February

It is half term time. Whether you’ll choose open air fun at Scarecrow Festival in Tatton Park or indoor activities for children and their families at The Lowry, we are certain that your kids will enjoy it.

1 February 2025 19.00 – 21.00
Astro Night – Kids
Calling all budding young astronomers! You are invited to join join Jodrell Bank staff for an unmissable opportunity to get started in astronomy at Jodrell Bank home of the famous Lovell Telescope.
During our fun-packed evening you will enjoy a journey around space in awesome Space Dome and you’ll be able to get hands on with telescopes and binoculars as you learn to navigate the night sky. You’ll also have the opportunity dress up as an astronaut taking your first steps on the moon and make your own comet to take home with you!
Note: observing the night sky is weather permitting
This event is recommended for families with children aged 7 – 13.
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centrer
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9D
Tel: 01477 571 766
Book online: www.jodrellbank.net

13 February – 2 March 2025, weekdays 5pm, 7.45pm, weekend 1pm, 4pm, NO 4pm on 2 March
Circus Funtasia 2025
Come to Circus Funtasia this half term, where magic, excitement, and laughter all come alive in a spectacular show. Step into a world where gravity is just a suggestion, and daredevils dance on the edge as they defy the odds. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as the roar of motorbikes fills the air, propelling skilled riders through heart-stopping stunts.
The mesmerizing Wheel of Death spins to life, as fearless performers demonstrate their death-defying bravery, running, and flipping at tremendous heights. And as you continue, be swept off your feet by our vibrant Cuban Acrobatic Troupe, their rhythmic movements painting stories of joy and culture in vivid hues.
And amidst all this breathtaking talent, prepare to erupt in laughter as the audience’s favourite, ‘The Geek,’ returns to the stage. His award-winning comedic madness, will have you in stitches as he weaves hilarious tales and engages the crowd.
Show is recommended for all ages.
Tickets: from £18, under 2y are free; family ticket from £60
            Wed, Thu: £9 all
Wythenshawe Park, entrance off Gib Lane,
Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 0BA
tel: 07706 168 057
More about Circus Funtasia: www.circusfuntasia.co.uk
Book online: www.ticketsource.co.uk

15 – 23 February 2025, 10.30am – 4pm
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Get your waterproofs on and take your family on a nature scavenger hunt in Lyme’s parkland with this low-cost activity. Pick up a pencil pack for £1 from a shop or the Ticket Office and challenge each other to spot different wildlife and colours across the estate. Finish off with a winter warmer or little treat in the café or run off extra steam in Lyme’s adventure play area.
Tickets: £1 for the pencil pack, admission fees apply (free for National Trust Members).
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/

15 – 18, 20 – 23 February 2025, 11am – 4pm
Arty house activities
Escape the rain into 600 years of history in the house at Lyme this half term with arty activities for the whole family.
FREE, normal admission fees apply (free for National Trust Members).
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/

19 February 2025
The Wizarding Adventure
It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic.
During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
For students age 5 – 12 recommended, but anyone is welcome to enrol.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine steam (and spell) powered train
– An approximately two-hour wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters.
– Wizard themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
– Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

20 February 2025
Travel to Wonderland
You’re late, you’re late, for a very important date! It’s time to take a tumble down the Rabbit Hole for a curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends.
During this weird and wonderful interactive experience you’ll meet the surreal inhabitants of this bizarre place.
Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back and a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters and themed activities.
Pre-booking required
Bury Transport Museum
Bolton Street Station, Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, Bury BL9 0EY
Tel: 0333 320 2830
Booking Office: 0161 876 2015
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

21 February, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £4.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

21 February 2025
The mischievous Minions are taking over the Bury Transport Museum.
Come and meet Kevin and Bob in the Bury Transport Museum. They’ll be appearing at intervals throughout the day. There will be even more family fun with three theme park rides suitable for toddlers, face painters and craft activities. Complete your day out with a ride along one of our heritage steam or diesel trains through Irwell Valley.
Ticket price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit.
Online pre-booking required
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)