I’m not sure if we’re just extra lucky in Cardiff, but I’ve never come across a place like ParcPlay anywhere else. It looks unpromising from the outside, sitting on the riverbank behind the station and in amongst warehouses, garages and storage centres. But once you’re through the wooden gates, it’s a different story entirely – wooden climbing frames, slides, a zip wire, a table tennis area, a BIG sandplay area with a pirate ship and even a fenced off quarter for under 5s to go if they get a bit overwhelmed by the big stuff. Half of the area is covered, though not enclosed, so you can tick off the ‘fresh air’ bit even if it’s raining.
31May/13
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, North Yorkshire
Today, we took a step back in time with a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. During half-term, the NYMR have been running a teddy bears picnic event during which all children who bring their teddy for a jaunt get to ride for free!
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25May/13
Streetlife Museum, Hull, East Yorkshire
This post is part of our FREE Family Days out in Yorkshire series
The Streetlife Museum in Hull is one of our favourite places to visit for two reasons….
1) You can climb on stuff
2) It’s free!!
24May/13
Dartmoor Zoological Park, Plymouth, Devon
From some very cute and playful otters to pacing wolves, and from sweet baby meerkats to full-grown hungry bears, Dartmoor Zoological Park has something for everyone and is great value for money. The home of book and Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’ (starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansen), owner Benjamin Mee lives on site and makes fairly regular appearances to sign copies of his book and answer burning questions from adults and children alike.
13May/13
Cliffords Tower, York, North Yorkshire
Clifford’s Tower in York is the keep of the old York Castle. It has a very long history and has been used for a variety of things, including a debtors prison. It is now owned by English Heritage and is one of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions, mainly for the stunning views of York it affords.
11May/13
Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park, Brigg, Lincolnshire
Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park is a great outdoorsy place in North Lincolnshire just off the M180 motorway.
We visited on a glorious bank holiday Monday, and it seemed that plenty of other people thought it was a good idea too. It opened at 11 o clock, just as we were arriving and the cars were cramming in, and there was already a queue (not too long though) at the entrance desk.
04May/13
Exploring Beverley with our Spy Mission Treasure Trail
We have been sent a Spy Mission from Treasuretrails.co.uk. There are several trails available, customised to towns and cities throughout the UK. We were sent the one for our local market town, Beverley in East Yorkshire, so we thought we’d go out today and give it a try.
04May/13
Tanfield Railway, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Discovered I harboured an inner trainspotter when we made our first trip on the Tanfield Railway – the oldest in the world no less! The children were amazed to find a train that actually went chugga chugga choo choo and it really was like stepping back in time.
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02May/13
Pearson Park, Hull, East Yorkshire
Pearson Park is a Victorian park situated about 2 miles north of the city centre in the leafy Avenues area of Hull. It is popular with university students, and local families.
This week we have had some visitors over from New Zealand and they were keen to see some squirrels so we went to Pearson Park to see if any were willing to show themselves off.
01May/13
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
If you’ve not been before, Techniquest is a science and technology museum for kids in Cardiff Bay. But there is not one single exhibit to look at. Instead, there are about a hundred exhibits, that the kids can play with, get wet with, and climb all over – and maybe even learn something, who knows!