Return to the Rainbow Factory

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of being invited back to Rainbow Factory in Leeds, and as usual we had a marvellous time. This was our fifth visit, and the boys seem to enjoy it more each time – they know what to expect, are familiar with the space, and have developed the confidence to get involved with all the activities straight away. During our visit the shows, stories, crafts and games were based around ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Rumpelstiltskin’. We made food for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, went on a treasure hunt, painted the roses red and had a good laugh at Rumpelstiltskin – along with everything else.

Lots of things have changed since our earlier visits, following feedback from customers. The main change is that there is now a set schedule (which I’ve included below), allowing customers to plan their visit a little better, and I found that it worked really well. A bell rings when the next activity is about to start, which the boys love – they leave whatever they are doing, and head on over.

10-10.30am – Welcome to the Imagination Station

10:30-11am  – The Enchanted Theatre – Opening Show

11-11.15am – Free play, Games and Story time

11.15am-12pm – Journey Through the Woodland Tales

12-12.15pm – Creative Kitchen – Craft Time

12.15-12.45pm – Free play, Games and Story time

12.45-1.45pm – Labyrinth Library – Interactive Storytime

1.45-2pm – Free play, Games and Story time

2-2.45pm – Story Nypmh – Stories Under the Storybook Tree, or a Treasure Hunt

2.45-3pm – Free play, Games and Story time

3-3:30pm – The Enchanted Theatre – Finale Show

3:30-3:45pm – Creative Kitchen Science

3:45-4pm – Free Play and Goodbye Song

I find the Rainbow Factory a very low stress outing, because the boys are constantly entertained and interacted with, and each time we have visited, I have been blown away by how much the staff love children – they just love them. This was my first time with three children, and other than negotiating toilet trips it wasn’t any trickier (but that is always a bit tricky at the mo). I make sure I can always see them, but I am free to get involved as much, or as little as I like; as all the activities are completely staff led.

During term time, Rainbow Factory is open to the public on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Fridays being geared towards toddlers and preschoolers. We attended on a Friday, and stayed right until closing…and even then, I had to shoehorn them into the car!

Before I go, I just wanted to add that Rainbow Factory is extremely breastfeeding friendly. It is also quite an intimate setting, and I find that I quickly get chatting to other parents, which is really refreshing.

E xx

Many thanks to the Rainbow Factory for inviting us for free, in exchange for an honest review.