I will start this by saying that I am not arty at all. I can just about draw stick men. Just. So after hearing about Crafty Kids elsewhere on the blogosphere, and with Fathers Day looming, I thought that we would pop down.
The set up is quite simple but really, really effective. There are 3 “arty” tables where you can paint, glue and colour in. There is also a load of toys around the edge of the room to keep the little ones entertained. (UPDATE: There is now an outdoor play as well).
Given children’s ability to get bored easily, always start with the paints. After this they may go from Picasso to grumpy child, but at least you have your masterpiece drying off!!
I suffered this after the painting and the gluing tables with a bad case of not wanting to share the toys!!! The tantrums don’t happen often but this one was a beauty! As the room is small and intimate, we had to escape into the rest of the Mill complex so we could calm down a little! (UPDATE: Crafty Kids has moved so there is more space!)
We never did make it to the colouring table. However, we did attempt the painting once again whilst playing with play doh, water table and the dolls house. All the toys were in really good condition and really safe etc!
Jessica is wonderful at adding the finishing touches to make the artwork look totally amazing and seems to know who has done what artwork and what tidying up needs doing up on them. She also gives excellent ideas to those of us who are not creative!!
So after an hour and 15 minutes, we finished and took our art home. In that time, we managed 4 paintings and a glued flag…all of varying quality, but full of love!! 
If you were coming from afar, it might be a good idea to spend some time after in the Jelly Beans soft play area. I have never been (or is that “bean”?!) but I have heard good reports! (UPDATE: Crafty Kids is very close to Cannon Hall Farm now, so you can combine the two).
All in all, for £5 we made Fathers Day presents, got creative and didn’t make a mess of the house!!! That is one of the beauties of this place. You don’t have to set it all up for either a mess to occur or for it to be used for 5 minutes and for it to be a complete waste of time!!
In terms of age ranges, actually, it is open to pretty much all ages of children and it is probably easier the smaller they are! Also, while there are aprons etc, it might be wise to wear clothes which you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as taking a spare set!
It’s really nice to see a newish business set up and provide a really good service and atmosphere for both adults and children, so go down and support it!!
JANUARY 2017 UPDATE: We went to Crafty Kids just before Christmas to make some Christmas presents. It was just as good as it was the first time we went!
To read more of my blog, please feel free to:
“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/leedsdad (Please do this – it makes me smile!)
“Follow” me on Twitter @leedsdad
Email me at: info@leedsdad.com
Go onto my website: http://www.leedsdad.com
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s nice when someone goes somewhere because of a review I’ve written. ☺️
Sounds like a great day – 5 works for art! Wow! My kids love to make art work but I have to admit, I don’t get the paints out a much as I should because, well, I am lazy! We really need to go soon! Thanks for linking up with #YorkshireFamily
This looks great. It’s so nice to be able to take something away, particularly for Fathers Day. #YorkshireFamily