A-Z of family friendly things to do this summer in Doncaster!

Meet Alan. He lives with his other Alpaca friends and family at Tickill Alpaca’s, tucked away in Tickhill. Doncaster Mumbler Caroline took a stroll with Alan, Archie, and Strawberry Cheesecake recently.

“You can do Alpaca trekking in the countryside with the Alpacas or enjoy the ultimate glamping experience. I obviously live in Doncaster but am so tempted to book a glamping tent one weekend, it looked brilliant.  There are three glamping tents available if you want to enjoy a staycation and you’ll be in the same field as the Alpacas, so they’ll come and say hello!   The owners have created a great space for campers, with a play area too, so it’s a lovely spot to have a mini break”.

Price:

• Alpaca Trekking: £20 per Alpaca (Max 2 people per Alpaca)
• Alpacamping: £95 per tent/night (Sleeps up to 6)

Facilities:

• Portaloo and handwashing facilities on site

Good to know:

• No age restrictions for the Alpaca walking, but children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. The walk will be on the ground. The experience lasts about 1 hour including petting and feeding.
• Booking is required for all activities here
• It really is tucked away, you will need the postcode below.

Tickhill Alpacas at Sunny Acres, Hindley Lane, off Apy Hill Lane, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9BF

Situated in Doncaster city centre, Bake, Battle and Roll is a Board Game cafe and Doncaster Mumbler Debbie went along recently.

” I visited Bake, Battle and Roll with my eight year old son and I can’t recommend this place highly enough. They have a massive selection of board games to play – from really simple ‘Orchard Toys’ type games to teenagers and adults. All the games are organised into shelves of difficulty so it’s easy to select one that’s appropriate. Rachel and James (the owners) are so friendly and helpful and are great at recommending games or talking you through instructions to get you started as quickly as possible. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced – I had a panini and my son had a bacon sandwich. They do a wide range of drinks including milkshakes and smoothies. They have also recently introduced a vegan menu and I overheard another customer commenting on how delicious the vegan milkshakes are. We stayed for a couple of hours but could’ve stayed longer if it wasn’t for our parking ticket running out. Great for a rainy day activity or to tie in with some other activities to make it a great day out in the town centre”.

Price: We paid £22.50 for food, drinks and gaming time.

Good to know:

• Also great for parents of children with additional needs (SEND), they are a very inclusive business
• If you’re a new mum you’ll find a warm welcome as they are part of the We Support Our Mums Scheme which helps breastfeeding mums feel more comfortable feeding when out and about.

Bake Battle & Roll, 24-26 Wood Street, DN1 3LW

Cast is Doncaster’s theatre, home to our beloved Christmas pantomime and a great place for all ages to enjoy. Situated in the Cultural & Civic Quarter, Doncaster Mumbler was able to enjoy a production for kids during May half term – Twisted Tales – which was brilliant.

Price: Prices for performances vary. See What’s On here

Facilities: 

• Toilets and baby change available
• Food:  We were able to order refreshments via an app and then they were delivered straight to us! They arrived in minutes!

Cast, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU

This is the new home for Doncaster Libraries and Heritage Doncaster in the Civic and Cultural Quarter. Situated on the site of the old Girls High School and the former Waterdale site of Hall Cross School, the building looks fantastic. It is absolutely worth a visit this summer.

Doncaster Mumbler had a trip to the Children’s Library during half term.

“It was very light and colourful, with views into the museum and outside. The choice of books was brilliant, Mini Mumbler found a Harry Potter section so we lost her to Hogwarts for a bit. It’s a lovely place to sit for an hour and read. It was very easy to sign up for a library card and children can take up to 12 books out at a time, with up to a month to read and return (although renewals can be done online).”

Look out for the Summer Reading Challenge this year too as Doncaster libraries will be participating.

