Fladam Theatre Presents
Don’t miss Fladam Theatre at Deer Shed, performing for the very first time!
Known for bold, energetic, and interactive theatre, Fladam creates unforgettable experiences designed especially for young audiences. Little Mini Shedders can enjoy lively storytelling, laugh-out-loud moments, and hands-on participation that brings the performance to life. Perfect for sparking imagination and excitement, this dynamic theatre act promises fun, energy, and creativity that will captivate children and adults alike.
The Draw Den
Step into The Drawing Den, a peaceful haven where Mini Shedders can unleash their creativity on all four walls!
This calm, tranquil space invites little artists to draw, doodle, and imagine freely without limits. Perfect for quiet reflection and hands-on exploration, children can express themselves in a safe, inspiring environment. Let imaginations run wild as every wall becomes a canvas, turning playtime into a colourful, calming adventure.
Patchwork Play
Step into a world of colour, texture and imagination with Rural Arts!
Drop in for a playful, hands-on creative session where you and your little ones can create your own patch for a growing patchwork labyrinth quilt. Guided by community artists Claire and Jane, children can explore messy mark-making using felt, cotton, wool, mesh and recycled fabrics. Watch the labyrinth come to life throughout the afternoon and be part of a beautiful collaborative artwork, later showcased at Rural Arts in Thirsk.
Theatre DIY
It's been a few years since we had a little theatre at Deer Shed. Back for 2026 the DIY Theatre Puppet Shed is the ultimate creative space!
Little Mini Shedders can use our puppets—or bring along their own cuddly bears—to invent and perform amazing stories. Encourage imagination, roleplay, and confidence as children create characters, plot adventures, and bring tales to life on the puppet stage. It’s hands-on, fun, and full of magic, perfect for sparking creativity and endless storytelling.
Dream Time Wrigglers Circle
Searching for something fun for your little movers at Deer Shed?
Step into the Dream Time Little Wrigglers circle, created especially for ages 0–2. Enjoy music, movement, imaginative play, gentle gymnastics and interactive stories designed to build coordination and confidence. It’s a joyful space for bonding, exploring and learning together in a lively setting. Perfect for curious toddlers and their grown-ups—come along, join in and wiggle together!
Masquerade Ball Masks
Join the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball by creating your very own paper plate mask!
Little Mini Shedders can decorate, colour, and add fun details to make a unique mask to wear. Once ready, step into the crowd with your family and become part of the magical celebration. This hands-on, creative activity encourages imagination, playful expression, and family fun, making the masquerade a truly memorable and interactive experience for everyone.
Outdoor Water and Sensory Walls
Use your playtime to explore our outdoor maze, sensory walls, and water walls, all designed especially for Mini Shedders!
Little ones can wander winding paths, experiment with textures, and enjoy splashing in safe, playful water features. Perfect for curious minds and busy bodies, these hands-on activities spark imagination, creativity, and sensory learning. Outdoor play has never been so fun, engaging, and full of discovery for under-5s at Deer Shed!
Trolley Bed Time Reads
Join Helen Kumar for Deer Shed’s first-ever Trolley Bedtime Stories!
Bring your little one to the Mini Shedders, trolley in tow, and settle them in as Helen guides them gently toward dreamland. Snuggle up, relax, and watch as stories come alive, soothing children into sleep. A wonderfully calm, cozy way to end the day—quiet, magical, and the perfect bedtime treat. We’re not sure why we didn’t think of this sooner!
Milk and Beats Techno Rave
Get ready for the ultimate under-5s rave with Milk and Beat Techno Rave!
Perfect for little ones—and nostalgic 90s “more babies” this playful, high-energy party invites families to bring a bottle and show toddlers what a real rave feels like. Dance, wiggle, and move together in a safe, lively space full of music, laughter, and fun. (Milk refreshments not provided—bring your own!)
The Big Stick
Step up to the Sticky Wall, a colourful, hands-on space for under-5s!
Little Mini Shedders can stick shapes, colours, and patterns wherever they like, creating a ever-changing masterpiece. It’s a playful, tactile way to explore creativity, experiment with textures, and express themselves freely. Safe, fun, and totally interactive, the Sticky Wall turns simple sticking into a big adventure full of imagination and giggles for the tiniest artists.
Outdoor Maze Puzzles
Join us for drop-in play, where outdoor fun takes centre stage!
Little Mini Shedders can explore mazes drawn on the ground, using their own toys to navigate paths, twist around corners, and discover hidden spots. Perfect for under-5s, this playful, self-led activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and active movement. With endless ways to play, it’s a joyful outdoor adventure where children can imagine, explore, and make their own fun.
The Big Dig is back!
