Spring is spectacular at Penrhyn Castle. Enjoy the glorious displays of spring flowers as daffodils, bluebells, and primroses flower in their hundreds throughout the season. From the Sakura Circle on arrival to the colourful tulips in the Walled Garden, spring blossom is all around.
A trip to Penrhyn Castle, a neo-Norman castle located in Bangor, North Wales, offers something for everyone. Head inside and discover the castle’s enormous wealth and complex history or explore the sloping gardens and grounds taking in the views towards the mountains and coast. During the easter holidays, embark on an adventure brought to life by exuberant carved woodland creatures and our larger-than-life willow frog and complete the ten-point nature trail to earn your chocolate egg.
Join an Easter egg hunt | 23 March – 1 April
Pop on some bunny ears and meet the carved woodland creatures and a larger-than-life willow frog living in the grounds. Find the musical instruments in the woods, join an Easter tea party in the Walled Garden, or go head-to-head in an egg and spoon race. Tick off all ten activities to claim your chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg.
Penrhyn Castle’s Grounds are your playground
Looking for a place to go wild? We have two adventure playgrounds to choose from ready for your family visit. The large grounds surrounding the castle offer the perfect space to hop, skip and jump your way to a great day out and there are plenty of trees to climb.
Discover the house
Inside the castle, discover the incredible carvings found on the walls and furniture of this magnificent neo-Norman castle. Find the creatures and grotesques which feature heavily in the corridor, gallery and grand staircase. As you explore the lavish interiors, take in some of the rich and complex history. Hear stories of sugar and slate fortunes and delve ‘below stairs’ in the Victorian kitchens.
Dazzling
Daffodils
With daffodils peeking out and Easter on its way, it’s time to enjoy the longer days with your children off school (and a break from the usual routine!) and head out to make the most of the seasonal entertainment on offer.
This March issue is packed with unmissable family activities, right on your doorstep, ripe for some Easter exploration and guaranteed to turn an ordinary weekend into something special! Entertaining children needn’t be expensive either as there are so many brilliant things to do which are low cost or even free. Check out the variety of events and things to do, catering from toddlers through to teens - we’ve featured the best museums, parks, play areas, trails and attractions to keep families entertained for hours! Even better, there’s the added bonus of chocolate treats on the horizon too!
So, whether you keep the kids sweet by staying in, or heading out for adventures, we wish you all a truly scrumptious Easter. We’ll see you again in time for the May half term.
A round up of some great events taking place near you
Shake off the winter blues and spark the energy in your kids this Easter with Brio Leisure’s Junior Memberships! For just £13 per month, under 11’s get access to casual swimming and off-peak racquets. Elevate the excitement for your 11-17-year-olds at £17 per month, unlocking supervised gym sessions and selected fitness classes too (over 14’s only). Keep them active and engaged all year round with their annual options! No more post-holiday slump! Dive into a world of fun and fitness with Brio. Whether it’s a splash in the pool or a spin in the gym, they’ve got something for every junior adventurer. Make memories, make friends, and make this Easter break one to remember! Visit your local Brio centre or visit online. W: www.brioleisure.org/memberships
Places still available for Reception and Years 1-4 for September 2024 entry
The Grange School cultivates an environment where ambitious, young people grow together and make exceptional progress in a hugely supportive and stimulating atmosphere. We believe the provision of a truly excellent learning experience is fundamental to creating the best possible springboard for your child’s future.
Visit grange.org.uk to find out more
The Grange understand the time and consideration that goes into choosing the right school for your child. At The Grange Junior School they welcome you to come along and really get a feel for their friendly and nurturing community at a number of events throughout the year. If you are thinking about school for September 2025 they invite you and your pre-schooler to join their upcoming events:
Fun activities for 0-4 year olds led by the lovely Childcare assistant Caroline. Meet and chat with other families whilst your pre-schooler is busy playing. 26th March, 19th April, 30th April, 17th May, 4th June and 20th June. 8.45-10.15am NO NEED TO BOOK
The wonderful Reception teachers lead themed sessions creating summertime arts and crafts and tasty treats whilst parents have the chance to meet with teaching staff over a coffee.
