Activities for families in – May Half Term 2019

If you’ like to receive an email with this type of information before every school holiday contact Helen at [email protected] The emails are ad-free and free of charge, their aim is to help as many people as possible enjoy all the great things Liverpool has to offer.

River Festival @ the Albert Dock Saturday 1 June & Sunday 2 June 11am – 8pm

African music, Canoe Polo, Street Theatre, Face Painting, Indian dance, Irish music, puppet shows, storytelling, restored boats, brass band from Rajasthan and much more. https://www.theriverfestival.co.uk/whats-on/

Anglican Cathedral – Gaia (23 foot replica of planet earth) Saturday 25 May – Sunday 23 June Located in Britain’s largest cathedral, , the artwork called ‘Gaia’ (meaning the personification of the earth), will hang majestically in the Grade I listed building and features accurate and detailed NASA imagery of the earth. The installation, by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, will be complemented with a sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. The artwork forms part of the ‘Changing Tides’ creative programme, which last year saw the Museum of the Moon installed in the Cathedral attracting 60,000 visitors to the venue in just two weeks. This year’s programme celebrates the port of Liverpool as an arrival and departure base for exemplary culture, music, food and wine from all over the earth. Gaia will be in position for four weeks until Sunday 23 June, and a programme of events and talks will take place under the earth during its run – these will be announced in the forthcoming weeks. http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/43/section.aspx/37/youve_seen_the_moon_now_its _back_down_to_earth

Sudley House – Art in the garden Saturday 25 May 1pm – 4pm

Come along for crafts, stories and face painting. Best part is...it's all free!! http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/sudley/events/displayevent.aspx?EventId=38971&f bclid=IwAR0NUSQp-Taw-hPwjv-dEkwfMIFZTQS2QzXFaU6l-wJXl60BTfTxwb_4daM

Free Cycle Rides for families Meeting at Sefton Park play area ** Adult bikes available to borrow for free ** Sunday 9 June 3pm – 4pm Sunday 30 June 3pm – 4pm

A great opportunity to meet up with others, be active and enjoy the beautiful parks of Liverpool. We go at an easy pace with plenty of stops. 3 mile traffic free route through Sefton & Princes Park. All ages welcome, children bring a parent/carer.

We have adult bikes that can be borrowed for free – email Helen at [email protected] if you'd like to borrow one. https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/two-parks-family-ride-5

Dinosaurs Unleashed – Every day until Sunday 2 June

Calling all dinosaur fans! Get ready for a series of free roar-some events for all the family at Liverpool ONE this Spring. Don’t miss your chance to be transported back millions of years – via the latest technology – when a futuristic dinosaur experience launches in time for the school holidays in the heart of the city centre.

Chase Raptors, follow Triceratops, look overhead for Pteranodons and, of course, hide from the mighty T-Rex, as part of the new ‘Discover at Liverpool ONE’ augmented reality App. Download ‘Discover at Liverpool ONE’ from the App Store or Google Play to unleash a Dinosaur-filled adventure like no other.

In addition to the interactive game, there will also be dinosaurs on ‘Chavassic’ Park, providing the ultimate selfie spot; real life rangers on hand armed with lots of fun facts to help young visitors to get the most out of their experience and more surprises popping up around Liverpool ONE during the 10-week “invasion.”

Liverpool ONE has teamed up with a crack team of dinosaur educationalists to provide all the prehistoric know-how any would-be palaeontologist needs. Teach Rex work with schoolchildren across the country bringing the pre-historic era to life in the classroom. https://www.liverpool-one.com/events/dinosaurs-unleashed-coming-soon/ https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/dinosaur-invasion-start- liverpool-one-15990451

Western Approaches Museum Under Exchange Flags, L2 8SZ Open every day 10am – 4pm

Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the wartime bunker that protected the tactics and secrets of the British Armed Forces plotting to bulwark the Western Approaches and aid the Allied victory.

Glimpse the documents and tools the forces used to monitor enemy convoys and inform the British government of their findings whilst keeping their intelligence secret from the enemy, including one of only two surviving wartime phones which had a direct connection to the war cabinet in London.

