'I took my kids to Doncaster Racecourse and was surprised by how it went' – Summer Saturday Series

I never would have factored in inviting the kids to the races, until last summer.

I tried one of Doncaster Racecourse’s family fun days where you pull up in the centre of the racecourse for a child-friendly themed event while races ]take place on the historic course.

The kids came free and we only paid for the funfair rides and any food and drink we bought. You can also bring a picnic and a chair per person. It was lots of fun and clearly geared up for the whole family.

This year the older kids also wanted to join us in the County Stand along with my baby for the racecourse’s Summer Saturday series.

We went to experience the first of the series of the summer anthems, horse racing and a DJ set by Chris Moyles. The family enclosure was still open that day if you wanted tickets for that instead and to see the entertainment on the screen.

The kids were adamant they wanted the “full experience,” so County enclosure it was.

‘Help I’ll be banned,’ I thought but I didn’t dare argue with tween girls.

Thankfully as it wasn’t Ladies Day, attire was a bit more informal so I didn’t feel dressed down in flats which are ideal with all the grassy areas and chasing the kids.

It also meant I didn’t look like a galloping horse as I often get my heel wedged into the grass because I'm not used to high heels.

On entering, the staff were so friendly and made a beeline to fuss over my baby daughter Athena. As I walked through the foyer it was as if I was the prize show horse, everyone was smiling and fussing over Athena. The other two older kids were just excited to get some social media photos.

We made our way outside because the sun was shining and it was a nine-race-card event so there was plenty to watch. We managed to find a spare table and chairs to sit on. Some of the areas were for over 18s only.

We managed to find some lovely food and drink outlets as well as a sweet stall. The upmarket chips and cheese set us back £10 and somehow the kids managed to pick and mix a big bag of sweets costing over £20. It was a really friendly atmosphere and there were quite a few other families there and many more across the course where the main family fun day took place.

The races are always an exciting place to be with a jam packed day. Chris Moyles wasn’t due on stage until 9pm but the kids were getting tired around 7pm so we decided to go home and quit while we were ahead. Again on the way out everyone was so friendly.

The Summer Saturday series continues with an 80s-themed night and a Taylor Swift tribute act to come.

Sat 29 June – Indie Icons.

Sat 20 July – 80’s rewind.

Sat 3 August – This is Tennessee.

Sat 17 August – The Near As Tour ft Kaylie (the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute night).