Friday 10th May 9.15-10.15am and 10.45-11.45am BOOKING REQUIRED
Tour classrooms, meet teachers, learn about the academic and enrichment programmes and complete a Teddy Bear hunt to discover the school
Saturday 28th September 9am and 11.15am BOOKING REQUIRED They can’t wait to meet you! T: 01606 539039 W: www.grange.org.uk
The King’s School Chester is celebrating after being named the Northwest
Independent Secondary School of the Year in the 2024 Sunday Times Parent Power guide. Headmaster, George Hartley, is immensely proud of the title: “It is a huge honour to be named the top independent school in the Northwest and it is a celebration of the passion and hard work that characteries every member of our school community.”
“I believe that the school’s success is down to three key principles that characterise a King’s education: growth mindset, student wellbeing and a wealth of opportunities which, when combined, work to prepare happy and confident learners to make their mark in a rapidly changing 21st century world.”
Year 5 children can discover King’s for themselves on their Year 5 Activity Days on 19th and 20th June. Book online now. W: www.kingschester.co.uk
Easter is just around the corner, and there are lots of exciting events and activities springing into action to celebrate! Look no further for great family days out or adventures for kids – we’ve rounded up plenty of options to brighten up the holidays!
Are you looking for fun activities during the Easter holidays? Go and join in the fun at Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks! Open to children aged 5-11 from all schools, Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks keep your child motivated and active over the break, building positive attitudes towards sports and physical activity to boost concentration and learning. Give them an Easter they’ll never forget with two screen-free, fun-filled weeks packed with games and activities from cricket, football and netball, to frisbee, longball and tag! To find out more about 2024 courses or to book, please visit online. W: www.birkenheadschool.co.uk/holiday-activity-weeks
Visit Catalyst over the Easter holidays and create your own Easter themed keyring in their Fantastic Plastic workshops or learn about the science of one of our favourite treats in the Chocolate Show. Go and explore… their ground floor interactive gallery is home to a host of hands-on exhibits; film in the TV studio, create an animation, make a marble run, test the scarf shooter, and more! Enjoy panoramic views across Cheshire from the rooftop Observatory Gallery or visit the historical Birth of an Industry and Baker Galleries. Science has never been so much fun! Book tickets online. W: www.catalyst.org.uk
There’s lots going on at Bents during the school holidays with creative crafting and the return of some very special guests. Little ones can enjoy Easter themed crafting on Tuesday 2nd April and build a new best friend at Be My Bear workshops, taking place on 4th, 9th and 11th April. And there’s entertainment in abundance when Willy Wonka and friends return on Friday 5th April. Add to that Bents’ outdoor adventure play area, covered beach, and a choice of delicious dining destinations and your visit is complete. To find out more about these and Bents’ regular activities, call or go online. T: 01942 266 300 W: bents.co.uk
Entertainment for all is coming to Liverpool ONE this spring! Take your little superheroes to their new active entertainment brand Gravity MAX on Chavasse Park, where they’ll be in awe of the endless games and activities to try! If they’ve got a need for speed, the thrilling e-Karting track is a winner, VR headset games will keep them on their toes, or play some crazy golf with the whole family - there’s fun to be had everywhere with Junkyard Golf Club, Escape Live! and more. When hunger strikes, there are brilliant dining options catering for every taste, from Wagamama to TGI Friday’s and everything in between. Look out for ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals, too, as loads of offers are back for the Easter break. W: www.liverpool-one.com
Step into a world where science comes to life this Easter holidays with Xplore! Science Discovery Centre. Their brand-new show Brilliantly Baffling Brains is sure to get you thinking! Explore the science behind the body’s most important organ and delve into an exciting array of demos and experiments, presented by Xplore!’s talented team of Science Communicators! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the centre to visit their shop and café, where they are now serving freshly made pizzas! Join them at Xplore! Science Discovery and make this school holiday a unique celebration of wonder and discovery. W: www.xplorescience.co.uk
you’ll be glad you went to Bents Spring begins at Bents.