“In terms of the Museum and Gallery, I did this as a separate tour and it was fascinating. There are lots of exhibits, it’s a huge building! The first stop when you enter is the Rail Heritage Centre, with the Green Arrow and No. 251 locomotive inside the building, plus a KOYLI (Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry) area. We enjoyed taking a look back at Doncaster and seeing the sarcophagus, the Danum shield and the old sitting room, with an old TV. There was a typical old fashioned shop for children to explore and lots of interactive elements with buttons to press and videos to watch. The Art Gallery which is at the top of the building was really impressive, with some works loaned from the likes of the British Museum. It was very peaceful up there and we really enjoyed it.”

Price: Free

Facilities: 

• Toilets available on each floor
• There are lifts throughout the building (the building is fully accessible by wheelchair/Pram/Pushchair)
• The cafe is not yet open, but keep an eye out following the further easing of restrictions

Good to know:

• There was a little shop on the way out and they had some great stuff (Viking swords and other toys, souvenirs)

Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ

Fancy a challenge? Mumbler Debbie went along to Enigma Escape Rooms in Doncaster city centre to try it out!

“I visited Enigma with my 8 year old son and his 9 year old friend. We did the ‘hostage’ room- which was mentioned on the website it was suitable for families. I didn’t really know what to expect as I’d never done an escape room before, but we had a great time and my son says he’d like to go back again. It definitely got us thinking (there is a button to press for hints if you get stuck). It’s a great activity for older children, and the other rooms would be good for teens (or children who aren’t easily scared)”.

Price: £68 for four people.

Facilities: Toilets available.

37 Hallgate, Doncaster, DN1 3NR

Boston Park Farm is a favourite amongst local families and is really accessible if you’re visiting from further afield. I know we love it. Doncaster Mumbler Rachael, along with her little girl and new baby boy went along for the day. Rachael’s first trip out as a new mum, with two children under 5 was a bit daunting, however, she was in good hands with Boston Park Farm!

They know what children (and mums) need. A working farm, there is so much to enjoy there.

“My favourite part of the farm is the children’s play areas – lots to keep the kiddies busy and heaps of fun. The farm contains many different animals that the children can feed, outdoor play areas, indoor soft play, a sand pit, bouncy castle, Go-Karts and a hay bale pyramid”.

Look out for the Maize Maze from July to October, which is a lot of fun too, plus they are building a new pig barn that will be accessible for visitors.

Price: Family Ticket from £15.00 to £20.00, Adult from £2.50 to £4.50, Child (3-12 years) from £5.50 to £6.50, Toddlers (1 & 2 Years) £4.50, Baby under 1 Free. They also do a 1 adult and 1 child ticket from £8 to £11. Book here

Entry to the Maize Maze is included in your admission ticket when it is open.

Facilities: 

• Indoor cafe and Outdoor Kiosk (the Snack Baa), both of which serve plant-based food.
• Toilets, baby change and disabled toilets
• Plenty of tables and chairs inside and outside (picnics allowed outside)

Good to know:

• Pre-booking is advisable here
• High Chairs available
• The animal trail and maize maze are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs
• Welcome breastfeeding mums and can warm milk or baby food for you

Boston Park Farm, Doncaster, DN7 6DS

Book a Big Splash session at the Dome this summer and enjoy being back in the swimming pool.

Doncaster is lucky to have an amazing fun pool with slides, fountains and other fun stuff! Swimming in the lagoons is fun for all the family, from toddlers (there’s a great toddler area) to tweens and teens.

Rachel from Hull Mumbler visited over half term…

“We had a great afternoon swimming at Doncaster Dome! I haven’t been since I was a teenager and I have loved it just as much as my kids, it’s felt like a properly normal day out. There are time slots to pre-book at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm and you get 90 minutes. It was limited numbers and didn’t feel crowded and it meant the slide queues were short”.

Price: Adult – £7.50, Junior (Under 16)- £5.50, Infant (Under 3)- £3.00

Facilities:

• Pre-booking required here
• Toilets and baby change
• Showers are not in use during the current phase of re-opening

Good to know:

• Lockers require £1 coin (if you don’t have one, locker tokens are now on sale on site
• Children under 8 years (maximum of 2 children to one adult)
• Children under 4 years (one adult per child)

Doncaster Dome, Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster, DN4 7PD

Whilst the hall museum remains closed, the lovely park at Cusworth and the children’s play area are open.

A perfect place to unwind and picnic, enjoying the outdoors after a busy day shopping in Doncaster! A huge hill to roll down, some trees for shade if you need them with little ones and a nice lake to walk around (it’s a fairly short circular walk).

Price: Free, although car parking charges apply

Facilities:

• Toilets are open 10am-4pm
• Brewhouse and Butlers tea rooms provide refreshments

Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, DN5 7TU

Conisbrough Castle (an English Heritage Site) is a great place to visit this summer. Doncaster Mumbler had not visited for many years and the kids had never been, so they explored it recently!

“A great place right on our doorstep! The gorgeous sunshine meant that we could laze around on the grass whilst waiting to climb the impressive tower (wasn’t a long wait, but numbers were limited for obvious reasons). The kids loved exploring and climbing the ruins. We were also given a quiz sheet, so the kids enjoyed doing that and there were lots of hills to roll down outside the castle!”.

Price: Family Ticket £19.80 (2 adult and up to 3 children) or £12.20 (1 adult and up to 3 children), Adult £7.60, Concession £6.90, Child £4.60, Under 5’s free. Book here 

Facilities: 

• There are some toilets in the shop near the entrance to the castle
• There is no cafe, we took our drinks and sat on the grass.

Good to know:

• We found a little play area at the bottom of the castle, with a little stream and a woodland walk. We also walked all around the outside of the castle which was a fairly short circular route, good for little ones. Take binoculars, Mini Mumbler loved looking out from the top of the tower.

Conisbrough Castle, Castle Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN12 3BU

Jump and climb and jump some more at Flip Out, a trampoline and activity park, located in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Centre! Doncaster Mumbler visited during half term.

“It was our first time back there in about 18 months and we realised how much the kids had grown during lockdown! My littlest Mumbler was able to now climb up onto some of the platforms and both kids managed the climbing wall a bit easier. We all loved it, I had a bounce too. The session wasn’t too busy and it was so much fun”.

Price:

• A family pass for the trampolining is £38 for 4 for 1 hour or £48 for 2 hours (See all pricing here)
• There is a toddler area (for under 5’s) located next to the cafe, with ‘Stay and Play’ sessions running 10am-3pm during term time, Monday to Friday. £6 for the day and includes the bouncing arena too, so that little ones can explore with parents.

Facilities: 

• Toilets and baby change available
• Cafe, with reasonably priced food and drinks
• We bought a slush in a refillable cup and were told that we could get a free refill every time we took the cup back!

Good to know:

• I noticed new seating overlooking the arena from the mezzanine, so you can watch the kids if you aren’t bouncing

Flip Out Doncaster, Frenchgate, St Sepulchre Gate, DN1 1SW

Normally you’ll find Claire with lots of little tots in her baby classes (Tots Play Doncaster), however during half term she took her own not so little tots to Kingswood to do a mini review for us!

“We had a pirate-tastic time at Kingswood Adventure Golf in Hatfield. There are adult, child and family tickets available, helping to keep the cost down. We loved that there is a Gang of Five ticket available too for £20, as usually family tickets only accommodate 2 children.

When it comes to fun with kids, we all know it’s a case of ‘just add water’. Our Pirate gang loved that many of the obstacles included water features and I’m pretty sure they aimed to miss just so they could dip their hands in to retrieve lost balls. The course would be easily attempted with smaller children and is pushchair friendly if you’re taking younger ones too; under 3’s are free of charge. It took us about 45 minutes to complete the course with our intentional water shots, and some of our pirate gang played the holes more than once as they were having such good fun!”

Prices: Adult £6.00, Scallywags (4-14) £4.50, Stowaways (3 years and under) free. Ships Crew of Four £18 (1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children), Gang of Five £20 (2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult & 4 children)

Facilities: Though we didn’t eat this time, there is a large family-friendly dining area as well as toilet and changing facilities and smaller takeaway refreshments available.

Good to know:

• I noticed new seating overlooking the arena from the mezzanine, so you can watch the kids if you aren’t bouncing

There are lots to do around Doncaster Lakeside, whether that is a walk in the fresh air around the beautiful lakes (stopping to feed the ducks), shopping at Lakeside Village, or having something to eat at the new Herten Triangle restaurants.

Hull Mumbler had a walk around the lake on their visit to Doncaster and it made for a full day out in Doncaster, after enjoying swimming at the Dome.

If you fancy shopping, there is something for everyone at Lakeside Village (free parking), including a play area for children to blow off a bit of steam and they have FREE Adventure Golf available all summer! They also have award winning baby change facilities at Lakeside and are doggy friendly in a lot of the shops.

Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster, DN4 5PJ

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, located just off the M18 at Lakeside has re-opened and is a great place to go as a family. Doncaster Mumbler visited recently with the kids and Grandad and everyone enjoyed it.

“The museum is a lot larger than I realised! There were planes and helicopters of every description, inside and outside, some of which the kids could sit in the Cockpit, which they found really good fun. There was also a helicopter simulator, so a few interactive things that they really liked. There is a ‘Blitz’ area, which has sound effects and shows a typical kitchen during WWII and so much history relating to our local area. We spent a good few hours there and the kids found it really interesting. Under normal circumstances, there is also a dressing up room, which is currently closed due to Covid, but there was plenty to keep them all interested”.

Price: Adult £6.50, Seniors £5.50, Children (u16) £3, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £15, Children under 5 are free.  We have a Mumbler discount ***2 for 1 when you quote Mumbler ***

Facilities: There is a small shop that sells hot and cold beverages, cakes, snacks and ice creams. You can also take a picnic. Plenty of outdoor seating is available.

Good to know:

• The site is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Parking is available (they are situated at Lakeside)
• No Pre-Booking required

South Yorkshire Air Museum, Dakota Way, Airbourne Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 7NW

Hot Dogs & Burgers to set you up for an amazing time at Sunnybank (they’ve been twice voted Mumbler’s favourite place to eat out with kids in the Doncaster Mumbler awards).

Doncaster Mumbler had a brilliant afternoon at Sunnybank during half term.

“The kids had an hour on the bouncy castles (there are a few different ones partitioned off and sessions run hourly for an hour. This prevented it from being too crowded there and there are tables and chairs within the bouncy castle bit too).

There is a free play area, with a tractor to climb on and other climbing frames, then lots of outdoor activities such as electric vehicles on a little track, a bungee trampoline, Hook a Duck, and the Crazy Adventure Golf. We do the golf each time we go as the kids love it”.

Price: The food is reasonably priced and then you buy tokens to go on the bouncy castles, crazy golf etc. These range from £2.50/£3.50 to do a particular activity. It’s a bit like a fairground, but you don’t need cash as you can pay by card (the hut to get tokens is by the electric cars)

Facilities:

• Lots of outdoor seating is available, or you are able to take your food inside.
• To get food or drink, you either join the queue for the burger/hotdog stall or join the queue for Ice cream.
• Slushes were available on the hook a duck, we just paid at the token kiosk, so if the kids need a drink quickly we found this a good option.
• Toilets available inside

Good to know:

• No pre-booking required
• Remember your suncream, it’s mostly outside
• You might want to take bottles of water for yourselves and the kids as it’s not possible to get one quickly
• Plenty of space for pushchairs

Mumbler Claire and her family popped to Hatfield Moors to enjoy a walk in the sunshine.

“If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise as you may find a delicious slice of red velvet cake or a marshmallow or three waiting in the Hideout!

We visited Hatfield Moors Nature Reserve on a beautiful sunny Saturday on the hunt for a little hidden gem we’d heard of. We found the car park well signposted just opposite Boston Park Farm. Once parked, we followed the Dragonfly trail to take a short stroll through the woods. This is one of three marked trails through the reserve and is easily managed with pushchairs as there are no narrow tracks, hills or steps. The Hideout can also be accessed via the main path on the left of the gates to the reserve if this is open.

The Hideout is waiting in a beautiful setting about halfway along the trail. It’s just the cutest converted horsebox, now repurposed by the wonderful Nikki and her family to offer hot and cold drinks, ice cream, the most delicious homemade cakes and even a complimentary ‘pupacino’ for our pampered pooch. There’s a firepit ready to toast marshmallows if that’s what takes your fancy. There are also plans on the way for different menu offerings, but we got the impression nothing was too much trouble here, definitely get in touch with Nikki if you have something special, a larger scale gathering or picnic in mind. I’ll be encouraging my class mums to organise an outing here soon although I’m slightly reluctant to spread the word about our new favourite treat stop as I’m a little worried the next time I visit, there’ll be none of the best red velvet cake in the world left for me!”

Price: Just coffee and cakes at The Hideout – the prices were so reasonable and we couldn’t have wished for a more peaceful setting or friendly service. No charge for Hatfield Moors

Facilities: Toilets are available if needed, and if you go anywhere with children, you’ll know they’re always needed! Lots of parking is available too.

P is for Potteric Carr!

What can we say? Rachael from North Leeds Mumbler went along to Potteric Carr. Here’s her review, however, her amazing photos of their day are literally down the toilet. Anyone with a toddler might feel Rachael’s pain – you take the toddler to the loo and outfalls your phone into the…well you know the rest.

So, here’s Rachel and here’s what she had to say, but sadly no amount of rice meant that her amazing photos could be salvaged.

“Whoooooop!! We loved our visit to Potteric Carr – especially going around on the Spider’s Tale Story Trail! It was a great way to see different parts of this beautiful site, and my daughter loved finding the different homes on the activity sheet.  There is LOADS to see – it’s much bigger than I thought! Our walk was just under 2 miles and we didn’t even cover half of it. We saw lots of wildlife and loved the sculptures dotted about. The cafe has a fab viewing platform if you fancy sitting outdoors, and a great little gift shop”

Price: Adults £4.50 and children £3 (although I didn’t have to pay for my 2 year old). A family ticket is £11 for two adults and up to four under 16’s.

Facilities:

• There are lots of toilets – we definitely found those. They’re in the cafe.
• The cafe has hot and cold drinks, hot and cold food and snacks. Seating inside and outside.

Other Information: 

• We took a pushchair around with us on the Discovery Trail (which is where the Story Trail is based). It was fine in dry weather if you have big wheels! It did get a little muddy, and I wouldn’t like to try it off-season unless I had an off-road buggy.
• Booking was not required
• You can collect the story trail sheets from the visitor centre – make sure to take your own pencil though!

YWT Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB

Doncaster Mumbler discovered Quarry Park recently and loved it!

“It’s a great park to use as a destination for a picnic this summer. Lots and lots of open space, a few different play areas and a woodland walk. My children particularly enjoyed the zip wire and walking through the woods. We spotted a lot of dogs so I think it is a popular place to take the furry members of your family too! The Friends of Quarry Park do an amazing job of looking after the park and keeping it spotlessly clean.”

Other Information:

• You can grab a drink at the Subway near to the car park (which is near the post office, High Street, Dunsville)
• Please help the friends of Quarry Park by taking your litter home if you do decide to have a picnic.

The Cycling Track at The Dome offers cycling for all abilities.

“We tried it when my son was learning to ride a bike and was not too confident. It’s great as it’s a nice smooth track and it wasn’t too busy when we went. There is a little track for kids to ride balance bikes if you have younger children,  but then if you have adventurous, more confident children they can go on some of the ramps and enjoy a bit of off-road terrain!”

Facilities: Cafe on site.

Other Information: There are public sessions – pay and ride and accessible sessions. It can also be hired privately and there are lessons available via Clancy Briggs.

The Doncaster Cycle Track, The Dome, Doncaster.

Something else new has just popped up in the Cultural & Civic Quarter in Doncaster town centre. Mumbler Debbie popped along to see Peter Rabbit 2 at the new Savoy Cinema.

“I enjoyed a trip to the new Savoy cinema with my 8 year old son and a couple of friends. It’s right next door to the Cast Theatre and you could combine your visit with a trip to the new Danum Gallery,  Cupcakes2Love or Bake Battle & Roll to make a nice little day out. The staff were friendly and welcoming and there’s a good range of food and drink available. We bought ourselves a fizzy cherry drink (Cherry Crush?!) which was lovely! On our way through to the screens, I noticed a big pile of booster seats that you could help yourself to – great if you have a little one with you.

The seats we had chosen were little sofas. This was definitely my favourite thing about our visit and I’ve never seen it in a cinema before. It meant I could snuggle up with my son, whilst watching the film, and gave him enough room to move around to get comfy. I wish they had seats like that available when he was younger as it might’ve prevented me from trying to watch films with him sitting (not very still) on my lap. People seemed to be spread out in the cinema and from what I could see, most people removed masks whilst watching the film. Overall I’d recommend the Savoy and will definitely be visiting again soon”.

Price: Adult £6.99, Child £5.49, Snr Citizen £5.49, Student, £5.49, Family 2 adult + 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children £22.00

Facilities 

• Toilets available
• Party room available for kids' parties
• 4 hour parking is available for £1 in the Civic Quarter car park – you have to validate your ticket at the cinema

Savoy Cinema, Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Waterdale, DN1 3BU

A unique, fun, rustic DIY workshop based at the Yorkshire Hive (Yorkshire Wildlife Park).

A brilliant creative studio where you can create a piece of wall art yourself. No skills are required!

Doncaster Mumbler visited during the last school holidays and we made some signs for our home and garden.

“It was a great way to spend a few hours with my daughter. The studio is lovely and you are guided through the process. We were able to create something really bespoke.” 

Prices: It was £36 for the two of us to do a piece of wall art each. We were there for about 3 hours.

Good to know: Little ones are welcome! Drop in during the week. You will also find the Uproar Play Barn at The Yorkshire Hive, so combine a trip to the Twisted Knot for some creative time, with a trip there to let off steam afterward.

The Twisted Knot, The Yorkshire Hive, Hurst Lane, DN93HQ

The NEW leisure facilities have opened at The Wook Market in 2022 and now the whole family can enjoy some amazing food and:

• Duckpin Bowling
• Shuffle Boards
• AR Darts
• & Coming soon Retro Gaming!

Facilities:

Toilets available and huge choice of food options – pizza, burgers, Greek, Korean, Indian, Peruvian. Street food atmosphere, a great social venue where everyone can have what they fancy. Lots of seating. They also have a Quiz night on a Thursday.

Book Leisure activities here.

Doncaster Wool Market, Market Place, DN1

Whilst Brodsworth Hall itself has not yet reopened, keep an eye out later this month for information on when it is open again. An English Heritage site, Brodsworth Hall allows you to catch a glimpse of Victorian life in the ‘conserved as found’ country estate. The grounds and gardens are open and are stunning in all seasons. Doncaster Mumbler Lyndsey went along recently.

“We had a lovely day exploring the gardens and had lunch in the tea room. We had beautiful weather and were able to sit outdoors. The little ones really enjoyed all of the little hidden areas within the grounds. They loved playing hide and seek behind the bushes and trees as much as they enjoyed the children’s playground!”.

Price: Current entry costs are £12.60 per adult and £7.60 per child (under 5’s are free) and family/concession tickets are available. Pre-book tickets here 

Facilities:

• Tea room (with indoor and outdoor seating) which serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches, children’s lunch boxes etc.
• Highchairs are not freely available at the moment but are available on request.
• Toilets with disabled access and baby changing units
• A lovely play area which was very quiet when we visited on a weekday.

Good to know: 

• The gardens and grounds are mostly accessible for pushchair/ wheelchair use although accessing some areas involved going up and down steps. Wheelchair users could potentially find it difficult to access some areas which involve going uphill as the paths are laid with gravel.

Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, Doncaster, DN5 7XJ

Enjoy a walk in the woods and visit the sensory garden with their new pirate ship! Doncaster Mumbler Caroline visited recently.

“Last time I visited Sandall Beat Woods, I was amazed by how peaceful it was. It’s tucked away, behind Doncaster Racecourse off Leger Way and there is a car park, plus various routes to take. You’re surrounded by nature and there are usually activities happening during school holidays like their recent half-term activity to make a bird snapper. It is an excellent location for a picnic. It’s free to visit too, so a great option for a summer day out with the kids exploring nature”.

Facilities:

• There is a children’s play area (currently undergoing a revamp)

Sandall Beat Community Environment Centre, Sandall Beat Woods, Off Leger Way, Doncaster, DN2 5QB

So this place is very new! Just opened, it’s an indoor skatepark. Take to the ramps on your skateboard, BMX, in-lines or scooter and test your skills. They have various challenges to take on and if you’re just starting out, there are mini ramps to start on. Get your adrenaline pumping!

Price: Between £10 for a 2 hour session

Twisted Skateparks, Unit 3, Marsh Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 8AF

What else would Y be for? Doncaster is home to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which just keeps getting bigger and better! Vicki from Wakefield Mumbler popped over with her family for a visit in half term.

“There’s been a huge redevelopment recently and the new area is big and provides some great viewing areas of the new animal zones – we loved Point Lobos with the chattering sea lions! Head to Caramba for lunch or a sit down and ice cream. It’s a lovely shaded seating area that is normally a lot quieter than the main eating areas. Don’t miss the fab playgrounds”.

Price: Adults £22, Child (3-15 years) £20 – online prices

Facilities:

• Toilets, Baby Change and Changing Places available
• Various cafes for food and drink are available
• Loads of playgrounds!

Good to know:

• My top tips are to Take a buggy…you’ll need it as there is a lot of walking, to carry picnic, snacks and a little one.
• Head to the woodland area to escape the hot summer sun for a bit
• Arrive around lunchtime and you’ll miss the early crowds
• Take plenty of breaks as it’s now a big place to walk around!
• Pre-booking is necessary here

A NEW reserve has just opened at The Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Pangea: Discovery of Dinosaurs! (Included in your day ticket)

Did you know that Bawtry Paintballing Fields is not just paintballing? Doncaster Mumbler went along for a Zip Wire, Tree Trekking and Archery experience.

“We have done tree trekking before, but not in Doncaster! When we arrived at Bawtry Paintballing Fields, we immediately saw the tree trekking as it is up above you in the car park. My husband and daughter who is 9 got fitted out with their harnesses and did a training session/safety briefing before heading up into the trees. Word of warning, it is very high up and a fairly hard tree trekking experience for kids, but if they have the height, a sense of adventure and no fear of being up there they’ll love it. It was different from anything I’d ever seen as there was a BMX to ride across a platform which looked really tricky (I stayed down on the ground with my littlest mumbler who was too short). The minimum height is 130cm. We also did a bolt on archery session, which both kids were able to do and they loved it. In fact, my 7 year old showed us all how it was done! We were shown what to do and how to safely shoot and then collect our arrows. We all really enjoyed it. We spotted a lot of paintballing groups and also parties of younger children having a birthday party. The venue is in the middle of the forest and we enjoyed some food afterward – chips were lovely!”.

Price: We paid £25 per person for the Tree Trekking and Zip Wire and the Archery is £20 per person for 1 hour, although you can add it on for half price if doing another activity, to extend your day.

Facilities: There are toilets and food available, we had chips and burgers as we were starving after all the activities.

Good to know: For tree trekking, it is advertised as 6+, although the minimum height is 130cm. Children are required to clip themselves on and off the safety wire and various points. There was a very extensive safety briefing and the staff were great, really helpful and informative.