Edition 58 • July/Aug 2016
The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesonline.co.uk
MANCHESTER
@FamiliesManch facebook.com/familiesmanchester
FREE
® In this issue > School’s out! Local holiday camps and loads of things to do > School’s back! Ease the transfer to secondary school
Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.
Welcome In this issue 02: News
Chester Zoo’s newest attractions Dinosaurs! The Next Adventure is now open at Chester Zoo until Friday 2 September, and is free with normal zoo admission. Featuring twenty-three life-like robotic dinosaurs including the giganotosaurus, the utahraptor and the brachiosaurus, the exhibition will aim to highlight the threat of extinction faced by species at the zoo such as the Eastern black rhino, Sumatran orangutan and Sumatran tigers. And make sure you also visit their Islands Zone, which recreates the amazing tropical environments of six South East Asian islands – Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Monsoon Forest, Sumba and Sulawesi. Explore them on foot, as well as on the Lazy River Boat Trip. www.chesterzoo.org/islands
04: Education 07: Holiday Camps 10: Parents’ place 12: Summer/What’s on
Hello! Happy days! It’s nearly holiday time, we’ve caught sight of the sun once or twice, and we’ve got a new website! With so much going on over summer, we can’t possibly cram it all into 16 pages – and now we don’t have to! Our new team of local mums is constantly updating information for you, so look no further than www.familiesonline.co.uk for everything you need! Happy browsing, have a fabulous break from school and safe travels!
Park Lives returns to Manchester
Caryl Hall
Jayne Keep
Next issue: Sep/Oct 2016
Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton. Tel: 07743 111 694 www.withpaul.co.uk
Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.
Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk
Families Manchester is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk contents of Families Manchester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic Cover Photography: Shutterstock matter may be reproduced in any form without prior www.shutterstock.com consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the Editorial contributors: publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible Liat Hughes Joshi: Parenting journalist and author of four for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to contents nor for any consequences. Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk
Claire Muffett-Reece: Freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.
@FamiliesManch www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester
ParkLives, a programme from Coca-Cola Great Britain in partnership with Manchester City Council, offers free and fun activity sessions in parks and green spaces.
The game is afoot for the award-winning Just So Festival 2016
Terms and Conditions of Families Competitions 1. This competition is only open to families living in Cheshire/Greater Manchester. 2. Only one entrant from the same email address or household will be accepted. 3. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering. 4. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 5. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries. 6. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified. 7. All decisions of Families are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 8. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 9. Winner’s details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition. 10. Families is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition. 11. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions. 12. The winner is selected via a random selection process from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days (or, for date restricted prizes, within 10 days of the event), we reserve the right to select another winner at random.
The award-winning Just So Festival (19 – 21 August) has revealed its marvellous programme for 2016: Codes & Ciphers, Detectives & Disguises, Mysteries & Mayhem! An annual, intimate, weekend-long camping festival for children and their families, the Just So Festival showcases the best art, music, literature, comedy and theatre for families in a wondrous landscape of woodland clearings, rolling parkland, arboreal amphitheatres
2 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
This year the programme will offer nine different fun and informal activities each week, with brand new sessions including multi-activity fun camps for families and social dog-walking, alongside returning favourites such as den building and donkey grooming. The action runs throughout the summer holidays in Alexandra Park, Philips Park, Plant Hill Park, Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park. The timetabled sessions are an hour long and led by a trained activity leader from the local area. A full timetable can be found at www.parklives.com.
and lakeside spots in the Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire. Just So was awarded Best Festival in 2015 by the National Outdoor Events Association and with an incredible mix of regional, national and international artists and performers, it promises to take you on an expedition of mischief and mayhem, to lands full of magical midnight feasts, raucous pillow fights, tribal tournaments, curious creatures and breathtaking beauty. Weekend camping tickets: £125 adult, £50 child; Weekend non-camping tickets £75 adult, £30 child; Day tickets £50 adult, £20 child. Under3s free. For the full line-up, information and tickets visit www.justsofestival.org.uk or follow them on Twitter (@justsofestival) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/justsofestival).
News Summer Reading Challenge 2016
This year’s Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge which will run across the school summer holidays, is linking up with the global year-long Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, honouring the world’s No.1 storyteller.
The Big Friendly Read will feature some of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters and the amazing artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. It will encourage reading on a giant scale and will feature themes such as invention, mischief and friendship as explored in Roald Dahl’s books. The Big Friendly Read will encourage children to expand their own reading by exploring similar themes across the best contemporary children’s writing. Children can sign up free of charge for the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library as the school summer term ends. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
New Website for Families!
Our new website is here! The areas covered by this magazine will now be covered by 8 websites covering the local areas of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Trafford and Warrington. This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring you
information about a wide range of things to do both close to where you live – as well as across Greater Manchester. You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, including places to go and what’s on events and activities, education, childcare, classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new features, including eating out and local services. The site is more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, offering inspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and helpful parenting tips and advice to support you and your family. It’s also fully optimised for mobile devices! Bookmark it now – www.familiesonline.co.uk It’s the new word of mouth!
Summer fun on the farm
Looking for something different to entertain the kids this summer? Kenyon Hall Farm in Warrington is a fun-filled family day out, and educational too! Why not try your hand at picking your own fruit & veg – from strawberries and raspberries, to garden peas and pumpkins, there’s so much to choose from in the 50 acres of fruit and veg fields. After all that picking you can treat yourselves to a home-cooked lunch in
the café or a delicious Cheshire Farm Ice Cream whilst the kids burn off some energy on the playground. From early August, they also have their a-maze-ing Maize Maze to lose the children in! It’s a unique maze constructed out of the tall stalks of the maize crop that grow on the farm. Open every day 9.30-5.30 and so easy to find - just off J22 of M6! Find out more at www.kenyonhall.co.uk
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 3
Education 10 mistakes to avoid when your child starts school By Liat Hughes Joshi
New to the school run? Here are ten of the most common mistakes parents make. 1. Complaining to the teacher - based on what your child told you You take what your child has said as gospel, march into see the teacher, only to fall flat on your face when you discover your little one has got completely the wrong end of the stick. Even the most switched on, truthful child can mishear or misunderstand sometimes. 2. Sweating the small stuff An interest in how your child is doing is healthy but getting overly-wrapped up with the minutiae of reading levels is less so. Who could tackle the hardest spellings at the age of five will not go on their CV, after all.
3. Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with the competitive parent at the school gate is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of hers, she’ll hate you for it. If hers has one up on yours, you’ll end up inwardly fuming at her smugness. 4. Not helping at school; or doing so for the wrong reasons Volunteering for the PTA is an ideal way to make friends and feel that you’re a part of the school community. You might also be able to assist in class as a volunteer – just don’t do it to snoop on who gets up to what in there!
5. Freaking out about friendship fall-outs Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten. 6. Tackling other parents about problems between kids Some little horror has been merciless to your child and your protective instincts are kicking in. But don’t head over to give the other mum what for. She could have a different version of events and you’re unlikely to change her mind about who said or did what to whom. There’s also scope for a parental fall-out that will endure long after the kids make up. Cue an awkward few years at the school gate… 7. Forgetting the teacher has 29 other students to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to be able to have the daily chat with staff you might have been used to at nursery or with a childminder. There could be 30 children in the class – if every parent asked for that ‘quick five minute catch up’ on a daily
basis, ‘Miss’ would be there for 2.5 hours. 8. Expecting your child to be chatty at 3pm Even little ones who were fine with full-time nursery can have the stuffing knocked out of them by starting school. With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids are exhausted. 9. Focusing on whether they know their letters before they start but not worrying about getting their coat or shoes on Ask a reception teacher what they would like their new pupils to be able to do and it probably won’t be knowing letters or numbers. What they would like is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the toilet independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings. 10. Not naming anything of use or importance! There’s a black hole in every primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost items back, add their name to everything.
Inspiring tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities
Explore Learning has delivered award-winning maths and English tuition to over 175,000 children across the UK, helping them to achieve their potential and be the best they can be. Their goal is to build confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge, getting to know each child as an individual
and helping them to fall in love with learning. Explore’s award-winning approach has a proven record of supporting children both academically and attitudinally. Celebrating children’s achievements is extremely important, so this summer they’re encouraging children and parents to learn new skills together, and to get excited about showing off what they have learned in both Explore’s centres and back at school in September. Look out for their stories on Explore Learning’s social media channels and website! www.explorelearning.co.uk
Advance notice of a fabulous offer coming soon! Keep an eye out in our Back to School issue for a very special promotion for the award-winning Reading Eggs Programme. For all you mums and dads who haven’t yet seen how Reading Eggs can help your children learn to read, make sure you pick up the September/October issue!
4 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Education How to help your child transfer to secondary school
Stick on Clothing Labels – The quick & easy way to label your children’s clothing
By Liat Hughes Joshi
It’s one of the biggest transitions of childhood: moving to secondary school. From travelling independently to remembering when homework is due in, your child will need to become a good deal more self-sufficient. Here’s how to ease the transition… During the months before your little one makes the big move to secondary school, it’s recommended that you begin the following… Ramp up responsibilities Senior school children have to be considerably more responsible for their own belongings and themselves. Whereas primary school teachers send letters to parents, at ‘big’ school, communication on day-to-day issues might well be to your child only. Begin by trying to remind your child less about what kit or books they need daily. Begin building independence out and about Most secondary school pupils travel to school minus mum and dad, so get yours used to being out without you. It’ll be less daunting for them if this starts on the journey to primary school, rather than being thrown into travelling alone on a lesser-known route. If they haven’t started walking to school alone or with a friend already, the summer term of year six is a good time to begin. The first time or two you could walk a little behind them at least part of the way to keep an eye out. Listen out for concerns Some children take this huge change in their stride and are ready to move on, while others will feel anxious. Common concerns include getting lost around a much larger school, dealing with the
journey, making new friends and managing the homework load. The key is to keep communication going between you – ask now and then how they’re feeling about their new school and listen and reassure them. Attend settling-in days Most secondaries hold a session for new joiners, usually during the summer term of year six. This is an important opportunity to get to know the buildings, potential classmates and teachers and it should make the first day less intimidating. Consider attending any social events at the school too, such as a concert or the summer fair. Introduce them to other children going to the same school This won’t matter so much if half your child’s class is heading to the same secondary but if there won’t be a familiar face, try and find prospective classmates through the local grapevine and then arrange a meet up.
Get ready early for back to school this year with name labels for clothing, ties and uniforms. Stick on labels are the easy way to label clothing - no ironing or sewing necessary! Just stick the adhesive name label onto the care label of what you want to label and you’re finished.
High-quality labels made to order in the UK. Developed especially for clothes and with strong adhesion to last many washes. Many other alternative name labels also available and personalised gifts including major brands like Disney, Mattel and Nickelodeon. Labels4Kids is an award winning family business that has been selling name labels online since 2004. Since 2014, Labels4Kids also supplies John Lewis with school name labels. Order early, beat the rush and get some peace of mind this summer. Labels4Kids – because kids lose stuff. www.labels4kids.com/fam
Here are a few tips to keep in mind once your child has started secondary school… Expect them to be tired and emotional… Many year sevens get very tired thanks to the ‘newness’, on top of a longer day and a more complicated journey. Stick to early nights and restful weekends to fend off exhaustion – and the moodiness that goes with this. Get super-organised with homework At primary, pupils might only have had a small amount of homework; expect the game to be raised now. Not only will there be more but keeping on top of when it all needs handing in can be complicated. Help your child help themselves by suggesting they complete each task soon, so that it doesn’t build up. A homework planner can also be useful. Get used to knowing much less about what goes on In primary, you might well have been at the school gates most days and familiar with your child’s friends, parents and teachers. This will change: with independent travel comes a more hands-off approach. Be there for them It’s tempting to think this independence means you’re being made redundant come September but they’ll still need you - albeit in different ways. Be there as a sounding board – someone to listen and advise. And of course, they’ll still be calling upon the Bank of Mum and Dad and parental taxi service more than ever…
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 5
Education
6 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Holiday camps Super Camps at William Hulme’s Grammar School, Manchester The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind. Super Camps give children the opportunity to do just that, with a range of camps and courses to suit everyone. You can choose from Arts & Crafts, Super Science or Multi Activity camps, all full of great new activities for 2016, with a guarantee of water activities at all camps during the summer! You can also rest assured knowing that your children are at the best camp in town after receiving yet another Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2016. Standard prices start from £42 per day and £190 per week. Call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk for details.
Enjoy-a-Ball Summer Camps This summer, Enjoy-a-Ball will be running holiday camps from Monday 25 – Friday 29th July at Brookburn Primary School in Chorlton for children aged 4 – 9 years. The sessions run from 9am – 1pm and are action packed with fun in and out-door games, treasure hunts, arts & crafts and much more! An early booking discount is available – you can book via the Enjoya-Ball website on the South Manchester page. Feel free to contact Sam or Caroline for more information: 07973 886 783 / southmanchester@enjoy-a-ball.com / www.enjoy-a-ball.com
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 7
Holiday camps Little Muffins
Margaret Jones of Little Muffins brings educational cookery classes to venues in Salford, Oldham and Bury. Margaret says: “Our courses support the age appropriate Key Stage Progression Framework for cooking & nutrition and promote the ‘Eatwell Guide’ as published by Public Health England. They’re fun themed sessions giving the children something yummy to tuck in to at the end.”
Little Muffins offer a 3 hour taster session prior to booking onto the 6 session course which is run with small groups in two age ranges (7–11 and 11–15). The 6 Session courses are designed to provide a gradual & cumulative progression of a child’s culinary skills and will be available to book from July 2016 onwards. When a child has attended one of the 3 hour Taster Sessions they will be entitled to 15% discount off a 6 Session course provided it’s booked before the end of 2016. For more information visit kidscookingcourses.co.uk or email info@littlemuffins.uk.
Manchester Active launches ‘Superactive Kids’ initiative
Superactive Kids is back again for 2016 providing the children of Manchester with a fantastic range of fitness and outdoor activities during the summer holidays.
8 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Launched by Manchester Active, the fitness events, which are perfect for children aged 4 – 13, will be hosted all across Manchester between Monday 25 July and Thursday 1 September. Prices vary, but Manchester residents will be eligible for a fantastic discount – there’s a price option for every type of budget – and several free sessions too. A full timetable of activities is available at www.superactivecamps.org. Spaces are limited, so book soon!
