Edition 48 • July/Aug 2017
The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesonline.co.uk
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In this issue: School’s out for SUMMER! Loads of ideas for things to do, holiday clubs and free entertainment! Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas
News Theatre in the open air
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester is back for 2017 (15 July – 27 August) with a family programme to suit all ages and interests. From the same team behind sell-out hits Stig of the Dump, The Secret Garden and Wind in the Willows comes playwright’s Glyn Maxwell’s joyful new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. The show includes all the favourite characters from the original
and a host of new ones. Plus, Shakespeare’s most accessible, family friendly play the magical comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Families with older children can also experience Shakespeare’s brutal thriller Julius Caesar. Audiences are set to once again be delighted at the award winning open air theatre; there are matinees and family tea time specials throughout the run, as well as evening performances staged under the stars. Picnics are welcome and there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the show. Under 12s go free (one free ticket for every full paying adult) – book online at www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk
Turn your passion into pennies
Are you looking to earn some extra money around being home with the children? Or perhaps to start a whole new full time career in something you love? The Body Shop At Home could have just the answer you are looking for.
Gemma, an existing consultant in the area, has achieved huge success after less than a month of promoting this well-known and trusted range of products. Gemma says “I am already earning a good income with the 25-30% commission, plus there are so many incentives and the company is so supportive. I am just thrilled and can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner! It fits so easily around the children and I am selling products I am passionate about.” To find out more about local opportunities from sales consultant to team manager call Jayne on 07960 274 739 or email jaynek@keepy.co.uk
Jurassic Kingdom – a roar-some dinosaur tour!
The UK’s first ever national outdoor animatronic dino-tour, including 30 full scale creatures, comes to Manchester this summer. Expect snarling jaws, moving eyes, swaying tails and roaring sound effects from these magnificent creatures as you follow the trail around the site at Philips Park in Manchester. The tour has an educational element attached to it thanks to an educational worksheet for primary school aged children and a marquee where you can watch
dinosaur documentaries. Other activities include an excavation scene where younger children can dig in the sand to unearth a T-Rex fossil, a VR experience and a range of photo opportunities. The dinosaurs cover three key area including the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous period and include a T-Rex standing 18m from head to tail, a battle between Deinonychus and Tenontosaurus, and a 16 metre long Diplodocus. The event runs daily from 8 – 23 July, 10am to 8pm with last entry at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.jurassickingdom.uk with online booking prices from £11.50 adults, £10.50 concessions, £9.50 children and £38 for a family ticket plus standard booking fees. But if you book before 8 July and enter FAMILIES20 at the checkout, you can save 20%!
FREE family fun in Crewe on 8 & 9 July trAction Crewe is a futuristic weekend of free fun for the whole family. Enjoy a vast range of activities, including high flying astronauts, SoundAvan and stunningly beautiful arts activities and performances. New for this year, Science Corner (located at the covered outdoor market) will feature engaging STEAM based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Manufacturing) workshops, with inspiring activities for all
ages – including a racing simulator, virtual welding, a Giant Operation Game, memory games and a stupendous “first of its kind” musical installation ‘Illumaphonium’. This comprises a semi acoustic, semi automatic, multi-player musical sculpture made from illuminated chime bars, each of which respond to touch, with ever changing patterns of light and sound spreading out like waves over the giant instrument’s surface. www.tractioncrewe.co.uk
Mini games for your mini me’s!
Parents travelling with their little ones will be pleased to hear of the exciting new Mini Games added to the collection from Orchard Toys. Six new lines to their popular mini game range have recently launched. Based on traditional family favourites,
Next issue: Sep/Oct2017 Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know. Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk
Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: iStock Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton. Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk
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Families Cheshire 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 Cheshire 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.
the range gives classic games, from snakes and ladders to happy families, a fun ‘Orchard Toys’ twist! Match the Llamas in Pyjamas, build your Spiders & Spouts and have a go at Jungle Dominoes, making sure your journey to your destination is a real winner! Or try Little Bug Bingo, Animal Families, or Animal Match, a fun animal snap game. These summer travel games are a must-have for a playcation with the little people in your life. Priced at just £4.99, they’re available from all good retailers.
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News 30 years of Stockley Farm Park!
Family festival fun with camping, workshops & live music?! GREAT SCOT! This August (Sat 12 & Sun 13), Stockley Farm is sending you…back to the Eighties! Grab your legwarmers and go back in time with an activity filled weekend and more neon than you can shake a glow stick at! • 80’s Tribute Show (Saturday) • Mascot racing fun in ‘It’s A Stockout!’ • Dairy Disco with DJ Pete Deane (Sunday) • Cheshire Fire & Police • Cocktail Bar & Tatton Brewery • Workshops including Two by Two Sale, Rhythm Time, Decathlon, Mess
Around UK, Sensory Fun Bus, Rainbow’s circus skills • Performances from Michael Diamond Magic, Impulse Dance & lots more… • 80s Games Tent • Camping*? Join the Saturday Night at the Moo-vies Trail & Batman’s Batwalk & campfire fun… Visit www.stockleyfarm.co.uk to book online and receive an exclusive
15% discount with the code FAMFEST17
* Camping must be prebooked. Timings and performers are subject to change
Disney on Ice comes to Manchester
Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they take audiences on a fun-filled tour in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure (11 – 15 October). Journey to the most memorable Disney destinations with all of your favorite characters and get swept away by classic
tales that have captivated the world, including the Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Frozen. The show will be at the Manchester Arena from 11 - 15 October and tickets are now available at www.disneyonice.co.uk.
Macclesfield Festival - Saturday 22 July The first ever Macclesfield Festival takes place at Macclesfield RUFC (Priory Lane) on Saturday 22 July. Put together by local Macclesfield residents, this family friendly event will showcase local talent, produce, and traders. You can expect great musical entertainment in the Main Arena, a range of activities and live entertainment for all ages in Kids Town, which also features a varied range of attractions from kiddie rides and kiosks to the latest hi tech thrill rides. Cain Golf Academy will be hosting a ‘Tri Golf Corner’ (a mini version of golf
for children, which involves the use of adapted equipment and a variety of games) – designed to provide an enjoyable introduction to the sport. Traders Village plays host to the regions finest food and craft traders with a beer tent showcasing local ales alongside branded drinks. Dance till you drop in the Dance Zone, or bring a deckchair and relax on Festival Hill with a prime view of the main arena and stage. Gates open at 10am with main festivities including live music starting at midday and finishing at 8pm with an afterparty til late. www.macclesfieldfestival.co.uk
The Summer Reading Challenge 2017
The annual Summer Reading Challenge to children is simple. During the holidays they are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge, which is run by independent charity The Reading
Agency. Children can sign up at their local library from the end of June onwards and all materials are absolutely free. This year’s theme is Animal Agents, introducing young readers to a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries. The Challenge is open to all primary school children and is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work with local libraries and give out information to encourage children to take part, and most libraries run Summer Reading Challenge linked early years activity for pre-schoolers. Why not head to your local library during the summer holidays and enrol. It’s completely free and any child can take part. Read more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.
ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?! WIN a Family Ticket to Gulliver’s World, Warrington Gulliver’s theme park resorts offer the hottest ticket for fun-loving families this summer! And we’ve teamed up with them to give away tickets for Terms andTHREE conditions family apply. Family membership entitles 2 adults and 15 or under) a bumper day2 children out at(aged Gulliver’s to 60 consecutive days free health & fitness World in Warrington. membership at the club. Does not include access memories are created every toMagical golf facilities. day at Gulliver’s, which is specially designed for children aged two to 13. So it doesn’t matter if you’ve got toddlers or bigger kids in tow, there really is something for everyone to explore and enjoy! New for 2017 is Togo Tower at Warrington and the Pirate Training Camp at Matlock Bath. Together with theme park classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and dodgems and a host of weird and wonderful rides and attractions at each park, there’s loads to discover with lots of new things to see and do all the time! With free parking all day, every day and a host of soft play areas, interactive shows, activities and entertainment on offer too, there’s more to Gulliver’s than meets the eye. It’s not just theme park thrills on offer at Gulliver’s – each resort is also home to other captivating attractions, including the Gulliver’s Hotel Warrington, Explorers Retreat at Matlock Bath, the award winning Adventurers Village at Milton Keynes plus the Dinosaur & Farm Park as well as the SFEAR high ropes climbing challenge and an official Nerf Zone at every location. Find out more at www.gulliversfun.co.uk, www.facebook.com/gullymouse and www.twitter.com/gullymouse To enter the competition, simply send your name and daytime telephone number to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk. Entries close Sunday 30 July. Good luck!
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Education What kids really need to know before starting school Dressing and undressing Independent dressing is something children should be able to do. Some things may be difficult for children at Reception age like buttons, but there is a reason why the early year’s uniform is usually based around t-shirts and jumpers. Don’t send them to school at this age with shoes that have laces. Staff will be there to help them with dressing, particularly when they start changing for PE lessons, but most children at this age can’t tie their own laces and aren’t expected to. Velcro fastenings are much faster and also give children some independence. What kids really need to know before starting school Just five minutes ago you were bringing your little one home from the hospital. Now you’re shopping for their first school uniform and trying to find a suitable pair of school shoes. Where did the time go? If you go onto any parenting forum once the primary school offers go out, you’ll find lots of panicking parents worried that their little one will be left behind if they aren’t properly prepared. Relax. All children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. There is no definitive list of must-have skills for them to have acquired before the start of term. But there are a few basics that can be helpful. Read on to find out what your child really needs to know before they start school.
Holding a pencil There is a myth that your child will be expected to at least write their own name before they start school. This isn’t the case at all, and no one expects a child who is four or who has just turned five to achieve this straight away. There will always be some who can, but that doesn’t mean anything. Remember when we said earlier that all children develop differently? Being able to hold a pencil confidently though is quite useful. Again, don’t panic if they can’t. Some children are simply late at developing gross motor skills, and some may face other barriers. Both hypermobility syndrome and dyspraxia, for example, make holding a pencil and putting pressure on paper hard. If you suspect that’s the case for your child, try building them up slowly by encouraging them to play with Lego or Duplo, or make models from modelling clay.
Labels4Kids - no more lost clothes or belongings!
Get all set for the new school year with name tags from Labels4Kids – a family business with an award winning range of name labels. Since 2004, Labels4Kids has helped thousands of families in the UK to bypass the lost and found box and get back lost belongings quickly. In 2015, the company also started to sell name labels via John Lewis. Labels4Kids range contains many different types of name labels to cater
for different application methods. There are woven sew on labels, easy to use iron on labels, click on labels (tags that you simply click on with an applicator) or even stick on name labels that just go on the care label of the garment. Your labels are made to order in the UK and to the highest quality standards. Visit www.labels4kids.com today to personalise yours. You can now get 10% off your first order using the discount code FAM – just select the labels you want to order on the website, personalise them and apply the code in the shopping cart to claim your discount. Get some peace of mind this summer with Labels4Kids - because kids lose stuff!
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Using the toilet on their own Now, this is a must-have skill. If your child has been in private day-care, they may be used to having staff around that help them with toileting. There is a lot less of this in school. Unless a child has special needs, they will need to wipe themselves and be able to flush the toilet. Reading This is one area where some parents (and we all know the type) can get competitive. Unfortunately, this can have the knock-on effect of dragging other parents into worrying about it as well. Should your child be able to read before they start? Will that give them a bump up to the ‘top table’, and if they can’t read does that mean they will never catch up? There is no need to be so anxious. Reception is not as academically oriented as Year 1.
There is no expectation that any child will be able to read at such a young age. Indeed it may even be a disadvantage. There is more than one type of phonics for example – what if you have used a different type of phonics from the school? Or you haven’t used phonics at all in teaching them to read? Don’t spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time together instead. There are lots of studies out there that show reading to your child every day has a far better impact on their educational outcomes. Mastering cutlery The chances are that your child will have cooked school dinners. First off, don’t get anxious if they aren’t that great cutting up their food. There will be dinner supervisors there to help them. Most schools (possibly all schools) arrange dinner times so that nursery and reception children come in first, and are able to take their time picking their food, and settling down at the table. However, if your child can use a knife and fork, and cut their own food, it will make lunchtimes a lot easier for them. They will also be expected to carry their food tray and take plates up to be washed. This is something you can prepare them for at home by getting them to carry their plates out to the kitchen after meals. For more information about starting school, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk
Dogs could help children improve their reading skills
Many studies have shown that improving a child’s reading skills will tend to lead to a greater overall academic success and better life chances. There have been numerous schemes and initiatives aimed at boosting both interest in and aptitudes for reading but one of the most novel involves bringing four-legged helpers into the classroom. The practice originated in the US in 1999 with the Reading Education
Assistance Dogs (READ) scheme. It was slower to catch on in the UK but has gained traction recently, with the Kennel Club’s Bark and Read Foundation being at the forefront. According to the Kennel Club, reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through “both the calming effect the dogs’ presence has on children and the fact that the dog will listen to the children read without being judgemental or critical”. Actress Zoe Wanamaker CBE, a supporter of the scheme, said: “That is why the Kennel Club’s Bark & Read project is such an inspiring idea, as we all know that dogs are great listeners and won’t judge if we stumble over a word.”
Education Seize the summer with Explore Learning! Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.
Explore Learning is encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this they have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently! Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to
help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing. Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.
Read, read and read some more A study by OUP showed that just 10 minutes of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in. Explore will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/ summer to find out more and download your first activity! Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These
are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Need some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game. Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch with them today! www.explorelearning.co.uk
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Parties / holidays away Fabulous parties at Stockport Nerf Centre
Summer in the Alps
By Jayne Keep
For my son’s 7th birthday party he was adamant it had to be Nerf or nothing! So Stockport Nerf Centre was the perfect choice. An indoor arena fitted out with purpose built obstacles to hide behind, plus lasers and smoke effects, the ideal Nerf battleground! The fully hosted parties see guests enjoying two games in the arena with a range of Nerf blasters over the course of one hour. The hosts have a large selection
of games/missions to choose from to tailor play to different age groups. Before play commences rules of the arena are given and the hosts are keen to enforce with safety always a priority. Cheating is also frowned upon and sees teams lose points. After a full hour of battling we had some hot and tired children. The hosts were quick to fetch out plenty to drink along with sandwiches and cookies. All I needed to do was supply the cake and party bags. Stockport Nerf Centre runs parties for children from 6+ and they often host adult parties too (I can see why, it looks great fun & much less painful than paintball!). This venue definitely gets a thumbs up from us and I think we will be back for another session there over the Summer break to run off some energy. For more info call 07598 953 884 or visit www.stockportnerf.co.uk
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FREE Disney Quick Service Dining Plan Stay at a Disney Moderate Resort including Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and you’ll enjoy FREE Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for your whole holiday. FREE Disney Dining Plan Stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or selected Deluxe Villa Resort including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to receive FREE Disney Dining Plan for your entire stay. Call Richard, Cheshire’s “Preferred” Disney Partner on 0800 567 7470 or 0750 430 3088. www.mypersonaltravelagent.co.uk
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The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year – and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs. With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet – Au Coin du Feu – plus two chalets next door, you can organise
your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home! For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.summer.morzine-avoriaz.com
Summer holidays Free ways to keep the kids entertained this summer provide a wonderful life lesson. Volunteering can be done on a huge range of tasks, be it simply providing company for a neighbour, walking a dog, helping out in a charity shop, helping plant trees or anything else that benefits another fellow human or cause. Learning the value of doing something for nothing may give your children a fulfilling early life experience. 7. Baking Cooking is an important life lesson for anybody, so why not start them out young with the most joyous form of cooking, baking! Dependent on their age, you could get a carton cake mix or make your own grown-up cake. The kids will love getting involved, especially with all the messy parts of baking. Getting them to clean up after themselves, however, may be a bit more difficult!
Trying to keep children occupied can be difficult enough on evenings and weekends, let alone when you have six weeks of summer holidays to contend with. But trying to keep them busy, and trying to not spend a lot of money doing it, is another matter. Whilst the zoo, cinema and sporting events can be fun, they soon burn a hole in your pocket and leave you looking for your next pay cheque to take your children to the next big thing. But don’t fear, there is help at hand, and a lot of ideas and activities that can be done for next to nothing. 1. Hiking All you have to do is put on your most sensible form of footwear and head out there. Getting out up a hill or through a forest can open up your children’s imaginations. The smell and touch of the outdoors are a welcome change from everyday life. The kids will love exploring new surroundings too. 2. Chalk Children have a mischievous side and may have seen their favourite cartoon character dabble in a bit of graffiti. Grabbing some chalk and scribbling on the pavements is a great way to open up their artistic side while they get some fresh air, and it can also make them think that they are playing the rebel. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that they are creating art knowing the next spot of rain will clear away the evidence. 3. Museums and art galleries Some museums and galleries are
expensive. But what a lot of people don’t realise is there are countless free museums to be explored on a whole range of different subjects. You don’t have to go far either; there’s probably one in your own town. The beauty of them is that your children will be learning, having fun and being inspired at the same time, meaning they can be a wonderful recipe for knowledge. 4. Gardening One of the beautiful things about gardening for adults is the ability to create a vision in your head, plant, and then watch that vision grown into reality. There is no reason why your children can’t be a part of that process too. Help them plant some flowers or seeds and not only do you have entertainment for one day, but it’s something you can go back to and chart how they grow. It’s a wonderful biology lesson for children, and they won’t even realise it! 5. Home cinema The actual cinema is getting very expensive, so expensive that a lot of people these days leave the popcorn and the drinks out of their experience. Anyone who’s had to tell a child that they can’t have those things knows how difficult it can be. Instead, watch out for the latest premiere on your home TV, darken the room and make your own popcorn. The kids will love it, and you’ll love not having to travel and pay a small fortune for snacks. 6. Volunteer OK, this may be a hard sell but could
8. Bike ride Bikes are a great, free and fun way to spend a few hours. Whether you have somewhere local or can drive to a park, the children will love the independence and freedom that comes with riding a bike. It’s a great way to travel long distances in a short space of time, and they’ll feel like they’ve really achieved something. 9. Trip to the pond A local pond is a great way to find wildlife that may be missing from your back garden. From frogs and tadpoles to fish swimming below, it gives little ones a taste of the outdoors in a safe environment. You can also take part in a classic pastime - just grab some bread and feed the ducks, they’ll love it. 10. Make something All you need is some simple arts and crafts to let their imagination go wild. With some card and sticky tape you can make anything in the world! Maybe make a paper boat or a plane. Or perhaps it’s someone’s birthday coming up and you want to make them a custom card. It’s a great way to get their creative side working.
12. Head to the beach Children love beaches, it’s almost universal. They have a seemingly unlimited supply of a material they rarely get to play with, sand! Having that open space, cool breeze and ice cream in hand makes the beach a unique experience. Running away from the waves, skimming stones, building sandcastles, making pictures in the wet sand...hey, you might even turn into a kid yourself for the day! 13. Paint Painting is one of those things with your children that you can’t do every day because you start the activity knowing how it will end – with a lot of cleaning up! However, you only have to look at their faces when they paint to see the fun that can be had. The children love it and it shows them the beauty of creating something. Just make sure you’re all wearing aprons and have a lot of newspapers down! 14. Puzzles They seem to be a dying breed now with the invention of mobiles and tablets, but sitting down as a family and completing a jigsaw, a puzzle or a board game is a wonderful way to spend a few hours with the family. All you need to remember is not to get too competitive! 15. Picnic The classic. People love to take something they do the same way day in, day out, and switch it up. That’s what a picnic does; it’s a sense of adventure where you swap the dining table for a blanket and the great outdoors. Get a collection of your favourite foods and make a day of it - it’ll provide your children with some of their greatest summer memories. For more ideas to keep the kids entertained visit www.familiesonline.co.uk
11. Sports at the park Grab a bat, ball or whatever they love and head to the nearest park. Get your friends and their families involved and make a day of it. You don’t have to attend expensive sports events or classes to enjoy what they love. Get involved yourself and they’ll love it even more.
