April 2014

Look no further for Easter Holiday fun activities. Visit Tatton Park for ‘Lambing Week’, join Go Kiddy Karts at their annual ‘Children’s Easter Fun Day’, compete at Lyme Park’s Edwardian Sports Day or enjoy a children show at Waterside Arts Centre. You won’t be bored this April.

1, 15, 29 April 10.30 – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm, 1 – 1.45pm

Baby Explorers

Sensory play and interactive story sessions for babies who aren’t walking yet. Every other Tuesday (except half term school holidays when there are drop-in sensory play sessions)
Free
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road Manchester
Tel: 0161 275 2648 (book from a week before)
events.manchester.ac.uk

4 April, 10:00am – 11:30am

Experitots: Music/Make a Noise
These popular activity sessions for under 6s take place in hands-on science gallery, Experiment, with a different topic each month. Fun, creative activities, puppets and storytelling help toddlers get the most out of this gallery.
£3 for one adult and one child
Limited place, booking recommended
Museum of Science & Industry
Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester
Tel: 0161 832 2244
www.mosi.org.uk

4, 11, 18, 25 April 10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am

Under 5s First Steps
Join us for this active weekly workshop where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun! In this season we will wriggle, jiggle and jump as we explore stories, rhythm and music through our bodies. Everyone welcome, come and have a go!
Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½.
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com

5 April 11am – 1pm

Guided Walk – Family Wildlife Walk
Bring all the family to discover Dunham’s deer and other wildlife on a guided walk around the park.
Collect a token from the visitor centre (spaces are limited) and meet at the Clock Tower at 11.00am. The walk lasts approximately two hours at a gentle pace.
Dogs on leads welcome
Free event (Normal Admission Charges Apply)
Dunham Massey
Altrincham, Cheshire
Tel: 0161 941 1025
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/

5 April, start time 12.30pm

Silk: 200 years of Silk Fashion
Lucy Adlington from the History Wardrobe will be putting on a one off costume event exploring the stories of the women who wove, sewed and wore silk. It will feature a selection of real and replica outfits, some which have never before been shown at History Wardrobe events.
This is a one off event, and promises to be a fascinating afternoon.
Tickets £10
Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield
Tel: 01625 613210
www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/whats-on

5 April 12 – 3 pm

Handforth Craft Fair
Handforth craft fair celebrates 1 year anniversary. Special appearances from Fireman Sam at 12.30pm. Iggle Piggle& Upsy Daisy at 1.30pm and Bugs Bunny with chocolate treats for the children at 2.30pm. Famous children’s author John Aspin book signing; international award winning balloon artist; Murray, the celebrity owl and so much more including local handmade crafters, Easter gifts, specialist stalls, children’s activities, canvas hand & foot print service. …. for the adults meet the Ferorro Roche display for the adults. FREE goodie bags
Honford Hall, South Acre Drive
Handforth SK9 3HN

5 – 22 April 10am – 17pm

Everyday Easter Activities
Join us any day during the Easter school holidays and you’ll find a selection of fun activities, on top of all our usual fantastic games, galleries and exhibitions.
There’ll be a special themed quiz to pick up on entrance to the museum, an Easter Egg Hunt to take part in, and badge-making for our younger visitors.
£1 charge for badge-making.
National Football Museum
Urbis Building
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Tel: 0161 8718 145 or 0161 605 8200
www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

5, 12, 19, 26 April 11am – 12.30pm

Free Saturday Playhouse
Saturday Playhouse now takes place every Saturday morning in our new family space The Lookout space for families, offering a range of exciting art activities for young artists and their families. From drawing and print making to model making, each time there is always something new to do!
Suitable for ages 5 – 11.
Free
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com

5- 27 April

Easter Events at Museum of Science & Industry
New Easter programme of Events – Power:From Muscle to Machine. Lots of free activities and demonstrations for families and kids of all ages.
Read more about Easter Shows and Exhibitions at MOSI on Mums&Dads pages.
Museum of Science & Industry
Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester
Tel: 0161 832 2244
msimanchester.org.uk

5- 27 April, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Beautiful Baskets Craft Table
Have a look round The People’s Business exhibition and be inspired by Co-op shopping displays to create your own beautiful shopping basket to take home with you.
You could tweet a photo of your finished basket with the hashtag #PHMCoopcraft to People’s History Museum at @PHMMcr.
Cost: Donation, to keep the events programme running
Suitable for all ages
People’s History Museum
Left Bank, Spinningfields M3 3ER Manchester,
Tel: 0161 838 9190
www.phm.org.uk

6 April, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford
Runners start at 09:00 at the Trafford Arch on the A56 at the White City roundabout near Old Trafford. The finish will be on Sir Matt Busby Way outside Old Trafford. It’s going to be a lot of entertainment along the route. Come along to support the athletes and enjoy the day out with whole family.
More info on Marathon and festive activities on the route: http://www.mums-dads.co.uk/parties-activities/asics-greater-manchester-marathon-2014/

6 April, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Not Now Bernard
Bernard has found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are just too busy to notice.
Age 2+
Running time: 50 mins
£7.50 / £5.50
Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

7-11 April 9am-1pm

Enjoy-a-Ball Easter Camps
Action packed 4-hour camps. Indoor and outdoor games, fun activities, plus art & crafts to take home. It’s more than fun!
Discount for early bookings
Chorlton C of E Primary School
For more information call Sam 07973 886 783
www.enjoy-a-ball.com

7 – 17 April 12pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm). Closed Monday

Lambing week at Tatton Park
Will you be lucky enough to see our lambs being born? This year we have synchronised our ewes to lamb within a 10 day period. Informative talks and live viewing via our webcam. Sheepy quiz and collage. The farm team have scanned all of the sheep and we are expecting 42 lambs over lambing week! That’s 7 singles, 16 sets of twins and even 1 set of triplets.
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

7 – 17 April 12pm – 4pm

Funky Chickens
Follow the trail of chickens around the Mill (50p) or join our hands-on activity to make a funky chicken mobile.
Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 527468
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

8 April 1pm – 4pm

Passion Art Trail
The Passion Art trail is a city-wide trail that runs throughout Easter. You can find works of art at 6 nearby venues, all inspired by themes in the Easter Passion story.
Here at the National Football Museum it’s Eric Cantona who is pictured as being resurrected in Michael Browne’s The Art Of The Game, a piece heavily inspired by The Resurrection of Christ by Piero dello Francesca.
Fold some new life into old football magazines, using origami to make butterflies and other fantastic designs.
National Football Museum
Urbis Building
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
Tel: 0161 8718 145 or 0161 605 8200
www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

9, 16 April 10am – 4pm

Easter Fun Day
To kick off the new season Go Kiddy Karts are holding their annual Children’s Easter Fun Day at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury. Thousands of children have for many years enjoyed these fun days. This year activities include go karting, body zorbing, Battlefield Live outdoor adventure game, inflatables, sporting activities and more.
For children 3 – 14 age and their parents.
Entrance (covers all activities, stay as long as you wish): £7.50 per child (adults and under three – free)
Parrs Wood High School, Didsbury, M20 5PG
Tel: 07956 557653
www.manchesterfundays.com

12 April, 24 May, 6.30pm

ComedySportz
This long-running, fast-paced improv comedy show will have you rolling in the aisles as teams battle it out for laughs.
Age 8+
£7/ £5
Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

12 April, various time and age groups

Design-Make-Create sessions with local artist Claire Parker.
10.30am – 11.30 am, Furry Friends – for 5-8 year olds
1 – 2pm, Fluffy Flyers – for 9-12 year olds
3 – 4pm, Drawing skills for older children – for 13-16 year olds
Cost £4.50 for the session or £8.95 for an inclusive day ticket to the park, with discounts available for siblings.
Advance booking essential
The Chestnut Centre Otter Owl and Wildlife Park, Chapel en el Frith, Derbyshire, SK23 0QS
www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

13 April, 2.30pm

Kid Carpet – Blast Off!
Kid Carpet and The Noisy Animals are back, with a brand new adventure into outer space!
Age 4+
Running time: 50 mins
£7.50 / £5.50
Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

13 April, 11am – 3pm

Friends of South Park Easter Fair

Join in our Easter egg hunt, ride the train and meet the Easter bunny!
Go-Karts, Bungee Trampolines, Bouncy Castle, an Adventure Centre and much more.
Plus a raffle, face painting, glitter tattoos, live music, refreshments and a variety of children’s stalls.
South Park, Grove Lane, Cheadle Hulme
twitter.com/friendsofsouthp

14 April 1pm – 3pm

Below Stairs Apprentice
Explore Truelove the Butler’s rooms and find out how Edwardian Lyme ticked. Polish the silver, lay a fire and become the perfect servant. House & garden admission applies. NT members free All ages welcome.
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

15 April 10am – 1.30pm

Children’s Cycling Boredom Busters
Fundamentals of off-road skills, including a bike-safety check. Explore farmland trails and woodland single-tracks. Bring a packed lunch. Bike helmets are compulsory.
Minimum age 7 years
Cost: £10
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 374428
www.tattonpark.org.uk

15 April, 11am – 12pm

Mr Ordinary’s Prize
Discover our story of Manchester’s Coat of Arms. Someone has stolen Mr Ordinary’s Thinking and Doing! What will he do without them? Join in the adventure as Mr Ordinary and his friends try to get them back.
Family Friendly activity, suitable for under 5s and their grown-ups.
Cost £1 per child, adults free
People’s History Museum
Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester
Tel: 0161 838 9190
www.phm.org.uk

16 April 1pm – 3pm

Edwardian sports
On the 14th of September 1910 a sports day was staged to celebrate the coming of age of Richard Legh the 3rd Lord Newton. In 2014 you can test your skills at Lyme’s Edwardian Sports Day: tug of war, egg and spoon race, sack race, and hill rolling.
All ages welcome.
Garden admission applies. NT members free.
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

16 April 1pm – 3pm

Screen-print a snazzy shopper
Be inspired by The People’s Business exhibition and screen-print your own co-op themed shopping bag.
Suitable for over 7s to adults
Cost £1 per participant, bags supplied People’s History Museum
Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester
Tel: 0161 838 9190
www.phm.org.uk

16 April 12pm – 6pm

Market Place Shopping Centre’s Table Tennis Competition
Take part in our Table Tennis Tournament in association with BWCT and Marie Curie.
Lofty the Lion will be making appearances at the event – come along and say hi!
Andrew Rushton (Commonwealth TT Silver Medalist will be around throughout the day along with Chilli Dip Golf Academy who will be bringing their inflatable golf net so you can practise your golf skills!
There will be an opportunity to win Bolton Wanderers match tickets, signed calendars and even a signed BWFC shirt.
Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton BL1 2AL
www.boltonmarketplace.com

17 April

Chocolate Heaven! 10am – 12pm
Get ready for Easter with a fun-filled morning, making a range of delicious chocolate treats in the Mansion kitchens. Explore the history and science of chocolate as you prepare your creations and take them home to enjoy.
Suitable for 8-12 years
Cost £18
Tel: 01625 374428
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 374428
www.tattonpark.org.uk

18th April Starts 11am

Quacking Day Out!
The Duck Race 2014. Join us for our annual Duck Race on the Left Bank Spinningfields – a full day out for all the family.
The family fun will start from 11am with a craft tent, bouncy castle, giant slide, hook-a-duck and a cups and saucers ride. As well as the numerous restaurants on site, there will be several catering vans selling the likes of candy floss, ice cream and hot food. Free to attend, the race itself will start at 2pm and will see thousands of people line both sides of the riverbank to enjoy the action. The Race will be followed by a special family film screening on our big outdoor screen on The Lawns at 3pm.
Family ducks are just £1.
Spinningfields
Manchester, M3 3JE
Book your duck at www.ticketsource.co.uk/brainwave

18 April 11am – 3pm

Decorate a gingerbread duck with tasty treats
Come along to the annual Spinningfields Duck Race and have a bite to eat at The Left Bank cafe bar. With every children’s meal get a free gingerbread duck to decorate with tasty treats. Why not tweet a photo of your decorated duck to us @PHMMcr.
Family Friendly activity, suitable for all ages
Cost Free, with the purchase of a children’s meal, while stocks last
Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester
Tel: 0161 838 9190
www.phm.org.uk

18 – 21 April 12pm – 4pm

Easter Eggstravaganza
Fabulous family trails, with a special Easter prize. Outdoor games, face painting and fun.
Each trail £1.
House and Garden admission applies
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

18 – 21 April 12pm – 4pm

Easter Weekend Eggstravaganza
Hunt the clues to earn your egg with the special Cadburys trail over Easter weekend plus games and activities on the Mill Meadow.
£1 per trail.
Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 527468
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill/

18 – 21 April 11am – 4pm

Easter Trails
Follow the trail in the garden and children receive a special Easter prize at the end! Don’t forget to get your tickets from the visitor centre before heading to the garden!
Free event (Normal Admission Charges Apply)
Dunham Massey
Altrincham, Cheshire
Tel: 0161 941 1025
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

18-21 April 11:00am to 3:30pm

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails
In the 1500’s Easter was a time to celebrate and welcome the return of spring. Following Lent the Tudors enjoyed buying new clothes, visiting fairs and playing sports. Come and enjoy a modern day celebration with Tudor games and trails for all the family to enjoy and take home a Cadbury chocolate Egghead.
Child £1
Little Moreton Hall, Newcastle Rd, Moreton, Congleton
Tel: 01260 272018
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

19 – 21 April

Easter Story Time
Enchanting story time event taking place at Tatton Park. In the gardens Join Phileas Fogg and his companion the Lindt Gold Bunny. In the mansion Step in to Cinderella’s magical story. Come dressed up for Prince Charming’s ball. At the farm be mesmerised by Kim Lewis’s charming children’s tales of rural farming life. Lindt Gold Bunny prize for all children taking part in Lindt Gold Bunny activities throughout the Easter holiday. All that and much more…
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

19 April, various time and age groups

Easter Weekend Art and Craft Fun sessions with local artist Claire Parker
10.30am – 11.30 am, Funky Flowers and Egg Painting – for 5-8 year olds
1 – 2pm, Funky Flowers and Egg Painting – for 9-12 year olds
3 – 4pm, Flamboyant ‘Faberge’ Egg Painting – for 13-16 year olds
Cost £4.50 for the session or £8.95 for an inclusive day ticket to the park, with discounts available for siblings.
Advance booking essential
The Chestnut Centre Otter Owl and Wildlife Park, Chapel en el Frith, Derbyshire, SK23 0QS
www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

19 April 10am – 4pm

Bolton’s Ultimate Easter Egg Hunt
Families can join Bolton’s ultimate Easter egg hunt for the chance to win a giant 15kg Slattery’s chocolate egg. The egg hunt will start at Bolton Market, Ashburner Street at 10am and end at Market Place Shopping Centre at 4pm and every child that takes part will receive a goodie bag.
Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton BL1 2AL
www.boltonmarketplace.com

19 April, various time and activities

Bunny Transformation Workshops
Free bunny transformation workshops will be held at Market Place Shopping Centre (Ground Floor) give children the chance to design their own rabbit ears and have their faces painted.
Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton BL1 2AL
www.boltonmarketplace.com

20 April, 12pm – 4pm

FREE Easter Fun Day on Easter Sunday!
Distract kids at the Horse and Jockey with the animal petting zoo, Easter treasure hunt, and the Easter Bonnet Parade at 2PM! First prize will be a Chocolate Hamper freshly found from the Easter bunny. Kids can play off that sugar rush, while parents enjoy a pint and a roast
Horse and Jockey, 9 The Green, Chorlton, M21 9HS
tel: 0161 860 7794

24 April, 11.30am & 2.30pm

Hugless Douglas
Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug.
Ages 3 – 7 yrs.
Running time: 55 mins
£7.50 / £5.50
Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

25 April, 9 May 10am – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm

Under 5s Doodle Tots
Enjoy painting, sticking and making your own works of art in this colourful workshop. No skills or expertise needed in this relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can spend time with your tot exploring a range of materials and having fun getting messy. Don’t worry, aprons are provided!
Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½.
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents) The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0843 208 6000
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com

26 April – 11 May 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Many Waters
An exhibition of paintings by Mike Stevenson, a painter currently deriving most of his inspiration from the landscapes of Wales and the Derbyshire Peak district.
The Parsonage, Stenner Lane, Didsbury Manchester, M20 2RQ
Tel: 0161 445 7661
www.mikestevensonart.co.uk

27 April, 25 May 10am – 3pm

Treacle Market
A bustling Arts, Antiques, Crafts, Food and Drink Market, held on the cobbles of the historic Marketplace in Macclesfield. With around 140 stalls of exceptional food &, drink, unique crafts and vintage finds, plus stalls and information from the Macclesfield community. Come for your lunch or even your breakfast, take a seat and watch the all day live music. It’s a fantastic day out.
Treacle and Eggs
Listen to jazz, brass bands and Irish Folk music whilst munching on exceptional street food at long communal tables, before browsing the 130+ stalls of unique crafts, vintage finds, and exceptional locally produced food and drink at Treacle Market.
Don’t guzzle to many chocolate eggs this Easter and save your appetite for the Egg N Spoon race at Treacle Market the Sunday after, 27th April. Children can take part in the egg and spoon dash and go away with a chocolate egg too. Get practicing now!
Egg N Spoon 11am Marketplace
Free
Market Place, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6BA
Tel: 0794 1115480

27 April, 10am-5pm

Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
This little spin off of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is back for its Spring event showcasing 40 specially selected independent designer-makers working in jewellery, ceramics, fashion and home-wares. Featuring 20 makers who are exhibiting for the first time. Some familiar makers returning with new work and a tea room selling delicious homemade produce from Bowdon’s very own Vintage Afternoon Teas.
Pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
£3 entrance fee; children free
Free on site parking
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Marlborough Rd, Bowdon, WA14 2RS Cheshire
www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk