Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 3)

York for kids Issue 03

FREE

Autumn 2014

Š National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

Half term family fun Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov (closed Mon)

days out with friends

A week of activities for all weathers - visit the website for full details

01904 472027 nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

Hello... ...and welcome to our autumn issue!

The excitement of summer might be over, but there’s plenty going on in York for kids as the temperature drops and the nights draw in.

We’ve got ideas for celebrating bonfire night and Halloween, the lowdown on Illuminating York and plenty of inspiration for keeping everyone happy during October half term.

Have a good one, and see you for our Christmas special!

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

What’s On

Half Term, Halloween & more Don’t let the changing weather put you off getting out with the kids and enjoying some of the many exciting activities and events going on in and around York this autumn. Here’s our pick of the best.

Bringing the First World War to life York Castle Museum is bringing the First World War to life this half term with daily performances of One Man’s War. Meet a Great War veteran and be recruited into his regiment before joining him on his journey. Performances throughout the day, 11am to 4pm, Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October. There’s also the chance to make your own medal (11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm every day) and to try pickle recipes in the Castle Kitchen.

Romans at the Yorkshire Museum It’s all about Romans at the Yorkshire Museum this half term.

Find out what sort of kit a Legionary would have needed and have a go at making your own cut-out Roman soldier. Then meet the Centurion as he tests your fitness for the Roman army and puts you through your paces in a drill session. On Wednesday 29th October (11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm), drop in and create your own mini Roman catapult and then test out its firepower on the Iron Age fort. www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Annual Apple Celebrations Celebrate apple season at Beningbrough Hall: from October 4th to 19th (closed Mondays), see over 40 varieties of apple and enjoy a changing programme of activities including apple pressing (Tuesdays and Fridays), tastings (Saturdays and Wednesdays) and tasty treats in the restaurant.

Don’t forget to check details before you set off as things can change

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Torch-lit bat hunt As Beningbrough Hall closes and night falls, nocturnal animals come out to feed. Bring a torch and head out to explore and see what you can discover – if you dare! Booking essential (01904 472027).

Recommended for children aged 5+.

Beningbrough Hall – 31st October and 1st November – 5pm to 6pm - £4 per person

practise their skills.

Five workshops per day; 27th to 29th October; £8 per child for an hour.

Shock-olate

Visitors to York’s CHOCOLATE Story can test their nerve this Halloween by taking part in the tastiest trick or treat challenge ever.

The attraction will be holding spook-tacular SHOCK-olate tasting sessions.

Test your luck and spin the specially created ‘wheel of fortune’ to receive either a delightfully tasty treat or a revolting rotten trick chocolate!

York’s CHOCOLATE Story Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November – adult £9.95, child £7.95 (under 4s free)

Fright Night at Stockeld Park Not-so-little Vikings with a strong constitution should prepare to be scared at Stockeld Park’s Fright Night. The woodland will be transformed into a world of terror, with three frightening attractions.

Stockeld Park - 29th to 31st October - 5.30pm to 9.30pm child £11.50, adult £13.50 Wizard and Witch Training Wannabe witches and wizards can join a special Halloween training school workshop at Stockeld Park this half term. Each graduate receives a certificate, real broomstick and half price voucher to enter the forest to

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Trainspotting at the National Railway Museum Children can explore the adventure and nostalgia associated with trainspotting at the National Railway Museum between 25th October and 2nd November.

Take part in trainspotting trails, read spotter stories curated by acclaimed poet Ian McMillan and enjoy the mischief, drama and anticipation of travelling the tracks and sneaking around stations with entertaining theatre performances by Platform 4 Theatre Company.

Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park Stockeld Park is embracing the Halloween theme this October half term, with wizard and witch training (see above), the chance to meet a wizard, pumpkin picking, spooky crafts and face painting as well as all the usual fab activities and the Enchanted Forest.

Prices vary according to activity; see the website for details.

Pumpkin madness at York Maze Head to York Maze’s pumpkin patch to seek out a golden ticket to win a golden pumpkin worth £1000! Even if you don’t win, enjoy carving your own creation or having a go at the pumpkin sling shot. Lots more activities to enjoy too, including a Halloween show.

York Maze - October 25th to November 1st - adult from £11.50, child from £10.50 (under 3s free).

The city lights up for Illuminating York York’s annual festival of lights at the end of October is a sight to remember forever, and well worth keeping the kids up late for. Plenty going on throughout the city.

Take a walk around and see what you can discover.

York City Centre - 29th October to 1st November - 6pm to 9pm Wonderful workshops at York Theatre Royal There’s a host of fab workshops at York Theatre Royal this October half term, for kids aged from 5 to 15. Choose from The Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Autumn (28th October, for ages 5-8), Play in a Day (31st October, for ages 8-12) or a Mask Workshop (29th October, ages 11-15). Lots of creative fun guaranteed.

From £10 per child. Contact York Theatre Royal box office for more information and to book (01904 623568).

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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York Maze Fireworks Spectacular Head to York Maze for a spectacular choreographed firework display featuring songs chosen by listeners to Minster FM. There’ll be a giant bonfire, fire show and food stalls. The kids’ play areas and quad track will be open all night.

York Maze – Wednesday 5th November - 4.30pm to 10.30pm (fireworks 8pm) - adult £13.50, child £10.50, under 3s free - bookings in advance only

Fireworks at Stockeld Park What goes BOOM! deep in the Yorkshire forest? Stockeld Park’s spectacular firework display of course. It’ll be set to music and promises to be a loud, proud evening of Yorkshire entertainment. Stockeld Park Sunday 2nd November, 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start (but firework charges apply from 2.30pm) - £5.50 per person or £20 for a family of four - book online from 1st September.

Talk to us about making your childcare cheaper...

Contact York’s Family Information Service on 01904 554444, email: fis@york.gov.uk or www.yor-ok.org.uk

Illuminating York Illuminating York is one of the highlights in the city’s year. This festival of light sees many of York’s landmarks transformed in the most creative and colourful ways.

This year’s theme is Leading Lights - focusing on innovation and discovery in York - and there are plenty of events to enjoy. Although many of them take place around bedtime for lots of little Vikings, we’d recommend making an exception and letting them stay up late to enjoy it. Last year we took our 18-month old (wrapped up in the buggy) and 3-and-a-half year old and they were completely enchanted. It was well worth their slightly grumpy moods the next day!

There’ll be plenty to see and enjoy from a walk around the city centre, or make a beeline for some of the many special events taking place. If you’re planning to eat out, book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the city, so that’s a lot of people needing dinner.

Details of events are being confirmed all the time, so check the Illuminating York website for the most up-to-date information (illuminatingyork.org.uk).

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Locos in a Different Light at the National Railway Museum – 29th October to 1st November 2014, 6.30pm to 10pm Free See the museum’s fascinating Spotter Stories brought to life with amazing colour and lighting.

A unique chance to see the locomotives linked to these tales from the tracks as you’ve never seen them before.

Illuminating York Festival 2014 runs from Wednesday 29th October to Saturday 1st November, 6pm to 10pm.

Picture: copyright Kippa Matthews / Visit York

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Active Kids If you’re someone who spends a lot of time looking after children, you’ve probably got enough wet weather/snowy weather/sunny weather gear to open a small shop. And that’s because kids need to run off some of their endless energy every day, regardless of the forecast or your dislike of hanging out in the park in the rain. Luckily there are lots of classes for kids in York to help keep them active (and they also happen to be undercover). Here’s our pick of just a few.

Climbing Older kids who fancy scaling walls like Spiderman (or woman) will love the classes at Red Goat Climbing Wall.

Experienced climbers and coaches make sure that they stay safe, progress at climbing and have fun. And parents can have a drink in the coffee lounge while they wait – music to our ears. Suitable for 7 to 16-year-olds; after-school and weekend classes.

Red Goat Climbing Company, 6 Redeness Street, York YO31 7UU Rugby Rugbytots are exciting classes that use rugby skills to help the development of young children (2 to 7 years). It’s not about scrums and www.little-vikings.co.uk

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cauliflower ears, but gently introducing ideas like running with a ball, kicking, catching and score-trying. We’ve seen it in action and can testify that it’s very good, engaging, active fun with enthusiastic coaches. Classes across York.

Contact york@rugbytots.co.uk Tennis If you fancy being the parent of a future Wimbledon star, you could do worse than to enrol them in a course of Tennis Tots sessions.

It’s underpinned by the Early Years curriculum to help children learn about numbers, shapes, colours, letters and so on while also developing their tennis skills. Classes across York. Contact york@tennis-tots.co.uk

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Football Our son went to Footballtots classes and loved them. As well as improving his kicking skills and introducing him to the concept of scoring goals, it improved his colours, numbers and ability to sit still and listen! He also loved the blue and yellow kit and the fact that he earned a sticker at the end of each session. Classes across York.

Contact info@football-tots.net Swimming There’s no shortage of places for children to learn to swim in York. The public pools have an array of classes to suit all ages and abilities; our kids go to York Sport, but there’s a range of options at Energise and Yearsley. There are also many private swim schools that operate from various venues, such as Puddle Ducks (www. puddleducks.com/york). Puddle Ducks classes are carefully designed with simple activities, gentle submersions and lots of songs to keep things fun. The benefit of these smaller private classes is that there’s more individual attention. Babies can be taken into the water from birth (they don’t need to have completed their injections). According to Puddle Ducks, with regular lessons, children can often swim 10m by the time they start school.

Gymnastics and trampolining York Community & Gymnastics Foundation is the place for gymnastics in York, with classes for children aged from 2 to 18. Pre-school sessions (weekday daytimes) are a fantastic introduction to all things gym, and also guarantee a nice long afternoon nap! Sessions for 4 to 18 year-olds run after school and on Saturdays. Waiting lists are long so get your child’s name down as soon as the thought crosses your mind. Fees are very reasonable.

York Gymnastics Centre, St John’s Walk, Heworth Green, York YO31 7SX; 01904 611111

Family Memberships Worth having in York We spend a lot of time at Beningbrough Hall and Nunnington Hall. That’s because - aside from the fact that they’re great family-friendly destinations near York – we’re family members of the National Trust and (like all good Yorkshire folk) we’re keen to get as much value from our membership as possible. What with our NT membership and a few others, we’re sorted for cut-price day trips, with admission prices and parking covered for a year. The only thing we have to think about paying for while we’re there is food and drinks (unless we take our own), and anything we’re nagged into buying at the gift shop.

These are the memberships we think are worth having for families in York (prices correct at time of going to press).

National Trust Local attractions - Choose from Treasurer’s House and Goddard’s in York, Beningbrough Hall, Nunnington Hall and Brimham Rocks further afield.

Over 300 historic houses, gardens and coastline spaces across the country so if you’re staycationing somewhere in England, there’s bound to be an NT property nearby. Consider breaking up long journeys with stops at National Trust places; beats a motorway service station and lets the kids stretch their legs.

Cost - Couple membership from £71.62 (under 5s go free), family membership (2 adults) from £73.50.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Historic Houses Association Local attractions - Castle Howard and Newby Hall, two of our top summer days out: great gardens to explore and adventure playgrounds to conquer. Also Fairfax House in York (one for slightly older children). Membership gives access to over 300 houses, castles and gardens.

Cost: Double membership £72, additional child £22.

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English Heritage Local attractions - Clifford’s Tower, Whitby Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey, York Cold War Bunker and Helmsley Castle (a favourite of our little Vikings) are nearby.

Membership gives access to over 400 historic sites, from castles to ruins and abbeys.

Cost: Joint membership from £86 (up to 6 children under 19 within the family group go free).

Picturehouse Membership (City Screen) Benefits: Free film tickets (3 for single members, 6 for joint members); up to £2 discount on tickets for a year; 10% off member’s food and drinks, discounts at shops and restaurants like Strada and Hotel Chocolat. Good if you have a babysitter!

Cost: Joint membership from £75. Kids’ club membership for ages 3-12 is £4 a year (first visit free).

COMPETITION!!!

Win a family pass to Stockeld Park!

Our best advice for anyone planning to head to Stockeld Park this half term is to go early because there’s so much to do that you can easily fill a day. There’s ice skating, tons of adventure play zones, a pumpkin patch, face painting, glitter tattoos, a wizard’s den, forest storytelling, Nordic ski trail, the Enchanted Forest itself and loads more. Sound good? Then why not enter our competition to win a family pass worth £54 that gives you entry to all the core activities (skiing, skating, the maze and the forest)? We have two to give away! The pass can be used by a family of four any day during half term (October 22nd to 2nd November).

To enter Email us at info@little-vikings.co.uk and tell us your favourite family day out in or around York.

You can also enter through our Facebook page and website. All entries must be received by midnight on 15th October 2014, and the winners will be picked at random and notified by us shortly after.

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Happy Birthday!

Our guide to birthday parties in York The Little Vikings website turned one this August - happy birthday to us! – which got us thinking about the options for birthday parties for children in York. If you’re anything like us, you might not welcome the idea of having your child’s birthday party at home (not least because of the prospect of the mother of all clean-up operations afterwards). Whether it’s chocolate or history, gore or go-carts that float the birthday child’s boat, thankfully there’s somewhere in York that will put on a party just for them. Here’s some inspiration for panicking party planners.

Details were correct at time of writing, but do contact the venue to confirm.

HISTORICAL FUN

DIG - Little Viking going through a Viking or pirate phase? Hosted by a Viking or pirate host, partygoers at DIG go on a treasure hunt complete with games and surprises. Includes a tour of DIG, costumed host, traditional games and use of the mezzanine level and activity room.

For 3-11 year olds; 2 hours; from £10 per child; party bags from £1.

Contact 01904 615505 or email birthdays@yorkat.co.uk. DIG, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN. Barley Hall – A party fit for royalty. Partygoers will enjoy historic and traditional games, a tour of this hidden gem and maybe even a feast in the medieval www.little-vikings.co.uk

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banqueting hall, all led by a Tudor host.

For 3 to 11 year olds; 2 hours; from £10 per child; party bags from £1.

Contact 01904 615505 or email birthdays@yorkat.co.uk. Barley Hall, 2A Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York YO1 8AR.

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OUTDOORSY

Bushbabies - For woodland adventurers: shelters, tepees, fires and stoves keep the elements at bay while the kids play.

Different themes to suit children aged between two and eleven. 90 mins; from £125 plus venue fee (e.g. Jollydays, £25; own garden, free!). Toasted marshmallows, freshly popped popcorn and hot chocolate included! Call Adam on 07854 377777.

Piglets – partygoers enjoy the Piglets activities, a guided tractor & trailer ride, then pick some seasonal fruit and veg and meet some farm animals. There’s a healthy party tea and party bags for all.

From £15 per guest (discounts for adults, accompanying siblings etc). Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST.

ACTIVE

The Web Adventure Park/Creepy Crawlies – Slickly run birthday parties with packages to suit almost any child, e.g original Creepy Crawlies soft play, make a bear, animal petting, quad biking, and high ropes. Food and party bags can be provided. From £10.50 per child.

The Web Adventure Park, The Arena, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH. Toddlersense – Award-winning parties for little ones hosted at your choice of

venue. Activities include exploratory play in the airflow tunnels, bouncy castle and soft play before action-packed fast moving activities. £150 per party.

Contact york@toddlersense.co.uk Bowling – Who doesn’t love bowling?

Tenpin’s party packages vary but usually include two games of bowling, dancing, food, drinks and invitations. For kids aged 4 to 12; from £12.50 each. Tenpin, Stirling Road, Clifton Moor Centre, York, YO30 4WZ. Karting – Girl or boy racers aged four upwards can hurtle round the track at York Motorsports Village from £95 for 30 minutes. A trophy is included in the price! York Motorsports Village, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York YO32 9JS Climbing – Children aged 10+ can enjoy a bouldering party at Red Goat Climbing Company with lots of climbingbased activities and games. Red Goat Climbing Company, 6 Redeness Street, York YO31 7UU Energise – Energise does a great range of birthday parties for kids aged 5 and over.

Choose from swimming, rollerblading, football, climbing and multi-sport. Party food can be provided. Half sports hall hire from £62. Energise, Cornlands Road, York YO24 3DX Rugbytots – Play and party games, Rugbytots style. For kids aged 2 to 7, with various options to suit all ages. From £8 per child. parties@rugbytots.co.uk

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Crazy Fun Bus - Bring the entertainment to your home (or just outside it!). The Crazy Fun Bus is a bright yellow double decker bus that’s been converted into a self-contained children’s party and soft play area, including ball pool, slides and swing. Upstairs dining area for party tea.

For kids aged 3 to 8; from £110. Call 01904 750 667.

CRAFTY

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW! With outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 to 18 year olds, 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

Rainbows Ceramics - For an arty party, a paint-an-animal (or plate, bowl or mug) party could be just the thing. Rainbow Ceramics offers party packages for 12-14 children for £12 a head, with a minimum of 6 children painting; 6o – 90 minutes; party food extra. Rainbows Ceramics, 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW Me & Mrs Fisher – enjoy private use of the craft room and a fun workshop (cake decorating, jewellery making, creature creations or superheroes!) Afternoon tea is then served on vintage china – lovely. £12 per child; 90 minutes. Me & Mrs Fisher, 18 Lord Mayors Walk, York YO31 7HA The Creation Station – an arty party, with lots of making activities (treasure boxes, masks, canvases etc) to fire kids’ imaginations. Parties take place at your home or a venue of your choice.

From £100; one hour plus. Contact annatuson@thecreationstation.co.uk/ 01904 820415.

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EDIBLE

York Cocoa House Fab chocolate-making parties for ages 4+.

They’ll take home a bag of their own chocolatey creations, special recipes and an insight into the magical world of chocolate. Buffet and birthday cake can be provided if required; from £18 per child. York Cocoa House, 3 Blake Street, York YO1 8QJ York’s Chocolate Story – Enjoy a practical 45-minute workshop in the Chocolate Kitchen, learning how to make chocolate lollies, experimenting with flavours and making your own truffles.

From £15 per child. York’s Chocolate Story, Kings Square, York YO1 7LD

TREAD THE BOARDS WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

NEW Dance, Drama and Singing class for age 18+

WHEN

Mondays 7.30-9.30pm WHERE

SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS

Or those with a little experience. No upper age limits!

TWELVE WEEK COURSE

Try it for one week with no obligation

EXPERT TUTORS

Upstage Centre

Subject specialists for each class

Get fit, boost confidence, have fun, learn new skills, get creative!

September 2014

Room 1, 41 Monkgate, York City Centre

Musical Theatre · Choreography · Introduction to Acting · Harmony singing · Jazz Dance & more Call 01904 693661 or email alison@treadtheboards.org for more info

WWW.TREADTHEBOARDS.ORG

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Pizza Express – Even the fussiest eater loves a pizza. Parties at Pizza Express include the chance to craft your own pizza (and then eat it). Party games, a balloon and certificate and invitations included. From £11.95 each.

...OR HIRE A HALL!

The other, often cheaper, alternative is to hire a village or school hall or similar.

York has lots, just ask around where you live. They often have a small kitchen and parking as well as a decent amount of space for the kids to run around in. Bear in mind that the cost of any entertainment will ramp up the cost. A couple of entertainers we’ve heard good things about are the Magic Hatter (0845 475 2124) and the Henrietta Rabbit entertainers (01904 345404). Book early!

Performing Arts For Everyone!

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

Our students grow in confidence, fitness and self esteem, learning new skills, having fun and performing on stage.

SATURDAY AM at Clifton Moor Community Centre FRIDAY PM at Joseph Rowntree School.

MONDAY EVENING For adults at Upstage Centre, Monkgate Places available from September.

01904 693661 alison@treadtheboards.org www.treadtheboards.org

Grand Day Out

The Royal Armouries When our biggest Viking isn’t running about the house pretending to be Spiderman, we can usually find him with his wooden castle recreating very noisy battles between his piles of knights. A trip for this budding Sir Galahad to The Royal Armouries was long overdue, so we headed over to Leeds to check out the UK’s national collection of arms and armour.

What’s the concept? The Royal Armouries is the home of over 8,500 armourrelated objects across five galleries: war, tournament, oriental, self-defence and hunting. Whether it’s shiny swords, massive cannonballs or armoured horses, there’s something interesting to look at around every corner and fire even the youngest imaginations. It’s not just old stuff in cabinets either: the museum has made a massive effort to bring the exhibits to life with lots of opportunities for visitors to get their hands on the items. There are plenty of talks from experts throughout the day, as well as some very memorable demonstrations by real life knights in armour (or so our son believed). He loved watching the duel and demonstration but the littlest one found it a bit worrying (she loved the elephant armour though).

What’s in it for kids? You don’t have to be an armour fanatic to get something out of your visit to the Royal Armouries. Our four-yearold absolutely loved it. There was enough to do and see to keep him entertained –and asking endless questions – for the whole visit. And the littlest Viking seemed to enjoy looking at the shiny armour too. When we felt we’d seen enough armour, we headed up to the Jester’s Yard play area. It was well worth the small entry fee (£2.50 per child) as we spent over an hour there. There’s a lot

www.little-vikings.co.uk

to do, all with a knights and princess theme.

The biggest Viking enjoyed dressing up and playing with the other kids, while the littlest one was happy drawing and painting. The only problem was getting them out of there.

Where can you eat? There are a couple of cafés, but we found the range fairly limited: a small selection of hot and cold food.As usual, we’d been disorganised and not taken our own food, but next time we’ll take our own and sit in the designated picnic area (which is nice and spacious with plenty of seating).

What’s the damage? It’s Yorkshire’s favourite price: free! The closest parking is in a multi-storey and isn’t cheap.

What’s the verdict? It’s a young knight’s – and damsel’s – dream come true.

The biggest Viking keeps asking to go back, and we certainly will.

Good to know The Jester’s Yard play area is worth the money if the kids need to let off some steam. If your Viking is over 4ft tall, they can also have a go in the crossbow range for £3. There are lots of activities for kids during the holidays.

The Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive,Leeds LS10 1LT – Open daily 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) – Admission is free!

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Food Farewell salad and ice cream; hello again soup, crumbles, pumpkins and apples. We’ve got a lovely recipe for cinnamon and apple muffins that’ll have your kitchen smelling like autumn in no time.

And if you fancy eating out with the family, check out our review of Trinacria Cafe Bar and the four places we’d recommend eating Italian food in York with your family.

Little Vikings Eat Out Lunch at Trinacria Sicilian Café We headed to neighbourhood Sicilian, Trinacria, for lunch to see what’s on offer for families in this family-run restaurant.

The concept Trinacria is a typical neighbourhood Sicilian café bar that just happens to be situated in the heart of not-so-continental Bishopthorpe Road. It serves good, home-cooked Sicilian food from breakfast through to dinner (late bookings taken on Fridays and Saturdays) and is famed locally for the huge range of delicious gelato.

The menu If you like Italian food, you’ll certainly find something on the Sicilian menu to tempt you. There are delicious pastas, arancini (fried rice balls) and a selection of paninis that are perfect for a lighter lunch. But don’t ignore the more unusual starters: veggies should try the caponata, and the sardines are fab too.

We’ve overheard the burger declared as one of the best ever tasted. There’s no kids’ menu as such, but don’t panic! They’re more than happy to do smaller versions of the adults’ dishes at a reduced price. Our children wolfed down the penne with tomato sauce and spaghetti Bolognese (baby wipes/washing machine at the ready) and were eyeing up the slices of homemade pizza.

Why it’s family-friendly Trinacria is run by a young family and it shows. The welcome is warm and relaxed, with staff moving chairs and tables to accommodate buggies. There are ample highchairs and young children will be given plastic cups for their drinks without you having to ask. If you’re worried about whether your kids will sit still while you eat, show them the selection of gelato – if that’s not an incentive to be good(ish), we don’t know what is.

The verdict For a relaxed lunch or even just a drink and an ice cream or cake, Trinacria is a great destination for families. Its proximity to Rowntree Park makes it a good stop-off point before or after a run-around, but bear in mind that it gets very busy at weekend lunchtimes.

Trinacria Sicilian Café Bar, 27 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA Open Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 6pm; Sunday 9am to 4pm (evening bookings on Fridays and Saturdays) www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Food - Issue: 03

Four family-friendly places to eat Italian food in York Mamma Mia, 20 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ A traditional Italian restaurant that serves tasty, homecooked food in a relaxed atmosphere close to the city centre. A good range of pastas, pizzas and other seasonal dishes. Welcoming staff with a loyal local following.

La Piazza, 45 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS This family-run Italian restaurant is housed in a 15th century building that will get the kids talking about its former occupants (we’ve heard rumours that it’s haunted). It’s another restaurant with a large local fanbase of families who won’t go elsewhere.

Lucia Wine Bar & Grill, 13 Back Swinegate, York YO1 8AJ Tucked away in Swinegate, Lucia is worth seeking out. Children are warmly welcomed and there’s even a small courtyard area so you can sit outside and pretend you’re on holiday if the weather’s nice. Kids’ menu for £4.95 (main meal and drink) should have something to please most little eaters.

Pizza Express, River House, Museum Street, York Okay, so it’s a chain. But this branch of Pizza Express is housed in a fantastic building on the river that has ample space for buggies/marauding toddlers etc. The kids’ menu is good value and there’s the usual crayons/colouring sheets etc to keep younger children quiet. For a bit.

4 & 5 ye ar ol ds Fa nt as tic fu n fo r

e v e r y S a tu r d a y !

Co m e al on g an d jo in th e fu n at pq a

Joseph’s Nursery, Rawcliffe Lane, YO30 6NP Provides part time and full time day care for babies and children.

Come and visit us to see our exceptionally large garden, playing fields and woodland area.

Come at the right time and you’ll also smell the fabulous aroma of food being freshly prepared on the premises by our amazing cook!

Pick-up services available from local nurseries / schools.

Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9WT Saturdays from 10 till 11.30am To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022

Please visit our website www.yorkchildcare.co.uk or telephone 01904 651767 email: josephs@yorkchildcare.co.uk

Little Vikings Cook Cinnamon & apple muffins What could taste more like autumn than warm spices and apples? This delicious recipe combines both in everyone’s favourite little cake, the muffin. The secret to success is not to overmix it, so ask your little vikings to go easy with the wooden spoon. Makes enough to make 8 people happy.

Method • • • • • • •

Preheat the oven to 190C/gas mark 5 and line a muffin/Yorkshire pudding tray with cases (paper or silicone).

Melt the butter in a saucepan then stir in the milk.

Beat in the egg and sugars.

Sift the flours with the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon into a mixing bowl, then stir in the oats.

Tip the milk, egg and sugar mixture into the bowl and stir until just combined.

Fold in the raisins and apple, then spoon mixture into the cases. Don’t overfill.

Add a sprinkling of oats and a little brown sugar to the top of each for a crunchy top (optional).

Bake in the centre of the oven for 15-20 minutes until risen and brown. A cocktail stick should come out clean and the top of the cake should spring back if pressed gently.

Ingredients

55g unsalted butter 75ml milk

1 egg, beaten

55g light brown sugar

1 tablespoon caster sugar 65g self-raising flour 65g wholemeal flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

•

Leave to cool in the tray for a couple of minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•

Best eaten on the day they’re made, or shortly after.

What a shame...

75g raisins

15g oat flakes 1/2 eating apple, diced

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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COMPETITION!!!

Win a pair of Kinder Feet handmade soft leather baby shoes!

Who’d have thought these gorgeous baby shoes are being made on our very doorstep? Kinder Feet is the brainchild of York mum Eva Temple who’s passionate about creating gorgeous footwear for little ones in the best quality materials. All shoes are made from eco, allergy and environmentally friendly leather and we have one pair to give away.

The winner can pick one pair from the current collection (excluding personalised/customised shoes) - the only problem will be deciding!

To enter Email us at info@little-vikings.co.uk and tell us the full name of this classic fairytale: ‘The ***** and the Shoemaker’. You can also enter through our Facebook page and website. The competition closes at midnight on October 31st and the winner will be picked at random and notified by us.

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

FREE taster session

Fun Rib-tickling jokes, spooky puppets and a spot-the-difference of a place you might recognise. Get stuck in...

Fun - Issue: 03

Jokes

Spooky gags for Halloween When is it bad luck to meet a black cat?

When you’re a mouse!

What do ghosts have for pudding?

Ice scream!

Why don’t ghosts like parties?

They have no body to dance with!

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

Frostbite!

What do birds say at Halloween?

Trick or tweet!

Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

He didn’t have the guts!

What is the witch’s favourite school subject?

Spelling!

What’s the ghost’s favourite game?

Hide and shriek!

What do you call a witch at the beach?

A sandwitch!

What happened when the little witch was naughty?

She was sent to her broom!

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

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Fun - Issue: 03

How to Ghosty-ghost plate puppets It’s Halloween coming up and so it’s a great time to make some spooky fun decorations. And, hey, why can’t they be good for telling stories with too?

We’ve a really easy way of creating Ghostyghost puppets out of simple paper plates, some sticky tape and a bit of ribbon.

Start with a whole paper plate and draw a fun spooky face on it - you can even colour and decorate it with your favourite extra sparkly bits and pieces.

Now tear or cut out some ghostly trails from another plate and stick them to the bottom of your main plate.

Next up - hands! On another plate draw out a pair of hands, cut them out (asking an

adult to help you with the scissors) and stick them to the sides of your main plate.

Nearly there! Now all you have to do is stick a bit of ribbon to the top, and hang your ghostyplate puppet up where everyone can see it.

Have fun!

© 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.

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@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.

There’s lots of ideas to keep everyone happy, whether we’re basking in an Indian summer (we can dream) or enjoying the change of seasons in our winter coats.

Guide - Issue: 03

The Guide: Places to go, things to do Star attractions The National Railway Museum Lots of trainrelated fun for families, all for free.

NRM, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ DIG Fantastic handson 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

Jorvik Ride through a reconstructed Viking village and meet ‘real’ Vikings.

JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT 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

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Focus on…

Beningbrough Hall This National Trust 18th century house and its pretty grounds have plenty to offer for a family day out, just 25 minutes or so from York. As well as the house itself, there are beautiful gardens with plenty of space to run about, and a wilderness play area and adventure playground. The farm shop, a few minutes away, is worth a visit too.

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

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

We say - Beningbrough Hall is a lovely day out. It might have less to offer than Castle Howard, but its smaller size makes it more manageable. For children who like running around and exploring the outdoors, it’s a good destination.

The gardens are fab and the adventure play area will keep kids happy for ages.

But don’t overlook the house: the top floor, with its interactive galleries, is firmly family-friendly and means that Beningbrough is a good option whatever the weather.

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

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

Good to know - If you fancy a walk around the grounds, pick up a map in reception; there are a few alternatives depending on how energetic you’re feeling. For stunning views across to York, go to the top of the house. The café serves good, home-cooked food for children and adults, and picnic boxes for kids too. Free entry to National Trust members.

Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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

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Guide - Issue: 03 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

Chocolate 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 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.

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 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

Gory York

Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GG

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

Parks and Open Spaces

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

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

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

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

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@LittleVikingsUK

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

Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT

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

Stockeld Park A fantastic seasonal attraction with lots to do.

Activities vary but can include nordic skiing

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Guide - Issue: 03

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 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 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

York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York YO10 5FG 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 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

FRENCH & SPANISH Fun classes for children aged 2 – 8 with their parent/carer. Puppets, action songs, craft, role-play and yummy snacks

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 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.

W

NE

French: 07807 051788

Spanish: 07729 871033

yorkpetitsamis@yahoo.co.uk

yorklittleamigos@yahoo.co.uk

www.yorkamis-amigos.co.uk (Formerly called ‘Little Fidgets’)

Viking Voice Little Dragons at X Martial Arts His name is Damien Park-Bowling, age 4 from Acomb. He attends Little Dragons at X Martial Arts Acomb.

“I like being a ninja. I have a red belt. My favorite thing is getting new belts so I have to train hard every week. The teachers look after you. They teach me to be quiet and how to kick. Sometimes I feel scared that I can’t do the punches and kicks but the teachers always make me feel better and help me learn. I learned not to be silly anymore and it’s really fun.”

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

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The JORVIK Group is owned by York Archaeological Trust. A registered Charity in England and Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846)

Kids Go

FREE

in 2014*

Soldier On! Holiday activities this half term

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November Experience

One Man’s War at

York Castle Museum

…or Live Like a Legionary at the

Yorkshire Museum

2 FOR £12

Visit the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum for just £12

www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

*Kids go FREE with a paying adult – offer does not apply to organised groups.