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Summer holidays Busy Buddies – for a fun filled Summer holiday Based at The Ryleys School in Alderley Edge, Busy Buddies Holiday Club is a great Summer childcare option for all children aged 4 and above. Activities include: outdoor swimming, tennis and football, climbing frames, craft activities, trips to the local park and further afield, as well as external special visitors. No time to be bored here! You don’t have to be a pupil at The Ryleys to attend – as long as you are older than aged 4, you’re welcome! Email Emily: busybuddies16@gmail. com for more information or find them on Facebook – BusyBuddies.
Summer camps make learning tech fun for kids
How about doing something different this year and send your kids to a tech camp? You’d be providing your child with the opportunity to enhance their coding and programming skills while getting to grips with cutting-edge technology. And as well as a week’s worth of fun and enjoyment and some new friendships, they will come home with new skills and knowledge that will prepare them for their next academic year and beyond.
Technology has moved so quickly and plays such a central role in every type of commercial activity that for current and future generations, coding is a skill that is as essential as literacy and numeracy were for past generations. FunTech camps offer children a wide variety of topics, with everything from Minecraft with Mods, Drone Coding, and 3D Modelling & Printing through to programming languages such as Scratch, Java and Python. With a maximum class size of 8 students to 1 tutor, children are guaranteed excellent learning support and the residential camps also balance out the lessons with plenty of fun leisure activities and events. Suitable for children aged 7 to 16, FunTech is holding camps at The King’s School in Chester this July and August. For more information and to book: www.funtech.co.uk
West End Summer School in Cheadle
YSBD Theatre Academy is thrilled to announce their ‘Schools Out’ themed West End Summer School for children aged 4 – 18. Taking place at All Saints Parish Rooms in Cheadle Hulme from Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August, students will perform at the end of the week in their very own show for family, friends and a YSBD agent. The show will feature songs from musicals such at Matilda, School of Rock, Grease, West Side Story, Legally Blonde and many more.
Incredible guest teachers from the West End will hold workshops for students throughout the week. Liam Doyle (Ghost, High School Musical, Wicked, West Side Story) will be taking West Side Story and High School Musical Workshops, and Jodie Steele (Legally Blonde, Fame, Wicked), will be taking Legally Blonde and Fame Workshops. Plus, Company Director Amy Goodwin, is back from playing Swing/Cover Glinda in the International Tour of Wicked to teach throughout the week too. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to work with the industry’s finest! The Summer school runs from at from 10am – 4pm, and costs £150 for the week, with a 10% sibling discount. Contact Hannah 07738 164232 or email info@ysbd.co.uk
Outdoor fun with Delamere Forest Explorers
Tues 1 Aug Forest Fairies: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 3 – 7 Wed 2 & 16 Aug Evening bat walk: – 8-10pm / £8.50 per person, Age 5+ Mon 7 Aug Teddy Bears Picnic: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 2 – 6
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Tues 8 Aug Family Forest Fun: 10am2pm / £10 per child, £2 per adult, Age 3+ Mono 21 Aug Forest Fairies: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 3 – 7 Tues 22 Aug Forest Tots: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 2 – 5 Fri 1 Sept Family Survival Day: 10am2pm / £15 per child, £2 per adult, Age 7+ All events are non-refundable. Booking is essential in advance via the website. www.forest-explorers.co.uk
Summer holidays Summer Residential Camp - fun, games and personal development
Camp Evolution is a fantastic summer residential camp being held at Terra Nova School near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. Taking place from Monday 31 July – Sunday 6 August, the camp offers 9 – 14 year-olds a fabulous range of fun and educational activities; all focused on their personal development. Your children will be able to make full use of
all the amazing facilities on site at the school as well as developing their key thinking, social and essential life skills (including basic first aid), increase their financial awareness, and grow in confidence. By taking part in individual challenges, they’ll learn a great deal about themselves, and the team challenges will help them to develop a greater sense of social competency as they learn to listen, interpret and respond to their peers’ needs. The camp costs £55 per night, or £385 for the full week, with siblings receiving a 30% discount. Camp Evolution also offers a collection/drop off service if required. For more information, call 0161 706 0144 or visit www.campevolution.co.uk
Summer Holiday Sports Camps at Tytherington School
Pearson Sports and Fitness coaching is running Multi Sports and Football camps for ages 4 – 11 at Tytherington School in Macclesfield this summer. Multi Sports camps will run from 31 July – 4 August, 7 – 11 August and 21 – 24 August, with the Football camp running 14 – 18 August. Camps run from 8.30am – 3.30pm daily, and cost £20 per day or £60 for the full week. There’s also an option to
extend the pick up time until 5.30 for an extra £8 per day, as well as a 10% sibling discount available. Or buy a Summer Pass for all four weeks for £180. The Macclesfield Cavaliers Futsal Camp is for ages 10 – 14 and runs from 1 – 3 August and 9 – 11 August, 4 – 5.30pm daily. This costs £8 per day or £22 for the week. For more info, call Jordan on 07720 629 690. www.pearsonsportsandfitnesscoaching.com
Junior Tennis Camps in Chester
Charles Applewhaite is running Junior Tennis Camps at Chester LTC this Summer. Suitable for ages 6 – 16, the courses are aimed at Mini Red, Mini Orange and Green Tennis levels.
Younger children will learn co-ordination, movement, ‘Ball, Body & Bat’ skills, and take part in fun games and competitions. Older children will be coached in basic techniques, skills, tactics and rules, and will take part in singles and doubles matchplay. The camps run from Wednesday 26 – Friday 28 July and Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 August, 1 – 5pm daily. They cost £55 for members, with non members also welcome for £60. Places are limited, so make sure you book early! For more info, contact Charles on 07768 125685 or email charlesapplewhaite@gmail.com. www.chesterltc.org.uk
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Summer holidays Holiday Snow Camps at Chill Factore! Here’s the ideal opportunity for 6 – 16 year old skiers or 8 –16 year old snowboarders to make the holidays an exciting prospect. There are various snow camps available, catering for both complete beginners and those already competent on the slope. Each camp runs from 9am – 5pm, with a mix of slope time as well as fun activities in the Snow Park. Even with a jam-packed day of fun, there will still be time for lunch, which is included in the price. Limited spaces are available, so book early! For more info and available dates, go to www.chillfactore.com
Holiday clubs with a difference!
Skill Supply has developed new and innovative ways to develop team and leadership skills with all age groups in schools and at their holiday clubs for children aged 7 – 12 (running this Summer at Reaseheath College, Nantwich and Sandbach School) from 7 – 25 August. Covering activities such as Boot-camp, First Aid, Outdoor Skills, Science and Drone Wars to name but a few, this great holiday club programme
will have your children involved in exciting, hands-on challenges, without even realising they’re learning too! For example, in their new course this year they will be using creative problem solving and adapting to code drones to overcome challenges. At Outdoor Skills, they learn to navigate around, cook their own snacks and even make a washing up stand and bin to clear up afterwards! Lots of confidence-building, exciting activities, lots of fresh air and no screens! All Skill Supply staff are experienced, first aid trained and DBS-checked. To book your place on their holiday camp, call 01270 748415 or 07972 759035. And to find out more about what’s on offer, visit www.skillsupply.co.uk/skill-clubs
Get more out of your summer holidays with Brio! If you’re looking for some summer fun Brio Leisure has plenty of it… Get active and entertained at with Junior memberships from just £12 per month (that’s less than it costs to go swimming once a week!) – you’ll get unlimited casual swimming, off peak racquets and junior gym sessions for the older ones including a Welcome Workout. Just pop into your local Brio Leisure centre to find out more! And don’t forget to look out for their Holiday Fun guides, packed with extra activities for everyone to enjoy. Roll around the Roller Disco, splash about at the under 16’s free swim or get entertained with ‘The Giant’s Loo Roll’ production – they’ve got it all this summer! www.brioleisure.org/juniors
We all scream for ice cream! Backford Belles produce award winning ice cream from the milk from their herd of jersey cows on their farm in Backford, Chester. Their shop serves over 14 flavours in various cones or tubs, with dairy free options available too. 500ml tubs are also on offer to take home. Little ones can have fun in a small, indoor play area if the weather’s bad, or have fun running around the outdoor play area. There are chickens & calves to see too! There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and you can enjoy teas, coffees and sandwiches with your ice creams And there’s plenty of free parking too! www.Backfordbelles.com
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Summer holidays Skills for life, not just for the stage
Stagecoach Chester is a children’s part-time performing arts school that teaches the three main disciplines of the stage – drama, singing and dance. The school has many students that regularly appear in professional theatre, television and even films; they recently had a student in ‘Billy Elliot’ in the West End and another playing Young Fiona in the UK tour of ‘Shrek – The Musical’ to name a couple! Stagecoach Chester also provides the children’s cast for most of Bill Kenwright’s productions (such as ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’) in the North-West. However, although its main aim is to provide children with a sound performing-skills base, it’s also proud of the excellent by-products of self-confidence and comradeship which
makes the school so popular with parents and their children. Stagecoach Chester has been running for 25 years and is run by Karen & Lindsay Partington and their exceptional teaching staff. Its main classes are for children between the age of 6 and 16, but there is a special set of classes for 4-6 year olds called ‘Early Stages’. The school operates from Bishops High School, Boughton on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday and the class sizes are age-based. For further details please call 01244 316187 or email chester@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester
Multi Sports, Football & Dance Clubs Superstars Holiday clubs will be running active Multi Sports, Football and Dance camps over the summer period from Monday 24 July until Friday 1 September. They will also have specialist weeks of Lego Club, Art Club, Trampoling, Cricket and Tennis. Camps will run in Broomfields Leisure Centre, Great Sankey Leisure Centre, Maple Lodge Guide Hut (Lymm), Orford Jubilee
Hub, Birchwood Tennis & Leisure Complex, Mid Cheshire College (Hartford) and Culcheth High School. They also run camps at 5 other venues across the North West. For further information please look at their holiday club page at www.littlesuperstars.co.uk where there is a 24 page colour brochure with all the detailed information.
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What’s on Every Thurs – Sun during July Little Moreton Hall A day in the life of a Tudor child 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Discover life through the eyes of a Tudor child. Talks & family activities daily. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall
Sat 8 July
Lyme Park, Disley Soft Archery Sessions 11am – 3.15pm / 50p per session, normal admission applies. Have a go – you will be given a safety talk and pointers on how to improve. 30 minute sessions starting at 11:00, 11:35, 12:10, 13:00, 13:35, 14:10, & 14:45 01663 761411 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Marbury Country Park FoAM Music in the Park 5pm. FoAM’s celebration of Summer in the Park. Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue. 01606 212264 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk Lakehouse Field, Weaverham Weaverham Carnival 2017 A traditional family carnival. St Johns Church, Chester Viking Chester 10.15am – 1.30pm. Viking encampment and activities for all ages, with a battle at 2pm and a children’s shieldwall at 3pm. www.vikingchester.com
Sat 8 July & Sat 5 Aug
Grosvenor Park, Chester Family Fun Day 12 – 4pm. Celebrate the park’s 150th birthday with lots of fun free family entertainment. www.grosvenorparkchester.co.uk
Sat 8 & Sun 9 July
MediaCity UK, Salford CBBC’s Summer Social 9am – 5.30pm / All ages / Free. A brilliant day out with some of CBBC’s biggest stars, including Hacker T Dog! www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc Daresbury, Warrington Cheshire Steam Fair 10am – 5pm / Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, Family (2+3) £25. Not just for steam enthusiasts! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk
Sun 9 July
Carnival Fields, Wilmslow Wilmslow Show 11am – 5pm. Classic car show, fun dog show, trade stands, band stand, refreshments. www.wilmslowshow.co.uk Neston Cricket Club Parkgate Carnival 11.30am – 6pm / Adult £1, children free. A family fun day with plenty of entertainment, food and music. www.northernlightscharity.org.uk Dorfold Hall, Nantwich Super Heroes Picnic 11am – 3pm / Adult £6, Child £3, under 3s free Break out your costume for this traditional fun filled family day out with a variety of fun games and outdoor activities for children of all ages. Proceeds to Donna Louise Children’s Hospice and Ray of Light. www.superheroespicnic.co.uk
Fri 14 – Sun 16 July
Tatton Park Foodies Festival The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink. Normal park entry applies. www.foodiesfestival.com
Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info! Sat 15 July
Arley Hall, Northwich Live in the Park 2017 Live music concert in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre. 01606 861733 / www.nmcentre.com
Sat 15 July & Sat 12 Aug
MOSI, Manchester Pi: Platform for Investigation A hands-on science platform to meet scientists working on cutting-edge research. July will be exploring wonder materials and August will look at the amazing hidden world of salt marshes. www.msimanchester.org.uk
Sat 15 & Sun 16 July
Tatton Park Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry prices apply. Meet Myrtle the Middle White and all of her piggy friends, the Red Poll cattle, Leicester Longwool sheep and others. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Sun 16 July Baby & Children’s Market Queen’s Park High School, Handbridge, Chester, 10 – 11.30am / Adult £1, Children free / Free parking Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby & children’s items from birth to 8 years plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products & service. No ATM service on site – please bring cash. Stall bookings now being taken.07946 513404 / heather@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk
Sun 16 July
MediaCityUK Pugfest 12 – 5pm / Adult £8, Child £5, under 3s free / Booking essential. With a TV and Film theme, expect glitz and glamour with a VIP (Very Important Pug) area, complete with prosecco, dog goody bags and doggy treats. Plenty of children’s entertainment too. Pugs & pug crosses only able to attend. www.pugfestevents.com
Sat 22 & Sun 23 July
Mon 24 July – Fri 4 Aug (excl weekends) Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: Grafting in the Garden 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies Are you scary enough to chase away the birds, or agile enough to catch a mole? Try out the worst gardening jobs in history. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank
Tues 25 July, 8 & 22 Aug Fri 4 & 18 Aug, 1 Sept
Jodrell Bank The Jodrell Jubilee! 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Daily drop-in activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Lovell telescope. Science-themed games, amazing live demonstrations, fun activities. www.jodrellbank.net
Tatton Park Summer Activities at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry prices apply. Meet the newly-hatched chicks, learn more about rare breed animals, storytelling, milking demonstrations and sheep racing! CLOSED MONDAYS. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Tues 25 July – Thurs 31 Aug (Tues – Thurs only)
Mon 24 - Fri 28 July Mon 31 Jul - Sat 26 Aug Tues 29 – Thurs 31 Aug
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Hands on History – Outdoor Adventures 11am – 5pm. The Hands on History Crew will be bringing Beeston to life with outdoor adventures throughout the holidays. www.english-heritage.org.uk
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St Johns Church Centre, Hartford Make, Taste and See 10am – 12pm / Free, drop in. Craft, cake and film clips. 01606 8772255 / www.stjohnshartford.org
Mon 31 July – Fri 1 Sept
Mon 31 July & 14 Aug Sat 5 &12 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Summer of Sport 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. A variety of sporting activities on the Park and in the Garden. 01663 761411 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Crewe Library Crewecraft The magic of Minecraft comes to Crewe with five public interactive sessions where you can build a part of Crewe’s heritage. Four free workshops each day – booking essential on 01270 375295.
Wed 26 July
Every Tues in Aug
The Grange School, Northwich FREE Heart Test Ages 14 – 25 / Free, booking essential 0203 691 0000 / www.c-r-y.org.uk
Tues 1 & Wed 2 Aug
The Showground, Nantwich Nantwich Show & International Cheese Awards A great day out for the whole family. www.nantwichshow.co.uk
Fri 28 July, 11 & 25 Aug Tues 1, 15 & 29 Aug
Sat 29 July
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Twelfth Night 7.30pm / Ages 6+. An outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s hilarious cross-dressing comedy. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Eaton Hall, Eccleston Charity Open Day 10.30am / Adults £8, Children £2, Family £18 www.eatonestate.co.uk
Tues 25 July – Fri 25 Aug
Sun 23 – Tues 25 July
HSBC UK City Ride Manchester 11am – 4pm. A traffic free bike ride around the city with loads of free entertainment. www.letsride.co.uk/city-ride
Sun 30 July & Sun 27 Aug
Mon 31 July & 7, 14 & 21 Aug
Marbury Country Park Holiday Pond Dipping Find the bugs and beasties that lurk in Marbury. Morning sessions only, booking essential. 01606 77741 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk
Sun 23 July
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Clash of Knights 11am – 5pm. Four teams of knights battle it out for victory armed only with clubs and shields, strength and skill. Battle drills for budding young knights too. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Marbury Country Park Holiday Bug Hunting Find the bugs and beasties that lurk in Marbury. Morning sessions only, booking essential. 01606 77741 / marbury@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk
Blakemere Village Countryside Fair A fun, family weekend celebrating everything the countryside has to offer. www.blakemerevillage.com MOSI, Manchester Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond A ground-breaking show –with hands-on activities and creative stations, combining science, art and interactive games. Suitable for age 5+ www.msimanchester.org.uk
Sat 29 & Sun 30 July
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Just Dig It! 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 - 12 / Free, drop in. Grab a trowel, put on some old clothes, and unearth your inner archaeologist by completing a series of fun and hands-on activities. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Vicars Cross Community Centre Baby Ballet Chester Teddy Bear’s Picnic Take your favourite teddy for a very special Teddy Bear’s Picnic! Lots of fun with glitter tattoos and wand making plus picnic bags for the children and refreshments for the adults. Open to both babyballet members and non-members. Booking essential. 07902 805926 / www.babyballet.co.uk
Sat 29 & Sun 30 July
Manchester Central Convention Complex MCM Manchester Comic Con 9am – 6pm / Kids go free. A celebration of all things awesome and geeky for those who love films, TV, comics, gaming, anime or cosplay. www.mcmcomiccon.com
Jodrell Bank Meet the Expert 1pm / Age 7+ / Free, normal admission applies Meet a resident science and astronomy expert. Places can be reserved up to the day before by phoning 01477 571766. www.jodrellbank.net Lion Salt Works, Northwich Dragons and Kingdoms 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 - 12 / £1.50, drop in. Hear tales from years gone by about forgotten kingdoms and the fierce battles between dragons, kings and queens. Then have a go at making your own dragon mask, or something fit for royalty! www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Tues 1 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Celtic Jewellery 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make a metallic brooch and pendant necklace covered in knotted designs. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk West Park Museum, Macclesfield Make your own Pharaoh’s Headdress 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Create your own headdress fit for a Pharaoh! 01625 665010 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
Tues 1 Aug – Sun 3 Sept
Little Moreton Hall Summer Fun Activities 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Weekly Tudor themed activities relating to food, drink, textiles, the still room and games. Fun for all the family. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall
Tues 1 & Thurs 24 Aug
Tatton Park Tatton’s Fairytale Postman 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm/ age 3 – 5 / £8 per child (1 adult free), booking essential Tatton Park’s postman has got into a muddle! Can you help him deliver his mixed up letters to all the fairytale characters living in the Gardens? 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
What’s on
These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk Wed 2 Aug
Sat 5 Aug
The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Animal Wall 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Make your own Animal Head wall plaque. 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre Butterfly Walk 11am – 1pm / All ages / Adult £3, Under 16s free, booking essential. Family wildlife walk to look for and learn more about some of the park’s resident butterfly species. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers
Wed 2 & Thurs 3 Aug
Sun 6 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Gorgeous Gardens 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Visit the Garden section of the new Natural History Gallery, then make decorations for the museum’s garden as well as your garden at home! Make a bee house from recycled materials (bring a clean 500ml plastic bottle). www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Clay Tiles 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Experiment with air drying clay to make some tiles based on medieval designs. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Wed 2 & Tues 22 Aug
Tatton Park Theatre-Play 10.30am – 12.30pm / Age 7 – 11 / £12, booking essential. Through the use of fun drama games, your budding actor or actress will devise mini scenes around the theme of “Secrets”. Family and friends will be invited back at the end of the workshop to watch the scenes. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Thurs 3 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester WRNS Badges 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. The museum recently acquired a portrait of Sybil, Lady Rocksavage, who helped to form and run the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS) in both World Wars. Make WRNS-inspired badges and handle items from the collection. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thurs 3 & Thurs 17 Aug
Tatton Park Creative Writing Workshop 10.30am – 12.30pm / Age 7+ / £12, booking essential A fun, interactive creative writing workshop for children with talented former Cheshire poet laureate, Joy Winker. A complimentary notebook and pen is provided for each participant. 3 Aug: Scuffles with Superheroes 17 Aug: Masks and Shields 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Tatton Park Fergie at the Farm Shows at 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm / Normal admission applies. Meet Fergie, the little grey tractor with a secret - he’s alive! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre Tegg’s Nose Rocks! 10am – 12pm / Age 7+ / Adult £3, Under 16s free, booking essential. Join Geologist Kate Riddington and Ranger Martin James to explore the geological history of the park and wider Cheshire Plain. Tegg’s Nose Bilberry Pick 1 – 4pm / All ages / Free. Healthy, organic, tasty and free. Bring a container and get picking. Jam making session £1 (book for this session) 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park The Volkswagon Northwest Car Show 9 – 5pm / Adults £7.50, under 16s free / Normal entry applies. The largest gathering of Volkswagens, both air and water-cooled, in the North of England. Children’s rides and entertainment plus much more on the day. www.vwnw.co.uk
Mon 2 – Fri 18 Aug (excl weekends)
Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: Muck in at t’Mill 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Can you stoke a steam engine, move muck from under a mule or carry a can? Find out which worst mill job is for you. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank
Tues 8 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Fish Mobiles 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Take inspiration from the Rivers section of the new Natural History Gallery and make a colourful fish mobile. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Tues 8 & Wed 9 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Pirates and Parrots 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Get ready for Percy and Polly’s Pirate Tea Party by making some pirate attire. Then we’ll see if you’ve got what it takes to be a successful pirate! www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Tues 8 Aug & Wed 16 Aug
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Pond Safari 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Join Nature Stuff to hunt for weird and wonderful creatures lurking in the pond. Wear wellies and prepare to have fun. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £6.50 per child. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk
Wed 9 Aug
Tegg’s Nose Country Park Teddy Bear Treasure Hunt 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Learn about nature and wildlife in a hands-on, fun-packed session for families. Bring along a teddy or cuddly toy. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk
Thurs 10 Aug
Little Moreton Hall The Princess and The Pig by Jonathan Emmett 6 – 7pm. Family outdoor theatre presented by Folksy Theatre. Booking essential. 01689 854409 / www.folksytheatre.co.uk Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Minibeast Mission 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Track down the ‘Most Wanted’ Minibeasts. Use minibeast mugshots and a variety of tracking techniques to complete your assignment. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester Portrait Studio 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Style your own costume and accessories, then pose for your very own fashionable portrait. Bring your own camera, camera phone or selfie stick. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park Mini-Beast Detective 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm / Age 3 – 5 / £8 per child (one free adult), booking essential.
Tatton Park Here Come the Vikings! 10.30am – 12.3pm / Age 7 – 11 / £10, booking essential. Meet Viking explorers at Tatton Old Hall and experience life in their settlement. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Old Hall Time Explorers: Family Activity 10.30 – 1230pm / All ages / Family tickets available (include park entry). Booking essential. Bring a picnic to enjoy afterward on the grounds. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Poulton through Time 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Become an archaeologist for the day with themed crafts and activities, and help us build a miniature Iron Age village to display in the museum. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Hare Hill, Over Alderley The Smartest Giant in Town 6 – 8pm / Booking essential A wonderful open-air musical production by Folksy, based on Julia Donaldson’s wonderful book. 01698 854409 / www.folksytheatre.co.uk
Fri 11 Aug
Fri 11 – Mon 28 Aug
The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Arrr Shipmate! 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in Make a pirate hat, eye-patch and flapping parrot, and go on a treasure hunt to uncover a bar of gold. 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
MOSI, Manchester Power Up! 90 min session £5, full day session £15, family discounts available. Gaming extravaganza with something for everyone, from Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Mario. www.msimanchester.org.uk
Wed 9 & Thurs 10 Aug
Sat 12 Aug
Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Monster Masks 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Hear some famous myths and legends and create a Monster Mask to take home. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Little Moreton Hall Tudor All Nighter 6 – 9pm / Free. A new family experience exploring the sleep rituals of the Tudors. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall
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What’s on Barony Sports Complex, Nantwich UK Kids Fun Duathlon North West Running and biking for fun. Achievable distances for all abilities for ages 5 – 16. www.uktriathlon.co.uk Chester Town Hall Chester Chilli Fiesta Loads of fun for all the family. www.chillifest.net Chester Racecourse Family Fun Day Adult £12, Under 17s free. Plenty of free family entertainment together with an afternoon of competitive racing. www.chester-races.co.uk
Sat 12 & Sun 13 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Percy and Polly’s Pirate Tea Party 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £3, booking essential Fancy the pirate life? Well, step on board as we sail the salty sea. A tea party with a twist, so dress to impress! www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Astle Park, Chelford Astle Park Traction Engine Rally 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 5pm (Sun) / Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, Family (2+3) £25. Advance purchase discount available. A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk Tatton Park Viking Sunday 12 – 5pm / all ages / Adult £7, Child £5, Family £19, normal admission applies. Experience combat as well as domestic life, trades and skills such as coin striking, calligraphy, storytelling and Viking Longboat. Have a go at archery (small charge) and try on armour. Fun Dog Show at the Farm 12pm – 5pm / £2 entry fee plus normal Farm entry charges. Ten novelty classes plus a fun agility course ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes awarded up to 6th place. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Cholmondeley Castle Gardens Teddy Bears Picnic Adult £7, Child £4, under 3s and Teddy’s free. A super family day out in aid of The Wingate Centre. www.thewingatecentre.co.uk
Mon 14 Aug
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Teddy Bear Treasure Hunt 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Learn about nature and wildlife in a hands-on, fun-packed session for families. Bring along a teddy or cuddly toy. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk
Tues 15 Aug
Tatton Park The Court of Henry VIII 10.30 – 12.30pm / Age 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 Tegg’s Nose Country Park Minibeast Mission 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Track down the ‘Most Wanted’ Minibeasts. Use minibeast mugshots and a variety of tracking techniques to complete your assignment. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk NT Yard, Alderley Edge Down the Mines! 7 – 9.30pm / Age 6+ / £7.50, booking essential Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old copper mines of Alderley Edge. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Chester Watercolour Forest 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make a beautiful landscape picture using watercolours, sponges and straws! www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