See where commanders and WRNS and WAAF personnel worked every day and night in the Map Room, the nerve centre of the Battle of the Atlantic. Here they monitored convoy routes and vital shipping lines, and pin-pointed enemy locations on a huge map laid across the table; total accuracy was necessary to enable the Royal Navy to contact and destroy the enemy.

The Map Room has remained exactly how as it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945.

Tickets – Adult £10.50, Child £7.50 (Under 5s free), Family ticket £30 http://www.liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk

Adventure Dock - Waterpark & assault course @ the Albert Dock Every day between Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June Wednesdays – Sundays during term time Times vary see website link for booking info Age 6+

“Looking for fun things to do this summer? The Adventure Dock Co is BACK for the 2019 Season with Liverpool’s most exciting and bounciest outdoor attraction, bang in the heart of the city, perfect for your next family day out, party venue or group activity. The aqua park is a giant inflatable obstacle course on Duke’s Dock, adjacent to the iconic Royal Albert Dock, on Liverpool’s famous waterfront.

The Adventure Dock course is made up of giant free-fall slides, huge inflatable obstacles, and fun, challenging elements. Our Aqua Park will have you bouncing, splashing and sliding non-stop whilst racing your family and friends around our action packed, fun filled course.

Anyone from the age of 6 years old will be able to jump on to one of our sessions, fully instructed by our Adventure Dock team, ensuring everyone leaves totally wiped our and with huge smiles on their faces!

Tickets cost £20 per person (£18pp for groups of 4 or more) and includes hire of wet- suit, buoyancy aid and helmet.

Your session will last 1 hour and includes a 10 minute dry land safety brief at the start, which means you get 50 minutes of play time. Our session price includes all the equipment you need, e.g. a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. You will need to bring a towel and set of swim trunks / swimming costume with you. All participants must arrive at least 30 minutes before their allocated time slot which is used to sign in at reception, collect your wetsuit and then get changed. https://adventuredock.co.uk

Victoria Gallery & Museum Ashton Street, University of Liverpool, L69 3DR Saturday 25 May Family Saturday 10.30am Film: Ralph breaks the internet 1pm - 4pm Craft: ‘Selfie Portraits’ inspired by the Ian Irvine Exhibition.

Thursday 30 May 1pm – 4pm Holiday Workshop Explore how scientists at the University of Liverpool use rocks to study the Earth's magnetic field. Find out which rocks are real and which ones are made of chocolate without breaking your teeth, and explore the Earth's deep inner structure to see where the magnetic field is generated.

Free events, no booking required. http://vgm.liverpool.ac.uk/exhibitions-and-events/events/family/

Garstang Museum Holiday Workshops 14 Abercromby Square Wednesday 29 May 10am – 4pm

Discover more about Ancient Egyptian death rituals by visiting our Mummy then creating your own canopic jar. Canopic jars held human organs which were removed from the Mummy. http://vgm.liverpool.ac.uk/exhibitions-and- events/events/family/garstangholidayworkshop.html

The Atkinson Theatre Southport Saturday 25 May 11am – 3pm Alice in Wonderland Family Fun Day Mad Hatter’s Workshop (11am-3pm) Join artist in residence Lisa Langan to make and create your own hat. White Rabbit Hunt (11am-3pm) Can you find the white rabbit hidden in The Atkinson? A fun trail for all ages around the building. Alice in Wonderland Photograph (11am-3pm) Local photographer Diane Celine will be hosting an Alice inspired photo shoot. This is a free mini session with a link to a private digital gallery and the chance to purchase prints. https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/inspired-alice-family-fun-day/

Monday 27 May 2pm – 4pm Alice in Wonderland play Join Alice down the rabbit hole in her magical adventures through Wonderland in this brand-new staging of Lewis Carroll’s family favourite ‘Alice In Wonderland.’

Come and join the tea party and meet the Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts plus many more exciting colourful characters!

This exciting and playful take on the tale features a professional cast of energetic performers, catchy new songs and lots of humour that will entertain and delight the whole family!

