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!

Until 2 January 2024 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

3, 10, 17, 24 November, 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, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

4, 11, 18, 25 November, 11am – 11.45am, 12noon – 12.45pm
Crafty Families
An exciting and engaging art class for families and under 11’s. With a different theme each week you’ll leave the session having created their own pieces of art. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-11.
Free, booking required
The Lowry,
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

4 – 5 November
Gruffalo Family Fun Day
The Gruffalo is leaving the deep, dark woods to visit the East Lancashire Railway!
– Meet the Gruffalo at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum.
– Enjoy family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more, all included in the ticket price.
– Complete your day out with a ride with one of our heritage trains through the Irwell Valley.
Ticket Price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit – no need to book separately, just pick a time that suits you on the day!
General Admission tickets must be purchased online, so don’t miss out.
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/gruffalo-family-fun-day/

8, 15, 22, 29 November, 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, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

10 November 2023 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/

24 November, 10am, 11am 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

25, 26 November
Santa Specials Steam Train Rides
Take a steam train ride to Rawtenstall and back through the Irwell Valley on what has become a firm family favourite in the North West! Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere provided by a traditional brass band and carol singing. Admire the beautifully decorated Bury Bolton Street Station with its hundreds of Christmas trees. Say hello to costumed characters on your journey. Be mesmerized by the on-board magician. Meet Santa and his elves as they travel through the train giving a gift to each child. Receive a biscuit and juice drink for children and a mince pie and festive tipple for grown-ups. Hunt for hidden clues in Bury Transport Museum with the Great Christmas Treasure Hunt.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/santa-trains/

25 November – 24 December 2023
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Take part in a scavenger hunt in the winter wonderland themed MINILAND®, build a cool LEGO decoration and display it for others to see, rock around the LEGO Christmas tree at the pop-up dance parties with the LEGO mascots and you can even spin the advent wheel and see what number it lands on to win a treat!
On selected dates (2-3, 9-10, 16-24 December) there is also the option to visit LEGO Santa in his grotto – this costs an additional £5 and includes the opportunity have a souvenir photo taken with the brick man himself and receive a gift.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
Trafford Palazzo, The Trafford Centre,
Manchester, M17 8AS
www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)