Families Manchester Issue 64 July-August 2017

Edition 64 • July/August 2017

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

MANCHESTER

@FamiliesManch facebook.com/familiesmanchester

®

In this issue: School’s out for SUMMER! Loads of ideas for holiday clubs, things to do, and places to see!

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

FREE

News Disney on Ice comes to Manchester Save 20% at Oxygen this Summer!

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they take audiences on a fun-filled tour in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure (11 – 15 October).

Journey to the most memorable Disney destinations with all of your favorite characters and get swept away by classic

tales that have captivated the world, including the Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Frozen.

The show will be at the Manchester Arena from 11 - 15 October and tickets are now available at www.disneyonice.co.uk.

Refract:17 at Waterside

Waterside Arts Centre has announced a brand new ten day summer programme bursting with experiential performance, music and events to challenge visitors of all ages to see things differently.

A wonderland of activity and theatre will delight audiences of all ages – with

highlights including performances inside a giant bird’s nest, inspirational theatre on a trampoline, a family singa-long and a family rave for the little ones, as well as thought-provoking and intimate shows inside a static caravan and interactive gaming on a mega scale for older children and teens.

Refract:17 runs from Friday 21 to Sunday 30 July and if you join Waterside’s free membership scheme, passholders can enjoy a host of discounted tickets, drinks offers and unique opportunities during the ten days. More information is available at refract.org.uk/refraction

Oxygen Freejumping, Manchester’s favourite trampoline park, is set to make Summer boredom a thing of the past with a great offer on jumping sessions and special Summer events, exclusively for Families readers!

Oxygen Freejumping is the place where you can jump, flip, leap, play and soar to your heart’s content. Unlike

other trampoline parks it has multiple different jumping zones, so whether you’re a superstar flipper or a bouncing beginner you’ll be in for a treat at Oxygen Freejumping!

This Summer the whole family is welcome to have a bouncing time as you defy gravity on the mega airbags, and take part in special themed events including awesome beach parties and more! Or why not take on the Oxygen Allstars at spring-loaded dodgeball?

There’s so much to explore!

Plus, exclusively for Families readers, you can save 20% if you use code FAMILIES20 when booking! Get ready to make some memories this Summer with the whole family at Oxygen Freejumping. Visit oxygenfreejumping.co.uk to book.

Located in Trafford Park, Manchester, this offer ends Thursday 31 August 2017.

Summer in the Alps

Turn your passion into pennies

Are you looking to earn some extra money around being home with the children? Or perhaps to start a whole new full time career in something you love? The Body Shop At Home could have just the answer you are looking for.

Next issue: Sept/Oct 2017 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.

Editors: Caryl Hall & Jayne Keep Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Gemma, an existing consultant in the area, has achieved huge success after less than a month of promoting this well-known and trusted range of products. Gemma says “I am already earning a good income with the 25-30% commission, plus there are so many incentives and the company is so supportive. I am just thrilled and can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner! It fits so easily around the children and I am selling products I am passionate about.”

To find out more about local opportunities from sales consultant to team manager call Jayne on 07960 274 739 or email jaynek@keepy.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover Photography: Istock Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694 www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk

Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk

2 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year – and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet – Au Coin du Feu – plus two chalets next door, you can organise your

Families Manchester 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, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Manchester 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.

own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.summer.morzine-avoriaz.com

@FamiliesManch www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

News Jurassic Kingdom – a roar-some dinosaur tour!

The UK’s first ever national outdoor animatronic dino-tour, including 30 full scale creatures, comes to Manchester this summer. Expect snarling jaws, moving eyes, swaying tails and roaring sound effects from these magnificent creatures as you follow the trail around the site at Philips Park in Manchester.

The tour has an educational element attached to it thanks to an educational worksheet for primary school aged children and a marquee where you can watch dinosaur documentaries. Other activities include an excavation scene where younger children can dig in the sand to unearth a T-Rex fossil, a VR experience and a range of photo opportunities.

The dinosaurs cover three key area including the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous period and include a T-Rex standing 18m from head to tail, a battle between Deinonychus and Tenontosaurus, and a 16 metre long Diplodocus.

The event runs daily from 8 – 23 July, 10am to 8pm with last entry at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.jurassickingdom.uk with online booking prices from £11.50 adults, £10.50 concessions, £9.50 children and £38 for a family ticket plus standard booking fees. But if you book before 8 July and enter FAMILIES20 at the checkout, you can save 20%!

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

WIN a Family Ticket to Gulliver’s World, Warrington Gulliver’s theme park resorts offer the hottest ticket for fun-loving families this summer! And we’ve teamed up with them to give away THREE family tickets for a bumper day out at Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

Magical memories are created every day at Gulliver’s, which is specially designed for children aged two to 13. So it doesn’t matter if you’ve Terms and conditions apply. Family and 2 children (aged 15toorexplore under) toand 60 consecugot toddlers or bigger kids inmembership tow, thereentitles really 2isadults something for everyone enjoy! tive days free health & fitness membership at the club. Does not include access to golf facilities.

New for 2017 is Togo Tower at Warrington and the Pirate Training Camp at Matlock Bath. Together with theme park classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and dodgems and a host of weird and wonderful rides and attractions at each park, there’s loads to discover with lots of new things to see and do all the time!

With free parking all day, every day and a host of soft play areas, interactive shows, activities and entertainment on offer too, there’s more to Gulliver’s than meets the eye.

It’s not just theme park thrills on offer at Gulliver’s – each resort is also home to other captivating attractions, including the Gulliver’s Hotel Warrington, Explorers Retreat at Matlock Bath, the award winning Adventurers Village at Milton Keynes plus the Dinosaur & Farm Park as well as the SFEAR high ropes climbing challenge and an official Nerf Zone at every location.

Find out more at www.gulliversfun.co.uk, www.facebook.com/gullymouse and www.twitter.com/gullymouse To enter the competition, simply send your name and daytime telephone number to caryl@familiesmanchester.co.uk. Entries close Sunday 30 July. Good luck!

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 3

Education What kids really need to know before starting school Dressing and undressing Independent dressing is something children should be able to do. Some things may be difficult for children at Reception age like buttons, but there is a reason why the early year’s uniform is usually based around t-shirts and jumpers. Don’t send them to school at this age with shoes that have laces.

Staff will be there to help them with dressing, particularly when they start changing for PE lessons, but most children at this age can’t tie their own laces and aren’t expected to. Velcro fastenings are much faster and also give children some independence.

What kids really need to know before starting school Just five minutes ago you were bringing your little one home from the hospital.

Now you’re shopping for their first school uniform and trying to find a suitable pair of school shoes. Where did the time go? If you go onto any parenting forum once the primary school offers go out, you’ll find lots of panicking parents worried that their little one will be left behind if they aren’t properly prepared. Relax. All children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. There is no definitive list of must-have skills for them to have acquired before the start of term. But there are a few basics that can be helpful. Read on to find out what your child really needs to know before they start school.

Holding a pencil There is a myth that your child will be expected to at least write their own name before they start school. This isn’t the case at all, and no one expects a child who is four or who has just turned five to achieve this straight away. There will always be some who can, but that doesn’t mean anything.

Remember when we said earlier that all children develop differently? Being able to hold a pencil confidently though is quite useful.

Again, don’t panic if they can’t. Some children are simply late at developing gross motor skills, and some may face other barriers. Both hypermobility syndrome and dyspraxia, for example, make holding a pencil and putting pressure on paper hard. If you suspect that’s the case for your child, try building them up slowly by encouraging them to play with Lego or Duplo, or make models from modelling clay.

Labels4Kids - no more lost clothes or belongings!

Get all set for the new school year with name tags from Labels4Kids – a family business with an award winning range of name labels.

Since 2004, Labels4Kids has helped thousands of families in the UK to bypass the lost and found box and get back lost belongings quickly. In 2015, the company also started to sell name labels via John Lewis.

Labels4Kids range contains many different types of name labels to cater

for different application methods. There are woven sew on labels, easy to use iron on labels, click on labels (tags that you simply click on with an applicator) or even stick on name labels that just go on the care label of the garment.

Your labels are made to order in the UK and to the highest quality standards.

Visit www.labels4kids.com today to personalise yours.

You can now get 10% off your first order using the discount code FAM – just select the labels you want to order on the website, personalise them and apply the code in the shopping cart to claim your discount.

Get some peace of mind this summer with Labels4Kids - because kids lose stuff!

4 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Using the toilet on their own Now, this is a must-have skill. If your child has been in private day-care, they may be used to having staff around that help them with toileting. There is a lot less of this in school. Unless a child has special needs, they will need to wipe themselves and be able to flush the toilet.

Reading This is one area where some parents (and we all know the type) can get competitive.

Unfortunately, this can have the knock-on effect of dragging other parents into worrying about it as well. Should your child be able to read before they start? Will that give them a bump up to the ‘top table’, and if they can’t read does that mean they will never catch up?

There is no need to be so anxious. Reception is not as academically oriented as Year 1.

There is no expectation that any child will be able to read at such a young age. Indeed it may even be a disadvantage. There is more than one type of phonics for example – what if you have used a different type of phonics from the school? Or you haven’t used phonics at all in teaching them to read? Don’t spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time together instead. There are lots of studies out there that show reading to your child every day has a far better impact on their educational outcomes.

Mastering cutlery The chances are that your child will have cooked school dinners. First off, don’t get anxious if they aren’t that great cutting up their food. There will be dinner supervisors there to help them. Most schools (possibly all schools) arrange dinner times so that nursery and reception children come in first, and are able to take their time picking their food, and settling down at the table.

However, if your child can use a knife and fork, and cut their own food, it will make lunchtimes a lot easier for them. They will also be expected to carry their food tray and take plates up to be washed. This is something you can prepare them for at home by getting them to carry their plates out to the kitchen after meals.

For more information about starting school, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

Dogs could help children improve their reading skills

Many studies have shown that improving a child’s reading skills will tend to lead to a greater overall academic success and better life chances.

There have been numerous schemes and initiatives aimed at boosting both interest in and aptitudes for reading but one of the most novel involves bringing four-legged helpers into the classroom.

The practice originated in the US in 1999 with the Reading Education

Assistance Dogs (READ) scheme. It was slower to catch on in the UK but has gained traction recently, with the Kennel Club’s Bark and Read Foundation being at the forefront.

According to the Kennel Club, reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through “both the calming effect the dogs’ presence has on children and the fact that the dog will listen to the children read without being judgemental or critical”.

Actress Zoe Wanamaker CBE, a supporter of the scheme, said: “That is why the Kennel Club’s Bark & Read project is such an inspiring idea, as we all know that dogs are great listeners and won’t judge if we stumble over a word.”

Education Seize the summer with Explore Learning!

Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard.

They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

Explore Learning is encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this they have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently!

Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots

of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky.

Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.

Read, read and read some more A study by OUP showed that just 10 minutes of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in.

Explore will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/ summer to find out more and download your first activity!

Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance

to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Need some new games?

Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch with them today! www.explorelearning.co.uk

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Parties & clubs More than just a swim school

Swimabout is ideal for any parent wishing to receive something more from a swimming lesson than they might currently be getting. Being a smaller school (in size, but not in heart) they can provide the expertise that can’t be equalled! Meaning they have more control over their standards of swimming and teaching proficiency.

“Teaching high end technique to children of any ability is made easy by using our innovative and unique teaching ethos. We can transform the most nervous of children into happy splashers by simply creating a

Fab Nerf fun!

By Jayne Keep

For my son’s 7th birthday party he was adamant it had to be Nerf or nothing! So Stockport Nerf Centre was the perfect choice.

An indoor arena fitted out with purpose built obstacles to hide behind, plus lasers and smoke effects, the ideal Nerf battleground!

The fully hosted parties see guests enjoying two games in the arena with a range of Nerf blasters over the course of one hour. The

happy and friendly atmosphere in which to learn; our classes draw out confidence and joy in all children.”

They also do pretty well with the over confident, “jump in before being told.” swimmers that are only too eager to get swimming as fast as they can.

Swimabout aims to provide quality over quantity in terms of lesson structure; class sizes are kept low purely for the benefit of the pupil and through their friendly and experienced teaching staff and poolside assistants they ensure a great deal more individual tuition time is given to each pupil. No more waiting around on poolside for your turn!

Swimabout provides Group, Individual, Rookie and Intensive courses and can be contacted through their website or Facebook pages – where you can keep up to date with all the latest news, course info and much more! www.swimabout.net hosts have a large selection of games/ missions to choose from to tailor play to different age groups. Before play commences rules of the arena are given and the hosts are keen to enforce with safety always a priority.

Cheating is also frowned upon and sees teams lose points.

After a full hour of battling we had some hot and tired children. The hosts were quick to fetch out plenty to drink along with sandwiches and cookies. All I needed to do was supply the cake and party bags.

Stockport Nerf Centre runs parties for children from 6+ and they often host adult parties too (I can see why, it looks great fun & much less painful than paintball!).

This venue definitely gets a thumbs up from us and I think we will be back for another session there over the Summer break to run off some energy.

For more info call 07598 953 884 or visit www.stockportnerf.co.uk Swimabout Crash Courses at Cheadle Hulme School Learn to Swim Crash Course- 2yrs+ 31st July-4th August Rookie Lifesavers Crash Course- 8yrs+ 31st July- 4th Aug www.swimabout.net

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

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, Oldham and Gee Cross, Hyde) or 01257 262622 ((Bolton, Bury, Radcliffe, Wigan, Leigh, Rochdale, Oldham, Billington, Clitheroe, Chorley, Swinton and Worsley). www.puddleducks.com

Summer holidays Summer Residential Camp - fun, games and personal development

Camp Evolution is a fantastic summer residential camp being held at Terra Nova School near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.

Taking place from Monday 31 July – Sunday 6 August, the camp offers 9 – 14 year-olds a fabulous range of fun and educational activities; all focused on their personal development. Your children will be able to make full use of all the amazing facilities on site at the

school as well as developing their key thinking, social and essential life skills (including basic first aid), increase their financial awareness, and grow in confidence.

By taking part in individual challenges, they’ll learn a great deal about themselves, and the team challenges will help them to develop a greater sense of social competency as they learn to listen, interpret and respond to their peers’ needs.

The camp costs £55 per night, or £385 for the full week, with siblings receiving a 30% discount. Camp Evolution also offers a collection/drop off service if required.

For more information, call 0161 706 0144 or visit www.campevolution.co.uk

Save this Summer with Super Camps Super Camps’ fabulous new Multi-Activity programme at William Hulme’s Grammar School in Manchester allows children to get involved in some great activities.

As well as taking part in the funpacked programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on

camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment”. Camps run from Monday 25 July – Friday 25 August, and you can save 15% on all courses with code FAMILIES17. www.supercamps.co.uk

Multi Sports, Football and Dance Clubs Superstars Holiday clubs will be running active Multi Sports, Football and Dance camps over the summer period from Monday 24 July until Friday 1 September.

They will also have specialist weeks of Lego Club, Art Club, Trampoling, Cricket and Tennis. Camps will run in Flixton Girls School, Chorlton high School, Sale High and The Barlow in Didsbury. They also run camps at 8 other venues across the North West. For further information please look at their holiday club page at www.littlesuperstars.co.uk where there is a 24 page colour brochure with all the detailed information.

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Summer holidays Magical food camps

Food Sorcery have some fab camps running over the holidays with kids’ cookery mornings followed by sporty afternoons.

Sessions are held at the Waterside Hotel in Didsbury in a gorgeous kitchen setting with the brilliant Jason Palin who is not only a great chef but is also

extremely helpful and funny. The Families kids have attended some of his Big Cook and Not So Little Cook sessions and had an amazing time.

Each day will see a different food theme so if they are looking to attend a full week, they will come away a whizz in the kitchen! The afternoon then sees the children getting active with a bootcamp session.

Sessions are aimed at children aged 7 – 14 years old. For info on dates, availability etc. please visit www.foodsorcery.co.uk or call 0161 706 0505

BOSH!!

BOSH Ltd (‘Best for Out of School Hours’) has been providing high quality, affordable, OFSTED inspected childcare for 3 -11 year olds for over 15 years both during term time (breakfast and after school clubs) and during school holidays.

They think they may be the only multi-activity club offering care to 3 year olds?!

The children enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities (arts and crafts, painting, baking, ball games, and scooters). They have popular themed weeks at the holiday clubs where the children can get involved in building/ making things, writing and drama inside and outside supported by enthusiastic play workers.

BOSH’s overriding philosophy and aim is to give the children the opportunity to PLAY freely with other children in a safe environment (based in school fields/playgrounds). In their surveys, parents/carers repeatedly tell them that they appreciate their children having this time to socialize with children of different ages and the chance to gain some independence by making some of their own choices during the day.

The club runs from 7.45am – 6pm. and is well-staffed by experienced, qualified play workers (who also work in their school clubs).

For more info and bookings see www.boshonline.com or email enquiries@boshonline.com.

Summer 2017 – Altrincham FC in the community

Altrincham Football Club is holding FIVE weeks of holiday activities this Summer for children aged 4 –12 years old. Half day options, wrap around care and weekly discounts are available.

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Football, Rugby, Cricket, Rounders, Athletics, Arts/Crafts, Ice Skating, Swimming, Stadium Tours (Man United & Man City), Golf, Dance and Table Tennis are all on offer.

So whether you want to learn to dribble like Messi, express your artistic creativity, or try a new sport, they have something for you!

There will be qualified, DBS registered coaches running all the activities. Full details and prices can be found on their website: www.altrinchamfccsh.com or alternatively, call 0161 928 1045.

Summer holidays A woodland adventure in the trees Treetop Manchester is a truly unique outdoor attraction that provides a woodland adventure like no other.

Set in the beautiful Heaton Park woodland, families can adventure in the high trees all year round.

Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to explore the treetops through a series of walkways, trampolines, treehouses, slides and ball parks, all suspended high up in trees up to 15m off the ground. Children aged 3+ are free to bounce, play, slide and climb beneath the tree canopy without harnesses. Visitors are often awestruck by the beauty of the trees and feeling of being close to nature as well as the thrilling height and bouncy fun of the nets.

For older children, Treetop Trek is a spectacular aerial adventure where you can swing, climb, balance and fly your way

through the woodland canopy on fun challenges and thrilling zip lines!

There are two treks through the park woodland, both designed for adults and juniors to enjoy: Zip Trek (Ages 7+): A unique high ropes experience for the fearless adventurer! Up to a jaw-dropping height of 15m, you will weave through the tree canopy on 35 breathtaking obstacles, including balance bars, swinging logs and Indiana bridges, along with 24 superb zip lines!

Mini Trek: (Ages 5+): Starting at 5m high, this lower treetop adventure features 16 fun challenges, including 3 zip lines. Perfect for the younger or less confident trekkers or those with a bit less time on their hands! www.treetopnets.co.uk / www.treetoptrek.co.uk

Holiday Snow Camps at Chill Factore!

Here’s the ideal opportunity for 6 – 16 year old skiers or 8 –16 year old snowboarders to make the holidays an exciting prospect.

There are various snow camps available, catering for both complete beginners and those already competent on the slope.

Each camp runs from 9am – 5pm, with a mix of slope time as well as fun

activities in the Snow Park. Even with a jam-packed day of fun, there will still be time for lunch, which is included in the price.

Limited spaces are available, so book early! For more info and available dates, go to www.chillfactore.com

Happy Birthday to Play Factore!

On Wednesday 19th July Play Factore - The Ultimate Children’s Birthday Party Hosts are holding their own 5th Birthday Celebrations!

The Creators of Play Factore are supporting “Variety, The Children’s Charity” in this celebration, giving every child a chance of the thrill of fun and play. Enjoy the day of summer play, entertainment, music and dance performers in Play Factore, the UK’s largest family entertainment Arena. It boasts the largest play frame in the UK along with other unique attractions including go-karts, laser-tag, an exhilarating zip-wire ride and an interactive dance area!

This incomparable 26 000 sq. ft. venue will be transformed into a summer party for a fabulous fun packed day. DJ’s will be spinning illuminating tracks so you and your little ones can dance throughout the party. The amazing Italian Coffee shop and pizzeria restaurant will serve freshly prepared, healthy food and drinks to sustain energy levels for the Birthday party revellers.

Play Factore is ideally located next to the Intu Trafford Centre Manchester. Normal admission prices and T&C’s apply, with the party running from 2pm – 8pm. Call their delightful reception team for further details 08448246030. www.playfactore.com

A Supersonic day out Looking for a fun day out this summer?

Visit Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park, with fairground rides, breath-taking runway views, picnic areas, a purpose built children’s play area and the opportunity to explore the park’s five aircrafts. Plus join them for Sundays are Fun Days throughout August where fairground rides are free all day!* Or book your budding pilot onto their fun and interactive flight Academy! The

sessions are suitable for children between 3 and 13 years old, and your child can enjoy learning about airport life, flying machines, and for the younger aviation enthusiast, Up Up and Away.

And don’t miss their bank holiday bonanza on Monday 28th August. Treat your family to a day at the park, with a short tour of Concorde and BBQ and soft drink, all for just £15pp!** www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk *Terms and Conditions apply – see website for more details.

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Summer holidays Mini games for your mini me’s!

Parents travelling with their little ones will be pleased to hear of the exciting new Mini Games added to the collection from Orchard Toys. Six new lines to their popular mini game range have recently launched.

Based on traditional family favourites, the range gives classic games, from snakes and ladders to happy families, a fun ‘Orchard Toys’ twist!

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Match the Llamas in Pyjamas, build your Spiders & Spouts and have a go at Jungle Dominoes, making sure your journey to your destination is a real winner! Or try Little Bug Bingo, Animal Families, or Animal Match, a fun animal snap game.

These summer travel games are a must-have for a playcation with the little people in your life.

Priced at just £4.99, they’re available from all good retailers.

What’s on

Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info!

Thurs 6 – Sat 8 July

Z-arts, Hulme The Wizard Of Oz Various times / Age 4+. Presented by 13 Performing Arts School. www.13performingartsschool.com

Thurs 6 July & Thurs 3 Aug

John Rylands Library, Manchester Toddler tales 11am / Under 5s / Free. Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories. Join in playtime, creating a story world of your own. www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands

Fri 7 & Sat 8 July

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Around the World in 80 Days 7 – 9.30pm, booking essential An amateur performance by Wilmslow Green Room, performed in Quarry Bank’s gardens. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Fri 7 – Sun 9 July

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Summer Diesel Spectacular Take a ride on your favourite diesel locomotive. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 8 July

Lyme Park, Disley Soft Archery Sessions 11am – 3.15pm / 50p per session, normal admission applies. Have a go – you will be given a safety talk and pointers on how to improve. 30 minute sessions starting at 11:00, 11:35, 12:10, 13:00, 13:35, 14:10, & 14:45 01663 761411 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session 9.30 – 10.15am, 10.15 – 11am, 11 – 11.45am / Free, booking essential. A special storytelling and play session for little ones. 0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Band on the Wall, Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ Junior Jam: Rock ‘n’ Roll Ukuleles!

10am or 11am / Ages 4 – 8 / £7, booking essential An exciting music group giving children the chance to develop musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. 0161 830 3899 / www.bandonthewall.org The Bridge Church, Bolton Bolton’s Big Day Out 11am – 4pm. A fun charity day out for all the family with loads of entertainment including skills sessions held by Bolton Wanderers. www.facebook.com/BBDO2017

Sat 8 & Sun 9 July

MediaCity UK, Salford CBBC’s Summer Social 9am – 5.30pm / All ages / Free. A brilliant day out with some of CBBC’s biggest stars, including Hacker T Dog! www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc Daresbury, Warrington Cheshire Steam Fair 10am – 5pm / Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, Family (2+3) £25. Not just for steam enthusiasts! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk

Sun 9 July

St Annes Rectory, Denton ScoutFest 12.45pm / £3, Family ticket £10. A great line up of acts playing throughout the afternoon including food/ drink and live music entertainment for the whole family. Limited tickets – book early.

07763 464504 / www.4thdentonscouts.org.uk

Smithills Hall, Bolton Smithills Hall Garden Party 12 – 4pm. A fun family event in the gardens with activities and stalls including Lion Learners and their critters! www.lionlearners.co.uk

Fri 14 – Sun 16 July

Tatton Park Foodies Festival The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink. Normal park entry applies. www.foodiesfestival.com

Sat 15 July

Ordsall Hall Museum MAPAS Live Music Festival 9.30am – 9.45pm / £5 (under 5s free) Over 12 hours of live music, explore Ordsall Hall, enjoy scrumptious food and drink, and entertainment to keep little ones happy.

Sat 22 July

Ordsall Park, Salford Ordsall Summer Festival 12 – 5pm. Traditional community festival offering plenty of family fun, food and live music.

Woodbank Park Stockport Carnival Follow the parade from Belmont Way at 1pm through the town centre to arrive at the park around 2pm. www.stockportcarnival.com Over Hulton Conservative Club Summer 80’s Family Disco 7 – 11.45pm / Adults £5, children free Back to the 80’s Family Disco, let your hair down and get into the 80’s groove! Fancy Dress optional.

Prize for best family dress costume.

Tickets: 01204 61384

Duke’s Drive Country Park, Monton Bridgewater Weekend Summer Saturday 12 – 5pm. Family fun, entertainment, music and crafts, as well as the chance to explore this beautiful area and find out more about the heritage of the Bridgewater Canal. www.est1761.org

Sat 22 July – Mon 4 Sept

The Meadows, Salford The Pink Picnic 1 – 8pm / Free. Friendly, family picnic with live music, street entertainers, dancing, children’s activities, beer tent, food, displays and little dogs in great outfits, Go-karts and face painting. Bring your own picnic. www.facebook.com/pinkpicnicsalford

Manchester City Centre HSBC City Ride Manchester 11am – 4pm. A traffic free bike ride around the city with loads of free entertainment. www.letsride.co.uk/city-ride

Sat 15 July & Sat 12 Aug

MOSI, Manchester Pi: Platform for Investigation A hands-on science platform to meet scientists working on cutting-edge research. July will be exploring wonder materials and August will look at the amazing hidden world of salt marshes. www.msimanchester.org.uk

MOSI, Manchester Imagine It, Make It, Move It Loads of free activities (some chargeable) and demonstrations. www.msimanchester.org.uk

Sun 23 July

Sun 23 – Tues 25 July

MOSI, Manchester Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond A ground-breaking show –with hands-on activities and creative stations, combining science, art and interactive games. Suitable for age 5+. www.msimanchester.org.uk

Mon 24 July

Stockport Museum Visits for families with Autism 10am – 12pm / Free, drop in, £1 per craft activity pack. Enjoy Stockport Museum while it’s quiet and closed to the public. Staff on hand to chat about the exhibits and a craft activity pack is an additional option. Suitable for autistic children, their families and companions. www.stockport.gov.uk

Mon 24 – Fri 28 July

The Lowry Outlet The Big Read 11am – 4pm daily. Join Boris the Bookwork in this fun educational exploration to discover stories, tales, games and more! www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Mon 24 July – Fri 4 Aug (excl weekends) Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: Grafting in the Garden 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies Are you scary enough to chase away the birds, or agile enough to catch a mole? Try out the worst gardening jobs in history. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tues 25 July

Touchstones, Rochdale Choose Your Own Adventure 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3pm / Age 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential. Help storyteller and goblin scientist, Professor Jigget from City of Trees to create tales inspired by trees and woodlands around Rochdale. Build props, scenery and characters from a variety of craft materials. 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Sat 15 & Sun 16 July

Tatton Park Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry prices apply. Meet Myrtle the Middle White and all of her piggy friends, the Red Poll cattle, Leicester Longwool sheep and others.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Burrs Country Park, Bury The Big Grill 11am – 10pm / Adult £12, Over 5s £6 Live music, craft beers, food and entertainment. www.info@thebiggrilluk.com

Sun 16 July

MediaCityUK Pugfest 12 – 5pm / Adult £8, Child £5, under 3s free / Booking essential. With a TV and Film theme, expect glitz and glamour with a VIP (Very Important Pug) area, complete with prosecco, dog goody bags and doggy treats. Plenty of children’s entertainment too.

Pugs & pug crosses only able to attend. www.pugfestevents.com Worsley Green, Salford Fair 11am – 4pm. Plenty of stalls, rafts and refreshments and live entertainment provided by Wigan Ukulele Band.

Ordsall Hall, Salford The Ordsall Hall Garden Party 12 – 4pm / Free (charge for some activities) A celebration of family fun in the gardens. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Parr Fold Park, Worsley Walkden Summer Festival 12 – 6 pm. Family fun packed afternoon. www.salford.gov.uk

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What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email or upload your events@familiesmanchester.co.uk event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Tues 25 – Thurs 27 July

Wed 26 – Sun 30 July

Sat 29 & Sun 30 July

Thurs 27 July & Thurs 17 Aug

St Mary’s Park, Prestwich Festwich 2017 Over 40 live acts, 3 stages, VIP area, kids activities, beer tents, market stalls & food tents. www.festwich.com

Victoria Square, Bolton Sport on the Square 2 – 3.30pm / Free. Summer Sports event for all the family with prize giveaways. Loads of sporting events. www.bolton.gov.uk/sportinbolton

Tues 25 July – Fri 25 Aug

Tatton Park Summer Activities at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry prices apply. Meet the newly-hatched chicks, learn more about rare breed animals, storytelling, milking demonstrations and sheep racing! CLOSED MONDAYS. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 25 July – Thurs 31 Aug (Tues – Thurs only)

Lyme Park, Disley Summer of Sport 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. A variety of sporting activities on the Park and in the Garden.

01663 761411 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Wed 26 July

Christ Church Parish Centre, Bolton Messy Church Heaton 2.30 – 4.30pm / Free (donations welcome) People come together through creativity, celebration and hospitality. For accompanied children of all ages.

Plenty of activities for the children, followed by food. www.messychurch.org.uk

Wednesdays from 26 July – 30 Aug

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Victorian Washday 11am, 1pm & 2pm / younger children / £2, no booking required. Help Mrs Brown do her washing the Victorian way. Not a washing machine in sight! www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Wythenshawe Park and Hall Wythenshawe Games Drop-in Family Activity every day 11am to 5pm (6pm at weekends), Pop-up library with under 5s zone 11am to 4pm daily, Sports and activities for 11-19 year olds daily, Interactive Health Zone with loads of fun activities. Family Fun Weekend on Sat & Sun. Small charge for face painting, but everything else at the Games is free. www.wythenshawegames.org.uk East Lancashire Railway, Bury The Princess Adventure 10am – 4pm / £7.30 - £11.50, booking essential Noble Knights and dynamic Damsels, join us in an epic quest to save Storybook Lands from a menacing menagerie of maleficent miscreants! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Thurs 27 July

Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Child £4, booking essential. 10.30am – 12pm: Shiny Scarab Beetles (Ages 5 – 12). 1.30 – 3pm: Hieroglyphic Comic Strips (Ages 8 – 13+) 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Fri 28 & Sat 29 July

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Welcome to the Carnival 7 – 9pm / £14pp (under 3s free), booking essential Meet the carnival families as they arrive at Dunham for an evening of acrobatics, music and intrigue to launch the Lost Carnival this summer.

0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Manchester Central Convention Complex MCM Manchester Comic Con 9am – 6pm / Kids go free. A celebration of all things awesome and geeky for those who love films, TV, comics, gaming, anime or cosplay. www.mcmcomiccon.com

Sat 29 July & Sat 26 Aug

Touchstones, Rochdale Make Art 11am – 2pm / Ages 5 – 12 / Free, drop in Artist led drop in workshop to make your own crafty creations inspired by the Art Gallery exhibitions.

01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Sun 30 July & Sun 27 Aug

The Lowry Relaxed Playhouse!

11am – 12.30pm / Ages 5 – 11 / Free, but booking essential. An accessible visual art activity for children with additional needs and their families. www.thelowry.com

Mon 31 July – Fri 4 Aug

Z-arts, Hulme Allsorts Summer workshop 10am – 3pm / Age 11+. Join Z-arts’ music leaders to use a mix of multimedia and music to create cutting edge new material over the course of a week. www.z-arts.org

Mon 31 July – Wed 30 Aug

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Behind the Scenes of the Lost Carnival 10.30am – 4.30pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. The Lost Carnival needs your energy to keep it alive, and to bring two star-crossed lovers together. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Mon 31 July – Fri 1 Sept

Jodrell Bank The Jodrell Jubilee!

11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies Daily drop-in activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Lovell telescope. Science-themed games, amazing live demonstrations, fun activities.

You’ll learn all about the telescope and how it works. www.jodrellbank.net

Every Tues in Aug

Jodrell Bank Meet the Expert 1pm / Age 7+ / Free, normal admission applies Meet a resident science and astronomy expert. Places can be reserved up to the day before by phoning 01477 571766. www.jodrellbank.net

Tues 1 Aug

Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential 10.30am – 12pm: Marvellous Mummified Cats 1.30 – 3pm: Curly Cobra Straws 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Tues 1 & Thurs 24 Aug

Tatton Park Tatton’s Fairytale Postman 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm/ age 3 – 5 / £8 per child (1 adult free), booking essential. Tatton Park’s postman has got into a muddle! Can you help him deliver his mixed up letters to all the fairytale characters living in the Gardens?

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

What’s on

Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info!

Wed 2 Aug

Victoria Square, Bolton Play Day 2017 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free Lots of fun, family-friendly activities. www.bolton.gov.uk/playandyouth

Wed 2 & Tues 22 Aug

Tatton Park Theatre-Play 10.30am – 12.30pm / Age 7 – 11 / £12, booking essential. Through the use of fun drama games, your budding actor or actress will devise mini scenes around the theme of “Secrets”. Family and friends will be invited back at the end of the workshop to watch the scenes. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 3 & Thurs 24 Aug

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Neverland Express 10am – 4pm / £7.30 - £11.50, booking essential powered pirate ship with Peter Pan, Tinker-Bell, Captain James Hook and his crew of dastardly buccaneers, happy thoughts included free! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 5 Aug

Tatton Park Fergie at the Farm Shows at 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm / Normal admission applies. Meet Fergie, the little grey tractor with a secret - he’s alive!

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Westhoughton Library, Bolton Children’s Craft Club 10am – 12pm / Free. Themed crafts to make and take home. www.bolton.gov.uk

Z-arts, Hulme Tech Theatre Open Day 10am – 4pm / Age 14+ / Free, limited places If you’re interested in a career backstage, this will open your eyes to the technical skills and careers in theatre. Have a go setting up and running a gig, cover everything needed for the event including understanding lighting and sound projection and H&S. www.z-arts.org

Wed 9 Aug

Fri 11 – Mon 28 Aug

Thurs 10 Aug

Tatton Park Mini-Beast Detective 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm / Age 3 – 5 / £8 per child (one free adult), booking essential. What mini-beasts will you find wiggling and crawling in the undergrowth in Tatton Park’s beautiful gardens?

Old Hall Time Explorers: Family Activity 10.30 – 12.30pm / All ages / Family tickets available (include park entry). Booking essential. Travel back in time with Old Tom, the Hall’s Gamekeeper and discover the fascinating history of Old Hall. Bring a picnic to enjoy afterward on the grounds.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 12 Aug

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Aug

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Day Out With Thomas™ 10am – 4pm / 10.50 - £18.50, booking essential Enjoy rides with Thomas, meet and greet with the Fat Controller, play tabletop games or colour and draw at the Imagination Station, learn new skills at the Circus Workshop, take in a magic show and more! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 6 Aug

Tatton Park The Volkswagon Northwest Car Show 9 – 5pm / Adults £7.50, under 16s free / Normal entry applies. The largest gathering of Volkswagens, both air and water-cooled, in the North of England.

Children’s rides and entertainment plus much more on the day. www.vwnw.co.uk Greenbank Preparatory School Cheadle Hulme MiniFEST 12pm – 5pm / Adult £8, Child £6 - Under 2s FREE. An exciting live music gig jam packed with original songs for children, babies and adults as well as children’s activities and food. www.mini-fest.eventbrite.co.uk

Mon 2 – Fri 18 Aug (excl weekends)

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: Muck in at t’Mill 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Can you stoke a steam engine, move muck from under a mule or carry a can? Find out which worst mill job is for you. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tatton Park Here Come the Vikings!

10.30am – 12.3pm / Age 7 – 11 / £10, booking essential Meet Viking explorers at Tatton Old Hall and experience life in their settlement.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

East Lancashire Railway, Bury School of Wizardry 10am – 4pm / Booking essential. Term begins with a magical journey via steam train to a really wizard day out, with themed activities to help bring out your inner sorcerer. Practitioners of the dark arts welcome! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential 10.30am – 12pm: Egyptian Paper Masterclass 1.30 – 3pm: Miniature Museum 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Fri 11 – Mon 14 Aug

Meet Shaun the Sheep and friends 10am – 6pm daily / All ages. Join characters from Aardman Animations Children Classics including Shaun the Sheep and take part in the Championsheep Games. www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

MOSI, Manchester Power Up! 90 min session £5, full day session £15, family discounts available. Gaming extravaganza with something for everyone, from Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Mario. www.msimanchester.org.uk Swinton Square Mr Bloom 11am – 4pm. Everyone’s favourite gardener Mr Bloom, is coming to The Square. www.swintonsquare.co.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Peter Pan 6.30 – 8.30pm / Adult £15, Child £10, Family (2+2) £44, under 3s free. Booking essential. Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter in this all new production. 0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey St Mary’s Park, Walkden Friends of St Mary’s Park Summer Fayre 11am – 3pm / Free. Traditional small summer fayre with coconut shy, tombola, hook-a-duck, bouncy castles, sports, games and children’s activities. Bring a picnic. www.visitsalford.info Lightoaks Park, Claremont, Salford Salford By The Sea 1 – 5pm / Free. Seaside themed family fun day with donkey rides, Punch & Judy, face painting, bouncy castle, brass band, ice cream and sand pit. Includes seaside food and a cake competition. www.facebook.com/lightoakspark

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Aug

Astle Park, Chelford Astle Park Traction Engine Rally 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 5pm (Sun) / Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, Family (2+3) £25. Advance purchase discount available. A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk

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What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email or upload your events@familiesmanchester.co.uk event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Tatton Park Viking Sunday 12 – 5pm / all ages / Adult £7, Child £5, Family £19, normal admission applies. The Vikings of Middle England, along with others, invade Tatton’s Old Hall! Experience combat as well as domestic life, trades and skills such as coin striking, calligraphy, storytelling and Viking Longboat. Have a go at archery (small charge) and try on armour.

Fun Dog Show at the Farm 12pm – 5pm / £2 entry fee plus normal Farm entry charges. Ten novelty classes plus a fun agility course ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes awarded up to 6th place.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 17 Aug

Sun 13 Aug

Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential. 10.30am – 12pm: Pop-Up Monsters. 1.30 – 3pm: Happy Hedgehog Habitat. 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Fri 18 Aug

East Lancashire Railway Jungle Book 10am - 4pm / £5 - £8, booking essential. Join the After Dark team on a jungle safari as they contend with absent minded bears, noble panthers, slippery snakes, unconventional orang-utans and terrifying Tigers. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Clifton Country Park, Swinton Kingfisher Trail Festival 11am – 4pm / Free. Live folk music, walks, pond dipping, natural arts and crafts activities, displays and talks. Ideal for a great family day out. www.lancswt.org.uk

Sat 19 Aug

Tues 15 Aug

Green Grosvenor Park, Salford GrovenorFest 12 – 5pm / Free. Family friendly event with live music, face painting, community stalls, bouncy castle and tombola. www.visitsalford.info

Tatton Park The Court of Henry VIII 10.30 – 12.30pm / Age 7 – 11 / £12, booking essential Step back in time to experience what life was like in King Henry’s court. Hear tales of intrigue and learn to joust with Henry himself.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential 10.30am – 12pm: Plaster Cast Egyptian Pendants 1.30 – 3pm: Scorpion In My Pocket 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Tues 15 & Wed 16 Aug & Tues 22 & Wed 23 Aug

Tatton Park The Mystery of Egerton’s Missing Gold Registration from 6.15pm, 7pm start, 9am finish / Age 7 – 11 (must be accompanied) / £30 per person, booking essential. After a series of strange events, Lord Egerton has invited you to spend a night at Tatton Park to uncover secrets, solve puzzles and resolve a perplexing mystery.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 16 Aug

Duke’s Drive Country Park, Monton Bridgewater Beasties 1 – 3pm / All ages / Free Join in the hunt for some special creatures. www.est1761.org

First Steps Day Nursery, Bury Open Day 10am – 2pm 01617646752 / firststepsnursery.co.uk

Sat 19 & Sun 20 August

MakeFest MOSI, Manchester Science and craft collide at this family-friendly celebration of making. www.msimanchester.org.uk Tatton Park “Passion for Power” Classic Motor Show 9am – 4pm / All ages / Adult £9, Child (10-15) £6, under 10’s free / Normal park admission applies.

Around 2,000 classic cars on show as well as high performance and super cars. Children’s rides, refreshments, entertainment and a bar.

01565 723863 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Sun 20 Aug

Ordsall Hall, Salford A Wild Walk - The Golden Thief 11am & 2pm / All ages / £8, booking essential Theatre company Babbling Vagabonds take you on a Wild Walk theatre adventure outside to discover the rascal who has been stealing the King’s golden apples. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Peel Park, Salford Grand Opening 11am – 4pm / Free. Live music, lawn games, archery, delightful dancing, crafts and pure magic.

Dress in Victorian costume to win a fabulous prize.

Free park themed fun at the museum too. www.visitsalford.info

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mon 21 – Thurs 24 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Go Batty!

7.30 – 9am / Booking essential. Head along the River Bollin with the ranger team to find out about the night time residents of Quarry Bank estate. Includes a tasty bat shaped biscuit! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Mon 21 Aug – Fri 1 Sept (excl weekends & bank holiday)

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Summer Holidays: ‘Ard work at the Apprentice House 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Have a go if you think you’re ‘ard enough to tackle the worst jobs done by children at the Apprentice House. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tues 22 Aug

Riverbank Park, Salford Goblin Hunt 1 – 3pm / Under 10s / Free. Booking essential. Join Professor Jigget, the expert goblin hunter on his quest to discover the tree goblins. Make a tree boggart before you leave. 0161 743 3625 / nicola@inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential.

10.30am – 12pm: Beautiful Bird Mobile.

1.30 – 3pm: Mask Making 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Thurs 24 Aug

Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Activities Ages 5 – 12 / Child £4, booking essential 10.30am – 12pm: Terrific Star Gazing Telescope 1.30 – 3pm: Funny Face Flip Book 01706 924928 / www.link4life.org

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Aug

Tatton Park Outdoor Cinema 6.30pm (film starts 8pm), booking essential Fri 25: Back to the Future Sat 26: Grease Sun 27: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone Hot food and a bar on site throughout the screening. www.thelunacinema.com

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Aug

Victoria Square, Bolton Bolton Food & Drink Festival Celebrity chefs, markets, arts & crafts, live music and family entertainment. www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com

Sat 26 Aug

Poynton Show Ground Poynton Show Stunt shows, horse show, livestock, children’s entertainment, crafts, food market, classic cars, music and dance displays. Dogs on leads welcome. www.poyntonshow.co.uk

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Aug East Lancashire Railway, Bury Family Fun Weekend 10am – 4pm www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Tatton Park Traditional Country Weekend at the Farm 12 – 5pm / All ages / Normal entry charges apply A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Cheshire County Showground, WA16 0HJ Cheshire Game & Country Fair 10am – 6pm / Adult £14, Under 15s £4, Under 5s free.

Advance booking discounts available online. The very best in countryside activities and entertainment, for an unbeatable family day out. www.cheshiregameandcountryfair.co.uk

Sun 27 & Mon 28 Aug

Bolton Steam Museum Open Steam Day 10am – 4pm / Free (donations welcome) See the largest selection of steam engines in the UK in action which have been carefully restored. Onsite café will be open. www.nmes.org

Mon 28 Aug

Prince’s Park, Irlam Irlam and Cadishead Comunity Festival 11am – 10pm / Free. Traditional community festival with children’s entertainment, fun dog show and evening fireworks at 9pm. www.facebook.com/Irlamfestival Bury Town Centre Glaston-BURY 2017 12pm – 10:30pm / Adults £7, Under 16s £3 Music Festival for all the family in aid of Bury Hospice, local Bury charities and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

Sun 3 Sept

Lyme Park, Disley Lyme Bark 11am – 3pm / Normal admission applies Bring your canine companion for a day of fun at Lyme, with games and demonstrations.

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

Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info!

What’s on

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 15