Holiday camps Stuck for entertainment ideas this summer? Here’s a selection of some of the great summer holiday camps and courses on offer in the area… Activate Sport Cheadle Hulme School Mon 18 – Fri 22 July: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy Stockport Grammar Mon 25 – Fri 29 July: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy Mon 15 – Wed 17 Aug: Hockey Masterclass Mon 22 – Wed 24 Aug: Netball Fever All camps 9.30 – 4.30pm with early drop off / late pick up available. 01785 711 572/ www.activatesport.co.uk Active Dance Summer Holiday Workshops Active Dance Bolton Studio Children in Reception – Year 7. Various dance, gymnastics and musical theatre workshops during the holidays. 01204 370728 / www.activedance.co.uk Art, Dance and Musical Theatre Course Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Age 7 – 16, 10am – 4pm, £80 Age 4 – 6, 10am – 12.30pm, £50 Mon 22 – Fri 26 Aug Sessions in acting, singing, dance and movement – then put on a show in a week. The performance for friends and family will be on Friday. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Council Run Holiday Camps Try your local council for centre for holiday camps in your area: Bolton: www.boltonleisure.com Bury: www.bury.gov.uk Rochdale & surrounds: www.link4life.org Salford: www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/ summerofsport Stockport: www.lifeleisure.net Trafford: www.traffordleisure.co.uk Manchester: www.better.org.uk Go4it Music Hare Hill House, Littleborough Mon 25 – Wed 27 July, 9.30am-12.30pm daily, £6 for all 3 days. For children and young people aged 11-18 years old who play a musical instrument at intermediate level or above. A short 3 day course, directed by musician Cliff Woodworth aims to help each young musician to develop their existing musical abilities and confidence in playing and performing. It has been specifically designed for young people who would like to improve their skills in arranging music and playing together. www.link4life.org Go4it Drama Hare Hill House, Littleborough Mon 22 – Wed 24 Aug, 1 – 4pm daily, £6 for all 3 days. For children and young people aged 12-18. Participants will work together experiencing the techniques of site-specific theatre to create response pieces to the building, its surroundings and its stories. Hare Hill House has a lot to tell, from ghosts to wars and even a pet monkey! At the end of the 3 sessions we will share our work with friends and family. www.link4life.org Fire Tech Camp, Manchester Bring your kids up to code! Get to grips with video games or mobile app design, become a minecraft maker or Python or Java coding for teens. 5-day morning/afternoon camps for £200. Venue: University of Manchester. www.firetechcamp.com Fun Fest Ages 5 – 12, 8.30am – 5.30pm. £15 half day, £27.50 full day, £120 full week. Mon 1 – Fri 26 Aug at Alderley Edge School for Girls. Monday 22 – Fri 26 Aug at Cheadle Hulme School. Over 30 different activities for each age range. Discounted sibling rates offered. Childcare vouchers accepted. 07866 465571 / www.fun-fest.co.uk
Helly Hansen Watersports Centre, Salford Adventure Week For ages 10 – 16. Mon 25 – Fri 29 July Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug Mon 15 – Fri 19 Aug Get wet and muddy in the school holidays. £190 for the week. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Kings Camps Ages 4 – 17. School, Cheadle Hulme School & Bridgewater School, Manchester. Week long activity camps or individual days with a great range of sports and activities. 0114 263 2160 / www.kingscamps.org Little Sports Coaching Holiday Camps Ages 4 – 12, Football, multi-sports and Rythmix (dance/gymnastics) camps. 9.30am – 3.30pm with early drop off and late pick up available. Childcare vouchers accepted. Mon 25 July – Fri 26 Aug: Bramhall Leisure Centre Wed 20 July – Fri 2 Sept: Firwood Manor School, Oldham Mon 25 July – Fri 2 Sept: 0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk Mad Science Camps Ages 5 – 11 Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug: Navigation Primary (Altrincham), Penketh High School (Warrington) Mon 15 – Fri 21 Aug: Navigation Primary (Altrincham) Mon 22 – Fri 26 Aug: Navigation Primary (Altrincham) Design, build and test a multitude of science projects. 9.30am – 3.30pm, £35 per day. Discounts for full week camps and siblings. Early Bird discounts until 8 July. 01772 628844 / www.madsciencenw.com Multi Activity Camp St Mark’s Primary School, Worsley Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug, 8.30 – 12pm, Ages 4 – 7 £40, Ages 8 – 11, £75 10am – 12pm, Ages 4 – 7, £25 Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug 8.30 – 12pm, Ages 4 – 7 £40, Ages 8 – 11, £75 A variety of fun games and sports activities, dance and gymnastics sessions, as well as arts and crafts sessions. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Parsley Pie Art Club, Hale Age 4+, Mon 25– Fri 29 July, 10am – 2pm Places are limited, so booking is essential. Creativity, laughter, learning & freedom of expression and a huge range of activities, materials & projects to choose from. www.parsleypie.com
SciTech: 16 North Cestrian Grammar School, Altrincham Mon 25 – Fri 29 July & Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug Ages 5 – 12, 10am – 4.30pm (early drop off and late pick up available), £245/child/week Experience the wondrous world of Science and Technology in a safe, but very hands-on environment. www.scitech.co.uk Stagecoach Summer Workshop Altrincham: Mon 25 – Fri 29 July at Altrincham College of Arts WA15 8QW Didsbury: Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug at Parrs Wood High School M20 5PG Salford: Mon 15 – Fri 19 Aug at Bridgewater School, Worsley M28 2WQ Stockport: Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug at Hazel Grove High School SK7 5JX Perfect for children who love singing, dancing and acting. They will work with a team of choreographers and directors to put on a show in just 5 days. Every child will be given a part suitable for their age and ability and everyone gets a chance to shine. Limited places available. www.stagecoach.co.uk Starlight Performing Arts Holiday Club Musical Theatre holiday club in Hazel Grove – a different show each week. Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug: Wizard of Oz Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Mon 15 – Fri 19 Aug: Matilda Mon 22 – Fri 29 Aug: Alice in Wonderland Clubs cost just £49 per week or £59 for early drop-off/late pick-up (8am – 6pm). www.starlightperformingarts.t83.net Stockport Grammar Summer Activity Weeks 2016 Ages 7 – 13 (from any school), £135 per week Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug / Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug Fabulous activity weeks making use of all the facilities on site: Sports centre and hall, swimming pool, Fitness suite, Squash courts, Netball courts, Astro-turf pitch, Football pitches, Cricket pitches 0161 419 2401 / www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Street Dance Camp Boothstown Community Centre Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug, 10am – 12pm, Ages 4 – 8, £25.00 Learn new moves, meet new friends and work towards a performance for family and friends on 12 August. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Summer Fun: Bear Hunt,Chocolate Cake and Bad Things Z-arts, Hulme Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug. 10am – 4.30pm, Ages 6 – 10, Free for Bright Sparks members. Spend the week with Z-arts and Michael Rosen’s work exploring the fabulous books he has created including stories and poetry. Each day will look
at one of his ever popular books; every morning will be a different visual art and every afternoon will involve drama and movement. Each day ends with a film screening linked to the stories we have been enjoying. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org SuperCamps Held at William Hulme’s Grammar School, Manchester Multi-Activity (Age 4 – 14): Mon 25 July – Fri 26 Aug, £190/week. A Passion For... Arts & Crafts (Age 6 – 12): Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug, £199/week. A Passion For…. Super Science (Age 6 – 12): Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug £199/week www.supercamps.co.uk Superstars Sport & Dance Holiday Clubs Multisports, Dance and Football camps. Specialist Camp Weeks for Trampolining, Drama, Cricket, Tennis, Art Club and Lego Club, plus one day gymnastics. Ages 4 – 13, 8am – 4.30pm with late pick-up (extra charge) and flexible 5 hour session options available. £17.50 per day or £77 for the week. £12.50 for a 5 hour flexible day or £60 for the week. Childcare vouchers accepted. Mon 25 July – Fri 2 Sept Warrington: Broomfields and Great Sankey Leisure Centres, Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex, Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub Manchester: Chorlton High School (Chorlton), The Barlow RC High School (Didsbury), Sale High School (Sale). Cheshire: Mid Cheshire College (Northwich), Maple Lodge Guide Hut (Lymm) 01925 555859 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Vernon Park Gymnastics Club, Stockport Age 3 – 16, all abilities from beginner to elite Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug and Mon 22 – Fri 26 Aug Main camp for age 4 – 16, with mini camp for age 3 – 5 run alongside. Single sessions, all day or 10 day camps available. 0161 4060488 / www.vernonparkgym.com. Withington Girls’ School Summer Fun! For boys and girls. Mon 25 - Fri 29 July: Arts & Crafts / Summer Sport Mon 1 - Fri 5 Aug: Summer Sport / Centre Stage 0161 224 1077 / www.wgs.org WILD Summer Play Scheme Phillips Park, Bury For ages 7 - 12 Wed 27 – Fri 29 July Wed 3 – Fri 5 Aug Wed 10 – Fri 12 Aug Wed 17 – Fri 19 Aug 10am – 4pm, £15 per child, per day. The perfect school holiday club for any child looking for an outdoor adventure! The sessions are packed with creativity and fun for the youngsters and are sure to entertain and inspire them about the outdoors! 01204 663754 / www.lancswt.org.uk
Palms School of Dance Showtime Summer School - Mary Poppins The Daten, Culcheth Mon 22 - Fri 26 Aug, 10am - 3pm. £65 per child (£60 for siblings). Limited places. www.palmsschoolofdance.co.uk Soccer Star Coaching Manchester Health Academy, Wythenshawe M23 9BP, £35, Mon 1 – Wed 3 Aug, 10am – 3pm at. www.soccerstarcoaching.co.uk
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 9
Parents’ place Teach your kids to ride a bike in 7 easy steps 4. Always wear a helmet Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better. We recommend that you shop for a helmet together to ensure your little biker likes it and will therefore wear it. 1. Begin with a balance bike Balance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter. Because children can use their feet to balance and move themselves along, those as young as two can learn to balance on their own. 2. Start on flat ground Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or area with no traffic. You can work your way up to small hills. 3. Teach them to use the brake At the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. Begin by showing your child how the brake works and encourage her to practise.
10 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
5. Look for safety add-ons A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. While you’re looking at safety equipment, it’s worth purchasing bright coloured clothing or safety vests to ensure she is seen by others at night time. 6. Get an adjustable seat Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bike can be adjusted to suit their height. When your child is on the bike, both feet should be firmly on the ground – not just the toes – and the knees should be slightly bent. 7. Upgrade to a bigger bike When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.
Parents’ place Save a fortune on branded clothing Great books to share with your Choose from over 250 of the world’s child to prepare for a new sibling favourite brands including Converse,
MandM Direct is now the UK’s biggest online, off-price retailers. They offer big brands at low prices with up to 75% off fashion, sport and outdoor wear for men, women and kids.
adidas, Levi’s, French Connection and many more. They have new stock every day, and once they lower the price of a product it will never go back up! So whether you’re looking to kit the kids out or treat yourself, they’ve got it covered. Get the whole family kitted out this summer at mandmdirect.com and bag yourself a bargain today. And you’ll find a exclusive offers for Families readers at www.mandmdirect.com/01/families
Fed up with housework?
Maid2Clean can help free you up to do the things you really WANT to do. We asked them what services they provide and why we should choose them. This is what they told us: “In simple terms we provide a cleaning and ironing service to customers who want their property cleaned and their
clothes ironed generating some free time. In truth, we provide a lot more. What we really provide is trust and confidence which to us is the most important thing when allowing people into your home. Through our intensive selection and interview process the customer can be 100% confident the cleaner is fully vetted and insured before stepping through their front door. Cost effective cleaning, peace of mind and generating extra free time in our busy lives is the perfect solution for the 21st century household.” 0800 043 4105 / www.maid2clean.co.uk
By Claire Muffett-Reece Prepare your little one for that impending arrival with the best new baby books. Having another baby is an exciting time for any family but it’s important to understand the impact it has on siblings used to your undivided attention. Above all, reassurance is vital, explaining that although you may not be able to play with them on demand, or that daddy may do the nursery runs for a while, they are still as loved as ever and that this will never change. 15 Things not to do with a baby by Margaret McAllister Frances Lincoln Children’s Books £6.99 From not giving the new baby to a kangaroo, to not putting him in the post; this book is sure to result in a fit of giggles come story time.
Where do babies come from? By Robbie H Harris Usborne £9.99 This lift-the-flap book has got things covered, explaining the facts of life to younger children in preparation for baby entering the world.
Pirate Pete I’m a new big brother by Amanda Li Penguin £6.99 With a button they can press that makes the sound of a baby giggling, the simple text and colourful illustrations helps your child understand what happens once baby arrives. A welcome song for baby by Richard van Camp Orca £7.30 This beautifully illustrated read tells the story of Emma, a girl who shares the sounds of the seasons with her soon-to-be-born baby brother. Aren’t you lucky! By Laurence Anholt Red Fox Picture Books £6.99 Feelings of insecurity are commonplace among children expecting a sibling, making this book the perfect choice to help overcome their fears.
CLUBS & CLASSES CLASSIFIEDS Puddle Ducks A wonderful swimming programme delivering nurturing, fun classes to over 13,000 babies, children and mummies across the UK every week. Babies and children can join our swimming classes at any age from birth, developing into confident swimmers without even realising they’re learning to swim. By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming. Every child is different: our fantastic teachers adapt each activity to suit your child, nurturing water confidence and enjoyment. Mums to be can also keep fit, relax and unwind by joining our Aqua Natal classes. Call 0161 883 0222 (Manchester, Stockport, Oldham and Gee Cross, Hyde) or 01257 262622 (East Lancashire). www.puddleducks.com
Bushi Kempo Ju Jitsu, Marple The ultimate in Self-defence. Classes in Marple Cricket & Squash Club, Bowden Lane. Great fun for kids from 5 years – Tuesdays 6.30 till 7.30pm. Free Taster Session! For more information contact Sensei Dave Webster on 07508 380 833.
Advertise in Families Manchester
Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 11
Summer / What’s on Great toy ideas for entertainment this summer In the UK we’re never guaranteed summer sunshine, so as the school holidays approach it’s good to plan indoor and outdoor things to keep the kids occupied. One of the biggest hits of 2016 has been kinetic sand. If you’ve not heard of it, it’s made from 98% sand and 2% silicone oil and feels and acts like wet sand, allowing you to mould and re-mould it easily. It sticks to itself but not to anything else, doesn’t dry out and if you drop it on your carpet it can be easily vacuumed up. Kinetic sand is ideal for creating a fun indoor sand pit. Build sandcastles indoors, use the tools to create shapes and patterns in the sand, then knock them down and start all over again. Kinetic sand is tactile and safe to use for children aged 3+.
Giddy Goat Toys has boxes of sand in various sizes, trays to keep it all tidy and tools to build, shape and mould with. Bring the fun of the beach inside this summer. If the sun does shine, there’s also a terrific selection of outdoor toys at Giddy Goat Toys to take to the park or beach with you. Fly a kite, fling a Frisbee, bounce a ball, race your scooters, have a Nerf battle or shelter from the sun in a play tent. Whatever your plans for the school holidays, Giddy Goat Toys have summer sewn up. Pop in (2 Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, M20 6RF) or visit www.giddygoattoys.co.uk for fun things to do this summer!
Entertain the Family this Summer at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park
Sundays are Fun Days this summer with free fairground rides, picnic areas, a purpose built children’s play area and the opportunity to explore the park’s five aircraft.