2023/24 Make
your
Join the gang at GreenWood Family Park over the Easter holidays for forest family adventure and wander through the woods to discover a thrilling NEW ride. Also new for this spring… Syril the Squirrel adventure trail featuring sweet treats, fabulous new shows, and a Cwtch Corner with cute and cuddly animal companions. GreenWood Family Park is the place to be for a full day out, with heaps of woodland adventure and forest family fun. W: www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
Discover the Lovell, the UK’s largest working radio telescope, and learn the fascinating story of how it came to be, meeting incredible British innovators along the way. No visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is complete without exploring the First Light Pavilion, home to the Space Dome - a state-of-the-art planetarium showing free and premium films all day! Plus, get answers to all your big space questions from their expert team of Science Explainers. Set your SatNav for Saturn and book a trip to Jodrell Bank today! W: www.jodrellbank.net
Photo: Jon Scrimshaw
Spring into Tatton Park’s 50-acre gardens this Easter, and you’ll find 12, supersized Shaun the Sheep sculptures grazing in new pastures. Some of the sculptures have been inspired by the flora and fauna you’ll find in Tatton’s gardens from around the world. The ewe-nique arts trail is great for families who are looking for a colourful adventure this spring! Children visiting the gardens, farm, and mansion over Easter weekend (29th March-1st April), can collect their chocolate treats with each trail and head to the Stableyard on Easter Monday to meet Shaun the Sheep! Get ready for some baa-rilliant Easter adventures! W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/easter
Hop over to BeWILDerwood Cheshire this Easter and meet Cedric the Easter Bunny between 28th March-14th April! See what the Pesky Bunnies are getting up to over at the Storytelling Stage and get crafty at the Big Hat and make your very own bunny ears! As well as all the Easter fun, you can meet other BeWILDerwood characters, whizz down the Slippery Slopes, zoom along the Wobbly Wires, complete the Sky Maze and get musical at BeWILDerville with the musical marimbas too! BeWILDerwood Cheshire is open from 10am-5pm and tickets are available to purchase online or on arrival. W: www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Snow leopards are arriving at Chester Zoo this spring! In a stateof-the-art, Himalayanthemed habitat, visitors can come face-to-face with these incredible big cats for the first time. This year, get closer than ever to some of the UK’s most iconic species in an unforgettable 360° immersive experience, brought to you by the filmmakers behind BBC and ITV documentaries. As a notfor-profit conservation charity, every visit to Chester Zoo helps fund vital conservation work across the globe, so you can support wildlife on your next day out! Book today online. W: www.chesterzoo.org
£2.50 £2.50 PER TICKET PER TICKET
23rd March - 7th April
(CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY)
During the Easter holidays, from 29th March until 14th April, visit RHS Bridgewater to find all the larger-than-life hand painted eggs hidden around the garden and win a free chocolatey treat from NOMO – The UK’s No. 1 Vegan & ‘Free From’ chocolate brand! Plus, enjoy craft activities, storytelling, a bird spotter trail, and family outdoor theatre fun. It’s the perfect way to spend some family time outdoors when the garden is bursting with spring bulbs. W: www.rhs.org.uk
Fun for all the family, join in with our family spring trail and learn about our native wildlife at the same time!
Explore Gordale to find hidden animal figures, learn fascinating facts about their homes, habits and diets, then unscramble the secret code. A special chocolate treat awaits those who succeed.
No need to book, just turn up
Gordale Garden & Home Centre
Chester High Road, Cheshire CH64 8TF
Tel: 0151 336 2116 | www gordale co uk
Spring is spectacular at Penrhyn Castle! Enjoy the glorious displays of spring flowers as daffodils, bluebells, and primroses flower in their hundreds throughout the season. From the Sakura Circle on arrival to the colourful tulips in the Walled Garden, spring blossom is all around. A trip to Penrhyn Castle, a neo-Norman castle located in Bangor, North Wales, offers something for everyone. Head inside and discover the castle’s enormous wealth and complex history, or explore the sloping gardens and grounds taking in the views towards the mountains and coast. During the easter holidays, embark on an adventure brought to life by exuberant carved woodland creatures and their larger-than-life willow frog, and complete the ten-point nature trail to earn your chocolate egg! W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle @PenrhynCastleNT
This spring, why not explore over 300 years of history at the Cheshire Military Museum, Chester. It promises fun and new knowledge for all members of the family - you’ll discover all about the hardships and life in the First World War trenches, you can venture into their tiny WW2 pill box and learn where the soldiers of Cheshire have served around the world. Open from 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm), Thursday to Sunday. Disabled access to all galleries and an admission charge applies. Get in touch for more information of living history events and more. T: 01244 327617 W: www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.org.uk
The perfect destination for ultimate bouncing fun for the whole family, come rain or shine! Bouncers of all ages can enjoy all the exciting activities at the park. Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, battle beams, the wipeout zone, and much more. Take your pick!
Open Jump sessions are suitable for age 4+, Toddler Takeover is open to younger bounce enthusiasts aged 1-6 years, or experience the park in a cool nightclub atmosphere every Friday and Saturday evening at After Dark sessions, age 4+. Add an Easter egg hunt to your jump! Available online or to purchase in park, find the Easter eggs hidden around the park and solve the riddle to win a prize.
Freedome is the perfect venue for your next party or group booking. Choose from one of many party packages for a 100%-Fun-Zero-Stress experience. Each includes a party host, exclusive party room or area, decorations and clean up. All you need to do is book, leave the rest up to Freedom. Or enquire today about group packages - school trips, youth groups, and corporate team building can all be catered for. W: www.freedomeparks.com
Gordale’s Spring Nature Trail is fun for all the family and encourages learning about wildlife too! From Saturday 23rd March, go and explore the Garden Centre to find the hidden animal figures, and learn fascinating facts about their habits, homes and diets. Even better, your adventure ends with a chocolate treat from the Rabbit’s Warren! A brilliant day out where children can get their minds working and their feet moving whilst learning all about helping and encouraging our British Wildlife, and all for just £2.50 per child. No need to book, simply head off to Gordale for a great day out. W: www.gordale.co.uk
Families, assemble! Liverpool ONE is about to find itself submerged in a world of fantasy and fun characters as we get ready for the arrival of Comic Con. We’re getting excited to welcome stars of the screen to the city again in a huge celebration of pop culture.
From Easter up until the May Bank Holiday Weekend expect to find exciting selfie opportunities, pop up appearances and plenty of surprises!
Take your little superheroes to our new active entertainment brand Gravity MAX on Chavasse Park, where they’ll be in awe of the games, and the sheer amount of activities to get stuck into. If they’ve got a need for speed, the thrilling e-Karting track is a sure winner, and VR headset games will keep them on their toes (and, to be honest, they’ll give you a bit of a giggle, too!) Then, slow things down with a bit of crazy golf the whole family can get involved with up on the second floor. Entertainment is always on the cards at Liverpool ONE – along with Gravity MAX, there’s fun to be had literally everywhere with Junkyard Golf Club, Escape Live! and others.
Leveltap on Hanover Street is a gamer’s paradise, which includes esports and every kind of console. Serving American Pizza Slice and a cocktail and sundae menu, the whole family can enjoy themselves.
Junkyard Golf Club is a wacky and wonderful network of creative crazy golf – with plenty of selfie spots, too, for capturing those memories. Older kids will love On the Green, with simulations of world-class golf courses (and some of the best views in the city on a nice day!) And Escape Live! is sure to fill a couple of hours as kids will love their dedicated Horrible Histories room. Brighter days are here! There’s lots to enjoy in our outdoor spaces, from our open city centre green space Chavasse Park, to our shopping streets full of brands the kids will love, like LEGO, Kenji, Swatch and Waterstones.
Burn off some energy, stretch those legs and get some fresh air with the free Nature Trail, which has relaunched for Spring to make the most of our beautiful, diverse floral landscape
that’s blooming once again. Grab a map from the Tourist Information Centre on Wall Street, or use the digital version on our website, to follow the trail.
They’ll be spoilt for choice up on the Terrace, where our brilliant dining brands cater for every taste, from Wagamama to TGI Friday’s and everything in between. Look out for Kids eat Free deals, too, as loads of our brands bring the deals back in time for the Easter break. There’s no villains here!
For more information, visit www.liverpool-one.com
Looking for some entertainment this Easter holiday and beyond? Here’s a collection of family-friendly events to pop on your calendar! With so many unique experiences right on your doorstep, you won’t have to travel far to make special memories with your little ones this spring.
SATURDAY
MARCH & MONDAY
APRIL
Oulton Park’s first major event of 2024 is one for all the family with British GT Championship supercar racing and themed Easter attractions on 30th March and 1st April. British GT will entertain on the famous Cheshire circuit with two headline races on Easter Monday where mouth-watering machinery from Lamborghini, McLaren, BMW, Mercedes-AMG and more will star! For little ones, there will be lots of fun things to do, including free face painting, arts and crafts and even a visit from the Easter Bunny. Other attractions will include funfair rides and an autograph session with the British GT drivers. Under-13s go FREE, with all advance tickets discounted. W: www.oultonpark.co.uk
Fun, lively and sometimes a little bit cheeky, Elgar’s Enigma Variations is one of the most famous pieces of music ever written for a symphony orchestra and it is coming to The Bridgwater Hall in May. Edward Elgar, a composer who lived in the English countryside with his wife, Alice, came home after a long day teaching music and started playing around on the piano. His wife liked the tune he had made up and asked him to play it again. This tune went on to become the Enigma Variations. The music keeps coming back to that original tune, but Elgar developed it so each section represented his friends and family. Tom Redmond and the Hallé, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, will take you on a tour of this intriguing work, learning the stories behind the music. The concert is on at 12noon and tickets can be booked online. W: www.halle.co.uk
SUNDAY 31ST MARCH & MONDAY 1ST APRIL
That mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter RabbitTM, is coming to visit the Bury Transport Museum on 31st March and 1st April. Go 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 on one of the East Lancashire Railway’s heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell Valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit! W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
25 Years of the Gruffalo
Delamere Forest
www.forestryengland.uk
A year-long celebratory trail, to mark the 25th anniversary of the award-winning book. The Gruffalo’s 25th Birthday Trail is a party in the forest and families are encouraged to work together to search for missing party items whilst enjoying fun and games along the way. For those looking to enhance their experience, an accompanying trail pack is available to buy for just £4.
Jodrell Bank
www.jodrellbank.net
Discover the Lovell, the UK’s largest working radio telescope, and learn the fascinating story of how it came to be, meeting incredible British innovators along the way.
GreenWood Family Park
www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
Get your adrenaline pumping on the exhilarating rides, from the speedy Green Dragon Roller Coaster to the dizzying Solar Splash Water Slide. Take a leap of faith on the amazing Giant Jumper, or challenge your friends to a race on the Jungle Boats. Non-stop thrills for all ages are guaranteed. Book online in advance and save up to 20%.
IWM North www.iwm.org.uk
What is it like to be caught up in war as a child? Evacuees, refugees, targets, and combatants share their experiences. Part of the Big Picture Show. An immersive 360-degree thought-provoking multimedia experience
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Get hands on and see science brought to life in the free interactive gallery designed for the whole family to enjoy together. Test your senses and flex your superpowers, experience heat vision, and see if you are strong enough to lift a car.
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Play the very best video games from the past five decades from Pong to Pacman, Mario to Minecraft, plus a selection of games created in Manchester. Face off against friends and families in multiplayer showdowns, rediscover your childhood favourites and test out some of the latest virtual reality experiences during weekends and school holidays.
Chester Zoo
www.chesterzoo.org
Discover over 37,000 incredible animals at the UK’s most visited zoo! Snow leopards are coming to the zoo this spring! This year, get closer than ever to some of the UK’s most iconic species in an unforgettable 360° immersive experience, brought to you by the filmmakers behind BBC and ITV documentaries.
Delamere Forest
www.delamerebikes.co.uk
Tracs offers individuals of all ages and ability the opportunity to experience cycling through the scenic forest either on wide open family friendly forest roads or for the more skilled there are miles of uninterrupted single-tracks to discover. Bike hire and an on-site shop are onsite alongside bike servicing. Children’s parties, guided rides even learn to ride days are available to book.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Cheshire Military Museum
www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.org.uk Explore over 300 years of history at the Cheshire Military Museum, Chester. Fun for all the family! Discover the First World War trench and venture into the tiny WW2 pill box. Learn where the soldiers of Cheshire have served around the world. Open 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm), Thursday to Sunday. Disabled access to all galleries. Admission charge applies.
Cap Com Go!
Jodrell Bank
www.jodrellbank.net
On July 16th 1969, three Astronauts blasted off to space to make the first ever attempt to land humans on the Moon. This short film allows you to relive the epic NASA Apollo 11 mission like never before. All ages. Tickets £5, available as an add-on to general admission. Running until 31st May.
Brio Leisure
www.brioleisure.org
Spark some energy with Brio Leisure’s Junior Memberships! For £13 per month, under 11’s get access to casual swimming and off-peak racquets. Elevate the excitement for your 11-17 year-olds at £17 per month, unlocking supervised gym sessions and selected fitness classes too (over 14s only).