Tickets £15 adults, £13 under 16s, £54 family ticket https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/alice-in-wonderland/

Lark Lane Community Centre - International Children’s Day Celebration Saturday 1 June 12pm – 3pm International games Huge busy board for toddlers Face painting Craft workshops Healthy snacks from Sane Food (vegan) https://www.facebook.com/events/282963005926279/

Sefton Park – Free Tennis Coaching Every Sunday 10am – 12pm “The TENNIS FOR FREE Charity in partnership with LIVERPOOL TENNIS FOUNDATION and host club MERSEY BOWMEN provide weekly FREE Coach led group tennis sessions year round to anyone of any level of any age (from 4 years +). We are looking to build a vibrant tennis community in local parks and integrate players into the clubs.

The sessions are designed to be family friendly so book on all of your family members and come down to give the session a try. You and your family members will be able to participate in the various groups appropriate to their age and standard.” https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SeftonPark/TennisforFree

MerseyCycle – Second Hand Bike Sale & Pet Show - Court Hey Park Friday 31 May @ 1pm

https://www.facebook.com/MerseyCyclerecycle/posts/2442733149323284

Growing Sudley – Outdoor Club for 5-11 year olds Tuesday 28 May, Wednesday 29 May & Thursday 30 May 9.30am – 3.30pm

With a mix of child-led imaginative play and forest school practitioner-led activities, our Outdoor Club lets children play out all day in the fresh air in a safe yet independent environment. It also helps support our therapeutic gardening and nature therapy project!

Get in touch to book your place for May half term, or if you'd like to join the mailing list and be first to hear when holiday club dates are set.

£25 per day https://growingsudley.com

Trees 4 Kids (Childwall Woods) Mini beast hunt Saturday 25 May 12pm – 2pm

Now the weather is becoming warmer, its great time to get out and look for insects. What do we know about insects?, what eats them? Where do they live? Remember – bugs are very tiny and are probably scared of you. So we will use special equipment to look at them closely. We follow a nature trail and identify as many insects as we can using id books and use different methods to survey insects. Equipment provided. Also paint a pebble ladybug craft activity. Ages 4+ (thereabouts)

Drinks and snacks provided. Cost - £6 per child

May Half Term Woodland Sessions (Age 4 – 7) Monday 27 May & Thursday 30 May 11am – 1pm Time to leave phones, and computer games alone, get some exercise and fresh air whilst learning and having fun. Each session has a foundation of environmental learning. This will included learning about trees, woodlands, bats animals etc. A nature detective trail, Team building games, Story telling 2 – 2.5 hour session based at Childwall Woods. Ages 4-7 Snacks and drinks included. For a pre-session registration form, please email: [email protected] Please wear sturdy footwear and warm clothes. Located in the woods so will be muddy. Meeting place: Countisbury Drive, L16

Cost £7 per child https://www.trees4kids.co.uk

Liverpool Playhouse – Worst Witch Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June at various times

Mildred Hubble was an ordinary girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Now in her final year, accident prone Mildred and her fellow pupils are about to embark on their biggest and most important adventure yet…

Jealous Ethel Hallow is always out to spoil Mildred’s fun. Miss Hardbroom is opposed to all fun in general. And just as Mildred sparks some inevitable mayhem certain to upset them both, an old enemy returns with a plan for revenge that could threaten not just the Academy, but the whole world.

Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch stories have sold more than five million copies worldwide and been made into numerous films and TV series. Featuring all of Jill Murphy’s beloved characters, this new action-packed stage adaptation written by Emma Reeves (Hetty Feather) and directed by Theresa Heskins (Around the World in 80 Days) includes original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium!

Tickets £10 - £25 https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-worst-witch

Storyhouse Arts Centre, Chester – Lego workshop Thursday 30 May 1am – 12pm Are you a LEGO fan? Do you dream of being a Master Builder? Then our LEGO workshops are for you. Come along to a fun LEGO workshop presented by The Brick Guys, Steve and Nate, who were the winners of the Channel 4 LEGOMASTERS competition.

The workshop will be a fun and interactive 2 hours designed for adult and child pairs, (children age 6-12, parents, grandparents or carers any age!).

We will explore lots of different ways in which LEGO bricks can inspire creativity and fun and even learning through play. In the workshop they will give you lots of ideas for fun family activities, and will ultimately encourage you to throw away the instructions, embrace your inner child and get creative.

Recommended ages 6-12 £10 per child. https://www.storyhouse.com/event/lego-workshop

Philharmonic Hall – Family Concert Sunday 26 May @ 2.30pm

Let us introduce ourselves… Join Alasdair Malloy, Michael Seal and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for our first ever relaxed concert! Fun and accessible for all the family, we will meet the different sections of the Orchestra as they come together to play a range of music in this hour-long concert. Entertaining and interactive, the concert will feature familiar favourites alongside some pieces you might not have heard before, including ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin, 'Morning' from Peer Gynt, and the ever-popular ‘Happy’.

Our relaxed concerts are designed with you and your family in mind, with an emphasis on providing high quality music, a safe and enjoyable environment, and support for audiences with a range of needs, including communication difficulties, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

We will be providing resources to help you prepare for the event, including music playlists, venue orientation sessions and video guides. We will also have easy-read programme materials, BSL interpretation and quiet spaces on the day, to ensure the perfect environment for all to enjoy the concert.

Suitable for age 6 - 12 years but all are welcome https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/all-shows/relaxed-concert-meet-the- orchestra/2570

Awesome Walls – Clip & Climb St Albans Church, Athol St L5 9TN Every day

Clip ‘n Climb is perfect for all ages, suitable for adults and juniors aged 4 years and upwards.

(We’ve done this a couple of times and really enjoyed it. Climbers are clipped in and supervised by staff. Parents can join in too). http://www.awesomeclipnclimb.co.uk

Airborn Academy – Freerunning & Urban Sports

DBH THE LIVERPOOL FILM STUDIOS Unit 3, 105 Boundary Street, Liverpool, L5 9YJ

Open every day – see link for timetable

Airborn Academy is a state of the art urban sports facility situated close to Liverpool City centre on Boundary Street. We are based within the film studio complex & are less than 10 minutes away from Sandhills train station.

Our unique venue is the first of its kind in the country dedicated to the coaching, training & development of freerunning but we don’t stop there! We also offer classes in a variety of alternative urban sports including; Cheerleading, Trampolining, Tumbling, Break dancing, Aerial & martial Tricking.

Airborn Academy’s facility includes an urban obstacle ‘Modublox’ set up, competition size sprung floor, cirque style Aerial equipment, Dance studio along with an innovative raised training area containing our dynamic bar set up, sunken trampolines & fast track, all leading to our state of the art stunt airbag.

Different sessions cover ages 4+ https://www.airbornacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Timetable-04.09.18- converted.pdf https://www.airbornacademy.com/freerunning/

Royal Liver Building – 360 Tour Every day The world-famous takes pride of place at the heart of the city’s iconic waterfront, standing as a symbol of Liverpool, its history and its people. As one of the stunning ‘Three Graces’ on Liverpool’s waterfront, Royal Liver Building 360 is a must-see attraction for local, national and international visitors to the city.

Start your journey at the lower ground floor visitor centre and learn about the building’s history as well as its place in Liverpool’s heritage. After you’ve viewed the exhibitions join your guided tour to the tenth and fifteenth floors to enjoy spectacular 360° views of the Liverpool skyline and experience a world-class digital projection show inside the historic clock tower.

Suitable for 7+ Adult £15, Child (7-16) £10 http://rlb360.com

Equip Coaching – Holiday Club Bridge Chapel Centre – Heath Road L19 Wednesday 29 May, Thursday 30 May & Friday 31 May 9am – 3pm (8.30am – 5.30pm also available)

We deliver fun and engaging holiday camps for children who are in years Reception - Year 6. Each day of our camp has the aim of developing an essential life skill through a range of activities. Our jam packed schedule contains multi sports, arts and crafts, live sketches and much more, so there is fun for all to enjoy!

£12 per child for 9am – 3pm £20 per child for 8.30am – 5.30pm https://www.equipcoaching.co.uk https://www.equipcoaching.co.uk/summercamps

FACT – Do Something Saturdays Saturday 25 May 12pm – 4pm Once upon a time, someone decided that princesses should always be fragile and virtuous… Drop in on Saturdays and tell us what princesses and princes are like in 2019. Create your own fairy tale, explore the vast magical land of the internet, discover why we need queens and witches and fight for your own happily ever after!

Suitable for 6 - 10 years old & families. https://www.fact.co.uk/event/do-something-saturdays

Croxteth Hall Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Off Muirhead Avenue East. Liverpool. L11 1EH

Hall - Every day 10.30am to 5pm. Home Farm – Every day 10am – 4.30pm

Croxteth Hall is owned & run by the City Council. We enjoyed the Hall, Home Farm & it’s café & the Riding School café.

“The Hall and grounds are steeped in history and offer endless opportunities to learn and have fun.  See how the Earls of Sefton, their families and servants, lived in the Hall in Edwardian times.  Visit Home Farm and see piglets, lambs and other young animals at most times of the year.  Enjoy the Victorian Walled Garden's fine collection of old fruit trees and visit the glasshouses - home to Liverpool's historic botanical collection.  Explore well preserved landscape of woodlands, pastures and ponds in Croxteth Local Nature Reserve - a wonderful place to see wildlife of all kinds.” Prices Saver Ticket (Hall and Garden) - Adults £5.00, senior citizens £3.50, children £3.00. Family Saver Ticket (Hall and Garden) £14.00 (admits two adults and up to three children). http://liverpoolcityhalls.co.uk/croxteth-hall/about/ http://croxtethparkfarm.co.uk

Norton Priory - Over the Rainbow Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

Monday 27 May & Tuesday 28 May 10am – 4pm

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Norton Priory this Bank Holiday Monday & Tuesday for fun family activities. Poor Dorothy is lost in the woodland! Scatty Scarecrow would find her - if he only had a brain!

Fun storywalk for little munchkins & their grown ups - PLUS fun crafts and trails. Make a bird scarer, design a mini scarecrow, make a newspaper plant pot and plant a seed in it to take home.

Usual admission applies. No need to book.

Nearly There Yet website – ideas for days out in & around Liverpool

Find ideas and inspiration for amazing family days out, fun kids activities and free things to do in Liverpool and beyond. https://www.nearlythereyet.co.uk

Money Saving Expert website – Ideas for things to do with kids

Kids need to be kept entertained, especially during the school holidays. But there's no need to break the bank – our guide is packed with free and cheap activities to keep the little ones occupied, plus deals and tricks for cheap family days out.

Ideas include kids eat 'free', cheap cinema tickets, plus 2for1 theme parks, attractions and zoos – plenty to keep your munchkins occupied, whether they're toddlers or teens. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/school-holiday-deals/

Change It – Free Personal Development Course for Women Tuebrook Children’s Centre, 61 Lower Breck Road, L6 4BX

Wednesday 5 June 12.30pm – 2.45pm and then every Wednesday for 7 weeks

Do you know someone looking to boost their confidence and overcome barriers for a positive future?

Helping the women of Liverpool build their confidence and make the positive changes in their lives that they want, whatever age, background or stage of life you are at, this programme will help build a more positive future.

Anyone who is interested in the programme, wants to book on or to find out more information can contact us on [email protected] or call us on 0151 706 8111

Resonate – free music tuition Tuesdays 4-5pm @Bellerive school L17 3AA Thursdays 4-5pm @ Notre Dame Catholic College Site, Great Homer Street, L5 5AF

* Beginners receive small group tuition and can borrow instruments for free. When they’ve mastered a few notes they can join the Let’s Play beginners orchestra.

* If your child already learns an instrument they take it along and join the Let’s play orchestra.

* If your child is at Grade 2 or above they can join the Resonate Philharmonic Orchestra 4.15pm – 6.30pm at both locations. (NB. the website mentions a cost for this but those who currently go haven’t been charged.)

* Any child aged 5+ can go along at any time, parents just need to fill in a registration form on arrival at first session. http://www.resonatehub.co.uk/letsplay.php http://www.resonatehub.co.uk http://www.resonatehub.co.uk/orchestras.php

Advance notice:

Ditch Your Stabilisers Courses Halewood Environment Centre, Okell Drive L26 7YD Friday 7 June 4pm – 5.30pm Friday 5 July 4pm – 5.30pm Friday 2 August 4pm – 5.30pm

These sessions are run by a charity called Cycling Projects and are aimed at children from 3 years old upwards who are ready to make that step into independent cycling without stabilisers. We have no upper age limit for the sessions.