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Macclesfield Riverside Park Summer Fun 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. Activities and crafts for parents and children. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers
Tues 15 & Wed 16 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Go Wild! 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make some decorations, then take on the garden trail and see if you can solve a mysterious riddle. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Tues 15 & Wed 16 Aug & Tues 22 & Wed 23 Aug
Mon 21 Aug – Fri 1 Sept (excl weekends & bank holiday)
Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: ‘Ard work at the Apprentice House 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies Have a go if you think you’re ‘ard enough to tackle the worst jobs done by children at the Apprentice House. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank
Tues 22 & Wed 23 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Let’s go to the Beach! 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Arts and crafts activities all linked to the Great British seaside. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Cheshire County Showground, WA16 0HJ Cheshire Game & Country Fair 10am – 6pm / Adult £14, Under 15s £4, Under 5s free. Advance booking discounts available online. The very best in countryside activities and entertainment, for an unbeatable family day out. www.cheshiregameandcountryfair.co.uk
Sun 27 & Mon 28 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Traditional Games Weekend 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Good, old fashioned fun with traditional games – everything from a coconut shie to flamingo croquet. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Armed and Ready 11am – 5pm. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the English Civil War as warriors and families set up camp in the castle grounds. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tatton Park The Mystery of Egerton’s Missing Gold Registration from 6.15pm, 7pm start, 9am finish / Age 7 – 11 (must be accompanied) / £30 per person, booking essential. After a series of strange events, Lord Egerton has invited you to spend a night at Tatton Park to uncover secrets, solve puzzles and resolve a perplexing mystery. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Wed 23 Aug
Wed 16 Aug
The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Recycled Music 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Make your own kazoo, shaker and tambourine out of recycled materials, then make music wherever you go! 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Chester’s Civil War 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in See 17th-century armour worn by soldiers from the Civil War and the weapons they used, including a sword and musket balls. Have a go at making your own replica sword to take home. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Wed 23 & Thurs 24 Aug
Tues 29 & Wed 30 Aug
Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow Summer Fun 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. Activities and crafts for parents and children. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Chester All Things ‘Alice’! 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Celebrate all things ‘Alice’ to complement the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland (15 July – 20 August). www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Printed Parachutes 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Decorate your own miniature silk parachute, attach your airman and watch him drift to a soft or crash landing! 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
Wed 16 & Thurs 17 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Cheshire Nature Day 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Investigate the significance of Sandstone Ridge to both people and wildlife. Handle some of the geology collection, and make a fossil-style bracelet to take home. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Pop Bottle Rockets 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Bring a plastic pop bottle to recycle into a Rocket. There will be set blast off times during the day. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thurs 24 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Discover Poulton 1.30 – 2.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / Free, but book at the Museum Shop. A fascinating and informative guided tour around the archaeological site at Poulton. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Holiday Diorama 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Be inspired by the End of the Season exhibition and make a collaged holiday scene. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Grosvenor Museum, Chester String Art 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Make a colourful string art card and afterwards choose your favourite outfit from the 1970s fashion display in the Costume Gallery. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thurs 17
Fri 25 – Sun 27 Aug
Rossmill, Hale Barns Summer Fun 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. Activities and crafts for parents and children. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Chester World War II Planes 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Make a plane that really flies, and see if you can land it accurately on the museum’s runway. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Sat 19 & Sun 20 August
MOSI, Manchester MakeFest Science and craft collide at this family-friendly celebration of making. www.msimanchester.org.uk Tatton Park “Passion for Power” Classic Motor Show 9am – 4pm / All ages / Adult £9, Child (10-15) £6, under 10’s free / Normal park admission applies. Around 2,000 classic cars on show as well as children’s rides, refreshments, entertainment and a bar. 01565 723863 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk
14 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Tatton Park Outdoor Cinema 6.30pm (film starts 8pm), booking essential Fri 25: Back to the Future Sat 26: Grease Sun 27: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone Hot food and a bar on site throughout the screening. www.thelunacinema.com
Fri 25 – Mon 28 Aug
Moss Farm Leisure Complex Northwich Festival Music, sports and loads of family entertainment. www.northwichfestival.co.uk
Sat 26 Aug
Poynton Show Ground Poynton Show Stunt shows, horse show, livestock, children’s entertainment, crafts, food market, classic cars, music and dance displays. Dogs on leads welcome. www.poyntonshow.co.uk
Sat 26 – Mon 28 Aug
Tatton Park Traditional Country Weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm / All ages / Normal entry charges apply A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Tues 29 Aug
Lion Salt Works, Northwich Gone Fishin’ 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Arts and crafts activities inspired by fish and fishing. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Wed 30 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Glamour Day 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Make flapper headdresses and dapper bow ties, design costumes for paper dolls, and explore fabulously fashionable clothing and accessories from the 1920s and ‘30s. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park Junior Longbow 10.30am – 12pm / Age 8+ / £15, booking essential Try your hand at archery. Learn the art of longbow, try on armour and experience the life of a young Medieval archer. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield 3-D Dinosaurs 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Discover the world of dinosaurs and create your own to take home! 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk
Wed 30 & Thurs 31 Aug
Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Plastic Fantastic Jewellery 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Use recycled plastic to create a funky piece of jewellery. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Thurs 31 Aug
Grosvenor Museum, Chester Autumn Discovery Day 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make some leaf sun catchers, and help transform the museum’s oak tree with a burst of autumnal colour. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Sun 3 Sept
Lyme Park, Disley Lyme Bark 11am – 3pm / Normal admission applies. Bring your canine companion for a day of fun at Lyme, with games and demonstrations. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk
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