January

Christmas is over and kids are back to their schools and nurseries, but there is still much to do in the museums of Manchester…

Until 1 January 2024 11am – 9pm (last skate 8pm), excluding Christmas Day
Skate under the sun, moon, and stars
Whatever the weather, enjoy the festive season and skate at the new clear roofed ice rink at the enchanting Cathedral Gardens, offering an atmosphere of festivity and fairy tale for couples, families, and groups looking for some fun this winter.
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes
The Cathedral Gardens,
Manchester, M4 3BG
www.skatemanchester.com

4 – 19 January 2024, 10am – 4pm
The Squirrel’s Tale: an outdoor family trail
What’s that racket? It’s winter, and the usually peaceful parkland is awash with activity. Spark the Squirrel lives amongst the trees and has the run of the park to themselves. The Big House in the middle of the park is normally quiet and empty, but not anymore … Follow Spark on a walk around the park as their quiet life gets turned upside down by the arrival of unexpected guests this winter.
FREE event, admission charges apply
Dunham Massey
Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ
Tel: 0161 941 1025
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/dunham-massey

8 January 2025, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Childminding information session
Do you have a passion for working with children and their families? Would you like to work from home and own your own business with a flexible role that works around your family? Childminding could be for you! There are no formal qualifications required.
The session is informal and there is the opportunity to ask questions and find out lots more about childminding. The government have committed to start-up grants of £600 for new childminders.
location: online
tel: 0161 218 1200 or 07891 949374
email: childminding@stockport.gov.uk
www.stockport.gov.uk

14-15 January 2025
Baby & Toddler Days at Eureka!
Bring your pre-schoolers along for one of toddler days designed just for pre-schoolers. There won’t be any school bookings, so all spaces (and staff) will be focused on the youngest visitors.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Discovery Road,
Halifax HX1 2NE
Tel: 01422 330069
play.eureka.org.uk

16 January 2025, 10am for 0–1, 11am for 1–2
Babies Playtime
These classes are led by a professional early years practitioner and are an opportunity to have fun, sing, dance and make new friends. Classes last 45 minutes and are free for all. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 0 to 1 and 1 to 2.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

17 January 2025, 10am – 10.45am, 11am – 11.45am
Under 5s Little Creatives
A weekly creative session for toddlers and their adults! Includes music making, storytelling, dance and creative play. Sessions are 45 mins, are free for all and all attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

17 January 2025, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers – Musical Christmas
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little one!
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