Keeping the kids entertained during the holidays........
There's nothing worse than trying to entertain kids, whether it be for a couple of hours, one day or several days! If you're staying here with us at Whitby Holiday Park this season, why not have a look at the following activities which are all very child friendly! These are just a handful of the things that you can do with kids.......
DOODLEPOTS
All you need to succeed at Doodlepots Ceramic Cafe is - well, to go!
Everything else is already there including inspiration, materials, friendly technical support and expert guidance! You don't have to be particularly good at art or have any experience to turn out something pretty if you pick items suited to your skill level, and there are a wide range of options to choose from ensuring that's not a problem!
Doodlepots is located on Skinner Street in Whitby. Children choose a piece to paint, either a plate, mug, vase etc. They paint their pot in the colours and designs they want, then the pot is glazed and fired at Doodlepots for the customer to collect later or it can be posted to them. Hot and cold drinks and a selection of cakes are also available here.
The Whitby Vampire Curse Treasure Trail
Suitable for children over 9 yrs old
You'll need to work together as a family to make it through the Whitby Curse of the Vampire self-guided treasure hunt themed Treasure Trail.
See Whitby as Bram Stoker did when he invented Count Dracula and take a closer look at some of the fascinating plaques, signs and buildings along the route!
As you follow the clear directions, you'll be seeking the answers to the clues in order to solve this mystery and lift the mysterious curse!
This 2.5 mile route explores both the east and west sides of the town - allow around 3 hours, longer if you plan on stopping for lunch or visiting the abbey at the end of the Trail.
Once you have a final answer, go to the Treasure Trails website to submit it and if you're right, find out how to break the curse!
Whitby Surf School
Suitable for ages: Young Children (4-8), Older Children (9-12) and Teenagers (13-18)
Ride the waves with Whitby Surf School!
The school is located on the promenade of the award winning West Cliff Beach meaning you'll be treated to some stunning coastal views whilst you take on the waves. Learn to surf or stand up paddleboard with fully qualified Beach Life Guards, Surfing GB / WSA Surf / SUP Instructors.
If you're keen on exploring then take one of the school's paddleboard trips. Discover new places for flat water touring or wave surfing with one of the all-inclusive trips. Don't worry if you don't have your own equipment as it is all available to hire.
Try something new and have lots of fun!
Mini Monsterz
Suitable for all ages
Mini Monsterz is a huge indoor play area, and a fantastic party venue, with some of the biggest slides in North Yorkshire! The catch is you have to catch the slides while they're open as they require staff supervision (they're that big) so be sure to listen out for the announcement, and then charge up there at all speed and try to beat the crowd!
The older kids have access to two linked frames so there are absolutely tons of features to get to grips with and plenty of space to do it in. The toddler area is actually at least the same size as the secondary main frame so they have more room than usual and proper stepped levels. Awesome!
Plus a superb auto belay climbing wall in the corner (that adults can use too! See who can get the highest!) and pottery painting on the first floor, though opening may vary with staffing for both of these features so try to be flexible. There's also laser tag available but this is after hours within the play frame so needs to be planned separately
Outdoorz is a huge outdoor part of Mini Monsterz, packed with lots of animals, from pigs and donkeys to snakes and chipmunks. Come along and feed them, pet them, and have your photos taken in front of them! There are also a few bits of sturdy play equipment out here to enjoy.
They offer unlimited play time, that means that unlike other places, you pay a one off price and stay as long as you want.
The Amusements On Pier Road
On Pier road there are three amusement arcades. As well as the usual bingo, slot machines and small children's rides there is also crazy golf with a pirate theme, shooting gallery, mini ten pin bowling and a soft play centre for younger children, alongside a cafe for the parents to supervise from.
Whitby Museum
Suitable for all ages
Whitby Museum has something for all ages with collections covering the Natural World, Social History, Textiles and Art, Whaling, and local history.
The Cabinet of Curiosities, or Ripley Cabinet, has numerous drawers to investigate the eclectic contents. If you like strange stuff, you should also see the Hand of Glory and the Tempest Prognosticator in the Special Collection.
If you are feeling adventurous, try out the free Museum trail, which will take you on a voyage of discovery and has questions to answer.
There is a great collection of fossils, which goes well with the Jurassic garden. A free leaflet for this too, just ask the friendly custodian.
You will also get the chance to find out about Captain James Cooke and world cultures in the overseas collection, plus you will want to take a look at the sailing exhibition, which has some excellent model ships, including one made of bones by French prisoners of war.
Ruswarp Boats
Along this stretch of the River Esk is Ruswarp Pleasure Boats where boats can be hired to row down the River Esk till nearly as far as Sleights. This is a lovely, tranquil stretch of river, bordered by overhanging branches and inhabited by ducks and some swans. Fishing is available from here. There is a miniature railway, with a small car park, the train runs on a weekend Easter to October and all the school holidays.
Pannett Park
Suitable for all ages
Pannett Park has a fun and friendly family environment that everyone will enjoy.
There is a peaceful lily pond to sit by in the shelter or surrounding benches where dragonflies often play, plus a reflective spot in the Commemorative Garden with wonderful views and an inspiring inscription in the sandstone walls for the kids to think about.
There is a play area with a maritime theme, which is based on designs by local children and has something for all ages from about 3 years through around 8 or 9. Good visibility from the benches for parents.
The Jurassic Gardens form a link with the fossil collection in the local museum, with huge lush plants similar to those from that period of time and a footpath with details of fossils that are likely to be found in the area and a really cool replica of a Gharial crocodile to check out.
The Community Garden is definitely worth a look as it is where local groups are developing gardens with food crops, plus there is an outdoor classroom.
Connected to the park by Union Terrace is the South Seas garden with more luscious plant samples that reflect the Southern hemisphere and has Maori artwork and imagery to enjoy.
It is a good idea to check online before you visit as a number of events and activities are held throughout the year.
Outdoor Paddling Pool
On the West Cliff, there are a number of activities suitable for children. There is a 'pitch and putt' golf green for older children close to the leisure centre.
Near the Cliff lift, is the Crazy Golf, always a favourite the old and young alike!
Also on the West Cliff there is an outdoor paddling pool with public conveniences close by and a new skateboarding area has recently been built.
These are just some of the things to do in Whitby with your children, but as we all know, kids do like to make their own fun too. A bucket & spade on the beach can keep them happy for hours 😃
Sue
Reception