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
From the colossal new Gravity MAX, with games to keep the whole family busy, to escape rooms at Escape Live!, and golf for everyone between Junkyard Golf Club and On the Green, not forgetting topquality gaming at leveltap, Liverpool ONE is the perfect place to keep everyone entertained. Experience a jam-packed activity day out all in one place. The ODEON cinema has some fantastic new releases including Kung Fu Panda 4.
Penrhyn Castle’s Grounds are your playground
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, North Wales
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle Looking for a place to go wild? They have two adventure playgrounds to choose from ready for your family visit. The large grounds surrounding the castle offer the perfect space to hop, skip and jump your way to a great day out and there are plenty of trees to climb.
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com/the-heritage-trail
The Heritage Trail, both free and fully accessible, invites visitors on a journey to explore more than 300 years of Liverpool’s history. Discovering the events, places and people that shaped the maritime powerhouse that is Liverpool.
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Get ready for a special mission to find out what happens to food when we eat. From the tip of the tongue to the end of the bum, explore the role of each organ in the digestive journey through interactive games and challenges, fun facts and fascinating objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection. Running until 9th June.
and Flop Activity Trail
Martin Mere Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk
Bing and Flop are heading to WWT Martin Mere! A Bing and Flop activity trail will be at Martin Mere from 23rd March until 2nd June for Bing’s Nature Explorers event programme. There will be a range of Bing-themed activities to encourage families and young children to explore the fascinating wetlands.
Springtime Fun
Gordale, Chester High Road, South Wirral www.gordale.co.uk
The Spring Nature Trail is fun for all the family, and encourages learning about wildlife. Explore the Garden Centre to find the hidden animal figures, and learn fascinating facts about their habits, homes and diets. Your adventure ends with a chocolate treat from the Rabbit’s Warren. £2.50 per child, drop in.
Join an Easter Egg Hunt
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, North Wales www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle Pop on some bunny ears and meet the carved woodland creatures and a larger-than-life willow frog living in the grounds. Find the musical instruments in the woods, join an Easter tea party in the Walled Garden, or go head-to-head in an egg and spoon race. Tick off all ten activities to claim your chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Running until Monday 1st April.
Thursday 28th March
Easter Fun at BeWilderwood
Bickley Moss, SY13 4JF www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Hop over to BeWILDerwood Cheshire this Easter and meet Cedric the Easter Bunny between 28th March-14th April. Storytelling stage and craft activities as well as the usual BeWilderwood attractions. 10am-5pm.
Kids Eat for Less or Free Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com/whatson/ kids-eat-free
The popular offer is back, with lots of restaurants at Liverpool ONE offering free kids’ meals this Easter break, there’s something for everyone!
Gandeys Hollywood Spectacular!
Trafford Centre, Manchester www.traffordcentre.co.uk
Step onto the red carpet and into the Big Top as Gandeys Circus, the unparalleled maestro of spectacular circus entertainment, unveils the 2024 Hollywood Spectacular! A seamless blend of circus magic with the glittering glamour of Hollywood. Running until 14th April.
Friday 29th March
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt
RHS Garden Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Find all the larger-than-life hand painted eggs hidden around the garden to win a free chocolatey treat from NOMO – The UK’s No. 1 Vegan & ‘Free From’ chocolate brand, and enjoy craft activities, storytelling, a bird spotter trail and family outdoor theatre fun. Running until 14th April.
Martin Mere Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk
Can you ‘quack the case’ this Easter and find the bright yellow ducks hiding around the wetlands? Running until Sunday 14th April.
Find the Flock
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
A colourful arts trail in the blooming gardens. Collect a trail sheet (small charge) and explore Tatton’s 50 acres of glorious gardens. Runs until 14th April. The farm is also welcoming Little Grey Fergie, the clever little grey tractor who can move all by himself with chocolate rewards available during the Easter weekend.
Oulton Park
www.oultonpark.co.uk
Incredible cars from Aston Martin, McLaren, Lamborghini and more will compete in two one-hour sprint races on main raceday Monday, with pit stops and driver changes included. There will be much more to do though, including free face painting, arts and crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Other attractions will include funfair rides and an autograph session with the British GT drivers. Running until Monday 1st April.
Tatton Park, Knutsford
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Head to the dance floor for their two channel adults and kids silent disco party! 2.30-3.30pm. £6.50 per person.
Haydock Park
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Haydock Park Racecourse transforms into a prehistoric paradise for a day of family fun, filled with thrilling racing action alongside activities and entertainment that will leave your little explorers in awe.
