CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN ST HELENS SET TO BENEFIT FROM NEW FAMILY HUB
St Helens Borough Council will receive over £3 million in funding for Family Hub development. This funding is part of a larger £302 million Government scheme to support 75 councils in creating Family Hubs. The first hub will be located at Sutton Children’s Centre and aims to provide comprehensive support to families with children up to 19 years old (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Further Family Hubs to be developed will be announced shortly.
The Family Hub will offer a wide range of services, including midwifery and health visiting, child development, parenting programmes, youth and adult support groups; all under one roof. The funding will also prioritise parent-infant relationship and perinatal mental health support, infant feeding, home learning, parenting, engaging families in the development of the Family Hub, focusing on the first five years of a child’s life. The goal is to provide long-term support and resources for families, helping them nurture their children and achieve their full potential.
W: sthelensfamilyhub.sthelens.gov.uk
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS 4 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
5 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out
If you’ve got lots of days to fill during this long school holiday, we’re here to help! Read on to find out what to do and where to do it! From adventure playgrounds to animal antics, we’re sure you’ll find enough local entertainment to cater for all budgets, interests and British weather conditions, all summer long!
HANDS-ON FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SINGLE DAY OF SUMMER!
This summer Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax is the place to be! They’ll be joined by Eureka! regulars - Ian Douglas storyteller, showman Gacko and the purple-haired Professor Pumpernickel; plus, lots of other very special guest performers and hands-on workshops that you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget when you pay once, you can play as many times as you want for the whole year! The summer holidays are a great time to take advantage of your Eureka! annual pass, go and see what different things they have on offer every single day. Events will run from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September. All tickets must be pre-booked online.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE AT THE CLIMBING HANGAR
Discover one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK at The Climbing Hangar. TCH specialises in bouldering, which is climbing a wide variety of fun routes up a 3m wall. It’s a ton of fun, but also helps kids to build strength, agility, balance and co-ordination. Best of all, parents/guardians can climb right alongside them. Book a family session or join a holiday club, where kids climb under the supervision of a friendly and qualified coach. Liverpool boasts TWO Hangar centres, each with a wide variety of climbs, drinks and goodies. Find out more at their website.
W: theclimbinghangar.com/LiverpoolFamily
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR, NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER!
Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which is running from the 15th to 23rd August. 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, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £12.99 which includes unlimited access to ALL the rides. It truly is the ideal summer treat for all the family. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now online!
W: www.indoorfunfair.org
HEY DUGGEE FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
Enjoy a Family Fun Day on the 24th & 25th August and join Duggee as he explores the Bury Transport Museum! Take your young Squirrels to meet Duggee at intervals on each day and don’t forget your camera! That’s not all, the family fun continues with a selection of fair rides, face painting and craft activities, all included in the ticket price. Complete your day out with a ride on a heritage steam or diesel train on the East Lancashire Railway, ticket price includes a ride on any ELR train services on the day of your visit. General admission tickets must be purchased online.
W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
TO DO 6 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
THINGS
FUN, PHARAOHS AND ACTIVITIES - ALL FOR FREE AT THE ATKINSON!
The Atkinson in Southport offers a fun, creative and varied day out, with lots to do under one roof (and for free too!). Their stunning Egyptology museum shows visitors what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Choose an outfit from the dressing up box and take a selfie; in Ancient Egypt mirrors were treasured and thought to be magical! Throughout the summer holidays take part in a variety of free activities including artist-led craft workshops, LEGO construction club and story & rhyme time. Plan your visit online.
W: theatkinson.co.uk
WHAT NEW DISCOVERIES WILL YOU MAKE THIS HOLIDAY?
WHAT’S ON WHEN
ONGOING
The Heritage Trail at Liverpool ONE
The Heritage Trail 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. To follow The Heritage Trail, download the Liverpool ONE MyONE app or collect the printed map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
Experiment
Get hands on and see science brought to life in the free interactive gallery designed for the whole family to enjoy together. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. W: www.scienceandindustry museum.org.uk
Nature Trail at Liverpool ONE
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.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
The Climbing Hangar
TCH specialises in bouldering, this fun activity helps kids to build strength, agility, balance, and co-ordination. a family session or join a holiday club, where kids climb under the supervision of a friendly and qualified coach. Liverpool has two Hangar centres, each with a wide variety of climbs, drinks and goodies.