Enjoy all this whilst taking in breathtaking views of the runway with aircraft landing and taking off. Why not book your child onto the fun and interactive Flight Academy? Sessions are suitable for children aged between 3 and 13 years old. They can enjoy learning about Airport Life, Flying Machines, and for our younger aviation enthusiast, Up, Up and Away. Entrance to the park is free, standard vehicle charges apply. Book online www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk
ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?! WIN an unlimited pass to Paradise Island Adventure Golf – Trafford Centre The lovely people at Paradise Island Adventure Golf would like to offer one very lucky Families Manchester reader a one month unlimited family pass for up to four people. To enter simply send an email to caryl@familiesmanchester.co.uk with the words PARADISE ISLAND GOLF COMPETITION as the title and your contact details (name, address, telephone number) in the body of the email. The competition closes Sunday 31 July. Paradise Island Adventure Golf is a fun venue for a family day out. The Families team have been to test it out; our kids just loved working their way around the twists and turns of the themed mini golf courses. There are two indoor courses so if 18 holes isn’t enough just head out again for another adventurous 18 with a different twist. The courses give a fun challenge for all the family and even have special short clubs to ensure little ones can give it their best swing! 0161 202 9544 / www.paradiseislandgolf.com/Manchester
12 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Fabulous wildlife at the Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith Look out for some fabulous special events at the Chestnut Centre this summer. The hills and meadows of the Derbyshire High Peak are at their best at this time of year, so follow the woodland trails, getting close to the fallow and roe deer in their tranquil meadow, and walk by the pretty stream, spying playful giant otters, Eurasian otters, North American river otters and Asian short-clawed otters along the way. See foxes, Scottish wildcats, harvest mice and pine marten and say hello to Bolt the mischievous polecat, rescued as a baby and now a popular resident at the centre. Learn more about the daily life and habits of the 17 species of owls, including Aharoni’s Owl, with its large ear tufts and bright orange eyes, or the South
American Great Horned Owl, which has distinctive white ‘spectacles’ on a dark brown face. The centre’s friendly and knowledgeable keepers will be happy to answer your questions, so follow them on their route at feeding times and see the animals enjoying their meals. During the keeper talks you can learn interesting facts about the mammals and birds, find out what it’s like to work as a keeper and discover more about their conservation and rescue work. With its beautiful setting, fascinating wildlife, special events and friendly welcome, as well as a tempting gift shop and cafe, the Chestnut Centre makes for an enjoyable and rewarding visit for all the family. 01298 814099 / www.chestnutcentre.co.uk
Visit our NEW website for loads more events – it’s now fully optimized for mobile devices – and constantly being updated with even more local information! Familiesonline.co.uk – the new word of mouth! Throughout July, Aug and Sept Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Flight Academy Ages 3 - 13. Fun and interactive sessions to learn about Airport Life, Flying Machines, and for our younger aviation enthusiast, Up, Up and Away. www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk
Tues 5 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Toddler Kiddy Cook 10 – 11.30am, £22 (1 toddler & 1 adult) Get your toddler interested in fabulously fresh food. 07976619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk
Sat 9 & Sun 10 July, Sat 12 & Sun 14 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the Garden 11am – 5pm / Free, normal admission applies Dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Sat 9 July & Sat 13 Aug
Ordsall Hall, Salford Much Ado About Nothing 7 – 11pm, All ages, £12. Touring theatre company, the HandleBards, perform this much loved Shakespeare classic in the gardens of Ordsall Hall. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
The Manchester Museum Autism Friendly Early Opening – See, Make and Do at the Museum 9.15 – 10.30am, Ages 5 – 16, Free, drop in. Activities take place before the Museum opens to the general public. See objects, do activities & make creations inspired by the Nature’s Library and Vivarium (Live Animals) Gallery in July and the Living World’s and Nature Discover Galleries in August. A quiet room available too. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
Every Wed in July & Aug
Sun 10 July
Ordsall Hall, Salford Once upon a Time Discover what’s behind the doors of Ordsall Hall with a different activity each week such as storytelling, crafts or music. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Manchester Sky Ride Manchester 10am – 4pm A fantastic traffic-free 10km bike ride in Manchester. www.goskyride.com
Helly Hansen Watersports Centre, Salford Climbing Club 6.30 pm, All ages, Adult £6.50, Junior £5. Helly Hansen Watersports Centre. Come and challenge yourself and keep fit by climbing on our 8 metre high indoor climbing wall. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
King’s Arms, Bloom Street, Salford Mrs Boon’s Cake Rave! 2pm, All ages, £4. A brilliant family afternoon with cake and anthems. A party for cake-loving grownups where kids are welcome too. Mrs Boon serving up her home made cakes. Mr Boon spinning the dance tunes. Odd but tasty! Part of the Greater Manchester Fringe www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk
Every Fri in July & Aug
The Lowry, Salford Under 5s First Steps 10am & 11am, Ages 2 ½ - 4 ½, £3.50. Weekly dance workshop where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun! www.thelowry.com
Every Sat in July & Aug
The Lowry, Salford Lookout, its Saturday Playhouse 11am – 12.30pm, Free. A free and weekly art activity for children and their families. www.thelowry.com
Sat 9 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Pigs Galore 10am – 12pm, Age 12+, £14, booking essential Learn all you need to know about Tatton’s loveable pigs from one of the expert Farm team. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session 9.30 – 10.15, 10.15 – 11, 11 – 11.45, Free, booking essential. A special storytelling and play session just for them. Please book your free ticket in advance 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Z-arts, Hulme Fun Day: Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake & Bad ThingsZ 12 – 4pm, All ages, Free for Bright Sparks members A sneak preview of an interactive experience coming in September. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org
Sat 9 & Sun 10 July
Daresbury, Warrington Cheshire Steam Fair 10am – 5pm, Adult £10, Child £5, Family (2+3) £25, Under 5s Free. Not just for steam enthusiasts! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk Parr Fold Park, Walkden Walkden de Janerio 12 – 6pm. Free entry. A brilliant weekend in the park with carnival atmosphere and traditional festival activities, including funfair rides, animals, live music at the Victorian bandstand, festival food and drink, dancing, face painting, stalls and displays. www.facebook.com/walkdencommunity
Mon 11 July
Z-arts, Hulme Paint Pots for Tots 10.30am, Ages 2 – 5, Free for Bright Sparks Members Listen to a new story get creative. Bright Stars 4pm, Ages 6 – 10, Free for Bright Sparks Members A drama club for young people. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org
Tues 12 July
Z-arts, Hulme Baby Play 10.30am, Ages 0 – 18 months, Free, booking essential A sensory workshops exploring new spaces and sounds, art and music. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org
Fri 15 – Sun 17 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Foodies Festival Friday £10, Sat/Sun £13. Under 12s go free. Normal admission applies. The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink. Cookery demonstrations, Street Food Avenue, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre, BBQ Arena, Producers Market, Wine & Cheese Village, Children’s Cookery School, Entertainment Stage. 0844 995 1111 / www.foodiesfestival.com
Sat 16 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Kiddy Cook 10am – 12pm, £22. Pick your own soft fruits to make a seasonal recipe in the Victorian Still Room and take a tour of the Mansion with Tatton’s Victorian Housekeeper. 07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Z-arts, Hulme Mix it up Families 12pm, All ages, Free for Bright Sparks members Family sized art sessions. No skill required, just enthusiasm! Limited capacity, booking highly recommended. Children must be accompanied. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org
