Neurodiversity Digital Learning Experiences
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Editor Claire Bottomley
Editor@familiesleeds.co.uk 07799 667041
Printed by: Buxton Press Ltd
Design: Rebecca Carr
Next issue: November/December
Book by: 3 October
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Welcome
It’s back to school time and if I’m honest, I’m feeling a little bit party-faceemoji.
Not because I am pleased the summer holidays are over - it’s been wonderful to enjoy time outdoors, be more relaxed and have some adventures (i.e. have a break from the school run and become reacquainted with s'mores!)
But the new season holds promise. Routine and order returns, but with it a bit of Autumn sparkle too.
Lots of sports kick off again and regular child and toddler classes are back on the timetable. If you’re looking for a new club or class to do with your child, check out our directory on page 9 for inspiration.
Light Night Leeds is always a dazzling event, and there are fantastic theatre shows heading our way. At Carriageworks in Leeds you will find the Smeds and the Smoos, Tom Gates and the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
And that’s not all. Matilda The Musical (pictured, with previous cast) is coming on tour for a second time to Alhambra Theatre, Bradford.
Featuring fabulous songs and a brilliant story about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, it has won over 100 awards, and continues to play to packed houses in the West End.
It’s a story I loved growing up and then sharing as a parent. The show is amazing (I have watched it twice and may go a third time…). Highly recommend!
Get in a Spin with Spirograph
Leeds City Museum is hosting a nostalgic week during October half term, with activities inspired by the Spirograph, which was invented in Leeds by Denys Fisher! Pick up a trail to explore the museum and discover your inner engineer and artist as you get creative with wheels and cogs.
There’s a Family Fun Day on Tuesday, October 28, where you can add your own artistic flair to a giant spirograph artwork in the hall. Feel nostalgic about this quirky, engineered game and introduce the kids to it too. Meet artist Lesley Halliwell, and find out about her dazzling, spiralling artworks. Make a spirograph keepsake to take home.
On Wednesday and Thursday there’ll also be lots of Spirograph activities for families to try out. Make your own designs and be inspired by the museum around you.
Museum is closed on Monday.
Vote for Children’s Mayor
Stroll the Spooky Streets at Abbey House
Encounter scary spiders, wicked witches, wiley wolves, beguiling bats and skeletons pulling pints at Abbey House Museum this October half term.
Go dressed as your favourite Halloween character and pose for petrifying pics. There will be a terrifying trail and creepy competitions as you go around the museum, and a monster bag of crafts and activities to take home.
On October 25 there’s a creepy craft session for adults and older children. You can create spooky decorations including woolly ghosts, felt eyes and pompom bats.
Light Night Leeds
Light Night Leeds is the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival and it returns on October 23 and 24.
For the past 20 years, some of Leeds’s most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces have been transformed by spectacular artworks and captivating performances by local, national and international artists. www.lightnightleeds.co.uk
There’s still time to vote for the next Leeds Children’s Mayor, with voting open to people aged 18 or younger until 5pm on September 29.
You can read entries from the 12 finalists, choose your top two candidates and vote for them online at: www.leeds.gov.uk/childrenand-families/leeds-youth-voice/childrensmayor
The Lord Mayor of Leeds will announce who has been elected at a civic reception event on October 16.
Current children’s mayor Esosa
Halloween fun at Temple Newsam
You are invited to meet the past residents of Temple Newsam this Halloweenincluding the notorious Blue Lady, who is said to roam the corridors at night.
See the house and farm dressed up for a truly spooktacular half term and enjoy creepy crafts, discover hidden histories and hear tales of spooky goings on.
At the farm you can join a family friendly ghost walk without any of the frights, dipping into a cauldron of silly tales that are spooky enough to send shivers down your spine, but daft enough to deliver plenty of fun and laughter along the way. For under 7s.
House is closed on Monday.
Dragons, Wizards and Spells in Bradford City Centre
Step into a world of magic this Halloween as Bradford BID invites families to a free, spellbinding celebration on October 31!
The city centre will be transformed into a realm of wonder, packed with enchanting performances and interactive adventures for all ages. Cheer on your favourite heroes in the Battle of the Wizards, a thrilling showdown of good versus evil filled with comedy, illusions and plenty of audience participation.
