The Tiger Who Came To Tea inspires our first Baby ARTventurers class in Newcastle

One of my all-time favourite children’s books is The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Every word takes me back to my own childhood, evoking memories of afternoons curled up with a book. So when I discovered that ARTventurers Newcastle had based a recent playdate on this classic story, I was delighted.

A story that spans generations

For anyone unfamiliar, Judith Kerr’s 1968 tale tells of a tiger who arrives uninvited for tea, devours all the food in a little girl’s house, and then departs, never to return. It’s a simple story, but its charm has endured for decades, capturing the imaginations of children across generations. As a new mum over 40, I treasure these stories, they are small bridges connecting me to younger mothers and their little ones, reminding us that some joys never age.

Our first Baby ARTventurers experience

Our first Baby ARTventurers class took place at Great Park Community Centre in Newcastle. I was thrilled to learn that the session would be themed around The Tiger Who Came To Tea, a perfect introduction for eight-month-old Cyrus.

Messy play, the kind that matters

Stepping into the room, we were welcomed warmly by Elaine, our host, and given an overview of the activities. Every corner of the space reflected the tiger theme: a pit filled with porridge oats, kitchen utensils, toy tigers, a pool of plastic balls, watering cans, spaghetti, and a dedicated paint area. I dressed Cyrus in just his vest and nappy, while I wore clothes I didn’t mind getting messy.

Messy play is more than fun. It allows babies to explore textures, refine their sense of touch, and engage all their senses, mouth included. With a few wipes at the ready, I let little C explore freely, enjoying the tactile adventure without worrying about the inevitable mess.

Practical tips for parents

• Bring a towel, spare plastic bags, and a change of clothes for both parent and child.
• Be prepared for sensory exploration that may involve taste as well as touch.
• Let your baby lead the way and enjoy the experience together.

Sing-alongs and sparkly pom-poms

After the messy play, C was freshened up and ready for a sing-along session with sparkly pom-poms. It was a great way to end the class, and we will certainly be returning to ARTventurers soon.

About ARTventurers Newcastle

ARTventurers Newcastle is run by Emily Miller, a mum of two who fell in love with the classes while taking her own daughter and decided to join the team. For more information, email emily@artventurers.co.uk or visit @ARTventurersNewcastle on Facebook.

For more family-friendly days out in Newcastle and beyond, keep following our adventures and discoveries.