Sat 16 & Sun 17 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Rare breeds weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm, normal Park and Farm admission applies Meet Myrtle the Middle White and all of her piggy friends, our Red Poll cattle, Leicester Longwool sheep and others. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Aviation & Transport Festival £5 per person (under 3s free). Over 500 Classic Cars, Hot Air Balloons, Model Aircraft, Aviation Society Stands, Model Railway Displays, Aviation Paraphernalia Sale, Live Music, Displays, Children’s rides, Vintage commercial vehicles, Charity stalls, Open Top Buses, Aircraft Displays, Spitfire Display Team, Aircraft cockpits, Trade Stands, and much more. A great day out for all ages! www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk Barton Aqueduct Pocket Park (Sat am) / Bridgewater Park, Boothstown (Sat pm) / Worsley Green & Humpback Bridge (Sun) Bridgewater Weekender Starts 10am Sat, Free. Family fun, entertainment, music, heritage and crafts. www.visitsalford.info
Sun 17 July
Ordsall Hall, Salford The Ordsall Hall Garden Party 12 – 4pm, All ages, Free. Music, food, activities, stalls, games, raffle - fun for all the family! www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Wed 20 – Sun 24 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford RHS Flower Show Wednesday 20 July 2016 to Sunday 24 July 2016. To mark 100 years since Roald Dahl’s birth, the BFG comes to the show in the form of Tatton Park’s fabulous Show Garden and Roald Dahl inspired activities for the kids. Wed July 20th is members-only day. 01625 374400 / rhs.org.uk/tatton
Fri 22 July & Fri 26 Aug
Hat Works, Stockport Mad Hatters Art & Craft Club 10 – 11.30am, Ages 2 – 5. 2 – 3pm, Ages 0 - 2. £5 per child (+ 2 accompanying adults), Booking essential. An action-packed hour of arts and crafts with the emphasis on fun and age and ability appropriate crafts. Dress to get messy! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk
Daily from Sat 23 July
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond 10am – 5pm, Age 5+, Free. What’s invisible to the human eye, thinner than a human hair and 200 times tougher than steel? Graphene. Visit this new new groundbreaking exhibition where you can discover the history of graphite and graphene, journey with scientists and artists exploring the cutting edge of material technology and immerse yourself in the wonders of a two dimensional world. www.msimanchester.org.uk
Sat 23 July
Woodbank Park Stockport Carnival 1pm from Belmont Way, Heaton Norris, past the town hall, where it will be acknowledged by the Mayor of Stockport, before arriving at Woodbank Park at 2pm. Fun fair, music and dance, lots of stalls selling food, drink, crafts and a mammoth car boot sale. www.stockportcarnival.com Ordsall Park, Salford Ordsall Festival 12 – 5pm, Free. Traditional community festival with loads of free fun activities for the family. Bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments, games, sports and a live music stage. Dog Show from 1.30pm with a huge basket-full of doggy prizes for each category.
What’s on Sat 23 – Sat 30 July
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Summer Family Festival Entertainment, theatre, dance, comedy, films, arts, crafts and more! Book for 3 or more events and get a FREE Family Club membership. Sat 23 July: The Boggle, Age 6+ Sun 24 July: The Adventures of Pom, Age 0 - 4 Mon 25: Comedysportz Workshops, Age 7 – 9 Tues 26 July: Comedysportz Workshops, Age 10 – 13 Wed 27 July: Circus Skills, All ages Wed 27 – Fri 29 July: The House At The Edge of the Universe, Age 6+ Thurs 28 July: Dance Tasters, All ages Sat 30 July: Bad Guys, Ages 5 - 11 Sat 30 July: Boy Meets Girl, Age 11+ Book for 3 or more events and get a FREE Family Club membership! 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
Sun 24 July
Clifton Country Park Dogs in Salford Festival 11am – 3pm, Free. Dog competition, agility course, free micro chipping, rescue stalls as well as fun activities including bouncy castles, face painting and balloon modelling. 0161 793 4219 / www.salford.gov.uk/dogsfestival
Mon 25 July
Manchester Cathedral Tiny Science and the Inflatable Museum 11am – 3.30pm, Under 5s, Free, drop in. Manchester Museum’s brand new Inflatable Museum will be popping up in Manchester Cathedral for a day of interactive, exploratory activities. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
Mon 25 July – Fri 25 Aug (weekdays only)
Summer holiday fun Quarry Bank Mill, Styal 11am – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Enjoy different activities each week, all related to the fantastic Clockwork Garden exhibition. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank
Mon 25 & Tues 26 July
Dunham Massey , Altrincham Picnic Week – Roll Up! Roll Up! 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Join the circus in the garden and bring a picnic to enjoy after the fun and games! 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tues 26 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton Park’s Fairytale Postman 10.30 – 12pm, Ages 3 – 6, £6, booking essential Can you help Tatton’s postman deliver his letters to all the fairytale characters living in the Gardens? 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones Rochdale Soft Sewn Circuits: Squishy Toy! 10.30am – 12 noon & 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 8 – 12, £4 Make a squishy toy with a light up element! Learn about constructing a soft circuit, making LEDs light up and add a switch to turn your lights on and off. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Tues 26 – Thurs 28 July
The Manchester Museum Object handling 1.30 – 3.30pm, All ages, Free, drop in. Get to grips with our handling collection, and see if you can separate real Stone Age tools from real Stone Age rock. Part of Festival of Archaeology. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
Tues 26 July & Tues 30 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Den Building 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies Join the Rangers in building dens - lots of fun, plenty of mud and great team work. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 13
What’s on Tues 26 July – Fri 26 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Fantastic Mr Fox Summer Activities at the Farm 12 – 5pm, Normal Park and Farm admission applies. Join Mr Fox in a farmyard jam-packed with fun. Go on a journey, get creative in the writing hut, listen to storytelling and enjoy one of the best days out this summer. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Wed 27 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Lights, Camera, Action! 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential A fun, informal theatre school with a professional actress. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Picnic Week – Picnic Patchwork 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Decorate a piece of our patchwork picnic blanket and bring your own picnic to reward your hard work! 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey East Lancashire Railway Peg Planes Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in Take to the skies as children get to put together their own clothes peg planes! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Wed 27 – Sun 31 July
Wythenshawe Park Wythenshawe Games A community based sports festival. All fun, all free, for all ages. Starts 11am daily. Daily drop-in family activities 11am – 7pm. Under 5s zone 11am – 4pm. Teen takeover for 11 – 19 year olds daily 4.30 – 7pm. Two free local sky rides. www.wythenshawegames.co.uk
Thurs 28 July
The Manchester Museum Collection Bites: a Magical Incantation Bowl 1 – 2pm, Ages 7+, Free, drop in. Join curator Bryan Sitch as he shares his investigation of this intriguing object. Part of Festival of Archaeology. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Survive the Stone Age! 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential. A range of hands on activities to discover about what life was for people living 3 million years ago! 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Ordsall Hall, Salford Macbeth 7 – 9.30pm, All ages, £12. The Three Inch Fools will be performing Shakespeare’s iconic play in the atmospheric surroundings of Ordsall Hall’s gardens. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk
Thurs 28 July, Thurs 4, 11, 18 & 25 Aug, Thurs 1 Sept
