working long and often anti-social hours, a bit different from my current working life. Now my business fits into our busy family life, but it doesn’t feel like work.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I sort of fell into teaching My Baby Can Dance. A good friend of mine had recently acquired one of the other franchises and through a mutual friend I was put in touch with the then owner of the York business. I ran the classes on the owner’s behalf for around 6 months before purchasing the business from her. I had so many ideas and a vision for how I wanted to grow the business and take it out to reach more York families. I’ve always had a passion for dance and movement having danced right up until I went to university. My Baby Can Dance enables me to do something I enjoy, and I love seeing the joy on the little ones’ faces and their development and confidence grow.

What would your advice be to other business women?

Records of IVF-related absences should be kept separately from other absence records and an awareness of the increased pastoral needs and support of women going through such procedures is fundamental in maintaining mutual trust.

Our advice is that employers would be well advised to treat all requests for time off to undergo treatment sympathetically.

Employers should also consider implementing an IVF Policy with procedures for handling issues such as notification; absence requests; time off for appointments (whether or not to pay) and sickness absences as the result of treatment.

This can clear up a lot of the uncertainty for all involved and goes a long way towards protecting the health and safety of employees undergoing this type of treatment and maintaining relations.

Even in the absence of deliberate intention to discriminate, poorly handled processes and a lack of understanding can be devastating for employees and employers alike.

In times where a growing number of women are conceiving via IVF, timely support and objective and sympathetic responses to the emotional and physical needs of employees in these circumstances cannot be undermined.

For more information on this or other employment law issues, contact the Bridge Employment Law team. www. bridgeemploymentlaw.com Call us for a free telephone consultation on: 01904 360 295. Email Georgina at: georgina@bridgeehr.co.uk

My advice to other business women would definitely be to believe you can achieve anything you set your heart upon. Listen to your customers/ clients and move with the times. I’ve also found it invaluable to work closely with other like-minded business owners.

14 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!

What’s On? Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Yorkshire Dales

6 May - Ripon Cathedral

Beer Festival

Annual Beer Festival in the grounds of Ripon Cathedral on May Day Bank Holiday. Award winning beers, live music, wine, Pimm’s and plenty for the children to do – it’s a great day out for all of the family!

Until 12 May - Prison & Police Museum

Secrets in the Cellar

Deep underground below Ripon Town Hall, Ripon Museum staff & volunteers work to catalogue, pack & research the museum’s objects & stories. Secrets in the Cellar reveals what happens behind the scenes at the museum & how we care for and preserve centuries of law & order history.

25 May – 2 Jun - RHS Harlow Carr

Get Set, Grow

Children are being encouraged to get, set, grow at RHS Garden Harlow Carr during May Half term. Enjoy a daily garden trail, storytelling with the garden detectives, indoor crafts and outdoor workshops.

25 May – 2 Jun - Mother Shipton’s Cave

Unicorns and Dinosaurs

The park will be transformed in engaging and interactive Half Term event suitable for all the family. Every day from Sat 25th May - Sun 2nd Jun, Open 10am to 5.30pm. For discounted tickets book online now at www. mothershipton.co.uk

25 May – 2 Jun - Knaresborough Castle

Medieval entertainment

Join in our activities all about medieval entertainment this May ½ term. Bring a picnic to enjoy the grounds and don’t forget to explore the King’s Chamber, the dungeon and secret underground tunnel! Dress up & play games to discover what life was like in a castle.

25 May – 2 Jun - Mercer Art Gallery

May ½ term fun

Join in our well dressing crafts, celebrating this old English tradition and Harrogate’s 80+ mineral wells.

Enjoy the art on show in Views of Harrogate. Meet our new pet cat (toy!) & discover her favourite paintings on show in the gallery. FREE admission.

9 Jun - Newby Hall

Tractor Fest

Vintage tractor, engines, commercial vehicles, cars & motorcycles from around the UK and Europe. Fun for all of the family.

