Families Leeds & West Yorkshire March/April 2024

Combat

23 – 29 March | 2 – 14 April JOUSTING

Knights | Horses | Jesters

29 March – 1 April

Welcome

Spring is in the air! Well, some of the time anyway…

I’m not putting my big duvet-style mum-coat away just yet. But it might be bye-bye bobble hat before long.

To entice you back outdoors, we have some interesting spring activities for the kids to try. You can find out how to teach them some Forest School skills too. It’s a packed couple of months with Mother’s Day and Easter just round the corner. Find something fabulous that dad can bake with the kids for Mother’s Day.

Then, check our top recommendations for Easter eggs, take a look at our free Easter printables which will keep the kids busy and download our Easter chick craft activity.

Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of fabulous giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Bottomley, Editor

Competition winners from our November/December issue

Claire

Great podcasts for kids

Take a pick from our fabulous recommendations and find something that will really engage your child.

Girl Tales

A long-running podcast that reimagines fairytales through an empowering lens. Ages 4+.

But Why?

Kids ask questions and get answers from experts on various topics. Ages 5+.

The Story Seeds Podcast

Pairs young writers with professional authors. Ages 7+.

The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

A time-travelling adventure series for kids.

Ages 5-8.

The Past and The Curious

A history podcast that makes learning fun for kids of all ages.

The Big Fib

A fast-paced game show that challenges kids to spot the liar. Ages 7+.

Unspookable

A family-friendly take on popular urban legends, scary stories and myths. Ages 8+.

Brains On!

A science podcast that answers curious questions from kids. Ages 8+.

Marvellous Musical Podcast

Fun, engaging intro to classical music and composers. Ages 7+.

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Come along and cheer on your favourite team! You won't miss a thing as there'll be continual commentary with all the action visible on large format screens.

ENTER YOUR TEAM NOW

Non-Company Team Entry of 5 people: £100 (For Individuals, Emergency Services, BID levy payers & Charities)

Corporate Team Entry of 5 people: £200 including VAT

partnership with Bradford BID www.bradfordbid.co.uk

BFD1

Outdoor activities for spring

Spring is in the air! Time to choose an activity and head outdoors with the kids….

Go on a bluebell walk

Find your closest bluebell wood using this Wildlife Trust list.

Fly a kite

Learn how to fly a kite in just 3 minutes.

Spring stargazing

Top tips for spring stargazing from the National Trust.

Grow sunflowers

Grow these spectacular flowers easily with this kit. £5.59

Raise tadpoles at home

Learn how to care for tadpoles and raise them into frogs.

Build a den

Check out this handy guide from the Woodland Trust.

Spring scavenger hunt

The thrill of a treasure hunt combined with learning.

Grow butterflies

Watch the magic of a butterfly’s metamorphosis in your own home. £21.

Go paddling

Find a paddle-friendly route on a nearby canal or river.

Top Mother’s Day bakes

Grab dad and head to the kitchen to bake an extra-special gift for mum.

Rhubarb and orange custard tart

This tangy rhubarb custard tart includes orange for added zest.

Vanilla cupcakes

Decorate with buttercream and a topping of your choice.

Easy chocolate cake

This chocolate cake recipe is super easy and quick to make.

I love mum biscuits

The perfect way for little ones to learn letters while they bake.

Chocolate fridge cake

No-bake cake - simple to make. Ideal treat for the special day!

No-back orange cheesecake

An easy cheesecake for kids to prepare with just a little supervision.

Lemon and blueberry loaf cake

A simple, springtime lemon and blueberry loaf cake.

Butterfly cakes

These classic bakes are great for kids or baking novices.

Luscious lemon pudding

Simple ingredients and easy for kids to help with.

Sea Monkeys Mini Pet Activity Bundles

Ages 6+

Everything you need to hatch, grow and nurture your own swimming pets!

Bundles include:

Sea Monkeys Ocean Zoo

Sea Monkeys On Mars Tank

Sea Monkeys Magic Castle Tank

Sea Monkeys Instant Life Mystery Egg

Ages 6+

MAKE AN EASTER CHICK CUP

Looking forward to Easter?

Try this Easter craft from our friends at Orchard Toys to get everyone in the mood

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional.

The second a child is born, its brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience.

Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience. In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are

going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning.

The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections.

Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning, who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make it ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

Continued on page 13

The Froebelian School, Horsforth is one of the North’s leading independent schools for all children aged 3 – 11 years.

Come along to our next open event on Friday 22 March between 9.30 and 11am and find out what makes our uniquely happy atmosphere.

