Families Manchester Issue 56 March - April 2016

Edition 56 • Mar/Apr 2016

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

MANCHESTER

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In this issue > The Great Easter Egg Hunt! > Are we there yet?

Surviving long car journeys with kids

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

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Welcome In this issue 02: News 04: Education 08: Clubs & classes 09: Parties 10: Parents’ place 12: Easter fun 14: What’s on

Hello!

Hooray! The longer days have finally revealed the cheerful daffodils, thanks to marginally warmer temperatures and an abundance of rain. And as we emerge from our own winter layers, we’re finding that, rather distressingly, all the comfort food has left a rather large mark.

Join the Families team!

Are you good at sales and building long term relationships?

Self-motivated and target driven but passionate about parenting and your local area? Looking to earn but set your own daily hours? Then we’d love to hear from you as we’re looking for fun, friendly and professional local

It’s “Chocolates Etc” season

So with the imminent chocolatey arrival of Mother’s Day and Easter, it’s a bit of a scramble to find those dusty trainers and head outside for some much needed exercise.

While the custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life, we’re hopeful our own “new beginning” resolve will keep us away from the kids’ stash this year. (But we’re not holding our breath.)

Wishing you all a great Easter break and safe travels if you’re venturing away from home.

Till next time,

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

mums across the region to join our team! Please get in touch with Jayne or Caryl via editor@ familiesmanchester.co.uk to find out about some exciting opportunities now available.

We’re quite taken with the new addition to Wilmslow’s high street – Chocolates Etc. Set in a prime position on Water

Lane, it offers delicious luxury chocolates that are quite unlike any other! Perfect for any occasion of course, they really are the best we’ve tasted in a long time (and we’ve tasted quite a few!). No matter how many you choose, your purchase will be beautifully presented, or you can select from a range of unusual, individually sourced containers that will last long after the chocolates are gone.

They’ve also got some fantastic options for “favours” – perfect keepsakes for parties, christenings, weddings etc.

14 Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AA, www.chocolatesetc.co.uk

Give a child a chance Next issue: May/June 2016 Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester.

If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Georgina Rodgers: journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Janette Sedgebeer: Founder of Executive Language Tutors and Little Voices Acting and Performance Academy. Trained at King’s College London, and specialises in language interference and speech pathology.

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

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

Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Editorial contributors: Liat Hughes Joshi: Parenting journalist and author of four Families Manchester is part of Families Magazines books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and the group are independently owned and operated Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Sally J. Hall: Writer and editor who has written for all the Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The contents of Families Manchester are fully protected by Mail. Author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch copyright and none of the editorial or photographic My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley). matter may be reproduced in any form without prior Claire Muffett-Reece: Freelance journalist who writes consent of the publisher. on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum We take every care preparing the magazine, but the to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the among others. contents nor for any consequences.

Are you looking for a really rewarding volunteering experience that will change a child’s life?

Beanstalk (a children’s literacy charity that works in primary schools) is looking for reading helpers across the North West. They’ll train you to work with children in term time on a one-to-one

One Day. Your Outfit. Their Rules.

Radhika Holmstrom: With a strong background in health journalism, she has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines and is a visiting lecturer on featurewriting at Middlesex University. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.

@FamiliesManch www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

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basis, giving them consistent support to improve their reading level and increase their overall confidence and enjoyment of reading. With your and Beanstalk’s support, the child’s approach to learning and enjoying reading will be transformed.

Last year over 63,000 children left primary school unable to read to the required level, something that will have devastating consequences on their future prospects. Can you spare the time for those that need help?

To find out more about becoming a Beanstalk reading helper, contact Beanstalk on 0151 722 4743 or visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/ reading-helpers

Are you brave enough to let the kids’ take control of your wardrobe? To give them complete power over your outfit selection? If you are, join in Oxfam’s exciting new fundraising event “Dressed by the Kids’ Day” on 29 April 2016!

From sequin tops paired with baseball caps and cartoon socks, to your favourite suit jacket worn over that novelty neon vest from your hey-days, it’s time to embrace the unorthodox, throw open the cupboard doors and let the little ones loose. Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents nationwide will be wearing creative outfit concoctions to the office, on the school run or just loudly and proudly at home.

What a fun way to unite families and help raise vital funds for Oxfam in their fight against world poverty. Sign-up via www.oxfam.com/dressedbythekidsday

News Are you a ParentPreneur?

If you’re running your own business (or thinking about starting one), ParentPreneur Networking is a great local group that meet monthly, giving you an opportunity to showcase your business in a relaxed, welcoming and informal environment.

Different from normal networking groups, it’s as much about your “journey” as well as your business.

With guest speakers offering tips and advice or just sharing their story, it’s an opportunity to meet likeminded people

for inspiration and motivation.

Events are currently held in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Altrincham and Stoke-on-Trent. Go to www.parentpreneurnetworking.co.uk to find out more.

Get Gung-Ho in Heaton Park!

If you’re serious about your fun, why not take part in this unique 5K fun run or walk, conquering ten of the greatest inflatable obstacles ever designed!

Gung-Ho comes to Heaton Park (M25 2SW) on Saturday 30 April, and if you sign up to support Prestwich based children’s charity MedEquip4Kids, you can enter at a reduced non-refundable/transferable rate of £25 per person. All they ask that you raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship to help sick and injured babies and children receive the best possible care when they need it most.

Birdwatching

January saw the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) Big Garden Birdwatch, when families around the United Kingdom were asked to see which of our feathered friends visited their garden during 30 and 31 January.

Playground dangers

Apart from the course, there’ll be music from some top DJ’s, delicious food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to take photos. Included in your registration fee is an exclusive Gung-Ho! head band, t-shirt, race bib with number and FREE spectator tickets. Register early! 0161 798 1600 / info@medequip4kids.org.uk / www.medequip4kids.org.uk Once the results were collated, the RSPB published findings that show, worryingly, that some species are still on the decline. Starlings and house sparrows have both seen a decline in their populations by 80% and 58% respectively since the annual event began in 1979, attributed to changes in farm management and the loss of suitable habitats.

Over 585,000 people took part this year and former RSPB conservation director Mark Avery said it showed how strongly people felt about their garden birds.

“More people counted birds in their gardens than are members of all the political parties put together,” he said.

Paint with up to 40 times the recommended safe levels of lead has been found on playground equipment.

The journal Science of the Total Environment studied the equipment and said that the levels might post a

significant risk to children’s health. The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Plymouth who tested paint in 50 play areas in parks across England.

European rules drawn up in 1977 say that paint used on children’s equipment should contain no more than 0.25% lead. However, the scientists found some parks with up to 10% lead in the paint.

Reader in Environmental Science Dr. Andrew Turner from Plymouth University said that the levels were avoidable.

“You’d expect the older playgrounds to be more dangerous as people have become more aware of the dangers of lead but our findings suggest this isn’t the case,” he said.

Ingestion of lead can lead to brain damage and learning difficulties.

Remove cot bumpers

Parents of babies are being advised to remove cot bumpers from their babies’ cots after a study published by the Journal of Paediatrics showed they can be a potential choking, suffocation and strangulation risk.

The study, carried out by the Washington University School of Medicine, reported that 48 deaths between 1985 and 2012 were attributed to cot bumpers, with a further 146 infants involved in incidents where they nearly choked, suffocated or were strangled.

Following publication of the study,

The Lullaby Trust (formerly the Foundation for Sudden Infant Death) sent out a clear warning to parents to remove cot bumpers.

Francine Bates, Chief Executive of The Lullaby Trust said: “This is compelling new evidence that cot bumpers do pose a serious risk to babies. We do not recommend the use of any sort of cot bumpers and urge all parents to follow our safer sleep advice to use a flat firm mattress in a cot or Moses basket with no loose bedding, pillows or bumpers.