Meet Dreyo the Dragon and other fantastical creatures, or chat with the wise Enchanted Cauldron to discover your magical element. Budding witches and wizards can join the Potions Workshop to brew their own mystical concoctions or craft a unique wand at the Make-a-Wand Workshop.
Keep an eye out for roaming characters including the Dragon Master, Esme and Beastie, and the mighty Ord the Ogreperfect for magical photo opportunities. Go along in costume and let the magic begin!
Find out more at www.bradfordbid.co.uk
A story of star-crossed Aliens
Soar into space with Olivier Award-nominated The Smeds and the Smoos at Carriageworks Theatre from October 9 to 11.
Adapted from the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, it features music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged three and up.
On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Call for a ban on 'no ball games’ signs
A group of play experts is calling for an end to 'no ball games' signs and stricter protections for school playtime, arguing that children are being driven indoors and onto digital devices.
The Raising the Nation Play Commission, after a year-long inquiry, warns that outdoor play in England has halved in a generation. The commission blames increased street traffic, fears about crime, and public spaces that discourage young people from gathering.
The group describes this trend as an 'anti-play culture' and urges policymakers to take action to reverse it, citing concerns about children’s physical and mental health. In response, the government says it is working with experts to create a framework that would improve access to activities outside of school. The commission’s report highlights the urgent need to reclaim public spaces for children and ensure that play remains a central part of childhood.
Child Friendly Leeds has been working hard to increase play opportunities for the city’s children, including a Play Streets scheme, a Play Enabling Grant and a Festival of Play.
Find out more at www.cfl.leeds.gov.uk/play and www.centreforyounglives.org.uk
Keeping your child healthy this school year
By Ellie Malt
The beginning of another school year is the perfect time to prepare for the illnesses that inevitably re-appear in classrooms as the months get colder.
Recognising the signs and taking precautionary action will definitely minimise the number of sick days off school and work.
Spotting the signs
Scarlet Fever. The most common symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, a bumpy rash on the chest and tummy with a sandpaper-like feel, flushed cheeks and ‘strawberry tongue.’
Measles. Since 2023 there have been major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, the North West and London. Measles can be very serious and even cause fatalities.
The initial symptoms are runny nose, a cough, sneezing, a high temperature and red, sore, watery eyes. This is followed by white spots in the mouth a few days later and then a rash on the face. It’s very unlikely to be measles if your child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine or they’ve had measles before.
Chicken Pox. A highly contagious, itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox. It can be anywhere on the body.
Prevention is better than cure
If your child’s vaccinations are up to date they will be protected against whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella. Most
provide lifelong immunity.
Unvaccinated children are at higher risk of contracting these illnesses and having more severe symptoms. They can also spread diseases to others. Check your child’s red book or contact your GP surgery to ensure they are up to date.
Which supplements? While vitamins A, C and D support the immune system, the NHS does not recommend mega doses or supplements like zinc or echinacea for cold prevention.
According to the UK government, all children ages 1 to 4 and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily vitamin D supplement throughout the year. Children of any age with darker skin, should consider supplementing all year. For everyone else, the advice is to take a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter.
Teach good hygiene habits
Good hygiene DOES stop infections from spreading. Remind your child to wash hands properly, use tissues for coughs and sneezes and stay away from others when sick. Fresh air can also reduce the spread of viruses.
When to keep your child at home?
It’s fine to send your child to school or nursery with a minor cough or cold if they are otherwise well and don’t have a high temperature. But if your child has a fever, they should stay home until they feel better and the fever has resolved. If they have diarrhoea they should stay home for at least forty-eight hours after the last episode.
Children and young people are no longer routinely tested for COVID-19. But if your child has tested positive, they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days after their positive result.
If your child has the symptoms of measles and has not had both doses of the MMR vaccine, they should not attend school. It’s handy to keep a stock of basic supplies to treat common childhood illnesses, such as Paracetamol & Ibuprofen (child and adult versions), age-appropriate cold treatments, a thermometer, tissues and vitamins (the NHS provides FREE vitamin drops through the Healthy Start Scheme).
Primary school reports: what parents should know
By Erin Miller
Reading our own old school reports can recall all sorts of emotions, so it’s no surprise that receiving our children’s reports feels significant too. But setting emotions aside, what should we actually be looking for in our child’s school report?