15-16 & 22-23 Jun - Fountains Abbey

Food festival

New food and drink festival taking place beside Fountains Mill, the monastic home of beer and bread at Fountains Abbey. Featuring local street food, breweries and bakeries as well as family games in the orchard. A chance to learn about the history of the Mill, take a tour of the monastic Brewhouse and Bakehouse, and have a go with dough. familiesonline.co.uk

YOrk & NORTH YORKS MOORS

4 – 5 May - Castle Howard

Festival of Dogs

With plenty to entertain all the family, and of course our canine visitors too, join us for a packed programme of dog themed events. Ryedale Dog Rescue will be running a Family Dog Show, with prizes being awarded for categories including Best in Show, and Most Handsome Hound. ‘Hounds With Hannah’ will be performing a gun dog display during the day, and also running a drop in Dog Clinic to advise on any of your dog related queries.

25 May - Malton

Food Lovers Festival

A celebration of the finest Yorkshire produce and cooking. Expect heaving stalls, delicious street food, talks, tasting, celebrity chef demos, cookery lessons and much more! Enjoy top family entertainment, live music, kids’ cookery, vintage fairground and more. www. visitmalton.com

Until 30 Jun - Dalby Forest

Zog Activity trail

Step in Zog’s claw-prints at the forest classroom, learn how animals fly, what sounds they make and how they catch their prey. As well as winning gold stars along the trail, there will be panels with a hidden image that children can find using a coloured lens in their activity pack. Just £3, activity pack, Zog mask, activity sheets & stickers.

2 Jun - Yorkshire Air Museum

Giants of the Sky

May-Hem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm

Roll up, roll up! Piglets crazy May-Hem Circus is back this May half term!

With death defying stunts, upside down juggling and amazing acrobatics, all in the big top tent, it’s unmissable fun for the entire family, from 25th May to 2nd June.

Step right up as the fun just keeps getting better!

Take a tractor ride to the amazing Bale Play Baaarn where you can whizz down brandnew giant slides! Plus explore the straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, rope swing and dig’n’play. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s even a heated seating area with delicious food from the Piggy Pizza Parlour or try a tasty treat in Truffle’s Trough.

You can also enjoy a refreshing drink and delicious snacks in the Piglets Coffee House with small soft play are or try a piggy poo ice-cream in the Ice-Cream Parlour!

Plus, don’t miss all the usual adventure farm fun, including Truffles Farmhouse & Barn, giant sandpit, bouncing pillows, crazy golf, barrel rides, magical fairy tale trail and go karts too. And that’s all before you see the cute animals! You’ll find lots out in the paddocks and in the animal barn.

See adorable rabbits, goats and ponies plus get up close to little piglets in the Piglet Maternity Ward and if you are lucky see piglets being born, such a memorable experience.

Tumble on down to Piglets Adventure Farm this May Half Term and enjoy an amazing family day out. Get your discounted tickets online today.

Piglets Adventure Farm is located 15 minutes from the centre of York, on Towthorpe Moor Lane, between Strensall Road & the A64, North of York.

The museum’s collection of Cold War Jets is probably one of the most varied in Europe. Join us as we let them take centre stage and take a close look at these incredibly powerful aircrafts from an era when world peace hung in the balance. Enjoy guided tours around the museum’s jet fleet.

22 Jun – 24 Aug (various dates) Dame Judi Dench Walk, York

4 – 16 Jun - York Citywide

Award winning summer time Art and Design market. Come and have a stroll beside the river and purchase unique art works.

York Festival of Idea: A World of Wonder Over 150 FREE events with plenty aimed at families with young children. Spark children’s imaginations with crafty, puzzling, scientific and interactive fun. Join us and see where your imagination takes you. Find out more including dates and times of events at: www. yorkfestivalofideas.com

16 Jun - Castle Howard

Father’s Day Car Show

Set within the grounds of Castle Howard, the Father’s Day Classic Car & Motor Show offers a spectacular day of motoring heritage ideal for enthusiasts, day trippers and families.

22 – 23 Jun - Deans Park, York

Bloom! Flower & Produce Show

A fun floral festival celebrating 250 years of the Ancient Society of York Florists. It will bring a rainbow of colour and beauty to the ancient city of York and is sure to inspire you with workshops, magnificent installations and everything inbetween. www.bloomyork.com

York River Art Market

Dos Palmeras - Chub Perkins

11th - 12th & 18th - 19th May Artists around Wetherby OPEN STUDIOS This annual event takes place in villages in a 6-7mile radius of Wetherby, over two weekends, 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th May. 23 artists, using a broad range of mediums will be on showing their work by opening their studios. The event is open between 10am and 5pm.

All artists will be serving refreshments in lieu of a donation to St Gemma’s Hospice.

Demonstrations at many studios. For more information and a brochure please visit www.artistsaroundwetherby.com or follow the group on Facebook at https://engb.facebook.com/artistsaroundwetherby Families Vale of York 15

29 Jun - Copmanthorpe

Copmanthorpe Carnival: Save the Planet!

This year’s theme of ‘Save the Planet!’ means the carnival will feature activities and events that focus on environmental issues and actions. Fun for all of the family with over 5,000 in attendance.

Tadcaster, Selby & surrounding areas

6 May - Tadcaster

Tadcaster Triathlon

A popular event with a 400m swim at Tadcaster Pool, a 14km bike ride around a rural route towards Boston Spa and Bramham and a 7km run along the riverbank.

18 May - Sherburn in Elmet

Gala: Stage and Screen

Join us for this popular village gala now in its 43rd anniversary year.

6 – 9 Jun - Bramham

Bramham Horse Trials

Bramham International Horse Trials. 7am – 6pm £12 £60 tickets plus parking. Buy tickets online and see the full programme of events, stalls and activities available: www.bramham-horse.co.uk

15 Jun 2-5pm - Riverside School, Tadcaster

Harry Potter Fun Day

York Bird of Prey Centre will be bringing some special guests (of the owl variety) for you to hold before watching a flying demo. Meet some furry friends from Emet-Alpacas in the Forbidden Forest. Magical themed fancy dress competition, face painting, games, stalls, raffle, food and drink.

22 Jun - Ulleskelf

Viking Festival

Ulleskelf’s first Viking Festival to celebrate 1000 years (approx.) of our Viking heritage. Great day out for all the family, starting with a procession from the village hall with a Viking boat at 1.30pm, entry to the Sports field from 2pm. All day fun ending at 22:00 after the boat burning.

East Yorkshire & the coast

3 – 6 May - Filey

Filey Folk Festival

Expect a broad range of styles of acoustic, blues, traditional, country, bit of acoustic rock and pop, bands and a very warm welcome and a famously friendly atmosphere. You can catch over 150 acts performing live at participating venues and busking around town. www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

6th May 1-4pm FREE - West Park, Goole

Friends of West Park Maypole Celebration

Friends of West Park’s annual Maypole Bank Holiday celebration, with dances on the hour, music provided

by Sam Pirt and his fantastic band. Scrapstore will be offering free crafts on the bandstand. Prize for the best dressed bike, pram or pushchair. A selection of classic cars will also be making an appearance. Contact friendsofwestpark@outlook.com for more information or to get involved.

16 Families Vale of York

4 – 6 May - The Deep

Colours of the ocean

Is it better to blend in or stand out? Can looks be deceiving? Discover the wondrous world of colour & vision beneath the waves this May Bank Holiday. Take part in the interactive presentation at 11am & 3pm & find out how marine animals use colour to impress, hunt and protect themselves. Join in at craft corner & colour in your own flashy fish to turn into a badge from 11am to 4pm.

18 May FREE - Whitby Harbour

Fish and Chips Festival

Explore everything that’s special about the Yorkshire Coast’s magnificent culture, from the building of bits boats to its multi-award-winning fish restaurants.