Secure your place by clicking here or emailing openevents@froebelian.co.uk or call 0113 2583047.

www.froebelian.com

Continued from page 11

The brain doesn’t know whether what we’re doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from our surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers.

The more positive our attitude, the more positive the connections and growth we make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

and

author of

EDUCATION Grab a new Bloxies collectable 4 pack Check out each animal’s unique movements Worth £14.99 each T&C’s apply APPLY HERE GIVEAWAY 10 packs available Styles may vary Ages 3+

Soapbox Challenge gets set to zoom into Bradford

On Sunday, May 5, go and see Bradford’s city centre streets come alive with cheers as the teams race their carts around the course.

This FREE event will start at 10am on Kirkgate. It’s a fun packed day for all the family with plenty of food and drink vendors and retailers open throughout.

For the last two years, the city has welcomed over 30,000 people to soak up the atmosphere at this popular event, organised by Bradford BID.

More info HERE.

Leeds Young Film Festival returns

Leeds Young Film Festival is back, bringing you the best film and VR Experiences for all the family from March 23 to April 7.

Watch movies with your friends and take part in a hands-on workshop with a real-life film set to explore at Carriageworks Theatre.

Find new worlds from the depths of the ocean to deepest jungles in Virtual Reality at Leeds City Museum.

On April 1, it’s Harry Potter Day. There are fun activities to enjoy.

More info HERE.

Easter Activation: Leodis Space Agency

An out-of-this-world adventure is coming to Leeds City Centre this Easter. LeesdBID and Welcome to Leeds bring you the Leodis Space Agency at various locations across the city.

A mix of physical activation and mixed reality, the event takes place from March 23 to April 14. Would-be space cadets can take a giant leap into a range of cosmic activities, with exhibits to discover, alien encounters and interactive workshops.

The heart of the Space Agency is the launch site on Briggate, featuring our Solar System flying high above the heads.

Trinity Leeds will play host to an awe-inspiring Lunar Module Landing scene, and you can witness the flyby of the International Space Station from the heart of the city too.

Leeds City Museum has a programme of space fun throughout the Easter holidays. Between from April 2 to 4, it will host an immersive planetarium in the main hall, drop-in cosmic crafts and a constellation trail.

More info HERE.

Award-winning Toddler Sense classes available in North Leeds

A session made up of two parts allow toddlers to explore adventure playtime on bouncy castles, soft play, ride ons and more. Followed by themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows.

For ages 13 months to 5 years Siblings under 13 months are FREE!

Text Lou on 07870275916

Each week there is different equipment and a different theme; meaning both toddlers and grown ups are never bored!

www.toddlersense.com/northleeds

going on at the Royal Armouries Museum during the Easter school holidays. Arm yourself with knowledge about all things Medieval. You can book tickets for the spectacular annual jousting tournament taking place over the Easter weekend.

More info HERE.

Clip ‘n Climb in Ilkley is a fabulous place to take the kids – and in the school holidays you might even get to climb with Spiderman! Come rain or shine, the climbing centre, located in the town’s train station, is a great way to burn some energy and have fun. Keep an eye on social media or VISIT HERE to find out when Spidey might drop by.

The National Children’s Museum in Halifax is celebrating Earth Day with a host of eco activities. Find out about our amazing planet Earth and what we can do to help look after it through hands-on activities, storytelling, live performances and creative crafts from Mar 25 to Apr 14.

EASTER

Best Easter Eggs 2024

Take a look at our selection and choose something your kids will love!

Cocoba Candy Bean Egg

£11.95 250g

Belgian milk chocolate decorated with chocolate drizzle and candy beans.

Toast & Marmalade Easter Sandwich

£10.95 135g

Two slices of luxurious chocolate with a chocolate egg.

M&S Chocosaurus Rex

£6 135g

T-Rex shaped hollow milk chocolate surprise.

H!P Oat M!lk Salted Caramel Egg

£10 160g

Chocolate oat milk egg with salted caramel and chocolate buttons.

Moo Free Strawberry Sundae Egg

£4.50 85g

White choc alternative. Strawberry flavour & marshmallows.

Chocolate Gonks

£15 230g

Colourful characters made of milk, white and dark Belgian chocolate.

Bryn the Welsh Dragon

£8.99 180g

Fuses together sweet milk chocolate with Welsh legend.

Make Your Own Chocolate Easter Egg

£14 300g

Plastic moulds, chocolate for melting and sweets for decoration.

Thorntons Unicorn Egg

£4.50 151g

Milk chocolate egg with unicorn decoration.

