Family-Friendly Activities at Ilkley Food and Drink Festival
Ilkley’s Food and Drink Festival isn’t just for grown-ups—there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained while you sample artisan eats. From cookery workshops to soft-play zones, here’s our guide to making it a memorable day out for the whole family. For the latest updates, head to our homepage.
1. The Family Zone (Westcroft Gardens)
- Craft Workshops: Daily sessions where kids can decorate their own chef’s hat, design a festival tote bag or make fruit-and-veggie kebabs.
- Face Painting & Balloon Modelling: Professional artists on hand all weekend—queue early to grab the latest animal design.
- Story Corner: Local storytellers bring food-inspired tales to life at 11:00 and 14:00 each day.
Tip: Workshops are free but space is limited—arrive at 10:00 to grab a spot.
2. Junior Cookery Demos (Demo Stage)
- 10:30 “Mini Muffins & Smoothies” – Learn how to bake healthy fruit muffins and blend berry smoothies.
- 12:30 “Pasta Shapes for Tiny Chefs” – Roll, cut and cook simple pasta shapes with fresh sauces.
- 15:00 “Decorate Your Own Cookie” – Colourful icing and toppings provided.
Booking: Reserve a place for each child via our booking page.
3. Petting Farm & Mini Farmers’ Market
- Mobile Petting Zoo: Meet goats, lambs and guinea pigs—perfect for toddlers.
- Kids’ Market Stall: Little farmers sell home-grown produce and handmade jams, teaching young ones about farm-to-table.
Note: Parents must supervise children at all times in animal areas.
4. Soft-Play & Chill Area
- Padded Play Zone: Climbing frames, slides and ball pits for ages 1–6.
- Parent Lounge: Comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and hot drinks nearby—ideal for a breather between activities.
Facilities: Baby-change and accessible toilets are located beside the chill area—see our opening hours for details.
5. Entertainment Stage
- Live Children’s Music: Folk singers and ukulele groups perform at 11:45 and 14:45.
- Magic & Puppet Shows: Interactive performances at 13:15 and 16:15.
Weather Contingency: Shows move indoors if it rains—check our weather in Ilkley FAQ for up-to-date forecasts.
6. Picnic Spots & Snack Stations
- Shaded Picnic Areas: Benches and grass patches around Wells Road—bring your own blanket.
- Kids’ Snack Stalls:
- Fruit Bowl: Fresh fruit cups and smoothies.
- Mini Doughnuts: Lightly dusted with cinnamon.
- Veggie Sticks & Dips: Carrot, cucumber and hummus.
Tip: For full meal options nearby, explore our guide to places to eat in Ilkley.
7. Getting There & Around
- By Train: Ilkley station is a 10-minute walk—check times on our train station FAQ.
- By Bus: Routes 962/963 stop at Brook Street—see bus routes for schedules.
- By Car: Limited parking; consider park-and-ride or arrive early.
- By Taxi: Local firms listed under Ilkley taxis.
8. Accessibility & Safety
- Wheelchair Access: Firm pathways throughout the site.
- First Aid Tent: Located next to the Family Zone.
- Lost-and-Found: Meet our stewards at Festival HQ by Victoria Avenue.
Contact: For special assistance or group visits, please contact us.
9. Nearby Attractions & Extras
Extend your family day with these Ilkley favourites:
- Things to Do in Ilkley – river walks, playgrounds and museums
- Ilkley Swimming Pool – splash sessions for under-5s
- Ilkley Cinema – family film screenings
Ready for Festival Fun?
Mark your calendar for 19–20 July 2025, head to central Ilkley and let the little ones lead the way through workshops, shows and tastings. For workshop bookings, hit our booking page, and if you have any questions, just contact us. See you at the festival!