YSP Summer of Fun
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is a cultural attraction like no other all year round but this summer, you can enjoy a brand new programme of very special events and activities for visitors of all ages.
The park houses over 90 outdoor sculptures across its 500 acres of rolling hills, woodland and waterside paths. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco lunch or some fresh ice-cream as you explore the sculptures dotted around the grounds. Grab a Sculpture and Nature Hunt or Sculpture Spy activity sheet from the Information Desk and see if you can find them all!
If you fancy joining the activities, you could start off with the Myths and Magic trail – a guided walk around the grounds to learn more about the sculptures you can see along the way.
During the summer holidays there are free drop-in events throughout the week. On Tuesdays you can join Outdoor Sculpture Building: Come Rain, Come Shine where children can make sculptures from natural materials. Pop into the Underground Gallery for Hidden Forest Fridays and Artful Saturdays to enjoy some creative activities alongside art from the current exhibitions.
Also in the Underground Gallery you’ll find Imagination Station with materials and ideas for exploring, drawing and building your own creations inspired by the exhibition Bharti Kher: Alchemies. You’ll also find family resources to discover more about the exhibitions Leilah Babirye: Obumu (Unity) at the Chapel and Elisabeth Frink: Natural Connection at The Weston and Outdoors.
For outdoor fun, visit Little Wild Wood, a new natural creative play space for younger kids to get closer to nature by hands-on exploration, building dens and running around the forest and the surrounding art.
If you’re visiting with a baby, Sculpture Baby: Hidden Forest might be the perfect treat for you. The event takes place on 21 August and is an opportunity to sit under a canopy of trees and enjoy a sensory session inspired by the park’s art and nature, for the youngest visitors and their carers.
The events are free with a standard ticket and kids always go free. This year, YSP has introduced a special Summer Visitor Pass at £40 for unlimited visits too so you can return as many times as you like.
