THEY ran about, shouting and laughing.
They learned circus skills and built dens in the woods.
In fact, they did what children do best as part of a national celebration.
Hundreds of children had fun playing games and outdoor activities as they took part in events across Huddersfield, marking the national Playday campaign.
At Newsome, the Ashenhurst Rec and woods between Newsome Road and New Laithe Hill was the venue for a range of free activities for children from tots to teens.
And in Greenhead Park, dozens of youngsters enjoyed fun throughout the afternoon.
Newsome mum and co-organiser of the Ashenhurst event Joanne Smithson said: “This is a great opportunity for people to connect with their local community.
“The ethos of the day is have a go, have a laugh, get messy and relax.”
The recreation ground hosted parachute games, circus skills and old-fashioned family relays such as tug of war, three legged race, egg and spoon race and sack races.
There was also junk modelling, treasure hunts, activity trails and den building in the woods.
At Greenhead Park, community link worker Miranda Burton organised an afternoon for children and families from Paddock and Birkby Surestart Centres and the Chestnut Centre at Deighton.
The children took part in a range of activities including a treasure hunt, messy play, outdoor games and also helped create a natural collage.
There was also a specially designated baby area where even the youngest children could take part in the fun.
The Playday and other events organised by Newsome Out of Play are part of efforts by the group and others to support children and families and encourage them to enjoy their neighbourhood.
The Newsome event was also organised with help from Kirklees Playteam, Kirklees Outreach Team and Newsome and Lowerhouses Children’s Centre and St John’s Church.
Both the Playdays were part of the national Playday campaign which saw hundreds of communities organising play events across the country on the same day.
The event celebrates children’s right to play and aims to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives.
