Articles

Weekends & holidays
at the Museum of Science and Industry

Tel: 0161 832 2244

Time:14:00 - 14:30, 15:30 - 16:00

Planetarium Shows - The Night Sky
Enjoy a fascinating seasonal view of the stars and planets as seen from the North West of England in the purpose-built Planetarium Price: Adults £1.50, Concessions £1.00.

Time:10:00 - 12:00,14:00 - 16:00

Science Busking.
Join in with interactive and fun science demonstrations, with different things to try every time! Will you make a rocket, stick a skewer in a balloon or balance a cork on the end of your nose?

First Saturday of the month 10.30am – 3.30pm

Meet the… who will it be?
A variety of family-friendly scientific and engineering events packed full of fascinating demonstrations and exciting, interactive activities.

Time: 12.00

Engineer Eric’s Difficult Day
Come along and help the forgetful fireman to start Pender, the Isle of Man locomotive. This comical piece of theatre is set in the atmospheric Power Hall, complete with sights, sounds and smells of working steam engines. It encourages young children to get involved and learn about how a steam locomotive works. Audience participation required! Most suitable for ages 4+ but all ages welcome.

Weekends in December,
also 19 – 23 December

10am – 4.30pm

Santa’s Grotto4
Santa’s Grotto at MOSI will be a magical experience for children and a fantastic day out for the family. Tickets include a visit to Santa’s Grotto, a free gift and the chance to take part in craft activities. Price:£5 per child.

Weekends at Hat Works, Stockport

Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport
Tel: 0161 355 7770

Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm

CHILDREN'S TOURS
Take a step back in time and learn the story of ‘Nat the Hatter’. Discover how hats were made, experience the noisy machinery floor and learn what it was like to be a hatters apprentice.Suitable for all ages Price: £2 per child, accompanying adults £1 BOOKING ESSENTIAL Every Saturday at Waterside Arts Centre Waterside Plaza, Sale Tel: 0161 912 5616

Drop in time: 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Saturday Morning Family Club Activities
Join fun-filled family club for just £1 per family. Activities suitable for children 4 years plus and their adults (except where stated otherwise).

Imperial War Museum North

Tel: 0161 836 4000

Every Sundays

HotSpots
Lively session using a range of art and craft materials to help you make your own unique souvenir. December will include the opportunity to create a seasonal greetings card inspired by the cards sent by soldiers from the frontline during the First World War. February Half Term sessions will also include storytelling.
Ideal for ages 5+.

Weekends and holidays
at Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport

Tel: 01663 762023

Time: 11 - 3pm. Closed Christmas Day

Beatrix Potter Exhibition
A delightful selection of original paintings on loan from the home of Beatrix potter in the Lake District. The display will include the manuscript for Beatrix's Christmas Tale, the Tailor of Gloucester. Price: Adult £6, Child £3

The last Sunday of every month
at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester

Tel: 0843 2086000

26 February, 29 January, 25 MarchDrop-in 11am – 3pm

Free Family Sunday
Join us in the Galleries on the last Sunday of every month where you’ll discover fun art and drama activities inspired by our current exhibitions.

DECEMBER

12 November – 31 December

Santa’s Grotto & 4D Cinema
Rocket the Reindeer is back with his brand new 4D film this Christmas. As well as a group meeting with Santa in his Ice Palace Grotto at Barton Square, you will see the brand new award winning 4D film Rocket the Reindeer in Rocket’s Sleigh Adventure. Open to all ages, tickets are £4.50 per child which includes a gift and only £2.50 per adult. The Trafford Centre Trafford, Manchester Tel: 0161 749 1717/18

24 November - 24December

Father Christmas opens his doors at Manchester Arndale!
A magical treat for kids of all ages, right in the heart of Manchester, it adds festive sparkle to any Christmas shopping trip. Plus each child gets a great gift. Tickets - £4.50 per child when booked in advance www.manchesterarndale.com/grotto.aspx

1 – 31 December (MOSI is closed 24 – 26 Dec)

4D Theatre Sleigh Ride
Don't miss this special festive film - snow forecast! Watch Santa, one of his little helpers, and - of course - Rudolph face trials and tribulations as they make sure that all presents get delivered in time for Christmas morning! With moving seats, water spray, air blast and more! Suitable for ages 4+ (at parent's discretion). Children need to be able to sit unaccompanied and be able to wear 3D glassesMuseum of Science & Industry Manchester Tel: 0161 832 2244

