Families Leeds & West Yorkshire May/June 2022

FR EE

Leeds & West Yorkshire

Serious Fun at The Little Gym

IN THIS ISSUE

All about Summer Camps!

Education Giveaways May/June 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk May/June 1

“THE ONLY REGISTERED FOOTBALL SCHOOL IN LEED

S”

Skills Classes & Holiday Camps

Pay with Childcare Vouchers

Ofsted Standards Environment Confidence Boosting Classes After School & Weekends

May 30th - 3rd June

Our Next Camp:

@CatalanSoccer

Inspirational Coaching

Goals Leeds, Redcote Lane, Kirkstal LS42AW

Inclusive, Low Ratio Groups

5 STAR RATED “The coaches are fantastic with the kids and the facilities are brilliant.”

“The commitment and dedication they give to each and every player is second to none - I don't know how they do it!”

REGISTERED

!

S R E H PAY WITH CHILDCARE VOUC 2 May/June

GET THE APP

Familiesonline.co.uk catalansoccer.com

CONTENTS

Welcome

Karen Ross Photography

It’s official. Our youngest has her school place offer and is starting reception in September. Eek! If you’ve got a school starter, we have some great advice and resources to help prepare in the education section (pages 5 to 9).

And speaking of being prepared, now is the time to start thinking about arranging holiday camps for the half term and summer holidays. We’ve got a feature all about the advantages of different camps and what’s on offer on pages 10 to 12.

It’s good to plan ahead, but also to live in the moment. And right now, we have spring sunshine (hopefully) and an extra bank holiday to enjoy. Hooray! We’ve got tons of ideas for adventures at home – from stargazing in the back garden to some cooling summer recipes to make together.

There’s also our What’s On listings on pages 25 to 27 to find out what events and activities are on in this area.

Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love with. Don’t forget to apply!

Editor, Families Leeds & West Yorkshire

Familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue 4 5 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 25

Summer food Education Summer camps Moving home Father’s Day gifts Interview Win a family holiday Giveaways Adventures at home Toys Travel Kids’ party fillers What’s On

Email or call us on 07799 667041 to book in our next issue.

May/June 3

SUMMER FOOD

Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.

Club tropicana ice cream cake

Watermelon & strawberry slushies

Vegan orange lollies

Easy strawberry ice cream

Quick banana ice cream

Fruity ice-lolly pens

Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

Frozen banana lollies

Raspberry lemonade slushies

4 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

A world class education for your child.

Firmly established as one of the leading non-selective independent schools in Yorkshire, Huddersfield Grammar School places the development of character at the heart of all it does and provides a futurefacing curriculum for children age 3-16 in a nurturing and happy environment.

• • • • • • • • •

Engaging Excursions Spanish Lessons Forest School Rich Extra Curricular Programme Dance Classes Out of School & Holiday Clubs Peripatetic Music Tuition Swimming Lessons Early Years Funding

Leading independent school for girls and boys age 3-16

Huddersfield Grammar School Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh Huddersfield, HD1 4QX TOP 100 PREP SCHOOL Familiesonline.co.uk

ISA Awards 2019 Winner

www.hudderfield-grammar.co.uk - Tel: 01484 424 549 e: admissions@huddersfield-grammar.co.uk Follow us on May/June 5

School readiness checklist Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school.

Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face!

Then help them practise.

Colour in the

I am ready fo

happy face wh

I can....

Colour in th when you ca e face n do this

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Recognise m y name

r school!

en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be

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Get dressed

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Do up my co at/ cardigan

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Put on my sh

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oes

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Go to the to ilet by myself

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Take my clo thes off

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Open my sn

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Share with ot her children

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Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat

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Eat with a kn ife and fork

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ack box

6 May/June

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Starting school in September?

Wondering how your child will manage school lunches?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

We’re recruiting!

Could you teach French or Spanish to pre-school and primary aged children?

If you’re interested in joining our team and helping to provide our fun, engaging language classes, get it touch!

Call Amy on 07919 021951

www.smartypantskids.co.uk

WE ARE RECRUITING! We are looking for both qualified and unqualified staff to join our fantastic teams. We also have apprenticeships available for anyone wishing to start their career in early years.

We have nursery settings in: Baildon, Bramhope, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Horsforth, Pudsey and Shipley.

At Cliffe House you will get: Your birthday off every year 21 days annual leave plus all the bank holidays and a loyalty bonus scheme Dress down days Ongoing training and development Discounted childcare for your children Plus much more

Promoting a positive attitude to Maths Pre-School classes Monday to Friday

For more information please email Sarah at: sarah.cliffehouse@yahoo.com Top 20 Group Award winner in 2020 & 2021

Call 07852 989523 email: numbertrain@hotmail.com

www.numbertrain.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 7

EDUCATION

Starting school resources

If you have a little one starting school in September, now is a good time to start gently preparing them for the big day.

Get Ready for School Activity Pack

Fun, wipe clean books in smart carry case. £9.70

Going to School

A great Usborne picture book introducing the school experience. £4.99

Teach Your Monster to Read

Fun, engaging game that practises essential reading skills. FREE 8 May/June

Phonics Play

Website with phonics information, games and activities. FREE

My First Day at School Game

BBC Bitesize interactive game explaining what school may be like. FREE

Bud’s Number Game

Educational game to get your child started with numbers. FREE

Preparing Your Child for Starting School

Top tips booklet to help children with transition.

FREE

Teachers

Pupils explain what a teacher does and how to behave in class. FREE

Starting Primary School

Everything you need to get prepared, from home to classroom. FREE Familiesonline.co.uk

More than just a Nursery, come and find out more...

We are inviting prospective families, looking for Nursery or Reception places, to join us on Friday mornings in June to meet our staff and view our facilities. We offer; Flexible childcare options for Nursery (term time or 51 weeks) Teacher led learning On-site parking for stress free drop-off An award-winning outdoor play area All inclusive fees A seamless education from 2 to 18 years

Register at woodhousegrove.co.uk/admissions Familiesonline.co.uk

BRONTË HOUSE

For ages 2 to 11 years woodhousegrove.co.uk May/June 9

SUMMER CAMPS

Catalan Soccer Camp is a winner with kids and parents!

With professional coaches and excellent facilities at Goals Kirkstall, children can feel relaxed and have so much fun at Catalan Soccer Camps. They improve skills, boost their confidence, make friends and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Groups are carefully selected with age, size, ability and confidence in mind. You can request a buddy at the time of booking to ensure they are with a friend or friends.

Safeguarding is of the highest standard, with CCTV, secure ringfenced pitches, perimeter checks and no child left alone for any point during the day.

Catalan Soccer is running camps for May half-term and throughout the school summer holidays.

For more information click HERE.

Parents can be provided with childcare updates – either a photo, voice or video call.

Catalan Soccer is now Ofsted registered and childcare vouchers are accepted as payment.

Classes available in Alwoodley Horsforth Headingley Meanwood Moortown Roundhay

with you every step of the way Great value and seamless 20% off Conveyancing service from two local when used in conjunction with professionals established the hassle-free, seamless for 30+ years estate agent service Free valuation

with dedicated estate agents and property updates available 24/7

'A fast efficient service with a lovely personal touch - so happy we used Emsleys!'

99%

OF CLIENTS* would use us again and recommend us.

we’re rated 4.9/5 stars on allAgents**

Client, January 2020

emsleysestateagents.co.uk

emsleys.co.uk

*Based on Emsleys’ client satisfaction survey results January 2018 – December 2021. **Data from March 2022. Based on 82 client reviews posted on allAgents’ website.

Yorkshire Legal Awards 2018: Winner I The Legal 500: Recommended

10 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps checklist

To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.

What to wear For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie.

For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house.

Comfortable footwear.

Familiesonline.co.uk

General questions

Booking and costs

How many children are there on a camp?

What age group will my child be in?

Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling?

Do I need to provide lunch and snacks?

Do you provide sun cream?

Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes?

Can I pay in instalments?

If there’s wraparound care, how much is it?

Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child?

Are all activities included in the cost?

May/June 11

SUMMER CAMPS

Fun and adventure at Little Gym camps

During the school holidays, rain or shine, The Little Gym Leeds, Harrogate and York camps combine fun, sport, creative activities and learning to keep your kids active, entertained and laughing.

Suitable for children aged 3 to 12, camps are Ofsted registered with a range of session lengths available.

Open to both members and nonmembers, the theme changes every day, providing exciting challenges and adventures to let children’s imaginations run wild!

May half term camps run from May 30 to June 5. Summer camps run from July 24 to September 5.

For more information, call 0113 3359915 or Click HERE.

CAMPS

3-12 YEARS

BOOK NOW harrogate.thelittlegym.co.uk leeds.thelittlegym.co.uk york.thelittlegym.co.uk

12 May/June

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HOME

Moving house: tips on conveyancing They say moving house can be one of the most stressful times in your life. But creating the space you and your family can enjoy for years to come means it is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Conveyancing is often seen as a necessary obstacle in the overall journey. However, there are ways to make it less arduous.

Associate Director of Emsleys Solicitors, Adam Dawson, provides some top tips on how you can be prepared before you move house.

Prepare your paperwork • Gather and provide ID documentation • Property documents – for example any warranties, guarantees, building regulations certificates and/ or planning permissions, boiler documentation, electrical certificates etc.

If the property is less than 10 years old, then you may need to provide a New Home Warranty Certificate (NHWC).

Sale/purchase agreed – time to instruct a conveyancer

searches to come back and the paperwork to be processed. Too much chasing of your solicitor only takes time away from doing the work.

• Use your estate agents – they can often chase buyers/sellers on progress and can speak to all parties involved.

Emsleys holds the prestigious ‘Lexcel’ quality standard and recognised in the Quality Conveyancing Scheme.

Furthermore, if you instruct Emsleys Estate Agents to sell your property, you will receive a 20% discount on your conveyancing fees.

To get in contact with Emsleys call 0113 264 4414 or Click HERE.

• Ensure all forms are completed fully.

• Trust the process! It will take at least eight weeks for all the Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 13

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day gift suggestions

Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.

Dad’s Shed Slate Sign

Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99

Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90

Supercar Driving Day

Get day in a race car!

Circuits UK-wide. From £39

Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book

These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16

Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription

Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 14 May/June

100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99

Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49

Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing

Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Interview: Photographer John Shardlow John runs Photography for Little People in Leeds and Bradford.

We asked him what it’s like photographing newborns, babies and families….

Why is newborn photography so popular?

Babies change so much in the first few days of life, it’s no wonder many new parents want photographs to serve as a permanent reminder of that special time.

However, newborn photography is perhaps also the most difficult form of portrait photography there is!

so you don’t need to worry about tidying the house either!

What makes a great photo?

What makes Photography for Little Photography, like any form of art People different? is very subjective, however I’m personally a big believer that less is When I started photographing more. I love simple, natural images newborns and babies after my that have your babies and children daughter was born, my own experiences were at the forefront of as the main focal point of the image. my mind. Leaving the house felt like When is it best to take newborn a military operation. photo?

It was important to me that I made Newborn photography is best the experience for my clients as done in the first 10 days as this is pleasant and easy as possible. So, generally when babies are sleepier, unlike most photographers, I visit more relaxed, and will still retain my clients at home rather than some of the natural curl from the making them trek to a studio. womb.

I photograph newborns on a special For more information, call 07913 beanbag which I can stretch a backdrop over. For family shots I set 119 749, EMAIL or click HERE up a small backdrop in my clients’ homes to give the studio look – Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 15

GIVEAWAYS

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

5 available

Worth £34.99 each

APPLY HERE Magazine 16 May/June

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS

Win a free climb at Clip ‘n’ Climb Ilkley!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Clip ‘n’ Climb Ilkley to offer one lucky winner the chance to reach new heights with a free regular 50 minute climbing session.

It’s the perfect mix of healthy, action-packed fun, with no previous climbing experience necessary.

Have a go at 21 individual and multi climber challenges of varying design and difficulty for adults and children aged four plus (toddler sessions available separately).

To enter the competition click HERE and more information about Clip ‘n’ Climb Ilkley HERE Terms and conditions here.

For an amazing, adventure-filled summer...

Apply for a Map of Wonders!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

10 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE

T&Cs apply

Magazine

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

May/June 17

PARENTING

Help children with blood cancer Esha loves dressing up as a princess and dreams of being a queen one day.

For a while, that dream was taken away. At just 4 years old, Esha was diagnosed with leukaemia – Esha’s one of over 600 children in the UK diagnosed with blood cancer every year.

Esha went from enjoying her childhood – drawing, dancing, playing and pretending to be a princess – to spending much of her time on hospital wards.

She needed a blood stem cell transplant from a stranger to survive. Finding her match wasn’t easy.

Working with DKMS, in the course of searching for her own lifesaver, Esha’s family registered thousands more blood stem cell donors.

Now Esha’s back to doing what she loves best – playing at princesses – and can’t wait to grow up to be a queen.

It cost £40 to register Esha’s lifesaver. Help more people with blood cancer to dream of a future by donating HERE.

Donate now Help more princesses like Esha grow up to be queens More than 600 children are diagnosed with blood cancer every year in the UK. For many, their best chance of survival is a blood stem cell transplant from a stranger. Will you help more children to find their lifesaver by donating to DKMS? Donate now at dkms.org.uk/princess or scan the code.

DKMS is the trading name of DKMS Foundation, a registered charity in England and Wales (1150056) and Scotland (SC046917). DKMS is a limited company registered in England and Wales (08151279).

18 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Garden music festival

Go without electricity

Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!

Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing

Garden fete

Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine!

String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 19

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification.

Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.

And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts.

20 May/June

Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together.

Familiesonline.co.uk

TOYS

It’s time to play outside!

If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.

Target Ball Game

Soft Archery Set

Wheelbarrow Set

Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99

Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99

Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12

My First Giant Bubble Kit

Family Paddling Pool

Garden Tumble Tower

Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands.

Ages 3+. £21

Big enough for families to chill out together.

Ages 6+. £75

Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft.

Ages 5+. £35.99

Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On

Wavy Kids Slide

Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid

Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride!

Ages 1-3. £67.50 Familiesonline.co.uk

Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun.

Ages 3+. £54.99

Keeps up to four children entertained for hours.

Ages 3+. £79.99 May/June 21

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested

by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest

Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Charming and family-run On-site facilities.

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.

Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire

Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby.

Forest activities.

Ham Bottom, Somerset

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Beautiful yet cosy.

Excellent facilities.

Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame.

22 May/June

Great value & location to explore local attractions.

300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.

Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.

Familiesonline.co.uk

KIDS’ PARTIES

Party bag fillers

Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.

Decopatch Mini Animal Kits

Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30

Colour-in Splat T-shirts

Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95

Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit

Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar

Hello Bee Craft Kits

Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone

Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99

Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20

Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy.

From £8

Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75

The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags

Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit

Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags

Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys.

From £1.90 Familiesonline.co.uk

Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6

Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 May/June 23

EDUCATION

Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Numberjacks Times Table App

Times Tables Flashcards

Learn times tables by singing about them!

FREE

Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE

Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables.

Ages 8-11. £6.99

Colour-coded Multiplication Square

The Times Table Adventure

Times Tables Heroes Board Game

Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE

Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE

24 May/June

Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE

10 Minutes A Day Times Tables

Book featuring 10 minute games and tests.

Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99

Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75

Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What’s on Before setting out please check details with the venues as they may need to be pre-booked.

The Lion King at The Alhambra – until 28 May Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s landmark musical will redefine your expectations of theatre.

Ages 6+.

Exhibition: Money Talks at Leeds City Museum until 26 June Explore the different forms money takes and the complex relationship we have had with currency over the centuries in Money Talks at Leeds City Museum. FREE, closed Mondays.

Exhibition: Thwaite at 30 at Thwaite Mills Watermill – until 28 August Located in the Old Chalk Warehouse, the Thwaite at 30 display is now on view for visitors to learn all about the history of the much-loved watermill.

Closed Mondays.

07913 119 749 RA EXT E! E

£50

Exhibition: Can Robots Care at Thackray Museum of Medicine – daily until October This playful exhibition offers visitors the chance to explore robots designed to care for humans. Keep an eye out for regular opportunities to meet and interact with the robots!

Open daily 10am to 5pm.

Top Secret at The National Science and Media Museum – until 5 June An exhibition exploring the fascinating world of codebreaking, ciphers and secret communications.

Free, booking essential.

Wonderlab at The National Science and Media Museum – Permanent Gallery open Wed to Sun & everyday during school holidays Think like a scientist and feed your curiosity. Touch, try and photograph your

photographyforlittlepeople.com Learn more

FR

2” M2 A “F ply ote ’s ap u Q &C T

Newborn & Family Photography In The Comfort Of Your Own Home Familiesonline.co.uk

experience as you navigate your way through more than 20 mind-bending exhibits. 10am to 5pm, cost included in entry fee.

Games Lounge at The National Science and Media Museum – Permanent Gallery open Wed to Sun & every day during school holidays Play your way through classic games, from PacMan to Super Mario Kart.

Learn about the history of videogaming. 10am to 5pm, £2 admission.

Exhibition: Curious Creatures: Victorian attitudes to animals at Abbey House Museum – until 28 August Curious Creatures explores the many ways in which the Victorians interacted with and exploited animals. Closed Mondays.

Tiny Tetley Studio at The Tetley – Wednesday to Sunday every week Discover Tiny Tetley Studio, a new artistdesigned play space for under 5’s. 10am to 5pm.

Storytime at The Little Bookshop – every Friday (term time only) Go along every Friday during term time for a cosy storytime featuring delightful books. Ages 2 to 5 years. 11am to 11.25am.

May/June 25

WHAT’S ON

What’s on Before setting out please check details with the venues as they may need to be pre-booked.

Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum – every Saturday Looking for something creative to do? Head to Leeds City Museum for Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Free, drop in. 11am to 12.15pm.

Garden Play at The Hepworth Wakefield – every Saturday (plus Sun 8 May & Sun 12 June) Stack, build, experiment, draw and imagine with your family in the open air.

Be inspired by the garden’s artworks and plants. Free, 10am to 4pm.

Print Day at The Art House – 7 May A celebration of all things print. Family drop-in printmaking activities throughout the day. 10am to 4pm.

Be Curious at University of Leeds – 7 May Find out more about the world-changing research

taking place at the University of Leeds, with a day of free, fun activities 10am to 4pm.

colourful artwork to take home. Ages 2–12. 11am to 4pm. FREE with an exhibition ticket.

Saturday Morning Story Time at The Tetley – 7 May Sing along to bluegrass favourites and original songs as well as some Kentucky Derby classics, and have a go on the musical saw. Free, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Ages 3+.

Little Treasures at Leeds City Museum – 18 May Explore money through play and craft, inspired by the Money Talks exhibition.

Under 5s, free.

Belgrave Feast at Belgrave Music Hall – 14 May An eclectic line up of the very best indie street food traders, art market, kids’ craft activities and DJs. Free entry, from 11am.

Family Drop-in: Textiles Sculpture at The Hepworth Wakefield – 15 May and 26 June Make your own textile sculpture. Use yarns, fabrics, wadding and recycled materials to wrap and build your own

Exhibition: Kirkstall Lives at Abbey House Museum – from 26 May Discover the lives of the people who have lived and worked in Kirkstall over the centuries in this community display.

Family drop-in: Felt making at The Hepworth Wakefield – 27 May Try out felt making with your family inspired by the Sheila Hicks: Off Grid exhibition. Take an activity pack into the galleries and go on a colour hunt to explore Sheila Hicks’ artworks. Free with an exhibition ticket. Ages 2-12. 11am to 4pm.

01943 603829 I www.clipnclimbilkley.co.uk 26 May/June

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on Before setting out please check details with the venues as they may need to be pre-booked.

The Spring Adventure at Stockeld Park – 28 May to 5 June Roll up roll up... The circus is coming to town! This Every day throughout the Spring Adventure there will be three circus shows.

(No animals involved in the circus). Booking advised.

The Power of Superbees at RHS Harlow Carr – 28 May to 5 June Create a buzz this May Half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and learn how to encourage these fantastic pollinators into your garden. Garden trail, activities and beekeeping demonstrations. From 10am to 3pm.

Superhero Museum Mission at Leeds City Museum – 28 May to 5 June Pick up a mission sheet to complete challenges around the museum. Test out your family’s creativity, strength and wisdom as you go. Free.

Family Drop-in: Drawing Textiles at The Hepworth Wakefield – 29 May and 19 June Join drawing artist Jo Blaker to explore line, texture and colour. Make a large, colourful and collaborative drawing with your family. Ages 2–12.

11am to 4pm. FREE. Familiesonline.co.uk

Zog and the Flying Doctors at St George’s Hall – 31 May and 1 June Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, enjoy Freckle Productions take on the classic fairy tale.

Superhero Fun Days at Leeds City Museum – 31 May and 1 June Take to the skies, gain super strength, and put your invisibility masks on to celebrate superheroes!

Free, drop in. 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

The Great British Food Festival at Harewood House – 2 to 5 June Lots of tasty local produce, a host of hot food vendors, children’s activities, top chef demos and excellent live music. 10am to 5.30pm, booking essential.

Tin Man at The Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre – 3 to 5 June This beautiful new dance production explores a reimagined story of how this much-loved character would have coped against the Wicked Witch in the deep dark wood and discovers the friends he might have met along the way. Ages 7+.

Meet a Historical Leeds Character at Leeds City Museum – 4 Pop along for talks from some of the most interesting people in Leeds history. 12.30 and 2.30pm.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Coronation Gardens – 4 June A free event for the community. Activities include a free jubilee themed craft workshop, themed street entertainers dressed as Queens Royal Guards, 1950’s style live music stage, speciality market and bubble workshop. 10am to 4pm.

Ilkley Food Festival at Ilkley Park and Riverside Gardens – 11 and 12 June A family friendly celebration of international influence and local talent, expressed through international food, independent drink, live music, arts, kid’s activities and entertainment. 10am to 8pm and to 7pm Sun. We Got the Beat at Carriageworks Theatre – 19 June A dance and musical theatre spectacular featuring children from the Kay Academy of Dance aged between 3 and 17 years. 1pm and 6.30pm.

May/June 27

Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

28 May/June

*while stocks last T&Cs apply Familiesonline.co.uk