You may be already be aware of some of the activities for kids at Hornbeam Park – especially at The Zone – but did you know that there are all of these activities on offer? Almost one for every day of the week. Now that will keep them busy.

World of Their Own

World of Their Own

You wouldn’t expect to see an imitation of the Wild West on the industrial business park of Hornbeam Park, but World of Their Own is exactly that. Designed to spark the imagination of children, grown-ups are also sure to be impressed with the immersive play town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem.

Kids can take part in activities including escaping the sheriff’s jail, making and drinking their own mocktail from the Cowgirl Saloon Bar, robbing the Wild West bank, exploring inside the spooky gold mine and taking aim for a prize from the shooting range, to name just a few of the experiences on offer.

World of Their Own

Not forgetting the Wild West toy pony rides of course, and the kids that run riot as they shoot water at each other (and the grown-ups) with water pistols.

And to stop those tears when either the 2.5-hour morning or afternoon session comes to an end, kids can enjoy a chocolate coin from the treasure chest.

Why not try…? The Fairytale Ice Cream Parlour.

Good to know: don’t miss the holiday themed specials. 

The Ice Cream Parlour at World of Their Own

Harrogate Gymnastics

Harrogate Gymnastics

The largest purpose-built gymnastics facility in the Harrogate area, Harrogate Gymnastics features all the equipment a budding gymnast needs; from a sprung floor to beams, bars to trampolining, there’s something for everyone. Classes take place from the age of 2.5 years and there’s open free play sessions too.

Why not try…? The holiday inflatable fun sessions or the drop-off Ninja Camps?

Good to know: it has recently started offering SEND sessions, and it also hosts adult gymnastic classes too. 

Gracie Barra Harrogate

Gracie Barra

There are many benefits to martial arts including learning how to focus, be disciplined, be persistent, learn cooperation and have respect. Gracie Barra on Hornbeam Park offers all this and more through its Brazilian jiu jitsu lessons for kids and adults.

Classes take place from the age of three, and each attendee can work their way up over the years to achieving five belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black.

Why not try…? A free taster session.

Good to know: it has a drop-in fee, or the option to buy a block of five or 10 classes for non-members. However, its monthly memberships work out the best value for those wishing to train regularly.

Surge Padel

Surge Padel

Padel is the go-to sport of the moment and Surge Padel on Hornbeam Park offers junior group coaching lessons on Saturday mornings for under 8s and under 11s. As well as taking part in lots of games that aid hand-eye coordination, juniors get a deeper understanding of the sport which will set them in good stead to play matches in the future.

Why not try…? Hiring a court for extra practice.

Good to know: junior classes are just £7.50 but can get booked up in advance, so ensure you reserve your spot.

Live For Today Climbing Centre

Marc Wise and Dan Miller

As you may have read in The Stray Ferret, Live For Today has recently taken over from Parthian Climbing Centre and is looking to introduce more classes and offerings for young ones. Last month one of the new owners, Marc Wise – who met his business part Dan Miller at the climbing wall 12 years ago – said:

“Acquiring the climbing wall is really significant and special as it is where it all began.

There’s been criticism about the lack of indoor activities and things to do for young people, so the climbing wall is a huge asset for the area.”

Why not try…? Some of the 25 other adventures that Live For Today offers such as caving, rock climbing and canoeing in the Yorkshire Dales.

Good to know: it has plenty of climbing equipment to hire.

Indulge

Indulge playroom

Parents and caregivers with small children can sometimes avoid cafés and restaurants, especially if they don’t seem particularly family friendly. However, there’s no need to worry at Indulge as it actively welcomes children and is often the go-to place for those with babies, toddlers and primary school-aged children.

Offering a playroom with an assortment of toys, as well as a range of food and drink for both kids and grown-ups, it’s a fail-safe way to spend a few hours. And you may just get that hot coffee in peace too. Bonus.

Indulge

Why not try…? A pink sprinkle doughnut.

Good to know: the café is also dog friendly.

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A farm shop near Boroughbridge has added a children’s play barn to its attractions for families.

Yolk Farm, which offers a restaurant and shop as well as opportunities to meet and feed its animals, opened the new Yard@Yolk facility this week.

Emma Mosey, who has run the business near Minskip with husband Ben for the last six years, said she hoped it would add another reason for local families to visit.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“It all stems back from our mission and vision here which is educating kids and young families about farming, and being reconnected with food.

“A lot of the places that already exist are amazing, and can cost quite a lot to get in, particularly for a family with more than one child.

“Our aim is to make this a place people can come regularly and spend some time with their kids.”

Milkshakes will be among the treats on offer at the new facility

Interest in the project has been high since it was first announced on social media last month.

The building where the play space is housed has been completely transformed from its original use.

Emma said:

“It was originally the hen barn. Late last year, we were told if we were to get avian flu within the hens in that location, we would have to shut the whole site, including the restaurant.

“It was a huge risk, so when the flock came to an end, we decided to move the new flock into a field a bit further away.

“It meant we had this big barn, in the middle of the car park, which was vacant.”

The barn now offers role play areas and ride-on toys, all connected to the theme of farming and food.

Visitors can buy hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks, milkshakes and ice creams, drawing on the menu from the adjacent restaurant.

Yard@Yolk is open daily from 10am to 3pm and entry is £2.50 per child.

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A care home in Knaresborough will welcome children through its doors for a special event this summer.

The Manor House will run an autism-friendly community craft session with a special guest host – Nidderdale artist James Owen Thomas.

Activities coordinator Katie Pickering, who has organised the session with colleague Joanne Doherty, said she was inspired by her daughter being diagnosed with autism.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We’ve known for years there’s been different things about her but because she’s masked it so well, it was quite a shock when we started talking about autism.

“I think socially, she’s struggled the most, and finding something which she can join in is hard. I’m struggling to find any groups that are for her age, but she’s very artistic and loves arts and crafts, so that’s where the idea came from.

“It was great that James Owen Thomas wanted to join in.

“My colleague and I were talking and saying we must have residents here who have had autism all their lives, and they don’t know and their family have no idea.

“I think it’s nice to start raising awareness of autism in seniors.”

The Manor House, on Hambleton Grove, has been running a parent and baby group every month for more than a year.

It has also introduced family sessions during the holidays, and will run two themed events this summer.

A Harry Potter craft morning for children aged five and over takes place on Monday, August 7, from 11am to noon. Children aged up to give can attend a story and activity session at the same time on Monday, August 14, themed around classic children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

A craft session at The Manor House

The autism-friendly event, which takes place on Tuesday, August 22 at 2.30pm, is the only one to require booking, as places are limited to keep the atmosphere calm and welcoming.

A chill-out room will also be available for anyone who needs a break.

Katie said she hoped the free events would be an affordable option for families looking for things to do over the summer – and would bring benefits to the residents too.

She added:

“They just get so much joy from spending time with the younger generation. Jo and I have done so much research into inter-generational care and it brings so much joy.

“Even just talking to them, not doing anything, just observing the babies makes them so happy. Through the craft and being creative too, it’s a really nice atmosphere.”

To book a place for the autism-friendly session, call Manor House on 01423 797555.

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Arts and community groups from across the city, are coming together to play a role in the new Ripon Theatre Festival

Taking place from June 23 to 26, the festival aims to brighten the open spaces and venues in the city with professional and community performances.

Plans include puppetry, dance, drama, street theatre, storytelling, children’s activities and family shows.

Festival director Ian Holloway and representatives from the organisations that make up the festival team, introduced themselves to an audience of 40 potential participants, volunteers and supporters at a meeting held in Ripon Arts Hub last week.

Festival team members, from the left: Ian Holloway, Tina Salden, Simon Hewitt, Katie Scott and Julia Whitham

The event is being made possible with funding from a growing number of businesses and organisations, including main sponsor Wolseley, which has been a leading employer in the Ripon area for more than half a century.

Family shows are planned for Ripon’s Spa Gardens

Volunteer Co-ordinator, Tina Salden, said:

“There are many roles for volunteers to help out as stewards and marshals or to serve refreshments, look after visiting artists or direct visitors and audiences.

Help is also needed ahead of the Festival with publicity around the region to ensure that the events are enjoyed by as many people as possible.” Anyone who missed the meeting, but who wants to get involved can contact info@ripontheatrefestival.org.

Ceramic cafe Pots2Go will reopen in a new, larger shop on Harrogate’s Beulah Street tomorrow.

The shop, previously located on Montpellier Parade, closed on Christmas Eve to prepare for the move into new premises.

Owner Zoë Hill said they had outgrown the old shop and now had 13 tables instead of just five.

Customers can now enjoy pottery painting, children’s parties and coffee and cake in more spacious surroundings.

It also means customers can just walk-in whereas limited space in the old shop meant booking was essential.

The upstairs area includes two benches for people to paint alone or in small groups.

The shop still offers a range of children’s activities, including make-a-bear sessions, slime and foam clay parties.

Ms Hill said:

“We’re really excited, obviously it’s a massive risk but we had to just go for it. We’ve got lots of bookings so it hasn’t put anyone off.”

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Ms Hill and her husband, Dave took over the business four years ago and coronavirus forced them to find new business avenues, such as at-home kits and holding parties at outside venues.

Ms Hill will have seven members of staff working alongside her and hopes to keep collection time to five-to-seven days.

“There’s so much more we could do with the business, especially now we have more staff. I’m hoping it will allow me to take a step back and look at other avenues.

“The last two years have been a nightmare, open and shut, open and shut it wasn’t easy. This is a fresh start.”

The shop reopens tomorrow at 10am.

The upstairs area alone is bigger than the previous shop.