3 December 10.30am – 3.30pm

Meet the Vision Scientist
The latest in a monthly programme of family-friendly scientific and engineering events packed full of fascinating demonstrations and exciting interactive activities. Meet someone new every time! Museum of Science & Industry Manchester Tel: 0161 832 2244

3 December 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Family art club.
Spend quality time together and learn new art skills. Play games, be creative and make things together. Relaxed two-hour workshop for you and your 6 - 11 year olds. Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester Tel: 0161 235 8888

3,4,10,11,17,18 December 11am-4pm

Christmas Tree Sales
Buy your Christmas tree at the Mill. Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire Tel: 01625 445896

3 – 24 December

Christmas at Legoland
Santa is making his list and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is giving kids the chance to make sure their favourite LEGO set is on it this year. Legoland Discovery Manchester The Trafford Centre, Manchester 0871 222 2662

3, 10, 17, 31 December, 11.30am

Billy’s War.
In this special edition of Billy’s War we meet the charming rag doll character Billy, discover his tale of evacuation from Salford to the countryside during the Second World War and how he celebrated the Christmas period on a ration. The session includes dressing up, object handling and visual materials to help younger visitors look at wartime themes in this family-friendly session. Ideal for ages 4 – 10 Imperial War Museum North Manchester. Tel: 0161 836 4000

3,4,10,11,17,18 December 11am - 4pm

Yuletide celebrations.
Come and explore the taste of a Tudor Christmas with displays, entertainment, storytelling with Helen Stewart and festive fun.
Sat 3 & Sun 4 - Hautbois musical entertainment,
Sat 10 & Sun 11 - Piva,
Sat 17 - Peter Bull, Sun 18 - Piva.
The ground floor including the Great Hall, Withdrawing Room and passages will be decorated with traditional Tudor foliage and arrangements. Rooms will be filled with examples of cakes, sweetmeats and other treats enjoyed at this time and the long table will be loaded with feast-day delicacies which would have been turned out of the Tudor kitchen. Enjoy a unique Yuletide luncheon or supper. Call for more details (booking essential). Little Moreton Hall. Congleton, Cheshire Telephone: 01260 272018

4 December 10.00am to 3.00pm

Festive Tree Decorating.
Why not come along and celebrate the wonder of trees by painting your very own festive tree decoration? Then it will be hung up in one of the trees in the park for everyone to see. Different patterned wooden shapes will be available for you to paint as you wish. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Price: Adults FREE, Children £3. Meeting point: Congleton Park, Park Road, Congleton (SJ862632) Leader: Ranger Alistair Wright Tel: 01625 383777

4 December 11am - 4pm

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS.
Festive family fun, including carol singing, Christmas workshops, face painting and lots more. Children can visit Father Christmas and give him a wish list. Suitable for all ages. Visit to Father Christmas £2. Price: £3 adults, £1 children. Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Tel: 0161 355 7770

4 December 3pm

Theatre in the Quarter presents Star of Wonder.
Starring magician/actor Paul Dabeck with Music by Matthew Baker. Theatre in the Quarter, Cheshire's professional touring theatre company, presents Star of Wonder, an exciting tale of Victorian magic and mystery for all ages. On Christmas Eve 1899 at a packed house in Chester's music hall, the impossible happens! Price: £11 (£6.50). United Reformed Church. Maclesfield.

4,11,18 December 11am - 4pm

Father Christmas.
Visit Father Christmas. Price: £6.00 per child. Lyme Park Disley, Stockport. Telephone: 01663 762023

4, 11, 18 December, 11.30am

What Nancy Did At Christmas Time
In this special edition of What Nancy Did Next we meet Nancy to hear her tales of life in the Land Army in the Second World War and how she marked the festive period. Learn about her wartime experiences away from home and how she spent Christmas with a quiet and timid horse called Rufus. Ideal for ages 4 – 10 Imperial War Museum North Manchester. Tel: 0161 836 4000

7-23 December 12pm - 4pm

A Venetian Christmas Mansion.
Tatton's Christmas Mansion is inspired by the Egerton's family's travels to Venice. The influence of Italy is reflected in the collections. In particular the Canaletto paintings in the Drawing Room.Also the Italian Garden. The state rooms are decorated with displays and traditional fresh garlands from the parkland. Live music entertains you during the visit. Mansion staff will be demonstrating how to make your own decorations and children can take part in Venetian mask making at weekends. Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

9 December 6pm - 8pm

Christmas Lantern Parade.
See Father Christmas arrive at Tatton Park during a brand new lantern parade. Meet Tatton's two adorable reindeer Prancer and Dancer. Bring along any unwanted toys to donate to a children's charity. There'll also be the opportunity to post your Christmas wish list to Father Christmas. Festive music from local band and choir will entertain and the shops and resturant will be open late for Christmas shopping and dining Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

9 December 10.15 - 11.15am, 11.30am - 12.30pm

Mini art club.
Make friends. Make noise. Make a mess. Activities designed especially for children aged 5 and under and their family. Spend quality, fun time with your little ones in a safe environment. FREE. Please book, from one week in advance. Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester Tel: 0161 235 8888

10 December

John Rylands Crafty Xmas!
A day of creative fun for all the family – make Christmas decorations, cards and presents using the Library’s collections as inspiration. All welcome, no need to book. John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate, Manchester Tel: 0161 306 0555

10,11 December 11am - 4pm

Christmas Fair and Shopping.
It's an early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family. During your visit look in Tatton Parks shops where you'll find hundreds of Ideas for Christmas Gifts. Tatton's Gift and Garden shop stock decorations and delightful souvenirs reflecting the character of the Park. The award-winning Housekeeper's Store offers a fantastic range of fine produce, including local cheeses, preserves and estate-reared meat. Bespoke gift hampers make ideal Christmas gifts. Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

10, 11 December. 12.00pm - 4.00pm

Imagine weekend
Experiment and play with the material of the month. You'll be amazed at the extraordinary things you can do with ordinary stuff! Stay for as little or as long as you want. Suitable for families with children of any age Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester Tel: 0161 235 8888.

10,11,17 December 12pm - 1pm, 1:30 pm - 2:30pm , 3pm - 4pm 18 December 12pm - 1pm

Carols by the Tree.
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie followed by carols in the elegant Edwardian dining room. Suitable for children aged 7+. Price: Adult £8.50, Child £8.50 (4-18) Dunham Massey Altrincham, Cheshire Tel: 0161 941 1025

10,11,17,18 December 11am-3pm

A Victorian Christmas at the Mill.
Join the festive fun at our traditional Christmas weekends. Chat to our costumed interpreters and find out what Christmas was like in the beautifully trimmed Apprentice House. Enjoy Christmas carols and musical entertainment, stories and traditional food & drink. Don't forget to meet Father Christmas in his Victorian grotto tell him your Christmas wish, and receive a special present! (£3 per child). Event will go ahead in all weather- our Estate team are prepared for whatever December brings, so don't let any snowflakes put you off! Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire Tel: 01625 445896

10,11,17,18 December 10am - 11am

Breakfast with Santa.
Come and enjoy your breakfast in the tearoom at Biddulph Grange Garden with a special visit from Santa Claus. Book early to avoid disappointment as this is a sell-out event every year. Price: Child £5.50. Booking Essential 01782 517999. Biddulph Grange Garden Grange Road, Biddulph, Staffordshire ST8 7SD Telephone: 01782 517999

10,11,17,18 December 11.30am – 3pm

Santa in his grotto.
Follow the fairy lights and find Santa in his grotto hidden in the garden and tell him what you would like for Christmas Biddulph Grange Garden Grange Road, Biddulph, Staffordshire ST8 7SD Telephone: 01782 517999

10 December 11am - 4pm
11,17,18,24 December 7pm - 10pm

Father Christmas at the Farm.
Father Christmas arrives at Tatton Park on Friday December 9th and children can pay a visit to see him on the following weekends. This year he'll have Prancer and Dancer with him, two adorable 2 year old reindeer who will be resident at the Farm. All the Farm animals, including the donkeys, pigs and horses and Tatton's famous rare breed animals are on show, while some are the star attractions of the nativity scene. Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto and receive a special Christmas Gift. Children's rides, face painting and story telling making a great Christmas day out for the family. Price: Adult £5, Child £4 (inc gift). Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

11 December

Christmas mask workshop
Be transformed into your favourite Christmas character by decorating one of our Christmas masks! Visit The Bandstand in The Orient to become a jolly Santa, a cool penguin or turn yourself into Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. The Trafford Centre Trafford, Manchester Tel: 0161 749 1717/18

11,18, December - 11.30am - 12.30pm;
19, 20,21,22 December - 10.0am-12pm

Christmas craft workshop.
Make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family. Price: £4.00 members, £6.00 non members. Glo Family 98 Stockport Road, Cheadle, Stockport, Cheshire Telephone: 0844 8007380

11,18 December - 1.30am - 3pm;
19,20,21,22 December - 2.30am-3pm

Father Christmas visiting.
Meet Santa 1:1, gift included. Price: Free to members, £5 non-members. Glo Family 98 Stockport Road, Cheadle, Stockport, Cheshire Telephone: 0844 8007380

15 December 10:30 am - 1pm

Walking for Health - The Cage Walk.
A walk from the car park to the Cage and beyond enjoying some fine views (1.5 miles). Walks for Health are open to all ages and abilities. Lyme Park Disley, Stockport. Tel: 01663 762023

15 December 7pm - 10pm

Christmas Concerts - Northern Chamber Orchestra
For each evening concert, the Mansion opens at 7pm, when you will have the opportunity to visit the Venetian themed Victorian Christmas Mansion and walk around the beautifully decorated state rooms and enjoy a warming winter drink before the concert starts at 8pm. PriceAdult £19, Child £12 (under 12yrs ). Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

16 December 7pm - 10pm

Christmas Concerts - City of Chester Male Voice Choir.
For each evening concert, the Mansion opens at 7pm, when you will have the opportunity to visit the Venetian themed Victorian Christmas Mansion and walk around the beautifully decorated state rooms and enjoy a warming winter drink before the concert starts at 8pm. PriceAll Tickets £15. Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

18 December 10am - 3pm

Carousel.
Ride traditional carousel horses Danny, Betty and Harry. Price: £1.50 Market Place. Maclesfield.

18 December 3pm - 4pm

Family Christmas Carols.
Family Outdoor Christmas Carol Service in the Stableyard. Bring your friends and family to outdoor Stableyard Carols and join in the singing to the accompaniment of the King Edward Musical Society. Shops will be open until 5pm for last minute Christmas shopping. Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire Tel: 01625 374435, 01625 374400

19, 20, 21st December 9am-1pm

Enjoy-a-Ball Christmas Camps!
Action-packed 4-hour camps. Indoor and outdoor games, fun activities plus arts &afts to take home! Camps are held from 9am-1pm Chorlton C of E Primary School. Chorlton. Tel: 07973 886 783

19, 21 December 12.30am-2.30pm

Pyjama Drama Christmas Party.
Includes lunch, a visit from Santa & gift. Price: £5.00 members, £7.50 non members. Glo Family 98 Stockport Road, Cheadle, Stockport,Cheshire Telephone: 0844 8007380

23 December 9.0am – 8.0pm

Market Place
Skating Rink.
The return of fun, family skating in the grounds of St Michael's. Sessions start on the hour. Price: £6. Market Place. Maclesfield.

26 December 10am - 12pm

Boxing Day Walk.
Walk off the turkey with a festive stroll through the Northern and Western woods. Price: Adult £5, Child £2.50 Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire Tel: 01625 445896

JANUARY

1 January 2012, 10am - 1pm

New Year Walk.
Come and join in on first guided walk of 2012. A good way for all the family to enjoy the start of the New Year, plus a Trusty Trail for children to follow on this 5-mile medium walk. Marsden Moor West Yorkshire, on the Pennine Way, between Huddersfield and Oldham. Info: Marsden Moor Estate Office, 01484 847016, marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

8 January Workshop 11am – 12.30pm, Tea Dance 1pm – 2.30pm

Ballroom Sunday
The popular family event is back! Join in for a ballroom workshop in the morning followed by a tea dance with your choice of hot drink and delicious homemade scones. Suitable for all aged 8+. Times Workshop 11am – 12.30pm, Tea Dance 1pm – 2.30pm Price: Children £5, Adults £10 (includes Afternoon Cream Tea) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

7 January 1.00pm - 3.00pm

13 January 10.15 - 11.15am, 11.30am - 12.30pm

13, 27 January 10am -10.45am& 11am - 11.45am

Under 5s First Steps.
Themes explored this term include The Park, The Circus and The Nutcracker story. Children learn to express themselves through movement whilst developing agility, strength and physical awareness. Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

14, 28 January 11am – 12.30pm

Saturday Playhouse: Make Your Own Art
Encourage budding artists to develop new skills and stretch their imagination using a variety of art and craft ideas. There is a different activity each week, so come back as often as you like. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

15, 16 January 12.00pm - 4.00pm

17 January 10:30 am - 1pm

Walking for Health - Paddock Cottage Walk.
A shorter walk via Knightslow Wood and Pursefield Wood (1.5 miles). Walks for Health are open to all ages and abilities. Lyme Park Disley, Stockport. Telephone: 01663 7620

20 January 10am – 11am & 11.15am – 12.15pm

Under 5s Doodle Tots
Paint, stick, play and make in this colourful workshop and have fun getting messy while you explore art, sound, texture and materials. Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

22 January. 1pm-3pm

Family Adventures in Style.
Husband and wife duo have resisted the usual family resorts and ‘backpacked’ the world with their family. They bring you a beautifully produced, coffee table guide to the best destinations, places to stay, eat and explore if you have children and an adventurous spirit.It will be a fun afternoon for the whole family, face painting for the kids, cocktails (for the adults) mocktails, cakes and party bags. Jill & Carlo will be chatting about their travel adventures, giving travel advice to parents, and signing copies of their new travel book. FREE event Harvey Nichols, Manchester Tel: 0161 – 828 8888

29 January Drop-in 11am – 3pm

Free Family Sunday
Sun 29 January, 26 February & 25 March Join us in the Galleries on the last Sunday of every month where you’ll discover fun art and drama activities inspired by our current exhibitions. The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

FEBRUARY

3 February 10am – 11am & 11.15am – 12.15pm

Under 5s Tiny Tot Tales
Take your toddler on an imaginative journey of stories and songs in this inspiring workshop where each month a different artwork or theme will be brought to life! Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

4 February 1.00pm - 3.00pm

5 February Workshop 11am – 12.30pm, Tea Dance 1pm – 2.30pm

10 February10.15 - 11.15am, 11.30am - 12.30pm

10, 24 February 10am -10.45am & 11am - 11.45am

Under 5s First Steps.
Themes explored this term include The Park, The Circus and The Nutcracker story. Children learn to express themselves through movement whilst developing agility, strength and physical awareness. Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

11, 12 February 12.00pm - 4.00pm

11, 25 February 11am – 12.30pm

13 – 17, 20-24 February 11am – 12.30pm

Art Zone – The Big Top
Roll up, roll up, and join us to make a magnificent mobile inspired by the sights and sounds of the circus – and afterwards, take your own unique work of art home. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

14 – 16, 21 – 23 February 11am – 12.30pm

Drama Zone – Billy Goats, Wolves & Talking Bears
Be inspired by classic animal characters from books in this fun family session packed with drama games and role play, and see if you can create a brand new story. Price: £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester Tel: 0843 2086000

14-17 February 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Surprise! Surprise!
Make amazing patterns with your family. Watch unexpected patterns appear as you explore surfaces and textures around the gallery with magic rubbings. Then play with paints in our studio to transform your patterns into beautiful pictures to take home. Suitable for families with children of all ages. Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester Tel: 0161 235 8888.

15 February

Children's Multi-Activity Fun Days.
Indoor Go Karting (2 sets), BodyZorbing, Giant Obstacle Course, Giant Slide, Dance Mats, Bouncy Castle, Trampolines, Whizz Wheels, hot and cold food and much more. £6 per child (under 3’s go free) and stay as long as you want! Target Age group: 3 to 14. Price: £6 per child (under 3’s go free). George H Carnall Leisure Centre Kingsway Park Davyhulme, M41 7FJ Tel: 0161 749 2555

16 February 10:30 am - 2pm

Walking for Health - Historic Walk.
Via Knightslow Wood and Paddock Cottage.A longer walk over varied terrain (4 miles). Walks for Health are open to all ages and abilities. Lyme Park Disley, Stockport. Telephone: 01663 7620

17 February 10am – 11am & 11.15am – 12.15pm

17 February 11am - 2pm

Fun Friday - Bat Boxes.
Come along for some half term fun and make a bat box to take home for your garden. Price: All Tickets £5. Marsden Moor West Yorkshire, on the Pennine Way, between Huddersfield and Oldham. Info: Marsden Moor Estate Office, 01484 847016, marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

25,26,27,28 February 11am - 5pm

The End of a Golden Era
Ever visited a country house and wanted the freedom to explore, play the piano, take part in a theatrical, dress up or have tea on the lawn? During 2012 you can. Look out for Edwardian Apprentice activities throughout the year. Price :Adult £11, Child £7, Family £25 Lyme Park Disley, Stockport. Telephone: 01663 7620

Our latest edition is out now!

What do our regular advertisers and readers think?

TESTIMONIALS! >>

Directory