A well-loved family attraction is bringing a new brand of magic into the lives of north-east youngsters.
Childhood gem Storybook Glen – now known as The Den & The Glen – is gearing up to become a community hub with the launch of a range of fresh activities.
Diddi dance classes for pre-school children and portrait photography sessions are taking place in a number of newly-refurbished, multi-purpose rooms which have opened in the former restaurant.
These add to the fun already on offer in The Den – a 7,000 sq ft soft play area which opened last September – and the Glen – a perrenially-popular 28-acre adventure play area which features nursery rhyme and fairytale characters.
Yesterday assistant manager Julie Baylis said the new attractions offered parents the best of both worlds and that new classes, possibly in craft and music, could follow.
She said: “We’re keen to make a whole host of activities available to the local community.
“It’s very much a case of let’s try and see how it goes, and we’re very positive given how popular creating The Den has proven to be.
“We realised while parents are keen to enjoy outdoor play, it’s nice to have the option on rainy days to step indoors and still be able to continue that fun, magic and adventure.”
Katy Jones, who runs Scotland’s only diddi dance sessions, said it was a “brilliant” venue for her 45-minute classes, which introduce children to a range of dance styles including tap, salsa and disco.
She said: “The classes are all about helping to keep kids active in a fun way. We are not here to instruct them or teach them technique because they are too young.
“We also find that the mums are saying that the classes are like exercise for them too.”
The diddi dance classes will run on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons and are suitable for children aged 18 months to school age.
For further information contact Katy at katy.jones@diddidance.com or call 07919348494.
Photographer Tom Daly will also host child portrait sessions at the venue from Friday and places can be booked by calling 07917 626596.
Children attending any of the new activities will also get reduced entry rates into The Glen.