Families Cheshire Issue 36 July-August 2015

Edition 36 • July/Aug 2015

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiescheshire.co.uk

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Roll on summer!

Holiday camps, what’s on locally and great rainy day activity ideas

Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas

News In this issue 02: News 04: Education 06: Party directory 08: Clubs & classes directory 10: Holiday camps 11: What’s on

Ok, ok, so last issue we enthused about the early spring weather and clearly we jinxed it! The mini heatwave that was promised didn’t materialise (or if it did, it certainly didn’t live up to our definition of a heatwave). So even though we write this in the more traditional damp and grey British summer weather, we’re determined to break out the pretty nail polish and fake tan as soon as we get this issue off to print.

With the long school break looming, there’s loads to do in the area, so check out our listing of some of the great holiday camps on offer as well as all the activities available to keep the little darlings entertained. And as an added bonus, don’t miss our great ideas for rainy day play on page 11 – it seems you’re going to need them.

Happy holidays and safe travels!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: Sep/Oct 2015

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograpy: Photos by Ben, Wistaston Tel: 07799 091321, www.photosbyben.co.uk

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher.

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

Compulsory first aid New nursery and pre-school staff will be required to undertake paediatric first aid for the first time, thanks to new government proposals.

The new proposals will mean that newly qualified staff with a childcare Level 2 and 3 qualification must have an emergency paediatric first aid or full paediatric first certificate – a lifesaving change which will add approximately 15,000 additional trained early years professionals to our nurseries and pre-schools every year.There will also be a new deal in place to help Early Years providers to buy life-saving defibrillator machines at a reduced price. The plans have received the support of parents Joanne and Dan Thompson, who have

been campaigning for the change following the tragic death of their daughter Millie at nursery in October 2012. Their important campaign culminated in an e-petition signed by over 103,000 people. Sam Gyimah, Childcare and Education Minister: ‘‘These proposals mean that thousands more staff will be able to respond to emergencies more quickly, making sure parents really can access the very best possible childcare choices for their families. Not only will this help ensure children are safe while they learn, grow and develop but it will also raise the quality and skills of the Early Years workforce to help them deal with day to day first aid issues such as allergies and knowing when to call parents.”

Are you ready for Triplefest 2015?

Grab the dog, put the tent in the boot and head out to Heaton House Farm in Rushton Spencer from Sat 29 – Mon 31 August for this fabulous three day family festival extravaganza.

Comedy acts, rocking bands and local celebrity Luis Troyano, finalist of the Great British Bake Off 2014; there are activities and shows for every age group.

Expect a weekend packed with car, bike and animal displays, fairground rides, a popular food market and for the eagle eyed trinket finders, a car boot sale. Saturday night will see the return of the music and beer festival, with a variety of bands from around the country and a selection of over 40 of the finest

beers and ciders. And don’t miss the “Afternoon G&T” event – for an afternoon tea with a kick! All money raised goes to support local charities.

Get all the details and book your tickets now www.triplefest.co.uk

@FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

The Reading Eggs and Mathseeds Reading and Maths Challenge Join the challenge and receive a 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL of Reading Eggs and Mathseeds – the comprehensive online learning programmes designed for children aged 3-6.

Your child will have fun learning essential early reading and maths skills to prepare them for their first years of school. Reading Eggs offers hundreds of guided reading lessons and thousands of structured activities, using e-books, fun characters, animations and songs with detailed progress reports.

Once Upon A Dish: a true treat for your taste buds

Mathseeds gives you 115 guided maths lessons and hundreds of interactive activities, with an animated reward system to enhance motivation.

Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/rmcb - it’s quick, easy and FREE! Please note: the free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. This free trail offer ends 30 September 2015 and isn’t applicable for schools.

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Experience the delicious taste sensations of a far off region without even packing a bag.

Once Upon A Dish is a unique dining experience for up to ten people in the comfort of your own home – creating a

novel dinner party with a kaleidoscope of dishes telling the story of foreign lands. Either sit back, relax and entertain your guests while your home cooked meal is prepared for you – or get involved and learn how to recreate it when the mood suits you.

From the Levant’s humus and Turkey’s menmen to Iran’s sabzi and Morocco’s harira, Siba and her team is ready to take you on a journey that will delight your taste buds.

Prices start from £40 per person.

Call Siba on 07989 859851 to find out more, or email her: siba@onceuponadish.co.uk

News ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

Magical things at Poppy and the Pirate Poppy and the Pirate is a Cheshire based online store specialising in funky kids clothing from raincoats to swimwear, party dresses to dressing up outfits.

They also sell high quality educational toys, plus decorative items for the children’s bedrooms such as some fab bright wall art. Poppy and the Pirate source high quality and slightly unusual products giving you something a little different without a huge price tag.

Families Cheshire readers can SAVE 15% OFF

BY USING CODE CF15 at the checkout when ordering from www.poppyandthepirate.co.uk

Poppy And The Pirate has teamed up with us to offer you a chance to win a £50 gift voucher to spend at www.poppyandthepirate.co.uk!

To enter simply email your name and contact number quoting Families Cheshire to hello@poppyandthepirate.co.uk (competition closes 1 September 2015). www.facebook.com/poppyandthepirate.co.uk twitter.com/PoppyAndPirate

Bigger, Bolder, Hattier!

Their message to you is: “For many of you, Brain Tumour Research is a cause that could not be closer to your hearts as you and those around you have been touched by this devastating disease. Your commitment to help us is much appreciated.

We salute the efforts which have taken place in classrooms where young people, teachers, assistants, admin staff and parents Thanks to more of you than ever, Wear A have helped their pupils to bake cakes, make and find hats and in so doing discover Hat Day 2015 was the biggest and hattiest yet and Brain Tumour Research is they can have fun whilst supporting an important cause. greatly indebted to the hundreds of We would love to have your company schools and families from up and down again next year, don’t forget to register the land who took part in their flagship at www.wearahatday.org.” fundraising campaign.

Advertise in Families Cheshire

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiescheshire.co.uk

Declutter and earn with Baby & Children’s Market, Cheshire

Here’s the perfect opportunity for you to declutter, recycle and earn some extra cash. So if you’re planning on having a clear out this summer, then why not book a stall at your local market?

Market days are great fun and provide parents with an ideal opportunity to buy

and sell excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items. Sellers get 100% profit on the day and the buyer gets to choose from a large selection of quality items selling at bargain prices all under one roof.

Markets can now be found at locations across Cheshire including Chester, Ellesmere Port, Macclesfield and Sandbach. Preloved stalls cost from just £12 and business stalls are available from £18.

To find out more about upcoming markets in your area then please visit www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or contact Susanne@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or heather@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 3

Education Nature’s classroom

By Hannah Hunter

As parents, we know that children are happy in the outdoors, and once even the most hardened of city-dwellers have got used to the damp and mud, they revel in unstructured time spent in the natural world. This applies not only to small children, but older ones too – contact with nature is known to impact positively on teenage anxiety and depression.

Outdoor play can develop children’s understanding of risk, as well as testing their emotional and physical strength. Learning how high they can climb or how brave they can be, teaches them about themselves as well as how they relate to the environment.

Contact with nature has even been shown to increase creativity and language development.

Children’s activity levels automatically go up when they are outdoors. As childhood obesity has a direct link with inactivity, outdoor learning could be a key to tackling this growing problem.

Despite this, many of today’s children are missing out. According to Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts: “Children in 2015 are spending half as much time outdoors as they were a generation ago and it can not be unrelated that one in ten children suffer from depression. Society is starting to realise the risks that this separation from our natural environment poses to our children’s health and happiness.”

So what can you do as a parent to increase your kids’ contact with nature?

Here we explore some of the options: Forest schools Inspired by Danish ‘open air life’ nurseries, the first UK Forest School was started in Somerset in 1993, at Bridgewater College.

Since then the movement has spread across the UK, with many Local Authorities employing trained Forest Schools practitioners to deliver a woodland learning experience each week, usually to primary-aged children and nurseries.

Leading charity, The Forest School Association, lists the principles governing the sessions. Small groups of children are taken into woodland or other natural environment, “to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.” Children are encouraged to explore their environments, taking supported risks, and the learning is child-centred rather than teacher-led.

Clubs and classes If you’re not lucky enough to live close to a forest school, there are after-school clubs and classes that can support children’s learning outdoors. Many schools have nature or gardening clubs, often run by parent volunteers. Tried-and-tested outdoor organizations, the Scouts and Girl Guides, offer a range of activities and camps. The less traditional Woodcraft Folk, (www.woodcraft.org.uk) focus on developing children’s connection with activities exploring issues around nature and the natural environment.

Family nature days As well as providing accessible venues for school and group outings, the Wildlife Trusts run activities across the UK just for families and children, organised by local groups, ranging from ‘nature tots’ toddler groups to family pond-dipping days. Visit their website – www.wildlifetrusts.org – to find local information.

Go to the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk, to find your nearest woodlands. They have a free app with maps and local information on camping, trails and activities. At many of their forest centres you can buy a pack that will take you on a ‘Superworm’ kids trail, which includes activities and challenges for younger children.

Or, to get the whole family moving, you could try geocaching. The National Trust has set up free trails – all you need is a GPS enabled device that uses coordinates (you can use a smartphone). Download co-ordinates to find the caches (small waterproof boxes of ‘treasure’). The Trust also provide less ‘techy’ outdoor activities for families – their 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ is a good starting point.

You can pledge some ‘wild time’ with your children by signing up to The Wild Network – an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with nature, at www.projectwildthing.com. They have a calendar of different events, and lots of fun activity ideas that will get you and your kids outdoors. The film that inspired the organization is available to watch online; it’s an interesting take on how to ‘re-brand’ nature to appeal to the younger generation, who they claim are suffering from ‘nature-deficit disorder’.

Other useful links: rspb.org.uk - local and national information and ideas for families english-heritage.org.uk – historical sites in natural settings

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Camouflaged Learning this Summer

By Liz Walker of ReadingChest.co.uk

Research shows that many children make steady progress in their reading throughout the school year and then go backwards during the long summer holidays.

The consequences are cumulative and long lasting, often having a powerful influence on reading ability throughout school life and beyond. Whilst summer holidays should be remembered for beaches, camping and chilling out, it is important to keep children reading.

Here are a few fun favourites of Reading Chest to keep your children reading this summer: 1. Fishing for Sounds: Using a permanent marker, write letter sounds onto cut out plastic fish or ducks and let them swim in your paddling pool. Scoop them out with a net and use the sounds to play games e.g. make words beginning with the sound / ending with the sound / invent silly rhymes etc.

2. Shaving Foam: Get messy outside with shaving foam on a table. Have fun practising writing letter sounds with your finger in the foam. If you want to get really messy – add a little paint!

3. Get into Top Trumps: Top Trumps is becoming more and more popular in schools as it delivers a range of educational benefits through ‘camouflaged learning’. As well as being great fun, it

improves literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge. The card games are perfect for taking away on holiday. www.toptrumps.com 4. Get children cooking: Everything involved in cooking is fantastic for children’s learning, from reading the recipe and weighing ingredients, to sharing cakes with friends. This can be made into a more social event with friends by recreating programmes such as ‘Come Dine with Me’ or ‘MasterChef’ with friends, where children have to read and write their own menus too.

5. Listen to audio books: Audio books are a brilliant way to keep children’s interest in stories alive. Long car journeys are a great place for a captive audience! These can either be bought as CDs or downloaded from websites such as www.audible.co.uk.

You can join readingchest.co.uk to receive regular deliveries of books at your child’s chosen reading level delivered to your door. Members also get reward charts, certificates and write book reviews online.

Reading Chest is offering Families readers £5 off their first month’s membership with the promotional code FAMILIES15. www.readingchest.co.uk

Improving Literacy Skills Scrase in 1998. It is a specialised computer programme which is based on the principle known as connectionism, and incorporates a multi-sensory approach involving sight, hearing and touch. It is delivered on a one to one basis by staff who have been trained to the highest standard and who understand the frustrations that can come from coping Northwich Dyslexia Centre, based at with dyslexia; both for the pupil and their families.

Barnton Memorial Hall (CW8 4LH), The success rate is outstanding and operates late afternoon sessions as well as gains in reading and spelling specifically designed to assist abilities there is also usually a noticeable those with reading and spelling improvement in confidence and self-esteem. difficulties. Yvonne Lawrence from The pupils attend twice per week and the Centre, describes how the are re-assessed every three months to sessions work: monitor progress.”

“After an initial assessment to Yvonne would be delighted to discuss determine an individual’s requirements, how she can help you in learning new ways the specialised programme is then of dealing with literacy. Please call her on tailored to each pupil.

An evaluation of the system used was 01829 7512730 or email yvonnelawrence@talktalk.net. published in the British Journal of www.northwichidl.co.uk Educational Technology by Richard

Education How to cope with first day nerves (yours and theirs)

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

It won’t be long before summer’s gone and the big first day is here! Reduce the chances of wobbles at the classroom door with our starting school tips.

Ease them into a ‘school compatible’ routine If you’ve been enjoying lazy summer holiday mornings and later nights, head towards more of a routine a few days in advance to lessen the shock.

Highlight the positives Read stories about school or recount tales of your own positive experiences.

Remind them of the toys/activities they enjoyed at any settling-in visits.

Pre-empt worries Your child could be feeling anxious but unable to articulate their concerns. Ask them questions, provide reassurance and tell them it’s absolutely fine to talk to the teacher if they’re scared or sad.

Swot up on the school run Make sure you know how long it might take to get there, where to park if you’ll

drive and which door to pick up from, as well as drop off, if there are several.

Keep farewells short but sweet A quick hug will be more reassuring than a ten minute goodbye – this makes it seem a bigger deal than just a few hours apart. For especially nervous little ones, it works well to provide a kiss on their hand to ‘keep’ in their pocket during the day.

Skip the mascara but remember a tissue It’s normal for parents, not just kids, to feel emotional on day one. Try and hold back tears until you’re out of sight if possible so as not to worry your child.

But rest assured, if they do roll, you won’t be the only ones and we promise no-one will remember in years to come.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Lostock Hall Pre-School Open Day

Lostock Hall Pre-School in Poynton recently announced that its current owner Mrs Kathryn Farrar has decided to retire after running it so successfully for 15 years. She will be sorely missed.

Lostock Hall Primary School will take over the management of the Pre-School from September and will hold an Open Day at the Pre-School on Thursday 16 July, from 9am – 3pm, to enable all present parents and prospective new parents to register their child for September 2015. This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet all members of staff and to experience a day in the life of the Pre-school.

They’re looking forward to meeting many new faces and forming new long term relationships.

01625 383838 / www.lostockhall.com

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Party directory ANIMALS

Cheshire Pony Parties, Chester Exclusive pony parties and priceless memories in an idyllic orchard or in your garden – children groom, pamper, paint and ride our ponies. Parties for up to 20 children, ages 2 – 10. 01829 741919 / Amanda@CheshirePonyParties.co.uk www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk/ponypartyintheorchard.php Chester Zoo Build your perfect party from our choice of packages - for up to 12 children.

Includes full day’s admission to the zoo and private rental of the Jungle Den. 01244 650 209 / www.chesterzoo.org My Little Pony Parties, Adlington American miniature horses with the perfect temperament for children’s parties. Dress the ponies with bows and ribbons and paint their hooves with glitter, take them round an obstacle course and walk to the river and return to the farm for party food and cake. Indoor party options also available.

01625 569004 / www.mylittleponyparties.com / www.facebook.com/MyLittlePonyParties The Creepy Crawly Show A wild and exciting animal road show presented in a fun way by comical rangers. 01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk

PARTY TENTS Bell Tent Party Events, Lymm Beautifully decorated bell tents for hire for children’s parties, sleepovers or adult get togethers! Bunting, place settings, cushions, mat and popcorn all included. 100% waterproof so don’t worry about the weather. Events can be themed. All day hire £110. Perfect for a birthday tea party or as a venue for entertainment. Have a party at home without the mess inside the house! 07890 952851 / belltentpartyevents.wordpress.com / facebook.com/belltentpartyevents

FOOD Scrumptious Party Food Healthy, homemade party food with some naughty-but-nice treats!

Cake pops, gingerbread people and party bags available as well as an adult menu. 01829 759287 / www.scrumptiouspartyfood.co.uk

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

Awesome Walls, Stockport, Stoke on Trent & Liverpool. www.awesomewalls.co.uk Chill Factore, Urmston Parties for all ages from 2+ in breathtaking surroundings with exhilarating activities.

0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com

Rope Race Climbing Centre, Marple Kids rock climbing (age 5+) or archery (age 8+) parties.

0161 426 0226 / www.roperace.co.uk Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham An icy party including skate hire, invitations, food and party bags.

08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT A-star Sports Sporty party entertainment in Chester and surrounds, including ‘playground games’ for younger children, other sports for ages 7+. 07932 182148 / 07796 190169 / www.a-starsports.co.uk Academy of Fun Parties and clubs with a difference! Spark those imaginations with a Superhero Adventure Party, a totally awesome Lego Party, a Budding Bakers or a Crafty Crafters Party! Our packages range from activities and entertainers only, to our all inclusive package where all you need to supply are the guests and the venue!

Find us on Facebook or Twitter, call us on 07519 862194 or visit us at www.academyoffun.org. *Quote CheshFam15 for a 10% discount! * Battlefield Live, Manchester The ultimate outdoor laser combat game for ages 7+. No pain, paint or impact - parties and mission based group sessions in an enclosed wood with bunkers, trails and hideaways.

07956 557653 / www.battlefield-manchester.com Battlefield Live, Knutsford Do you want an action packed party with a difference?

Become a Marine for the day and challenge your friends to the ultimate battle. Playing in exclusive woodland and using the very latest infra-red gaming guns as used by the Military for Combat Training, You will fight alongside your team in defeating the enemy and winning the Battle. Will you be the hottest Sniper in your Squadron? Ideal for Birthday Parties of all ages from 7 upwards. www.battlefieldliveknutsford.co.uk Brookside Pottery The Potter’s Wheel experience offers pottery painting and a train ride on the miniature railway.

You supply the food, they supply the rest.

07946 637499 / www.brooksidepottery.com Blush Dance, Stockport Kids Aerial Circus Parties - a unique and fun party theme for kids aged 5 to 16. The group will learn how to perform tricks and skills straight from Cirque Du Soleil. Skills which develop co-ordination, strength, fitness levels, team work, and balance.

Parties for up to 24 children held on Saturday afternoons (from 12.30pm) all day Sunday, and Mon – Fri from 10am – 6pm. 07966 794256 / www.blushdance.com

Cheshire Cat Crafts Fun and creative mobile birthday parties for children aged 3 years upwards throughout Cheshire, the Wirral and North Wales.

Party packages suitable for all ages and budgets.

07871 521 637 www.cheshirecatcrafts.co.uk Delamere Forest Explorers Forest Fun (3-5 yrs), Fairies and Wizards (3-5 yrs, April-Sept only), Minibeast Hunting (3-12 yrs, March-Oct only), Den building (6-12 yrs) or Bushcraft (8-12 yrs) parties. Decorated classroom hire and invitation templates included.

Catering, cakes and party bags available if required.

07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk Diddi Dance Fun, affordable parties for tots (2 – 4) at your choice of location – dancing games, action songs,hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun!!

Chester & Surrounds – Danielle: 07870 664734 South Cheshire & Surrounds – Emma: 07792 500981 South Manchester – Lisa: 07966 542985 www.diddidance.com Faktory Studios, Great Barrow, Chester A professional recording studio with a twist. Parties for all ages: Birthday, Hen, Stag, Christmas etc. A unique party experience includes full Disco with karaoke, professional group recordings including mixing and mastering, a CD of your recordings for everybody and full use of the dining area.

07581 117884 / www.faktorystudios.co.uk Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9.

07956 557653 / www.go-kiddy-karts.co.uk Jo Jingles, Music, singing and movement parties for children up to 5 years.

North East Cheshire: Laura: 0161 4310674 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.com Jolly Jacks, Bollington Suitable for birth - 3 years.

A fun, structured, group activity, followed by age appropriate activity games and messy, multi-sensory free play. 07958 807573 / www.jollyjacks.org Jabberjacks Looking for a unique and special party that will keep the children and parents talking for weeks? Playmates parties especially for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. Be amazed as the children discover the puppets, bubbles, teddies, games and activities all hidden in a treasure box. Juniors parties designed for 5, 6 & 7 year olds. Crazy dancing to the latest tracks, Wacky Games, Funky prizes and party bags!

Jabberjacks provides a hassle free party package! If you would like to know more, simply visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/chester Or contact Wendy on 07519238263.

I did that! Entertainments Children’s craft parties, fairs and craft sessions. 07592 607115 / ididthatentertainments.my-free.website Little Sports Coaching Sports, Dance, Football or Gymnastics party options with professionally qualified coaches for boys and girls aged 3+.

0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk Little Superstars Multi-sports, cheerleading, dance or individual sport parties for ages 3 – 11 across Cheshire.

07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Little Fingers Arts & Crafts Fun, creative parties for children aged 2 - 9 years. Let them create a masterpiece to take home! Catering and free invitations also available.

07956 557653 / www.littlefingers-crafts.com Mother Hen Creative, Tailor made parties for ages 4 – 8. Interactive storytelling revolving around the birthday child – a jam packed fun filled magical, personal experience.

07587 191394 / www.motherhencreative.com Much Ado Workshops Inspirational parties that take children on an adventure of the imagination involving drama, dance, music, craft activities, traditional party games with a twist and lots of silliness. A unique and inspirational, themed and tailor made party just for you.

0844 288 9805 / info@muchadoworkshops.co.uk / www.muchadoworkshops.co.uk Oliver’s Chocolate Parties Chocolate parties provide mouth watering, creative fun for any age or occasion.

07540 615966 / www.oliverschocolateparties.co.uk Premier FC Project X Football parties 2 hours of high energy fast paced, exciting fun for ages 4+.

3 party packages to choose from with prices starting from £150. 01625 415 151 / www.premierfc.com Quadraphoenia, Adlington Children’s quad bike parties for ages 6 – 12. 01625 871384 / www.childrens-quadbike-party.co.uk Ranger Dan Woodland birthday parties with Cheshire’s favourite ranger. A range of fun outdoor activities and games, with food cooked over an open fire.

07765 890385 / www.rangerdan.co.uk Razzamataz, Chester Street Dance, Pop Singing, Drama and Musical Theatre parties to make sure your child is centre stage on his/her birthday! 01244 470104 / www.razzamataz.co.uk Speckled Hen Children’s Parties, Holmes Chapel Baking and Cupcake Parties including a traditional party tea or lunch. Baking Parties for ages 6+: bake a cake from scratch, decorate a cake box and a biscuit.

