Primary Times Merseyside - Spring 2024

Hello Readers,

With daffodils peeking out and Easter on its way, it’s time to enjoy the longer days with your children off school (and a break from the usual routine!) and head out to make the most of the seasonal entertainment on offer.

This March issue is packed with unmissable family activities, right on your doorstep, ripe for some Easter exploration and guaranteed to turn an ordinary weekend into something special! Entertaining children needn’t be expensive either as there are so many brilliant things to do which are low cost or even free. Check out the variety of events and things to do, catering from toddlers through to teens - we’ve featured the best museums, parks, play areas, trails and attractions to keep families entertained for hours! Even better, there’s the added bonus of chocolate treats on the horizon too!

So, whether you keep the kids sweet by staying in, or heading out for adventures, we wish you all a truly scrumptious Easter. We’ll see you again in time for the May half term.

Spring 2024

LOCAL NEWS FROM MERSEYSIDE

STUDY FOR AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING QUALIFICATION WHILE WORKING WITH LJMU

EXPLORE MORE BY BUS!

OPEN EVENTS AT TOWER COLLEGE

Tower

Liverpool John Moores University’s Learning Development and Support degree provides professionals, such as teaching assistants, nursery staff and mentors who work in an educational setting, an opportunity to study for a parttime qualification while working. This course can be studied flexibly, with teaching sessions on Saturdays enabling you to work and study to a timetable that suits you. Graduate, Dawn commented: “The course opened my eyes to a variety of educational topics relevant to my job role, providing me with the knowledge and skills required to do it more effectively. I now feel equipped and empowered to explore a career which involves supporting ‘vulnerable’ children.” Find out more by visiting the LJMU website.

W: www.ljmu.ac.uk

Explore more of your local area with Stagecoach Bus in Merseyside. Single fares are just £2 for adults, so you will have more to spend on visiting some of the fantastic attractions around your area. It’s easy to hop on and off your local service by planning your journey on the Stagecoach Bus app. Save more, explore more, and spend time together with Stagecoach Bus in Merseyside. Download the app for timetables, tickets and more!

W: www.stagecoachbus.com

College is an independent school in Rainhill that aims to give children

ages 3 to 16 a happy and well-rounded education, teaching pupils for life, not just to pass exams. Each pupil is taught the values of developing resilience, demonstrating integrity, scholarly pursuits and enriching experiences.

Open evenings are a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with staff and pupils in the beautiful school grounds. Reserving your place early is recommended as they have limited availability for their small class sizes and friendly school community.

Through Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship and Enrichment your child will RISE to the challenge.

W: www.towercollege.com

Local EVENTS

Looking for some entertainment this Easter holiday and beyond? Here’s a collection of family-friendly events to pop on your calendar! With so many unique experiences right on your doorstep, you won’t have to travel far to make special memories with your little ones this spring.

MEET VERA AND HER PET DINOSAUR FRANKIE

FRIDAY 29TH MARCH &

SATURDAY 30TH MARCH

You are invited to a very special Easter event where you can meet Vera and her pet dinosaur Frankie! This is an exciting opportunity for all children with big imaginations to be transported to the island of Nils Moranis for a world of dinos, fun and song. Join them at Wayfarers Arcade, Lord Street, Southport on Good Friday, 29th March, and Easter Saturday 30th March when there will be 45-minute performances at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. It’s FREE and no booking required, so just turn up and join in! You can even have your photograph taken with Frankie the dinosaur!

W: www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

Back by popular demand for St Helens’ Easter Pantomime! The circus comes to town Easter 2024 in Regal Entertainments’ magical pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It promises to be ‘just right’ with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers, Regal Entertainments’ high production values, and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to. Join Goldilocks, who, with the help of the Three Bears tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner! Get ready for a whole lot of family fun - it promises to be panto GOLD!

W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

THE JOYFUL FESTIVAL OF FAMILY COMES TO AINTREE RACECOURSE

SATURDAY 11TH MAY

The perfect mixology of family style, let-yourhair-down fun for kids and their grown-ups, the Festival of Family is coming to Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 11th May!

