April

Whether you are in Manchester city centre enjoying Duck Race, hunting Easter eggs at National Parks or in Tatton Park for lambing fortnight we hope that the weather will stay bright and worm for you. And if not, there are plenty of activities at the Lowry, in Urbis or in the Museum of Science & Industry. Manchester and Cheshire are full of surprises for all the family this Easter break.

3 – 27 April, 10am – 4pm
Easter Adventures at Dunham Massey
Designed with children of all ages in mind, Dunham Massey’s Easter Adventures trail features ten activity stations which explore the fascinating world of pollinators. From bees to butterflies, and from wasps to beetles, join the fun discovering the busy lives of these mini beasts.
Every trail pack (£3.50 each) includes a chocolate egg (vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate eggs available), bunny ears and a trail booklet.
Dunham Massey
Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ
Tel: 0161 941 1025
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/dunham-massey/

4 – 21 April 2025, 10.30am – 4pm
Easter Adventures at Lyme
Hunt colourful wooden eggs, big and small in Lyme’s garden trail this Easter. Hop and play along the way with egg-strodinary games, challenges, and activities for all the family to enjoy. Once you’re done collect a chocolate egg* of your own to take home. (Either a *chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.)
Suitable for ages 2+
Cost: £3.50 per trail, which includes a *chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. Normal admission fees apply (free for National Trust Members).
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
e.mail: lyme@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/

5 April 2025 2025
Feel Good Kids Art Club at Whitworth
Fun and expressive art and mindfulness session in the Whitworth’s peaceful Art Garden, Whitworth Park, and Clore Garden Studio. Aimed at ages 7-12, children will explore calming mindfulness techniques, all while connecting with nature and creating their own meaningful artwork.
Please bring weather-appropriate clothing and something to drink. All art materials are provided.
Free, booking required
Location: Clore Garden Studio & Whitworth Park
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/feelgoodkidsartclub/

5 – 20 April
Private Hire Easter Craft Cruises (Ideal for the little ones)
Book your very own private Easter themed boat trip for up to 12 people. Have a go at steering the boat and enjoy tea and coffee onboard. Craft activities, Easter eggs and drinks provided for each child.
Cruises depart from:
Boothstown Marina
14 Quayside Close
Boothstown,
Manchester M28 1YB
www.bridgewatercruises.co.uk

6 April, from 10am
Steam & Train Rides at Urmston and District Model Engineers
All aboard for a fun family day out! Visit Urmston and District Model Engineers and enjoy the sights and sounds of a real steam traction engine in action. Kids (and grown-ups!) can also take a ride on the miniature model railway. A perfect outing for little train lovers and curious minds.
Abbotsfield Park,
Chassen Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 5DH
/www.udmes.co.uk

9 April 2025
The Wizarding Adventure
It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic.
During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
For students age 5 – 12 recommended, but anyone is welcome to enrol.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine steam (and spell) powered train
– An approximately two-hour wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters.
– Wizard themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
– Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

10 April 2025
The Dino Adventure
Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin?
Now’s your chance. Come on an adventure of Jurassic proportions to The East Lancashire Railway and get the opportunity to get up close and personal with their baby dinosaurs.
You’ll get to learn all about these adorable dinosaurs from our expert handlers in this fully interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for all the family. Come along an earn your diploma in dino know how and begin your training as a palaeontologist of the future.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a dino-proofed steam train.
– An approximately two hour dinosaur experience with expert rex wranglers and triceratops tamers.
– Dinosaur themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Age recommended: 5 – 12 and anyone is welcome to join the fun.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

14 April, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £4.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

18-19 April, 2024
Peter Rabbit™ at Easter Fun Day
That mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit™, is coming to visit us at the Bury Transport Museum.
Come and see Peter Rabbit at intervals throughout the day. There will be even more family fun with theme park rides, face painters and craft activities.
Complete your day out with a ride along one of our heritage steam or diesel trains through Irwell Valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit.
General Admission tickets must be purchased online, so don’t miss out.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

25 – 26 April
After-hours with the Mermaids
Come and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester!
Tickets: £28 adult, £24 child, £5 passholders
Pre-booking is essential
SEA LIFE Manchester,
Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester M17 8AS
Tel: 0161 749 2875
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/explore/events/after-hours-with-the-mermaids

26 April – 8 June 2025, 10.30am – 4pm
“Spring Things” Family Activity Trail
Look out for the signs and sights of spring at Lyme with the “Spring Things” family trail. Pick up an activity fan and explore the estate with activities and games to try. Challenge each other to waggle dances, races, and pollinator themed games in the garden and learn about the nature that lives at Lyme in Spring.
Cost: £3 per trail, which includes a fun activity fan to guide you around Lyme as well as activities to take home. Normal admission fees apply (free for National Trust Members).
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)