A standard state school report should include a child’s academic progress, a brief summary of achievements, strengths and areas for improvement, attendance records and guidance on arranging teacher follow-ups.
For pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2, reports must also include results from National Curriculum assessments, such as SATs or the phonics screening check, along with comparative data showing how the pupil performed nationally and within the school. It is important to remember that progress matters more than attainment when evaluating your child’s report. As a teacher, I always stress that it is progress that truly counts.
The Department for Education (DfE) requires all state schools in England to provide parents with a written annual report by the end of the summer term, unless the pupil is receiving a school leaver’s report. Individual schools can decide whether to issue reports more frequently, such as termly.
Whilst both approaches have their benefits, I personally prefer termly reports as they allow more regular engagement and ongoing discussion with your child about their learning. Do note that public assessment results (e.g. SATS) are different from school reports and if they arrive after the report has been issued, schools must share them with parents within fifteen school days.
Progress, not grades
As already noted, when reading your child’s report, it is important to focus on their progress rather than grades, scores or levels. While it can be tempting to compare results or aim for high marks, what matters most is how your child is developing over time from their own starting point. To emphasise this, most primary schools now use descriptors like ‘working towards,’ ‘working at’ or ‘working above’ the expected standard. Some may use terms such as ‘emerging,’ ‘developing,’ ‘secure’ or ‘mastery.’ These are designed to show your child’s progress against age-related expectations, rather than ranking them against classmates.
This gives you a clearer picture of how well your child is grasping key concepts and skills and whether they are moving forward in their learning. Steady progress, even if not yet at the expected level, is still the right path and that deserves more recognition than high attainment with little progress.
Understanding and valuing progress helps you focus on longterm development over short-term results and encourages a growth mindset in your child.
Writing reports is a major administrative task for teachers (as I know only too well) and the style and depth vary depending on school policy. Some provide detailed, subject-by-subject feedback and include pupil reflections, while others offer concise summaries using letter or number grades. As a teacher, I find shorter reports often give greater clarity on a child’s progress.
Schools may also use different styles, such as addressing the child directly to encourage ownership of learning. However, more important than format or length is the conversation the report prompts at home. Take time to review comments and scores with your child and listen to their perspective. Your attention to the report reinforces that school matters and that parents and teachers are working together to support your child’s growth.
Finally, while the DfE framework outlines clear requirements, if you feel something important is missing (even if not required by law), you can raise this with your child’s school to explore possible improvements.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
No surprises
You should not encounter any major surprises when reading your child’s school report. Serious concerns about academic progress, behaviour or wellbeing should have already been raised with you through meetings, phone calls or regular updates during the year. If you do see something unexpected, such as a sudden drop in performance or flagged behavioural issues, it may be a sign that the school’s communication with you has not been as effective as it should have been.
In such cases, it’s important not to panic but to follow up promptly. Use the instructions provided in the report to arrange a meeting or conversation with your child’s teacher or a member of the leadership team. Asking for clarification or context can help you better understand the issue and how the school plans to support your child moving forward. Be specific about what you found surprising and where possible, bring any notes or past communications to the discussion.
Open and respectful dialogue between home and school is key to resolving concerns and ensuring your child is supported.
Clubs & Classes Directory
Toddler Sense
Classes are available for children from 13 months to five years. Explore adventure play time on bouncy castles, soft play, rides and more. Enjoy themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows. Different equipment and theme each week. northleeds@toddlersense.co.uk
toddlersense.com/northleeds
Music Bugs
Sensory, play-based music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The 40 minute sessions provide your children with a lovely opportunity to socialise and develop in a creative and stimulating environment.
Call 0844 5781043
Musicbugs.co.uk
Little Seedlings
A warm, welcoming, open-ended playspace for children from 0-5, offering something for everyone, in addition to structured separate baby sessions.
All sessions include messy and non messy play, hot drinks and support from external providers. lucy@littleseedlingsuk.com littleseedlingsuk.com
The Calf Shed (home to Moo Music and more!)
The ultimate venue to join classes for your little one from birth. We offer a wide range of classes; our signature Moo Music sessions are entertaining, fun and developmental. Try Baby Moo, Moo Massage, Mini Moo, Mixed Moo or even Messy Moo!