Cot bumpers pose a threat to babies once they begin to roll and move about the cot. We know that some infants have become entangled in the ties and material, or fallen whilst pulling themselves up on the bumpers. Babies need just a few basic items for sleep: a firm flat surface and some bedding. Our advice is simple: the safest cot is a clear cot.”

No PJs, says Head A Head Teacher at a school in Darlington recently sparked controversy by complaining that some parents are doing the school run in slippers or even in their pyjamas.

Head Kate Chisholm of Skerne Park Academy primary school sent a letter out to parents asking them to “set a good example” to their children by being properly dressed before leaving the house.

The response has been mixed.

Some agree with Kate, saying that they would never leave the house in their night clothes. Others have accused the teacher of imposing her “middle class values” on them.

In an interview with the Press Association, Ms Chisholm said: “It is not too much to ask parents to have a wash and get dressed” before taking their children to school. She later

revealed to the BBC that some parents had told her it was their “human right” to wear what they chose.

Piers Morgan has waded into the debate, saying on Twitter: “I’m right about this. Women should NOT wear pyjamas on the school run. Ever.” What he thinks about men doing it has not been reported!

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Education How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and will underpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are of course crucial to later life too. Whether they’re already acing their algebra or still struggling with basic sums, here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost.

A little extra learning at home can work wonders…but don’t go overboard!

Realistically, it isn’t always possible for teaching staff in busy classrooms of 30 pupils to provide the one-on-one attention children benefit from – perhaps looking at improving handwriting or listening to reading daily. By sitting with your child

and working on specific areas, you can make a huge difference to their attainment.

Keep it sensible though – even just ten or fifteen minutes a day for Key Stage 1 children can have an impact, yet still leaves hours and hours for Lego building, climbing trees or playing with friends.

Find out about the methods their school uses to ensure consistency If you want to do some work at home, it will help your son or daughter greatly if the methods you use are consistent with those they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm than good by confusing them.

Reading and aspects of numeracy are both typically taught quite differently from

when most of us were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings the school holds, or ask their teacher for more information about methods.

Employ tech to your advantage There are some brilliant educational apps and websites out there with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum (or at least use British English to avoid conflict with what’s done at school).

Many of the best apps have an in-built system of rewards and some even provide parents with progress reports – for eight of the best, go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk and search for “educational apps”.

The Ultimate Homework Guide Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm or whenever works for you both; consistency is key.

Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

Help yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and reasonably quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You might also have to clarify what a question means or provide support if they are stuck. But do remember it is their homework not yours!

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How much is too much?

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.

Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need more nudging to get the reading bug. Firstly, encourage any reading at all – be it comics, magazines, the back of the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Also try and home in on your child’s interests and give them books that work with these – reluctant readers might gain confidence with non-fiction relating to their hobbies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and then decide fiction is for them.

Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together.

They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently – parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on.

Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak some maths and literacy into their day-to-day life and you can improve their skills without it feeling like schoolwork.

Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the bill in a restaurant, playing Monopoly or snakes and ladders, budgeting for that much-longed for Christmas present or helping with cooking are all brilliant but subtle numeracy activities. For literacy, writing shopping lists, sending a postcard or email to the grandparents, or finding a pen pal might all help.

Education

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Education

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Education Manchester High to grow seeds from space

In September 2015, 2kg of rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station as part of Tim Peake’s Principia mission to spend several months in microgravity before returning to Earth this March.

Preparatory pupils at Manchester High School for Girls will then grow 100 of the seeds alongside ones that have not travelled into space and compare the difference over a seven week period.

The experiment aims to encourage the children to think about how human life

could be preserved on another planet and the difficulties surrounding growing fresh food in challenging climates.

The school was one of just 11 in the Greater Manchester area to take part in the project, and will feed its results back into a national database to be analysed by professional biostatisticians.

Emma Nash, Head of the Preparatory Department at Manchester High, said: “There is obviously a real drive at present to inspire girls to study and build careers using what is known as the STEM subjects; science, technology, engineering and maths. We have a long and proud history of doing just that. Our alumnae boasts an aerospace design engineer as well as Dr Kotska Wallace, Principal Engineer at the European Space Agency, who will visit us from her base in The Netherlands to see how the girls are progressing with this project.”

Maths and English tuition workshops in Didsbury

Choice Home Tutoring’s fun maths and English workshop aims to help children in Years 1 & 2 and Years 3 & 4 engage in maths topics to reinforce their mental maths and written work.

They also cover spelling, punctuation and grammar skills and look to improve creative writing and comprehension ability.

This workshop is led by qualified teachers who are experienced in delivering the National Curriculum to a range of abilities.

Choice’s Year 5 workshop aims to help prepare for the entrance exams to

Grammar & Independent schools. It’s a combination of teaching any areas the children still find difficult, together with applying their knowledge to exam questions within the time allowed. Maths, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning are all covered, and the workshop is led by experienced tutors who fully understand the requirements necessary to pass.

Both workshops are hugely popular, so book early onto their upcoming ones: Tuesday 29 March – Friday 1 April 2016 and Monday 4 to Friday 8 April 2016 (9am – 12noon each day).

Future workshop dates are: • Mon 30 May – Fri 3 June • Mon 25 – Fri 29 July • Mon 22 – Fri 26 August • Mon 29 August – Fri 2 September For further information, visit www.choicehometutoring.co.uk, email info@choicehometutoring.co.uk or call 07527 377502.

Elocution for children - struggling to speak

By Janet Sedgebeer the sounds of the common English consonants - ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’, especially when these sounds are at the beginning, middle and end of English sound blocks.

A common cause for children struggling to produce these sounds may relate to the child’s inability to take the tip of the tongue behind the ridge on the roof of the mouth, which lies just behind the upper front teeth.

Another important point to remember is to get your child to smile when producing the sounds of ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’.

By asking your child to smile, your child’s jaw is pulled upwards and the lips are pulled back which helps the tip of the tongue to come behind the ridge which, in turn, increases the clarity and strength of the sounds produced. Also, by simply smiling, the oral cavity of your child’s mouth is reduced making it less tiring to produce tip of tongue sounds. It is important to

remember that the tongue and lips are muscles. If your child’s tongue tip and lips have grown accustomed to poor placement, then they may become tired during speaking. This may increase the likelihood of unintelligibility when your child tries to produce the sounds which go to make words.

To help your child’s tongue tip to become more flexible, introduce some simple fun articulation exercises.

Tongue twisters are ideal, and will help your child to become familiar with the correct positioning of the tip of the tongue and lips in producing the sounds of ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘n’.

Here are a couple of tongue twisters that you can practise together - don’t forget to tell your child to smile as you will hear the difference in the sounds made: 1. Tan tried to toot a tot 2. Ed read ‘Red Ride’ 3. One-one won one win.

Have fun!

image credit: LittleVoices

The importance for children to learn elocution doesn’t only relate to articulating well with clarity and intelligibility.

The relationship between your child hearing the sound blocks which make English words and reproducing those sound blocks into spoken English cannot be emphasised enough. If your child cannot hear, identify and distinguish the phonetics of a word or its sounds, then it’s understandable that there will be difficulties in reading, writing and spelling.

And, the problem doesn’t stop there.

If areas of weakness aren’t strengthened, this may lead in later years to your child encountering difficulties in one of the most important examinations - GCSE English, which may also test your child’s ability in speaking and listening.

So, elocution is not just about speaking ‘posh’. Elocution is the hub upon which other important areas of learning and development are built which may feature strongly throughout the educational years and career path of your child.

If your child is struggling to be understood, then now is the time to act!

Many children find difficulty in forming

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Clubs & classes Pre-School Rules!

Palms School of Dance celebrates 10 years!

By Sally J. Hall There are loads of activity classes available to keep your pre-schooler amused. For those local to you, have a look at our online directory at www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Music From nursery rhyme sing-alongs in the local park or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching a very young child to love music will give them a lifelong gift.