Designed and hosted by family publication and curators of joy, ParentFolk, in collaboration with Aintree Racecourse, you can expect high-energy family fun, live music, Guest DJ’s, games battles, play spaces, entertainment, and hilarious performances. Vibrant and engaging, there’ll be lots to do for all the family including skate workshops, art sessions, on-stage fun from the likes of Junior Jungle, kids spa, family yoga, silent disco adventures, graffiti art, and more!  Hosted indoors at the Equestrian Centre at Aintree Racecourse, this all-weather, fully accessible venue means that the sun will shine on this festival whatever the weather is serving up outside! You bring the kids - they’ll bring the joy!

W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND IS BACK!

SATURDAY 25TH MAY

After huge success in Walton Hall Park, this year’s ‘Wonderland’ themed event will be taking Croxteth Park by storm on 25th May. The event is a fundraiser for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and boasts over 25 exciting activities for children to enjoy and explore, letting their imaginations run wild!

Whether it’s Caterpillar Crafts, Fantasy Fun Fair, Slime Making or taking your chance in the Lucky Dip, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Choose your ‘Wonderland’ attire and take a trip down the rabbit hole. Tickets are only £7.50 per person or £30 for a family of four. Book early as tickets will sell out!

W: www.trybooking.com/uk/DDDC

Spring FUN

Easter is just around the corner, and there are lots of exciting events and activities springing into action to celebrate! Look no further for great family days out or adventures for kids - we’ve rounded up plenty of options to brighten up the holidays!

FUN AND GAMES WITH HOLIDAY ACTIVITY WEEKS!

Are you looking for fun activities during the Easter holidays? Go and join in the fun at Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks! Open to children aged 5-11 from all schools, Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks keep your child motivated and active over the break, building positive attitudes towards sports and physical activity to boost concentration and learning. Give them an Easter they’ll never forget with two screen-free, fun-filled weeks packed with games and activities from cricket, football and netball, to frisbee, longball and tag! To find out more about 2024 courses or to book, please visit online. W: www.birkenheadschool.co.uk/Holiday-Activity-Weeks

AN EXHILARATING EASTER TREAT FOR ALL AGES AT THE INDOOR FUNFAIR!

Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which runs from 29th March7th April. You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! They have assembled a great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy! Age and height restrictions apply. Back by popular demand, they will be hosting a Quieter Session on Wednesday 3rd April at 6pm for anyone who prefers a slower and quieter funfair experience. Make sure to prebook your Indoor Funfair tickets online to save nearly £2 per ticket. Online Rider’s tickets are from £9.99 which includes unlimited access to all the rides for a full three hours! W: www.indoorfunfair.org

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF YOUR HEROES

Treat your kids to an unforgettable day and go behind the scenes inside one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums, during the interactive and immersive Liverpool Football Club Stadium Tour. Home to the six European cups, embark on a journey through the Club’s rich history spanning over 130 years and access must-see areas such as the Press Conference Room, This Is Anfield sign, Player’s Tunnel, Managerial Dugout and the Home Team Dressing Room. You’ll enjoy amazing behind-the-scenes access to areas normally reserved for players! Tickets also include entry to the Club’s interactive museum, The Liverpool FC Story.

W: www.lfc.tv/tours

Visit their website and quote promo code EASTER10 to receive 10% OFF (must be used before 31st May 2024).

BING AND FLOP ARE HEADING TO WWT MARTIN MERE!

Families will have the chance to meet Bing, the title character from the multi-award-winning series, at WWT Martin Mere this spring. A Bing and Flop activity trail will be at Martin Mere from 23rd March until 2nd June for Bing’s Nature Explorers event programme. There will be a range of Bing-themed activities to encourage families and young children to explore the fascinating wetlands. In addition, during the May half term (25th May-2nd June), Bingsters will have the chance to meet the Bing and Flop costume characters for mini-shows and special photo opportunities at daily meet and greets.

