Families Manchester Issue 62 - March & April 2017

Edition 62 • Mar/Apr 2017

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesonline.co.uk

MANCHESTER

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In this issue: > SATs prep advice > Dealing with stress, anxiety and depression > Easter fun

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

FREE

News In this issue 02: News

May Bank Holiday Fun Days

04: Education 08: Parents’ place 10: Clubs & classes 11: Parties 12: What’s on

Hello!

At the time of going to print, we’re half way through sugar-free February, which hasn’t been made any easier while researching chocolatey Easter trails! And with our intention being to stay as sugar-free as possible, we’re viewing the upcoming Easter fun as an opportunity for quality family time with only a smidgen of sugar induced hyperactivity! Wish us luck!

We’ve also got 2 of our younger team members revving up to sit their Year 6 SATs in early May, so it was the perfect opportunity to produce our guide to stress free SAT preparation – make sure you have a read if you’re in the same boat.

Looking for a great action packed day out for the May Bank Holidays?

Redmox Leisure is holding its annual children’s fun days this May – Monday 1 and Monday 29 May. The days are fantastic value – the entrance fee covers all activities and you can stay for as long as you like.

Art on the run in Prestwich

Have a great Easter Break and safe travels!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: May/June 2017

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694 www.withpaul.co.uk

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester.

If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover Photography: Istock Editorial Contributor: Alison Mackonochie: Alison is a well-respected and highly experienced writer and editor. The author of numerous books on pregnancy and early year’s childcare, Alison has worked as editor-in-chief of Emma’s Diary for more than 20 years.

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Manchester is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Manchester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

Here’s a brand new experience for families brought to you by Wild Rumpus and Forestry Commission England!

It’s a 5km dash through the most beautiful landscape encountering surprising and fantastical large-scale art

@FamiliesManch

In light of recent horrific cases, doctors have recently re-issued a stark reminder that young children can choke to death on whole grapes.

The size and shape of grapes means they can completely plug a child’s airway. And the tight seal produced by the grape’s smooth surface makes them difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques. Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking on grapes because they don’t have a full set of teeth and are still learning to chew properly, their swallow reflex is still developing and their airway is very small.

This is why it’s advised that grapes given to children should be chopped in half lengthways and ideally in quarters.

2 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

installations …. expect the unexpected to help you on your way.

Race, run, scamper, chase, sprint, scurry, bound, dart, canter, gallop, jog, scuttle, trot or walk. Cross the finish line and join some footstomping musicians.

Art On The Run is a new wondrous woodland experience and a perfectly curious April Fool run. Look out for eccentric warm ups in advance! Taking place at 11am on Saturday 1 April in LIVIA Forest, Prestwich, tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children. A limited amount of tickets are on sale now.

To book, and to find out more, visit www.artontherun.org.uk. Please note that tickets will not be available on the day.

A Radical Run at Tatton Park

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Grape danger

There are many activities to choose from, including electric go karts (Go Kiddy Karts), Body Zorbing and Battlefield Live Outdoor Adventure game, as well as a giant obstacle course, whizz wheels and inflatables. There will be qualified coaches providing a range of sporting activities for all ages. The activities are both indoors and outdoors and are held at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury (M20 5PG).

Open from 10am – 5pm; tickets cost just £9.50 per child – adults and under three’s go free! www.manchesterfundays.com

Radical Run is a great new challenging but fun 3km run for children aged 5 – 14, with obstacles along the way. Coming to Tatton Park on Saturday 20 May, it’s an exciting and safe experience for all the family to enjoy. Business founders Emma and Andy Lowe struggled to find events that really inspired them and their two active boys aged 5 and 8.

“We’re always looking for exciting activities for our children to enjoy” says Emma, “especially those that challenge them.”

“Radical Run is a lot of fun and we have ensured that safety is our top priority” Andy explained. “We use different start times to

make sure older children run separately from younger ones, and we don’t have adults on the course – this is a challenge just for kids!”

All the children participating in the event will wear a wristband which matches a wristband worn by their parent or guardian.

This way, if the child gets lost it makes it a lot easier to re-unite the two parties.

The 3km course is contained within the event space at Tatton Park, so the children are never out of sight and do not run through water or get covered in mud!

The course design allows adults to run alongside their child all the way round.

There are some great inflatable obstacles to bounce on, scramble and climb through, ensuring the children have an unforgettable experience.

For further information and to buy tickets visit www.radicalrun.co.uk or follow them on facebook @runradical, twitter @radicalrunuk and Instagram @radicalrunuk.

News ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

WIN a family pass to the fabulous Geronimo Festival!

The ultimate in children’s festivals is back and 2017’s Geronimo Festival promises to offer not only a great family day out but a whole weekend full of unique attractions. In fact, Geronimo is now a family mini-vacation destination and will offer camping and glamping for guests who don’t want the fun to end.

Taking place from 27 – 29 May 2017, Geronimo will be held at the stunning Arley Hall in Northwich, Cheshire and the magical family festival which has been billed as ‘Glastonbury for Kids!’ by the Daily Mirror, will play host to a huge array of TV stars who will take centre stage throughout the day. The theme of this year’s event is Princesses, Knights and Dragons, and families are welcome to dress up and join in the fun. Stars of CBeebies, CBBC and ITV will all be on hand to keep their young fans entertained. This year older children can meet their favourite YouTubers and Gamers too. Geronimo guests will also be treated to two full Circuses, a Theatre Tent and a Show Ground Arena with lots of displays including motorcycles, jousting and fencing. There are 12 zones to explore so expect a fun-filled, jam-packed weekend.

We’ve got a family pass to the Geronimo Festival (2 x adults, 2 x children) to give away, so get your entry in now! Simply email your name and contact telephone number to caryl@familiesmanchester.co.uk with GERONIMO in the title. The ticket will be for Saturday 27 May, and you entry needs to be in by Sunday 30 April 2017. Good luck!

Books to help kids learn about money Money makes the world go around, so teaching your children the subject is pretty important!

Why not read a book with them to give you a helping hand with the subject matter?

Master money the millionaire, by Allan Ahlberg Master Money is very, very rich! In fact this little boy is so rich that he even smells of money! By the age of four years old he’s managed to find buried treasure in his very own back garden! By the time he’s five, he’s found even more treasure in the sandpit at school – and by six he’s got his hands on more, yes more, at the beach! However, Mister Creep soon finds him…

It’s not what you’ve got! By Dr Wayne W. Dyer Part of a series of inspirational books for kids, this one address the topic of money and abundance – linking it to children’s earliest thoughts and perceptions of money. This beautifully illustrated book presents concepts such as; money doesn’t have to define who you are, along with it doesn’t matter what other people have. Unlike many other books on the subject of money, this one doesn’t try to teach little ones how to spend and save, instead it provides a rather spiritual approach on the matter.

Noggin and the money, by Oliver Postgate The story of a friendly Viking, Olaf the Lofty who invents money – after all, it seems like a genius idea! However, it soon seems that money is actually more trouble than it’s worth. Packed full of beautiful illustrations this book is perfect for newly independent readers looking to learn about money.

What is money? By Claire Llewellyn This book is great for answering kid’s questions about all things money. From how to tell the difference between different notes and coins to how to get money and what to do with it. There are also lots of notes for teachers and parents too!

Show me the money by Alvin Hall A treasure trove full of advice for parents and kids from the finance guru Alvin Hall. This book introduces children to the concept of “money makes the world go around, only if you know how to use it”. Within minutes of reading this wonderful book your kids will be entered into the crazy world of business and economics – learning everything from the history of money to how to use it.

The story of money, by Martin Jenkins A hilarious look on the subject of money; perfect for kids! This thought provoking tale explains that in some parts of the world money is a stone with a hole in it, a copper slab, or a string of shells. But one thing remains the same; money makes the world go around. And it doesn’t grow on trees! In this amazing book Jenkins looks at the history of money and how it came to be involved in the electronic banking which takes place today.

For more amazing books for your kids, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/bookclub

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 3

Education Preparing kids for SATs

Last May Mrs Thom, a primary school teacher in Reading, became unexpectedly famous after the surprising homework she set her Year 6 class – a couple of days before SATs – spread on a spectacular scale, striking a chord with worried parents and students across the country.

The note to her pupils stated “it is vital that you use your time this weekend wisely”, continuing with a to-do list of activities that included “eat Haribo or ice cream”, “laugh until your tummy hurts” and “run until you just can’t any more”.

Former Year 6 teacher Jacqui Bevan agrees that finding the right balance is “the key to child success and adult sanity” when it comes to SATs. The Cheshire-based mum of two, who now works as a tutor and runs SATS isfaction (www.facebook.com/year6SATs/) , producing support packs for parents and children preparing for SATs, says: “There is a huge amount of pressure but hours and hours of revision at home in the run-up will only add to that. An hour and a half should be the maximum each week and

it is all about giving children the opportunity to see what they’re going to be asked to do, to practice, and to gain confidence.”

So how can you help with that preparation and maximise the chances of your child’s first real experience of exams being a positive one?

Start early “Practice makes perfect and if a child doesn’t start getting secure with a particular aspect of the curriculum until nearly May, they’re not going to have seen it many times or become familiar with the different ways it can be presented in a SATs paper,” Jacqui points out. Starting ‘revision’ from September also avoids an unsettling sense of urgency as SATs get closer. But if they’re already looming fast, don’t panic – there is still plenty you can do.

Get to grips with current methods Most parents have been there, trying to assist with homework only to be told: “We don’t do it like that at school!”

The methods for the likes of long division are completely different from how they were taught in the past – but there are companies like SATS isfaction and online resources

specifically aiming to bridge that gap. Some schools also offer information sessions for parents, or speak to the teachers directly.

Practise the easier bits too It’s tempting to concentrate on the areas your child struggles most with but Jacqui advises always alternating with their stronger points to give them a boost.

“With numeracy, start with place value,” she recommends. “It’s the cornerstone so they have to know it to be able to build on it, but also the chances are they are already confident with it, and will feel far happier going forward if they’ve mastered their first sample questions.”

Short and sweet Teachers will be gearing up for SATs so children will have been challenged in school and will be tired. If they have more energy at weekends, make the most of that – but 40 minutes on Saturday and 40 minutes on Sunday is enough.

“If your child is very reluctant to sit down and engage with it, the last thing you want to do is force them,” Jacqui says. “Approach it like you did when they were 5 – find ways to weave the questions into a real-life context, turn them into a game or a competition.”

Don’t sacrifice the fun stuff Keep going to Cubs, swimming – whatever extra-curricular activities your child enjoys.

“The only reason your child should have to give something up is if they’re doing too much and are exhausted,” Jacqui states. “You don’t want them to hate SATs revision because it’s making them miss the things they love.”

Use real SATs material You might be amazed at some of the terminology used in SATs – Year 6 children are expected to identify modal verbs and auxiliary verbs, and some numeracy questions are presented as written problems, so they have to work out the maths that needs to be done before actually attempting it. The more exposed they are to

these kind of questions, the more comfortable they will be with what is being asked.

“It’s also about getting them used to a test situation,” Jacqui explains. “They need the confidence to skip a tough question and return to it if it’s going to use up too much time, and to understand that they can pick up marks for showing their working even if they don’t reach the answer.”

Mind the teacher’s toes!

With major curriculum changes in recent years, there are only two previous papers to attempt as relevant practice papers. The chances are that schools will want to use those as blind tests, which are very valuable to teachers. To avoid skewing those results, look for practice questions distributed as samples or independently created by schools or educational organisations.

When SATs week arrives School will inevitably tell you to ensure your child has a decent breakfast and a good night’s sleep ahead of the tests. The latter can be easier said than done, particularly if they are nervous about what is to come. Fall back on all the tips you tried and tested when they were toddlers – plenty of fresh air and exercise, but not right before bed, a bath and book (not revision notes!) and no screens on in the bedroom. If your child is likely to get very anxious, invest time early in some basic breathing exercises (inhale slowly through your nose – pause – exhale through your mouth) or look at some of the many mindfulness tools available for children, from books and CDs to apps.

And don’t forget Keep it all in perspective. In the words of Mrs Irvine of Rotherham, another teacher whose encouraging advice to SATs pupils went viral last year: “When you were born, no one said ‘What I want most is for my child to reach Age Related Expectation in Maths when they hit Year 6’!”

FREE Bootcamp for your school!

Tyre Flipping, Battle Ropes, Sled Pulls...why wouldn’t you want your children involved in this?

Bitesize Bootcamp offers Bootcamp inspired sessions on-site at your location, with a qualified PE teacher and experienced bootcamp coaches. In the current climate, with the media highlighting the need for children to be more physically active at school, these sessions are ideal for school pupils.

Research also supports the belief that keeping children fit and active benefits the brain, and has a positive effect on learning and behaviour within the classroom. Bitesize Bootcamp provides a safe, caring, healthy, fun and exciting programme of exercise for children which is fully risk assessed.

While children should never feel the need to count calories, it’s important that they are encouraged to make

4 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

healthy eating choices based on the knowledge given to them, such as the importance of eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats and beans for protein and the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats.

They also need to understand the benefits of being physically active. This releases happiness chemicals in the brain and can be great fun for all the family. By limiting screen time and sedentary tasks and getting outside, you’ll find children enjoy becoming healthier, fitter and happier.

Bitesize Bootcamp will positively influence your pupils’ educational studies and personal well-being by providing parents, children and schools with a programme which is designed to improve and develop the physical, emotional and social well-being of a child before, during or after their daytime education, They are working in a number of schools, gyms and clubs across Manchester and with the launch of their outdoor mud runs later this year, it’s the perfect time to join in the fun!

Ask your school to book your FREE Bitesize Bootcamp session (including a fitness and nutrition assembly) today!

07495 772475 / ruth@bitesize-bootcamp.com / www.bitesize-bootcamp.com

Education Does your child need a tutor?

Children are expected to find their school work challenging, as this drives them forward and helps them to learn.

However, if the challenge is too great and the obstacles to learning seem too high, it can leave a child feeling demoralised and disinterested, and might even result in them falling behind their classmates. The same can happen when a child finds their work is not challenging enough – the lessons can become boring and the child can slip behind through a lack of effort. If you suspect that your child is having problems with school work for any reason, you might be wondering whether extra tuition and support could help.

Understanding when your child may need a tutor Sometimes it can be easy to tell when tuition might help. If you child has a natural aptitude for a certain subject and performs above their expected level, they might enjoy being challenged by a private tutor who can concentrate on their own abilities. Similarly, if you know your child has particular educational needs, you may want to address those needs with added support from a personal tutor. However, it can sometimes be a little harder to tell when tuition would be of benefit to your child – especially if they seem to have coped well with schoolwork up until this point. Some children can become quiet and withdrawn, others can get elusive and defensive, and problems at school can even lead to disruptive and aggressive behaviour.

Signs that your child may be having problems with their schoolwork: • A sustained fall in grades or performance • Not talking about school and hiding report cards • Anxiety and/or behavioural problems at home and at school- Trying to avoid going to school or doing homework • Showing a lack of interest in school or seeming bored.

This is not an exhaustive list: every child is different, and you know your own child’s

patterns and behaviours better than anyone.

If you spot a change in your child and suspect school lessons are the problem, try sitting them down and asking them to open up about their difficulties. Has your little one spent long periods of time out of school, due to an illness or other reason?

Returning to the classroom can be daunting.

Even just a few weeks out of lessons can leave a child struggling to catch up. Another reason to choose a tutor for your child is if they use their second language at school.

Children who are struggling to understand the teacher may have a hard time communicating this problem to them. Instead, they may simply slip behind. A tutor who speaks the child’s first language may be able to help them keep up with subjects, while a language tutor can help them get to grips with the teacher’s lessons.

Choosing the right tutor for your child If you have identified that your child has special educational needs or if you suspect that this may be the case, enlist the support of your child’s school and see if anything can be done to help them during lessons.

Ask at the school and discover who the Special Educational Needs Coordinator is – they can offer support, advice and even arrange for one-to-one classroom support, if it would benefit your child. The school will

also be able to help if you have concerns about a gifted child who is losing interest in their lessons, or who is hoping for extra challenges to push them forward in their skills.

Once you have established a support network for your child within the school, consider if a tutor would suit you and your family. Private tuition is not as expensive as you might think, and it is proven to help children who typically struggle in a classroom environment to get back on track with their lessons. Your child may just need tuition in one or two subjects, or it could be the whole curriculum that they are having a struggle with. Either way, you should look for an experienced and qualified teacher who has plenty of references – and who also has been through the CRB check process.You may want to find a tutor who will offer a free trial lesson for your child. Sometimes students and tutors click, and other times they do not. Your child may respond better to a particular teaching style, while others may simple learn better from someone they are comfortable with. If your child is not happy with their tutor, listen to their reasons why – and involve them in the selection process at all times. The happier your child is about the learning environment, the easier it will be to teach them and to get a positive response from them.

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 5

Education How to teach your kids their times tables…easily

Hands up who got their phone out the last time they had to add anything up?

You’re not the only one. Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school.

Helping your little ones at home and doing some extra work to ensure they feel confident in their learning can almost be as important as what they do in the classroom. It can, however, be tricky to navigate the teaching journey when you’re not actually a teacher.

The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention. Here are some top tips to help you.

What should they know?

How and what children learn in primary school sets them up for success in secondary school. If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out an equation like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when it comes to tackling harder arithmetic.

The education curriculum changes, but at the moment, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.

How can you help them know it?

Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or under a magnet on the fridge, so that they are taking it in without even realising it. You can even tape it to the ceiling above their bed so that they have something to talk about with you when you’re snuggling down, instead of a bed-time story.

Start with the twos Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable in primary school and this sets up a pattern for learning about the other times tables.

The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Apply it to real life If times tables is something your children can apply to daily life, they will show much more of an interest. Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it when you’re at the supermarket and they’re helping you with the shopping (it can happen sometimes!).

If you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three instead of two.

Find out what works best for your child Like anything with children, once you discover what works best for them – stick to it. If your child learns best using visual aids then go down that route. If, on the other hand, listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available online and try downloading some of them. It may be a good idea to keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake and comes up with a wrong answer, you are on hand to explain where they may have gone wrong and encourage them to try again.

Pick out the patterns Come on, admit it; everyone has a favourite times table. It’s probably your favourite because you find it the easiest to remember or you like the pattern. Picking up on

things like this will make it easier for your little ones to learn. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number just goes down; 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 and 90.

Don’t bring your own feelings into it Teaching methods have changed a lot since we parents were learning our times tables. Your children are probably learning in a completely different way now so chances are that you may have to brush up on your arithmetic too. Ordering yourself something like Maths for Mums and Dads could help if you are feeling outside of our comfort zone when you’re topping up the teaching at home. Discovering new ways of learning can make it fun for both of you.

Build their confidence There’s more to maths than arithmetic and it’s important that your little ones don’t lose interest in maths as a subject because it feels too difficult or seems too time consuming. Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it as playful as possible. Encourage your children and praise them for trying when they do.

Show them how far they have come since last week or last month and this should spur them on to keep improving.

Education Get your child involved in coding Computers and technology are fast taking over the modern world, and becoming an integral part of our lives.

While previous generations didn’t have access to this technology until they grew older, nowadays computer sciences are present in children’s lives from a much younger age. As a result, it’s becoming vital to educate our children correctly, making them more aware and safe as they grow, and preparing them for future developments and industries as they reach adulthood.

What is coding?

First of all, what exactly is coding and what is it used for? Coding can be difficult to understand, as there is no limit to how advanced and detailed it is. But coding is basically what makes the programmes in computer systems and technology that we use every day. It tells our computers and smartphones what to do; from setting a spin cycle on a washing machine to sending an email on your laptop, coding is the building blocks of all technology.

So why do our children need to learn to code?

Teaching children coding is quickly becoming a vital part of their education, and is even now a part of the national curriculum. It teaches them basic life skills as well as preparing them for the future.

Even at a basic level, coding and programming are difficult. For children, learning at a young age will test them and encourage them to think differently in order to work around a problem. Coding is a great way for children to develop important problem-solving skills, in a way which interests and fulfils them. After learning the basics for yourself, you will quickly recognise the similarities between learning to code and learning another language.

Understanding the rules and structures of the HTML codes teaches children how languages are created and differ from each other. Learning these at a young age opens a child’s mind when it comes to understanding foreign languages, and can make it easier for them to understand these later on.

Technology is such a vital part of our lives now, and it will only continue to develop more as time goes on. So, computer skills are a fundamental part of a child’s education in order for them to continue to understand the modern world and thrive in it. With more careers available in technology than ever before, computer sciences are becoming as important for job opportunities as sciences and languages. Engineers, computer technicians, web developers and scientists all use coding and programming in their

daily work life, and more jobs and careers are being created as technology develops further.

How can you teach coding to your child?

Any child that can use a smartphone or tablet can learn some level of coding and programming. There are many ways to teach them the basics and into further developments, but as with any learning, it needs to be fun and interesting. For many children, coding can become a hobby and passion in their life, often without them even realising the importance of what they are learning.

Here are a couple of ways to help your little ones grow in the subject of coding: Daisy the Dinosaur app This free app is ideal for younger children and teaches them the very basics of coding while making it feel like a fun and colourful game. They quickly pick up the rules and methods, while making Daisy the dinosaur dance around on the screen and follow the instructions.

Hopscotch Created by the same people as Daisy the Dinosaur, this app is ideal for teaching yourself and your children the coding basics in a slightly more in depth way. This app has won many awards, such as ‘Parents Magazine: Best Apps for Families’ and ‘Children’s Technology Review: Best Educational Technology’, so is essential for

most families. It allows children to make and play on their own games, publishing them online for others to see as well.

Code.org This website was launched in 2013 with the aim to expand access to computer science developments. The creators want to increase the diversity of programmers, and encourage young girls and underrepresented minorities to become more involved in coding. With a multitude of online courses and useful information, this site is brilliant for learning at home and in the classroom.

There are many other apps, games and websites with endless resources for both your children and you to learn coding and develop your understanding of technology.

As a parent, learning alongside your child will not only allow you to expand your own knowledge, but it will encourage them to take an interest. Work together through tasks and games, keeping the emphasis on fun. You will be surprised at how quickly they pick up the basics!

With the modern world developing around us, and a technology-heavy future ahead of us, programming is an excellent way of teaching children basic skills and preparing them for a brighter future.

For more information about helping your kids get learning visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/education

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 7

Parents’ place Tips and advice on potty training toddlers

Beauty treat offer from Ladyzone Altrincham

By Alison Mackonochie

Potty training your toddler can be tricky, especially if they seem a little nonresponsive to begin with…

Knowing when to start There’s very little point in trying to potty train your child before they are physically and emotionally ready, which is usually at around two years of age – although for some children it may take longer.

Look out for signs that your child is becoming aware of doing a ‘wee’ or ‘poo’.

They may tell you that they are wet or dirty, or that they are wetting their nappy or are about to do so.

Another sign that your child is learning control is if their nappy is still dry after they’ve worn it for a number of hours.

Once you have decided to start you need to be prepared to persevere, so choose a period when you know you will have time to give your child the extra attention that they will need.

How to begin Explain in simple words what you want your child to do. Tell them that it’s what you and ‘big’ children do and that they’ll be able to wear ‘big pants’ once they’re out of nappies.

Select certain times of day to sit them on the potty – perhaps after meals – but if you can, try to choose times when your child usually wets or dirties themselves.

Your child may get the hang of potty training very quickly, or they may think the whole thing is a joke, or even treat it with complete disinterest.

If they refuse to sit on the potty for more than a few minutes, don’t force it. You don’t want to turn this into a battle of wills!

Try sitting with your little one and reading

a story or just talking. And when your child achieves something, give lots of praise or even reward them with a small treat.

Never show your displeasure or punish your child for not performing– this will only reduce their self-confidence and cause tension between you both.

Equally, it’s important not to overdo the praise when your little one does something in the potty because they may think they’ve been naughty in some way when nothing happens in the future. Potty training is all about negotiation and persuasion, not anger and blame.

The next steps While your child is learning to become clean and dry, putting them in training pants rather than nappies will make life easier for you both.

Once your little one has achieved a certain amount of control you can introduce the idea of wearing ordinary pants. There will probably be some accidents at first, but don’t panic.

Staying dry at night It’s unlikely that your toddler will become dry at night at the same time as they are dry during the day. Few children achieve this and many are well into their third year before they are completely dry during the night.

If you encourage your child to use the potty before going to bed and don’t offer drinks at night or during the hour before bedtime you’ll find that eventually you’ll have a series of dry nappies during the night and your nappy days will be well and truly over!

For more information about potty training visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

8 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Ladyzone is an exclusive centre for fitness, health and beauty, based in the centre of Altrincham.

They offer a warm, friendly environment for women who want to work out in a ‘no men, no mirrors’ environment, and offer a whole host of beauty packages too. A real special gem for local women to take some “me” time. We went along to check it out, and had a wonderful massage – relaxing but invigorating and left feeling ready to face the stresses of the next week! Have a look at www.familiesonline.co.uk to read more about our visit.

You can take advantage of the FREE trial of the gym first so you can check if it suits you before you sign up,

and they have a room for hire that is a great party venue for kids! This lovely central location makes a fab venue if you are looking for somewhere to host your little one’s next birthday bash.

Families readers can get 10% off all aesthetics treatments, including non-invasive lipo-sculpture, IPL hair removal, massages and facials at Ladyzone. (Nail treatments, waxing and semi- permanent treatments from Ladyzone’s Medi-Spa are excluded.)

Pregnancy Yoga

pregnancy yoga. I practiced through my pregnancies and soon found that my yoga practice became a daily part of my journey. Pregnancy is an amazing experience; however, it is also an incredibly hard time. Pregnancy yoga will improve your sleep; reduce stress and anxiety; increase strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth; decrease lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, headaches and shortness of breath. Our pregnancy yoga classes include: breathing exercises; gentle stretching; postures; cool down and relaxation. All our classes are taught by experienced and qualified Yoga Teachers, who have specialised training in Pre- and Post-natal Pregnancy Yoga so you will need in very good hands!

Suzanne holds a Pregnancy Yoga class at Werneth YPC, George Lane, Bredbury on a Saturday 8.30-9.45am.

Call her on 07980 969424 for more information or to book. www.ravenflowandgrow.co.uk

By Suzanne Messenger, Raven Flow and Grow

Pregnancy is a very special time. It’s an incredible journey from finding out you are expecting to having your little bundle of joy in your arms. Pregnancy yoga has many benefits.

A lot of women are advised to join a pregnancy yoga class to support them with birth preparation. Pregnancy yoga will provide you with many techniques to help prepare you for labour and child birth, it will give you confidence in your body and aid you to have a pleasant birthing experience. However, for me there are so many more benefits to

To claim your discount, simply quote ‘Families Offer’ when booking before 1st April 2017!

0161 233 0212 / www.ladyzonealtrincham.com

Parents’ place Dealing with stress, depression and anxiety in children

Stress, depression and anxiety don’t just affect adults; they can affect children, too. In fact, the Office for National Statistics claims that one in ten youngsters between the ages of five and 16 experience a mental health issue, and 4% suffer from disorders such as depression or anxiety.

It can be difficult for parents to see their child suffering from stress, depression or anxiety, especially when we tend to think of youngsters as being such happy and carefree souls.

Parents may quickly blame themselves, but there may be complex factors at play contributing to the way your child feels.

Often, the biggest problem is spotting the signs and symptoms of a potential problem in the first place. But, the good news is, there are plenty of solutions available to help your child overcome this issue.

Spotting the signs As with adults, it’s normal for children to experience ups and downs in life, and how they react to certain situations can change as they develop and grow. Many children have fears or phobias, which is normal, too.

But it’s when problems start to interfere with everyday life, that you may need to consider if there’s something else going on.

What is important to consider when deciding if your child may be suffering from stress, depression or anxiety is how long feelings or behaviours have been occurring, and what is usual or typical for

your child.

For example, it’s normal to feel sad and upset when a grandparent or pet dies, but if these feelings of sadness persist for a prolonged period, or they interfere with daily routines, this may flag up potential problems of stress, depression or anxiety.

Equally, if your child is usually very sociable and enjoys play dates and sleepovers, but has started to become withdrawn and wants to be on their own, this isn’t typical of their normal behaviour, so may signal all isn’t quite well.

Stress, depression or anxiety may also exist if your child loses interest in hobbies they usually enjoy. They may find it hard to concentrate at school, may avoid certain activities or may display characteristics that aren’t normal for them.

A placid child may suddenly develop angry outbursts, for example, or a typically happy youngster may become tearful for no apparent reason.

Some symptoms of stress, depression or anxiety may be more obvious than others. Children might start having nightmares or night terrors, or they may wet the bed. Behaviours such as hurting themselves or becoming obsessive about certain things may manifest, and some children may refuse to eat, or restrict what they eat.

Tackling the issue If you suspect your child may be experiencing stress, depression or anxiety, the first step you should take is to talk to them. Try to find out why your child is behaving the way they are, or feeling the way they do. Explain to them that they haven’t done anything wrong, they aren’t alone, and that lots of people often feel the same way.

There are lots of factors that may contribute to the way your child is feeling.

They may be worried about exams or schoolwork, or they may be experiencing

CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY

problems with other children.

Bereavement and parental breakup may trigger troubled feelings, and these may not necessarily manifest immediately after a traumatic event. Sometimes, it might not always be easy to pinpoint what has caused the prolonged low mood in your child.

Often, understanding the root cause or trigger can help alleviate the problem.

If a child is being bullied, for instance, you can contact the relevant authorities to address the issue. If your child feels stressed because of exams, explain that it’s normal to feel anxious before a test and that other children will feel the same way, too. By showing children that it’s normal to feel symptoms of unease over situations, it can make them feel better.

However, where problems persist or aren’t easy for you to tackle on your own, it’s wise to seek professional help from your GP to get a confirmed diagnosis. To the untrained eye, it’s not easy differentiating between stress, depression and anxiety, so this is where your GP comes in.

There are many trained paediatric therapists who can help to ease the burden that your child may be feeling.

Talking therapies, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy, are effective at letting your child discuss their fears and concerns whilst finding strategies to help them cope or think differently about a situation. Art therapy or creating a worry box can also be cathartic for youngsters, where they express their feelings by drawing or writing them down and working with therapists to find solutions.

Most of these therapies are effective in getting your child back to their old self, and only in extreme cases is medication used to tackle this issue.

Puddle Ducks A wonderful swimming programme delivering nurturing, fun classes to over 13,000 babies, children and mummies across the UK every week. Babies and children can join our swimming classes at any age from birth, developing into confident swimmers without even realising they’re learning to swim. By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming.

Every child is different: our fantastic teachers adapt each activity to suit your child, nurturing water confidence and enjoyment. Mums to be can also keep fit, relax and unwind by joining our Aqua Natal classes. Call 0161 883 0222 (Manchester, Stockport, Oldham and Gee Cross, Hyde) or 01257 262622 (East Lancashire). www.puddleducks.com Little Monkeys Club Increase your child’s confidence, co-ordination and fitness through a fun variety of climbing equipment, soft play, shapes, music and movement (including badge scheme) for children walking to 5 years. Tuesday mornings at Brabyns Recreation Centre, Marple Bridge. Call Karen 07986 182884 or visit www.karenbrook.co.uk/little-monkeys Raven Flow and Grow Yoga has many benefits whatever your age and the stage you are at in your life.

Some of the main benefits are increased strength, improved flexibly and balance.

Yoga can also help with medical conditions and health issues such as bad backs, arthritis, IBS, insomnia and much more. Classes are running at Werneth YPC, George Lane, Bredbury on a Tuesday 6.30-7.45pm for Adults and Girls 12 years+; and Saturday 8.30-9.45am for Pregnant Ladies. Classes cost £8 drop in, £35 for 5 and £60 for 10. Please email office@ravenflowandgrow.co.uk or text/ call 07980 969424 for full details and to book. www.ravenflowandgrow.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 9

Clubs & classes Turn your child into a pocket Rokit!

Fun Fun Fun! That’s what one of the younger members of our team had when they attended a Rokit performing arts session.

Taking part in the Freshman class (age 4–6) it was fun from the start with games followed by poetry, singing, dancing and drama. Learning choreography and

10 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

the words to a current pop song, all the children were encouraged to get involved by an enthusiastic and supportive teacher, who gave direction and coaching without the children even realising they were being taught. The session ended with a drama game involving the children pretending to be everything from a washing machine to a Kangaroo!

Next door we took a sneak peak at the

Sophomore class (age 7-16). Here the children were learning stage combat as well as improvisation skills, being given two minutes to come up with their own toothpaste commercial. We were really impressed by how they performed with real confidence and creativity. The drama session ended with practice sessions for the LAMDA exams which Sophomore students are able to take in the Spring term should they wish. Following the drama session Sophomores then took part in a performance session where they were enjoying singing and dancing to a piece they had recently learnt.

In both classes the children learn not only key performance skills but also respect, listening skills and how to work as part of a team. If your child would like to learn how to perform in a fun, creative and supporting environment then classes are available in Hale, Knutsford, Wilmslow and Macclesfield.

For full details see the website www.rokitperformingarts.co.uk.

Parties Playfactore – everything you need for a perfect party

Looking for the perfect venue to celebrate your child’s birthday?

Look no further, Play Factore have got you covered.

For any child, their own birthday party is the highlight of the year and

Play Factore provide the Ultimate Birthday Parties! From their 40ft long indoor slide and exhilarating Zip Wire experience to whizzing around the Go Kart track or mastering the art of stealth in the Laser Quest area; Play Factore’s dedicated team will ensure you and your guests enjoy a party to remember!

Based underneath the Chill Factore building just a short walk from the Intu Trafford centre, Play Factore has incredibly designed party rooms, each fully equipped with iPods providing individual party music, movement

Go-kart Grand Prix!

Here’s a fabulous opportunity to get your kids (aged 4 – 10) behind the wheel and release their inner racer!

Boys and girls, indoors or outdoors, these battery powered Go-Karts are incredibly safe.

The inflatable race track is designed to cushion the vehicle and driver safely if their steering is a little wonky, and the top speed of the kart can be set by the operator at a speed suitable to cater for all ages and levels of ability. All the Go-Karts come with seat-belts, and are fitted with sturdy roll bars. They’re easy to drive, with a steel frame and polycarbonate front-bumper.

Go-Kart Party can come to you, provided you have your party in an area with a flat piece of ground 16m x 12m,

sensory LED lights and a selection of delicious party menus. The ultimate kids’ birthday party at the UK’s leading entertainment arena is for 2 whole hours so there’s plenty of time for your little ones to enjoy the exciting facilities on offer at Play Factore.

Private party rooms provide the coolest environment for any child’s birthday party, and to make sure parents remain cool throughout the celebrations too, Play Factore even

provide you with your very own party host!

For more information or to book your party give the reception team a call 0844 824 6030 and have a look at package options at www.playfactore.com/parties.

or you can take advantage of any of the venues they are able to recommend.

The parties are hosted and staffed by trained enhanced CRB checked operators, and include mini Grand Prix, medals, trophies, presentations and a lap of honour for the birthday child!

For more info, go to www.go-kartparty.co.uk or call 07934 669 365.

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 11

What’s on Brick by brick…

Prepare to be wowed as LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, at intu Trafford Centre Manchester, gears up for an all-new LEGO® Ninjago build makeover.

With a £1 million investment and launching this Spring, the new-look Centre will include a brand new LEGO® Ninjago City Adventure play feature, new floor-to-ceiling window café, a new bigger and better Creative Workshop where LEGO® fans can watch the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Master Model Builder at work, a newly located LEGO®

Daily in Mar

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Welly Trail 10.30am – 4pm / All ages / Free (normal admission applies). Get your wellies at the ready to ‘splish splash splosh’ around the garden on a welly inspired trail.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Daily during Mar & Apr

Stockport Museum Museum Mouse’s Musical Meander Normal opening hours / All ages / Free. Museum Mouse is learning all about music! Enjoy the new trail as museum mouse travels around the Museum.

0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/museums

Mon in Mar & Apr

Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Early Years Atelier 11am – 3pm / Free. An informal, drop-in laboratory for trying out ideas and playing with materials – a place where young children can get messy, play creatively and follow their own interests. Term-time only. In the Easter holidays daily drop-in family activities are available for all ages.

Toddler Art Club 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12pm / Free, booking essential. Encouraging creativity and expression through art, music, drama and dance. For toddlers and their grown ups. 0161 275 7450 / www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk The Place at Platt Lane, Fallowfield Childrens Craft Club 4.30pm – 5.30pm / Ages 5-11 (under 8s must be accompanied). Various Arts & Crafts activities, with each session facilitated by an experienced youth worker.

0161 227 3744 / www.theplaceonline.co.uk

Tues & Fri in Mar & Apr

Ordsall Library, Salford Stay and Play 11am / Babies & toddlers / Free. Make a simple craft with your child to take home, toys available, browse the books, meet other parents and carers. Term time only. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Wed in Mar & Apr

Ordsall Hall, Salford Once upon a Time 9.45am / £1 per child. Discover what’s behind the doors of Ordsall Hall with a different activity each week such as storytelling, crafts or music. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Artbaby – Musicbaby 10.15 – 11.15am & 11.30 – 12.30pm / Free, but booking essential. Designed for babies and their grown ups, and led by artists and musicians, these sensory workshops explore sounds, art and music.

0161 275 7450 / www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Racers Build & Test Zone and new Birthday Party rooms with three brand new Birthday Party experiences for children aged 3 – 10 (LEGO® Friends, LEGO® Ninjago and LEGO® Classic).

Ideal for little builders with big imaginations, party packages come complete with activities, party food, cake, lots of LEGO® and birthday party goody bags for all guests. The Centre’s three LEGO® Rides (Kingdom Quest, Merlin’s Apprentice and LEGO® City: Forrest Pursuit), MINILAND®, City Builder, LEGO® Studios – 4D Cinema, DUPLO® Farm, Factory Tour and The LEGO® Shop all still remain.

Book online for the best prices (from just £11 per child and £15 per adult). www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/ manchester Swinton And Pendlebury Leisure Centre Mums spinning class Swinton (bring baby) 11am / £3.70 non members. Bring your little ones in a carrier, potentially up to 1-years-old (as long as they are happy to stay in a carrier while you spin). Members can pre-book the class and non-members can call on the day for places. Attendees need to have had their 6-week post partum check and all clear before exercising. 0161 793 1750 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Running Wild at The Lowry

Michael Morpurgo’s novel, based on a true story, is brought to lush life with extraordinary heart, vibrant colour and exceptional creativity, and it’s coming to The Lowry from Tues 18 – Sat 22 April.

Weekends in Mar & Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Creation Station 12 – 4pm / Younger children / Free. Get creative at the creation station! A different activity each week.

0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Z-arts, Hulme Jitterbugs 10.30am / Ages 2 – 5 / Free for Bright Sparks members, booking essential. A dance and movement class for pre-schoolers. www.z-arts.org

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Family Club 10am – 12pm / Age 4+ / £1 per child (Family Club members), £2.50 (non members), drop in 4 March: Make a Map of your favourite places in Manchester using pens, pencils and felt tips on large paper.

11 March: Decorate a flower press inspired by William Morris ahead of spring to press your favourite flowers in.

18 March: Picture with photo frame – Draw a day and night picture to put in a photo frame to celebrate the Spring Equinox on 20 March.

25 March: Make a special gift box and card for Mother’s Day with card, paper, felt tips and glitter glue.

1 April: Joke Book – Make and decorate a book to fill with your favourite jokes and pranks on April Fool’s day.

8 April: Make an Easter Bonnet shaped card for Easter with felt tips, ribbon, glitter glue and more.

22 April: Artful Playground Story telling session 29 April: Mixed Media – Make a drawing using paint, ink, wax crayons, pen and a variety of tools to tell a story about your favourite person.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Sun in Mar & Apr

Salford Museum and Art Gallery Mr Tomlinson’s Sweet Shop 12.30 – 3pm / Free (donations welcome). Visit Mr Tomlinson’s shop on the recreated Victorian street and pick up some sweet treats! 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Artist Sundays 11am – 4pm / Free. Extraordinary artists invent offbeat and imaginative ways for you and your family to explore the Whitworth. 0161 275 7450 / www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Thurs 2 Mar & Thurs 6 Apr

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Toddler tales 10.30 – 11.15am / Under 5s / Free. Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories. Join in playtime, creating a storyworld of your own. www.library.manchester.ac.uk

Thurs 2, 16 & 30 Mar

Sat in Mar & Apr (excl 15 Apr)

Sat in Mar & Apr

In charge of the production’s puppetry design and direction are the men who also worked on War Horse, and the production has received rave reviews all round. It’s an epic and spectacular production that tells an emotional and moving story of love, loss, loyalty and of living for the moment. Definitely not one to be missed. Get your tickets now at www.thelowry.com

Weekly in Mar & Apr

Salford Libraries Story-rhymetime Free weekly gathering with stories, rhymes, crafts and play for babies and toddlers during term times.

Broughton: Tues 2pm Cadishead: Tues 1.45pm Eccles Library: Thurs 2pm Height: Tues 2pm Irlam: Thurs 2pm Little Hulton: Wed 11am Lower Kersal: Wed 10.30 Pendleton: Tues 10.30am Swinton: Thurs 2pm Walkden: Tues 9.30am Winton: Tues 11am Worsley Village: Mon 2pm www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Stockport Libraries Storytime Stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Suitable for pre-school children.

Adswood and Bridgehall: Tues 2.30pm Bramhall: Mon 11am Bredbury: Fri 2pm & Sat 10.30am Brinnington: Thurs 11am Central: Thurs 2pm Cheadle: Thurs 2pm Cheadle Hulme: Tues 2pm Edgeley: Mon 2pm Great Moor: Wed 2pm Hazel Grove: Tues 11am Heald Green: Sat 11am Heatons: Fri 11am High Lane: Mon 11am Marple: Tues 2pm Offerton: Mon 11am Reddish: Mon 11am

Bramall Hall, Bramhall Park Bramall Hall Babies Tudor Sensations: 10.15 – 11am / £3 per baby.

A sensory play session for babies not yet walking.

Sensory Stories: 11.30am – 12.15pm / £6 per baby A sensory story and play session for babies not yet walking. Listen to tales of Billy the Bear, Dottie the Dizzy Dragon or a surprise story! www.stockport.gov.uk

Sat 4 Mar

Grappenhall Community Centre Messy Play – Rumble in the Jungle 10.30 – 11.30am / Age 6mnths (sit unaided) – 5yrs / £10, siblings £5.50, booking essential.

Multi–sensory messy play experiences for little ones with older siblings (up to age 10) welcome to participate in the Big Kids Create & Make corner. Loads of activities where little ones can squelch, pour, mix and get messy, including the Tiger Rice Tea Party, Jelly Snake Swamp and join the hippos for a Mud Bath. www.messarounduk.com/cheshiresouthmcr Lyme Park, Disley Xplorer Orienteering in the Park 11am – 4pm / £1 + normal entrance. Family fun exploring the park; find the markers and complete the challenge! Dogs on leads welcome. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wythenshawe Hospital Bumps & Bashes Baby & Children First Aid Course 07966 315699 / www.bumpsandbashes.com Victoria Square, Bolton Bolton Teenage Market Teenage Market with young people showcasing their talents. Stalls include arts, crafts, food, drink, performers and more. 01204 336824 / www.theteenagemarket.co.uk Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Words and Books - World Book Day 10.30am – 4pm / All ages / Free (normal admission applies). Celebrate World Book Day with an interactive tour inspired by bestselling author Berlie Doherty’s ‘Far From Home’.

Dressing up as your favourite book character is encouraged! 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Not all event information is available at the time of going to press – so make sure you visit our website which is full of fabulous LOCAL content and being constantly updated. www.familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

Thurs 9 & Thurs 23 Mar Thurs 20 & Thurs 27 Apr

Sat 4 Mar & Sat 1 Apr

Westhoughton Library Children’s Craft Club 10am – 12pm / Free. Themed crafts each month for you to make and take home. www.boltonmuseums.org.uk

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Mar

Lyme Park, Disley Brilliant Books 11am – 4pm / All ages / Normal admission applies Dress up as your favourite character and celebrate World Book Day at Lyme. Storytelling in the house, or borrow a story bag from the garden. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Touchstones, Rochdale Tiny Touchstones Babies: 10.30am, Toddlers: 11.45am, Ages 3 – 5: 1pm / £2, no booking required. A programme exploring themes of celebration and culture through music, stories, movement and art with Ruthie Boycott–Garnett.

Babies: relax and explore the arts through sensory play.

Toddlers: an active session focusing on a new art form each week to explore, create and build adventures.

Ages 3 – 5: A creative session making music, telling stories and exploring the world.

01706 924928 / link4life.org

Fri 10 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Messy Milliners 11am / £3.50 per baby An exciting and innovative messy play session with a hatting theme! Suitable for babies and early walkers.

0161 474 2400 / www.stockport.gov.uk Octagon Bolton Storyplay - Amazing Grace 4.30pm / All ages / £5 per child (1 free adult per child) An afternoon of storytelling for families of all ages in the relaxed play area.

01204 520661 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Fri 10 Mar & Fri 14 Apr

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Residents’ Weekend 10am – 4pm / All ages / £4 - £9. Take full advantage of the special discounted rates ordinarily open only to holders of an ELR permit!

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 5 Mar & Sun 2 Apr

Ordsall Hall, Salford Sunday Funday 1pm / All ages / £1, drop in. A range of fun, hands-on activities that span the history of Ordsall Hall from the 1300s up until the present day. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 6 Mar

Z-arts, Hulme Polkadots 10.30am & 11.30am / Ages 2 – 4 / Free for Bright Sparks members, booking essential. Fun music and movement sessions, giving them the opportunity to make and experience music with others including singing, playing percussion instruments, moving to music, puppets and playing as a group. www.z-arts.org

Tues 7 Mar

Ordsall Hall, Salford Whistle-Stop Opera: Hansel and Gretel 2pm / Ages 10+ / Free, but booking essential A new condensed version of Humperdinck’s magical opera. A half hour performance performed by a small group of professional singers and actors. A light-hearted introduction to opera. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Thurs 9 Mar

MediaCityUK Fire Walking Charity Challenge If you’re a thrill seeker looking for a new challenge – here’s the perfect opportunity to get the adrenaline flowing while raising money for children’s cancer charity Kidscan. Participants must be over 18, with a minimum sponsorship of £150 required. Family and friends welcome to watch! www.kidscan.org.uk/event/firewalk

Manchester Art Gallery Mini art club 10.15 – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.30am / Ages 1 – 4 / Free, booking essential. Explore artworks, create and get messy.

0161 235 8888/ www.manchesterartgallery.org

Fri 10 – Sun 12 Mar

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Spring Steam Gala 10am – 4pm. A fabulous line up of locomotives,as well as a Transport Collectors’ Fair at Bury Transport Museum. 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Event City, Manchester The Baby & Toddler Show 10am – 4pm (5pm on Sat & Sun). The UK’s biggest baby and toddler show with all the amazing shopping and expert advice new parents need to give their baby the best start! 150+ top brands and products to test, try, compare and buy. Free parking and a stress-free day out with easy access and free facilities including baby changing & feeding areas. www.eventcity.co.uk

Sat 11 Mar

Z-arts, Hulme Musical Family Fun Day 12pm – 4pm / All ages / Free, but booking essential Have a go at beat boxing, singing, percussion, making your own musical instrument and a whole lot more melodic fun.

Allsorts Family Gig 4pm & 5pm / All ages / Free, but booking essential A free event for all the family, to enjoy music and dancing. www.z-arts.org Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester Three Tales of Love Puppet Theatre All ages / £5. Part of the Manchester Irish Festival, Three Tales of Love performs classic folktales, fairy tales and myths through shadow puppetry. Fun for the whole family!

0161 2054007 / www.iwhc.com Hat Works Early Birds 9am (craft sessions 9.15 – 11am) / Free entry, £2 for craft. Suitable for children and adults with autism, their families and companions. Enjoy the museum at a quiet time and take part in a craft activity. Staff on hand to start the machinery and talk about the exhibits.

0161 474 2487 / www.stockport.gov.uk/museums

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 13

What’s on Sat 11 & Sun 12 Mar

Manchester Art Gallery Family weekend 1pm – 3pm / Free, drop in. Explore, create and have fun with your family.

0161 235 8888/ www.manchesterartgallery.org

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Mar, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Apr

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the Garden 11am – 5pm / Free (normal admission applies). Dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sat 11 Mar & Sat 8 Apr

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session 9.30 – 10.15am, 10.15 – 11am, 11 – 11.45am / Free, booking essential. A special storytelling and play session for babies and toddlers. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sun 12 Mar

The Lowry Theatre, Salford The Sooty Show 11am & 2pm. With guaranteed giggles for all the family, and the chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Tues 14 & Tues 28 Mar

Bolton Central Library and Museum Arty Babies 10.30am / Ages 0 – 5 / Free. Songs, play and sensory activities bringing the collections and resources to life.

01204 332211 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk

Sat 15 Mar & Sat 22 Apr

Waterside Arts Centre ComedySportz 6.30pm / Age 8+ / £Adult £7, Under 16s £5. An all ages, all improvised show where two teams battle it out for laughs as players create quick-witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audience. A great idea for birthday parties. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Thurs 16 Mar

Hazel Grove Library, Stockport Rhymetime 10.30 – 11.15am / Free. Rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers in a fun, lively and noisy session. www.stockport.gov.uk

Sat 18 Mar

Sugar Lumps Art Studio, Bolton Craft and Create with Belle Ages 2 – 8 / £8.50 per child, booking and advance payment essential. Beauty and the Beast themed 1 hour arts and crafts with a special appearance and meet and greet from Belle herself.

07713 825578 / sugarlumps-raych@hotmail.com Manchester Art Gallery Open doors 9.15 – 10.45am / Aged 5 – 16 & parents/carers) / Free, drop in. A series of creative, sensory activities especially aimed at children with autism.

0161 235 8869 / www.manchesterartgallery.org Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester Pi: Platform for Investigation – What’s your FOODprint?

10.30am – 3.30pm / Age 8+ / Free Interactive science show creating awareness of the impact of food–related activities.

0161 832 2244 / www.msimanchester.org.uk

Sun 19 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt a Farm Animal Day 12 – 5pm, Normal admission applies Meet the rare breed animals up for adoption. Choose from Prancer the Reindeer, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse, Tamzin the Tamworth Pig and Frosty the Donkey.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk The Green, Worsley Under the Green featuring Muddy Fingers Fete 10am – 3pm / Free. Bring along the kids and get hands on with technology & archaeology and uncover the hidden heritage of Worsley Green.

Discover fascinating stories, play Lucky Dip for historical oddities and take your chance at the spinning wheel.

Ordsall Hall, Salford Children’s Faux Stained Glass Workshop 1 – 4pm / Age 7+ (accompanied) / £10, booking essential. Make a panel inspired by spring and nature that looks like stained glass but is totally child friendly.

All materials safe and easy to use. Full tuition provided.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 20 Mar

Z-arts, Hulme Paint Pots for Tots 10.30am / Ages 2 – 5 / Free for Bright Sparks members, booking essential. Listen to a story and get creative. www.z-arts.org

Tues 21 Mar

Cheadle Library Baby Time!

10am – 1pm. Bringing babies and libraries together – soft play equipment, toys, a ball pool and lots and lots of books to share and take home.

Wed 22 Mar

Oldham Library Baby Shower 10am – 12pm / Free entry Market place event for parents to be and new parents 0161 770 8000 / www.oldham-council.co.uk

Fri 24 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Mad Hatters Arts and Crafts Club 10 – 11.30am (Agges 2 – 5), 2 – 3pm (babies up to 2 yrs) / £5, booking essential. An action packed hour of arts and crafts with the emphasis on fun and age and ability appropriate crafts. Dress to get messy!

0161 474 2400 / www.stockport.gov.uk Bramall Hall Behind the Scenes 7 – 9pm / All ages / £10, booking essential Find out more about the restoration and conservation of Bramall Hall on a guided tour with a difference. 0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/museums

Sat 25 Mar

2nd Bramhall Scout Hut Messy Play – Rumble in the Jungle Extravaganza 10.30 – 11.30am / Age 6mnths (sit unaided) – 5yrs / £10, siblings £5.50, booking essential Multi–sensory messy play experiences for little ones with older siblings (up to age 10) welcome to participate in the Big Kids Create & Make corner. Loads of activities where little ones can squelch, pour, mix and get messy, including the Tiger Rice Tea Party, Jelly Snake Swamp and join the hippos for a Mud Bath. Also a visit by a mascot character, and facepainting and glitter tattoos for children. www.messarounduk.com/cheshiresouthmcr

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Mar

Gulliver’s World, Warrington Mother’s Day Weekend, Mums Go Free!!

Mums go FREE throughout Mother’s Day Weekend when accompanied by at least one full paying person 01925 444 888 / www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Sun 26 Mar

Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church Mum2mum Market 1.30 – 3.30pm / £2 on the door Quality second hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, and preloved baby equipment. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 23 Apr

The Lowry, Salford Justin’s Party 11am & 2pm. Party with children’s favourite, Justin Fletcher. Full of fantastic songs, dances and hilarious games guaranteed to make it THE party of the year. Lots of exciting surprises along the way and you’ll get to meet Justin’s adorable new puppy, 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Gulliver’s World, Warrington Easter Extravaganza A massive selection of rides, shows and attractions with some fantastic Easter themed competitions. Also entertainment on the main stage, the Easter Bunny Parade, and the Big Bunny Bounce.

01925 444 888 / www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Tues 28 Mar – Sun 2 Apr

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Apr

Middleton Arena The Wizard of Oz Adults £15, Under 16s £12. A must-see family musical. link4life.org

Wed 29 Mar

Heaton Moor United Church Bumps & Bashes Baby & Children First Aid Course 07966 315699 / www.bumpsandbashes.com

Thurs 30 Mar

Waterside Arts Centre A Regular Little Houdini 8pm / Ages 5+ / Adult £12.50, Under 16s £10.50 A beautiful play about hope and magic!

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Thurs 30 Mar – Sun 23 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts - Magical Nature Trail 10.30am – 4pm / All ages / £2 per trail (normal admission applies). Spot fairies in the trees, look for the troll under the bridge and let your little one’s imagination run wild. Complete the Easter trail to earn your Cadbury chocolate reward.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Fri 31 Mar – Tues 18 Apr

Staircase House, Stockport Easter Egg Trail Normal opening hours and entry.

Follow the Easter Egg Trail through the House – a fun family event suitable for all ages. 0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/museums

Sat 1 April

Didsbury United Reformed Church Hall Messy Play – Eggstravaganza Easter Party 1.30 – 2.30pm / Age 6mnths (sit unaided) – 5yrs / £10, siblings £5.50, booking essential. Multi–sensory messy play experiences for little ones with older siblings (up to age 10) welcome to participate in the Big Kids Create & Make corner. Your little chicks can have some messy Easter fun with egg rolling, Easter rice and feathers. Or explore nature at its messy best with gloopy ducks, bunny tails, and spaghetti bird nests. Also a classic Easter Egg hunt. www.messarounduk.com/cheshiresouthmcr

Sat 1 – Mon 17 Apr

Sea Life Manchester The Snail and the Whale Experience this beloved children’s book written

by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, like never before as your follow the story around the centre through an amazing underwater world. Special events include a trail map to discover interactive ‘Snail Stops’ where you can hear different parts of the story and an interesting SEA LIFE wow fact. Little ones are given a snail hat to wear and at the end of their journey, they can create their own save the whale poster, which will be used to create a giant collage in the centre, before being sent on to the SEA LIFE Trust to be used as part of its whip out whaling campaign. Reduced prices (from £10.95) are available to purchase in advance online. www.visitsealife.com/manchester

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Sci-Fi on the Sidings 10am – 4pm / Adult £14.80, Child £9.40, Family £37. Boldly go where you have never gone before... by steam train. We’re going back to the past to get to the future at this science fiction event with a host of time travellers, aliens, monsters and more, it’s sure to be a galactic good time! Themes include Doctor Who, Flash Gordon, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park and Star Wars.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 2 Apr

Waterside Arts Centre Christopher Nibble 2pm / Ages 2 – 7 / Adult £8.50, Under 16s £6.50 Topsy Turvy Theatre proudly present the charming Christopher Nibble in a tale of dandelion daring-do!

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Sun 2 – Sun 16 Apr

Ordsall Hall Museum Craft Corner Easter Holidays Get creative at Ordsall Hall making table with an Easter-themed craft.

Drop in. Drop in, no booking required.

Easter Egg Hunt Drop in / £1. Hunt for eggs and solve the clues in our fun quiz. If you can find all the eggs, you’ll get an Easter treat at the end.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunity leisure.co.uk

Mon 3 Apr

Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall Messy Play – Eggstravaganza Easter Party 10.30 – 11.30am / Age 6mnths (sit unaided) – 5yrs / £10, siblings £5.50, booking essential. Multi–sensory messy play experiences for little ones with older siblings (up to age 10) welcome to participate in the Big Kids Create & Make corner. Your little chicks can have some messy Easter fun with egg rolling, Easter rice and feathers. Or explore nature at its messy best with gloopy ducks, bunny tails, and spaghetti bird nests. Also a classic Easter Egg hunt. www.messarounduk.com/cheshiresouthmcr

Mon 3 – Thurs 13 Apr

Spring holiday fun Quarry Bank Mill, Styal 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free (normal admission applies). Get creative with textiles in the mill, and follow the ‘A Woman’s Work is Never Done’ trail to find out about worker’s lives at Quarry Bank.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tues 4 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cave Babies 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm / Ages 3 – 5 (accompanied) / £8 per child + 1 free adult. A sensory sensory introduction to the Stone Age. Discover how different life was in the past through a variety of hands on activities. The session will end with an interactive story and song session. Booking essential.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 4 & Thurs 6 Apr, Tues 11 & Thurs 13 Apr

Ordsall Hall Musuem, Salford Meet the Maids Easter Holidays 10am -12pm or 1 – 3pm / £1.50. Drop in to the kitchen at Ordsall Hall and meet one of its servants. Have a go at making a fragrant bath bag to take home. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Not all event information is available at the time of going to press – so make sure you visit our website which is full of fabulous LOCAL content and being constantly updated. www.familiesonline.co.uk Wed 5 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cycling Boredom Busters 10am – 1.30pm / Age 8+ / £12, booking essential Children’s cycling fundamentals of off-road skills, exploring ‘out of bounds’ farmland trails and woodland single-track. Medals and certificates for special achievements will be awarded at the finish. Own bike and cycling helmet is compulsory.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 6 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Here come the Vikings!

10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential. Meet Viking explorers and experience life in their settlement.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 7 April

Heywood Civic Centre Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure 2pm / Ages 2 – 7 / Adults £7.50, Children £7, Family £24. Join the hunt for the hidden chocolate factory in Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure and meet the Easter Bunny afterwards to receive a special Easter present!” Packed full of childen’s favourite songs. link4life.org

Sat 8 Apr

Waterside Arts Centre Monday’s Child 2pm, Age 4+ / Adult £8.50, Under 16s £6.50 A simple poetic story of the unique bond between a little girl and an old woman suffering memory loss. Together, in a dream-like garden, they sing and dance and dress up as they joyously explore a treasure trove of memory boxes. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Sat 8 – Mon 17 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Lambing Week at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal admission applies. Will you be lucky enough to see our lambs being born?

This year we have synchronised our ewes to lamb within a 10-day period. Regular meet the sheep talks and learn more about the secrets of spinning. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Apr

Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival 2017 10am – 5pm (Sat), 10am – 4pm (Sun). Fun filled family event including a chocolate themed market featuring artisan chocolatiers and bakers, entertainment, a children’s area with facepainting, a family fun area, alfresco dining and local craft and food stalls.

Tues 11 – Sat 15 Apr

The Lowry, Salford Babe The Sheep Pig at The Lowry 2pm & 7pm. Meet the loveable Babe in a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and bravery. Plenty of laughter, thrills, stunning puppetry and original music.

0870 111 2000 / www.thelowry.com

Wed 12 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Court of Henry VIII 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £12, booking essential. Step back in time to experience what life was like in King Henry’s court. Hear tales of intrigue and learn to joust with Henry himself.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 13 Apr

East Lancashire Railway, Bury The Princess Adventure 10am – 4pm / Tickets from £7.30. A magical interactive event for nobel Knights and dynamic Damsels. An epic quest to save Storybook Lands from a menacing menagerie of maleficent miscreants!

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Duke’s Drive Country Park, Salford Bridgewater Bunny Orienteering Trail 1 – 3pm / Free. Bring the kids along for some fresh air and test your map reading skills whilst hunting for the Bridgewater Bunnies. An easy course for little ones as well as a more challenging one for older kids. www.visitsalford.info

Fri 14 Apr

Helly Hansen Watersport Centre, Salford The Quays Duck Race 2017 Bigger and better than ever! As well as the races, there will be stalls, games and entertainment for families to enjoy. Mega Duck Race at 3pm, Community Duckling race 3.30pm. Buy a duckling for £2, which includes a free chocolate egg. www.medequip4kids.org.uk Waterside Arts Centre The Tap-Dancing Mermaid 2pm / Age 3+ / Adult £11, Under 16s £9. Stunning puppets, original live music and tap dancing that will make you want to stick 50ps to your shoes and join in!

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Fri 14 – Mon 17 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Easter Shopping Fair 12 – 5pm (Fri), 10.30am – 5pm (Sat – Mon) / Normal park admission applies.

Free admission to the Tenants Hall packed with gifts for everyone, specialist food producers plus craft, fashion and home furnishings.

01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Lyme Park, Disley Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts - Great Explorer Trail 11am – 4pm / All ages / £2 per trail.

Explore the garden just like Thomas Legh, Lyme’s great explorer. Thomas had adventures all over the world so this Easter come and have your own adventure following his footsteps...then enjoy yummy Cadbury chocolate as your reward! 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 2017 10am – 4pm / £2 per trail, normal admission applies. Take part in the annual trail and enjoy some Easter fun, including a chocolate reward.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 15 Apr

Parr Fold Park, Worsley Easter Egg Hunt www.salford.gov.uk

Roe Green Church Hall, Worsley Roe Green Easter Egg Hunt £5 per family. Thirty beautiful paper mache eggs will be hidden around the village for your little ones to discover.

The hunt will end at Roe Green Church hall where you can pick up refreshments, take your chance at the raffle and meet the Easter Bunny. Each child receives a chocolate egg. In aid of the Roe Green Play Park and St Mark’s CofE Primary School.

Sat 15 – Mon 17 Apr

Chester Racecourse Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival.

10am – 6pm (5pm on Mon) . Over 150 exhibitors, loads of events inlcluding Free kids cooking classes and Junior Bake off. www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Sun 16 Apr

City Airport, Eccles Easter Dog Show 11am – 4pm / Free entry. A fun dog show with prizes, face painting, stalls and children’s entertainment as well as a bouncy castle. Refreshments available. www.visitcityairport.co.uk

Mon 17 Apr

The Palace Theatre, Manchester Mr Blooms Nursery Live 11am & 3pm / Ages 2 – 7 / Tickets from £11 Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting ready for a very special occasion. A member of the Royal family is paying them a visit! 0844 8713019 / www.mrbloomlive.co.uk/the-show

What’s on East Lancashire Railway, Bury Easter Bonnet Day 10am – 4pm. Make like a bunny and hop down to this special theme day. Every child wearing a home-made Easter Bonnet travels for free on the train!

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Thurs 20 Apr

East Lancashire Railway, Bury School of Wizardry 10am – 4pm. A magical journey via steam train to a really wizard day out, with themed activities to help bring out your inner sorcerer. Practitioners of the dark arts welcome! 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Fri 21 Apr

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Alice in Wonderland 10am – 4pm / All ages / £5 - £8 Set off down the rabbit hole and enter a world of surreal surprises and perplexing possibilities as Wonderland takes over Bury Transport Museum. An interactive family adventure.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Octagon Bolton Storyplay - Shrek 4.30pm / £5 per child with 1 free adult An afternoon of storytelling for families of all ages.

01204 520661 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Sat 22 Apr

St James and Emmanuel Church, Didsbury Mum2mum Market 1.30 – 3.30pm / £2 on the door. Quality second hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, and preloved baby equipment. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Event City, Manchester Extreme Robots 12pm & 4pm. The stars of Robot Wars, leave the safety of the TV studio to enter the Extreme Arena.

Who will rise and who will fall? Featuring all your favourite robotic stars new and old, plus lots of amazing new feature’s exclusive to Extreme Robots. www.eventcity.co.uk

Thurs 27 Apr

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Neverland Express 10am – 4pm / £7.30 – £11.50. Take the second star on the right and straight on until morning as you board your own steam powered pirate ship with Peter Pan, Tinker-Bell, Captain James Hook and his crew of dastardly buccaneers.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Mon 10 – Mon 17 Apr

Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Easter at Smithills – Easter Egg Hunts 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.

New chicks and baby bunnies and, if you’re lucky, you might even find an Easter egg or two. No booking required. Arts and Crafts all week and meet the Easter Bunny and Chick for a photo. 01204 595 765 / www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk

Tues 11 Apr

The Wild Roadshow Heywood Civic Centre 12 – 4.30pm / Age 3+ / £5 incl food, booking essential. An all ages, in ‘hands-on’ animal encounter workshop. Get up close and personal with the likes of snakes, spiders and cockroaches and find out where they live, what they like to eat and much more. Sessions last 45 mins. 25 places per session. link4life.org

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 15

What’s on Fri 28 Apr

Worsley Green, Salford Family Bat Walk 8pm / Free but booking essential. Learn how bats use echolocate to catch their food, and hear the resident Bridgewater Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats in action on this short family-friendly walk through Worsley and along the canal. www.visitsalford.info

Sat 29 Apr

Heaton Park, Prestwich Gung Ho 9am – 3pm / From £36, booking essential. A fun 5K Inflatable Obstacle Course at Heaton Park raising funds for Children in Need. The obstacle course is available to all participants whether they are running or just wanting to have fun. The event finishes with a Foam Party. www.begung-ho.co.uk Touchstones Rochdale Make Art 11am – 2pm / Ages 5 – 12 / Free, no booking needed An artist led workshop where you can make your own crafty creations inspired by the art gallery exhibitions. link4life.org

Sat 29 Apr – Mon 1 May

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Day Out With ThomasTM 10am – 4pm / £10.50 - £18.50. Enjoy rides with Thomas, meet and greet with the Fat Controller, play tabletop games or colour and draw at the Imagination Station, learn new skills at the Circus Workshop, take in a magic show and more!

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Lyme Park, Disley Kites at the Cage 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Bring your own kite to show off your skills in this mass kite flying event. Dogs on leads welcome.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk Quarry Bank Mill The Worst Children’s Jobs in History 10.30am – 4.30pm / Free (admission applies). A special launch event for The Worst Children’s Jobs in History, inspired by Sir Tony Robinson’s Worst Jobs in History series. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sun 30 Apr & Mon 1 May

Bolton Steam Museum May Day Steamings 10am – 4pm / Free. 30 restored stationary steam engines, some of which once powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of the North of England. Most will be running in steam. 01204 846490 / www.nmes.org

Mon 1 May

Parrs Wood High School Sports Centre, Didsbury Childrens Fun Day May Bank Holiday 10am – 5pm / £9.50 (includes all activities), Adults and under 3s free. An exciting children’s fun day with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities so no need to worry about the weather.

Indoors: Electric Go Karts, Giant Obstacle Course, Massive Slide, Bouncy Castle, Whizz Wheels, Sporting activities Outdoors: (BodyZorbing, Battlefield Live, Sporting activities) 07956 557653 / www.manchesterfundays.com

Fri 5 May

The Lowry, Salford Goldilocks and the Three Bears 2017 12pm & 2pm / £5.50 - £8.50. The perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. 0870 111 2000 / www.thelowry.com

Sat 6 May

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Special Guided Walk - Family Wildlife 11am – 1pm / All ages / Free (normal admission applies).

Bring all the family to discover Dunham’s deer and other wildlife on an accessible walk around the park.

Dogs on leads welcome. Limited availability.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk