We went for a visit to the Baltic Art Gallery in Gateshead. We were last there in the summertime (maybe before then?), and it’s changed a bit since then.
Such a beautiful day.
We went originally to see the Wish a Upon A Star exhibit, as I thought it sounded interesting. When we got there, however, I discovered it’s for children a little older than James, and less of an activity than I imagined after I read the website.
However, level 2 still houses the craft area, books, blocks and a rowing boat, so James was all set for two and a half hours of happy playing.
The craft activities were space-themed, so we drew a planet, and cut lots of paper up to stick on a star to make a wish wand. Cutting is James’ favourite craft activity right now. He’s learning how to use scissors, and he is really keen on it.
We enjoyed a brief story time and then headed downstairs in the super fast lift for lunch in the café. This used to be a cafeteria-style set up, now it’s more restaurant in approach – you are seated and they take your order. There are colouring pencils and paper on the tables which is a nice idea.
I ordered a delicious ciabatta for me, and a kids basket for James. At £11.90 for the two of us, and that doesn’t include drinks (we drank tap water), I think that’s the most expensive lunch we’ve eaten! But I have to say, the kids basket was brilliant. A lovely chunky sandwich, Pom Bears, a fruit shoot, giant chocolate muffin and a little pot of sliced fruit (pineapple, pear, and apple).
As it really was a gorgeous day, we headed to Jesmond Dene for a run around. Yes it was freezing and really windy, but it was bright and light for a change!
Since going on maternity leave, we have taken James out of nursery. I’m feeling such a lot of guilt and stress about this decision. I know he needs interaction with other toddlers. Today James headed for the park, shouting, “My friends are in the park, Mammy!” So he played with some of the children there, until the dad of an older child didn’t want his son to join in with James’ imagining a café under the slide, which upset and puzzled James. He only wanted to play! He carried on talking about his drink as the dad walked the boy out of the park.
So we nipped out into the animal section. Where we found the most amazing, entertaining thing! Berries! On the ground!
Roughly 30 minutes later, James had squashed as many berries as he could find on the paths.
Then he remembered there were animals to look at, and stood excitedly watching the goats, saying, “hello! Hello! Hello! I love goats! Hello!” He does like goats; when we were in Paignton Zoo in October, his absolute favourite thing about that whole place was a goat!
Jesmond Dene is a great place to visit and blow off cobwebs, I love the animals as well. Those berries looked fun!
Jesmond Dene is different every time we go, so it’s always a pleasure to visit. Have you been recently?
We love The Baltic and Jesmond Dene such a nice day out #countrykids
The Baltic is perfect for toddlers – we have never joined in any activities though – it is always fun just going up and down the super fast lifts and watching the boats from the viewing box. Jesmond Dene is one of our favourite places too – have never visited over Winter though so may just give it a try. Thanks for linking with #LoveNorthEast
The lifts were a bit broken when we were there, which made the experience a little bit more exciting (is that possible in those lifts?!) because they were stopping at random floors, not necessarily corresponding to the button that had been pressed! You pressed 6, it went down to 1… Great fun!
The craft room looks adorable, I want to play in there! It looks like a fun day out ^_^
The craft room is fab, and there are usually parents ‘helping’ toddlers do the crafts…the toddlers are on the other side of the room – we love the activities too!!
Aw this seems like a lovely day out! 😀 So much for James to do!
http://www.gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk
xoxx
LOVE the Baltic … I do tend to just catch the lift straight up to the top floor to drink the delicious coffee though .. I almost forget there’s art there!
Chloe x
newgirlintoon.co.uk
They have some interesting exhibitions right now, though i think coffee will always be a winner!
I’ve only been to the Baltic once. Well overdue another visit I think!
Yes time to go back, even if only for the lifts and the coffee!
Aww it looks like even though the Wish Upon A Star exhibit wasn’t as good as planned you still ended up having a fun day out with James. It’s sad that the Dad didn’t want his son to play with James, some people can be odd about imaginary play and things like that. He looks so happy to be stomping on the berries, you may get him making wine yet. The goats are always a favourite of little ones here as well! Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
Mmmm, wine! I think you might be on to sonething there!!
Awwww lovely pictures. We love Jesmond Dene
Cat
http://www.rockandrollpussycat.co.uk
It’s a great place, especially in the summer, of course!