Choose from an endless choice of activities at this jaunty weekend, so much to enjoy for all of the family. www. discoveryorkshirecoast.com

18 – 19 May - The Deep

Endangered Species Weekend

It’s time to explore the work of the IUCN… the what, we hear your cry? Find out how the animals living in our oceans are classified & which are the ones identified as needing help. Take part in our interactive show at 11:30am & 3:30pm and see if you can help Captain Redlist save the animals.

25 May – 2 Jun - The Deep

Sense-ational Sharks

Dive in and learn more about super shark senses this May half term! It’s sure to be sense-ational! Join us in the Endless Oceans Gallery at 11am & 3pm for our interactive shark senses work shop and discover the amazing senses that sharks have used to survive for over 450 million years. You can even try your hand at hunting for prey just like a shark too!

Visit Craft Corner from 10am to 4pm to make your own finger puppet, choose from a shark, stingray or sawfish and don’t forget to follow the sense-ational shark trail as you go around the aquarium to be in with the chance of winning a prize. Find out more about the Shark Trust #Move4Makos campaign and show your support for ending uncontrolled shark fishing by moving 1 mile. Our guides can give you some great ideas on how to do this when you get home.

Leeds

Theatre Puss in Boots, Northern Ballet

Junction, Goole, 25 May

Bringing this much-loved children’s story to life, Puss in Boots is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre. Child friendly performance lasting approx. 40 mins.

Puss in Boots, Northern Ballet

Harrogate Theatre, 30-31 May

Bringing this much-loved children’s story to life, Puss in Boots is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre. Child friendly performance lasting approx. 40 mins.

The Wizard of Oz

Bridlington Spa, 29 May

Come and meet Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. This spectacular Spring Pantomime adaptation of L. Baum’s classic story is packed with good jokes, quality song and dance routines, spectacular scenery and plenty more for all the family!

Horrible Histories Live on Stage! Dreadful Deaf

York Theatre Royal, 7 – 8 Jun

So, it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories Live on Stage as it delves into the dreadful, dangerous and deluded stories of the deaf! From groovy Greeks to gorgeous Georgians, ruthless Romans to vile Victorians, come with us into this incredible world to discover the extraordinary people and amazing stories you simply won’t believe! Ages 5+

Hamlet, The Tempest, Henry V & Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, York, 25 Jun – 1 Sept Be transported to the thrilling and intimate atmosphere of an Elizabethan playhouse, with plenty of breath-taking, spine-tingling, heart-stopping moments. Book tickets and find out more: www.skaespearesrosetheatre.com/york

Until 20 Oct - Lotherton Hall

table tots

Join us in a year of celebrations as we mark 50 years of Lotherton as a museum. We will be hosting 3 exhibitions, representing the past, present & future of Lotherton: End of an Era; Fifty Years in the Making & Fashion Forward.

Table Tots Baby and children’s indoor markets; pre-loved, nearly new sales, maternity-10. All Table Tots events are indoor with tables provided for you.

Booking is easy via www.tabletots.co.uk/events

50th Anniversary

Until 3 Nov - Temple Newsam House

Fantastical Beasts

From gryphons to gargoyles and wyverns to wolves, come along and explore the hidden beasts lurking in the walls of Temple Newsam. Take a trail around the house and delve into the weird and wonderful collection of ceramics, furniture and art work inspired by fantastical beasts or myth, legend and reality.

9 Jun – 1-2.30pm - Morley Leisure Centre

Table Tots Sale

Super hero themed sale to help raise money for Cancer research. Dress up, bring the family, activities and fun for tots. Photo competition, face painter, crafts and more. www.tabletots.co.uk

May ROTHERHAM / 11th The Dearne ALC PUDSEY / 12th Pudsey Leisure Centre 1.30 start YORK / 18th Energise Leisure Centre GUISELEY / 19th Aireborough Leisure Centre June ROTHWELL / 1st Rothwell Sports Centre 3pm start WAKEFIELD / 2nd Queen Elizabeth Grammar School HULL / 8th Cottingham High School MORLEY / 9th Morley Sports Centre HORSFORTH / 23rd Leeds Trinity University HULL / 30th Malet Lambert School familiesonline.co.uk