GreenWood Family Park
www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
Go along this Easter holidays for forest family adventure and wander through the woods to discover a thrilling new ride. New for this spring…Syril the Squirrel adventure trail featuring sweet treats, fabulous new shows and a Cwtch Corner with cute and cuddly animal companions.
Imperial War Museum North www.iwm.org.uk
Get hands-on with real museum objects and photographs to learn the importance of chocolate during the Second World War. Discover how chocolate was rationed and how it boosted the troops morale. Complete the Story Seekers Trail to earn a chocolate reward. Runs until 14th April.
Monday 1st April
Fantastic Plastic Workshops
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
www.catalyst.org.uk
Visit Catalyst over the Easter Holidays and create your own Easter themed keyring in one of the Fantastic Plastic workshops or learn about the science of one of our favourite treats in the Chocolate Show.
Meet Shaun the Sheep
Tatton Park, Knutsford
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Shaun the Sheep will be making appearances throughout the day in the Stableyard.
Tuesday 2nd April
Holiday Activity Weeks
Birkenhead School
Sunday 31st March
East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlansrailway.org.uk
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 the East Lancashire Railway’s heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell Valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit. Also on 1st April.
www.birkenheadschool.co.uk
Open to children aged 5-11 from all schools, keep your child motivated and active over the break building positive attitudes towards sports and physical activity to boost concentration and learning. Running 2nd-5th and 8th12th April.
Where Science Lives!
Xplore! Science Centre, Wrecsam www.xplorescience.co.uk
Step into a world where science comes to life this Easter Holidays, the brand-new show Brilliantly Baffling Brains is sure to get you thinking! Explore the science behind the body’s most important organ and delve into an exciting array of demos and experiments, presented by Xplore!’s talented team of Science Communicators.
Bents Garden and Home www.bents.co.uk
Enjoy some Easter themed crafting at Bents today! Read on to find out about their other events over the holidays too. Plus, they have their usual adventure play area and covered beach to visit.
Once Upon a Time…
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
A storytelling tour bringing to life characters and events from a selection of fairy tales. Ages 3-6. 10.30am-12noon and 1-2.30pm.
Revolution Manchester Science and Industry Museum, Manchester www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Journey through Manchester’s rich legacy of industrial innovations, scientific discoveries and ideas that changed the world. Meet ‘Baby’, the working replica of the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine – the ancestor of every modern computer, and see one of the first RollsRoyce motorcars.
Wednesday 3rd April
Welly Walks
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
Learn about the animal and plant life that inhabit the parkland on a welly walk. Ages 8 and under, not suitable for pushchairs.
The Nature Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com/nature-trail
For all the mini explorers amongst us, Liverpool ONE’s Nature Trail is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and tour Chavasse Park learning about the vast array of resident plants and wildlife. The free trail is self-guided by a map available online or at the Tourist Information Centre on Wall Street and it takes around 60 minutes to complete.
Thursday 4th April
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
Explore the gardens on a delightful storytelling tour based on the Tale of Peter Rabbit. 10.30am-12noon and 1-2.30pm.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Be By Bear Workshops
Bents Garden and Home www.bents.co.uk
Youngsters can build a new best friend in these workshops! Also running on 9th and 11th April.
Friday 5th April
Lambing Weekend at the Farm
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
See the newborns and learn all about them with the expert farm staff. Running until 12th April but closed on Mondays.
Willy Wonka
Bents Garden and Home www.bents.co.uk
Willy Wonka and friends return today for some family entertainment!
Saturday 6th April
Wirral Farmer’s Market
New Ferry
www.wirralfarmersmarket.org.uk
Wirral Farmers’ Market was established in 2000 and is held on the second Saturday every month in New Ferry from 9am-1pm.
Tuesday 9th April
Tudor Times
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
Step back in time at the Old Hall to experience what life was like for people living in Tudor Times. Ages 7-11. 10.30am-12noon and 1-2.30pm.
Wednesday 10th April
Viking Life
Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
Become one of Harald’s Shield Warriors or Shield Maidens and learn about Viking history and way of life through this engaging workshop and series of hands-on activities. Ages 7-11. 10.30am12noon and 1-2.30pm.
Thursday 11th April
Travel to Wonderland
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
During this weird and wonderful interactive experience, you’ll meet the surreal inhabitants of this bizarre place. Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities too.
Sunday 21st April
Junior Rangers Weekend Club
Chester Zoo
www.chesterzoo.org
Activity club for primary aged children in Years 4-6, runs for 90 minutes every Sunday until 5th May from 9.30-11am.
Friday 26th April
Gandeys Hollywood Spectacular!
Aintree Racecourse
www.gandeyscircus.com
Step onto the red carpet and into the Big Top as Gandeys Circus, the unparalleled maestro of spectacular circus entertainment, unveils the 2024 Hollywood Spectacular! A seamless blend of circus magic with the glittering glamour of Hollywood. Running until 6th May at Aintree Racecourse.
Saturday 4th May
Day Out with Thomas East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
This popular event is running 4th-6th May over the Bank Holiday. Meet Sir Topham Hatt and cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty in Bury before taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Oulton Park
www.oultonpark.co.uk
Oulton Park hosts the Bennetts British Superbike Championship’s first UK round of 2024, with tripleheader Bank Holiday race action on the picturesque international circuit. Running until 6th May.
Saturday 25th May
Adventures in Wonderland
Croxteth Park
www.trybooking.com/uk/DDDC
Over 25 exciting activities for children to enjoy and explore! Whether it’s Caterpillar Crafts, Fantasy Fun Fair, Slime Making or taking your chance in the Lucky Dip, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Choose your ‘Wonderland’ attire and take a trip down the rabbit hole. £7.50 per person or £30 for a family of four. A fundraiser for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
All the very best theatre, arts and films near you.
The Albert Halls, Bolton www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
Sunday 31st March
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE – TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND
65 million years in the making… are you ready for the adventure? Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as you journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs
Friday 5th April
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Join Goldilocks as she travels through the forest to the bears’ cottage and finds the porridge that is not too sweet or too salty, sits in a chair that’s not too hard or too soft, and sleeps in a bed that is just right. Starring panto favourites Rebecca Lake as Goldilocks and Andrew Curphey as Ringo.
The Bridgewater Hall www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Sunday 7th April
PADDINGTON IN CONCERT
Based on Michael Bond’s muchloved books, cherished by families since 1958, the charming story follows the misadventures of a young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a home.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Sunday 19th May
HALLÉ FAMILY CONCERT: THE MUSICAL STORY OF ENIGMA
Fun, lively and sometimes a little bit cheeky, Elgar’s Enigma Variations is one of the most famous pieces of music ever written for a symphony orchestra. Tom Redmond and the Hallé, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, will take you on a tour of this intriguing work, learning the stories behind the music.
Crewe Lyceum
www.crewelyceum.co.uk
Wednesday 20th –Thursday 21st March
PEPPA PIG’S FUN DAY OUT
Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party – it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.
Sunday 24th March
NORTHERN BALLET – TORTOISE AND THE HARE
The perfect introduction to live ballet and music, your little ones will be cheering along as a playful cast of characters re-tell this classic tale.
Friday 17th –Sunday 19th May
Based on the original book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book –written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
The Lowry www.thelowry.com
Tuesday 26th –Saturday 30th March
Based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf. Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. Age 7+.
Tuesday 2nd –Sunday 7th April
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Sunday 5th May
Join best friends Rachel and Ruby for a kids’ comedy show that’s fun for all the family! Full of sketches, songs, pranks and silliness. Rachel and Ruby use physical comedy and silly characters to bring sketch comedy to children of all ages.
Tuesday 7th –Saturday 11th May
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.
Manchester HOME www.homemcr.org
Friday 22nd –Sunday 24th March
See the adventure of the deliciously smelling Gingerbread Man who finds his feet fast and sets off on the journey of a lifetime!
Saturday 25th May –
Saturday 1st June
Step into a whimsical world where wishes come to life, but with a twist! Taking inspiration from most-loved fairytales, I Wish leads you on a fantastical adventure exploring what happens when wishes are granted, but not as expected.
St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Friday 29th March –Sunday 14th April
Join Goldilocks, who, with the help of the Three Bears tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner. Get ready for a whole lot of family fun in this Easter pantomime! It promises to be ‘just right’ with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers, Regal Entertainments’ high production values, and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.
HALLÉ FAMILY CONCERT: THE MUSICAL STORY OF ENIGMA THE BRIDGEWATER HALL
Tom Redmond and the Hallé,
by Sir Mark Elder, will take us on a tour of this intriguing work, learning about the stories and