W: theclimbinghangar.com
Port Sunlight Experience
Find out the history of the special village at Port Sunlight Museum, experience what life was like over a century ago in the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage and immerse yourself in the story of soap at the interactive SoapWorks.
W: www.portsunlightvillage.com
Return of the Gods
Discover the stories of the original influencers, the Olympian gods, and a world where they were a part of everyday life. Enter their mythical world and explore the lives, loves and legacies of the Ancient Greek and Roman gods, in the epic exhibition Return of the Gods at World Museum, Liverpool. Members and under 17 years olds go free. Book online.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Tickle the Ivories
The much-loved Tickle the Ivories piano festival is back for its twelfth year at Liverpool ONE! Enjoy a backdrop of piano music as you shop, with one of six pianos situated across Liverpool ONE featuring popular returning pianists. Free play pianos are also available if you would like to have a go yourself! Runs until 10th September.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
PING!
For those looking to dust off their forehand skills, Liverpool ONE’s PING! Tennis tables are a fun openair opportunity to get competitive! The tables, which are free to use, are the perfect excuse to get the whole family out for some fresh air and battle it out.
W: www.liverpool-one.com/ping
The Curious Treehouse Adventure
Enter a magical world at BeWILDerWood Cheshire this summer. Book online.
W: www.BeWILDerWood.co.uk
Corn Exchange Manchester
Make Manchester’s Corn Exchange a one-stop destination for family fun. Kids will love the excitement of Escape Hunt, where games themed around everything from Doctor Who to Vikings are on offer. There are plenty of restaurants and a resident hotel to make the perfect break.
W: www.cornexchange manchester.co.uk
Cheshire Military Museum
Explore over 300 years of history at the Cheshire Military Museum, Chester. Discover the First World War trench and venture into the tiny WW2 pill box. Learn where the soldiers of Cheshire have served around the world. Open 11am3.30pm (last entry 3pm), Thursday to Sunday. Disabled access to all galleries. Admission charge applies.
W: www.cheshiremilitary museum.co.uk
The Atkinson
The Atkinson in Southport offers a fun, creative and varied day out, with lots to do under one roof (and for free too!). Their stunning Egyptology Museum shows visitors what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Throughout the summer holidays take part in a variety of free activities including artist-led craft workshops, LEGO construction club and story & rhyme time.
W: www.theatkinson.co.uk
History Comes Alive at WWT Martin Mere
Join WWT Martin Mere Wetland
Centre this summer holiday and journey through time, exploring how wetland materials were used for food, textiles, and arts and crafts as part of the ‘Drawn to Water’ partnership with the UK’s most loved illustrator, Quentin Blake. Get creative and take on weaving, clay modelling, and charcoal drawing! There are art-inspired activities, an illustrated trail, competitions and more.
W: www.wwt.org.uk
Liverpool FC Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes on the unmissable and immersive LFC Stadium Tour and enjoy epic views of the Anfield pitch and city landscape from the top level of the Main Stand. Visit the state-of-theart Home Team dressing room and practice your interview technique in the Press Room.
W: www.liverpoolfc.com
Great Days Out Start with Stagecoach Bus
Stagecoach buses operate throughout Merseyside, and further afield, so you and your family can explore more by bus this Summer. There are great connections across buses so you can easily get you to popular destinations such as Liverpool, Chester, Southport & West Kirby - calling in at some great attractions along the route.
W: www.stagecoachbus.com
The Revolution Manchester Show
Enjoy an action-packed show that tells the story of how science met industry in Manchester. Manchester Science and Industry Museum.
W: www.scienceandindustry museum.org.uk
JULY
Friday 7th Foodies Festival
Foodies Festival returns with celebrity chefs and headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting For Girls. Running until 9th July. Tatton Park, Knutsford.
W: www.tattonpark.org.uk
LIFE 10 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
FAMILY
LIVERPOOL ONE
Professor Pumpernickel Science Show
Running 7th-9th July at Eureka! Science and Discovery.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
Saturday 8th
Sustainability Festival
Fun for all the family, and a great way to learn tips and tricks for living a greener lifestyle. All activities are free and drop-in. 10.30am-5pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester.
W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Friday 14th
The Great Mandavi
Fire juggler, street performer & entertainer extraordinaire. 11am - walkabout plus 25min shows at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Eureka! Science and Discovery.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
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!
Sunday 16th
ChessFest
Chess players will come together on Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE for ChessFest 2023, featuring 50 boards with capacity for 100 players. A match between Liverpool and London players will take place live on the big screen, displays from chess grand masters andmuch more. All activities are free and suitable for children and adults.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
Wednesday 19th
Summer Bug Hunt
Get hunting with for bugs and beasties and discover the incredible world that grows all around us. World Museum, Liverpool.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Thursday 20th
Bluedot
Cheshire’s multi award-winning carnival of music, science, and cosmic culture. Running 20th-23rd at Jodrell Bank.
W: www.jodrellbank.net
Craft at the Museum
Make and take craft sessions at the World Museum, Liverpool every Thursday during the School holidays. W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Saturday 22nd
Eureka! Science + Discovery
This Summer be entertained by Ian Douglas storyteller, showman Gacko and the purple-haired Professor Pumpernickel. Plus other very special guest performers and handson workshops that you won’t want to miss. Events will run from 22nd July-3rd September. All tickets must be pre-booked online.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
Monday 24th
Play Studio
A space for families to explore and test out ways of making and playing together. Tate Liverpool.
W: www.tate.org.uk
Tuesday 25th
Flower Fairies - Craft and Create
Running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the Summer holidays. Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Wednesday 26th
Magical Story Jars®
Magical Story Jars® provide an opportunity to make fun imaginary stories using colourful story prompt cards. Two x 2hour drop-in sessions. Eureka! Science and Discovery.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
FAMILY LIFE 11 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out
Thursday 27th
Make it!
Arts and Crafts Workshop for the whole family. 11am-3pm. Other dates available. The Atkinson, Southport.
W: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Friday 28th
Merseybay Stockport
Featuring deckchairs for parents to sit back and relax and buckets and spades for kids to play, the beach will be located outside Primark at Merseyway Shopping Centre from Friday 28th July - Sunday 3rd September, along with a variety of fun rides including a Helter Skelter and trampolines. Free to use and open to children of all ages, weekly events each Wednesday on the beach from 11am-3pm where children can dance along with live DJs and take part in themed party games.
W: www.merseyway.com
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!
AUGUST
Wednesday 1st
Billy’s Musical Voyage
Play musical instruments from different countries around the world. This is an interactive music session aimed at families and young children Maritime Museum, Liverpool.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Colourful Collections
Create your own museum collection by finding mini objects around the museum, and then creating a box or ‘cabinet’ for your curiosities!
10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum.
W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thursday 3rd
Return of the Detector Dogs!
Learn all about Detector dogs and how they are specially trained to sniff out smuggled goods. Other dates available. Maritime Museum, Liverpool.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Saturday 5th
Liverpool Sketching Day
When you visit Liverpool ONE, make sure you go along armed with sketching equipment! Dozens of members of Liver Sketching Club will be taking inspiration from the architecture, people, and city centre spaces across various locations, and they’re inviting you to join in.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
Day Out with Thomas
Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas. Also on 6th August. East Lancs Railway.
W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk
Up Close with Toys
See childhood favourite toys we have loved and played with through the generations. We have the most fantastic handling collection of toys which you are invited to come and play with! Museum of Liverpool.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Sunday 13th
Canal Town
Step back in time at this familyfriendly Living Museum event and experience what it was like to live and work in the docks when Ellesmere Port was a canal town. National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port.
W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
FAMILY LIFE 12 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
LIVERPOOL ONE
Tuesday 15th
Midsummer Magic
Make fantastic masks and fairy wings and show off your creations in front of the special backdrop. 10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester.
W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Indoor Funfair
Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out. You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! A great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £12.99 which includes unlimited access to ALL the rides. Running until 23rd August.
W: www.indoorfunfair.org
Thursday 17th
Stockport Flower Show
A four-day summer festival of all thing’s flora and fauna plus everything you need to immerse yourselves into a relaxing summer atmosphere. There will also be lots of fun activities and very special guests to entertain the children. Children under 16 go free with a paying adult. Victoria Park, Stockport.
W: www.visitsouthport.com
Friday 18th
Craft and Create
Spend time together getting creative, making memories and something amazing! Sessions take place every Thursday and Friday during the holidays. 1-4pm. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.
W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
The Wizard of Oz
Join Immersion Theatre for a familyfriendly musical theatre performance amongst the ruins of Norton Priory.
W: www.nortonpriory.org
Saturday 19th
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Follow the critically acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. Speke Hall, National Trust, Liverpool. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tuesday 22nd
Island Paradise
Let your imagination come to life and create your own miniature island all on a paper plate!10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester. W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thursday 24th
Hey Duggee Family Fun Day
Join Duggee as he explores the Bury Transport Museum! The family fun continues with a selection of fun fair rides, face painting and craft activities. Complete your day out with a ride with one of the heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell Valley. Also on 25th August. You can book tickets online.
W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Saturday 26th
Construction Club
Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to dop in and play with the massive supply of LEGO. Other dates are also available. The Atkinson, Stockport. W: www.theatkinson.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE 13 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out
THE ATKINSON
Southport 01704 533333
Friday 11th August
SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY
Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella; the party is ready to go!
THE BRIDGEWATER HALL
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Sunday 16th July
GREATER MANCHESTER MUSIC HUB CELEBRATION CONCERT
The Greater Manchester Music Hub returns to The Bridgewater Hall to present the region’s flagship youth ensembles in concert. Presenting a stunning variety of music from traditional brass band sounds through to musical theatre and classical, 600 young musicians will perform a ‘never to forget’ concert celebrating the best in educational music performance.
Tuesday 1st August
ENCANTO IN CONCERT
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film comes to life at The Bridgewater Hall, featuring the entire featurelength film with a full orchestra performing the score.
FLORAL PAVILION
Marine Parade, New Brighton, Wirral 0151 666 0000
Monday 31st July
HASBRO STARS LIVE ON STAGE!
See your favourite TV Stars perform together live on stage.
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire
Saturday 22nd July
JURASSIC LIVE
Aimed at the whole family this comedic & thrilling new familyfun stage adventure follows the team of dino rangers on the hunt for an evil man stealing dinosaurs & their eggs.
LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN AND PLAYHOUSE
www.everymanplayhouse.com
Tuesday 4th-Saturday 22nd July
LEWIS CARROLL’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND
A funked-up remix of Lewis Carroll’s classic, where musical streams and digital dreams collide in a riotous adventure for all the family!
THE LOWRY
www.thelowry.com
Saturday 22nd July-Monday 1st January 2024
JULIA AND AXEL - THIRTY YEARS OF FAVOURITE STORIES
A new free family-friendly exhibition celebrating the acclaimed partnership between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, who have created some of the world’s best-loved, and best-selling children’s books.
Thursday 3rd-Friday 4th August
CIRQUE THE GREATEST SHOW
An all-star cast performing the big, big numbers from your favourite shows are joined by mesmerising circus stars - making for an enchanting production that is charming and astonishing in equal measure.
Friday 4th August-3rd September
ZOG
The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey; Julia Donaldson, and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.
31st August-2nd September
HEY DUGGEE
Featuring Duggee, the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters!
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
www.manchestertheatres.com
Monday 24th-Wednesday 26th July
WINNIE THE POOH
Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation.
ST HELEN’S THEATRE ROYAL
www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Sunday 13th August
HASBRO LIVE
The stage is set for the greatest talent show ever! For the first time together, we will see amazing musical performances from your favourite TV Stars, LIVE on stage!
Sunday 27th August
MILKSHAKE LIVE
An all-singing, all-dancing live show starring your favourite Milkshake characters.
SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE
Prescot
www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Saturday 15th-Tuesday 18th July
MIDSUMMER MECHANICALS
Enjoy Shakespeare’s Globe’s Olivier Award-nominated family show; based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets from just £3.
Friday 1st September
PETER PAN
Let your imagination soar with this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show will have people of all ages laughing out loud! Suitable for ages 8+.
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!
FAMILY THEATRE GUIDE
14 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY THE ATKINSON
15 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out