What activities are available in Derby/midlands area?

[kistigger]

We're based in Derby and looking at things for a girl age 5 and a boy age 8, though not necessarily for them to do together! They're interested in swimming, music (instruments likely to be violin, piano, flute, or drums), art, dance, cycling, maths, history, singing, drama or foreign language type things. They're not particularly sporty children, so not desperately interested in footy til we look like it!!

On a very limited budget I don't want to get ripped off by the first music teacher or club which is nice with an amazing reputation but who charges £20+ for half an hour! Our schools don't offer much tbh, or what they do offer is unappealing - football, cricket, cheerleading and tennis.

We're after suggestions of what's out there or what yours go to.
And how much we should expect to pay for them or how much you pay.
And any that are in Derby, what, where, when, how much etc?
Though really interesting places to visit would be helpful too, a one off trip can be as beneficial as weekly lessons! All help gratefully received.
Lots of questions, very personal too, sorry!!!

DEDA, (Derby Dance Centre) is brilliant. They offer a wide range of classes and also have some great performances at a reasonable price. The facilities are excellent and there is also a really good cafe.

For your boy QUAD do some good courses for age 7 + where they can make animations, films etc.

David Lloyd has good facilities and children's activities but it is expensive. Virgin is much more reasonable and has a children's pool but less activities.

Have you been to Snibston Discovery Park for a day out? Half an hour from Derby with lots of hands on science activities as well as a great outdoor area for warmer days. They have a fantastic water play in the summer.

Hope you find something they enjoy.

silverlace - I didn't realise Quad did kids courses!! Those suggestions sound great, thanks. We've been to Snibston a couple of times, though both times in the winter/autumn, I didn't know they had a water play!

There are lots of music centres around Derby which offer subsidised lessons e.g. this one: www.saintben.derby.sch.uk/Derby+Music+Centre

Thank you marialuisa

There is tons of stuff to do in Derby at a good price.

The Derby Swimming Club is lovely. The Queen's Leisure Centre and the Moorway also have open swim, swimming lessons, and swimming squads.

The Museums and galleries also run events and exhibits often. The libraries also have events.

The Voice Box has youth choirs and singing tutoring (not sure on ages for this but friends who have used this highly recommend it). When your eldest turns 9, there is Derby Live's Youth Theatre programme. They used to also have a group for younger members but I can't find it on their website at the moment -- it may be through one of the groups listed in the Amateur Community section.

Along with DEDA which is very good, there is also Derby City Gymnastics.

Not sure about languages other than the Derby BSL Practice Group which is open to all ages (there is also the little signers group but that is for 11+ where children can get qualifications).

A lot of those interests could be combined at St John Ambulance's Badgers. You can put your interest through the number on the site, though it is currently on break while they find a new group leader. It is very well priced at £1 per week per child and subsidised uniforms. Cadets are running strong, but are 10+.

If they become interested in martial arts/self defense, I recommend Derbyshire Dragons which my children love. Pride Park Archers also have open events and days alongside their usual runs (though their website isn't very up-to-date!).

Hope you find something of interest for them.

DerbysKangaskhan loads there to think about, thanks.