Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 2)

York for kids Issue 02

FREE

Summer 2014

Š National Trust Images/David Levenson. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

hanging out

Outdoor play and adventures or indoor dressing up, trails and interactive fun this summer.

Members and under 5s go free.

01904 472027 nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

Hello... ...and welcome to our summer issue.

If you’re starting to panic about how to keep the kids entertained over the long summer holidays, don’t despair. We’ve got lots of ideas for things to do with the kids in and around York, whatever the weather and whatever your budget.

Whatever you get up to, have a good one and see you in the autumn!

little-vikings.co.uk info@little-vikings.co.uk facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK @LittleVikingsUK Little Vikings is brought to you by a York family on a mission to help other families enjoy the city

Summer Holidays

Our pick of the best

There’s plenty going on in and around York this summer for kids, and this is our pick of the best.

Summer Adventure at Stockeld Park Stockeld Park is a great family destination during any school holiday, and this summer’s no exception. There’s enough to do to fill a day, including the roller rink, Enchanted Forest (and its many interactive playgrounds), giant inflatables, maze (with naughty gnomes) and electric scooter trail. If the weather turns, take cover indoors and enjoy a hot drink while the kids bounce, run and jump off some energy in the indoor play areas.

Head across on 1st August to celebrate Yorkshire Day and raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research with a giant tea party, entertainment, a treasure hunt and ‘Magic Hatter’ magic shows.

Stockeld Park – Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN – 19th July to 1st September, 10am to 6pm (8pm Saturdays for roller disco) – adult £12, child £12, under 2s free, family (2+2 or 1+3) £42

www.little-vikings.co.uk

2

Let it go! Three-day Frozen summer school for 3 to 5 year olds at PQA York drama academy PQA is running a 3 day course for 3 to 5 year olds this summer, based on the hit film Frozen.

Students will embark on an imaginary adventure to the world of Frozen, meeting all the main characters. They’ll learn the film’s musical numbers before performing them on the last day to friends and family. If you’ve got an older child (6 to 18), check out PQA’s website for details of their summer holiday music video school.

Frozen Workshop – PQA York - 18th August to 20th August, 9.45am to 12noon - £50 PQA students/ £60 nonPQA students – to book, email james@ pqacademy.com or call 07753 179070; www.pqacademy.com

For the latest what’s on information for kids in York, visit the Little Vikings website!

Summer Holidays - Issue: 02

COMPETITION! WIN A FAMILY PASS TO BENINGBROUGH HALL!

Fancy hanging out at Beningbrough Hall this summer? Then why not enter our competition to win a family pass worth £24?

Beningbrough is one of our favourite family days out as there’s plenty for the kids to do, inside and out. The wilderness play area is a great place to run, slide and jump off some energy (there’s a new den building zone for the inventive, and a cantilever swing for the adventurous), and a wander around the gardens will turn your visit into an episode of Gardener’s Question Time (‘Mummy, what’s this crazy looking plant?’).

If the weather’s bad – and even if it’s not – head into the Hall and up to the interactive gallery where you can learn about portraits and even make your own virtual masterpiece. There’s dressing up too. Older children can follow the Clarence the Corgi trail to discover the pictures in the Royals: then and now display. It’s a day out fit for royalty. For details of family art workshops and other special events, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough.

Wonderful, Wonderland fun at Castle Howard Head down the rabbit hole for Alice in Wonderland activities at Castle Howard for 3 to 10-year-olds. Join the Mad Hatter and his friend the dormouse as they tell tales of the unexpected and share their magic tricks, then enjoy interactive games, cupcake decorating and giant croquet.

If that’s not enough Alice for you, why not book tickets to the Alice in Wonderland outdoor show (Castle Howard, 1st July & 21st August). With catchy songs aplenty, this lively and funny performance is brought to life for families with music, dancing and a host of pranks.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – Castle Howard – Wednesdays from 23rd July to 27th August, 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm - £10 per child - book online or by calling 01653 648621 – Tickets for Alice in Wonderland Outdoor Theatre from £10; book online or call 01653 648621.

Win a family pass!

To enter our competition to win a family pass for 2 adults and up to 3 children to visit Beningbrough for the day, just answer this simple question: What does the Queen wear on her head on special occasions? Email the answer, together with your name and address, to info@little-vikings.co.uk

by Friday 29th August 2014. A winner will be picked at random and notified by us.

3

@LittleVikingsUK

Summer fun at Nunnington Hall There’s lots going on at Nunnington Hall this summer for children. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July sees children’s theatre on the lawn: take part in an interactive performance of well-loved children’s stories or just relax and watch (normal admission charges apply; no booking necessary). The focus is on crafts on 9th and 10th August, with a variety of crafts for all ages. And it’s all about nature at Nunnington on August bank holiday weekend (23rd to 25th August), with butterfly and bug hunts, snail racing, face painting, a bouncy castle and much more.

Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York YO62 5UY – 11am to 5pm - adult £8.25, child £4.15, family £20.65 – closed Mondays

don’t miss the Jester’s Yard play area.

Royal Armouries, Leeds – 26th July to 31st August – Free (small charge for some activities; check the Royal Armouries website for timetable of activities) All about dinosaurs at the Yorkshire Museum It’s a dino-tastic summer at the Yorkshire Museum, with a host of dino-related activities for kids. Make your own dino mask, create your own dinosaur feet and see which mystery bones you can identify. On weekends only, have a go at making a scary Lego-saurus (11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm). There are special activities every Wednesday too, so check the Museum’s website for full details.

Yorkshire Museum – 23rd July to August 31st – Normal admission charges apply (free to YorkCard holders)

The Wind in the Willows It’s a long time until Christmas, so fill the Berwick Kaler-sized hole in your life with a trip to York Theatre Royal’s summer spectacular, The Wind in the Willows.

The Wind in the Willows – York Theatre Royal – 31 July to 30 August – Tickets from £14 - book online or at the box office Come Face to Face with history at the Royal Armouries Get your hands on history this summer at the Royal Armouries, with an opportunity to get up close to armour and weapons.

Watch Wild West gunfights and other live combat, have a go at brass rubbing, heraldic design and copper embossing and, on certain days, learn to sword fight. If you’ve got children under 10, www.little-vikings.co.uk

York Maze re-opens This exceptional seasonal attraction opens again on 12th July. Not just a maze: tractor rides, crazy golf, slides, bouncy pillows, sandpits, well-stocked play areas for all ages, animals to meet and more. Bigger and better every year, it’s one for a dry day.

York Maze – 12th July to 1st September (inclusive) – open 7 days, 10am to 6.30pm (last admission 4.30pm) – adult from £11.50, child from £10.50 (under 3s free)

4

Summer Holidays - Issue: 02

Circus fun at Piglets Lots of farm-based fun at this fantastic rural attraction just a short hop from the city. Slides and ropes, crazy golf and go-carts, barrel rides, water bomb fights, farm animals and much more.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park – 19th July to 31st August – 10am to 5.30pm adult £5.95, child £6.95 (under 1s free) Weekday matinees at City Screen City Screen is showing family films on weekdays during the summer holidays, including The Hobbit, The Lego Movie and even a Frozen singalong! Something for everyone. The programme starts at 10.15am with the film starting at 10.30am, and tickets are just £3. Check the City Screen website for the up-to-date programme.

1914 at York Castle Museum Perfect for older kids, it’s all about WW1 at York Castle Museum. Find out if you’ve got what it takes to join up, take part in drill sessions, send and decipher coded messages and try some of the food of the period.

York Castle Museum – 23rd July to 31 August – Normal admission charges apply (free to YorkCard holders)

Summer Adventure At PigletS FArm PArk to la the su unch seaso mmer introd n we uce...

FAt WAter mAt’S WArS circuS new for this Summer! everyday from tuesday 22nd everyday July til Sunday throughout 27th July the Summer Holidays, crazy upside 19th July til down Juggling, 31st August death defying stunts and Soak your amazing friends with acrobatics all water bomb in the giant wars!

Pink Big top.

Pig tHe rAcing mAize mAze everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July til 31st August

Open everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July til On your marks 31st August get set Oink! complete the Watch ‘lester maze mission piglet’, ‘Against by successfully all Hogs’ and navigating your all our other way through porcine racers our tricky take on the maize maze.

‘Pork-shire Hurdle’.

Plus all the usual farm park fun... Pedal go karts / Farmyard trail / ride-On tractors / trailer ride / Barrel train / Big Pigs Bouncing Pillow / giant Sandpit / Piglets Pillow / Animal Petting Barn / crazy Farm golf / Olym-Pigs Assault course Piglets Adventure Farm Park, towthorpe grange, York, YO32 9St / tel 01904 499183 / www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk

Things to do If it rains...

Don’t panic! There are plenty of things to do in York to keep kids busy come rain or shine. Here are our top picks if the weather turns northern.

Go for a swim Okay, you’ll still get wet, but swimming will help the kids burn off some energy even if the weather is poor. There are plenty of options, whether you’re after waterslides and wave machines (Waterworld), a good toddler pool (Energise or York Sport) or more serious lane swimming (Yearsley). More details in our Guide at the back of this issue.

Get in the fast lane Bowling’s fast and fun and gets everyone involved. Even our two-year-old loves it.

Tenpin is the place to bowl in York. It’s

www.little-vikings.co.uk

6

not cheap, but book in advance or go offpeak for great discounts.

Look out a library York’s got an abundance of great libraries, all of which welcome children.

York Central Library (aka Explore) has a well-stocked children’s section for all ages and a decent cafe, but it’s closed until autumn for a refurb. Rowntree Park Reading Cafe is popular with parents because of its relaxed atmosphere, range of kids’ books to borrow and proximity to the playground. Top coffee too.

The Museums There’s no shortage of museums in York to take cover in. The National Railway Museum is excellent, free and can keep a family occupied for a good few hours. Other great options are the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum (both free with YorkCards) and DIG. Don’t forget The Minster, too.

Further afield there’s the Royal Armouries in Leeds (free), The Deep and Eureka! in Halifax.

Summer Holiday Workshop Cycling - Issue: 01

4-8th August 2014

Head to the big screen With three cinemas to choose from, there are usually at least a couple of family-friendly film options showing somewhere. Choose from City Screen, Vue and Reel (details are in the Guide at the back of this issue).

For ages 6-16

At Clifton Moor Community Centre

A Midsummer Night’s Dream THE MUSICAL

Join us to produce a show in a week Plus your chance to perform at Galtres Parklands Festival

Paint a plate Ceramic painting is a fun way to spend an hour or two under cover. Just choose what you’d like to paint – from bowls to tiles, mugs to ornaments and much more – and get cracking. The staff at Rainbows Ceramics on Bootham are very friendly and more than happy to help anyone struggling to create their masterpiece.

Pop in a week or so later to pick it up once it’s been glazed, or they can post it out. Ask for details.

For more information or to book your place, Email alison@treadtheboards.org or phone 01904 693661 www.treadtheboards.org

Performing Arts For Everyone Tread The Boards is your local, independent Performing Arts school, offering affordable Dance, Drama and Singing classes for ages 3-adult.

Now in our eighth year, our students grow in confidence, fitness and self esteem, whether taking part for fun or to prepare for stage productions.

Phone 01904 693661 or email alison@treadtheboards.org for more details or to reserve a place for September.

NEW! Adult Classes at UPSTAGE CENTRE, YORK

Brave the soft play Soft play might be most parents’ worstnightmare, but it comes into its own on a wet day. For a huge range of equipment and activities for kids of all ages, Creepy Crawlies is your best bet. The smaller, self-contained Wacky Warehouse is a decent budget option for younger ones.

Starting September 2014 – booking now.

7

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Things to do If it shines….

Make the most of it! Grab your hats and sunscreen and head off to enjoy some of our favourite outdoor activities.

Walk the walls There’s almost 3.5km of medieval wall to choose from, all with fantastic views, and it’s totally free. If little feet aren’t up to a big hike, choose a small section. It’s easy to hop off once you’ve had enough. It’s better suited to older children (some parts don’t have railings) and is a no-go area for buggies. It can get crowded, so perhaps try an early morning stroll.

Head to a park or adventure playground Young children would happily spend days in the park given half a chance, and there are loads in York to choose from. See the Guide at the end of this issue for our favourites.

Hire a boat or take a river trip One of the (many) things that makes York so special is its rivers. Get a duck’seye view of the River Ouse with a river cruise or by hiring a self-drive motor boat.

Head down to King’s Staith to assess your options. www.little-vikings.co.uk

8

Pick your own The novelty of picking your own fruit never seems to wear off (or not in our family, at any rate). It’s a nice way to remind kids that strawberries aren’t computer generated or made in a factory, and it might even get them to eat more of the good stuff. The Balloon Tree is ideal.

Have a picnic There’s only a small window in the year when we can eat outside without several layers of clothing, so make the most of it with a picnic.

If it shines - Issue: 02

Go for a bike ride Still feeling inspired after the Grand Depart? Make the most of it while the sun shines with a bike ride around or outside the city. Take a look at the itravelyork website (www.itravelyork.info/cycling) for routes.

Visitors can hire bikes from independent bike shops Get Cycling and Cycle Heaven.

Go coastal York’s fairly landlocked, but head east and you can be at the seaside in under an hour. For good food and a lovely historic town, choose Whitby; for traditional candy-floss-and-rock go to Scarborough or Bridlington. Filey’s popular for its huge clean sandy beach while RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the place for puffin watching.

Top five places to picnic

* Yorkshire Museum Gardens - a beautiful riverside spot, complete with squirrels for entertainment and ruins to balance on. *Deans Gardens - the Minster’s very own garden, it’s a haven from the hustle and bustle of town. Close to lots of places to pick up picnic provisions. *Homestead Park - pretty gardens, wilder spaces, a well-stocked playground and room to kick a ball. *Riverside - the river Ouse is one of York’s top natural landmarks, and a picnic on its banks is a lovely thing. *Rowntree Park - give the goose droppings a miss and grab a bench in the play area or at the far end near the Millenium Bridge.

9

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

FREE

Taster classes in and around York during July & August

UNIQUE MUSIC CLASSES FOR BABIES, TODDLERS, PRESCHOOLERS AND PARENTS Magical Music Technology U Story Telling U Instrumental Play Singing and Movement U Make New Friends

Book your FREE Taster class online now!

www.bumblebeats.co.uk

Limited spaced available

Design & Branding by Rebus Design: 01765 647100 | www.rebusdesign.co.uk

Join us and discover the magic & mistery of chocolate

Indulge in our Chocolate Café, taste our hand made Chocolates, watch our Chocolatiers at work or create your own chocolates:

Each Week in our Chocolate Workshop:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Every day

4pm – Making Chocolate 4pm – Making Chocolate Bars 4pm – Making Chocolate Truffles 4pm – Chocolate Tasting Tour 2pm – Making Chocolate Models 10am & 4.30pm Making Chocolate Bars 11am – Making Chocolate Models 1.30pm – Making Chocolate Truffles Create your own chocolate lollipop

Open Mon – Sat 8.30am – 6.00pm, Sun 10.00am – 5.30pm

3 Blake Street, York, YO1 8QJ 01904 675787

WWW.YORKCOCOAHOUSE.CO.UK

Food Yorkies love to eat out, which is good because the city’s packed with great places for food and drink - even with a family in tow.

As it’s the time of year that we’re meant to see some sun, this issue it’s all about al fresco eating. We reveal some of our favourite places to eat outdoors and a recipe for chocolate truffle bars to make with your little vikings if it’s raining and you’re stuck inside.

Little Vikings Eat Out Lunch at The Balloon Tree One of our favourite things about summer is being able to eat outside. The kids are more relaxed – except when wasps and bees make an appearance – so we are, too. The Balloon Tree is one of our top destinations for simple, outdoor eating. We checked out their new refurbishment and enjoyed a family lunch in the sunshine.

The concept The Balloon Tree describes itself as a farm shop, but it’s not just a place to buy fresh eggs and veg. As well as having a well-stocked shop packed with freshly picked treats, there’s a decent sized café with plenty of tables inside and out (some of which are right next to the small play area). Depending on the time of year, you can pick your own fruit and veg (our kids love strawberry and pumpkin seasons) and there’s also a small number of animals to coo over.

The menu The café might have a smart new look, but the menu is reassuringly familiar (but we’re still sobbing about the disappearance of the delicious cinnamon toast). Breakfast is served from 9am to 4pm, and lunch from 11am (great for kids who get hungry earlier than the average adult). Adults can choose from all-day breakfast treats like poached eggs on toast, tasty sandwiches, tapas and daily and seasonal specials. The cakes are fab too. For kids, there’s a short but sweet menu including sandwiches, mini cooked breakfasts and fishcakes.

Why it’s family-friendly Plenty of highchairs, baby changing, a self-contained play area with tables so you can supervise while you chat and eat, and friendly staff who take the trouble to make sure you’ve got what you need are just some of the reasons we like it here.

The fact that you can make it into more of an adventure by indulging in a bit of pick-your-own and visiting the animals is a bonus too.

The verdict For a family-friendly lunch in the country just 15 minutes from York, The Balloon Tree is a great destination. It feels like a real change of scene and is refreshingly relaxed. The menu is simple and fresh, and you can pick up something tasty for tea while you’re there.

The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Road, York YO41 1NB Farm shop open 9am to 6pm Monday to Sunday; Café open Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm www.little-vikings.co.uk

12

Food - Issue: 02

Four other places to eat in York with outside space

Bistro Guy, 40 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ The little garden of this café/bistro is pretty special as it’s overlooked by the City walls.

Plenty of fresh, tasty local treats to choose from, including homemade soups, welsh rarebit and all-day breakfasts. The kids’ menu features cheese on proper toast (our kids love it) and chicken goujons with chips and salad.

The Café 68, 68 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ It’s the huge cakes in the window that often draw people into Café 68, but it’s worth stopping by for a relaxing lunch in the little garden. Enough for kids to choose from to keep them happy too.

Rowntree Park Reading Café, Rowntree Park Lodge, Richardson Street, York YO23 1JU After a morning hanging out at Rowntree Park, grab a table on the terrace of the Reading Café and enjoy a tasty coffee and cake or light lunch. The café’s library collection has books for kids of all ages; borrow one to keep them occupied while you relax.

City Screen, Vodka Revolution and Pitcher and Piano, the riverside, off Coney Street, York These three bars/restaurants all benefit from a riverside location and have large terraces so you can sit outside and watch the boats go by. All cater for children, but avoid the weekends if you don’t want to encounter stag and hen parties at Vodka Revolution and Pitcher and Piano.

playing There's fun for all the family with giant garden games, dressing up, activity areas, a mud pie kitchen and more, so come and play this summer!

Check out our website for special family events Members and under 5s go free.

01439 748283 nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Nunnington Hall

Little Vikings Cook Chocolate Truffle Bars There aren’t many health benefits to these chocolate truffle bars, but they taste fantastic and are easy to make. The perfect end-of-picnic treat, and also great as a pudding with some ice cream and berries (so that’s one of your five-a-day, at least).

Method • •

• • • •

•

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4. Line a 20cm/8in square baking tin (4cm deep at least, ideally loosebottomed) with baking paper.

Break the chocolate up. Tip it into a large bowl with the butter. Allow it to melt slowly on very low heat either in a bowl over a pan of boiling water or gently in a microwave, checking and stirring often. Remove from heat.

Add the sugar and vanilla and beat with a wooden spoon. Whisk the eggs in vigorously.

Sift in the flour and a pinch of salt. Beat the mix together thoroughly using a wooden spoon.

Tip the truffle mix into the tin and spread it evenly into the corners.

Bake for 35 minutes. Use a cocktail stick to check it’s done: it should be a little bit moist but not overly sticky or loose. Remove. Leave to cool in the tin on a rack for 10 minutes.

Mark the truffle into bars using a sharp knife but don’t cut all the way through yet. When it is cold, cut through properly and then remove the bars with a spatula. Ice with messages if you like. Store in an airtight tin.

Ingredients 200g dark chocolate 150g butter 225g caster sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 extra egg yolk 75g plain white flour

Recipe © Sam Stern. Sam Stern is a York cook and author of six bestselling cookbooks.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

14

Come on in,the water’s lovely!

Join our family of Puddle Ducks and enjoy baby and pre-school swimming with the most caring and highly-trained teachers around. Contact our friendly team today to find out about our classes across York.

puddleducks.com E. york@puddleducks.com 07825 269146

CREATING THRILLS & SKILLS FOR LIFE

With outstanding Performing Arts tuition, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West End show - what are you waiting for?

PQA York is enrolling now. Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York YO32 9WT Academies run on Saturdays from 9.45am until 1pm To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022 or email james@pqacademy.com

FREE taster session

A Grand Day Out

Yorkshire Sculpture Park Recently we headed out to Yorkshire Sculpture Park with our little Vikings for a grand day out in the countryside, with a bit of culture thrown in for good measure.

What it is Yorkshire Sculpture Park is 500 acres of rolling countryside dotted with worldfamous, inspiring and intriguing sculptures just 45 minutes’ drive from York. There are some indoor gallery spaces, but this is really an outdoor day out that calls for strong footwear and an exploring state of mind.

What’s in it for kids As well as a ton of bracing fresh air and a load of exercise in stunning scenery, kids of all ages will love trying to work out the sculptures. We must have been asked ‘what’s that?’ by our fouryear-old and two-year-old a hundred times during our visit. They really enjoyed spotting the sculptures in shapes that they recognised and guessing what the less obvious ones might be. For firing imaginations, it’s a great place to go. There’s plenty of woodland to play in: we spent a lot of time hiding-and-seeking.

Where to eat There’s a lovely restaurant and café serving a good selection of healthy, hearty homemade food. Young children will enjoy the selection of sandwiches and snacks – ours certainly did. Highchairs are available, as are good baby-changing facilities. It’s not cheap to eat here, so picnics are popular. www.little-vikings.co.uk

Our verdict Yorkshire Sculpture Park has fast become one of our favourite trips out.

It’s a lovely way to spend the day, and the perfect antidote to the places we go that are full of playgrounds and other child-specific entertainment. Proof, if we needed it, that kids don’t need swings and slides to have a great day out. The fact it’s free is a bonus, too.

Good to know Little ones with less stamina may struggle with all the walking, so pack a sturdy buggy/sling/carrier or be prepared to give into cries of ‘carry me!’ by the end of the afternoon. Pick up a map when you arrive to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The damage Admission is free, but you’ll need to pay to park. It’s not cheap, at £2.50 for an hour (unlikely to be long enough), £5 for 1-2 hours or £8 for the whole day. But £8 for a family day out can’t be bad! To save even more, take a picnic.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG – Open daily except 25th and 26th December – 10am to 6pm in summer, 10am to 5pm in winter – Free admission but charges for parking.

16

A Grand Day Out - Issue: 02

Other days out in the great outdoors Brimham Rocks

An amazing collection of weird and wonderful natural rock formations, managed by the National Trust. Brilliant for climbers little and large. Take a picnic if the weather’s good. Free admission, but a charge to park (parking free for National Trust members).

Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW

Fountains Abbey

Spot deer at the deer park or just enjoy getting lost in the stunning grounds of Fountains Abbey. Kids will enjoy the play area and hiding in the abbey ruins.

There are places to eat, but it’s also a great place for a picnic. Plenty to do and see for everyone. National Trust members visit free.

Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY

Helmsley Castle

The ruins of Helmsley Castle will bring out the inner knight and maiden of any little Viking. Not much that’s undercover, so best for a dry day.

English Heritage members get in free.

Combine with a visit to the lovely market town of Helmsley.

Castlegate, Helmsley YO62 5AB

Stockeld Park

If your little vikings prefer the great outdoors to have some child-friendly manmade touches, Stockeld Park is a good option. Their popular Enchanted Forest is full of excellent play areas and magical characters and creatures. It’s entertaining enough for small feet not to notice that they’re going on a long walk.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN

17

@LittleVikingsUK

Fun Rib-tickling jokes, mask-making and a York I-Spy. Get stuck in...

Fun - Issue: 02

I-Spy

Can you spot these York characters?

19

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Spot the difference Spot the eight differences between these two pictures of York, and then colour them in.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

20

Fun - Issue: 02

How to Make a mask!

When you wear a mask you can become almost anything – an animal, a bird, a monster or a robot!

Wearing a mask means that you have to be extra big and expressive with the rest of your body.

YOU WILL NEED:

STEP 4. GET CREATIVE

A paper plate

Stick or straw

Now the really fun stuff – decorate your mask!

One great idea is to use old magazines or papers (ensure the owner has finished reading them !).

Tear out nice colours or patterns and stick them to your mask. You can also use coloured pens or crayons, stickers, glitter, pasta – anything you like – to add to the design.

STEP 1. PAPER PLATE TIME

STEP 5. THE STICK

Tear off a part of the plate (or cardboard circle) so your mouth can be seen. Hold the plate in front of your face and work out where your mouth will be. Tear or cut your plate here (getting an adult to help you if you need to use scissors).

When you’re happy with your mask, it’s time to add a stick to it (otherwise how will you hold it to your face?!). Ta da! Here’s one we made for our Mask classes – The Tortoise and The Hare.

Coloured pencils/pens/crayons Old magazines, newspapers etc Sticky tape/glue

STEP 2. ADD ANY BITS Use the spare bits of card to add ears, spikes, bumps and bits.

STEP 3. THE EYES Ideally you want to be able to see whilst wearing your mask, so push a pencil through the plate and tear out an eye hole – or get an adult to cut some out with scissors.

© Gemma - Hoglets. Gemma is the founder of Hoglets: Theatre Fun For Little Folks. Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes in York for babies and toddlers from 0-4 years. See www.hoglets.org.uk for more info.

21

@LittleVikingsUK

Guide Wondering what to do with the kids today?

Whether you’re in the mood for a film, museum, swim, adventure playground or kickabout in the park, this is our indispensable guide to the best of family-friendly York. It should be enough to keep those long summer holidays filled. And if you fancy heading out on the train or in the car, we’ve featured some of our favourite days out too.

Guide - Issue: 02

The Guide: Places to go, things to do Star attractions Jorvik Ride through a reconstructed Viking village and meet ‘real’ Vikings.

JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT DIG Fantastic hands-on archaeological fun for budding Indiana Joneses.

DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN York Minster The city’s most famous landmark.

Kids can borrow an Explorer Backpack to make their visit even more fun.

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH

The National Railway Museum Lots of train-related fun for families, all for free.

NRM, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ The Yorkshire Museum Dinosaurs, fossils, intriguing Roman artefacts and much more. Plenty of hands-on activities for children.

Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR City Walls Almost 3.5km of medieval walls with fantastic views, all for free. Not a great option for buggies or wobbly toddlers.

Cliffords Tower An iconic landmark with picture-perfect views of the city. Tons of steps, so not one for buggies.

Cliffords Tower, Tower St York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA

23

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

National Railway Museum Not just for trainspotters, the National Railway Museum has something to interest everyone, young or old, train enthusiast or not. As well as the permanent exhibitions (think Flying Scotsman, the Mallard and more), there’s always something new going on and there’s a real focus on familyfriendly activities. And it’s free!

Parks and Open Spaces Museum Gardens This ten-acre botanical garden plays host to the Yorkshire Museum. Its riverside location and stunning medieval ruins make it a special place.

Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR

We say - This is one of York’s star attractions for a reason. The family activities are excellent and will appeal to children of all ages. There’s plenty to do and see, so you could easily make a morning or afternoon of it. There’s a great mini train ride (extra charge) and an outdoor play area for running off some steam, too.

Rowntree Park A beautiful place with lots going on. Two wellequipped play areas, a small lake with ducks and geese, tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court and gardens. And a great café.

Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ Homestead Park Beautiful gardens, grassy areas for ball games, well stocked play areas and a pond. Lots of benches for picnics.

The Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP

Good to know – there are often trainrelated games and toys for under-sixes in the Great Hall at certain times of day. You’ll be given a What’s On Today information sheet as you arrive, which is worth checking. There’s a number of picnic benches, inside and out, so you can bring your own lunch. Food at the café is very good though, and they do a kids’ lunch bag. Parking is expensive, so you might want to ditch the car and find another way to get there.

Askham Bog Woodlands, meadows and flocks of birds just outside the city. A good option for a short, buggyfriendly walk thanks to the boarded path.

Just off the A1036, York YO23 2UB The Knavesmire Home to the racecourse, but also an ideal open space for running off steam, kite-flying or kicking a ball about.

The Knavesmire, York YO23 1EX

National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ - Open 10am to 6pm - Free

www.little-vikings.co.uk

24

Guide - Issue: 02

Cinemas and Theatres

Chocolate

City Screen Picturehouse Kids’ Club, Toddler Time and the Big Scream screenings are weekly favourites for children at this fab riverside arthouse cinema. Good cafe.

City Screen, 13-17 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL

York’s Chocolate Story Join a tour to learn about the history of chocolate then make your own chocolate treat to take home.

York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD

Vue A 12-screen out-of-town cinema complex with lots of free parking.

Vue York, Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, York YO30 4XY

York Cocoa House Enchanting café, shop and chocolate school.

Regular workshops for children and adults.

York Cocoa House, 3 Blake Street, York YO1 8QJ Goddards Former house of York chocolate-making family, the Terrys, now owned by the National Trust.

Lovely gardens.

Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GG

Reel Fairly small, no-frills cinema often showing a good selection of family films.

Reel Cinema York, Odeon Buildings, Blossom Street, York YO24 1AJ

Gory York

York Theatre Royal The city’s oldest theatre. Lots of family shows and a world-famous panto. Classes for kids and a very popular youth theatre.

York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD Grand Opera House A theatre specialising in touring shows, including family favourites like Peppa Pig and the Gruffalo.

Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW Joseph Rowntree Theatre This community theatre opened early last century and is still going strong. The ever-changing programme has a strong family-friendly slant.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA

York Dungeon A tour of gory York, brought to life with sounds, smells and actors, for brave little Vikings (10+).

The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York YO1 9RD Barley Hall Restored medieval house that hosts the Horrible Histories exhibition. Other hands-on stuff for kids too.

Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR

York Barbican Former leisure centre-turned-arts-venue that plays host to touring artists and family shows.

York Barbican Centre, Paragon Street, York YO10 4NT

25

Tell us what you’re up to in York through our Facebook page!

@LittleVikingsUK

Sport and Leisure Energise As well as a 25m pool, there’s a gym, crèche, climbing wall, dance studio and outdoor pitches.

Swimming lessons, birthday parties and classes and courses for kids.

Energise, Cornlands Road, York YO24 3DX

Adventure Playgrounds and Soft Play Creepy Crawlies/The Web Adventure Park Almost 2 acres of indoor and outdoor activity for children of all ages.

The Web Adventure Park, Wiggington Road, York YO32 2RH Piglets Adventure Farm Park Lots of farm-based outdoor fun, open seasonally.

Slides and ropes, crazy golf, go-carts, barrel rides, farm animals and much more.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST

York Sport This new £9m facility has a 25m pool, 18m learner pool, football pitches and gym. There’s a café too, and plenty of swimming lessons.

York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York YO10 5FG

York Maze Exceptional seasonal attraction. Tractor rides, crazy golf, slides, bouncy pillows, sandpits, wellstocked play areas for little and large children, animals to meet and more.

York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT

Yearsley Step back in time at this 50 yard Edwardian swimming pool, with poolside changing cubicles.

No-frills: don’t expect wave machines or slides!

Yearsley Pool, Haley’s Terrace, York YO31 8SB Waterworld Three water slides, a wave pool and toddler fun pool as well as a small lane swimming pool. Not open every day so check before you travel.

Waterworld, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, Huntington, York YO32 9JS

Wacky Warehouse A fairly small but self-contained soft play centre based just outside York, next to the Flying Legends pub.

Flying Legends, Clifton Moor Retail Park, York YO30 4XY

Tenpin Out-of-town bowling alley with plenty of lanes and a fun atmosphere. Pool tables, arcade games and a small café.

Tenpin, Stirling Road, Clifton Moor Centre, York YO30 4WZ

www.little-vikings.co.uk

26

Guide - Issue: 02 and ice skating. The Enchanted Forest is truly enchanting.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AW

Beyond the Walls Beningbrough Hall Fab National Trust destination for families with great gardens and adventure playground.

Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD

Tropical World It’s home to the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew, but kids love the snakes, butterflies, birds, meerkats and other beasts at this Leeds Council-run attraction.

Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 1DF

Nunnington Hall An attractive National Trust manor house 45 minutes from York. Gorgeous gardens but no playground. Giant garden chess and peacocks, and regular events for families.

Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, Near York, YO62 5UY Harewood House Stunning stately home near Leeds with a fantastic adventure playground and bird garden with flamingos, penguins and much more.

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG Newby Hall A favourite day out for York families because of the impressive adventure playground, miniature railway and magical gardens.

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE Castle Howard A beautiful grand house and gardens in the Howardian Hills. Walks in the woods, great adventure playground and regular kids’ holiday activities.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Helmsley Castle The ruins of this ancient monument are a great excuse to visit the pretty market town of Helmsley.

Helmsley Castle, Castlegate, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AB Royal Armouries Museum Huge collection of all things armour-related, with loads of hands-on stuff for kids.

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT York Maze This exceptional seasonal attraction is more than a maze. Tractor rides, crazy golf, slides, bouncy pillows, sandpits, well-stocked play areas for little and large children, animals to meet and more.

York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT Yorkshire Sculpture Park A stunning open air gallery; world-class sculpture set in gardens and woodland. Perfect outdoor day out when the sun shines.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG

Lightwater Valley Theme park that caters for little and large thrill-seekers (13 rides for children under 1m, 26 rides for taller vikings).

Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT Stockeld Park A fantastic seasonal attraction with lots to do.

Activities vary but can include nordic skiing

27

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Viking Voice The Red Goat Climbing Company Here’s your opportunity to write a review of what you’ve been up to. This issue we hear from Kate Newton, age 7, from York, about her visit to The Red Goat Climbing Company.

“I love climbing and yesterday Daddy took me to The Red Goat climbing wall! It was my first time climbing and they lent me some special shoes (they were very squishy). I had to only follow the orange handholds to get to the top (these are for children).”

Want to be the next Viking Voice? Tell us what you enjoy doing in York. Email us at info@little-vikings.co.uk

www.little-vikings.co.uk

28

Every Wednesday from 23 July to 27 August

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Children will be transported into a magical world at our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Join the Mad Hatter and his friend, the Dormouse, as they tell tales of the unexpected, share their magic tricks and invite you to join in the fun with interactive games, cupcake decorating and giant croquet.

Thursday 31 July & Thursday 21 August

Alice the Musical: Outdoor Theatre An interactive tale of childhood and imagination as Alice and White Rabbit set off on an adventure like no other, meeting a host of wacky and colourful characters along the way in this hilarious musical show. Alice in Wonderland fancy dress encouraged.

at Pre-book online

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA | 01653 648333

ard.co.uk

www.castlehow