Cupcake Parties for older children: bake your cupcakes and learn different techniques for creating the luscious, edible cupcake toppings, creating patterns and decorations. All ingredients and materials provided. Children’s Cookery Courses also available. 01477 537583 / www.speckledhenparties.co.uk Tumble Tots Britain’s leading physical play programme for children aged 6 months to 7 years available for parties!

Chester – Paul: 07873 114596 www.tumbletots.com

VENUES

Barnaby’s Playbarn, Northwich A stimulating environment where children can burn off all that energy! A range of party options available.

01606 301321 / www.barnabys-playbarn.com Bollington Health & Leisure Soft play parties for under 5s, Swimming parties for all ages.

01625 574 774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Brio Leisure, West Cheshire, Swimming, bouncy castle, football, multi-sports and dance mat parties at various venues. www.brioleisure.org Cheshire Craft Workshops, Northwich Paint-a-pot, candle dipping and badge making.

01606 301269 / www.cheshirecraftworkshop.co.uk Fun4All, Chester & Macclesfield A variety of party options in a spacious indoor venue. Laser, Bear making, Sports, Karaoke, Dance, Themed and VIP parties available.Chester: 01244 379458 Macclesfield: 01625 440044 / www.fun4all.co.uk

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Party directory Funky Monkey Café, Nantwich Great craft or cupcake decorating parties with lots of play and fabulous food. Homemade food also available for parties in your home/venue of choice. 07846 296882 Funkytown, Chester Indoor Adventure Play & Party Centre with a Sensory Room based right in the heart of Chester. Various party options available to suit all budgets. 01244 377229 / www.funkytownplay.co.uk Funsters, Crewe Indoor play centre for children up to age 12 with standard or Gokart parties available 7 days a week. A variety of balloons also available for sale. 01270 500525 / www.funstersplaycentres.co.uk The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall. The Ice Cave, private party rooms, outdoor activities (week days only) and playbarn. The Loft - state of the art games room for older children. Party food available or bring your own. 07570 774491 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk Kids Go Karting, Stockport Go karting in a safe environment on a purpose built track for ages 3 – 10. Exclusive use of venue during the party. 07544 424212 / www.kidsgokarting.uk.com Jump Nation, Trafford Park Europe’s largest indoor trampoline area.

Unique parties for every occasion - food and drinks included.

0161 710 2360 / www.jumpnation.com Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Full use of all activities as well as a private party room, food and cake. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

Little Big Heads, Wilmslow Fairy Tea Party, Belle of the Ball, Princess&Pirates or Disco Diva options hosted by friendly staff. Party bags and a special gift for the birthday girl. 01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk Manchester Museum Celebrate your birthday with Stan, the T-Rex & friends. Birthday parties for ages 0 - 6 and 7 - 11 that are full of hands-on activities. Max 15 children & 15 adults. Available Sat & Sun 10am or 2pm. Bookings must be made at least one month in advance. 0161 306 1779 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Polar Palace, Winsford. 5 party options that can be themed, with an additional option of a visit from your child’s favourite Character.

01606 863623 / www.polarpalace.co.uk Shots Football, Cheadle Hulme Championship, Premier League, Champions League & World Cup party options for your football mad youngster at a great indoor location! 0161 488 4118 / www.shot5.co.uk The Spotty Pig Craft Café, Chester. Ceramic painting, cupcake decorating, decopatch or Wild Wood parties. Exclusive party room for 10+ guests. 01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.com Vernon Park Gymnastics Club, Stockport Exclusive use of the gym and party room. Qualified gymnastics coach on hand. £100 for up to £25 children. 0161 406 0488 / www.vernonparkgym.com

Project X – our perfect party choice

By Jayne Keep

I find picking a party really stressful; the pressure’s on to give your child and their friends a fun time, AND to pick something that most will feel happy to take part in. This year Logan requested a football party, which made his sisters cringe! Well, that was until they saw what actually happens at a Project X football party…

These parties are based on the concept of gaming, with guests split into teams to take on challenges and

score points. The first 45 minutes is all about street challenges such as knocking over a stack of bins, or kicking a ball through a moving tyre. Everyone loved this part; the coaches helped out with some handy tips, or gave easier alternatives to those who found the challenges tricky, so everyone had the chance to do well and score points for their teams. After a break for food, the second 45 minutes was made up of mini games and goal scoring. Again the coaches were brilliant at giving everyone support, the chance to have a go and to feel they had done well.

At the end of the party, awards were given out to those who showed the best sporting and team-playing attitude as well as those who’d shown good ball skills.

Logan absolutely loved his party, as did all of his friends, with one of them saying: “this is the best party ever”!

Project X parties are ideal for ages 6 –­ 12, or there are Playmakers parties for ages 2 – 5. They’re fabulous for both girls and boys and no previous football experience is needed. They’re really fast paced, loads of fun, and offer exercise while learning new skills. This one is highly recommended by the Families team.

For more info call 01625 415151 or email russell@premierfc.com www.premierfc.com/kids-football-parties

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 7

Clubs & classes directory BABIES Baby Sensory East Cheshire Sensory development activities for babies from birth to 13 months in Adlington, Romiley, Wilmslow, Poynton and Bramhall. Becky: 07503 547083 / eastcheshire@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com Baby Sensory Stimulate the senses and help your baby develop.

Cheadle & Stockport – Lindsay 07590 916004 Chester & The Wirral – Steph: 07814 941048 Congleton – Jayne 07972 105966 Nantwich, Crewe & Homes Chapel – Linda: 07745 353836 Warrington & Lymm – Laura 07503 547083 www.babysensory.com Jolly Jacks, Bollington Multi-sensory activity classes for 3 months to three years, promoting babies’ development through natural and instinctive exploration in a safe environment. Birthday parties and School Holiday Family Fun classes also available.

07958 807 573 / www.jollyjacks.org Rhythm Time Early learning through music – for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Mid/ East Cheshire – Frances: 01270 884583 South Manchester – Kimberley: 01625 533510 www.rhythmtime.net Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes in Chester and the Wirral. Rachel: 01244 372970 / www.singandsign.com TinyTalk Baby signing and singing classes (0-18 months) - see listing under LANGUAGE.

COOKING Speckled Hen Cookery School Child and parent/child cooking classes in Holmes Chapel.

Learn all about the food you cook – where the ingredients come from and how to cook the recipes.

01477 537583 / www.speckled-hen.co.uk

DANCE

Baby Ballet Ballet and Tap for ages 2 - 4 on Tuesdays in Bollington.01625 574774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Baby Ballet Ballet & tap classes for 18 months - 4 years in Wilmslow & Handforth Miss Michelle: 07725 878515 www.babyballet.co.uk Dancingkidz School of Dance Dancingtots, Ballet, Streetdance, Musical Theatre and Zumbatomic classes in Northwich.

Sharon: 07834 612303 / www.dancingtots.co.uk Diddi Dance Funky dance classes for 2-4 year olds.

Chester & Surrounds – Danielle: 07870 664734 South Cheshire & Surrounds – Emma: 07792 500981 South Manchester – Lisa: 07966 542985 www.diddidance.com Footloose Dance Academy Ballet, Tap & Freestyle dance classes in Bollington. 07951 054547 / www.footloosedanceacademy.co.uk Pointe Works Royal Academy of Dance Ballet lessons held weekly in Tarporley & Eaton. Suitable for Children aged 3+. Classes split into academic years. ISTD Modern Jazz lessons suitable for Children aged 5+. For more info please contact Nicolle – 07900 303966, nicolle@pointeworks.co.uk or visit www.pointeworks.co.uk

Tiddly Boppers Fun movement classes for toddlers (walking to age 4). We explore rhythm, co-ordination and have giggles along the way. We aim to build the boppers confidence in an environment where they can express themselves through movement.

Boppers learn and develop many skills including.....listening skills, large motor skills, balance, co-ordination…and fun!

Contact Helen on 07964 138482 or email hjt19@hotmail.com or visit us at www.facebook.com/tiddlyboppers and Twitter @TiddlyB Quicksteps Dance Melody Bear dance classes for ages 18 months - 8 yrs in Northwich.

Also wide range of dance styles for all ages.

07816 973 600 / 07970 23342 / www.quickstepdance.co.uk

LANGUAGE

Talking Tots Fun, interactive classes that help pre-school children communicate with confidence.

Cheadle, Wilmslow & Hale - Debbie: 07899 801186 South Manchester & Stockport – Siân: 07794 433179 / www.talkingtots.info TinyTalk Baby Signing & Singing classes (0-18mth). Learn baby signing the fun way through singing nursery rhymes, action songs, story time and sensory activities. TinyTalk Toddler classes (18mth +) continue the fun developing confidence with speech & communication skills.

Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Frodsham - Claire 07771 747755 Northwich & Knutsford - Jenny 07968 110670 Congleton & Holmes Chapel - Liz 07815 106693 www.tinytalk.co.uk

MUSIC & SOCIAL

Jo Jingles Music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children.

North East Cheshire – Laura 0161 431 0674 South Manchester: Jacqui 01925 269136 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 www.jojingles.com Jabberjacks A fun activity pre-school class which helps develop social and physical skills for children aged between 6 months* and 4 years. Using a unique combination of puppets and music, against a backdrop of drama and play we ensure all activities delivered in our classes are stimulating and interactive supporting EYFS. Whilst playing and having fun, children: Engage their senses / Explore their Imagination / Develop co-ordination skills / Socialise and communicate with confidence / learn to listen and follow direction / Experience caring and sharing! To find out more or book a place contact wendy@jabberjacks.co.uk or call 07519 238263.

I did that! Entertainments, Chester Children’s Craft Studio in Chester market Messy Play Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-12pm Storytime Tue, Thurs 10.30-11.30am Theme days Saturday for ages 4+ Lots of activities to do at anytime ididthatentertainments@gmail.com

8 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Jolly Jacks, Bollington See listing under Babies section Music Bugs Interactive music classes for newborn – 4 years. Classes in Cheadle, Hulme, Wilmslow, Hale, Sale & Knutsford.

0844 822 1175 / www.musicbugs.co.uk Rhythm Time See listing under Babies section

Tennis Tykes An educational tennis play and skills programme for children aged 2-5 years old. All classes are run by qualified and trained staff, use specially adapted equipment with personal achievement charts for every child.

Classes across South Manchester and Cheshire. Jonny: 07760 254118 / www.tennistykes.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS

Football

LIPA 4:19 Affiliated with the prestigious ‘Paul McCartney Fame School LIPA’, LIPA 4:19 Knutsford is a part time Performing Arts Academy offering classes in Acting, Dancing and Singing for Children aged 4 to 19. To book your free trial contact Alison & Becci on 07508 808385 or email lipa4-19knutsford@live.co.uk. www.lipa.ac.uk Razzamataz Affordable performing arts training in Chester which combines Musical Theatre styles with fast and funky Commercial styles. For ages 4 to 18. 01244 470104 / www.razzamataz.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Performing arts for ages 4 – 18.

Altrincham – Marion: 01925 222445 Chester – Karen/Lindsay: 01244 316187 Congleton & Macclesfield – Julie: 01782 777 345 Didsbury – Anne: 0161 789 1349 Northwich – Susan: 01606 45132 Nantwich – Adele: 01782 397866 Stockport – Cathy: 0161 864 3974 Wilmslow – Laura: 07837 941547 www.stagecoach.co.uk

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

A-Star Sports A fun-filled multi-sports experience for children aged 2-10 years offering inclusive, developmental coaching in a positive environment. Parties, holiday clubs and events also available. Contact Sharon or Gary Bassett via T: 07932 182148 / 07796 190169 E: sharon.bassett@a-starsports.co.uk.

W: www.a-starsports.co.uk/local-classes/ chester-surrounding-area F: www.facebook.com/AStarSports.Chester Gymbabes/Tumble Tots/Gymbobs Classes to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing.

Chester – Paul: 07873 114596 www.tumbletots.com Little Superstars Unique, fun and active multi sport sessions for children from walking age upwards to develop their fundamentals i.e. balls skills, hand and eye coordination, balance, flexibility and agility. Louise: 07904 344552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Rugbytots A fun and enjoyable environment to develop basic core motor skills. Classes are geared towards children aged 2 – 7 years.

South East Cheshire – Alick: 0845 313 6720 North Cheshire/Greater Manchester – Michele: 0845 313 3255 Mid Cheshire – Olly: 0845 313 6705 Chester/Wirral: 0845 313 3254 www.rugbytots.co.uk

Diddikicks Football coaching for 18 months - 5 years in Wilmslow, Worsley & Sale 0161 300 4665 / www.diddikicks.co.uk Premier Football Coaching After school clubs across Cheshire East. 01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Footiebugs, Chester Fun & professional football classes for ages 3 - 9 years.

Holiday camps and birthday parties also available. Free taster session.

0845 863 0687 / neil@footiebugs.com / www.footiebugs.com Little Kickers At Little Kickers, the focus is on fun, as football is used as a forum to instil a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie. Classes run in four distinct age groups, to maximise involvement and development.

Age groups range from just 2 years to 7 years. Classes in Alderley Edge & Knutsford. Fiona: 01625 326177 / www.littlekickers.co.uk Little Sports Coaching Fun football coaching and Rhythmix dance sessions for boys and girls aged 3+ in Wilmslow, Sale & Cheadle. Sports, Dance, Football or Gymnastics party options also available.

0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk

Horseriding

My Little Pony Parties Mini Pony Toddlers mornings on selected Wednesdays, Mini Pony Club on Thursdays during school holidays. See website for details and contact Sarah-Jane for all bookings. Like the Facebook page to keep up-to-date with all events.

01625 569004 / www.mylittleponyparties.com / www.facebook.com/MyLittlePonyParties Mobberley Riding School Lessons for all levels and ages of rider, from beginner through to advanced.Children’s courses, clinics and training days during half terms and holidays. 01565 873123 / www.mobberleyridingschool.co.uk

Clubs & classes directory Swimming

Brio Swim Swimming classes at Leisure Centres in Chester, Northwich, Winsford, Neston & Ellesmere Port.

01244 377086 ex 201 / www.brioleisure.org Macclesfield Amateur Swimming Club For ages 3 - 93! Non-profit organisation run by dedicated, fully ASA qualified volunteers with many years’ experience.

Tuesday nights 7 - 9pm, Macclesfield Leisure Centre.01625 617960 / www.maccswim.co.uk Macclesfield Satellites Learn to swim at Macclesfield Leisure Centre; lessons on Saturday & Sunday mornings. 10% 2nd child discount available. Emma: 07749 546307 / swimclass@swimsatellite.co.uk / www.swimsatellite.co.uk Kinder Swim Academy Fun and stimulating lessons for birth – 15 years, giving both children and their parents confidence in the water. Kath / Sharon: 07907 263423 / www.kinderswim.co.uk Puddle Ducks Fun and friendly swimming classes for babies, toddlers and primary school age children across Cheshire. Join small, structured swimming classes (up to 8 children), at any age from birth to ten, no matter what your child’s experience or ability.

Mid Cheshire – Jo / Jess: 01477 410080 South Cheshire – Jessica / Emma: 07429 892774 Chester – Kerry: 01829 740825 www.puddleducks.com Total Fitness Swimming lessons for all ages (including non members) in Altrincham, Chester, Crewe & Wilmslow.

Also private lessons and intensive swimming lessons through out the school holidays. www.totalfitness.co.uk Water Babies Specialised swimming courses for babies 0 – 2 years. Mid & East Cheshire – Anna: 01270 611111. Chester, Liverpool & Wirral – Alison: 01925 243643 / www.waterbabies.co.uk

SUPPORT

MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Centre Independent occupational, speech-language, social / emotional / behavioural and play therapy services for children and young people with additional needs.

01606 40195 / www.mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk

Explore Learning Maths & English tuition centres for 5-14 year olds.

Children become members and attend once or twice a week for sessions that last approximately 1¼ hours. Every centre is open 7 days a week, no advance booking necessary.

Altrincham: 0161 241 0006 Cheadle Hulme: 0161 669 8140 Chester: 01244 343 433 Heaton Park: 0161 669 4839 Warrington: 01925 747123 www.explorelearning.co.uk Louise Lasky Tutoring KS1and KS2 tutor, including 11 plus, private entrance exams and study skills. 07977 459193 / louf1@hotmail.com Northwich Dyslexia Centre One to one multi-sensory tuition for reading and spelling difficulties, suitable for all ages. Computerised specialist programme delivered by experienced, sympathetic tutors. Lessons at Barnton Memorial Hall. 01829 751730 / www.northwichidl.co.uk Kumon Kumon’s unique programmes complement the school curriculum and provide far more than just maths or English tuition. They cater for your child’s individual needs, allowing them to study at a rate that is just right for them and eventually to take responsibility for their own learning.

Helsby & Frodshan – Karen: 01565 734478 Knutsford – Sue: 01565 621142 Nantwich – Sarah: 01270 780810 Northwich – Amanda: 01606 76468 Wilmslow – Ian: 01625 532529 www.kumon.co.uk​

Lessons for children from Reception to

Clubs & classes: when’s the best Year 11.

01942time 814126 to / start?

Babies love to get out and about and believe it or not, the time does come when you have more energy than it takes to stagger around Sainsbury’s. Music groups are a great start - you may be surprised how much your little one gets out of it (while you meet Other Grown Ups as an added bonus). Even tiny babies can grab a rattle and feel the rhythm.

Older babies and toddlers love joining in with hand actions and songs.

Singing nursery rhymes helps to develop language, memory and rhythm skills - a useful first step on the road to reading. Mini sports sessions are perfect for crawlers and toddlers who love to explore, climb, jump and roll; all essential skills to physical development and coordination (although you may regret it when they start scaling the kitchen table...). When you get home they’re ready for quieter pursuits like a story... or a welcome nap.

From two and a half you might consider a language mother and toddler group.

There is a window of opportunity from now until four or five years old when a child’s brain is programmed for language acquisition. Many French

www.the-english-zone.com

clubs offer pre-school sessions where arts, crafts and general play are carried out in French. The children soak it up effortlessly without needing translation.

Reception and Key Stage 1 children often find the school day quite tiring and some parents hold off clubs at this stage. Others cope well and enjoy gymnastics, dance, yoga and swimming - it depends on the child so this is no time to feel competitive.

From Year 3 onwards the club scene kicks in bigtime. They’re old enough to follow instructions and can cope with being left by parents. Also by this stage you’re likely to have a good idea of which interest will suit your child; be it musical, sporty, dramatic or art based.

As children head through their primary school years, interests tend to become more specific: sports turn into a place in a junior football or netball team; music classes lead to instrument tuition and a place in the school orchestra.

For children in single sex schools, clubs can be a useful way of meeting (eew!) - boys (or girls) who share a common interest.

SEN Voice Advice, representation and support for carers and pupils, aiming to get you the support that’s required, not just what’s being offered. A cost-effective service with a FREE initial consultation. Over forty years experience in SEN appeals and tribunals. www.sen-voice.co.uk / 0161 928 9581 The English Zone Online English tuition zone based on that national Curriculum.

To be included or to update your details in our directory, please call 01625 801801 or email editor@ familiescheshire.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 9

Holiday camps Stuck for entertainment ideas this summer? Here’s a selection of some of the great summer holiday camps and courses on offer in the area…

Activate Sport Armitage Sports Centre, Fallowfield Manchester Mon 27 – Fri 31 July: Multi sport/activity Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug: Multi sport/activity Cheadle Hulme School Mon 20 – Fri 24 July: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy The Grange School, Northwich Mon 20 – Fri 24 July: Multi sport/activity Mon 27 – Fri 31 July: Gold Medal Academy Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug: Multi sport/activity Mon 17 – Fri 21 Aug: Gold Medal Academy Stockport Grammar Mon 27 – Fri 31 July: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy Mon 17 – Wed 19 Aug: Hockey Masterclass Wed 26 – Fri 28 Aug: International Netball Roadshow All camps 9.30 – 4.30pm with early drop off / late pick up available.

0115 973 1676 / www.activatesport.co.uk Art, Dance and Musical Theatre Courses Waterside Arts Centre, Sale £80 (sibling discounts available) Mon 27 – Fri 31 July: Summer Splash Art and Dance Course, Ages 7 – 16, 10am – 3pm daily, £80 Mon 3 – Wed 5 Aug: Forensic Science in Action, Mon & Tues for ages 7 – 11, Wed for ages 12 – 16, 10am – 4pm (a one day workshop), £20 Mon 24 – Fri 28 Aug: Artful Playground’s Musical Theatre Course, Age 7 – 16, 10am – 4pm, £80 Wed 26 & Thurs 27 Aug: ComedySportz Summer Workshop 11am – 4pm, Age 10+, £50 (a 2 day workshop). Sibling discounts available.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Beech Hall Summer Playscheme Ages 4 – 11.

Mon 13 July - Fri 28 Aug at Beech Hall School, Tytherington. Activities 9.30am until 4.30pm with supervision available from 8.30am until 5.30pm. £24 per child per day or £115 for the full week.

10% reduction for subsequent children. Childcare vouchers accepted. Offering a range of activities including arts & crafts, sports (including swimming), treasure hunts, drama, and nature rambling.

01625 422192 / www.beechhallschool.org Bollington Health & Leisure Summer Activities For primary school aged children. 2 hour fun sessions conducted by centre staff, consisting of outdoor mixed games (weather permitting) followed by an hour in the pool.

Mon 27 July – Fri 28 Aug. 2 – 4pm £4.50 per session (£20 when you book five).

01625 574774 / reception@bollingtonleisure.co.uk www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Chester Music Theatre Summer School Mon 27 – Fri 31 July Seniors (Age 11 – 16): Hairspray Tues 4 – Fri 7 Aug: Juniors (Age 6 – 10): Matilda.

01244 351010 / www.chestermusictheatre.com Council Run Holiday Camps Try your local leisure centre for holiday camps: Everybody Sport and Recreation Trust (Cheshire East): www.everybody.org.uk Brio Leisure (Cheshire West & Chester): www.brioleisure.org Fire Tech Camp, Manchester Bring your kids up to code! Using state-of-the-art equipment, campers get to grips with robotics, code, the digital arts, 3D printing and all sorts of exciting new tech. 5-day camps start at £400 with shorter workshops available. Venue: University of Manchester (M13) or Manchester Creative Studio (M4). www.firetechcamp.com

Forest Holiday Club Delamere Forest Ages 7 – 12, £75, 9am – 4pm daily Tues 18 – Thurs 20 Aug. Learn more about the forest, develop bush craft skills, forest art, games and more.

Booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Soccer Star Coaching Mon 10 – Wed 12 Aug at Manchester Health Academy, Wythenshawe M23 9BP, £35 Thurs 13 – Fri 14 Aug at Sandbach Boys School CW11 3NS, £25 www.soccerstarcoaching.co.uk

Fun Fest, Alderley Edge Ages 3 – 12 Mon 3 – Fri 28 8 Aug at Alderley Edge School for Girls. 8.30am - 5pm. £15 half day, £27.50 full day, £120 full week. Over 30 different activities for each age range. Half day and discounted sibling rates offered. 07557 755800 / www.fun-fest.co.uk Jolly Jacks, Bollington Multi-sensory messy play summer holiday classes will be held on the following dates: Friday 6 Aug, Mon 10 Aug, Wed 19 Aug, Fri 21 Aug Wed 26 Aug Babies, toddlers and even older siblings love to have fun and get messy in these fun stimulating classes.

Mixed age family class 11am – 12pm Baba Jacks (from 2 months to pre walking) 1 – 2pm £6 per class, sibling and multi-class discount offered.

Contact Aymi: 07958 807573 / info@jollyjacks.org / www.jollyjacks.org

Stagecoach Summer Workshop Macclesfield: Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug at Tytherington High School SK10 2EE, Ages 6 – 18 Nantwich: Mon 27 July – Fri 31 July at Nantwich Players Theatre CW5 5BG, Ages 4 - 16 Didsbury: Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug Parrs Wood High School M20 5PG, Ages 4 – 18 Stockport: Mon 10 – Fri 14 Aug at Hazel Grove High School SK7 5JX, Ages 4 - 16 Chester: Mon 27 – Fri 31 July / Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug / Mon 10 – Fri 14 / Mon 17 – Fri 21 Aug at Bishops High School CH3 5XF, Ages 4 - 16 Perfect for children who love singing, dancing and acting. They will work with a team of choreographers and directors to put on a show in just 5 days. Every child will be given a part suitable for their age and ability and everyone gets a chance to shine. Limited places available. www.stagecoach.co.uk

Kings Camps Ages 4 – 17, Held at King David High School, Liverpool, The King’s School (Chester), Sandbach School, Cheadle Hulme School & Bridgewater School, Manchester. Week long activity camps or individual days with a great range of sports, activities, games and crafts. 0114 263 2160 / www.kingscamps.org

Speckled Hen Country Bakery, Holmes Chapel Children’s cooking courses.

Mon 20 July: Ices, Sorbets and Smoothies (half day)Mon 24 Aug: Summer Cupcakes & Puddings. 01477 537583 / www.speckled-hen.co.uk

Mad Science Camps Ages 5 – 11, Mon 20 – Fri 24 July: Alderley Edge School for Girls (Alderley Edge) Mon 27 July – Fri 31 July: Alderley Edge School for Girls (Alderley Edge), The Blue Coat School (Liverpool) Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug: Navigation Primary (Altrincham), Shavington High School (Crewe), Penketh High School (Warrington) Mon 10 – Fri 14 Aug: Terra Nova School (Holmes Chapel), The Blue Coat School (Liverpool), Navigation Primary (Altrincham) Mon 17 – Fri 21 Aug: Navigation Primary (Altrincham) Mon 24 – Fri 28 Aug: Shavington High School (Crewe), Terra Nova (Holmes Chapel) Design, build and test a multitude of science projects. 9.30am – 3.30pm, £35 per day. Discounts for full week camps and siblings.

01772 628844 / www.madsciencenw.org

Superstars Sport & Dance Holiday Clubs Multisports, Dance and Football camps. Specialist Camp Weeks for Trampolining, Drama, Cricket,Tennis, Art Club and Lego Club, plus one day gymnastics. Ages 4 – 13, 8am – 4.30pm with late pick-up (extra charge) and flexible 5 hour session options available. £17 per day or £75 for the week. £12 for a 5 hour flexible day or £57.50 for the week.

Mon 20 July – Fri 28 Aug Warrington: Broomfields and Great Sankey Leisure Centres, Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex Manchester: South West Manchester Cricket Club (Chorlton), The Barlow RC High School (Didsbury) Cheshire: Mid Cheshire College (Northwich), Maple Lodge Guide Hut (Lymm) Mon 27 July – Fri 28 Aug West Timperley: Trafford College.

Under 5 Summer Sessions (1½ hours) for children aged 21 months to 5 years also available for £8 per session. Limited places available.

07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk

Premier FC Summer Holiday Course (Upcast Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 6EH) Mon 20 July – Fri 28th Aug All abilities and ages welcome from 4+. To book please contact Russell on 07967 392485 or email Russell@premierfc.com The Pearson Sports Academy Summer Camps Mon 27 - Fri 31 July, Mon 3 - Fri 7 Aug & Mon 10 - Fri 14 Aug at Tytherington School, Macclesfield.

These are a sports experience every childhood deserves!

4 to 11 year olds are coached in a wide range of different sports with fun at the heart of everything we do. Monday to Friday with top quality indoor and outdoor facilities we create the environment for your children to put their energy into the sports they love. Jordan 07720 620690 / www.pearsonsportsandfitnesscoaching.com Parsley Pie Art Club Age 4+ Mon 27– Fri 31 July, 10am – 2pm in Hale. Places are limited, so booking is essential. Creativity, laughter, learning & freedom of expression and a huge range of activities, materials & projects to choose from. www.parsleypie.com

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Theatretrain Summer Schools 2015 The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Ages 5 – 18, 9.30am – 3.30pm, Monday to Friday w/c 3 Aug – Frozen w/c 10 Aug – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat w/c 17 Aug – Matilda w/c 24 Aug – Mamma Mia £110 per child per week (£89 for second and third sibling and for bookings onto second or subsequent weeks) Vernon Park Gymnastics Club, Stockport Age 3 – 16, all abilities from beginner to elite Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug and Mon 24 – Fri 28 Aug. Main camp for age 4 – 16, with mini camp for age 3 – 5 run alongside. 0161 4060488 / www.vernonparkgym.com.

Victoria Pendleton Active Girls Camp from The Sport Camps Terra Nova School, Holmes Chapel Mon 27 – Fri 31 July and Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug £165.00 per week 9am – 4.30pm with flexible drop off & pick-up at an additional charge For girls aged 8 – 14. 0845 8622108 / www.thesportcamps.com

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Fun Fest Holiday Club

Raindrops keep falling on my head

© Olesia Bilkei

One thing you can count on this summer is that there will be rain. And when the heavens do open, you’ll need some ideas to keep your little ones occupied and you on the right side of sanity. Sarah Butters offers her favourite ways to fill a wet summer day.

Get board Whether you’re a Jedi at Jenga or a master Monopoly player, there’s nothing like a giant board games tournament to pass the time. No one in the Butters household will ever forget the day a game of Battleships descended into an actual World War. And if I’m to be honest, I’ve never quite got over being beaten by my children at Scrabble after they came up with ‘zumba’

on a triple word score. However this is a chance to encourage your family to forget the iPads and Xboxes of today and remember the fun you can have with three dimensional people.

Take a dip If the summer showers won’t allow you to get dry, grab your swimsuit and head to your local leisure centre. News that half of primary school children can’t swim the length of a pool should be a wakeup call for all parents. Many local swim schools offer intense holiday courses for children looking to master this life saving skill and you can support them with a rainy day trip to your local pool. This time of year provides the perfect opportunity to make swimming fun and get the whole family summer holiday ready.

Keep learning alive Six weeks is a long time to be out of the classroom. Make a note of the days your local after school support centre is running holiday sessions. For example, Explore Learning is open daily over the school holidays and offers a range of learning opportunities for children from 4 years old. Keeping them occupied on

What’s on

a rainy day during the summer may give your child a head start once they’re back at their desk in September.

Create a rainy day jar Has your child ever asked to do something that you’ve not had the time for? Maybe it’s baking a batch of biscuits, building some Lego they’ve had since their birthday or showing you a dance routine they’ve created. Whenever time is against you, get your child to write the idea on a piece of paper and pop it in the Rainy Day Jar. It means you can reach into it for ideas as soon as you hear the words ‘’It’s raining!”

Head indoors Your local museum is rain proof and packed with family activities to keep you all occupied. The summer holiday is a time for the attractions on your doorstep to put out the welcome mat for families. Take a look at our What’s On guide to find out what’s happening near you and make a note so that when that typical British summer does arrive, you know where to head.

Operating from the beautiful, extensive grounds of Alderley Edge School for Girls, Fun Fest is running from Monday 3 – Friday 28 August, and is open to children aged 3 – 12 years.

Whether you prefer Master Chef, Pottery, Mission Impossible, Multi Sports or the Great Outdoors, they really do have something for everyone; there’s a range of over 30 different activities for each age range.

Fun Fest started up 9 years ago in Solihull, and opened last summer in Alderley Edge. They are Ofsted registered and all staff are fully qualified.

Childcare vouchers are accepted and sibling discounts are available too.

For the full timetable of activities at their holiday camp, go to www.fun-fest.co.uk.

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 11

What’s on Sat 4 July

Ashton Hayes Primary School, Chester Summer Fair 12 – 3pm, Adults £1, Children free. A fun day out for all the family! Bouncy castles, Water zorbing, mechanical surfboard simulator plus all the usual favourites such as BBQ, Licenced Bar, Maypole dancing, Coconut shy, face painting & tombolas. www.ashtonhayes.cheshire.sch.uk Antrobus Village Rose Queen Festival 1.30pm procession. A fun-filled family event for all ages – dress code red, white and blue. www.antrobus.info Lyme Park, Disley Xplorer Event 10am – 12pm, Free but normal admission applies.

Family fun exploring the park, finding the markers and completing the challenge. No booking required.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Sandbach Park Party In The Park 5.30 – 10.30pm, Adult £10, Child Free. Bring your picnic, rug and chairs and relax to the sound of Sandbach Brass playing easy listening favourites. Sandbach School Brass 6.30pm, Foden’s Band 8pm, Fireworks Finale 10.50pm. Licensed Bar, Hot Drinks and Snacks available. www.sandbachevents.co.uk

Sat 4 & Sun 5 July

Tatton Park, Knutsford Stars and Stripes American Car Show 10am – 4pm, Adult £7.50, Child (10 – 15) £5, Under 10s free. Normal park entry charge. The UK’s premier event for car lovers of all things American! Entertainment for all the family. 01625 374400 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Sun 5 July

Sandbach Town Hall Baby & Children’s Market 10am – 12 noon, Adult £1, Children free. Grab some bargains at this nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items.

Local businesses also attending, showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children 07834 686141 / susanne@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk City Airport, Eccles Manchester Air Show 2015 Gates open 10am. Flying displays from 12pm.

Live music, emergency vehicles, classic cars and bikes, Birds of Prey and creepy creatures, a circus workshop and much more as well as the air show! www.manchesterairshow.co.uk Castle Park, Frodsham Stalls, music and activities for the whole family. www.frodshamhelsbyrotary.org.uk Scholes Field, Cheadle Gatley Festival Fun Day 1.30 –5pm (parade arrives 12.45pm). Crowning of the Gatley Royalty at 1.15pm. Free entertainment all day. Free Entry, donations very welcome in the official collection buckets or on the gate. www.gatleyfestival.org National Football Museum, Manchester Skills Sunday 12pm & 1pm, Age 5+, Free. Learn fun footy skills with professional coaches. Booking advised.

0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Higher Poynton Station Summerfest 2015 11.30am – 4.30pm, Free (car park charge). Something for all the family, with displays, live music, market stalls, children’s attractions and refreshments.

01625 878495 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Wilmslow High School Wilmslow Show 11am – 5pm, Adult. £5, Children £2.50, Family £12, Under 5s Free. Classic car show, fun dog show, trade stands, band stand, refreshments. www.wilmslowshow.co.uk

Sun 5 & Wed 29 July

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Wild Food with James Wood 10am – 3pm, All ages, £20 (under 16s free). A wild food walk around Tegg’s Nose Country Park, followed by making wild and foraged foods at the Visitors Centre.

Booking and advance payment essential.

01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Mon 6 & 20 July

Jodrell Bank Experiment!

2 – 4.30pm, Age 8 – 11, £5, Normal admission applies Join us to test, trial and try out a range of experiments to investigate life as an astronaut, analyse the sun and carry out a meteorite identification!

01477 571766 / www.jodrellbank.net

National Football Museum, Manchester From Where I’m Sitting 12pm & 2pm, Age 7+, Free. Interactive story sessions giving younger visitors the chance to dress up and handle objects. Limited capacity. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com National Football Musuem, Manchester Let’s Play Toddler 10.30 – 11.30am, £3 per child – booking advised.

Physical activity and imaginative movement with songs for toddlers who are confident at walking. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Thurs 9 – Sat 11 July and Thurs 16 – Sat 18 July

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton The Tempest 7.30 – 9.30pm, Adults £12, Under 18s £8. Alsager Community Theatre presents an adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare. Seated performance in the courtyard, or in a marquee if wet. Advance booking essential.

07562 845756 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Thurs 9, Mon 13, Thurs 23, Mon 27 July

National Football Museum, Manchester Baby Moves 10.30am & 1.30pm, £3, booking advised. Help your baby’s physical, communication and language development using music, movement and lots of sensory items. Suitable for all pre-walking babies, including crawlers. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Fri 10 – Sun 13 July

Saltwork Fields, Frodsham Frodsham Summer Festival Football tournaments, live music, funfair, festival market, pub, BBQ and loads more raising funds for local good causes. www.frodshamfestival.com

Fri 10 & Sat 11 July

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal The 39 Steps 7 – 10pm, Adult £15, Child £9, Booking essential.

Be prepared to be thrilled, astounded and amazed in this comic adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock film outdoors in the Quarry Bank Garden. 01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Daily from Sat 11 July

IWM North Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits All ages, Free entry. Discover the dramatic deeds and surprising stories behind extraordinary objects in this major new exhibition. Immerse yourself in the horrible home front as you brave the Blackout experience, step into a 1940s house, sniff your way through a sweaty Air Raid shelter and learn to milk a cow like an evacuee. www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 11 July

Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Tarporley Tunerfest North 9am – 6.30pm, Under 13s free. Great on and off track entertainment with passenger rides and child friendly fun.

0843 453 9000 / www.oultonpark.co.uk Manchester Museum Autism Friendly Early Opening: See, make & do at the Museum 9.15 – 10.30am, Ages 5 – 16 with a parent/carer and siblings, Free, drop-in. See objects, do activities & make animals inspired by the Making Monuments on Rapa Nui: The Statues from Easter Island exhibition.

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Sat 11 July Miola, Sandbach CW11 3HD Birthday Celebration 9am – 5pm. Family entertainment, live music, celebrity guest (Alex Winters from Cbeebies), beer tent, craft stalls, face painting and more!

01270 763364 / www.miola.co.uk

Sat 11 July & Sat 8 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Apprentice Adventure baby and toddler sessions 10 – 11am, Free, normal admission applies. Bring your little ones along to our free sessions with special storytelling just for them. 01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 11 & Sun 12 July

IWM North Horrible Histories Illustration Workshop 11am – 12.30pm, Ages 8 – 14, Free. Want to learn how to bring illustrated characters to life? A free workshop led by artist Warren Osborne, who will teach you how to bring illustrated characters to life. Places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Walkabout Performances: 1940s Housewife 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm, All ages, Free Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 July, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm (all ages) A silent masked character is on the loose. Look out for this ration-weary 1940s housewife as you discover the horrible side of home front life.www.iwm.org.uk Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the Garden 11am – 5pm, Free but normal admission applies.

Dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Tatton Park, Knutsford Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm Normal opening times and charges apply. Meet the farm’s rare breed friends and raise awareness of these endangered species. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4AG Cheshire Steam Fair 10am – 5pm, Adult £8, Under 16s £4, Family Ticket (2 + 3) £20. Not just for the Steam enthusiast! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits. www.outdoorshows.co.uk Manchester Airport Runway Visitor’s Park Aviation and Transport Festival 9am – 5pm, £5 (under 3s free), free onsite parking.

Giant craft and transport memorabilia fair underneath Concorde, over 500 classic cars, hot air balloons, Spitfire Display team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, children’s amusements and play ground, refreshments, Ringway in wartime exhibition, 1940’s entertainers and re-enactors. Concorde & Nimrod Tours subject to availability, and charged per person. www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Sat 11 & Sun 12 July and Sat 18 & Sun 19 July

IWM North Home Front Heroes 11am – 12.30pm & 2 – 3.30pm, All ages, Free Discover real stories of bravery on the home front about the people who set out to protect their communities, as Britain’s cities were attacked from the skies during the Blitz. Make your own puppet based on one of our home front heroes.

Dotty’s Daring Blitz Adventure 2pm, All ages, Free. Discover the Blitz through the eyes of Dotty, a 10 year-old girl whose mum is an Air Raid Warden, in this interactive storytelling session.

Get hands on with ARP artefacts and unique pieces of shrapnel collected by children over 70 years ago. www.iwm.org.uk

Fri 17 July – Sun 19 July

Tatton Park, Knutsford Foodies Festival Friday ticket £10 (concessions £8, accompanied under 12’s free), Sat & Sun tickets £13/£11 concession.

VIP tickets available. Normal park entry applies.

Enjoy a family day out at the UK’s biggest food and drink festival. 0844 995 1111/ www.foodiesfestival.com

Sat 18 July

Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Tarporley Vintage Sports-Car Festival 9am – 6pm, Under 13s free. Racing for pre-war cars, including a wide variety of sports cars, racing cars and voiturettes, with a sports car relay at the end of the day. Off-track entertainment including a Pimms and Cream Tea Tent, live music, vintage and historic car display, fun fair, air display, adventure playground and more. 0843 453 9000 / www.oultonpark.co.uk Tarporley Fire Station Open Day 12.30 – 4.30pm www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Marbury Country Park, Northwich FoAM Picnic in the Park 5pm. Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue.

01606 44728 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk

Sat 18 & Sun 19 July

Stretton Watermill, Farndon The Ages of Stretton 12 – 5pm, Mill tour £3 and free activities. Follow a timeline of Stretton from its 14th century beginnings to the end of its commercial life in the 1950s. Rural crafts, food, milling and music all bring the history of Stretton to life.

01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sat 18, Sun 19, Tues 28 & Thurs 30 July

IWM North What A Performance: Second World War 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm & 2.15pm, All ages, Free Special performances dramatising real experiences of wartime life. www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 19 July

Middlewich Fire Station Open Day 10am – 4pm www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Runcorn Fire Station Open Day 10am – 4pm www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Illyria Outdoor Theatre - The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 3pm, Adult £11, Child (ages 5 – 15) £7, Family £32 (2 adults, 2 children). Bored of his chores, left on his own, the sorcerer’s apprentice has a bright idea, waves his wand and……woosh!

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk Mon 20 July – Sun 30 Aug

Manchester Museum Summer Holiday Activities: Treasure 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop-in. Collect a map as you explore the Museum’s collections, visit the object handling tables, and create some treasure of your very own. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Mon 20 July – Fri 4 Sept (excl weekends) Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Holiday Fun 11am – 4pm, Free but normal admission applies. What did the Tudors do? Come and enjoy different Tudor pastimes and pleasures each day during weekdays throughout the school holidays.

20 - 24 July: Dress like a Tudor 27 - 31 July: Wash like a Tudor 3 – 7 Aug: Celebrating Lammas 10 - 14 Aug: Communicate like a Tudor 24 - 28 Aug: Eat & Drink like a Tudor 31 Aug - 4 Sept: Relax & Play like a Tudor 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ little-moreton-hall

Tues 21 – Thurs 23 July

Manchester Museum Statues of Rapa Nui 1 – 3.30pm, All ages, Free, drop-in Visit the Museum’s Making Monuments on Rapa Nui exhibition, and find out more about the monumental stone statues, or ‘moai’, of Rapa Nui (named Easter Island

by European explorers. Create statues of your own.

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/ museum

Wed 22 July & Tues 4 Aug

Tegg’s Nose Reservoir Car Park Stream Safari 10am – 12 noon or 1 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 10, £6. Join Nature Stuff to hunt for weird and wonderful creatures lurking in the stream. Booking and advance payment essential.

07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Wed 22 – Sun 26 July

Tatton Park, Knutsford RHS Flower Show A celebration of the best in gardening with a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Wed 22 is Members Only day.

Normal park entry applies.

01625 374400 / www.rhs.org.uk/tatton

Wed 22 – Tues 28 July

Wythenshawe Park Wythenshawe Games 2015 A week long community sports festival. All fun, all free, for all ages. Starts 11am daily. Daily drop-in Family Activity and Under 5s zone all day, 11am to 4pm with added activities, Teentakeover for 11 –19 year olds every day 4pm – 7pm. Interactive Health Zone with loads of fun activities. www.wythenshawegames.org.uk

Wed 22 July – Mon 31 Aug

IWM North Home Front Heroes 10am – 5pm, Free. Free themed craft activities, storytelling and object handling daily. www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 25 July

Manchester Museum Early Opening Early Birds 9 – 10am, Under 5s and their families, Free, drop-in Self-led tours, object handling and craft activities.

Big Saturday: Dig it 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop-in. Roll up your sleeves and bring your explorer’s hat and take part in a variety of activities for all the family that explore archaeology past, present and future.

The Butterfly’s Adventure 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, Age 5+, Free, drop-in. A family friendly performance brought to you in partnership with the 24:7 Theatre Festival. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Winsford Fire Station Open Day www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Woodbank Park Stockport Carnival Procession will leave Belmont Way, Heaton Norris, at 1pm and passes the town hall, where it will be acknowledged by the Mayor of Stockport, before arriving at Woodbank Park at 2pm. At Woodbank Park you’ll find the fun of the fair, giant car boot and many stalls. The Crowning of the new Royalty takes place at 3pm, so bring the family along and have a great day out. www.stockportcarnival.co.uk

Sat 25 July – Sun 9 Aug

MOSI, Manchester PLAY it! Manchester 10am – 5pm (sessions begin 10.15am, 12pm, 1.45pm & 3.30pm), Age 5+. Get your game face on this summer and play some of the most popular video games of the past 30 years, from Pong and Pac-Man to Minecraft and Halo. Enter multiplayer competitions, take on your friends or family in collaborative games and play on consoles and gaming systems including Atari, Commodore and Spectrum, Megadrive, SNES and Nintendo 64 through to PC, PlayStation and Xbox. www.mosi.org.uk

Sat 25 & Sun 26 July

IWM North Meet the Veterans: Second World War 12 – 4pm, Free, all ages. Discover what life was really like during the Second World War by chatting to our veterans about their experiences. Hear their personal stories of serving in the Armed Forces and also of life on the home front, exploring key themes including the Blitz, evacuation and rationing. www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 26 July

Ellesmere Port Fire Station Open Day 10.30am – 4.30pm www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Bilberry Pick 10am – 1pm, Age 5+, Free. Bring a container and get picking. Also a chance to learn how to make your own bilberry jam (please register if you’d like to take part).

01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 26 July & Sun 30 Aug

Easton Estate, Eccleston, Chester Eaton Hall Gardens Charity Open Day 10.30am – 5pm, Adult £7, Child £2, Family £16 Refreshments and light bites available with all proceeds to charity. Falconry, Gun Dog and Duck Herding displays.

Ride on the Eaton Railway powered by Katie the engine (extra charge). 01244 684400 / www.eatonestate.co.uk

Mon 27 July – Fri 28 Aug

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Summer Fun 12 – 4pm, Free but normal admission applies. A range of exciting activities for families to enjoy together.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Mon 27 – Fri 31 July

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Weave it!

Weave a basket to keep your favourite things safe.

12 – 4pm, Free but normal admission applies.

01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tegg’s Nose Reservoir Car Park All Bugs Bright and Beautiful 10am – 12 noon or 1 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 10, £5. Join Nature Stuff to investigate the wonderful world of minibeasts. Booking and advance payment essential.

07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tues 28 July – Fri 28 Aug

Tatton Park, Knutsford Summer Activities at the Farm Normal opening times and admission applies. Action packed daily activities for a fun filled summer at the farm.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 29 July

Grosvenor Museum Galleries Clothes Galore 11am –4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Take a closer look at the costume handling collection, including intricate Victorian garments and a 1940s wedding dress. Then make a fan or a bag to take home.

Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tegg’s Nose Reservoir Car Park Bats at Tegg’s Nose 9 – 10pm, All ages (children must be accompanied), Free Dispel a few myths and find out more about these fascinating creatures. Bring a torch. Advance booking essential. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Viking Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm, Age 8+, £10, Booking essential A fun filled morning exploring life in a Viking settlement.

Experience outdoor cooking, storytelling, shelter building and animal tracking. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Showground, Nantwich The Nantwich Show Adult £18, Junior (5 – 16) £7, Family (2+2) £45 International Cheese Festival, celebrity chefs, shopping, arena stunt displays, children’s fancy dress, vintage cars, sheep shearing demos. www.nantwichshow.co.uk

Thurs 30 July

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Sailing Boats 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Make a boat to sail in a rockpool, a pond, or just the bath. Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Get Sporty at Lyme / Xplorer 1 – 3pm, Free but normal admission applies. Try your hand at some new sports in the garden and our orienteering Xplorer trail. A fun taster activities for families.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Thurs 30 July, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Thursday Summer Fun 12 – 3pm, Free but normal admission applies. Have fun in the outdoors with our rangers and tick off some of the 50 things! 01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

What’s on Thurs 30 July & Wed 19 Aug

Tatton Park, Knutsford Survival Skills Build a shelter, track wild animals, play games of stealth and learn about wild foods. 10.30am – 12.30pm, Age 8+, £10, Booking essential 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 31 July & Fri 28 Aug

Manchester Museum Magic Carpet 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.30pm, Under 5s, Free (but book a week in advance). Story making and activity sessions. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 1 Aug

Manchester Museum Treasure Big Saturday 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop-in. Get your treasure hunting kit and discover and find out more about some of the museum’s treasures; from under the sea treasures to gems. Create some treasure of your very own. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Lyme Park, Disley Xplorer Event 10am – 12pm, Free but normal admission applies.

Family fun exploring the park, finding the markers and completing the challenge. No booking required.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Carrs Park, Wilmslow Batty about Bats 9am – 10pm, All ages, Free Find out more about these fascinating creatures during short stroll at the Carrs Park, Wilmslow. Bring a torch.

01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug

Beeston Castle, CW6 9TX Siege!

11am – 5pm. Smell the smoke rising from Civil War muskets as you watch Beeston Castle under attack in a mighty siege. Living history and music to fierce battles and fun activities for children. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 9 Aug

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Lammas at the Hall 11am – 5pm, Free but normal admission applies.

1 Aug marked the beginning of the harvest & a celebration of the first crop. Join in with the merriment before the hard work really began. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Sat 1 – Sun 16 Aug

Buxton Family Festival A huge variety of outdoor adventures and indoor activities from hiking, zorbing and under water adventures to arts & crafts, movies and the circus. Full programme available at Buxton Tourist Information Centre or download it from www.paviliongardens.co.uk.

Tues 28 July

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Roman Helmets and Shields 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Make your own helmet and shield like the ones used by Roman soldiers 2000 years ago. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk West Park Museum, Macclesfield Egyptian Jewellery Making 2 – 4pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. Drop-in to to make Egyptian style beaded bracelets. Children must be accompanied. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 13

What’s on Every Sun in Aug

Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Sundays are Fun Days!

11am - 3pm, Free. Free children’s face painting, inflatables, play bus, mini fairground rides. www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk

Sun 2 Aug

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Tegg’s Nose Rocks!

10am – 12.30pm, Age 7+, Free but book in advance Explore the geological history of the park and wider Cheshire Plain. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Volkswagen Northwest Car Show 9am – 5pm, Adult £7.50, Children under 16 free, Normal park entry applies. The largest gathering of Volkswagens in the north of England as well as children’s entertainment for a great family day out.

0161 3391124 / www.vwnw.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford KA-POW! Storytelling Workshop 10am – 1pm, Ages 11 – 17, £15, Booking essential Join local playwright, Matthew Gabrielli, to learn how fairy tales are made into films.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Chester Racecourse MBNA Family Fun Day Loads of free entertainment for children.

01244 304600 / www.chester-races.co.uk Manchester Skyride Manchester A fantastic, traffic-free bike ride through Manchester from 10am with loads of free family activities. www.goskyride.com/ManchesterSkyRide

Mon 3, Thurs 6, Mon 10, Thurs 20, Mon 24 Aug

National Football Museum, Manchester 10.30am & 1.30pm, £3, booking advised. Help your baby’s physical, communication and language development using music, movement and lots of sensory items. Suitable for all pre-walking babies, including crawlers. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Mon 3 & Mon 17 Aug

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Tatton Park, Knutsford Myth and Magic Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm, £12, Booking essential Visit the Old Hall for a spellbinding morning of myth and magic. Hear lots of fantastic tales, explore the amazing power of plants by mixing up some potions and make your own willow wand to take home.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford A Day in the Life of a Victorian Servant 10.30am – 12.30pm, Age 8+, £12, Booking essential Join Mrs Cork, Housekeeper to Earl Egerton, to become a servant. Get involved in the day-to-day running of the Mansion, including tasks such as polishing, making beds, baking scones and scrubbing floors.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 4, 11, 18 & 25 Aug

Thurs 6 & Fri 7 Aug

National Fooball Museum, Manchester Make your own trench football game 11am – 2pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Wed 5 Aug

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Musical Shakers 1.30 – 3.30pm. All ages, £2, drop-in. Make musical shakers with our craft volunteers. Children must be accompanied. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Discover the Stone Age 10.30am – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Discover the Stone Age with Travellers Through Time. Meet our Stone Age visitors, see the clothes they wore, the food they ate and the tools they used, then have a go at some craft activities. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk National Football Museum, Manchester Tiny Team Talk 10.30 – 11.30am, Under 5s, £2, booking advised A fun interactive story session. developed especially for under-5s and their grown-ups. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Hamlet 7 – 10pm, Adult £15, Child £10, pre-booked and family discounts available. An open-air production of Hamlet as you’ve never seen it before! 01689 854409 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Tatton Park, Knutsford Junior Longbow 10.30am – 12.30pm, £18, Booking essential. Try your hand at archery. Learn the art of longbow, try on armour and experience the life of a young Medieval archer.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Lyme Park, Disley Below Stairs Apprentice 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies.

Explore a life below stairs and find out how Edwardian Lyme ticked. Polish the silver, learn deportment and become the perfect servant. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Wed 5 & Wed 26 Aug

National Football Musuem, Manchester Let’s Play Toddler 10.30 – 11.30am, £3 per child – booking advised.

Physical activity and imaginative movement with songs for toddlers who are confident at walking.

0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Wed 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug

Tues 4 Aug

Thurs 6 Aug

West Park Museum, Macclesfield Scavenger Hunt 2 – 4pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. Follow the clues and find the artefacts in West Park Panda’s Scavenger Hunt. Children must be accompanied.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Seaside Collage 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Using lots of different textures, capture the sights and feel of a trip to the beach. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Den Building 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies.

An afternoon of fun and mud building a den for yourself or an animal. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Xplorer 12 – 3pm, Free but advance booking essential. A family outdoor navigational challenge for primary and pre-school children and their grown-ups. No experience necessary.

01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers National Football Museum, Manchester From Where I’m Sitting 12pm & 2pm, Age 7+, Free. Interactive story sessions giving younger visitors the chance to dress up and handle objects. Limited capacity. 0161 870 9275 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Silk Museum, Macclesfield Paper Sculpture 12.30 – 3.30pm, Ages 11 – 16, £6.50, Booking essential.

Use your imagination to design and create sculptures from paper. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Prehistoric Axes 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Design and make your own prehistoric axe like the ones used by our ancestors. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 /www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tegg’s Nose Reservoir Car Park Minibeast Mission 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 10, £6. Your Mission - if you choose to accept it - is to join Nature Stuff to track down the ‘Most Wanted’ Minibeasts.

Advance booking and payment essential.

07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

14 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Silk Museum, Macclesfield City Scenes 10am – 12noon, Ages 6 – 11, £6.50, Booking essential Create 3D City Scenes. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Thurs 6, 13, 20 & Fri 28 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Get Sporty at Lyme / Xplorer 1 – 3pm, Free but normal admission applies. Try your hand at some new sports in the garden and our orienteering Xplorer trail. A fun taster activities for families. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Thurs 6 & Tues 25 Aug

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Thursday, 6th August Xplorer 12 – 3pm, Free but advance booking essential.

A family outdoor navigational challenge for primary and pre-school children and their grown-ups.

No experience necessary. 01477 534115 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Fri 7 & Fri 21 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Create some wild art 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies.

Be inspired by nature, create your own piece of wild art to take home from leaf printing, collaging and bark rubbing. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the Garden 11am – 5pm, Free but normal admission applies.

Dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Astle Park, Chelford SK11 9AD 50th Annual Traction Engine Rally 10am – 5pm, Adult £8, Under 16s £4, Family Ticket (2 + 3) £20. Not just for the Steam enthusiast! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and children’s entertainment. www.outdoorshows.co.uk MOSI, Manchester MakeFest 9am – 5pm, Free. MakeFest will be taking over the museum for a whole weekend during our Imagine It, Make It, Move it season this summer. MakeFest will also be hosting A-Maze-Balls– a collaborative build to create a massive marble run. Visit the A-Maze Balls website for more details, and email Bob Clough if you’d like to take part. www.mosi.org.uk / thinkl33t.co.uk Heaton Park Blackpool Rocks Manchester: Greater Manchester’s Transport Heritage A fun-packed family weekend including special displays, Blackpool trams in service at Heaton Park (featuring a sandy ‘beach’), ‘seaside special’ trains running on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) plus free heritage ‘X60’ bus / coach services linking Heaton Park Tramway with the ELR’s Bury Bolton Street Station and the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester. www.gmts.co.uk

Sun 9 Aug

Tatton Park, Knutsford Viking Sunday at the Old Hall 12 – 5pm, Adult £6, Child £4, Family £16, Normal entry charge applies. Experience skirmish and domestic life as the Vikings of Middle England invade Tatton’s Old Hall.

Fun Dog Show at the Farm 12 – 5pm, £2 entry fee per class plus normal park entry charges. 10 novelty classes. `Show Champion’ trophy and rosettes to 6th place 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 10 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Make Believe at Lyme 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies. Dress up as a soldier on the family stage, a servant in the butler’s rooms or stroll around in Edwardian finery. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Tues 11 Aug

West Park Museum, Macclesfield Hieroglyph Bookmarks 2 – 4pm. All ages, £2, drop-in. Ever wondered how the ancient Egyptians would write your name? Come along and create a hieroglyph bookmark to take home.

Children must be accompanied.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Magnificent Minerals 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Discover more about the wonderful world of minerals and have a go at making your own mini mineral museum to take home with you. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Underwater Minibeasts 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies. Grab a net and find out what lives under water at Lyme Park. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park NT Yard, Alderley Edge Down The Mines!

7 – 9.30pm, Age 6+, £7. Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old copper mines of Alderley Edge.

Children must be accompanied. Advance booking and payment essential. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Children’s Cycling Boredom Busters 10am – 1.30pm, Age 8+, £10, booking essential Explore farmland trails and woodland single tracks with the Rangers. Learn the fundamentals of off-road skills (including a bike safety check) and then explore the park! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 11 – Sun 16 Aug

Hare Hill, Over Alderley 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ 10am – 4pm, Normal admission applies. A week of fun things to do in the garden! Create some wild art...

Make a grass trumpet.. Hunt for bugs…Discover what’s in a pond...Go bird watching... Hold a scary beast.

01625 827534 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill

Wed 12 Aug

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Historic Bling 1.30 – 3.30pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. Make your own embossed historic jewellery to take home. Children must be accompanied. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum Galleries Summer Holidays!

11am – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Whatever the weather, join us for a day all about traditional British holidays as part of our exhibition Stephen Clarke: End of the Season. There’ll be ice-cream tasting, postcard making, pebble-painting, souvenir creating and more! Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Summer Crafts 2 – 4pm, Ages 5 – 9, £3. A hands-on outdoor workshop to make countryside crafts with natural materials.

Advance booking and payment essential – children must be accompanied. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Viking Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm, Age 8+, £10, Booking essential A fun filled morning exploring life in a Viking settlement.

Experience outdoor cooking, storytelling, shelter building and animal tracking. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 13 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Texture in Art workshop.

12.30 – 3.30pm, Ages 11 – 16, £6.50, Booking essential Investigate techniques to create Texture in painting.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Exhibition Gallery One Tales of Prehistoric Cheshire 15 minute sessions at 11am, 1pm & 3pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free. Join the Journey Man and travel back thousands of years to hear stories of a time when the world was young. Children must be accompanied.

Grosvenor Museum, Exhibition Gallery Two Holiday Stories 15 minute sessions at 12noon, 2pm & 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free. The Journey Man will be weaving tales all about going on holiday in Britain, from funfairs to seaside trips.

Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Brilliant, Beautiful Birds!

10am – 12pm, Age 6 – 11, £6.50, Booking essential Activity: Design and make your own 2D and 3D birds.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Sat 15 Aug

Congleton Fire Station Open Day 11am – 3pm www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow Moth Madness 8.30 – 10.30pm, Age 10+, Free. Expert ‘moth man’, Geoff Lightfoot will help to investigate the beautiful moths in the Wilmslow area. Booking in advance is essential.

Children must be accompanied. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Illyria Outdoor Theatre - The Three Musketeers 6.30pm, Age 8+, Adults £11, Child (ages 5-15) £7, Family £32 (2 adults, 2 children), Booking essential A swash buckling adaptation which is sumptuously costumed and fast-moving.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 16 Aug

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Malpas Punch & Judy 1pm & 3pm. An old family favourite, Professor Humo’s Punch & Judy returns with two half hour performances at the Tea Room to enthral children “young and old”.

Teddy Bears Picnic The ever popular Teddy Bears Picnic returns this year, raising money for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. Lots of fun and activities: bring a picnic and teddy. Tickets available on the day or in advance.

01829 720383 / www.cholmondeleycastle.com / www.teddybears-picnic.co.uk

Tues 18 Aug

West Park Museum, Macclesfield Shabti Making 2 – 4pm, all ages, £2, drop-in Mould and paint a Shabti (Egyptian servant figurine) to take home. Children must be accompanied.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Tudor Pastimes 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Try your hand at lots of different Tudor games including skittles, whistles, hobby horses, and cup and balls. Make your own game of Nine Men’s Morris to take away with you. Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Estate Apprentice 1 – 3pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies.

Have a go at dry stone walling and path laying. Find out how the workers built the 18 miles of wall around the park. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Fri 21 – Sun 23 Aug

Rode Hall Just So Festival A weekend-long camping festival for children and their families. An adventure like no other, with art, music, literature and theatre all embedded and entwined in a wondrous outdoor landscape of woodland clearings, rolling parks, arboreal ampitheatres and lakeside spots.

Adult weekend: £110, Child weekend £50, Adult Day £50, Child Day £20. Under 3s free. www.justsofestival.org.uk

Sat 22 Aug

Northwich Fire Station Open Day 10am – 4pm. www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Boredom Busters Nature Day 10am – 1pm, Age 5+, £8, Booking essential. Hunt for mini beasts in Tatton’s ponds and woodlands.

Take a trailer ride to your destination and get a closer look at the deer. Children must be accompanied.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Capesthorne Hall, nr Macclesfield Firework Champions Gates open 5pm. Adults £19, Child (5 – 16) £9.

4 spectacular firework displays all on one night!

01327 876037 / www.fireworkchampions.co.uk

Wed 19 Aug

Beeston Castle, Beeston CW6 9TX Clash of Knights 11am – 5pm Revel in the atmosphere of the encampment as it buzzes with the activity of everyday medieval life. Enjoy merry music while your budding young knights test their bravery on the field and burn off energy in battle drills. www.english-heritage.org.uk

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Weaving Magic 1.30 – 3.30pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. Weave a pattern and watch magic transform it into an animal or bird!

Children must be accompanied. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery & Exhibition Gallery One How did they do that?

10.30am – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Have you ever wondered how buildings were constructed before we had cranes, how tools were made before we had metal, and how people used to make clothes?

We’ll be finding out by running our own archaeology experiments. Have a go at decorating a pot to take home with you. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow Summer Crafts 2 – 4pm, Ages 5 – 9, £3 A hands-on outdoor workshop to make countryside crafts with natural materials.

Advance booking and payment essential – children must be accompanied. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Thurs 20 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Material Magic 12.30 – 3.30pm, Ages 11 – 16, £6.50, Booking essential. Design and make your own scarf.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Groovy Paper Dolls 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Make a fashionable couple from the 1960s and a range of clothes to dress them in. There will also be 1960s costumes from our collections on display. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thurs 20 & Fri 21 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Children of the World 10am – 12pm, Age 6 – 11, £6.50, Booking essential Work together to decorate paper children in traditional outfits from around the world.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Fri 21 Aug

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Mr Stink 6.30 – 9pm, Age 5+, Adult £14, Child £9 plus booking fee. An outdoor show packed with fun, humour and a heart-warming message, this brand new adaptation of Mr Stink with some audience participation is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Aug

Tatton Park, Knutsford “Passion for Power” Classic Motor Show 9am – 4pm, Adult £7.50 (10 - 15 years), Under 10s Free, normal park entry applies. Around 2,000 classic cars on show, 90 Top Class Car Club displays and NEW supercars paddock for this year’s event. Plus the usual 200+ autojumble, specialist and general trade stands, children’s entertainment and refreshments.

01565 723863 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Mon 24 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Spooky spaces 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies.

Have you ever wondered what might be lurking behind closed doors or under the floors at Lyme Hall? We will be opening some hidden doors and telling the tales of our spooky spaces. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Tues 25 Aug

Lyme Park, Disley Animal tracking 12 – 12.45pm, All ages, Free but normal admission applies. Join the rangers on a walk around the park discovering what lives at Lyme. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park West Park Museum, Macclesfield Scarab Beetles 2 – 4pm, all ages, £2, drop-in. Make an Egyptian ‘good luck’ charm to take home. Children must be accompanied.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Prehistoric Camping 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. What would a prehistoric camper need to be a ‘Glamper’? Try out these games, crafts and activities to see how people lived and thrived before the Romans invaded. Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 26 Aug

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Amazing Patterns 1.30 – 3.30pm, All ages, £2, drop-in. Make a kaleidoscope to take home. Children must be accompanied.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery & Natural History Gallery Discover the Natural World 10.30am – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Put on your naturalist’s hat and find out all about what the ground looks like beneath your feet and what types of animals you can expect to see in your garden. Uncover

What’s on some of the more unusual items in our collections and make a beautiful animal collage to take home.

Children must be accompanied. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Children’s Watercolour Workshop 10.30am – 12.30pm, Age 8+, £20, Booking essential Learn the basics of watercolour painting and create your own masterpiece to take home. All course materials provided. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 27 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Poster Design 12.30 – 3.30pm, Ages 11 – 16, £6.50, Booking essential Look at historic poster design and create a mixed media and printed poster to take away. 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Fabulous Pinwheels 2 – 4pm, Ages 4 – 12, Free drop-in. Make a windmill to put on top of your sandcastle the next time you go to the beach. Children must be accompanied.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thurs 27 & Fri 28 Aug

Silk Museum, Macclesfield Native American Art 10am – 12pm, Age 6 – 11, £6.50, Booking essential Make your own (small scale!) tee-pees and totem poles.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Thurs 27 – Sun 31 Aug

Moss Farm Recreation Complex, Northwich Northwich Festival 2015 Music, sports, classic cars, bikes, strongest man, extreme sports, massive car boot, rides and family entertainment, refreshments. www.northwich-festival.co.uk

Fri 28 Aug

Beeston Castle, Beeston CW6 9TX The Tempest 6.30pm (performance 7.30pm), Ages 5+ Shakespeare’s glorious tale of magical creatures, love and forgiveness on a faraway island. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sat 29 Aug

Poynton Show Ground Poynton Show Adult £10, Child (4 – 15) £5, Family (2+3) £25.

Advance booking discounts available. Airborne motorcycle stunts, aerial displays, horse show, livestock, vintage machinery, novelty pet show, crafts, food market...

Dogs on leads welcome. www.poyntonshow.co.uk

Sat 29 – Mon 31 Aug

Tatton Park, Knutsford English Country Weekend Normal opening times and charges apply. A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Cheshire County Showground, Knutsford Cheshire Game & Country Fair Trick horse riders, horseboarding, dog displays and fun shows, birds of prey, racing ferrets, craft marquees, food halls, top chef demonstrations, chainsaw carving, fly casting, clay shooting, archery, airgun shooting, children’s amusements, donkey rides and Knight School. www.livingheritagecountryshows.com Heaton House Farm, Rudyard Triplefest A fun filled weekend offering a variety of activities for the whole family. Car, bike and animal displays, fairground rides, a popular food marke, car boot sale, music and beer festival and loads more. All money raised goes to support local charities. www.triplefest.co.uk

Sun 30 Aug

Capesthorne Hall, nr Macclesfield Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show 10am - 4pm, Adult £8, Child (7 – 14) £3, Under 7s Free 01484 667776 / www.classicshows.org

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16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk