November

November is the time of trick-or-treating and bonfires. It is also the time when we start looking for Christmas presents. This year November brings us Manchester Animation Festival with it’s fantastic Family day. Watch this space – a lot of fun things to do in Manchester and Cheshire for children and adults alike!

1 November 2025
Halloween Celebration of the Year of the Bat!
Are you ready for a fang-tastically frightening time on board of a Halloween Ghost Trains? Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye and the whole monster squad are just dying to meet you at the East Lancashire Railway to celebrate the Year of the BAT this October! Legendary Monster Hunter Dr Hurtz Von Driver will be waiting to greet you as you arrive, and will share tales of his terrifying adventures before deciding if you have the right stuff to join the Monster Squad. You will then prove your bravery by passing through the Haunted Halloween Walkthrough to reach the Platform. (note, expect some jumpscares). On the platform BE WARNED, unexpected singing and dancing could break out at any moment, led by Vampire Veronica and her groovy ghoulies. Here you will also find a Halloween BBQ offering a range of devilishly delicious treats so that you can make sure you’re fuelled up for the frights.
As soon as your spooky steam train pulls into the Platform you can hop on board and head into the dimming light as you join the terrifying tale of the “Blood Bat of Irwell Vale”. Don’t be too frightened, the Monster Squad will be there to protect you, with returning favourites like Zombie Bob who will make sure you have a FANGSTASTIC time!
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

1 November 2025 – 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

1 November 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/

2 November 2025, 10 – 11 am
Relaxed Visits to Jodrell Bank
Come to Jodrell Bank for a relaxed start to the day – sound in the exhibition spaces will be at a reduced level and there’ll be a relaxed early showing of the free film ‘Introduction to Jodrell Bank’at 10.15
Prepare for your visit with the handy Familiarisation Guide. You can also get to know the site in advance by reading Jodrell’s Accessibility Statement.
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centrer
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9DL
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net

6 November, 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

7 November 2025, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Art Baby at Whitworth
Sensory play sessions in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery, especially for non-walking babies and their grown-ups. It is a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where you can meet, play and talk with other parents and carers. These sensory play sessions are also specially designed to help develop your baby’s physical and social skills. With loads of space to crawl and explore, and lots of new things to look at, the gallery is a great place to play and bond with your baby.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/artbaby/

7 November, 10.30am – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm
Under 5 Little Creatives
An exciting and engaging art class for families with children age 2-5yrs with lots of engaging activities for them to get involved with. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Free, booking required
The Lowry,
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

9 November, 10.15am
Ted’s Space Adventure at Jodrell Bank
Introduction to wonderous new worlds for your little ones, with a charming Dome Show which puts the stars at your fingertips!
Explore the Solar System in a special Space Dome screenings of Ted’s Space Adventure – it’s one small step for Ted, one giant leap for little stargazers! Come on a journey through space with a bear named Ted (and trusty companion, Plant!), learning about the things we find there and how they affect us.
With interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is suatable for preschool children.
Dome Show tickets can be added to a general admission booking at online checkout or booked on arrival.
Tickets: £5, under 4 are free
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9D
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net

14 November 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/

15 November 2025, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Outdoor Art Club at Whitworth
Play-based outdoor workshops for all the family, but particularly brilliant for two to eight year-olds – encouraging children to play freely while exploring nature.
Wear suitable clothing, waterproofs and wellies, especially during the winter months.
Free, drop-in
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/outdoorartclub/

21 November 2025, 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: £5.00, 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

22 November 2025, 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

30 November 2025, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Quiet Mornings at Whitworth
Quiet and calm open-ended play sessions for families with additional needs.
There will be open-ended play objects to explore, created by The Sensory Toolkit, as well as a creative making activity. The sessions are designed so that children lead the way, moving around in their own time and at their own pace.
Free, drop-in
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/quietmornings/

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)