Easter activity printables

Perfect for when you’re out and about, when you need a break or when your kids need some downtime.

Peter Rabbit

Maze

Help Peter Rabbit find his lost chicks.

We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Activity Pack

Fun activity pack based on book.

Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory

Maze

Can you help Mr Bunny find his chocolate eggs?

How to draw a chicken

See if you can draw a chicken using this activity sheet.

The Odd Egg: Colour by Numbers Follow the colour key to complete this scene.

Number Easter Egg Hunt

Colour the eggs, cut them out, then hide them around the house.

Make a Hungry Hen Headress

This hen-shaped headdress is a great alternative to bunny ears.

Pip & Henry Easter holidays eco activity pack Easter crafts, games and activities.

Paddington’s Easter Egg Hunt

Activity Sheets

Fun Easter activities with everyone’s favourite bear.

Top educational gaming options for kids

Gaming isn’t all bad – there are lots of options which can benefit your child’s learning and development.

Minecraft

Fosters creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Ages 7+.

SimCity Simulation game that develops planning, resource management and civic awareness. Ages 7+.

LEGO Worlds

Allows players to build and explore Lego creations. Ages 7+.

Karate Cats

A game that helps KS1 students with spelling and grammar. Ages 3+.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

Teaches empathy, cooperation and selfconfidence. Ages 3+.

Animal Crossing Simulates social interactions, community and nature. Ages 3+.

DragonBox

A series of fun games introducing algebra and geometry. Ages 3+.

LittleBigPlanet

Promotes creativity, design and teamwork. Ages 7+.

Zoo Tycoon

Teaches animal care, conservation and business skills. Ages 3+

At evolve medical based in Pudsey, I offer expertise in all areas of womens health, especially for women experiencing the perimenopause and menopause.

Many women don’t realise that the perimenopause can start in their early 40s with sleep disturbance, anxiety and brain fog as well as the more well-known symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact on a woman’s quality of life and family life. To date, I have supported over 500 women by delivering patient centred care that is evidence based and tailored to her needs.

I also specialise in supporting businesses looking to increase awareness of the impact the perimenopause and menopause can have on women in the workplace and help develop policies to support women in need and retain highly skilled, experienced staff.

If I can help you, a loved one or your business, get in touch.

To book an appointment contact us:

Call 01132 576701 or email: ella@yorkshiremenopausedoctor.co.uk towerclinic.co.uk

Essential family travel accessories

Heading away for an Easter break? Don’t miss these essentials when you pack!

Hanging wash bag

Lightweight. Sits flat in your luggage. Unzip and hang. £36.

Family document organiser

A must-have to ensure a smooth journey to your destination. £30.

Compact travel cot

Compact and lightweight, this cot can double as a playpen. £45.

Electronic accessories organiser

Ensure your family’s cables and chargers are not lost. £16.99

Travel First Aid kit

Essential for scrapes, bumps and burns. £12.

Travel game set

Travel-sized 3-in-1 version of classic games. £16.

Travel towels

Soft microfibre towels. No soggy towel, no odour, no bulk. £42.

Reusable bamboo drink straws

For cans, bottled soft drinks, smoothies and milkshakes. £6.95.

Travel toddler & child booster seat

Transforms into portable carry bag. Store bottles, nappies, snacks and more. £26.

Coastguard Cottage: a perfect stay away with pre-schoolers

Book a baby-friendly break and make your seaside sleepover a breeze…

Families Magazine has teamed up with our friends at Runswick Bay Cottages to give readers with young children a special offer on tot-friendly trips away.

This year, Runswick Bay Cottages, based in the stunning former fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, has given one of its properties a baby and toddler-focused makeover.

Coastguard Cottage has a private drive right in front of the door, complete with EV charger, to make unloading safe and easy.

Inside, you will find everything you need to make a stay away with little ones comfortable and easy, without having to cart all your kit with you. There’s a highchair, stairgate, baby bath, change mat, blackout blind, travel cot, books and toys.

Outside you will find a large garden with ‘Springfree’ trampoline and Wendy house.

The open-plan living dining area has a real fire with safety fireguard and the well-equipped kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine as well as toddler cutlery, plates, bowls and sippy cups.

Runswick Bay’s unspoilt beauty has afforded it the 'Best Beachcombing

Award' 'One of the UK's Top Ten Beaches' and recently Britain's Best Beach by The Times 2020. The beach is annually awarded a Blue Flag Beach Award for cleanliness.

It is set in the North York Moors National Park, nestled between Staithes to the north and Sandsend to the south.

Coastguard Cottage dates back to 1890 and is located in the upper part of Runswick Bay, moments away from a village pub. It sleeps six with two double bedrooms and a twin (bunk) room, plus travel cot.

We’re offering a 15% discount on bookings outside of UK school holidays for Families readers. Quote the code FAMILIESCOASTGUARD24 when you correspond to book.

More information HERE or EMAIL to book.

Offer ends July 1 2024.

Discover

Silcoates offers a 3 - 18 co-educational experience, instilling children with a love of learning, a willingness to seize opportunities and to fulfil their potential.

Apply now for entry in September 2024. Contact our friendly admissions team at: admissions@silcoates.org.uk

01924 885245

SILCOATES.ORG.UK

Adventure travel for families

We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors for her recommendations for those who have a sense of adventure.

New Zealand

Think volcanoes, thermal springs, beaches, cityscapes and offshore islands

Sri Lanka

Think exotic wildlife, ancient forts, captivating culture, peaceful villages, safaris and beaches.

Pyrenees

Think hiking, cycling, zip-lining, rafting, horseriding and fishing – off the beaten track.

Switzerland

Think action - rope parks, toboggan runs, swimming/boating, mountain hiking and biking.

South Africa

Think ‘big five’ safaris, cosmopolitan Cape Town and even Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Iceland

Think one of the most impressive wonders of the natural world .

Canada

Think outdoors - Niagara Falls, the Rockies, whale/ bear spotting round Vancouver Island.

Bali

Think rainforests, gorges, rice paddies, snorkelling, white water rafting, delicious street food.

Costa Rica

Think national parks, unspoilt landscapes, cloud forests, volcanoes, sandy beaches.

Clubs & Classes Directory

Find inspiration and sign up! Don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Leeds & West Yorkshire magazine.

Number Train

A fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children.

Little Seedlings

Pregnancy, baby and toddler classes that focus on development in a fun, easy way.

Baby Ballet

Fun and informal dance classes in North Leeds for ages 18 months to 6 years.

Pyjama Drama

Classes and parties and for children up to age 7 in Mirfield and Huddersfield.

Baby Swimmers & Swimmers Academy

An award-winning baby & toddler swim school for babies from 6 weeks

Tumble Tots

Classes available in North Leeds for babies from 6 months to children aged 7.

Music Bugs

Sensory, playbased music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Toddler Sense

Explore adventure play on bouncy castles, soft play, ride-ons and more. Ages 13mths-5 years.

Debutots

Interactive storytelling and dramatic play sessions for ages 6 months to 7 years.

Exciting changes at Silcoates School

This year, Silcoates in Wakefield, a school for boys and girls aged three to 18, introduced three new classes in Years 1, 2, and 5, marking a new chapter in its journey.

Silcoates has also warmly welcomed six exceptional practitioners to its Junior School—three teachers and three classroom co-ordinators.

Committed to providing an outstanding education, Silcoates strives to bring out the very best in every pupil by instilling in them a love of learning and a willingness to seize every opportunity they are given.

Contact the friendly admissions team to find out more, EMAIL, call 01924 88524 or visit HERE.

Record your history for future generations

Leeds-based ghost writer and radio producer Becky Bond has created a surprisingly quick, easy and enjoyable alternative to writing your life story.

Through Your Story, Your Voice, Becky helps people record a selection of memories for future generations to treasure.

Over a pot of tea or something stronger, she invites you to share stories about your life; poignant moments, achievements, loves, losses and everything in between.

“I pop a small broadcast-quality microphone nearby, then prompt and guide people through a conversational interview,” explained Becky. “When we’re finished, I make a few edits back at home, then save it onto a personalised memory stick to be kept or gifted to loved ones.”

More info HERE.

Becky is offering a 20% discount for Families readers until the end of April 2024

© Justin Leeming

Profile on: A local Children’s Centre

Children's Centres are a fantastic resource for parents, providing support from pregnancy through to when little ones start school.

We spoke to Alina Higginson from Headingley, Horsforth and Ireland Wood Children's Centre to find out more about what goes on there.

“For children aged from birth to four, our weekly groups are very friendly, inclusive and relaxed,” explained Alina. “Stay and Plays and Babble and Books are held across our three sites. They are only £2 per session per family to cover the cost of our resources. Each session is planned and prepared with lots of sensory toys, messy play, textures etc and there are always rhymes and story time.”

There are also fantastic sessions with partners Baby Massage, Rhythm Time, Tiny Signers, plus Didi and Mini Drama with Northern Arts Factory.

“Most of our activities are term time only but we always do special holidays sessions for children,” said Alina.

There are also lots of FREE parenting courses and support groups all year round, including HENRY - all about healthy family routines and Pregnancy Birth and Beyond.

There are one-off sessions on Weaning, Potty Training and

Sleeping available and an In It Together support group for parents and carers with children under five who are awaiting or going through a Complex Communication Needs Assessment or Autism diagnosis.

She added: “We have launched free Young Parents' Group for parents 1825 with under fives. The new eightweek course will be starting in April at our Ireland Wood site.”

Alina said the Children's Centre also provides free counselling services, antenatal and postnatal midwife appointments and a breastfeeding clinic at Horsforth Children's Centre.

“And finally, the main thing we want people to know is that we offer support for families individually. We provide a caring, nurturing, welcoming and stimulating environment where positive and trusting relationships are built and children are always put first.” Alina added.

Find out more about Children’s Centres and Family Hubs in Leeds, Calderdale, Bradford or Wakefield.

Teach your kids Forest School skills

Shelter building

Build a den for toys using natural materials. (Ages 2-4)

Erect a temporary shelter making use of woodland materials. (Ages 5-7)

Create a tarpaulin shelter in a woodland. (Ages 8-9)

Make a tipi shelter with camouflage. (Ages 10-11)

Use tools

Safely use a soft hammer to bash leaves. (Ages 2-4)

Use secateurs and loppers to cut wood safely and make something from natural materials. (Ages 5-7)

Whittle a stick safely or use a bow saw to cut wood into sections. (Ages 8-9) Use a saw independently to make a tree cookie . (Ages 10-11)

A Day at Forest School

Cooking with fire

Toast marshmallows - a fun introduction to cooking with fire. (Ages 2-4)

Melt chocolate or make popcorn on an open fire. (Ages 5-7)

Bake damper bread on a stick or fry scotch or Welsh cakes . (Ages 8-9)

Make and tend a campfire safely and cook roast food. (Ages 10-11)

Navigation

Teach little ones map reading with this Easter Egg treasure hunt map. (Ages 3-7)

Learn basic map symbols with Map Symbol Bingo downloadable. (Ages 5-7) Make a simple orienteering course around your home or garden. (Ages 8-9)

Combine map reading and compass skills with handy guides and videos. (Ages 10-11)

How to light a campfire

Fabulous buggy-friendly walks

Our friends at The Outdoor Guide are passionate about making the great outdoors accessible to all. Check out their buggy-friendly walks.

River Ness & Ness Islands, Inverness

Experience a walk full of nature with some city sights along the banks of the River Ness, taking in Ness Islands. You may be at the gateway to the Highlandsbut you don’t need to go further for a lovely walk.

READ MORE

War Memorial Park, Coventry

This 48.5 hectare park is just a stone’s throw from the centre of Coventry and offers buggy friendly pathways, open space for little ones to run free and a cafe to grab an ice cream. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy the Japanese Peace garden on your walk.

READ MORE

Arundel Park, West Sussex

This lovely walk, just a short distance from the centre of Arundel, takes you into the West Sussex countryside. The boating lake at the start gets busy but you’ll soon feel like you’re miles away from anywhere.

READ MORE

Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire

The National Trust managed grounds at Cliveden House are great for a buggy-friendly family walk. The Story Book Den is bound to capture the imagination of your little ones. Plus there’s the all-important cafe at the end of the trail for a well-earned cuppa and snack.

READ MORE

Fabulous buggy-friendly walks

Our friends at The Outdoor Guide are passionate about making the great outdoors accessible to all. Check out their buggy-friendly walks.

Monsal Trail, Peak District

Following the old route of the Midland Railway Line, this walk takes you along one segment of the trail, which is all fully accessible - perhaps you’ll want to do more another day?

READ MORE

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

The largest monastic ruin in the country and a designated World Heritage site, Fountains Abbey is a truly special place. The accessible paths are great for your buggies and there’s a great play area for little ones after your walk.

READ MORE

Golders Hill Park Sensory Walk, London

This walk really is a delight for all the senses - the sound of bird song, the smell of the flowers, beautiful woodlands to see - and tasty cake at the end! What more could you possibly want?

READ MORE

SW Coast Path, Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall

This is a great circular walk that offers views out across The Sound towards Plymouth. There’s also wide open spaces for your littles ones to run around and a beach for some rock pooling fun. During summer months, there’s also a lovely cafe serving delicious refreshments.

READ MORE