May

Be prepared for the May Bank Holidays, half term and beyond – browse our events and find the one for your family. With a variety of festivals, shows, and activities for kids and parents, you won’t be bored. Come rain of shine, there is always something to do in Cheshire and Manchester. Whether you’ll be having fun in Tatton Park, joining playtime classes at The Lowry or visiting East Lancashire Railway in Bolton, we’re certain you’ll enjoy it!

1 May 2025, 10am for 0–1, 11am 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 Lookout
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

2 May 2025, 10am – 10.45am, 11am – 11.45am
Little Creatives
A weekly 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 Lookout
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

3 May 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/

3 May
International Dance & Street Arts Festival
Cheshire’s free international dance and street arts festival is back, animating the streets of Northwich town centre and Barons Quay day and night. Expect the unexpected as a world of performers including Gorilla Circus, Company Chameleon, Tea Club and Sole Rebel take to the streets, stopping you in your tracks with visually powerful spectacles for all the family.
Town Centre
Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5DH
www.nownorthwich.co.uk

3 – 5 May 2025
All Aboard For A Day Out With Thomas!
Meet Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends, who are waiting to greet you at the East Lancashire Railway! This fun filled day out for all the family includes:
– Rides on Thomas
– Meeting The Fat Controller and some of Thomas friends
– Performances by Rusty and Dusty, Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers
– Unlimited Travel on Steam and Diesel trains
– Thomas Themed Activities in the Imagination Station, including, Tabletop Games, Colouring, Thomas Films
– Re-enactments of classic Thomas stories, including the Troublesome Trucks up to no good
– Magic Shows, Circus Workshops, Face Painting
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

5 May, 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm),
Dog Show begins at 12pm
Fun Dog Show at the Farm

Join in for an unforgettable day of fun and excitement at the dog show, featuring ten delightful novelty classes that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Some of the crowd-favorite categories include Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail, and Scruffiest Dog, each offering a unique twist to traditional dog shows. In addition to the novelty classes, there will be a thrilling agility course where you and your furry friend can test speed and coordination—just make sure you’re fit enough to keep up!
The highlight of the event is the coveted ‘Show Champion’ trophy, which will be awarded to the top dog of the day. To recognize the efforts of all participants, rosettes will be awarded up to 6th place in each class, ensuring that many of ther canine competitors go home with a well-deserved keepsake.
The festivities kick off at 12pm.
Entry to each class is just £2, in addition to the standard Farm entry charges. Whether you’re a seasoned dog show enthusiast or a first-time participant, this event promises a day of joy, laughter, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity to celebrate our four-legged friends and have a tail-wagging good time!
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

9 May 2025, 10.30am – 2.30pm
PLAY days at Whitworth
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. Whitworth’s School of Creativity space will be packed full of huge tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, large reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/playdays/

12 May, 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

12, 19 May 2025, 11 – 11.45am
Guided toddler walks
This is an opportunity for little ones to try walking on different surfaces for a sensory experience. These walks are led by the little adventurers, together with a guide they might spend time looking for leaves, playing pooh sticks or watching wildlife. These walks will go ahead in most weather conditions, as even the pouring rain can reveal wonders for the sights and senses. The walk will last for between 30-45 minutes, and toddlers will be able to walk and explore at their own pace. Where possible pushchairs are left in the pushchair storage which is in the Pre-loved Bookshop.
New for 2025 are optional nature themed activities:
12th May – Sound Walk. 19th May – Leaf Kebab
Free none-ticketed event, admission charges do not apply. Simply meet in the Mill Yard at 11am. Due to popularity, please, pre-book online, book a ticket per child. Adults do not require a ticket.
Quarry Bank
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LA
Tel: 01625 527468
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

27 May, 10.30am – 11.30am, 1pm – 2pm, 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Family Deer Workshop
Join Tatton’s Education Team for a fun, family event, which shares the history and significance of the Park’s deer herd.
The session will cover various historical periods and will provide an opportunity to handle real antlers and pelts, undertake a deer tracking walk and participate in a craft activity.
Children will be provided with specialist binoculars to take a closer look. Adults are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them, but a small supply will also be available to loan. Each child will also be given a Parkland Explorer handbook to take away, filled with outdoor activities and quizzes.
This event is open to all the family (no charge for under 3’s), but please be advised that it will include a parkland walk of approximately 1 mile in length. Please note that as the deer are a wild herd it is possible they may not be visible within walking distance of the event, but the team will be able to direct you to where they are situated that day.
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

29 May, 10.30am – 12pm, 1pm – 2.30pm
Through the Window Workshop
A unique family experience recommended for 3-6 year olds, based within Tatton’s Gardens, which explores art and design, observational skills, and simple mapping. Follow experience guides to uncover hidden vistas and magical views in award-winning Gardens. Peep through special natural windows, drawing what you see and creating a beautiful map to take home with you.
All children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult, and everyone must purchase a ticket. It is essential you come dressed for the outdoors.
Price: £15 per person. Includes park vehicle entry.
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

28 May 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

29 May 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

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)