Arts and Crafts There are lots of places to drop in to get involved in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of course the art of adding glitter!

Football and Rugby Little ones can learn how to kick and control the ball, use gross motor skills and understand teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does not involve contact and the skills and size of the pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local club which may allow kids to go into more serious games as they grow.

Gymnastics Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes suited for very young kids that show them how to roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and controlled environment. As they get older, they can start to take more serious classes and enroll for certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Association (british-gymnastics.org).

CLUBS & CLASSES CLASSIFIEDS Little Monkeys Club, Marple Bridge Increase your child’s confidence, co-ordination and fitness through a fun variety of climbing equipment, soft play, shapes, music and movement (including badge scheme) for children walking to 5 years.

Tuesday mornings at Brabyns Recreation Centre, Marple Bridge. Call Karen 07986 182884 or visit www.karenbrook.co.uk/little-monkeys Musical Monkeys Musical entertainment and more for pre-school children aged 1+. First class free, and younger siblings under one welcome free of charge too! Classes in Sale & Timperley and coming soon to Altrincham and Lymm. 0161 976 5176 / www.musical-monkeys.co.uk Impact Tuition Ofsted registered independent tuition Centre run by qualified, friendly teachers 5-16, 11+, GCSE. Specialist Dyslexia Centre.

0161 747 1819 / www.impacttuitionurmston.co.uk

Swimming Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is that your child will be nervous in water. Many local leisure centres and private teachers offer mother and baby swim sessions where you can start to teach your child how to gain confidence in the water.

Theatre It’s never too early to start treading the boards and there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even quite small kids. They teach about self expression, working within a group and confidence.

Languages Children from bi-lingual families seem to cope well with two languages from a very early age. Even if you and your partner both speak English, you may want your child to learn a second language from an early age to stand them in good stead for their later education and also if you have family or a holiday home in another country. Find a small group or one-to-one sessions where your child has fun and plays games in a second language.

Dance Teaching grace, strength and movement; dancing is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment.

If your child shows promise, they can go on to take Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on.

Puddle Ducks A wonderful swimming programme delivering nurturing, fun classes to over 13,000 babies, children and mummies across the UK every week.

Babies and children can join our swimming classes at any age from birth, developing into confident swimmers without even realising they’re learning to swim. By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming.

Every child is different: our fantastic teachers adapt each activity to suit your child, nurturing water confidence and enjoyment. Mums to be can also keep fit, relax and unwind by joining our Aqua Natal classes. Call 0161 883 0222 (Manchester, Stockport and Oldham) or 01257 262622 (East Lancashire). www.puddleducks.com

Advertise in Families Manchester

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

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Dancers and their family and friends recently celebrated another 100% exam pass rate along with the school’s 10th birthday, by being presented with their certificates and medals by their justifiably proud teacher Miss Jennie, who has achieved this pass rate every year!

Palms School of Dance started in the Church Lane youth hut in Culcheth

and has now grown to three venues across Warrington and Manchester – in Glazebury, Orford and Cadishead. They have annual shows, exam sessions and a Christmas concert, also performing at local events and charity nights.

Principal Jennie Kennedy is passionate about the school and all the pupils, personally teaching all the classes working hard to maintain a positive and friendly ethos in all her classes.

New pupils are always welcome in the classes and now is a great time to join us they are starting new routines for the summer show ‘The Magical Toyshop’ at the Culcheth Sport Club (formerly The Daten) on 22 May. For all details please go to www.palmsschoolofdance.co.uk, like them on Facebook or contact Miss Jennie on 07939 614406 / info@palmsschoolofdance.co.uk.

Parties Ten of the best party bag fillers (because we all know mums throw away all that plastic rubbish when their little one’s not looking…)

By Claire Muffett-Reece

1. Animal Hand Temporary Tattoos £3.95 Prezzybox Nowadays a temporary tattoo is part and parcel of any child’s party bag – so why not up the ante with these hand designs with a difference? Sold as a box of eight – making it easy to split up and therefore super-affordable – these safe and simple to apply creations include instructions for making a number of animal characters, from a bee to a zebra or even a shark!

2. Backyard Science Ant Hill Making Kit £4.79 www.insectlore.com If you don’t have too many kids to buy for, then why not get them interested in nature with their very own ant hill? Boys and girls alike will love being able to mould their very own plaster creation, before inviting the little creatures in to observe their daily activities.

3. Catch A Bubble £3.95 Prezzybox Why buy the kids a pot of standard bubbles when this clever invention is so much more appealing?

Using them is easy: after blowing, simply wait a few seconds for the bubbles to set, before your party guests can catch and stack them as high as they can to both their amazement and delight!

4. Disney Frozen Cupcake Kit £1 Morrisons The Frozen obsession shows no signs of abating, so rather than splash out hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of pounds on an Elsa impersonator, why not give each guest their very own cupcake making kit to take home instead? At this price you could even add a mini whisk to complete the baking theme…

5. In The Night Garden Water Squirters Bath Toys £10.19 Argos These In The Night Garden favourite characters come as a set of three, which is a tad too pricey for a party bag filler – so why not split them up and add a mini bubble bath for the kids to enjoy at bath time?

6. Julia Donaldson Picture Book Collection £11.99 The Book People We’re big fans of The Book People here at Families – and at these prices it’s not hard to see why!

This amazing picture book collection from every child’s favourite author, Julia Donaldson, features 10 books including The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze, The Snail and the Whale and more. Split the bundle up and it’s just under £1.20 per book!

7. Make Your Own Superhero Mask Kit £2.45 Not On The High Street What kid doesn’t want to pretend to be a superhero at every available opportunity? Prepare to be the coolest mum – or dad – your little one’s guests know once you’ve gifted them this crafty role play creation, which features cut outs, jewel embellishments, glue dots and elastic to design their very own mask.

8. Peppa Pig The Balloon Ride DVD £3 The Works At just £3 alone this DVD is super-affordable, but when you add to the mix a ‘four for £10 package’ it’d be rude not to invest for the perfect party bag present!

The kids will love it due to their favourite animated character, while their parents will be delighted at the chance of a bit of peace and quiet once it’s on!

9. Super Hatching Dinosaur Egg £3.95 Dotcom Gift Shop Now party guests can pretend to be a palaeontologist with this neat idea, which sees a dinosaur egg ‘hatch’ after 72 hours in water.

10. Vegetable Seed Sticks £1.50 www.ecolifegizmos.co.uk Fancy encouraging your party guests to get a little green fingered this coming spring? These pocket-sized treats are ideal, containing seed-loaded card sticks they can simply tear off and pop into compost. With varieties including tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and more, each seed pack – if taken care of properly – will germinate to grow for later harvest.

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Parents’ place Putting the magic back into the Easter holidays

Are we there yet?

Super Camps’ daily activity camps are the perfect way to put the magic back into the school holidays.

The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and their ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities.

You’ll find them at William Hulme’s Grammar School in Manchester. www.supercamps.co.uk

Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids Aerial Circus Skills activities in Stockport

By Sally J. Hall

Travelling long distances with kids can be tricky. They get bored, they need entertaining, they argue and they think even a short journey is the longest ever! Here are some ways to get there without going grey in the process.

Create a magical destination If the children know where you’re going and what they’ll find when you get there, they can be more enthusiastic about the journey. Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet they can fill in with things they spot and have a ‘prize’ when they get there for being good.

Pack Snacks Kids get bored if energy levels drop, so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. However, let the front passenger control these so they don’t eat them all at once. Always save sweet treats until last and make sure drinks are in spill-proof cups.

Play Games Try the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice – on pub signs, shops, etc. – and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize. You can also have endless discussions about whether mythical creatures like dragons count or not. Alternatively, spot coloured cars – yellow and blue are unusual enough to be worth it.

Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of tablets at home, this is when they are worth their weight in gold. Give each child their favourite film, and of course headphones. If you only have one tablet, you can buy an inexpensive converter for two sets of headphones. Then you don’t have to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times.

If they are getting really stir crazy, classical music can calm them. Try Mozart clarinet and string concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or Classic FM. Know where you’re going Make sure you have directions to where you’re going or invest in a Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your smartphone, or alternatively get a helping hand from the AA (aa.com).

Other essential tips • Travel at a time when your children would usually be sleeping or napping.

• Take plenty of loo breaks and a portable potty.

• Take exercise breaks to allow them to let off steam. Some service stations have play rooms.

• Take a change of clothing.

• If your child gets car sick, encourage them to look at the horizon and pack a few plastic bags!

• Take some colouring books and pens or pencils, sticker books and games.

• Take pillows and blankets.

• Keep a mini first aid kit in the car.

• Allow more time than you need to allow for traffic jams.

10 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Looking for something different to do over the holidays? Why not try some aerial circus skills with Blush Dance in Stockport.

Blush run lessons every week but add in extra sessions through the holidays so it’s the perfect opportunity to try them out – check out their latest dates at www.blushdance.com/ kids-aerial-class-stockport. We can highly recommend Blush Dance, having used them for Lily’s 9th birthday party!

All the kids had an amazing time and learnt some great moves. For more information call Becky on 07966 794256.

Pier Eight at The Lowry for a tasty treat

If you’re heading over to The Lowry to catch a show or wander round the Outlet shops, don’t miss the opportunity of a bite to eat at Pier Eight restaurant situated within The Lowry theatre.

The Families team enjoyed a meal there on an evening out to see Shrek The Musical and can highly recommend it. A stunning setting with views over Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal and a superb menu; the kids selection offers the usual favourites such as sausage and mash, or fish fingers and chips, but they are high quality, reasonably priced and perfectly presented in good portion sizes. The adult menu has a great variety and is much more ‘’grown up”; I enjoyed a very tasty saffron risotto which I would certainly have again. Excellent service and a warm children’s welcome means we give it a big thumbs up. The full menu can be found online at www.thelowry.com.

Parents’ place Mindful parenting

By Georgina Rodgers

Picture the scene: You are trying to get out of the house in the morning.

One of your kids has lost their shoes, the other is asking where their PE kit is. You’re doing your best to reply, while also thinking about the day ahead and all the things you need to do. Your phone then starts ringing.

Your feel yourself start to raise your voice and are close to losing your temper… Sound familiar?

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs we will ever do, but by adopting a more mindful approach, you will not only improve your own personal health and become a happier and more settled mother, but you will help your children learn to regulate their own emotions.

Why mindfulness works Mindfulness works because it is simply a way of living and not another job on the ‘to do’ list. At its core it encourages us to be present in our own lives when we are distracted by worries or intrusive thoughts about the past or future.

Studies show that our minds wander for nearly as much time as they are actually focussed on what is in front of us and worse than this, we seem less happy in the moment our minds are drifting. The practice encourages us to focus on the moment, to observe any thoughts but to just let them go, like bubbles popping in the air. Experts say that the more we practise mindfulness, the easier it becomes.

Importantly, mindfulness allows us to regulate our own emotions and reactions more effectively, so when we are dealing with a toddler tantrum or an unhappy child, we can relate to them better. There is no doubt that our children are able to make us feel a whole range of emotions but by flying off the handle and losing control, children become more scared and do not learn how to be better behaved themselves. In those times we are modelling aggressive behaviour. Being mindful importantly helps us be present with our children. In moments of stress, it allows us to step back and give ourselves time to calm down and act in a rational manner. By staying calm, making your child feel safe and then as the emotional storm calms, you can divert their attention and any upset passes more quickly.

Help our children to be more mindful By being mindful ourselves, we help our children learn this skill, leading to structural changes in the brain. This will give them more emotional balance and leave them more resilient when it comes to dealing with difficult situations in their lives around school, their own peers and personal relationships.

Research has found that mindfulness training for children and young people increases attention, social awareness and other interpersonal skills.

Two simple exercises for the family 1. Mindful Square Breathing This exercise can be done anywhere, at any time. All you have to do is focus on your breath for 60 seconds.

• Start by breathing in and out slowly and purposefully, then there are four simple breath segments done to the count of four.

• Inhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Exhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Repeat • When your mind wanders, try to bring your focus back to your breath and the sensation of breathing in and expanding your lungs.

2. Rainbow Walk This is a simple exercise you can do with your child regardless of their age.

• The idea is to look for different colours of your walk, so you need to see something red, orange, green, blue, indigo and purple.

• If your child is older they might like to take pictures of the colours with the camera on a phone or they might want to write down what they have seen.

Young children will want to discuss what they can see as you walk together.

• Enjoy focusing on the present moment and the scenes around you.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 11

Easter fun The Great Easter Egg Hunt Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter

By Sally J. Hall

Easter means different things to different people; for some it’s a religious celebration, for others a few days off work and the chance to meet up with friends and family for meals and outings together. But for the kids it is quite simple; it means time off school and plenty of Easter eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg Hunt with your children and their friends?

Here’s how to make this year’s Easter’s egg hunt one that will be talked about for years to come.

What is an Easter Egg Hunt?

If you’ve never done this before, you – and your kids – are in for a treat. The day or evening before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups go around the house and possibly the garden too, including any safe sheds or garages, hiding Easter eggs and other treats.

Then the kids have to find them on Easter morning. For many parents, the planning and organising beforehand is almost as much fun as watching the kids chasing around trying to find where you have hidden the eggs.

First, the shopping list: • You’ll need a few eggs per child – perhaps one large one each and then several eggs of smaller sizes and colours. Look for bumper packs that will be cheaper to buy than lots of individual eggs.

• Next, you need holders for the children to collect the eggs in. Though this could be as simple as paper bags, you could find some inexpensive baskets in a craft shop, some plastic bowls or even washed plastic flower pots.

• If you don’t want the kids to overdose on sugar, a few small gifts may be nice among all the eggs. Perhaps some small books or colouring pens.

• The final thing you’ll need is a list of where you have hidden all the eggs.

You don’t want to find melted chocolate later on where the kids have failed to notice those eggs under a sofa cushion!

Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining Encourage the children to decorate the bags or bowls that they and their friends will use for collecting the eggs in. If you’re using paper bags, make potato stamps and use poster paints to stamp on bold egg or bunny shape designs, then add stickers or glitter.

If you have found little wicker baskets, line them with straw or shredded paper and tie ribbons to the handles.

If you’re using plastic flower pots, tie a ribbon around each and add a paper label with the child’s name on it.

Where can you do an Easter Egg hunt?

At home, inside the house. This is particularly good if the weather is bad and as Easter is very early this year, it may be cold or wet. Make sure you lock or mark out-of-bounds rooms that you don’t want the children in – such as the kitchen and your own bedroom.

In the garden. If it’s fine, this is ideal.

Don’t put the eggs out the night before though, as animals may eat them; leave this until the morning. As an extra cute idea, why not make bunny footprints near each hidden egg? Cut the shape out of a piece of card and sprinkle flour or talcum powder through the template.

In the woods. If you live near some open space, gather the kids and their parents together and delegate one or two members of the grown-ups to

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

keeping them amused (perhaps with an egg themed story) until the other adults have planted the eggs and clues around.

Then let the little ones loose!

Some ground rules So that the children all feel they have been treated fairly and for safety, have some rules.

• When they have collected three eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ before going off again. This gives them all a chance to find plenty of eggs.

• Make sure you give the kids boundaries that they must not stray outside. If they go into the garden, make sure any gates or openings to the road are guarded by an adult and unsafe sheds or outhouses are locked. If you’re in the woods or a park, place small kids with grown-ups or much older children for safety.

• Children could be asked to collect different colour eggs each – you can achieve this by wrapping eggs in several different colours of tissue or wrapping paper. Alternatively, you could have different colours for very small children and make them much easier to spot but have the slightly better hidden ones nearby for older kids.

• Get older children to pair up with younger ones to help them.

• Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs as they find them – they have to bring them all back to base.

• Once the game is over, allow them to

eat one or two and then the rest should be taken home.

Make it better If you want to increase the amount of time the hunt takes up, you could have some challenges or activities along the way. For example, when they all get to a particular place, they could sit down on a picnic blanket for an Easter themed story, or play some games like “What’s The Time, Mister Wolf?” This helps to slow down the hunt and to let off steam too.

Give us a clue If you wish, you can add an extra dimension to a hunt, especially for older children, with clues. Think about where you can hide eggs and then make up a clue about that place. For example, if you have hidden some in the washing machine (unplug for safety), you could have a clue about ‘where clothes go for a bath’ and so on. You could also make a map and have clues that they find as they follow the map around. This could be themed; they might be looking for numbered pictures of bunnies tied into the trees if you’re in the woods, they could be pirates looking for buried treasure in the garden (and could dress up too) or fairies looking for magic eggs in the house. Use your imagination!

Easter fun Check out these local Easter Egg hunts and activities. And don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page (Facebook/ Familiesmanchester) and website (www.familiesmanchester.co.uk) as we’ll add more events as they become available

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Mar

Bridge Street, Ramsbottom Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival 2016 A chocoholic’s delight for both adults and children. Interactive workshops and activities, al fresco dining, a chocolate rail ale tour, live music, competitions and a giant Easter egg display with a special appearance from the festival mascot, Charlie Chick. www.ramsbottomchocolatefestival.com

Thurs 24 Mar – Sun 10 Apr

Staircase House , Stockport Easter Egg Trail All ages / Free with standard admission.

Follow our Easter egg trail through the House.

A fun family event. 0161 218 1460 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar

Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Easter Egg Hunts Our staff are cheeky monkeys, they dress up in silly costumes, sneak into the forest and hide eggs and cuddly toys everywhere. You have to find them before the goats do! 01204 595 765 / www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Cadbury Easter Egg Trails 11am – 4pm / Free event but normal admission applies.

The Earl & the Countess are coming to Dunham for a picnic to celebrate their wedding but the food is hidden all over the garden! Can you save the day and follow the trail to find the food? It’s hungry work, so there may even be a chocolate reward at the end.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey Tatton Park, Knutsford Charlie’s Chocolate Easter Gardens 10am–6pm (last entry 5pm); Farm 12pm –5pm (last entry 4pm); and Mansion 1pm–5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies. The year long Magic of Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures starts Good Friday when you’re invited to go on the most incredible journeys with Danny the Champion of the World, Matilda and Fantastic Mr Fox. Children (ages 15 and under) – grab your golden ticket for your very own super scrummy tummy–tickling choccie bar and you could be in for a superlicious surprise!

Top off the day with spellbinding magic shows, captivating puppet theatre plus a Stableyard full of chocolatey treats to eat and buy.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Hat Works, Stockport Drop in Easter Hat Making and Trail 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, drop in. Pick up your pack of craft materials from reception, decorate your very own Easter Bonnet and follow the Easter Trail wearing your new hat! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk Lyme Park, Disley Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 3.30pm / £1 per hunt. Normal admission also applies. While the children search out clues to claim their chocolate Cadbury prize, parents can head to the lake to relive the moment a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett. 01663 762023 / www.cadbury.co.uk/easter

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Easter Egg Hunt 10.30am – 4pm / £2 per hunt. Normal admission also applies. Explore all around the garden for a trail of hidden clues. There’s a Cadbury chocolate treat in store, and lots more fun besides. Stay to investigate the whir and clatter of old steam engines, or run, climb and jump in the natural play area.

01625 527468 / www.cadbury.co.uk/easter Muddy Hands Forest Adventure School, Warrington Easter Family Fun Day 10am – 12pm / £10 per child and £5 per adult (booking required). Collect your treasure map and follow the trail to find hidden Easter bunnies and maybe even a treat or two. Great family activities and loads of muddy fun.

0800 047 6646 / www.muddyhands.org.uk

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Mar

Gulliver’s World, Warrington Easter Extravaganza Fantastic Easter themed competitions, a special appearance from the Easter Bunny and amazing entertainment from the the Gully Gang like the Easter Bunny Parade and The Big Bunny Bounce. Normal admission applies.

01925 444888 / www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Sun 27 Mar Bayley Hall, Hyde Park Easter Egg Hunt 10.30 – 12pm. A marvellous egg – stravaganza for younger children. As well as the hunt there will be competitions for best dressed Easter egg and bonnet.

0161 343 2878 / www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside

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Lower Higham Visitor Centre Easter Egg Hunt 1.30 – 3pm. A marvellous egg – stravaganza for younger children. As well as the hunt there will be competitions for best dressed Easter egg and bonnet.

0161 343 2878 / www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside Orsdall Hall, Salford Easter Egg Hunt 1 – 4pm / £1 per quiz. Have a go at our special Easter Sunday quiz, find the eggs and solve the clues to get a small prize. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 28 Mar

East Lancashire Railway Easter Bonnet Day Craft your own egg-cellent Easter bonnet. Every child wearing their masterpiece gets free travel on the railway when accompanied by an adult. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Smithills Hall, Bolton Easter Egg Hunt 12.30 – 2pm / £1 per hunt, no booking required.

01204 332377 / www.friendsofsmithillshall.co.uk Oulton Park, Tarporley Easter Funday Adult: £20 on the gate. Under 13s go free. F1 demos, fierce racing, and a massive off–track show, with activities for all ages. A Big Top show tent, with an assortment of children’s entertainers and live music, and a medieval jousting display and village games in the Show Ground.

Also a FREE mega Easter Egg Hunt with a visit from the Easter Bunny, a funfair, and vehicle displays.

0843 453 9000 / www.oultonpark.co.uk

Mon 4 – Fri 15 Apr

Red House Farm, Altrincham Easter 2016 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm) / Ages 3 – 8 / £6.95 per child (3 +), Adults free. Inflatable slide, barrel train ride, climbing wall, trampolines and much more. Each child gets an Easter hunt form – can you find all the Easter themed signs hidden around the courtyard?

Complete the form and return it to the desk for a prize!

0161 941 3480 / www.redhousefarm.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 13

What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk

Simple Easter crafts

Easter Egg Bunny You’ll need:

1 hard-boiled egg / Yellow and white felt / PVA glue / Felt tips pens in yellow, orange and black

Bunny Ears You’ll need:

White cardboard / Grey and pink paint / Scissors / PVA glue / An Alice band

Egg Bunting You’ll need:

Plain white paper / Poster paints / Stickers Glitter / Glue / Mini pegs / Scraps of paper / fabric and wool / String

1. Take a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg.

2. Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ears shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.

3. Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them.

4. Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be.

5. Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.

1. Get the kids to paint sheets of paper plain grey or plain pink.

2. Help your children (using child-safe scissors) to cut out larger grey ears shapes and smaller pink ear shapes from the painted paper.

3. Be sure to leave a longer bit of paper at the bottom of the grey shapes 4. Stick the pink inners on the grey ears.

5. Next, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.

1. Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper 2. Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs; stripes and circles work well.

3. Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics and stickers to make the eggs even more decorative.

4. Use some glue to create lines or shapes and scatter the glitter for the final touch.

5. When the egg shapes are dry, hang them on a piece of string with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the string through a hole in the top of each egg.

Various days during Mar & Apr Bolton Libraries Toddler Tales Ages 2 – 4 / Free Storytelling sessions for young children and their mums, dads and carers.

Blackrod Library: Thurs 10.30am Breightmet Library: Wed 9.30am Bromley Cross Library: Thurs 2pm Central Library: Fri 11am Farnworth Library: Fri 10am Harwood Library: Mon 2pm High Street Library: Mon 2pm Horwich Library: Tues & Thurs 9.30am Westhoughton Library: Fri 10am www.boltonlams.co.uk

Daily during Mar & Apr

The National Football Museum Pitch to Pixel: A World of Football Gaming Special Exhibition 10am – 5pm /All ages / Free. An immersive gaming experience. Play the history of football games, and get closer to the games behind a global obsession.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

The Lowry, Salford Quays Under 5s First Steps Ages 2½ – 4½ / 10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am / £3.50 (Salford resident £1.75). An active weekly workshop in The Studio where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Sat in Mar & Apr

The Lowry, Salford Quays Lookout, its Saturday Playhouse 11am – 12.30pm / Age 5 – 11 (accompanied) / Free, no need to book. A weekly art activity for children and their families with a different theme each week.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Sat & Sun in Mar Also Fri 25 & Mon 28 Mar

The Imperial War Museum, North A Closer Look Tour: Blitzed Brits 1.30pm / All ages / Free Hear the first–hand accounts of evacuated children separated from their parents for the first time and hear stories of ordinary people who stayed in the cities under the constant threat in this tour of the exhibition Horrible Histories®: Blitzed Brits. www.iwm.org.uk

Every Sat & Sun in Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cover to Cover: Roald Dahl around the World 1pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies. A fascinating Mansion exhibition of Roald Dahl book jackets from around the world and throughout time. His first book was printed in 1953 and his stories published over 200 million times and in 51 languages. Closed Mondays.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Every Mon in Mar & Apr

Droylsden, Hattersley and Mossley Libraries Time for a Rhyme Ages 0 – 4 / Free. Join in the fun singing our favourite rhymes and shaking our instruments!

Droylsden: 9.30 – 10am Hattersley & Mossley: 2.15 – 2.45pm www.tameside.gov.uk/events Harwood Library, Bolton Toddler Tales 2pm / Ages 2 – 4. Weekly storytelling sessions for young children and their mums, dads and carers. www.boltonlams.co.uk

Every Wed in Mar & Apr

Ordsall Hall Once upon a Time 9.45 – 10.45am / Under 5s / £1 per child. Discover what is behind the doors of Ordsall Hall with a different activity each week such as storytelling, craft or music. No booking required. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Every Thurs in Mar

Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne Little Hands 10am. An hour of storytelling, crafts and fun for pre-schoolers. www.tameside.gov.uk

Every Fri in Mar

Clifton Country Park, Salford Tiny Tots Ramble 10.30 – 12pm / Free. A ramble for young children with their parents or carers. We might feed the ducks, jump into puddles or explore dens in the woods. Tea and some healthy snacks in the visitor centre afterwards! 0161 793 4219 / www.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountry.htm

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Every Fri in Mar & Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Creation Station 12 – 4pm / Free, no booking required. Get creative and see what you can make at our creation station! A different theme every week. 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Tues 1, 15 & 29 Mar

Bolton Central Library and Museum Arty Babies 10.30am / Free, no booking required A fortnightly art group for babies and their families.

Using art works on display in the Art Gallery, we bring the paintings to life with creative play and sensory activities. www.boltonlams.co.uk

Wed 2 Mar

The National Football Museum Tiny Team Talk 10.30 – 11.30am / Age 2 – 5 / £2 per child – booking advised. Fun, interactive story session that will grab the attention and imagination with puppets, craft activity and a little exploring! 0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Thurs 3 & 17 Mar, Mon 21 Mar

The National Football Museum Baby Moves 10.30am & 1.30pm / £3 per baby – booking advised A fun play and movement to help your baby’s physical, communication and language development.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Thurs 3 Mar

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Toddler Tales 10.30 – 11.30am / Under 5s / Free – no booking required . Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories. 0161 306 0555 / www.library.manchester.ac.uk

Thurs 3, 17 & 31 Mar

Touchstones, Rochdale Shake, Rattle and Roll 11am – 12pm / Ages 0 – 4 / Free, drop in. Make some noise in the Art Gallery! A fun, musical drop-in session in the Art Gallery www.link4life.org

Fri 4 Mar & Fri 1 Apr

Hat Works, Stockport Bowler Hat Babies 10.30am – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.15pm / £5 per baby plus two accompanying adults / Booking essential. A unique interactive story and sensory play experience for babies who are not yet walking.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

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

Fri 4 Mar

The Lowry, Salford Quays Under 5s Doodle Tots 10am – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm / Ages 2½ – 4½ / £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents). Paint, stick and make your own works of art in this colourful workshop in The Studio.

No skills or expertise necessary. Aprons provided!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Sat 5 Mar

The Lowry, Salford Quays Romeo and Juliet Family Fun Day 12 – 1.30pm / Free but booking essential. A unique opportunity to meet the company of Birmingham Royal Ballet, see the costumes, take part in creative activities and even have your face painted.

Romeo and Juliet Open Class 11.15am / £5.00 – £10.00, Includes £2 booking fee.

Ever wondered just how ballet dancers do what they do? Your chance to look behind the scenes and watch Birmingham Royal Ballet’s talented dancers in their final preparations for a performance of world class dancing.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com Z–arts, Hulme We’re Stuck! Fun Day 12 – 2pm / All ages. Launching World Maths Day (7th Mar) and National Science and Engineering Week (9th – 18th Mar), we will be getting our brains in gear and looking at the links between Maths, Science and Art! 0161 226 1912 / www.z–arts.org

Sun 6 Mar

Lymefield Outdoor Learning Centre, Broadbottom SK14 6AG Floral Fun 1 – 3pm / Donation for materials. Celebrate Mothering Sunday by making a gift and card. www.tameside.gov.uk

Sun 6 Mar & Sun 3 Apr

Ordsall Hall Through the Ages... Live!

1pm / All ages / £1 per child. A family fun day packed with arts, crafts and activities. No booking required.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 6 Mar, Sun 3 Apr & Sun 1 May

The Kingsway School, Cheadle & Saddleworth School, Oldham Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm / Pitch costs £15 (Cheadle), £12 (Saddleworth). Families trade in a fun and safe environment, recycling their unwanted items in the community, grabbing themselves a bargain or selling their unwanted Toys, Games, Books and Clothes and making themselves a little extra money. www.kidscarboot.co.uk

Tues 8 Mar

Z–arts, Hulme Baby Play 10.30am / Booking essential. Sensory workshops for babies and their grownups, exploring new spaces and sounds, art and music with a different theme each month.

0161 226 1912 / www.z–arts.org

Tues 8 & Tues 22 Mar, Tues 5 & Tues 19 Apr

Touchstones, Rochdale Baby Play Baby Do 11 – 11.45am / Ages 0 – 2 / Free, drop in. Creative discovery and sensory play sessions in the Art Gallery for babies aged 0-2 and their parents. www.link4life.org

Wed 9 Mar & Wed 13 Apr Hyde Town Hall Library Lego Club After school / Age 7+ / Free. Lego supplied.

Donations welcome. No booking required.

0161 342 4450 / www.tameside.gov.uk

Fri 11 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Messy Milliners 10.30am – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.15pm / £3 per baby plus two accompanying adults.

Booking essential. An exciting and innovative messy play session with a hatting theme.

Suitable for babies and early walkers.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk The Manchester Art Gallery Mini Art Club 10.15 – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 1 – 4 / Free, but please book in advance. Get to know the artworks, investigate materials and make friends in our artist led workshops. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org

Fri 11 – Sun 13 Mar

Event City, Manchester The Baby & Toddler Show The UK’s biggest baby and toddler with amazing shopping and expert advice. www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

Sat 12 Mar

Bolton Central Library Cinema at the Crescent - The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water 2pm / Free no booking required. Light refreshments for sale. Under 12s must be accompanied. www.boltonlams.co.uk The Manchester Art Gallery Family Art Club 1 – 3pm / Ages 5 – 11 (accompanied) / Free, but limited places. Enjoy art, be creative and make things together with artist Nicola Colclough.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org Z–arts, Hulme Into Film Special!

Part of the Greater Manchester On Film Festival 11am: Inside Out (U) / Age 7+. 2.30pm: The Lion King Sing–a–long (U) / Age 5+. Free Art Cart activities for all ages before and after the film.

Booking required. Children must be accompanied.

0161 226 1912 / www.z–arts.org

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Mar Sat 9 & Sun 10 Apr

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the garden 11am – 5pm / Normal admission applies. Well behaved dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sat 12 Mar & Sat 23 Apr

Z–arts, Hulme Mix It Up Families 12pm / Free for Bright Sparks members . Booking essential. Family sized art sessions. No skill required, just enthusiasm! 0161 226 1912 / www.z–arts.org

Sun 13 Mar

The National Football Museum, Manchester Girls in the Game Sessions at 11am – 12.30pm, 12.30pm – 2.00pm & 2.00pm – 3.30pm / Ages 6 – 11 / Free, drop in – limited places. An introductory coding workshop for young people looking into the science of computer gaming. Taking inspiration from the success of the England Ladies in 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, girls football teams, coding clubs, Brownies and museum visitors are invited to use computer coding to put girls at the heart of football games and celebrate all that women and girls have achieved so far in computer coding.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Mon 14 Mar

The National Football Museum, Manchester Let’s Play Toddler 10.30am & 1.30am / Walking up to Age 4 / £3 per child – booking advised. Physical activity and imaginative movement with songs.0161 8718 145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Fri 18 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Top Hat Toddlers 10.30am – 12.30pm / £3 per baby plus two accompanying adults. A ‘stay and play’ drop in session with plenty of age–appropriate activities for toddlers and pre–schoolers.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Lyme Park, Disley Orienteering Challenge Event 10am – 12.30pm / Adults (211+) £10, Juniors (16+) £5. Junior Courses: Entry on the day only.

Individuals £3, Family groups sharing one map £5 Test your co–ordination, balance and mental agility on this timed run for age 16+ (booking essential).

Under 16s and families can have a go at the white and yellow courses (no booking required). www.mdoc.org.uk/events

Sat 12 Mar, Sat 9 Apr & Sat 7 May

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler – Storytelling and Play session 9.30 – 10.15am & 10.15 – 11am / Free but normal admission applies. A special storytelling and play session for little ones.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tatton Park, Knutsford Shakespeare Week See Shakespeare’s world and works brought to life!

Sword fighting, performances, crafts, music, storytelling and more. A fun filled weekend for all the family with lots of activities each day for all ages.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 20 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt a Farm Animal Day 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) / Normal admission applies. Meet the rare breed animals which are up for adoption at the Farm: Prancer the Reindeer, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse, Tamzin the Tamworth Pig and Frosty the Donkey. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Daily from Fri 25 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Danny the Champion of the World in the Gardens 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm) / Normal admission applies. ‘A stodgy parent is no fun at all’ and Danny thinks his Dad is the most wonderful and exciting one possible. Oodles of countryside carryings–on as you join them on a thrilling adventure to trap pheasants.

But beware..the gamekeepers are out to catch you!

The Enormous Crocodile out in the Parkland 10am–7pm (last entry 6pm) / Normal admission applies.

The Enormous Crocodile likes nothing more than a nice juicy child. Dare to go deep into the jungle where he’s lurking (Dairy Wood Way, signposted from the main car park).

Fantastic Mr Fox at the Farm 12pm–5pm (last entry 4pm); Closed Mondays / Normal admission applies. Go down to the Farm and see if you can find him in his den before the cruel and dim–witted farmers do. Gazillions of fun activities as you pick your way through Farmer Boggis’ chicken house and Farmer Bean’s apple cider cellar.

Matilda in the Mansion 1pm–5pm (last entry 4pm); Closed Mondays / Normal admission applies. Follow the mischief– making trail as you explore Matilda Wormwood’s cunning plots and practical jokes. Go letter–collecting to uncover one of Matilda’s favourite books. Discover whether you’re a genius like Matilda or a nit–wit!

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Easter Crafts and Country Shopping Fair Good Friday: 12 – 5pm, Sat/Sun: 10.30am – 5pm.

Normal admission applies. Free entry to Tenants Hall.

Gifts for everyone, specialist food producers plus craft, fashion and home furnishings. 01625 374400 / www.countrywide–events.co.uk

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Mar

Sat 12 Mar & Sat 9 Apr

Hat Works, Stockport Autism Early Birds Doors open 9am. Crafts: 9.15 – 10am (Ages 4 – 11), 10.15 – 11am (Age 11–18), 11.15 – 12 noon (over 18s) An opportunity for families or adults with Autism to enjoy the museum when it is quiet and experience it their own way. Staff on hand to demonstrate the machinery or talk about the displays and a different craft activity each month. Booking essential.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

What’s on

Fri 18 Mar & Fri 29 Apr

The Museum Of Science And Industry (MOSI) Experitots 10.30am – 12pm / Under 6s / £3 for 1 adult and 1 child, £2 for each additional adult or child.

Booking strongly recommended. Creative activity sessions using puppets and storytelling to help toddlers get the most out of our hand–on science gallery Experiment. A different topic each month.

0161 833 0027 / www.msimanchester.org.uk

Sat 19 Mar

The Manchester Art Gallery Open Doors 9.15 – 10.45am / Age 5 – 16 with parent/carer / Free A series of creative activities especially for children with autism and other social communication issues, their families and carers. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org

Chester Racecourse Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival A culmination of culinary delights from around the region and beyond. Free Kids Cooking Classes and free onsite parking. Under 12s go free too.

01244 304600 / chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Sun 27 Mar & Sun 24 Apr

Stockport Indoor Market Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm / Pitch costs £10. Families trade in a fun and safe environment, recycling their unwanted items in the community, grabbing themselves a bargain or selling their unwanted Toys, Games, Books and Clothes and making themselves a little extra money. www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Tues 29 Mar & Tues 26 Apr

Tameside Central Library Lego Club 4 – 5pm / Ages 7 – 11 / Free, drop in. A different theme each month based on books to inspire your building creativity! Please leave your own Lego at home (unless you would like to donate it to the club). No need to book, just come along to this free drop-in session 0161 342 2029 / www.tameside.gov.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 15

What’s on Thurs 31 Mar

East Lancashire Railway The Pirate Adventure – Family Fun Day 10.30am – 2.30pm / Adult £11.30, Child (under 15) £9.50 / Under 2s free. Don your eye-patch, splice the main brace and bring your aspiring little buccaneers along for a day of high adventure and steam powered plundering with activities galore across the entire railway. X marks the spot in this fantastical family day out where you’ll join our cast of characters as they take you on a magical journey you’ll never forget! Advance booking essential. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 2 Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Pop-in Workshop 1 – 3pm / Free, no booking required. Join Venture Arts for a family friendly art workshop and help to add the finishing touches to our installation in the gallery.

Part of our current exhibition Heart and Sold, this is an opportunity to get creative adding clay, fabric and porcelain to the art installation. 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sat 2 – Sun 10 Apr (closed Mon)

Tatton Park, Knutsford Lambing Fortnight at the Farm 12pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies.

Will you be lucky enough to see our lambs being born? Informative talks on the imminent signs of lambing by the farm staff and a sheepy quiz.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Apr

The Churnet Valley Railway ST10 2HA Sci–Fi Weekend Travel by Earth Train to the planet Consall, or beam in dressed as your favourite super hero, to join forces with Dr Who as he tries to thwart the deadly Daleks from taking over Consall. Members of the Star Wars Imperial Forces will also be on hand to ensure Darth Vader’s commands are followed, as the Dark Lord himself keeps the railways volunteers in check.

Children’s Activity Academy, Space Cafe and a well-stocked Souvenir Cargo Hold will also be provided in between battles. 01538 750755 / www.churnet–valley–railway.co.uk

Sun 3 – Sun 17 Apr (closed Fri & Sat)

Ordsall Hall, Salford Spring Quiz 1 – 4pm / £1 per quiz. Have a go at our quiz and receive a small prize for your efforts! 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 4 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Make a Mill Wheel 12 – 4pm / Age 6+ / Free event, but entrance ticket required. Weave a mini mill wheel using willow to take home with you as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mill. Limited availability.

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

Tues 5 Apr

Haughton Green, Denton Go Wild 1 – 3pm. A fun day in the countryside for families.

Den building, a mini beast safari and pond dipping. www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside Tatton Park, Knutsford Cave Babies 10.30 – 11.3.0am / Ages 3 – 6 (accompanied) / £6 – advance booking essential. A fun, hands on, Stone Age themed experience including cave painting, corn grinding and more! 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@familiesmanchester.co.uk

Tues 5 – Sun 17 Apr (closed Mon 11)

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Holiday Quiz 10am – 4.45pm (Tues – Fri), 12 – 4pm (Sat & Sun) / £1 per quiz. Have a go at our quiz and receive a small prize for your efforts! No booking required.

0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Tues 5 & Wed 6 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Storytelling 12 – 4pm / All ages / Free event but normal admission applies. Hear Victorian tales in the dairy that will take you back in time and keep the whole family entertained. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Tues 5 & Thurs 7 Apr Tues 12 & Thurs 4 Apr

Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne Jolly Holidays 11am – 3pm / All ages / 50p per child. Artist led craft activities for all ages. 0161 343 2878 / www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside Ordsall Hall, Salford Meet the Maids 10.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm / £1. Meet a Tudor servant, find out about their life, and make a spice bag (Tuesdays) or soap ball(Thursdays) to take home.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Tues 5 & Tues 12 Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Meet Mr Radclyffe 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm / Free. Meet the owner of Lark Hill Place’s toy shop and have a go with traditional toys. No booking required. 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Wed 6 & Wed 13 Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Meet Connie the Curator 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm / Free. Meet Connie the Curator and find out the stories behind some of our objects! No booking required. 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Thurs 7 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Most Marvellous Tea Party 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £15, booking essential. Prepare your tasty Roald Dahl inspired recipes with the help of our Education Staff and then indulge in a delicious tea party to sample your creations!

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Droylsden Library Fantastic Mr Fox workshop 2.15 – 3.15pm / Ages 6 – 8 / Free. Creative Writing session for children by Explore Learning.

0161 370 1282 / www.tameside.gov.uk East Lancashire Railway The Princess Adventure – Family Fun Day 10.30am – 2.30pm / Adult £11.30, Child (under 15) £9.50 / Under 2s free. It’s all aboard the princess party train as your favourite fairytale characters are on a mission to find the magical gems of storybook land before the evil villains find them and end everyone’s happy endings. Sing along with our heroes as they use magic and mayhem to win the day. A magical journey that you’ll never forget, just make sure to bring your best dress and tiara! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Thurs 7 & Fri 8 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham That’s a Top Hat 12 – 4pm / All ages / Free event, but normal admission applies. Discover your talent for millinery in our Victorian hat workshop. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Thurs 7 & Thurs 14 Apr

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Victorian Washday Demonstrations 10am, 11am, 1pm or 2pm / £1 per child. Get hands on with the hard work of the Victorian washday! No booking required. 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Fri 8 Apr

Denton & Droylsden Libraries School Holiday Fun Activities 2.15 – 3..5pm / Ages 4 – 11 / Free. Under the sea crafts and activities. www.tameside.gov.uk

Fri 8 & Fri 15 Apr

Castle Clough Car Park, Stalybridge Go Wild 1 – 3pm. A fun day in the countryside for families. Den building, a mini beast safari and pond dipping. 0161 343 2878 / www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside

Thurs 14 & Fri 15 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Puppet Making 12 – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies. Make a quick puppet and find out how you could make a cast of characters from simple materials at home. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Mrs Tomlinson’s Sweet Shop 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm / Free (donations welcome).

Mrs Tomlinson who works in the shop has some sweet treats to give away! 0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 17 Apr

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Apr

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr

East Lancashire Railway Sci-Fi on the Sidings Adult £14.50, Child (under 15) £9.20 / Under 2s free / Family £37. It’s all about train travel as we journey Back to the Future to a galaxy far, far away for all your science fiction favourites. Both the railway and the Bury Transport Museum will head up to warp speed and make for the final frontier at this science-fiction event, which will welcome special intergalactic guests, themed stations and activities and more! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Event City, Manchester BUCK 2016 10am / All ages / From £35. A 2 day all–ages convention first held as a UK event for My Little Pony fans, but now broadening to include all sorts of fun stuff! An awesome Summer Sun Celebration music concert, special guests from the show staff, lots of vendors, cosplay competition, activities, crafts, games and loads more events.

0161 870 9800 / buckevents.co.uk/buckcon

Sun 10 Apr

Tabley House, Knutsford Tabley Races 11am (first race 1pm) / Entry to the main car park: £25 (entry for all passengers. Single occupancy £15) A great day out for all the family in the grounds of Cheshire’s only 18th Century Palladian Country House. 6 races over fences, 2 Pony races, Trade stands, Funfair – rides, slides and amusement stalls, Licensed bar, Large variety of mobile catering units providing delicious hot food, Tote and Bookmakers, Farmers and sponsors hospitality marquee. www.tableyraces.co.uk

Mon 11 – Wed 13 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Victorian Pastimes 12 – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies Discover Victorian pastimes in the garden with games and entertainment. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Tues 12 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cycling Boredom Busters 10am – 1.30pm / £10, advance booking essential Learn the fundamentals of off–road skills and explore farmland trails and woodland singletrack with Tatton Park’s Rangers. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 14 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Magical World of Roald Dahl: Weird and Whacky 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £10, advance booking essential. A special opportunity to experience a creative writing workshop with former Cheshire poet laureate, Joy Winkler, with content inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Springfield Park, Rochdale The Big Games 2016 1 – 5pm, just turn up. Free adventure and fun for all ages. www.link4life.org Event City, Manchester Robot Wars Live Show Shows at 12pm & 4pm each day / Adult £16, Child £14, Family £54. Over 50 mechanical monsters old and new, including the 2015 current Robot Wars Champion “TR2”, previous UK champions “Ripper” and “Eruption” and of course crowd favourite “Behemoth”, plus many more robots from TV. 0161 870 9800 / www.robotwars.tv

Sun 24 Apr

Stamford Park, Stalybridge Tulip Sunday 12 – 4pm. Celebrate Spring with a family fun day. Lots of mostly free entertainment; face painting, craft workshops, climbing wall, music, sports activities, stalls and street theatre amidst a carpet of tulips. www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside

Sat 30 Apr – Mon 2 May

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, nr Leek Lollipop Specials 11am – 4pm / Return Trip: Adult £4.50, Child £3 / Day Rover: Adult £6, Child £3.50. Under 3s go free. Jump aboard the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway Train. The trains run whatever the weather and all are covered coaches. www.rlsr.org Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire Day 10am – 5pm / Normal admission applies.

Celebrate Staffordshire day by visiting one of the most unique attractions in the area. Find out all about how the monkeys arrived in Staffordshire and enter our 1 day only competition. www.monkey–forest.com

Sat 7 May

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Special Guided Walk – Family Wildlife Meet at the Clock Tower at 11.00am. The walk lasts approximately two hours at a gentle pace.

Free event, but normal admission applies.

Bring all the family to discover Dunham’s deer and other wildlife on an accessible walk around the park. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sun 8 May

George H Carnall Leisure Centre , Urmston Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm / Pitch costs £10. Families trade in a fun and safe environment, recycling their unwanted items in the community, grabbing themselves a bargain or selling their unwanted Toys, Games, Books and Clothes and making themselves a little extra money. www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk