Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 44) - Easter 2022

York for kids Issue 44

FREE Spring 2022

The Best of York for Kids this Spring

Our bespoke curriculum encourages

Girls explore their imaginations, ask questions, experiment, take risks & draw their own conclusions.

AN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGE 3-18

mountschoolyork.co.uk

Hello!

The daffodils are in bloom, the sun is shining (occasionally) and spring is definitely upon us. What a relief! Longer and lighter days are very welcome, making family adventures that bit easier (just nobody mention how hard it can be to get children to believe that it’s bedtime when it’s still light outside - that’s the difficult bit).

As always, we’ve got plenty of activities and events to let you know about, from Easter egg hunts to spring days out without a chocolate in sight (unless you pack some in your picnic - and who are we to judge?).

For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to follow Little Vikings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up to our weekly newsletter. It’s the best way to make sure that you don’t miss a thing.

Catch you next time!

All at Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Had a really cool time at York Ice Trail - it really is one of the best events of the year, and completely free too • Looked around Clifford’s Tower after its transformation and it’s a much better experience all round. They’ve done an amazing job.

• Been to Clip’n’Climb at York Leisure Centre, which is fast becoming one of our favourite indoor family activities • Headed down to London using the LNER £99 return family ticket deal - what a bargain

Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk.

Office address The Hiscox Business Club, Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR. Content © Little Vikings 2022. Little Vikings is a registered trade mark. Every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is up-to-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change. Always check details before you travel. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Raise money with St Leonard’s Hospice’s Jubilee Walk

The Yorkshire Museum reopens Calling all dinosaur fans! One of York’s most popular museums, home to a dinosaur exhibition that’s out of this world, is reopening just in time for Easter with a new Roman exhibition. yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Get your crowns, corgis, tiaras and tutus at the ready to celebrate this very special royal year with a Jubilee Walk.

The walk is approximately 7 miles and is open to everyone.

Gather your little princes and princesses, or royal work pals, for a night to remember.

18th June 2022 - sign up at stleonardshospice.org.uk

Birthday parties for young cooks at The Cookery School at The Grand, York Party to plan? The Cookery School at The Grand, York provides exciting birthday parties for all children aged 8 and above!

Choose from any of the Parent & Child classes and invite up to eight of their friends to enjoy cooking with their own aprons and chef hats. thegrandyork.co.uk/cookery-school/

School holiday camps full of adventure Cundall Manor, York The Mount School, York

Children aged 3-14*

*Age may vary slightly depending on location.

united-education.co.uk 0113 4830280

Now Booking Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta 2022 After the success of last year, with balloon flights, fairground rides and live entertainment, Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is set to return. It will be back at York Knavesmire from 23rd to 25th September 2022 with headliners including Scouting for Girls and Craig Charles.

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta – York Knavesmire – 23rd to 25th September 2022 – yorkshireballoonfiesta.co.uk

Oi Frog & Friends at York Theatre Royal FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming….Join FROG, CAT and DOG in the Olivier Award nominated action-packed stage adaptation.

4th & 5th April 2022 - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Justin Live, The ‘BIG’ tour, at York Theatre Royal CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher is set to star at York Theatre Royal in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

Justin Live promises well-known songs, lots of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of slapstick fun. 21st to 22nd April 2022 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

York Spring Fair York Spring Fair & Food Festival is back at York Knavesmire for 2022 with a vintage funfair, artisan products, delicious street food, live music and much more. There will be plenty of bunting, as well as live music over the weekends from popular local bands Huge, Y Street Band, Hyde Family Jam and New York Brass Band.

Friday 27th May to Sunday 5th June 2022 yorkspringfair.co.uk

FREE ENTRY, BOOK NOW NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, YORK

Eggstra special days out around York this Easter

Easter storytelling at Northwood Trail

Easter egg workshop at York Cocoa Works

The fairies have played tricks and Madam Coco Souffle needs the help of the audience to undo the fairies’ tricks and save Easter. Interactive storytelling and chocolate in a stunning location what could be better?

Make your own chocolate Easter egg in the chocolate manufactory at York Cocoa Works. Working with your preferred choice of their milk, white or dark chocolate, made at the Chocolate Manufactory, you will learn how to temper chocolate, work with chocolate egg moulds and assemble your beautiful Easter egg masterpiece.

Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP - Selected dates and limited availability - Northwoodtrail.co.uk

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Selected dates in April – booking is essential – yorkcocoahouse.co.uk

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Struggling to justify tucking into yet more eggs? Embark on a hunt to find one and you’ll have earned it! Here are some of the best Easter trails and activities going on in and around York this Easter.

See the engines at the National Railway Museum

Head off on an Easter trail at Beningbrough

The National Railway Museum is one of the best family-friendly attractions in York, with plenty of hands-on activities for children. And it’s free too! Pre-booking is recommended, especially if the weather is looking dodgy (this is a great wet weather destination).

Join in the Easter adventures in nature at the National Trust garden just north of York. Running 9th to 24th April, pick up your trail map and enjoy a chocolate egg at the end (£3 per trail). There are 10 nature-themed challenges to have a go at too.

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD - Nationaltrust.org.uk

Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ - Open daily - railwaymuseum.org.uk

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Hop along to Easter at Mother Shipton’s Hop along to Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough during the Easter holidays for an EGG-CEPTIONAL time! Follow the Bunny Door Trail and look out for giant eggs, CRACKING photo opportunities and fascinating Easter scenes throughout the beautiful grounds. There’s an adventure playground and, of course, the famous petrifying well. Why not have a little stroll around the town while you’re there? It’s lovely.

Explore hands-on history at DIG Calling all young Indiana Joneses! DIG offers you a unique archaeological adventure to get you on your way to becoming a real archaeologist. Owned by the same archaeologists who discovered the Viking-age city and created JORVIK Viking Centre, this is a one of a kind experience. DIG IT! SHAKE IT! SEE IT! FEEL IT! FIND IT! Booking is recommended.

St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN - digyork.com

Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD - 2nd April to 24th April 2022, open 10am to 5.30pm (last admission 4.30pm), booking essential - mothershipton.co.uk

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Easter egg masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story

BRICKSLIVE at York Castle Museum Head to York Castle Museum this Easter (9th to 24th April) for ‘Castles of the Future’, in partnership with world renowned BRICKSLIVE! Explore York Castle Museum, be inspired by the historical surroundings and then dive into the 2x4 metre brick pit and create your own dream castle. ‘Castles of the Future’ is included in general admission to York Castle Museum, making it a perfect day out for the whole family. Or head to the Yorkshire Museum on 16th and 17th April, where you can build your very own Easter bricks chick or bunny to take home!

Enjoy some choc-tastic crafting of stunning Easter products while sampling some of the finest chocolates with a chocolatier-led masterclass at York’s Chocolate Storu. It’s perfect for all of the family as you get to create and take home your very own handmade Easter treats. Hot chocolate, egg decorating, piping activities and more are all included.

Recommended age 6+ with an adult.

3-4 Kings Square, York YO1 7LD 9th to 18th April 2022, 11am and 3pm - yorkschocolatestory.com

Find out more and book now at www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/ and www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/

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Indoor and outdoor fun at Piglets’ Easter Egg-stravaganza As well as a new indoor play area with new equipment, Magic Hatter shows, lambing live and plenty of outdoor play opportunities, Piglets Adventure Farm will be hosting a massive Easter egg hunt. Previous winner of ‘Best family-friendly attraction’ in the Little Vikings Awards, Piglets is a popular choice for families with young children.

Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST - 2nd to 24th April 2022 pigletsadventurefarm.com

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Easter Trail at Nunnington Hall Things are looking spring-like at Nunnington this Easter. Find and complete the 10 nature-inspired activities on the Easter trail at Nunnington (£3 per person): play poohsticks, move like a bird and spot a cosy home along the way, and once you finish the trail you can collect your egg.

Nunnington, York YO62 5UY 9th to 24th April - nationaltrust. org.uk/nunnington-hall

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Easter adventures in nature trail at Fountains Abbey

Magic and Mystery at Barley Hall Magic & Mystery is a new exhibition at Barley Hall that explores the often fine line between science, religion and magic in medieval society. Explore the role of magic in the everyday lives of people living in the Middle Ages at this wonderful restored medieval town house in the centre of York. It’s a hidden gem that children really enjoy visiting.

Pick up an adventure trail and follow the map to complete 10 fun activities during your visit to one of Yorkshire’s most stunning places. See if you can shake like a squirrel, rise like the sun and listen to nature’s orchestra. There’s a chocolate reward to complete your visit too. Allow plenty of time for your visit - this is a full day out in the glorious Yorkshire Dales.

2 Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR - Open daily - barleyhall.co.uk

Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY 2nd to 17th April 2022, £3 per trail - nationaltrust.org.uk

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Look out for a brand new attraction in York…

The City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar opens to the public this Easter and promises to bring York’s history to life. Take your children to visit one of the historic gateways into the city and discover 2,000-year-old stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction! Explore the history of the most intact walls of any English city, which have stood since Roman times. You’ll meet some of the characters whose stories are intertwined with Issue 44

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Micklegate Bar: a princess, a Royalist in the English Civil War and an early 20th-century policeman who made the gatehouse his home.

Walking York’s city walls is always one of our top recommendations of things to do in York with children, and Micklegate Bar is the perfect place to start your stroll. Combine your visit to the City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar with a guided tour of a section of the walls, from Micklegate Bar to Baile Hill.

City Walls Experience, a short walk from York Train Station, is open April to October, so catch it while you can. If you’re planning to discover more of York’s attractions on your trip, you can visit four fantastic attractions for one great price! Exploring the history of a city like York can be expensive, but luckily The JORVIK Group offer a Pastport ticket enabling you to visit four great city-centre attractions: JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG, Barley Hall and City Walls Experience.

Visit jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

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Glorious gardens

Spring has sprung, the sun is shining (from time to time) and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. See the seasons change at one of these wonderful, familyfriendly gardens, woodlands and nature reserves.

NEW! The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle The Plotters’ Forest is a bespoke children’s play area to the north of Raby Castle nestled in the magical Christmas tree plantation, opening this Easter.

From stargazing decks, to towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest, this incredible space offers an imaginative playground for all ages to enjoy. The new attraction has purpose built areas for toddlers, with mini turrets and lookout decks, conveniently located next to the new split-level refreshment kiosk and roof deck seating area. Not only does your ticket permit you entry into the mysterious Plotters’ Forest, but it also allows for adventures beyond, including access to Raby Castle’s Deer Park.

Explore the great outdoors and find the hiding places of the red and fallow deer herds on the many picturesque walking routes. Raby Castle is a lovely family day out from York, and it’s just got even better.

Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH - raby.co.uk

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CHALLENGE, DISCOVERY & INTRIGUE The Plotters’ Forest is a bespoke children’s play area to the north of Raby Castle nestled in our magical Christmas tree plantation.

From stargazing decks, to towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest, this incredible space offers an imaginative playground for all ages to enjoy.

An adventure for the whole family, opening Easter 2022!

www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/play Be the first to hear more about The Plotters’ Forest Playground

Explore the gardens at Harewood this Easter Just north of Leeds, only 40 minutes drive from York, Harewood is a fantastic family day out. With a Georgian house set in 120 acres of stunning parkland, there’s plenty to discover and loads of hidden corners to explore.

• Huge adventure playground • Woodland Wonderland willow playspace • Plenty of accessible and pram-friendly paths on the Three Parks Walk • Skip over the stepping stones in the Himalayan Garden • Marvel at the exotic species in the Bird Garden, and say hello to the animals in the Farm Experience • Explore the exhibition Radical Acts: Why Craft Matters in the stunning Georgian house • Enjoy delicious locally-sourced food and drink Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG - harewood.org Issue 44

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A day of adventure, exploration + fun GET OUTDOORS at HAREWOOD Scramble across the Adventure Playground, discover exotic species in the Bird Garden, find your way through the Woodland Wonderland maze and seek out the stepping stones in the Himalayan Garden. Where will your day take you?

Registered charity in England no 517753

Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG Pre-book your visit at harewood.org

Woldies Lavender & Nature Farm Discover nature gardens, trails and play at Woldies Lavender & Nature Farm in the stunning Yorkshire Wolds. In a beautiful 12 acre setting of lavender, wildflowers and woodlandyou’ll find nature activities and games for all the family to enjoy. New this year is the Bees & Friends Garden: make your way through the honeycomb to the giant observational bee hive, become a pollinator and pollinate the giant flower, help Woldie Willow track bumblebees and find out how honey is made. Other activities include counting and learning about different types of butterflies in the butterfly garden, spotting birds in the bird hide, and looking out for fish, frogs, newts and more in the nature ponds. Why not ride the miniature railway, drop by the den zone, challenge your family to a game of footgolf and get lost in the willow maze too?

This Easter, Woldie Willow has a special easter trail to follow. From the willow warren rabbit tunnels to the giant spider’s web, find all the animals in their habitats, spot the hidden eggs and crack the code to win a prize. It’s a lovely place to visit during the summer too, when all the lavender is in bloom.

Woldies Lavender & Nature Farm, Wintringham, Malton YO17 8HW - 9th to 24th April 2022 - woldies.co.uk/home

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A trail of eggs are hidden in the homes of Woldie’s animal sculpture friends.

Find them all and crack the code

PLUS Mini bunny trail

Book online www.woldies.co.uk

RE FARM LAVEPNDERri& NATU ze

erFARyM vURE LAV foENDrER e& NAT NDERh& NATU LAVEC ilREdFARM

LAVENDER & NATURE FARM Nature Gardens, Trails and Play

Wildlife Detectives at Castle Howard Together with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, this Easter join Castle Howard for a new Wildlife Detective Trail around the gardens. Get lost in the canopy of the Ray Wood trees and uncover the beautiful creatures of the muddier parts of the grounds as you explore Castle Howard against the backdrop of the changing seasons. You’ll be provided with a trail map and an explorer pack as you venture to different stations across the estate. Each will reveal activities and clues as you discover the wandering wildlife getting ready for spring! Free with a valid grounds ticket.

While you’re there, don’t miss the fantastic Skelf Island adventure playground, one of the best in Yorkshire. There’s a variety of places to eat and drink, including takeaway pizzas during peak periods, and an endless amount of green space to explore. It’s a full day out for the whole family that’s fun in all seasons - it’s worth considering annual membership if you think you’ll visit a few times. Pre-booking is recommended.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA - castlehoward.co.uk Issue 44

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YOUR MISSION: find out if spring really has sprung at Castle Howard!

Get lost in the canopy of the Ray Wood trees and uncover beautiful creatures in some of the muddier parts of the grounds as you explore Castle Howard against the backdrop of the changing seasons.

Free with a valid grounds ticket

www.castlehoward.co.uk castlehowardest

castlehoward

castle_howard

IMAGES: SALLY GREGORY/YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Northwood Trail The Northwood Fairy Sanctuary is a new, family-run woodland attraction near York that won this year’s Little Vikings Award for Best Magical Experience.

It’s set within 100 acres of glorious woodland just outside Stamford Bridge, with 1.5km of imaginative nature trails winding through. Be inspired by a willow walled maze, explore the collection of fairy doors, fairy treehouses, tree stump village, giant mushroom ring, Elven thrones and more. It is a natural rustic attraction, sympathetic to its woodland surroundings and perfect for reconnecting children and adults to the freedom and magic of the natural world, all year round.

This Easter, there are special storytelling sessions (pre-booking required).

The fairies have played tricks and Madam Coco Souffle needs the help of the audience to undo the fairies’ tricks and save Easter. Interactive storytelling and chocolate, what could be better?

Northwood Trail, Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP - northwoodtrail.co.uk Issue 44

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Sewerby Hall Head to Bridlington to explore beautiful Sewerby Hall, with acres of stunning gardens to explore on the cliffs above the town.

The Walled, Pleasure and Rose Gardens take centre stage throughout the summer months. Why not take a stroll along the Woodland Walk and discover the hidden delights nature has to offer? There are often garden games and holiday activities, as well as a woodland walk and animals to see.

This Easter, join an exciting adventure in the gardens on an outdoor performance walk with the funny folk from Rusticus. Find out how the garden creatures are preparing for spring before helping to weave some seasonal magic of your own. You might even catch a glimpse of Mother Nature herself!

Visit the website for details.

Once you’ve done all your exploring, you can even catch the land train down to the beach. It’s a unique way to travel into the heart of Bridlington, as well as being quicker and more fun than walking with a tired child or two. Why not treat yourselves to some fish and chips while you’re there?

Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED - sewerbyhall.co.uk Issue 44

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Five green spaces to explore for free 1. Rowntree Park - Play areas, ponds, skate park, basketball court, wildlife area and more - Rowntree Park Terry Avenue Micklegate YO23 1JQ 2. Knavesmire Woods - Make dens, climb trees and hunt for bugs - York, YO24 1JT 3. Moorlands Nature Reserve - Stunning in the springtime - Moor Lane, York YO32 2RE 4. Askham Bog Nature Reserve - A short, boarded walk that’s easyish for buggies - Askham Bryan, York YO23 3QX 5. Sutton Bank - Yorkshire’s most beautiful view, and a white horse! - Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH

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C L I F F O R D’S T O W E R A towering new perspective on the city and its stories

Book online now and save Search ‘Clifford’s Tower’

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

Five reasons to visit...Allerthorpe Lakeland Park (with kids) Issue 44

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Just a short drive from York, Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is the ideal destination to take energetic children. Set in 53 acres of grounds, it’s THE place to visit for watersports near York. Even if your little ones are too young to enjoy the pleasures of falling off a paddleboard, there’s still plenty for them to enjoy around the lake. On a sunny day, there’s a holiday vibe and it really can feel like being abroad. It does get booked up, especially during the summer months, so do book ahead if you’d like to visit. Here are five reasons we love going to Allerthorpe with our own children, and why we recommend it to other families around York.

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There’s a brilliant range of activities Whatever your children’s age and ability, there’s something for them to enjoy at Allerthorpe (and it’s all screen-free!).

Pedalos offer a gentle way to explore the main lake, while the canoes and Canadian catamarans are another fun way to get the whole family involved in navigating the ducks. Older children who are a bit more independent can have a go at kayaking and paddleboarding it’s a fun activity to do together.

All activities need to be prebooked through the website, and you need to book your admission to the car park as well as your activity.

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Older children adore the aquapark Allerthorpe’s aquapark is awesome for older children.

Suitable for children aged 8+ and 1.2 metres tall, this inflatable obstacle course is huge fun. Kitted out in wetsuits,

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helmets and lifejackets, and under the eagle eye of one of the Allerthorpe lifeguards, they can jump, slide and splash around for 50 minutes. Make sure you get there in good time for the safety briefing, allowing time for parking and traffic on busy days. It’s worth it though - and it’s not just for kids!

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There’s a campsite!

You can extend your stay at Allerthorpe by booking a pitch at their campsite. It’s a simple, nofrills affair, but we like it because it’s flat, the small washing block is well

maintained and there’s something lovely about watching the sun come up over the lake in the morning. Why not book an early morning activity to make the most of the fact that you’re already on site? Top marks to anyone braving an open water swim…

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It’s great for younger children

There’s nothing that children love more than paddling, and Allerthorpe is a nice safe place to get little feet wet. There are roped-off areas that are reserved for paddling, so there’s no danger of coming into contact with a stray canoe! Pack your swimming

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years.

This Summer we will be opening up for our week-long summer camps!

Find out more at www.qe.org

Find out how we can help support your child to achieve their aspirations in our unique prep, middle and senior four-school model.

Call to arrange a private tour or join us on one of next Open Days on 12 March and 14 May 2022. admissions@qe.org 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS www.qe.org

Top tips • Pre-book your admission to the park AS WELL as the activity you would like to do • Allow plenty of time before your activity so you don’t miss any safety briefings • Keep an eye out for regular school holiday activities

things and towels - there’s plenty of space by the lake where you can leave your things, or the car park is just a short walk away. There’s also a play area that younger children will enjoy, as well as a selection of play equipment dotted around the grounds. A walk around the lake is another option for children who won’t or can’t get out onto the water. Dog owners will be pleased to know that their four-legged friends are welcome, too.

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There’s a cafe

We usually pack a picnic to keep costs down as there’s plenty of benches and space to throw down a blanket, but it’s good to know that there’s a Issue 44

cafe too, serving simple snacks, meals and hot and cold drinks. Why not see how many fish you can spot from the terrace just outside?

Travel essentials Address - Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Melbourne Road, Pocklington, York YO42 4RL Distance from York - 30 minutes approx.

Opening hours - Vary according to season; visit the website for more details More info allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk

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DATE NIGHT Spark: York When Spark:York won this year’s Little Vikings Award for Best Date Night Destination, we couldn’t have been less surprised (or more pleased).

For a long time now, Spark on York’s Piccadilly has been one of our first choices for an impromptu child-free lunch in York. Built from upcycled shipping containers, it might not seem the most romantic of choices, but it ticks a lot of boxes that keep us going back time and again.

Colourful, relaxed and welcoming, there’s something about Spark:York that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the

city. First off, the basics are covered: there’s plenty of seating on the ground floor, with more on the first floor with views over Piccadilly and beyond, which is lovely on a sunny evening.

Open to the elements for much of the year, there’s a roof and heaters to keep everyone warm and dry during the winter. There’s also no need to prebook, making it a good option for lastminute lunchers.

Clearly this isn’t a fine dining destination: we go for the street food and it never disappoints. There’s an ever-changing range of independent food businesses, with mouthwatering offerings from across the globe. When we go with our children (our kids love the quirkiness of Spark, and the fact they can really relax), authentic, freshly baked pizza and Greek platters groaning with halloumi are at the top of the list.

When we visited without them one recent lunchtime, we headed away from Europe to Mexico to try Dogs Nose Taco & Burrito Bar. It’s the first plant-based eatery of its kind in the

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north, with loads of gluten free options too. We chose the CheezeBurga and Habanero tofu burritos with a side of spiced fries, and they were delicious.

Despite it being a busy lunchtime, our food was quickly delivered . We peeled back the foil to discover fresh burritos packed with flavour, from pickled cabbage to chilli jam, fresh lime and black beans, rice and much more (note to self - go easy on the extra fillings next time, the burritos are BIG). The spiced fries, garnished with jalapenos, were hot, tasty and had avoided the sogginess that often comes with putting chips in a box.

There may be no white linen tablecloth or china plates and the forks may be wooden, but there’s always hearty

food, good music, cool things to look at and interesting things going on. For a date with a difference - or a relaxed place to eat as a family - Spark:York is an award-winner for a reason.

Visit sparkyork.org

Teaching independent swimming from birth... cl Swimming Lessons ages 4-10

urney o j e h t g in ...continu ge of 10. a e h t o t up !

Let’s do this

Find us on

Call:baby 07825 email: york@puddleducks.com Weekend and 269146 toddler swimming lessons at Winterbourne International Academy.

Find more information puddleducks.com/york Call 0117 9717165 to book. at Limited spaces available. www.puddleducks.com

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Little Vikings Book Club

York

for k

ids

Spring is a great time to connect with nature, and The Blue House Book Shop has shelves of animal-packed tales for children of all ages. Here’s a good one to get you started. And if you fancy feeding some ducks, why not head to Rowntree Park and buy a bag of duck food for £1 (proceeds to The Friends of Rowntree Park). They’ll be delighted to see you.

A Duck Called Brian

by Al Murphy Brian is all out of his favourite Breakfast cereal, out of milk and his best friend is nowhere to be found. Did we mention that Brian is a duck? Oh, and that he’s blue? Good, because that might be important. Brian goes searching for his friend, determined not to be distracted by anything: not ant counting, scientific experiments or inventions nor acrobatic ducks. He’s on a mission to find his friend because he thinks that’s the only thing that will make his day good. There are clues along the way, so keep your eye out, duck detectives.

He needs a miracle, and of course, a touch of magic. It’s great fun, there’s lots to spot on the colourful pages and a friend to find too. Can you help?

Buy your copy from the Blue House Bookshop, 10 Bootham, York YO30 7BL or email karen@thebluehousebookshop.co.uk Issue 44

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Little Vikings Make...

Nature weaving board

Creating a nature weaving board with children is a lovely activity and a great way to get them to engage with the outdoors and also develop a range of other skills. Prepare your board before you head off on a walk to your local park or open space. On your walk you then add ‘treasure’ that you find.

You will need: • A cardboard box cut into a rectangle.

The size is down to you, think what they can easily carry as they walk.

• Large elastic bands or string • Scissors • Alternatively you could create a frame from sticks tied together if preferred.

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1. If using elastic bands, stretch them over the board horizontally or mix it up with some horizontal and vertical layers. If using strong, it works best if you ‘snip’ about 1 cm into the card (approximately 2cm apart). Wrap the string around and make sure it goes into the incisions. This will help the strong stay in place.

2. Once your board is ready - time to go exploring to see what you can find.

3. The task can be fully open ended where the child just finds what they like or it can be more focused. For example, if you are learning colours then direct them to find things of certain colours or talk about the colours. You can choose to focus on shapes, textures, discuss smells and so on. Weaving items onto the board is also great for practicing fine motor skills.

4. Later you could use your natures treasures to create art, press flowers or talk to others about what you found and learnt.

Please note - Some wildflowers should not be picked. It’s also important to only pick where you are allowed and also where the flowers are abundant - making sure you save enough for pollinators.

Catkin & Co. is a York-based small business that craetes nature based kits and resources for children. Visit catkinand.co

My Baby Can Dance is a 6 times Little Vikings “Best Music Class” award-winning movement to music baby and preschool activity class. It is closely linked to the Early Years Development stages and is ideally suited for children from birth to 4 years+ CONTACT KATHERINE PEAK 07714 210814 KATHERINEMBCD@GMAIL.COM

Food: Little Vikings cook…

CHOCOLATE RICE CRISPY SQUARES

No fiddling about trying to get sticky Rice Krispies into little paper cake cases - this recipe is the easiest way to knock up a batch of classic Rice Krispie cakes. Ideal for birthday parties or any get-together, they’re guaranteed to please a crowd (especially if the average age of the crowd is under 11!). Just top with Mini Eggs for an extra Eastery effect! flatten it out, using the back of a spoon to make sure it’s pressed into all the corners.

5. Melt the remaining chocolate in a microwave according to its instructions (it takes about 1 minute 30 seconds for ours to melt) or in a heatproof bowl above a pan of simmering water (adults only!).

Method 1. Grease and line the bottom of a 21cm/8 inch brownie tin with greaseproof paper.

2. Add the butter, marshmallows and 100g of the chocolate to a large pan. Melt over a low heat until it becomes a smooth mixture (this may take a few minutes but don’t be tempted to whack up the heat!).

Remove from the heat.

3. Pour the Rice Krispies into the pan and coat well so that all of the cereal is covered.

6. Pour the chocolate over the Rice Krispie mixture evenly and spread with the back of a spoon again. Leave to set fully (this takes at least a couple of hours - be patient or they will still be sticky). Once it’s set, cut into squares and enjoy.

Ingredients • • • •

100g butter (salted or unsalted) 275g milk chocolate 150g Rice Krispies 120g marshmallows, cut into small pieces • Sprinkles/sweets of your choice to decorate

4. Pour the mixture into the lined tray and Issue 44

42 www.little-vikings.co.uk

Jokes

What did the big flower say to the little flower?

Hi bud!

How do you make a banana split?

Cut it in half!

How do you make an octopus laugh?

What do you call a belt made from clocks?

A waist of time!

With ten-tickles!

What’s big, green and moody?

Where did the kittens go on a school trip?

The mews-eum!

The incredible sulk!

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email:

0345 313 6716 york@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Why Little Vikings loves...

Rowntree Park Skate park and basketball court

Gardens to explore

Well equipped play area

Ducks to feed

Great cafe with books to borrow, lovely views and good food

Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ Issue 44

44 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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