Get ready for The Big Dig, a giant sand adventure made for curious little hands!
Children can dig, pile, and shape endless sand creations with spades and buckets. From imaginative castles to simple sand sculptures, there’s room for every idea. It’s a playful way to explore textures, spark creativity, and make new friends. Laugh, dig, and let your imagination run wild in this sandy wonderland!
B.Y.O.B Rave
Get ready to boogie at the BYOB Rave—Bring Your Own Baby!
This baby-friendly dance party lets little ones and grown-ups groove side by side. With energetic tunes, plenty of space to move, and lots of laughter, it’s the ultimate way to shake, wiggle, and play together. Perfect for family bonding, it proves that even parents deserve a chance to dance, have fun, and rave with their tiny crew!
T.A.B Toddlers Against Bedtimes
Let little ones make their voices heard at T.A.B – Toddlers Against Bedtime!
This self-led, creative workshop invites toddlers to design and colour their very own protest placards. Once finished, they can proudly display them around the Under-5s area. It’s a playful, hands-on way to encourage imagination, independence, and a cheeky sense of mischief—because at Deer Shed, we start the bedtime rebellion early!
Mosh Tots and Mosh Pits
Get ready to dance, jump, and giggle at Mosh Tots’ under-5s rave at Deer Shed!
Hosted by Mosh Tots at Future Yard, little ones can enjoy their very own mini mosh pit, full of energetic music, safe space, and plenty of room to wiggle. Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers, it’s a high-energy, playful party where children can move, groove, and let loose in total safety and fun!
Bubbles Galore
Ready for Bubble Hour, a magical, bubble-packed experience specifically for those little shedders.
The brilliant Bubbleologists from Bubble Inc, holders of 12 Guinness World Records, bring their incredible skills to the Mini Shedders Tent. Expect soaring giant bubbles, shimmering swarms and playful tricks that delight and amaze. With over 20 years of expertise, it’s a joyful, laughter-filled session where children can discover the wonder and excitement of bubbles together.
Feral Farm
Welcome to The Feral Farm, the ultimate messy playground!
Dive into a huge pen brimming with straw and let your little ones run wild. Roll, tumble, and play with no rules—just pure, unbridled fun. Perfect for mini adventurers who love a bit of chaos, Feral Farm sparks laughter, imagination, and freedom. It’s the perfect place for kids to embrace their wild side and make every moment a joyful mess. No rules!
Parent & Little Shedders Yoga
Join qualified yoga instructor Rachel Ogden for a gentle, fun-filled Under-5s and Parent Yoga session!
Designed for little ones and their grown-ups, this interactive class encourages stretching, movement, and mindfulness through playful poses and guided activities. Perfect for bonding, developing balance, and letting imaginations soar, it’s a relaxed, joyful way to introduce yoga to children.
Adventure Babies
Kickstart the day with Adventure Babies!
Inspired by tales like Jack and the Flum Flum Tree and The Girl, The Bear and The Magic Shoes, little ones embark on action-packed storytelling adventures. Perfect for newborns to 4-year-olds, these award-winning sessions bring stories to life with props, lights, songs, and even a bit of messy fun. Watch imaginations bloom while developing communication skills in a world full of wonder.
Toddler Sense
Our festival session brings energy and excitement to toddlers throughout their Deer Shed adventure.
With music, movement, balls, parachutes and bubbles, each activity is designed to awaken the senses and inspire imagination. We create a welcoming space where little ones and their families can play, explore and connect, making special memories together while encouraging a growing love for music, creativity and new experiences.
Baby Sensory Central
For little ones, new experiences can feel big and sometimes overwhelming—especially at a festival. Baby Sensory Central returns with Baby’s First Festival, a gentle, calming session designed for young babies.
Through soothing lights, sounds and sensory play in a cosy, relaxed space, it offers a chance to unwind. The aim is simple: happy, settled babies and well-rested families after a peaceful, enjoyable festival moment together.
Børn of the Forest
Discover the joy of messy outdoor play at Børn of the Forest's Magical Mud Kitchen!
Designed for little adventurers, this hands-on experience invites kids to mix, squish, and create with natural materials. Guided by experienced forest school leaders, children can let their imaginations run wild while exploring textures, colours, and shapes. Every muddy masterpiece becomes an exciting journey—prepare for lots of giggles, splashes, and unforgettable fun!
SOFT4TOTS
Let little ones bounce, climb, and explore at our vibrant Soft Play!
Packed with colourful obstacles and safe spaces to run, jump, and giggle, it’s the perfect playground for energetic kids. Soft4tots returns this year to bring even more fun, inspiring imagination and active play in a safe, exciting environment. Watch children laugh, discover, and make new friends while letting their energy and creativity soar!