Call 07932 501904 www.bookwhen.com/moomusicleeds
thecalfshedleeds.co.uk
Cook Stars
Exciting and engaging children’s cookery classes, workshops and parties for 2-17 year olds. All the preparation is taken care of, simply turn up and enjoy. Everyone takes home their lovely dish along with a recipe card to cook again at home.
Laura.bewick@cookstars.co.uk
cookstars.co.uk
Baby Swimmers & Swimmers Academy
Through fun and games at Baby Swimmers see your little one progress to a confident little swimmer! Swimmers Academy lessons take children from beginner to advanced. Whatever their age and ability. Survival skills, stamina and stroke techniques. Call 0333 3355388
babyswimmers.co.uk
Baby Sensory North Leeds
Helping you to make memories with your baby whilst supporting their cognitive development. Baby Sensory stimulates all of the senses with different weekly themes, set in a fantastic Baby Sensory Centre, the perfect place to meet others and have fun with your baby.
Call 07841437205 northleeds@babysensory.co.uk
babysensory.com/north-leeds
Number Train
Number Train is a fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children designed and delivered by an experienced primary maths specialist. With a different theme each week, sessions keep your child engaged with games, action songs, art and craft.
Call 07852 989523 numbertrain@hotmail.com
numbertrain.co.uk
Babyballet® Leeds North
Fun and informal dance classes for ages 18 months to 6 years.
Through an imaginative syllabus children are taught basic ballet steps but will have fun expressing themselves whilst developing skills such as balance, co-ordination, rhythm and more! Classes in Alwoodley, Yeadon, Bramhope and Rawdon. leedsnorth@babyballet.co.uk
babyballet.co.uk
Make Skull Cupcakes for Halloween
Cupcakes are usually round but with a clever trick we can make them skull shaped. If you want to be very fancy, you can get some tubes of coloured icing and decorate your cakes with colourful patterns.
Top tip: it’s important to use really ripe bananas for this recipe because they’re soft and sweet. The best ones are brown or almost black.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
2 ripe bananas (peeled)
100ml vegetable oil
¼ tsp grated nutmeg
50g caster sugar
50g soft brown sugar
120g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (fanassisted).
Step 5
Fill each cupcake case threequarters full. Gently push a baking bean (or scrunched-up ball of foil) either side of the case. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden.
Step 9
Break up the flaked almonds and add little pieces to each skull for the teeth.
Makes 12 cupcakes
Decoration: 150g icing sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
24 raisins
2 tbsp flaked almonds
DAIRY FREE
Step 2
Fill a 12-hole cupcake tray with 12 cupcake cases.
Step 6
For the icing, mix together the icing sugar and vanilla, then add a tablespoonful of water at a time until you have an icing that is pourable.
Step 3
Add the bananas, oil, nutmeg and sugars to a jug and whizz with a stick blender until smooth.
Step 7
Dollop a spoonful of the icing onto the cake and spread to the edges.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the flour and baking powder and mix until smooth (do not beat).
Step 8
Gently squeeze each raisin between your finger and thumb until soft, then place on the cakes for the eyes.
With thanks to David Atherton, winner of The Great British Bake O 2019 for this recipe, which is featured in his new book My First Halloween Cookbook, part of the My First Cook Book series, available online and from all good book shops now.
©Walker Books 2025. Text © 2025 Nomadbaker Limited. Illustrations © 2025 Jess Rose. All rights reserved.
Developing your preschooler’s literacy through play
By Sophie David
With early education reform continuing to evolve in the UK, there’s increasing focus on HOW children learn, not just what they learn. As the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) continues to shift towards child-centred approaches, it’s essential to remember that play is not a distraction from learning; it IS learning. Especially in the early years, children make sense of the world, build language and develop communication through rich, hands-on, joyful experiences.
Young children thrive in environments that are safe, stimulating and full of opportunities for exploration. Whether it’s splashing in puddles, baking biscuits or chatting before bed, these reallife experiences are the true foundations of literacy. They spark curiosity, support social and emotional development and help children build the confidence to express themselves. Worksheets and screens have their place but they can’t replace the depth of learning that happens through meaningful, playful interaction.
Confidence before letters
Before children can read or write, they need to feel confident in their thoughts, their voices and their ability to make sense of what they see and hear. Literacy begins long before the first book is opened or pencil is held, it starts with expression and connection. When a child feels that their ideas matter and someone is listening, they become more motivated to communicate.
That’s where play shines. Whether they’re going on a ‘sound hunt’ through the house, forming letters in flour or retelling a favourite story with puppets, children naturally explore language through creative play. These playful moments lay the groundwork for phonemic awareness, vocabulary growth and narrative understanding, essential components of early literacy. Importantly, these skills develop in ways that are meaningful, relevant and fun for young learners.
From screens to scenes
In today’s world, screens are a reality for most families. However, passive screen time can limit children’s opportunities to engage in back-and-forth conversation, imaginative play and independent thinking. The goal isn’t to ban screens entirely but to find a healthy balance.
Real-world, interactive experiences offer far richer learning. A trip to the park, helping to write a shopping list or building a cardboard post office provides children with valuable vocabulary, opportunities to problem-solve and space to imagine. These everyday experiences are filled with chances to use language with purpose, something even the best-designed app can’t fully replicate.
Conversations that count
One of the most powerful tools in developing early literacy is something every parent has: conversation. Talking with your child throughout the day helps develop both expressive (what they say) and receptive (what they understand) language. The more words and ideas children are exposed to, the more prepared they’ll be for future reading and writing.
These conversations don’t have to be elaborate. Describe what you’re doing as you cook. Ask your child to name objects as you tidy up. Tell stories about your day while on a walk. Encourage your child to share their thoughts, ask questions and invent stories. These interactions build vocabulary, deepen comprehension and foster a love for language.
Back to basics
Supporting your child’s literacy development isn’t about flashcards, early readers or academic pressure. It’s about tuning into their natural curiosity and providing rich play and connection opportunities. When children are given time and space to explore the world, guided by a caring adult, they become confident, capable learners.
As the EYFS framework continues to develop, let’s stay focused on what truly matters: play-based, relationship-rich learning. It’s in the pretend tea parties and the muddy outdoor adventures that real literacy begins.
Sophie David is the author of READ, WRITE, PLAY: 100 Easy Ways to Make Phonics Fun for Children Aged 3-7. Available in hardback (£22, Robinson).
One and done
By Ann Magalhaes
Single-child families are on the rise in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics: ‘... families with one child made up forty four percent (3.6 million) in 2022, while families with two children made up forty one percent (3.4 million) and families with three or more children fifteen percent (1.2 million).’
My daughter was twenty eight weeks premature and, not wanting to chance another ten week hospital stay, my husband and I agreed we were very happy to be ‘one and done.’
The stories I read then about being an only child were rather negative and upsetting, using words like ‘over-indulged’, ‘selfish’ and ‘lonely;’ not how I wanted to describe our much-loved child. And it simply didn’t match my experience in our happy family of three.
Then, in 2010, an article in The Sunday Times headed: ‘Life is Sweetest for the Only Child,’ revealed new studies showing that only children are more contented than children with siblings. I remember thinking that finally someone was speaking positively about our experience.
Here are my reflections on ‘one and done’ parenting.
Recognise the upsides
For us, family life has mainly felt uncomplicated and calm. Take travelling; three airline tickets, one hotel room, one small rental car and only one child to keep track of. A quick breeze through Reddit and you see parents of only children sharing a lessstressed life where daily routines are more manageable and financial resources aren’t divided.
Research shows that lack of money places more stress on a family than the number of children. That said, with one child, the entire school process is also a ‘one and done.’ One set of homework and exams, one set of sports/arts fixtures and lessons. It’s less complex. That doesn’t mean better nor that those with multiples can’t sort all that stuff out – because they can and do, beautifully.
Teach how to share and resolve conflict
Without a sibling, the single child directs frustrations towards parents and, later, friends. This gives parents the opportunity to model healthy and positive ways to handle disagreements. If
you see your only child disagreeing with a friend, revisit it with a conversation about what they could have done differently.
Sharing does not come naturally until between the ages of 3 and 5. Show single children how to share by modelling it. Offer to divide and share the last slice of pizza. Take turns choosing which movie to watch. Seeing sharing in action makes it so much easier for children to understand.
Delay gratification
It’s so easy to say ‘sure’ when your only child asks for something. If there were a sibling your child might have to wait or completely forego what they want. So remember that ‘No’ or ‘not yet’ can be the right answers sometimes. It’s important your child gets used to waiting, along with clear routines, rules and positive discipline when necessary.
Recognise the downsides
Children with siblings share their unique family experience with allies. There may be cousins and there will be friends but, for a single child, there will never be a family peer or ally – and this will be true throughout their lives; when they reach adulthood they will have to care for ageing parents alone, for instance.
With a strong foundation though, there is no reason why only children have any less chance of growing into strong, independent individuals than their friends with siblings.
Ann Magalhaes is founder of The Parent Team (www.theparent.team), parenting educators offering classes and workshops teaching evidence-based parenting skills and offering parents practical, effective support.
A warm welcome for families at Hyde Park
Tucked away in the heart of Leeds, Hyde Park Picture House is more than just a beautiful historic cinema – it’s a welcoming space where families can enjoy the magic of film, without breaking the bank.
Originally opened in 1914 and still lit by gaslight, it’s constantly evolving with community and families as a priority. Recent additions include comfy new seats, improved access for buggies and wheelchairs, and programme additions like autism-friendly screenings every Sunday at 11am.
Their family-friendly Hyde & Seek programme features new releases like Lilo & Stitch and Elio, as well as classics like Bambi and Babe. Most screenings are Pay What You Can and when it comes to
snacks, all options are affordable. There’s even a special new kids snack deal: a fruit juice, small popcorn and poppets for £3.50!
If you’re looking for even more value for money, visit on Saturday mornings when the cinema has self-led activities from 10.30am before films. HPPH’s Young Audiences Officer, Sylvia, makes these activities extra memorable. For example, for My Neighbour Totoro, she made a massive Totoro Catbus for children to craft their own passengers to add on board.
Weekly toddler screenings take place at 11am on Fridays and have the magical addition of bubbles before films.
If you’re a new parent or carer, the friendly community cinema welcomes you on
Smoby Disney Stitch Cash Register
or
Wednesday mornings to Bring Your Own Baby screenings – a chance for some you-time for just £6.50 with a FREE hot drink included. Many regulars consider it a lifeline, including Fenner who says, “BYOBaby is a godsend – it's a real treat to be able to get out to the cinema. It's also a great chance to meet other parents.”
Oh, and look out for HPPH’s holiday specials when extra screenings are put on, as well as animation workshops and more!
Hyde Park Picture House is in Hyde Park (near Headingley) 73 Brudenell Road, LS6 1JD Box office: 0113 275 2045 www.hpph.co.uk
Get ready for a spooktacular time in the kitchen with this fun and frightfully fantastic book!
Families is giving five lucky readers the chance to win a copy of My First Halloween Cook Book by David Atherton, winner of The Great British Bake O and beloved children’s cookbook author.
Packed with playful, easy-to-follow recipes perfect for little hands, this colourful book is full of spooky snacks, creepy cakes and ghoulishly good ideas to get kids excited about being in the kitchen.
Closing date: 17 October T&Cs at www.bit.ly/mfcbtcs
From monster mu ins to ghostly pizzas, David’s step-by-step instructions, beautifully illustrated by Jess Rose, make Halloween baking a treat for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a party, getting creative over half term or just want to enjoy some quality time together in the kitchen, this book is perfect. Don’t miss your chance to winenter today and let the Halloween magic begin!
at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go
What's On
REGULAR EVENTS
Ongoing
Museums for Play and Growth at Bradford Museums and Galleries
FREE drop-in sessions for children 0–5 years old, held on: First Saturday of the month in Bradford Industrial Museum, second Friday of the month in Cartwright Hall, third Wednesday of the month in Bolling Hall and fourth Thursday of the month in Cliffe Castle.
Saturdays
Family Fun at Wakefield Museum, Castleford Museum and Pontefract Museum
Come rain or shine enjoy FREE, fun crafts every Saturday. With different themed activities each week. All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards! 11am to 3pm.
Second Saturday of each month
Sparky Saturdays at the M&S Archive Fun, FREE and for everyone! The interactive exhibition includes dressing up rails, a Penny Bazaar shop and mini-cinema. You can have a go at a hands-on activity and try the exhibition trails. Activities run from 10am to 4pm. There’s FREE fruit, biscuits and drinks, including vegan and gluten-free options and you can use the indoor picnic space to eat your own food.
Saturdays and Sundays
Hyde & Seek at Hyde Park Picture House
From Pixar to Ponyo, Laika to The Lion King, see family-friendly screenings of magical movies for film-fans of all ages. Many are Pay What You Can, allowing you to pay whatever you can afford. On Saturdays, enjoy FREE crafts from 10.30am before the screening and every Sunday at 11am the Hyde & Seek screening is autism-friendly.
Sundays
Junior Parkrun at 15 parks across Leeds and West Yorkshire Fun, 2k run for 4 to 14-year-olds and their families. Check website for details. FREE event. Register online.
Every Saturday and Sunday during term time and every day during the school holidays Garden Play at The Hepworth Wakefield Stack, build, experiment, draw and imagine with your family in the open air. Be inspired by the garden’s artworks and plants, the weather and buildings around you. No need to book, just turn up and play. Suitable for families with children aged 0-12 years old. drop in 11am-4pm. FREE.
First Tuesday of the Month during term time Storytime at the Little Bookshop Chapel Allerton FREE, monthly community storytime. Listen to some stories, chat with local parents and enjoy a free tea or coffee. No need to book and suitable for babies and toddlers up. 10am.
We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.
SEPTEMBER
September 5
Little Scientists at Abbey House Museum
Fun sessions for under 5s exploring the Victorian streets using simple science. Perfect for Under 5s. Drop-in, included in general admission. Admission purchased on site.
September 6
Counting Sheep at Lawrence Batley Theatre Snuggle up and join two sheep on a journey through the joys and frustrations of everything bedtime. A touching, musical adventure filled with sensory play, for 0-3 year olds and their (very tired) grown-ups.
September 12 to 21
Heritage Open Days
A chance to see hidden places, try out new experiences for FREE and celebrate our fantastic history and culture! Find local events online.
September 16
Home Education: Brilliant Bones and Marvellous Muscles at Leeds Discovery Centre
Learn about the major bones of the human body and how muscles work to keep you moving. Have an up-close look at real animal skeletons from the natural science collection. Workshop also includes a tour of the store.
September 19 to 21
In the Night Garden Live at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!
September 20
Dress to Impress at Temple Newsam House
Discover the historic costumes and fashion on display at Temple Newsam. Chat to costume experts about historic fashion, watch resident dancers Arbeau perform in the Picture Gallery, and try on a few costumes yourself. Included in normal admission fees.
September 20
Family Friendly Green Festival
Get set for some good green fun in Horsforth Hall Park with this family-friendly Green Festival with a produce show, cycle powered sound system, local bands, choirs and performance artists, stalls from local groups and businesses, lantern making, a sound bath in the Japanese Garden and FREE, sustainable play activities. 11.30am-3.30pm. More info at www.horsforthclimateaction.org
September 23 to 27
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Alhambra Theatre
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Bradford.
September 26
Little Shoppers at Abbey House Museum
A fun, drop-in, 'shopping' session for under 5s in the Victorian Streets. With a range of play shops, fake food and a trail or craft.
September 26
Dinky Disco at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Calling all 24 Hour Party Parents! Take your little ravers along to Huddersfield’s coolest daytime dance party.
September 30 to October 12
Autumn on the Farm at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm
Visit the Joiner's Shop to see a display about Autumn on the Farm. Why do our sheep have bright coloured spots at this time of year? In times gone by the 'reddleman' would visit the farm at this time of year - find out why! FREE with general farm admission.
OCTOBER
October 3
Little Scientists at Abbey House Museum
Fun sessions for under 5s exploring the Victorian streets using simple science. Perfect for Under 5s. Drop-in, included in general admission. Admission purchased on site.
October 4
Autumn Amble at Temple Newsam
Meet in the Stable Courtyard for a guided walk that takes in the beauty of the season at both Home Farm and on the wider Temple Newsam Estate. Ideally paced for families, nature lovers and curious explorers of all ages. Booking essential.
October 4 to 31
Pumpkin Patch Trailer Tours at Lotherton Hop on the tractor trailer the Pumpkin Express and take a ride up to the secret pumpkin patch. Take part in craft activities, enjoy refreshments and pick up that all important pumpkin before the big day.
October 9 to 11
The Smeds and the Smoos at Carriageworks Theatre
Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
October 11
Fungus Foray at Temple Newsam
A family friendly guided walk to look for fungi around the estate. About three miles, covering woodlands, grasslands, and a variety of different habitats. An introduction to picking, collecting, identifying and advice on edibility. Booking essential.
October 11 and 12
CBeebies Panto Cinderella at The Alhambra Theatre
Featuring a host of CBeebies’ stars, expect singing, dancing and laughs for the whole family in this reimagined classic story that celebrates finding your thing!
October 12
Tom Gates Epic Stage Show at Carriageworks Theatre
With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show.
October 12
Taylormania at St George’s Hall
An award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to Taylor Swift.
October 12
Amazing Animals at Lawrence Batley Theatre
A show dedicated to all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see life sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
October 12
Autumn Open Day at Temple Newsam
Get a taster and enjoy lots of activities and experiences for all the family. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. Pay what you feel tickets only apply to house entry. Farm tickets must be purchased separately.
October 17
Hare and Tortoise at Carriageworks Theatre
Enjoy this charming adaptation of Aesop’s fable about friendship, opposites, the passing of time, and discover how the race unfolds.
October 18
Fun Kids Science Weekly – LIVE at Carriageworks Theatre
Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson brings the weirdest and coolest stuff in science to the stage, making it more fun than it’s ever been in any classroom!
October 21 to 25
The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical at the Alhambra Theatre
When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.
October 23 and 24
The Smeds and the Smoos at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Soar into space with this adaptation of the muchloved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
October 23 and 24
Light Night Leeds
The UK’s largest annual arts and light festival.
October 24
Little Shoppers Halloween special at Abbey House Museum
A fun, drop-in, 'shopping' session for under 5s in the Victorian Streets, with a range of play shops, fake food and a trail or craft and a spooky twist!
October 25
Opera North’s The Big Opera Mystery at Leeds Grand Theatre
A family-friendly show for ages 5-12. An expert thief is on the loose and only you can catch them. Bring your thinking caps, your magnifying glasses, and all your crime-solving skills.
October 25 to November 2
Spooky Skeletons: Scarytales at Lotherton
As you follow the twisted fairytales trail through the haunting grounds, gardens and house at Lotherton, all is not as it seems. Come face-to-face with a series of mischievous skeletons – making themselves at home and reimagining classic tales with a Halloween twist.
October 25 to November 2 (exc October 27)
Dare you venture into the cellars of Temple Newsam House?
Explore the dark and scary route below the creaking floorboards, what horrors will await you. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
October 25 to November 2 (exc October 27)
Halloween Hauntings at Temple Newsam
See the house and farm dressed up for a truly spooktacular half term and enjoy creepy crafts. Explore the house to discover its hidden histories and hear tales of spooky goings on, including the notorious Blue Lady, who is said to roam the corridors at night. Dressing up encouraged.
October 25, 26, 28 and November 1, 2
Spooky Streets at Abbey House Museum
Step into the spooky streets of Abbey House Museum for lots of family fun. Encounter scary spiders, wicked witches, wiley wolves, beguiling
bats and skeletons pulling pints! Dress as your favourite Halloween character and pose for petrifying pics. There will be a terrifying trail and creepy competitions and a monster bag of crafts and activities to take home.
October 27 to 31
Half Term Store Tours at Leeds Discovery Centre
A behind the scenes tours of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection store. Booking required.
October 29
Pumpkin Calving at Temple Newsam
If you sowed a Pumpkin in the Walled Gardens in April, go back and help carve it for Halloween. Alternatively bring one along, preferably hollowed out, and the gardeners will help carve your design.
October 29 and 31
Junior Ghost Walk at Temple Newsam
Join a family-friendly ghost walk around the farm, with stories designed to delight and thrill.
Experience the magical mysteries of Halloween without any of the frights. Suitable for under 7s. Included in general admission, booking required.
October 29 to November 2
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Carriageworks Theatre
The critically acclaimed production featuring a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets.
October 30 to November 23
Matilda The Musical at the Alhambra Theatre
Following the sellout success of its first tour, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, is heading back out on tour across the UK and Ireland from October 2025.
October 31
Dinky Disco at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Calling 24 Hour Party Parents! Take your little ravers along to Huddersfield’s coolest daytime dance party. Creep it real on the dancefloor and take part in some spooky dance activities, with lights, glow sticks and other sensory toys in a frightfully fun, club-like atmosphere.
