Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 17)

York for kids Issue 17

FREE New Year 2017

The Little Vikings Award Winners' Issue

Shake away winter this February half-term at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens and Nunnington Hall Lose yourself in a story or head out for a walk to spot new bulbs as they wake.

Call 01904 472027 (Beningbrough) 01439 748283 (Nunnington) for details nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough or /nunnington #nationaltrust

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places such as Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens and Nunnington Hall, for ever, for everyone.

Š National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography Š National Trust Images\Arnhel de Serra.

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Hello, and a very happy new year to you!

This time of year has a bad reputation, but we’re not letting the cold and dark get us down. There’s a lot going on in York this February half term for kids to enjoy, including the fabulous JORVIK Viking Festival. If you’re planning further ahead, take a look at our 50 things to do in York in 2017 with kids and see how many you can tick off.

Why not make a point of checking out what some of our Little Vikings Awards winners have to offer, too?

They represent the very best of York for kids, so give them a try and let us know how you get on. You can catch us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or over on our website where we’ll be picking our best things in York for kids all year long.

Until next time!

All at Little Vikings HQ x

Little Vikings is an independent publication, founded and run by a York family. We publish six issues a year with a readership of over 30,000. We are also online everyday at little-vikings.co.uk. Contact us at hello@ little-vikings.co.uk. Office address c/o 31 St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ

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Please always check details with the organiser before you set off as things can change!

February Half Term: Our Top Picks

G

et stuck JORVIK Festival

into the Viking

If you do one thing this half term, make it one of the brilliant activities for kids at this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival. Make a beard, learn about (Viking) poo, join one of the preschooler sessions at DIG, listen to Nordic tales, watch battles, have a go with a bowand-arrow and much more. Read our handy guide to the Festival, also in this issue, dust off your (historically inaccurate) horned helmets and get stuck in.

JORVIK Viking Festival runs from 20th to 26th February across York. jorvik-vikingfestival.co.uk.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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et exploring at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens

Did you help plant some of the 300,000 snowdrop bulbs at Beningbrough last year?

If so, why not visit and see how they’re doing?

While you’re there, embark on one of the two special trails themed around finding your way with a map and compass (put that phone away!). Eden from Stories Alive will visit on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th February for free storytelling sessions throughout the day, bringing history and art to life.

18th to 26th February (closed Mondays) – 11am to 3.30pm - nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens

Our February Half Term Top Picks - Issue: 17

Resist the temptation to hibernate! Grab your coats and enjoy some of these great activities in and around York

C

atch a movie at the drive-in

Hark back to the good old days of 1950s America by heading to the Moonlight DriveIn Cinema at York’s McArthur Glen Designer Outlet this February half term. There’s a host of family films showing, including Finding Dory, The Little Mermaid and Back to the Future. Park up, get comfy, order food to be delivered to your car, tune in your radio and enjoy the show! And as it’s the holidays, no worries about pushing bedtime back a bit! Gates open at 6pm, with the film starting at 6.30pm, and it’s £25 per vehicle.

Visit the Moonlight Cinema website for full details of the shows: moonlightcinema.com/ york

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ecome a garden weather detective at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate

Do the daily weather trail and find out how different types of weather systems affect the planet, have a go at weather-related crafts, enjoy stormy storytelling and try weather tracking.

Harlow Carr Gardens also has some great play areas and not one but two Bettys tearooms!

Well, one’s a kiosk in the gardens but it’s a very welcome sight on a cold day (or any day for that matter).

18th to 26th February (check website for dates and times of the various activities) – 9.30am to 6pm – rhs.org.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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ave a sweet time at York Castle Museum

Help the Yorkshire Museum and their resident Viking prepare for the brand new exhibition, Viking: Rediscover the Legend (which opens in May) with hands-on opportunities, a trail and ‘curator’s corner’.

Ahead of the opening of the new chocolate exhibition that opens in April, enjoy delicious demos, do some scrumptious sweet-decorating and produce some pretty packaging.

18th to 26th February – 10am to 5pm yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

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18th to 26th February – 9.30am to 5pm yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

o space trekking at Eureka!

Head over to Halifax to join Eureka’s Space Trek event, with lots of activities that are out of this world!

11th to 26th February – 10am to 4pm – eureka.org.uk

T

rust your animal instincts at York Art Gallery

See what animals you can spot in the ceramics collection and have a go at making your own clay animal to take home.

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limb aboard a steam train on the North on your Viking helmet Yorkshire Moors Railway up warm and enjoy a day out along the at the Yorkshire Wrap North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Explore the market town of Pickering, see Hogsmeade Museum 18th to 26th February – 10am to 5pm yorkartgallery.org.uk

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www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Our February Half Term Top Picks - Issue: 17

Station (from the first Harry Potter film) and see the engine sheds at Grosmont station.