Lyme Park, Disley Get Sporty 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies Get involved with a summer of sport in the Timberyard, with different activities each week. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Fri 29 & Sat 30 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford Roald Dahl Willow Weaving 12pm, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm, Age 6+, £15 (1 adult + 1 child), booking essential. An exciting family friendly event giving you and your child the opportunity to work with a professional willow artist in Tatton Park’s beautiful gardens. Ticket also includes park and garden entry. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Fri 29 July & Fri 12 Aug
East Lancashire Railway Wind in the Willows 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm, Adult £8, Child £5, Family tickets available. Join Ratty, Mole Mr. Toad and even Badger as they embark on a hilarious adventure you will never forget. With puppets and laugh-along songs. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Fri 29 July & Fri 19 Aug
Hat Works, Stockport Top Hat Toddlers 10.30am – 12.30pm, Drop in, Ages 0 – 5, £3 per child (+ 2 accompanying adults), Booking essential A unique ‘stay and play’ session with plenty of age- appropriate activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk
Sat 30 July
The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Climate Control 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop in. Meet experts, experiment and create. Hands on activities for all the family. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Z-arts, Hulme Tech Theatre Open Day 10am – 4.30pm, Age 11+, Free, booking essential. Have a go setting up and running a gig, cover everything needed for the event including understanding lighting and sound projection and H&S. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org
Sat 30 & Sun 31 July
Bramall Hall, Bramhall Park Grand Re-Opening Weekend and Tudor Festival 10am – 5pm, Adult £4.75, Child Free. From restoration to celebration, join the festivities and be one of the first to see the restored Hall. Entry to the Hall by advance purchased ticket only. Numbers limited. www.stockport.gov.uk
Touchstones Rochdale Twisted Tales of the Forest 10.30am – 12 noon & 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4 Join renowned fairy hunter and goblin scientist Professor Jigget to explore the myths, legends and folklore of the trees in Broadfield Park. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Sun 31 July, Sun 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug, Sun 4 Sept
Worsley Woods LNR, Salford Den Building 12.30 – 2.30pm, £1 per child, Booking essential Exciting 2 hour outdoor den building session suitable for all the family. 0161 793 4219 / www.salford.gov.uk/rangers
Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug
Thurs 28 & Fri 29 July
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Picnic Week -– The Great Victorian Bake Off 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Step back in time and help the servants prepare a Victorian picnic in the kitchen. Limited availability, collect a timed token from visitor reception on the day. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Sundays are Fun Days Fairground rides, Concorde Tours, Children’s Play Area. Free entrance to park, but car park charges apply. www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Ranger Week – Meet the Rangers 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Be a Ranger for the day and tick off some of your ‘50 things’ including ‘Cook on a Campfire’ and ‘Make a home for a wild animal’. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tues 2 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Pond Dipping and Wild Art 12 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies. Come and discover what lurks beneath the waters at Lyme. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
14 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk
Touchstones Rochdale Egg Box Monster Puppets 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Create a big mouthed monster using the range of art materials provided. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org East Lancashire Railway Fantastic Faces Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in A real mask party as you make a fantastic face. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Wed 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug
Salford Museum and Art Gallery The Friendly Games 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free. Join our Friends group as they celebrate their fascinating exhibition with a selection of board games old and new to try out. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Thurs 4 Aug
Touchstones Rochdale Bag of Bugs! 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Make your own plaster cast of fossil and find out more about food chains and the local wildlife too! 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Thurs 4 & Thurs 18 Aug
East Lancashire Railway The Pirate Adventure 10am – 12pm, 12.40 – 3.15pm, Adult £11.30, Child £2 – 15) £7.20, Under 2s Free, Booking essential A fantastic, pirate themed, family fun day with activities galore across the entire railway. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Thurs 4 Aug, Wed 10 Aug & Wed 24 Aug
Sun 7 Aug & Sun 4 Sept
Ordsall Hall, Salford Through the Ages... Live! 1pm, all ages, £1 per child for craft activity A family fun day packed with arts, crafts and activities. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Mon 8 – Wed 10 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Victorian Week – A Victorian Tale Stories every half an hour 12pm – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Hear Victorian tales from storyteller Helen Stewart that will take you back in time and keep the whole family entertained. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tues 9 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Fantastic Mr Fox Treasure Hunt 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £8, booking essential Fantastic treasure hunt to discover Mr Fox’s den. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Lyme Park, Disley Estate Apprentice 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies Fancy learning some new skills? Fancy becoming a Ranger for the day? 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Wed 10 Aug
East Lancashire Railway Brilliant Boats Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in Set sail on the seven seas (or at least the kitchen sink) with your own fantastic home-made boat! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Wed 10 & Wed 24 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford The Magical World of Roald Dahl 10.30 – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential A special opportunity to experience a creative writing workshop with former Cheshire poet laureate, Joy Winkler, with content inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Stockport Air Raid Shelters Children’s Explorer Tours 6.45 – 8.15pm, Age 7+, Adult £3, Child £3.95, Booking essential. Brave the darkened tunnels as you go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war. Suitable for ages 7+ 0161 474 1940 / www.stockport.gov.uk
Sat 6 Aug
Thurs 11 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Fergie at the Farm 12.30p, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, normal park and farm admission applies. Meet Fergie, the little grey tractor with a secret - he’s alive! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Touchstones Rochdale Make a Hedgehog a Home 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Bring along a shoe box sized cardboard box and transform into a lovely habitat for a hedgehog. Also make your own clay hedgehog. Pirate Shadow Puppets 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Meet Alison Cooper to create your own pirate puppet and take part in a shadow puppet performance set to musical sea shanties. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Special Guided Walk – Family Wildlife 11am – 1pm, Free, normal admission applies. Bring all the family to discover Dunham’s deer and other wildlife on an accessible walk around the park. Limited availability, pick up a token from visitor reception on the day. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
The Manchester Museum Climate Control - Manchester Museum Movies ICE AGE : The Meltdown. 11am – 1pm, All ages, Free, but booking essential. 0161 275 2648 / www.mcrmuseum.eventbrite.com
Sat 6 & Sun 7 Aug
East Lancashire Railway Day out with Thomas Adult £18, Child (2 – 15) £10, Under 2s free, Family (2 adult, up to 3 children) £46. Meet Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends, who are waiting to greet you at the East Lancashire Railway! www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk.
Sun 7 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Volkswagen Northwest Car Show 9am – 5pm, Adult £7.50, Under 16s free, normal admission applies. The largest gathering of Volkswagens, both air and water-cooled, in the North of England. Children’s rides and entertainment. www.vwnw.co.uk
Rossmill, Hale Barns Summer Crafts 2 – 4pm, Ages 6 – 10, £4/child, booking essential Hands-on crafts using the materials we can find on our walk around Rossmill. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers
Thurs 11 & Fri 12 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Victorian Week – Make a Spinning Wonder 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Make a popular Victorian toy - the thaumatrope, also known as the spinning wonder - and find out more about optical illusions. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Thurs 11 & Thurs 25 Aug
East Lancashire Railway The Princess Adventure 10am – 12pm, 12.40 – 3.15pm, Adult £11.30, Child £2 – 15) £7.20, Under 2s Free, Booking essential Introduce your little princesses and knights to a whole new world of railway enchantment. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Visit our NEW website for loads more events – it’s now fully optimized for mobile devices – and constantly being updated with even more local information! Familiesonline.co.uk – the new word of mouth! Sat 13 Aug
Lightoaks Park, Salford Friends of Lightoaks Park Family Fun Day 1 – 4pm, Free. Celebrating the launch of the park’s new Friends Group with a family friendly afternoon event. Includes nature trail, planting activities, face painting, bouncy castles, tea and cake, animals, dancing and children’s entertainment. Please bring a picnic and walk to the event as there is no parking at the venue. www.visitsalford.info
Sun 14 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Fun dog show at the Farm 12 – 5pm, £2 entry per class, normal admission also applies. Ten novelty classes.‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes awarded to 6th place. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Viking Sunday at the Old Hall 12 – 5pm, Adult £6, Child £4, Family £16, Normal admission applies. Experience combat as well as domestic life, trades and skills such as coin striking, calligraphy and storytelling. Have a go at archery (small charge). Try on armour. Falconry demonstrations and a performance of ‘Nasty Norman Justice’. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Ordsall Hall WW1 Allotment Harvest Celebration 1 – 4pm, All ages, Free. Come and see the World War One allotment at its best and celebrate the end of this two year project. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Mon 15 & Tues 16 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Adventure Week – Journey Sticks 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Journey sticks have been used for centuries to record an experience or tell a story. Follow the trail around the garden and collect things to decorate your journey stick. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tues 16 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Kites at the Cage 12 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies Fly a kite high up above the cage (will be open). Bring your own kite. Tatton Park, Knutsford Cycling Boredom Busters 10am – 1.30pm, £10, booking essential. Learn the fundamentals of off-road skills and explore farmland trails and woodland singletrack with Tatton Park’s Rangers. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones Rochdale Make Mine a Mud Hut! 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4 Try your hand at ancient building techniques using clay for the walls and straw for the roof to make a magnificent mini model mud hut! Viking Attack! 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Create all the equipment you’ll need to defend yourself against a Viking attack! Using recycled materials and messy plaster bandage create shields and helmets to ensure you’re well prepared for battle! 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Wed 17 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Prepare for Battle 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £12, booking essential. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Adventure Week – Sensory Adventure 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Explore the garden for the smelliest, stickiest and most beautiful plants. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey East Lancashire Railway Moveable Magnets Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in Experiment with the awesome power of magnets on this imaginative and arty adventure. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Thurs 18 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Make a Kite with Danny 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential Make and fly a kite, just like Danny the Champion of the World and his father did in Roald Dahl’s beautiful story. Learn the science behind kites too. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones Rochdale Monster Pop-ups 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Artist Vincent James will help you create fearsome 3D pop-up monsters! Sun Catcher Bugs & Beasties 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Create a colourful sun-catcher inspired by your favourite bug or beastie! 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Thurs 18 & Fri 19 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Adventure Week – What’s in a Pond? 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies Take a closer look at what’s swimming around in our ponds and tick off number 35 on your list of ‘50 things’! Limited availability, collect a timed token from visitor reception on the day. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Sat 20 & Sun 21 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford “Passion for Power” Classic Motor Show 9am – 4pm, Adult £9, Child 10 – 15 £6, Under 10s free, normal admission applies. Around 2,000 classic cars on show. A great day out for all the family with children’s rides, refreshments, entertainment and bar. 01565 723863 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk
East Lancashire Railway Amazing Automobiles Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in Pull out of the stops to make your own magnificent moving vehicle. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Thurs 25 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Pirate Island 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential Join the crew to use your map, compass and directional skills to find the treasure or else.....walk the plank! Also learn about famous pirates in history and become captain of your own ship by making a pirate hat to take home. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones Rochdale Glorious and Gruesome Ancient Egyptians 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Create your own ancient deity using recycled materials and scrap fabrics provided. Felt Creature Tote Bag 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Create a woodland inspired design on the cotton canvas tote bag provided. No sewing required - just bring bags of imagination! 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Thurs 25 & Fri 26 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Wild Week – Family Yoga 1.30 – 3.30pm, Age 6+, Free, normal admission applies Be a wild animal like a snake, giraffe or frog with our fun family yoga on the lawn. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Fri 26 – Mon 29 Aug
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) MakeFest 2016 - Tinker, Maker, Solder, Try 10am – 5pm, All Ages, Free. A weekend of coding, crafting and creating. www.msimanchester.org.uk
Bolton Bolton Food & Drink Festival Taste the world in 4 days! Also fantastic family friendly entertainment, with Mad Science fun and games on Le Mans Crescent, a real beach at the Octagon Theatre and fantastic live street entertainment and music. www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com
Mon 22 & Tues 23 Aug
Sat 27 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Wild Week – Brilliant Bugs 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Find out about brilliant bugs and tick off number 31 on your list of ‘50 things’ as you hunt for some bugs. Tick off number. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tues 23 Aug
Lyme Park, Disley Animal Tracking 11am – 12pm / 12.30 – 1.30pm / 2 – 3pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies. Learn how to track deer and other animals at Lyme 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Tatton Park, Knutssford Boredom Busters Nature Day 10am – 1pm, Age 5+ (accompanied), £8, booking essential. Join the Rangers to hunt for mini-beasts in the park’s pond and woodlands. On the way, take a trailer ride to get a close look at Tatton’s deer. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: I Spy Nature 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop in. From minibeasts to mammals, discover more about nature all around you and what you can do to help nature thrive. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Danny the Champion of the World - Outdoor Theatre 6.30pm, Adult £11, Child £7, Family £32 (2+2), booking essential. A terrific and enthusiastic performance by Illyria outdoor theatre company set in the magnificent grounds of the Old Hall. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Sat 27 – Mon 29 Aug
What’s on East Lancashire Railway Family Fun Weekend with appearances from Peppa & George Adult £18, Child (2 – 15) £10, Family (2+3) £46 See Peppa Pig and her little brother George at intervals on each day! Your ticket also gives you unlimited travel on the ELR! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Sun 28 & Mon 29 Aug
Bolton Steam Museum Summer Steamings 10am – 4pm, Free but donations welcome. Over 25 old, restored stationary steam engines – most will be running in steam. 01204 846490 / www.nmes.org
Mon 29 Aug
Prince’s Park, Irlam Irlam and Cadishead Community Festival 9am – 10pm, Free. Biggest Bank Holiday Monday outdoor, community organised event in Salford with live music, surprising street theatre, children’s entertainment, bouncy castles, beer tent, lovable ferrets, pony rides, gorgeous homemade cakes, community stalls, fun dog show and dog agility display. Festival concludes with the annual festival firework display. www.facebook.com/irlamfestival
Tues 30 Aug
Tatton Park, Knutsford Potion Making with George 10.30am – 12.30pm, Ages 7 – 11, £10, booking essential Learn about potions and medicines in the past, as well as having the opportunity to mix up your own potions in the Mansion cellars. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Tues 30 & Wed 31 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Show Week – Victorian Theatre Workshop. 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Unleash your acting skills and get involved with a short theatre performance based on life in Victorian times. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey
Wed 31 Aug
East Lancashire Railway Crazy Creations Children’s Craft Workshop 11am – 3pm, £1 + standard admission, Drop in Free reign to use the materials available to build whatever you want! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Fri 2 Sept
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Show Week – Puppet Show 12 – 4pm, All ages, Free, normal admission applies. Sit back and relax with a family friendly puppet show in the garden. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Tatton Park, Knutsford Traditional Country Weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm, normal admission applies. A celebration of country life. Traditional stalls, activities, displays and demonstrations. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk
Touchstones Rochdale Cool Clay Canopic Jars 10.30am – 12noon, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Delve into the ancient world to make your own mini canopic jars out of clay. Perfect Pebble Mosaic 1.30 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, £4. Be inspired by the funky design of Ancient Greece to create your own perfect pebble mosaic to decorate your house and amaze your friends! 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org
Wed 24 Aug
Dunham Massey, Altrincham Wild Week – Busy Bees 12 – 4pm, Free, normal admission applies. Look inside a bee hive, roll a beeswax candle or make a busy bee decoration to take home. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 15
What’s on
Visit our NEW website for loads more events – it’s now fully optimized for mobile devices – and constantly being updated with even more local information! Familiesonline.co.uk – the new word of mouth!
16 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk