Keep the kids entertained in Wakefield this summer

Twist, Bend, Fold sculpture workshop at The Hepworth
Eva Sanderson and Alison Whitney — Twist, Bend, Fold sculpture workshop at The Hepworth Eva Sanderson and Alison Whitney

With the help of Wakefield Council, we’ve pulled together a guide of some of the places to go and things to see.

l Pugneys Country Park will celebrate its 30th birthday with a pirate themed party this Saturday, with games, activities and fancy dress. Booking for the event, from 10am until 2.30pm can be made by calling 01924 303748.

l Children can also take part in the themed Room on the Broom walk at Anglers Country Park. Based on the best-selling children’s picture book, the walk features sculptures of characters witch, cat, dog, bird, frog and dragon. The trail begins at the visitors centre and follows a route around the lake.

Seaside in the city event at Cathedral precinct, Wakefield.
Isla Fitzpatrick — Seaside in the city event at Cathedral precinct, Wakefield. Isla Fitzpatrick

l Seaside in the City will return to Wakefield on August 15 and 16 and will come to Castleford for the first time on August 22. Traditional attractions include donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, children’s rides, a market, sand art and street entertainment.

l The Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle celebrates the career of abstract sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, with exhibitions at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth.

l Thornes Park offers the opportunity to practice sporting skills on its tennis courts, bowls freen and the pitch and putt course. It also has a children’s play area, miniature steam railway, bird aviary and cafe.

l Pontefract and Sandal Castles will be open throughout the summer, offering views across the district. Tours will run of the castle’s underground dungeons.

30 June 2015....Visitors enjoy the sunshine at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield. Ted McManus 4 from Wakefield. Picture Scott Merrylees SM1008/80a

l At the National Coal Mining Museum, children and adults alike can enjoy underground pit tours, explore the nature trail, see the pit ponies and learn about mining communities.

l Wakefield Cathedral will host free lunchtime concerts on selected Tuesday’s during August. Visitors can also look around the building and learn about its architecture including its medieval carvings.

l And this weekend, Pontefract Town Centre will celebrate Yorkshire Day with sports, music, dance, heritage walks, family games and craft workshops. The fun day runs from 9am until 4pm.

Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, at Wakefield Council, said: “We have a lot of great attractions in the our district including, stunning parks, castles, museums and art galleries.

The town hall ducklings, Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Mo getting released into the wild at Anglers Country Park following a short stay at a sanctuary.
Pictured: — The town hall ducklings, Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Mo getting released into the wild at Anglers Country Park following a short stay at a sanctuary. Pictured:

“I would like to encourage adults and children to get out and about and enjoy the wealth of fabulous places on the doorstep.”

For more summer fun ideas, visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/attractions