days out in the darlington area

[mummy]

Where are the fun places to go in this city or surrounding areas. I have two girls aged 5 and 2 years. Help as I'm new to this area. Thanks

Hi mummy, are you new to mumsnet?

You may find more people around during the day so will get a better response

Hi - If you want indoor - theres a wacky warehouse at Morton Park in Darlington, near the big morrisons. Havent been myself but is suppose to be ok.. Also at Newton Aycliffe, 20 mins north of Darlo theres a indoor play area called Rough n Tumble which is huge! You might be a bit overwhelmed there with little ones if they are quite clingy.. but if they are adventurous they'll love it!
Outdoor - theres a good farm at Bagby near Thirsk -about 30 mins south called Monk Park Farm - my 5yr loves it there, loads of animals and a great play area - they will close end of October for winter; South Park in Darlington has just been totally revamped apparently so that might be worth a visit; the theatre always has loads of childrens shows on;
Theres quite a few things in the area that will soon shut for the season; like Newby Hall at Ripon which is great; Sion Hall - Thirsk (birds of Prey)Forbidden Corner, leyburn...I could go on!
If you want any more help.. just ask .. I live in Northallerton so I know the area fairly well.
Hope you soon settle in the area.

Thank you,thank you, thank you. Your list looks great. Sorry to bother you again but do you know any good places to eat with the kids. We went to a restuarant close to Sainsbury's in Darlington, which said it was kid friendly but it really wasn't. Not really wanting Brewsters close to Stockton, been there got the tee shirt. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Chat later.

Sorry I dont really know restaurants in Darlington apart from the usual mcdonalds or pizza hut when I go shopping there.
have you managed to join any playgroups or mother and toddler groups? Perhaps someone might know there.

Hi mammy, I live in Darlington and go to lots of restaurants with the kids, should cook more I find the indian restaurants are very good. All the restaurants near to the theatre are child friendly. The thai always gives us extra prawn crackers
The Ackbar tandoori, just outside of darlo on A66 is always very good. That's our favourite Indian and they give the kids lollipops when they go out so that's popular with them.

Have you been to topoli Joe's yet? Also the railway museum is great if you haven't been there. Lots to keep little ones occupied.

How long have you lived here?

If you need any info on toddler groups I know most of the good ones

Thanks again for all your suggestions. Sorry Ulysees but partner not keen on Indian food. Situation is that partner works in Darlington. Me and the kids are in the East Midlands, hoping to move up when I have the courage to make the huge move up north. We go up or he comes down every weekend so that not too bad. We have a house in the 'West End' of town and the area seems nice. As I said before its making friends for the girls and knowing where to go and also where to avoid. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated as this week will be one of many deciding weeks. You know how it is with children. If they are happy your happy (or so people tell me). Chat to you soon

I don't envy you moving mummy. My friend lives on Mowden estate and her kids go to Mowden school which has a great reputation. Will you be more Blackwell end? There's tumble tots at Ravensdale church and Elm ridge church have loads going on, both west end.

Sorry your dp doesn't like indian food. Just get him to babysit and you can come out with me and my mates

The Italian near to the theatre is very child friendly. So is Ochis (caribbean) which is in Bondgate and Landella (African) which is just down from there. I think Landella have a website? That's an amazing restaurant, the decor is mindblowing and the kids love all the animal pictures etc.. they even have wooden animal napkin rings.