January

Christmas is over and kids are back to their schools and nurseries, but there is still much to do in the museums of Manchester…

Till 4 January 2026 11am – 9pm (last skate 8pm), excluding Christmas Day
Skate under the sun, moon, and stars
Whatever the weather, enjoy the festive season and skate at the new clear roofed ice rink at the enchanting Cathedral Gardens, offering an atmosphere of festivity and fairy tale for couples, families, and groups looking for some fun this winter.
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes
The Cathedral Gardens,
Manchester, M4 3BG
www.skatemanchester.com

7 January 2026, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Childminding information session
Do you have a passion for working with children and their families? Would you like to work from home and own your own business with a flexible role that works around your family? Childminding could be for you! There are no formal qualifications required.
The session is informal and there is the opportunity to ask questions and find out lots more about childminding. The government have committed to start-up grants of £600 for new childminders.
location: online
tel: 0161 218 1200 or 07891 949374
email: childminding@stockport.gov.uk
www.stockport.gov.uk

8 – 14 January 2026
Toddler Days – Big Adventures for Little Explorers at Eureka!
Give your little one the best start with a day designed for early learning! Toddler Days at Eureka! are dedicated to pre-school visitors with no school groups in the museum – creating a calm space for focused play and discovery. Each activity is carefully planned to support key areas of early years development, from problem-solving and creativity to communication and confidence.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Discovery Road,
Halifax HX1 2NE
Tel: 01422 330069
play.eureka.org.uk

13, 20, 27 January 2026, 10.30am – 11am
Baby Book Club
This is a great weekly session for parents and carers to introduce their babies to the wonderful world of libraries, books, and storytelling. Expect stories, songs, bubbles, sensory toys, and puppets! A fun and relaxed session especially for non-walking babies and their families.
Suitable for ages 0+
Free, booking required
Z-arts Library
335 Stretford Road, Hulme
Manchester M15 5ZA
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org

15 January 2026, 10.30am for 0–1, 11.30am for 1–2
Babies Playtime
These classes are led by a professional early years practitioner and are an opportunity to have fun, sing, dance and make new friends. Classes last 45 minutes and are free for all. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 0 to 1 and 1 to 2.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

16 January 2026, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers – Musical Christmas
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little one!
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

16 January, 10.30am – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm
Little Creatives
Creative session for toddlers and their adults! Includes music making, storytelling, dance and creative play. Sessions are 45 mins, are free for all and all attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

16, 23, 30 January 2026, 4.15pm – 5pm
Lego Club
Bring your little ones for LEGO Club, where they’ll be able to play with all the available LEGO and build whatever they like!
Requirements: parents need to stay and supervise their children throughout the session.
Suitable for all the family
Free, booking required
Z-arts
335 Stretford Road, Hulme
Manchester M15 5ZA
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org

17 January 2026, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Stoller Story Sounds – The Snowbear’s Story
Musical story journeys for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups.
Helena the Horse lives with Mummy Horse in their field next to the deep woods. Helena longs to go off on an adventure and explore the mysteries of the woods, but Mummy Horse won’t let her go all by herself…
Join Helena the Horse as she jumps out of her field for an adventure in the deep woods. What does the woods look like? What sounds can she hear? Who will she meet along the way?
Helena’s adventure will be accompanied by Storyteller Faz Shah, Illustrator Lizzie Finaly, Musician Gemma Ashcroft; and student wind quintet from Chetham’s School of Music.
Suitable for ages 3-5.
£7.5 per child, £8 for parent and child, £5.5 for additional adult, baby in arms free, booking required
The Stoller Hall,
Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1DA
Tel: 0333 130 0967
www.chethamsschoolofmusic.com

31 January 2026, 6 – 8 pm
Astro Night – Kids
Calling all budding young astronomers! You are invited to join Jodrell Bank staff for an unmissable opportunity to get started in astronomy at Jodrell Bank home of the famous Lovell Telescope.
During our fun-packed evening you will enjoy a journey around space in awesome Space Dome and you’ll be able to get hands on with telescopes and binoculars as you learn to navigate the night sky. You’ll also have the opportunity dress up as an astronaut taking your first steps on the moon and make your own comet to take home with you!
Note: observing the night sky is weather permitting
This event is recommended for families with children aged 7 – 13.
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centrer
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9DL
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net