W: www.wwt.org.uk/martin-mere

DISCOVER OVER 37,000 INCREDIBLE ANIMALS AT THE UK’S MOST VISITED ZOO!

Snow leopards will be arriving at Chester Zoo this spring! In a state-of-the-art, Himalayan-themed habitat, visitors can come face-to-face with these incredible big cats for the first time. This year, get closer than ever to some of the UK’s most iconic species in an unforgettable 360° immersive experience, brought to you by the filmmakers behind BBC and ITV documentaries. As a not-for-profit conservation charity, every visit to Chester Zoo helps fund vital conservation work across the globe, so you can support wildlife on your next day out! Book today online. W: www.chesterzoo.org

SPRINGTIME FUN AT LIVERPOOL ONE

Entertainment for all is coming to Liverpool ONE this spring! Take your little superheroes to their new active entertainment brand Gravity MAX on Chavasse Park, where they’ll be in awe of the endless games and activities to try! If they’ve got a need for speed, the thrilling e-Karting track is a winner, VR headset games will keep them on their toes, or play some crazy golf with the whole family - there’s fun to be had everywhere with Junkyard Golf Club, Escape Live! and more. When hunger strikes, there are brilliant dining options catering for every taste, from Wagamama to TGI Friday’s and everything in between. Look out for ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals, too, as loads of offers are back for the Easter break. W: www.liverpool-one.com

WILD FUN AND ADVENTURES GUARANTEED AT BEWILDERWOOD!

Hop over to BeWILDerwood Cheshire this Easter and meet Cedric the Easter Bunny between 28th March-14th April! See what the Pesky Bunnies are getting up to over at the Storytelling Stage and get crafty at the Big Hat and make your very own bunny ears! As well as all the Easter fun, you can meet other BeWILDerwood characters, whizz down the Slippery Slopes, zoom along the Wobbly Wires, complete the Sky Maze and get musical at BeWILDerville with the musical marimbas too! BeWILDerwood Cheshire is open from 10am-5pm. Tickets are available to purchase online or on arrival.

W: www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Step onto the red carpet and into the Big Top as Gandeys Circus, the unparalleled maestro of spectacular circus entertainment, unveils the 2024 Hollywood Spectacular! Brace yourselves for a seamless blend of circus magic with the glittering glamour of Hollywood. This is a show that demands your attention - a rollercoaster of madness that promises to captivate the entire family. From crazy comedy to the graceful acrobatics of the flying trapeze, every moment is a spectacle. This is not just a circus - this is blockbuster family entertainment! Touring from 9th February, visit online to see all venues, dates and to book your tickets.

W: www.gandeyscircus.com

At Aintree Racecourse 26th April-6th May!

FUN THINGS TO DO LOCALLYWOW

WHAT’S ON WHERE

in Merseyside

Ongoing

New Snow Leopards

Chester Zoo

www.chesterzoo.org

Discover over 37,000 incredible animals at the UK’s most visited zoo. Snow leopards will be arriving at the zoo this spring! This year, get closer than ever to some of the UK’s most iconic species in an unforgettable 360° immersive experience, brought to you by the filmmakers behind BBC and ITV documentaries.

Eureka! Science + Discovery

Seacombe Ferry Terminal, The Wirral www.eureka.org.uk

Merseyside’s newest visitor attraction!

Designed for children and young people up to 14 years to discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) influence and shape their lives.

Stadium Tours

Liverpool Football Club

www.liverpoolfc.com

Go behind the scenes and enjoy epic views of the Anfield pitch and city landscape  from the top level of the Main Stand. Visit the state-of-the-art Home Team dressing room and practice your interview technique in the Press Room. Tickets also include entry to the Club’s interactive museum.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Entertainment on Every Corner

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com

From the colossal new Gravity MAX, with games to keep the whole family busy, to escape rooms at Escape Live!, and golf for everyone between Junkyard Golf Club and On the Green, not forgetting top-quality gaming at leveltap, Liverpool ONE is the perfect place to keep everyone entertained. Experience a jam-packed activity day out all in one place. The ODEON cinema has some fantastic new releases including Kung Fu Panda 4.

Explore More by Bus!

Stagecoach Bus

www.stagecoachbus.com

Explore more of your local area with Stagecoach Bus in Merseyside. Single fares are just £2 for adults, so you will have more to spend on visiting some of the fantastic attractions around your area. It’s easy to hop on and off your local service by planning your journey on the Stagecoach Bus app.

The Heritage Trail

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com/the-heritage-trail

The Heritage Trail, both free and fully accessible, invites visitors on a journey to explore more than 300 years of Liverpool’s history. Discovering the events, places and people that shaped the maritime powerhouse that is Liverpool.

The Nature Trail

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com/nature-trail

For all the mini explorers amongst us, Liverpool ONE’s Nature Trail is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and tour Chavasse Park learning about the vast array of resident plants and wildlife. The free trail is self-guided by a map available online or at the Tourist Information Centre on Wall Street and it takes around 60 minutes to complete.

Saturday 23rd March

Bing and Flop Activity Trail

Martin Mere Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk

Bing and Flop are heading to WWT Martin Mere! A Bing and Flop activity trail will be at Martin Mere from 23rd March until 2nd June for Bing’s Nature Explorers event programme. There will be a range of Bing-themed activities to encourage families and young children to explore the fascinating wetlands.

Thursday 28th March

Easter Fun at BeWilderwood Bickley Moss, SY13 4JF www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Hop over to BeWILDerwood Cheshire this Easter and meet Cedric the Easter Bunny! Storytelling stage and craft activities as well as the usual BeWilderwood attractions. 10am-5pm. Running until 14th April.

Kids Eat for Less or Free

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com/whatson/kidseat-free

The popular offer is back, with lots of restaurants at Liverpool ONE offering free kids’ meals this Easter break, there’s something for everyone!

Friday 29th March

British GT & GB3 Championships

Oulton Park www.oultonpark.co.uk

The British GT Championship season will kick off 2024 at Oulton Park with the traditional Easter weekend double-header.

Indoor Funfair

Liverpool Exhibition Centre

www.indoorfunfair.org

Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which running until 7th April. Jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! Age and height restrictions apply. There will be a Quieter Session on 3rd April at 6pm for anyone who prefers a slower and quieter funfair experience.

The Island of Nils Moranis

Wayfarers Arcade, Lord Street, Southport

www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

This is an exciting opportunity for all children with big imaginations to be transported to the island of Nils Moranis for a world of dinos, fun and song.

Running until 1st April with 45-minute performances at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Giant Duck Hunt

Martin Mere Wetland Centre

www.wwt.org.uk

Find the bright yellow ducks hiding around the wetlands.

Saturday 30th March

Easter Family Fun Day

Haydock Park

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Haydock Park Racecourse transforms into a prehistoric paradise for a day of family fun, filled with thrilling racing action alongside activities and entertainment that will leave your little explorers in awe.

Sunday 31st March

HappyEaster!

Tuesday 2nd April

Holiday Activity Weeks

Birkenhead School

www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

Open to children aged 5-11 from all schools, Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks keep your child motivated and active over the break, building positive attitudes towards sports and physical activity to boost concentration and learning. Running 2nd-5th and 8th-12th April.

Wednesday 3rd April

Craft and Create

Lady Lever Art Gallery

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Craft and create takes place at the Lady Lever Art Gallery on each Tuesday and Wednesday of the Wirral school holidays.

Thursday 4th April

Make it! Craft Workshop

The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk

Be inspired by the museum, gallery and theatre programme in an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free! Dropin any time between 11am-3pm and get creative.

Saturday 6th April

Wirral Farmer’s Market

New Ferry

www.wirralfarmersmarket.org.uk

Wirral Farmers’ Market was established in 2000 and is held on the second Saturday every month in New Ferry from 9am-1pm.

Thursday 11th April

Craft and Create

Walker Art Gallery

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Craft & Create takes place at the Walker each Thursday and Friday of school holidays. All activities will operate on a drop-in basis.

Sunday 21st April

Junior Rangers Weekend Club

Chester Zoo

www.chesterzoo.org

Activity club for primary aged children in Years 4-6, runs for 90 minutes every Sunday until 5th May from 9.30-11am.

Friday 26th April

Gandeys Hollywood Spectacular!

Aintree Racecourse

www.gandeyscircus.com

Step onto the red carpet and into the Big Top as Gandeys Circus, the unparalleled maestro of spectacular circus entertainment, unveils the 2024 Hollywood Spectacular! A seamless blend of circus magic with the glittering glamour of Hollywood. Running until 6th May at Aintree Racecourse.

Saturday 27th April

Remembering the Liverpool Carters

Museum of Liverpool

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

The museum uphold the colourful May Day tradition, when carters would decorate their horses and parade through the city, with craft activities for families at the museum.

Saturday 4th May

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Oulton Park

www.oultonpark.co.uk

Oulton Park hosts the Bennetts British Superbike Championship’s first UK round of 2024, with triple-header Bank Holiday race action on the picturesque international circuit. Running until 6th May.

Saturday 11th May

Festival of Family

Aintree Racecourse

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

High-energy family fun, live music, Guest DJ’s, games battles, play spaces, entertainment, and hilarious performances. There will be lots to do for all the family including skate workshops, art sessions, on-stage fun, kids spa, family yoga, silent disco adventures, graffiti art, and more!

Saturday 25th May

Adventures in Wonderland

Croxteth Park

www.trybooking.com/uk/DDDC

Over 25 exciting activities for children to enjoy and explore! Whether it’s Caterpillar Crafts, Fantasy Fun Fair, Slime Making or taking your chance in the Lucky Dip, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Choose your ‘Wonderland’ attire and take a trip down the rabbit hole. £7.50 per person or £30 for a family of four. A fundraiser for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

BOX OFFICE

All the very best theatre, arts and films near you.

Liverpool Empire www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire

Friday 29th-Sunday 31st March

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Join all your favourite crack-alackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Tuesday 9th April

PADDINGTON IN CONCERT

Based on Michael Bond’s muchloved books, cherished by families since 1958, the charming story follows the misadventures of a young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a home.

Tuesday 30th AprilSaturday 4th May

THE LIFE OF PI

Based on the global phenomenon and winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide, Life of Pi is the acclaimed and hugely popular adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Age 8+.

Thursday 9th-Saturday 11th May

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

An amateur production, based on the true story of the singing von Trapp family, a timeless story of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. A high-spirited, young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, facing danger and conspiracy as the Nazis gain power in an uncertain Austria.

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse www.everymanplayhouse.com

Tuesday 9th-Saturday 13th April

CHARLIE COOK’S FAVOURITE BOOK

Based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

The Lowry www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 26th-Saturday 30th March

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS

Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf. Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. Age 7+.

Tuesday 2nd-Sunday 7th April

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Manchester HOME www.homemcr.org

Friday 22nd-Sunday 24th March

THE GINGERBREAD MAN

See the adventure of the deliciously smelling Gingerbread Man who finds his feet fast and sets off on the journey of a lifetime!

M and S Bank Arena www.mandsbankarena.com

Thursday 21st-Sunday 24th March

DISNEY ON ICE

Audiences will be transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfil their dreams at a live experience families will never forget!

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

www.liverpoolphil.com

Saturday 6th April

ANDY AND THE ODD SOCKS

Straight off the TV and onto the live stage, Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages.

St Helens Theatre

Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Friday 29th MarchSunday 14th April

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Join Goldilocks, who, with the help of the Three Bears tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner. Get ready for a whole lot of family fun in this Easter pantomime! It promises to be ‘just right’ with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers, Regal Entertainments’ high production values, and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.

Tuesday 7th May

HORRIBLE HISTORIESROTTEN ROYALS

Horrible Histories is back with revolting rulers and mad monarchs from Britain’s barmy past.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!