18th to 26th February – visit the website for timetable details and prices (nymr.co.uk)

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et stuck into science at Stockeld Park’s Mad Science Week

There’s always lots of outdoor fun to be had at Stockeld Park, and this half term there are indoor science activities too, with Sublime Science. Watch and join in with some exciting experiments, make your own slime and lots more.

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rilliant books Nunnington Hall

Enjoy a literature-inspired week of activities as World Book Day looms (2nd March). Write a tale of your own, listen to stories and try the children’s trail. On February 25th & 26th, dress up as your favourite children’s book character and swap your book for another. There’ll also be a book cover-inspired exhibition to enjoy.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby – 18th to 25th February – 10.30am to 6pm – stockeldpark. co.uk

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inter Zoo Flamingo Land

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Nunnington Hall, York - Saturday 18th February to Sunday 26th February - www. nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington

Flamingo Land’s Winter Zoo is open daily, and includes Keeper Talks and walkthrough enclosures for unrestricted views of lemurs and wallabies. During the weekends and school holidays (11th to 26th February), there’ll be extra entertainment on offer in the form of five rides for young children and a sea lion show.

The outdoor Pirates of Zanzibar acrobatic show and Dino-Stone Park are also open for the February half term holidays. You can even book your own animal encounter or stay in the luxury accommodation in the holiday village.

CHECK DETAILS BEFORE YOU SET OFF AS THINGS CAN CHANGE!!

Visit flamingoland.co.uk for details.

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50 Things to do in York with kids in 2017

There’s nothing like planning something fun to do with your family to banish the January blues. York’s full of great things to do and we’ve picked fifty of our favourites to keep you entertained throughout the year. Tick them off and let us know how you get on!

1. Dig for artefacts at DIG: An archaeological adventure

9. Be scared silly at York Dungeon (10+) 10. Learn about dinosaurs at the Yorkshire Museum

2. Get lost in one of the UK’s biggest mazes at York Maze

11. Do your own still life at York Art Gallery

3. Go wild in the adventure playground at Castle Howard

12. Paint a plate, mug or anything else at Rainbows Ceramics

4. Sit for a digital portrait at Beningbrough Hall

13. Eat a stack of pancakes at Brew & Brownie

5. Check out the JORVIK Viking Centre when it re-opens in April

14. Hire bikes and embark on a family cycling adventure

6. Enjoy a sugar mouse from the recreated Victorian sweet shop at York Castle Museum

15. Have a picnic in one of York’s many parks

7. Borrow an Explorer Backpack from York Minster and see what you can discover

16. Make a chocolate lolly at York Cocoa House 17. Watch the horses thunder by at York Races (The Press Family Sunday in September is best for kids)

8. Do the cat trail – grab a free map and see how many black cat sculptures you can spot on York’s buildings www.little-vikings.co.uk

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18. Get stuck into all things Viking at the JORVIK Viking Festival in February

AS SEEN ON

19. Visit the animals and play outdoors at Piglets Adventure Farm Park 20. Choose a cake from the cake trolley at Bettys 21. Go on a ghost walk

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

22. Take your baby to City Screen’s Big Scream screening for parents/carers with under-1s

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.

23. Fly a kite on the Knavesmire

TRY RUGBYTOTS 0345 313 6716

york@rugbytots.co.uk

24. Solve the mouse mystery on the fantastic children’s trail at Fairfax House 25. Have an ice cream from the Two Hoots ice cream boat during the summer months

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

26. Count butterflies at Askham Bog Nature Reserve

THE PAULINE QUIRKE

27. Amble down the Shambles, one of the prettiest streets around

IS ENROLLING

28. Eat chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate at York Chocolate Festival at Easter, and enjoy what else the York Easter Festival has to offer (watch this space…)

29. Take the National Railway Museum’s road train into town 30. Search for Roman ghosts at the Treasurer’s House 31. Enjoy the street entertainers: musicians, escapologists and more

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32. Play games on the lawn at Goddards House and Gardens on Tadcaster Road

42. Head over to Hull and have a peek at the penguins at The Deep

33. Walk the city walls

43. Search for squirrels in the Museum Gardens

34. Get out early on a Sunday and join the Junior Parkrun on the Knavesmire

44. Learn about and make something with chocolate at York’s CHOCOLATE Story

35. Climb Clifford’s Tower

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45. Visit the UK’s smallest LEGO shop, Minifigs & Bricks

36. Grab an ice cream, milkshake or fish & chips on Bishy Road, winner of the Great British High Street Awards 2015

46. Get climbing at Red Goat Climbing Wall

37. Jump off some energy at Energi trampoline park

47. Try new foods, get hands-on at workshops or do kids’ activities at York Food & Drink Festival in September

38. See a film at City Screen’s kids’ club on a Saturday morning

48. See the city lit up in original ways during Illuminating York (November)

39. Play games in the medieval schoolroom at Barley Hall

49. Take a guided boat trip with York Boat.

40. Laugh at the silly street names (Whip-mawhop-ma-gate anyone?)

50. Visit Father Christmas at Beningbrough Hall, Barley Hall, York Castle Museum, Castle Howard and lots of other lovely places.

41. See one of the great shows for kids at the Great Yorkshire Fringe in July

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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JORVIK Viking Festival 2017: The Best Bits for Kids It’s official: The JORVIK Viking Festival is the best festival in York for kids, as voted for by the readers of Little Vikings. And you don’t need to wait for it, because it takes place over February half term with a packed programme of fun activities for children of all ages.

Take a look at some of our highlights, and you’ll see why it’s such a hit with families.

Coppergate Encampment The Vikings have returned to Coppergate! Join the hustle and bustle of Viking life at a special living history experience in the heart of York. Discover just how the Norse settlers lived, what they traded and what they wore. You’ll even have the chance to pose your questions to the resident Vikings, and discover what they think about Eric Bloodaxe.

Monday 20th to Saturday 25th Feb - 10am to 4pm - Coppergate Square - FREE

Little Diggers Sessions Visit DIG during JORVIK Viking Festival and join in the fun at ‘Little Diggers’- where your children can DIG, delve and discover the past! The sessions are for 2 to 5 year olds and are great fun.

Themes differ each day and include Viking toys and games, Viking heroes and Viking celebration.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

Monday 20th to Saturday 25th Feb– 10am to 11am - £3.50 per child (with one accompanying adult per ticket) – DIG, St Saviourgate, York

Have-a-go Sword Combat (5 to 12 year olds) or Archery (8 to 12 year olds) Instructed by Viking warriors, combatants can learn battle skills or get to grips with a bow and arrow.

Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd Feb - 10am to 4pm, St Sampson’s Square Marquee - £3.50 per activity

Poo day!

Visit Barley Hall to learn about the smellier side of archaeology. Have a go at making your very own replica historic poo and discover how poo is used to solve ancient mysteries.

Tuesday 21st Feb – 10.30am to 4pm - Barley Hall - Normal admission charges apply

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JORVIK Festival 2017: Issue 17

Snail Tales Storytelling at Festival Finale – Bloodaxe’s Fenwick Last Stand Everyone will enjoy the legends of Bloodaxe’s world through traditional family storytelling.

Thursday 23rd Feb - Sessions at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3.30pm – Fenwick, Coppergate - FREE

Witness the downfall of a Viking monarch at a spectacular final battle. Watch as Eric Bloodaxe fights for his life in an extraordinary display of living history with hundreds of Viking warriors taking to the field. It’s an oudoor event, so wrap up warm. Pre-booking essential.

Saturday 25th Feb – 6pm - Rawcliffe Country Park - adult £13.50, concessions £10.50, family of four £40.50, family of five £52.50

March to Coppergate Camera phone at the ready! Watch the Vikings of Eric Bloodaxe’s army muster and march through York’s ancient streets to Coppergate in a spectacular show of strength.

Saturday 25th Feb – 12 noon - Departing from Dean’s Park - FREE

Best Beard Competition

For more details on what’s happening at JORVIK Viking Festival, and to book, visit jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk.

The beard is having a moment, but JORVIK have been rewarding great beards for nine years now.

Bring along your beardy chums or create your own magnificent homemade version and see if you can win a trophy.

Saturday 25th Feb - 2.30pm to 3.30pm – Coppergate - FREE

CH I L D RE N ’ S PA RT IES tour roup ry g e t va Sto a pri ocolate ng y o j n h ini w E ork’s C terta of Y a fun en y led b a d i with u g e s-on ocolated n a op ch th w Ge onalised g worksh s n i r k e sive p ma exclu y o j n wE f the afé use o on and c i t c a attr tions g op t a b ty lo w Par a whole and available more

“The children have talked of nothing else since, they enjoyed every minute of it”

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2017

York for kids

Little Vikings Awards 2017: The Winners!

The Little Vikings Awards champions the best of York for kids and helps parents discover great things to do and places to go with their children in and around the city. Thousands of you nominated and voted for your favourites, and we’re delighted to reveal our winners for 2017. Huge congratulations to them and to all the finalists!

Molly Newton

Special Recognition Award

Huge congratulations to Molly Newton ‘musician, teacher at Heworth CE Primary School and Archbishop Holgate, creating wonderful musical opportunities and inspiring kids from 4 to 18!’ for winning the inaugural Little Vikings Special Recognition Award.

HIGHLY COMMENDED St Paul’s Primary School - York’s Children’s Centres - Sally at St.Paul’s Out of School club - Donya Keys at En Pointe - Rascals in the City - Alison Goodwin (Stables Yoga) www.little-vikings.co.uk

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THE BEST ATTRACTIONS IN YORK FOR KIDS Best attraction York Castle Museum

Winner for the second time, York Castle Museum is loved by families for its recreated Victorian street, great exhibitions, fun holiday activities, brilliant birthday parties and much more.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Castle Howard - DIG: An archaeological adventure - York Minster - Beningbrough Hall

Best chocolate experience York’s Chocolate Story

With its energetic, interactive guided tours - and plenty of opportunities to taste – York’s Chocolate Story brings York’s chocolate history to life.

HIGHLY COMMENDED York Cocoa House - York Chocolate Festival - Goddards House and Garden

Best gory experience York Maze Halloween

This daytime offering from York Maze during October half term is incredibly popular with families thanks to pumpkin carving, live shows and much more.

HIGHLY COMMENDED York Dungeon - The Original Ghost Walk of York - The Ghost Bus Tour of York - Halloween at the Hall: Barley Hall

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Issue 17: Awards

THE BEST DAYS OUT IN YORK FOR KIDS Best day out with…an adventure playground The Web Adventure Park/Creepy Crawlies

The Web Adventure Park is popular for the Creepy Crawlies indoor soft play and play zones, but the extensive outdoor adventure playground shouldn’t be missed.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Beningbrough Hall - Castle Howard - Stockeld Park - Newby Hall

Best day out with…rides Flamingo Land

You don’t need to be a rollercoaster addict to enjoy a day out at Flamingo Land, although there are loads of great rides for all ages.

There’s also a brilliant zoo with a huge variety of animals.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Lightwater Valley - Piglets Adventure Farm Park - Diggerland

Best day out with…animals Yorkshire Wildlife Park

From polar bears to black rhino, you never know what you might come across in your stroll through Yorkshire Wildlife Park. There’s even a huge, top quality indoor play area too. It’s a great day out just under an hour from York.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Piglets Adventure Farm Park - Monk Park Farm - Flamingo Land Lotherton Hall

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Best festival for kids JORVIK Viking Festival

This world-famous annual celebration of all things Viking has families at the heart of its programme, with loads for children to enjoy. It’s educational, entertaining and a brilliant event for the city and for kids.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Great Yorkshire Fringe - Deer Shed - Arts Barge Riverside Festival Little Feet Festival, York Theatre Royal

THE BEST CLASSES IN YORK FOR KIDS Best baby/toddler swimming class Puddle Ducks

With small class sizes, friendly teachers and engaging lessons, Puddle Ducks baby and toddler classes are popular with parents and little ones alike. Classes across York.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Waterbabies - Mini Swimmers - Swimming with Linzi - York Sport

Best swimming class (aged 4+) York Sport

York Sport has an array of swimming classes for children of all ages, held in its new facilities. Parents can watch their child swim from the comfort of the cafĂŠ.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Brightwater Swim School - York City Baths Club - Froggy legs Bootham Swim School

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Issue 17: Awards

Best active class (not swimming) Red Goat Climbing Wall classes for kids

Kids aged 7+ can keep fit and have fun at the Red Goat Climbing wall. Sessions are run by experienced climbers. Definitely beats them climbing the walls at home.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Toddler Sense - Tatty Bumpkin - Wild Things Forest School Rugbytots

Best drama class York Youth Theatre – York Theatre Royal

Winners for the second year in a hotly contested category, the long waiting list is a testament to the popularity of the York Youth Theatre at York Theatre Royal.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Hoglets - PQA: Pauline Quirke Academy - Tread the Boards - Stagecoach

Best dance class En Pointe

Winners for the second year, En Pointe offers a wide variety of dance classes for adults and children from their studios in Nether Poppleton.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance - Katie Ventress School of Dance - Fantasty Cheer and Dance - Spotlight Dance Jazzy J’s

Best pregnancy class Pregnancy yoga at The Stables

Yoga is just part of the package at The Stables’ pregnancy yoga class. They also offer wisdom, advice and friendship in a calm, supportive environment.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Aquanatal with Puddle Ducks - National Childbirth Trust, York - Pregnancy yoga at York Yoga Studio - Birth Preparation Class at The Stables

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@LittleVikingsUK

Best music class My Baby Can Dance

My Baby Can Dance offers fun movement and music classes for one to four year olds. It’s interactive, energetic and entertaining and run by friendly teachers who really connect with the kids.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Song Box - PQA York - Kindermusik - Tiny Toes Music

Best Cookery Class Little Bites

Children from as young as 2 ½ learn essential cooking skills at this friendly, family-run cookery school in Derwenthorpe, Tang Hall and Heworth. It’s great fun and they’ll learn about food and nutrition too.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Bettys Cookery School - Crafty Cooks - York Cookery School

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN YORK WITH KIDS Best family-friendly breakfast The Pig & Pastry

There’s a lot to love about this neighbourhood gem on Bishy Road, from the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the delicious dishes.

Breakfast heroes include incredible eggs and brilliant waffles.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Brew and Brownie - The Rattle Owl - Trinacria - Rowntree Park Reading Cafe www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Issue 17: Awards

Best family-friendly lunch The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge

Lunch with kids at The Balloon Tree is a relaxed, enjoyable affair.

Little ones love playing in the play area while parents look on from the outdoor tables, and a trip to see the animals or pick some fruit or veg is always good fun.

HIGHLY COMMENDED The Pig & Pastry - Jamie’s Italian - Cosmo - Ambiente Tapas

Best family-friendly dinner Cosmo

There’s a lot that kids love about Cosmo, like a huge range of dishes (with something to satisfy even the pickiest eater) and not having to wait for their food. The chocolate fountain is always a hit too…

HIGHLY COMMENDED Pizza Express - Ambiente Tapas - Ask - Bill’s

Best Sunday roast The Woodman, Bishopthorpe

This traditional pub in Bishopthorpe is popular with local families in search of a great quality Sunday lunch in a welcoming atmosphere.

HIGHLY COMMENDED The Royal York Hotel - Hotel du Vin - Bistro Guy - Tykes, Sandburn Hall

Best place for ice cream LICC

LICC, the Luxury Ice Cream Company, offers a fantastic range of handmade ice creams, sorbets and traditional sweets from their beautiful shop and café on Back Swinegate HIGHLY COMMENDED Trinacria - Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat - Roberto’s Authentic Italian Gelato - La Cremeria

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Best place for hot chocolate York’s Chocolate Story

If your tour of York’s Chocolate Story has left you wanting more of the good stuff, stop by the café for one of their many incredible hot chocolates. Or just drop in when you’re passing for a warming cocoa-sugar-cream hit like no other.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Wild Things Forest School - Bruks - Spring Espresso - York Cocoa House

Best date night destination – New for 2017!

Ambiente Tapas

The relaxed atmosphere and small dishes of deliciousness make Ambiente a brilliant place for a date night. Choose between the intimate vibe of the Goodramgate restaurant or the newer, funkier Fossgate branch.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Rustique - The Rattle Owl - The Whippet Inn - Skosh

BIRTHDAY PARTIES Best birthday party entertainer The Magic Hatter

Winner for the second time, The Magic Hatter is in such demand that you’ll need to book him months ahead. You can also catch him at his annual Christmas show and at other York events throughout the year.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Adam Dove from The Woodland Adventure Company - JB Entertainment - Wonderphil - Jo Atkinson from Toddlersense www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Issue 17: Awards

Best birthday party provider Energi Trampoline Park

Energi may only have been open a year, but it’s made a great impression in the world of kids’ birthday parties in York. The parties are huge fun and guaranteed to tire out the most energetic of partygoers.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Creepy Crawlies at The Web Adventure Park - The York Makery The Woodland Adventure Company - Rainbows Ceramics

OUT & ABOUT Best toy shop Fenwick

From Early Learning Centre toys for tiny ones and toddlers to LEGO, Baby Born, Pokemon and more for older kids, Fenwick’s got it covered. There’s also a range of games and books, as well as regular holiday activities.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Disney Store - Minifigs & Bricks - Smyths

Best shoe shop for kids Hopscotch

Situated in the heart of Bishy Road, Hopscotch shoes offers excellent service and a great range of top quality shoes for kids.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Watkinsons - Footloose in Pocklington - Schuh

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Best hairdresser for kids Dannie Lea at the Web Adventure Park

Located at the Web Adventure Park, which has hundreds of little visitors a week, it’s no wonder that Dannie Lea knows how to give kids great haircuts.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Evolve - Bang

Best rainy day destination National Railway Museum

‘York’s umbrella’ wins this award for the second year. There’s a huge amount for families to enjoy from their visit, and always a range of kids’ activities during the holidays. Lots of it’s indoors, and it’s free admission, making it a great choice on a rainy day.

HIGHLY COMMENDED The Web Adventure Park - York Art Gallery - Rainbows Ceramics - Explore York Libraries

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G WRIN O A U H S 6 FEB RY 17-2

The UK's Largest Drive-in Cinema McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, York

T 03330 064608 E info@moonlightcinema.com www.little-vikings.co.uk 22

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Issue 17: Awards

THE BEST CHILDCARE IN YORK FOR KIDS York Childcare nurseries York Childcare nurseries

York Childcare runs Scarcroft Green, Joseph’s and Heather’s nurseries as well as a number of out-of-school clubs (including the awardwinning St Paul’s Out of School Club). Parents love the friendly, caring staff, creative activities and welcoming settings.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Happy Jays - Daisy Chain - Muddy Boots - The Mount Pre-school Little Green Rascals

Best before-school/after-school club St Paul’s Out of School Club

We’ve heard nothing but good things about this popular Out of School Club, run by York Childcare.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Funfishers - Over the Rainbow, Dunnington - Kiddies Corner, Wilberfoss

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Classes available at ROKO Health Club, New Earswick, Energise (hydrotherapy pool) and Archbishop Holgate’s School.

T: 07825 269146 E: york@puddleducks.com Find out more: puddleducks.com

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Join any time

Issue 17: Competition

Win a family ticket to York Dungeon!

TO

ny

York Dungeon might be one of York’s scariest attractions, but it’s also one of the funniest. Re-live 2,000 years of the darker side of York’s history as you make your way through eleven shows and encounter eight horribly convincing live actors. With new sets, scripts and styling since the Dungeon was hit by the floods, it’s well worth a visit even if you’ve been before. This isn’t one for little ones – it’s for brave kids aged 10+ only.

To enter our competition to win a family ticket, visit little-vikings.co.uk/competitions.

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@LittleVikingsUK

Little Vikin

Hogle “Stick Man lives in the family tree. With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.” All three of our stick children love Julia Donaldson’s story Stick Man, and our youngest and I had the chance to explore the story through craft, song and storytelling at a recent Hoglets session at Knavesmire Children’s Centre.

Hoglets is run by Gemma Sharp, a lovely local actress who brings her experience of entertaining her own little hoglets to the classes. After a rousing rendition of the Hoglets ‘hello’ song – beware, you’ll be singing it in your sleep - Gemma kicked off the class by re-telling Stick Man with an enthusiasm we can only dream of at bedtime. Cue: a room full of mesmerised toddlers.

But no toddler sits still for long, so we soon find ourselves getting involved in the story through song, games, movement and craft. It’s all perfectly pitched for the children’s age (choose from two classes: birth to walking and walking to 5 years) and a huge amount of fun. Gemma is engaging, funny, warm and welcoming. And, amazingly, she even remembered all the words of the story despite being up all night with her children the night before. Huge respect from one sleep-deprived mother to another for that.

After an initial 10 minutes of shyness, our www.little-vikings.co.uk www.little-vikings.co.uk

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litt joi of to to so S h ‘ t t s m

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kings try….

oglets littlest was up and joining in with the rest of them. We danced together, played together and made something together.

She loved creating her very own ‘Christmas family tree’, a lovely craft that had us cutting, sticking and making a colourful Christmas tree with the names of our family on it. She was really proud of it and spent the whole of the festive period presenting it to friends and family with a cry of ‘I made that!’. There’s no doubt that this fun, creative class struck a chord with this little stick girl, and there’s no doubt that we’ll be back.

Hoglets classes run at Knavesmire Children’s Centre, St Lawrence’s Children’s Centre and Clifton Children’s Centre. Book a block of 6 classes for £21 (just £3.50 per class). Visit hoglets.org.uk or email gemma@hoglets.org.uk for more details

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www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK 72www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Food: Little Vikings Eat Out Cafe 68 at Cycle Heaven refuel after a morning running around at Rowntree Park or kicking leaves by the Ouse. But it’s not just the location that lures us there so often; it’s also the fact that it’s so child-friendly.

For starters, there’s a lot of space (unless you turn up at the same time as a massive cycling club, but that’s only happened once). There’s also a kids’ blackboard, selection of books For someone who’s pretty wobbly on and toys and even a small table and a bike, I seem to spend a lot of time in chairs if they decide they’d rather eat a bike shop. But it’s not just any bike without the adults. shop, it’s the new(ish) Cycle Heaven And what will they be eating? Well, flagship store that just happens to that depends. The changing daily have a rather lovely café (no cycling menu groans with fresh salads, huge proficiency certificate required to eat quiches, hearty sandwiches and lots there – thankfully). The catering’s in of wholesome and comforting hot the capable hands of Café 68, known dishes like curries and macaroni in York for their amazing cakes, cheese. In short, there’s a lot of colourful salads and brilliant range of choice. But if your kids don’t fancy vegan, veggie and meaty meals. anything on the menu, the friendly The toddler and I find ourselves at and accommodating staff will rustle Café 68 fairly often because it’s close up pretty much anything can. On one to the river, making it a great place to visit our two year-old demolished www.little-vikings.co.uk

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a bowl of spicy dhal, and on the next all she wanted was a bowl of grated cheese with some white bread (not on the menu, funnily enough). Both were served with kids’ cutlery and a smile.

The whole experience, from the café to the great baby changing, is welcoming and relaxed. It’s also great value. If you’re looking for somewhere new to eat with your kids this year, get on your bike and try it.

Café 68 at Cycle Heaven, 31 Hospital Fields Road, York YO10 4FS cycle-heaven.co.uk/cafe

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Food: Little Vikings make…

Jars of overnight oats

Getting the kids out of bed on winter mornings isn’t easy, but having something waiting for them in the fridge that they’ve made themselves helps. Our little ones love making their own jars of oats, personalising them with their favourite fruit.

Method 1. Put the oats into a jar (we’ve got a stash of clean old jam jars that do the trick) 2. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and mix.

3. Add the fruit.

4. Pour over the milk and drizzle honey on top.

5. Put the lid on the jar and shake, then leave in the fridge until the morning.

6. In the morning, remove from fridge and add a little extra milk and some berries if you like.

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Ingredients •

Rolled oats ½ mug

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Cinnamon ½ tsp

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Milk (any kind) 1 mug

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honey 1 tsp

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Handful of berries of your choice (we like raspberries and blueberries) or one small apple, grated

Makes one jar for one person.

Just increase the quantities – and number of jars – for more people!

Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio, 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW. (You can find us on the corner of Bootham & Gillygate).

Tel: 01904 675533 www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pm. Sun 11am to 5pm.

Why should the kids get all the fun?

En Pointe (www. enpointeyork.co.uk) offer brilliant dance classes for kids, but they’re now offering adult ballet classes too.

Meanwhile, Ainsty Gymnastics and Trampolining Club (ainstygtc.co.uk) are also giving grownups the chance to join adult gymnastics classes.

FANCY MEETING PEPPA PIG THIS HALF TERM? Or joining in with some Lego Viking fun? Head to the Fenwick toy department for these and more special events.

All the details are on fenwick.co.uk/vikingfun

Have yo u signe d up to the Little Vikings week ly newsletter yet?

It’s the bes t of York for kid s, straig ht to yo ur inbox each week.

Subscribe through our Facebook page or website (little-vikings.co.uk)

Need a New Year perk-up? Want to boost your health and wellbeing? We love Love Community Acupuncture, It’s a multibed acupuncture clinic that runs on Fridays from Briar House (Museum Street). Treatments are £15: amazing value for excellent treatments.

Visit lovecommunityacupuncture.com (and use the voucher in our Offers page for a special Little Vikings discount!)

kick-start your

new year’s resolutions with a special package deal

children’s Fantastic NICK illustrator is TT RRA SHA hosting a Big Draw Along at Helmsley Arts Centre on Friday 28th April for kids aged 5+. Visit www. helmsleyarts.co.uk for more details.

We

YO❤ RK

acupuncture and chinese tui na massage

BOOK 5 TREATMENTS, GET YOUR 6th

free of charge (£30.83 per treatment compared with £37 regular cost)

acupuncture&and acupuncture chinese chinesetuituinanamassage massage 9 Norfolk Street (entrance on Richardson Street) Bishopthorpe Road • York YO23 1JY

07582 234578 • karen@acutu.net or book online at www.acutu.net

Fun Terrible jokes and an illuminating craft

What’s small, round and giggles all the time?

What do you give to a sick lemon?

A tickled onion!

Lemon-aid!

What happens when it rains cats and dogs?

You can step in a poodle!

What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back?

A stick!

How do you stop a dog from smelling?

Put a peg on its nose!

What’s a scarecrow’s favourite fruit?

Straw-berries!

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Little Vikings Make...

A Nordic lights lantern Make a lovely Nordic lantern to light up the dark mornings and nights jar with the pieces of the lightest colour, then work your way up the jar making the stripes darker as you go. Overlap the pieces and don’t leave any gaps. Leave the jar to dry.

A r e c

C G t

Step four When the jar is dry, take a length of string and wrap it around the top of the jar and then make handle across the top and fix it securely.

Step five Place the candle into the lantern and you’re finished. Enjoy your very own piece of Nordic sky!

You will need:

Step one Tear the tissue paper into small strips

Step two Mix a large dollop of PVA glue with water.

Using a paintbrush, paint the mixture all over the glass jar

Step three Starting with the lightest colour, stick strips of the torn up tissue paper onto the jar in stripes.

Start at the bottom, making a stripe around the

•

A glass jar (any size)

•

Tissue paper in various colours

•

A large paintbrush

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PVA glue

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A ball of string

•

A battery-operated candle

Thanks to Gemma from Hoglets for providing the craft. Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes in York for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years. See www.hoglets.org.uk for more info.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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STP

! t s e b r Be you

Ainsty Gymnastics and Trampoline Club provides recreational Gymnastics classes 7 days a week evenings 5pm-9pm and weekends 9am-1.30pm for children aged 5-16 years of age.

Children can progress through the award schemes in Gymnastics and/or Trampoline and make friends as they learn!

Join in the fun!

We have venues at Millthorpe School, Huntington School and The Mount School. All classes are 1 hour long and can be booked online through the website www.ainstygtc.co.uk.

Outstanding education from Nursery to Year 3

Clifton St Olave’s St Peter’s 01904 527361 3–8 8–13 13–18 www.cliftonyork.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1141329

STP Dec 002 Little Vikings Dec 2016.indd 1

21/12/2016 09:40

2 for 1 STUDIO FEE Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW

VALID MON - FRI ONLY WITH THIS PRINTED COUPON. Not valid for eve bookings. Not valid 20th - 24th Feb. Exp.12 March 2017.

£10

A cuppa, a chat and a taster!

with this voucher 30 minutes of one-to-one, confidential discussion about your health and your symptoms, and a chance to try a taster of acupuncture or Chinese tui na massage.

And a cup of tea as well! What more could you want?

Find out more or book online at: www.acutu.net • karen@acutu.net • 07582 234578

10% off baby & pre school swimming Call 07825 269146 to book

First Class Learning Two weeks of free tuition with this voucher

(New customers only ­ please quote 18327 Little Vikings Voucher.qxp 09/01/2017 16:25 Page 1 Little Vikings when booking)

Don’t forget to visit little-vikings.co.uk/ Coppergate Centre, York YO1 9WY offers

10% OFF* TOYS WITH THIS VOUCHER *Our normal price, some exclusions apply.

Valid until Sunday 26 February 2017.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Subject to availability Expires 28.2.17 firstclasslearning.co.uk/york-south

J

•Acro •Ballet •Commercial •Contemporary •Modern Jazz •Musical Theatre •Street Dance •Tap •Zumba Quality trained, inspiring, professional teachers

FREE TRIAL CLASSES

Fun, Friendly, Disciplined

Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance

Tel: 07891 004850 Email: info@yrad.co.uk Web: www.yrad.co.uk

JOIN US FOR OVER 100 NORSE-THEMED EVENTS DURING HALF TERM

FOR ALL THE FAMILY TO ENJOY Higlights Include:

Little Diggers 20th - 25th February | DIG Suitable for 2 - 5 year olds

Viking Animal Steading 20th - 24th February | DIG Normal admission rates apply

jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk #JVF17 The JORVIK Viking Festival is owned by York Archaeological Trust a registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (No. SCO42846).

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Why Little Vikings loves...

The Deep, Hull It’s truly family-friendly, with a baby feeding station, good baby changing, kids’ meals (with allergies catered for), highchairs and more

The penguins are seriously cute. Don’t miss them.

While you’re there you can head into Hull and help them celebrate their year as the UK’s City of Culture

This spectacular aquarium in Hull is one of the biggest in the UK, with around 3,500 fish

It’s brilliant for all ages - even young babies will get something from their visit because they can get up close to some amazing underwater sights Your day ticket allows you to go back all year!

Brilliant value for 12 months of return trips

www.little-vikings.co.uk The Deep, Tower Street, Hull 40HU9 1TU (thedeep.co.uk)

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18327 Little Vikings Ad.qxp 09/01/2017 16:21 Page 1

JOIN US ON THE TOY DEPARTMENT FOR OUR VIKING TAKEOVER Activities include storytelling by Jorvik on Thursday 23 February, Lego Viking Play Day on Saturday 25 February and Orange Elephant will lead a Viking inspired clay modelling workshop on Monday 20 February.

Plus, Peppa Pig will be appearing in store on Saturday 18 February and Magic Jackson will perform amazing magic tricks on Friday 24 February. • For details on these and other activities please visit www.fenwick.co.uk/vikingfun

es ill eir get ng

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s

Coppergate Centre, York Y01 9WY Telephone: 01904 643 322 www.fenwick.co.uk

Kids Go

FREE

in 2017*

Half Term Fun 18 – 26 FEBRUARY 2017

York Art Gallery

Our ceramic art collection is hiding all kinds of creatures. See which animals you can find amongst our pots and have a go at making your very own clay animal to take home

York Castle Museum Come along for delicious demos, scrumptious sweet-decorating and produce pretty packaging ahead of the new chocolate exhibition opening in April – Chocolate: York’s Sweet Past

Yorkshire Museum

Help the Yorkshire Museum and our resident Viking prepare for the brand new exhibition coming in May – Viking: Rediscover the Legend, with hands-on opportunities, a trail and a ‘curator’s corner’.

www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk 22107 YMT Feb Half Term 2017 Little Vikings Ad.indd 1

*Kids go FREE – Children 16 and under go free with a paying adult; maximum 4 children per adult. Information correct at time of print.

06/01/2017 16:48