Cost - £5 per child for all Knowsley residents and £10 per child for non-Knowsley residents.

*NB Just book one place for each child attending the session. One grown up must accompany each child as the instructors will be showing you how to help your child become an independent cyclist.

Rubbish Shakespeare Company – Midsummer Night’s Dream Hope Street Theatre, 22 Hope Street Saturday 13 July & Sunday 14 July 1pm & 5pm

We saw these at LightNight and they were fab, I would recommend it for all ages (including teenagers). The tickets are £7.50 for children and £9.50 for adults.

“Runaways. Fairies. Goblins. WATER PISTOLS!?! Look out, it’s Rubbish Shakespeare!

Following 2018’s national sell-out smash ‘Romeo and Juliet’ - and due to popular demand - the Rubbish Shakespeare Company return to The Hope Street Theatre. This time, our madcap troupe of four have the Bard’s impish tale of forbidden love and pixies in their sights.

Their plan, to stage the greatest edition of the Dream ever seen, complete with "magic in it and everything". Will they succeed? Of course not - they’re ‘Rubbish!’ Sit back, and giggle along, as our four hapless idiots fail spectacularly for an hour for your amusement.

Full of high-octane slapstick action and mischievous storytelling, this vibrant reimagining promises belly laughs for all ages - from ages 4 to 104! Expect a trail of wigs, bubble guns, life-size cardboard cutouts, and a frankly pitiful attempt at roller skating.

Age guidance: (4+). Babes in arms free.

PRAISE FOR 'ROMEO AND JULIET’ (2018)

“This must be one of the funniest interpretations of the classic tragedy to ever be performed. Rubbish is certainly not a word that will be uttered when the audience leave the theatre” (Families Online)

“It takes a lot of talent to do something this silly and make it work” (North West End)

“Your kids will love it; so will you!” Simon Nelson, Development Executive: BBC Writers Room. BAFTA Nominated

“100% amazing” Lucy Porter, Comedian

https://www.rubbishshakespearecompany.com/tour https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::pe rmalink=rubbish-shakespeare-midsummer-nights- dream&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Teeny Tiny Theatre – When Another Dragon Roars Saturday 15 June 11am and 1.30pm

When Another Dragon Roars from Petite Ullaloom and Altered Scale Theatre will feature innovative storytelling, puppetry and music! Liverpool-based children’s theatre companies Petite Ullaloom and Altered Scale Theatre will bring their new production, When Another Dragon Roars, to Teeny Tiny Theatre at Garston Park Church Hall this June. The production ignites young audiences’ imaginations by bringing mythical creatures centre stage, asking “Why does the dragon roar? Does it roar with worry? Is it lonely? Can you calm an angry dragon?” Feelings and emotions such as these are explored through Petite Ullaloom’s distinctive storytelling and Altered Scale’s visual puppetry skills. The production investigates different ways of expressing and dealing with anger and anxiety, using techniques perfect for children aged 5+.

Under 2's do not require a ticket. https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::pe rmalink=when-another-dragon-roars-19&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Epstein Theatre – We’re going on a bear hunt Sunday 30 June @ 1:30pm & 4:30pm Monday 1 July @ 10:30am & 1:30pm

See the smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt on tour, direct from the West End, as it returns vividly and noisily in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way. Based on the much-loved book picture by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families with children aged 3 and up. WE’RE GOING TO THE THEATRE WE’RE GOING TO SEE A BEAR HUNT WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLAY! WE’RE NOT SCARED!

“Brilliantly inventive and engaging” – The Stage “Enchanting” – BBC Radio Bristol “A fun-filled frolic” – The Guardian “Quite simply, the best family show I’ve seen” – Sky Arts https://www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk/events/were-going-on-a-bear-hunt/

CBBC Summer Social – Croxteth Hall Saturday 3 August & Sunday 4 August Following an inaugural event last summer, BBC Summer Social returns for 2019 offering an even bigger and better line-up and now encompassing even more of the BBC’s best programmes for the whole family.

Festival announces major first wave of artists including Busted, John Newman, Nina Nesbitt, Freya Ridings, and CBeebies favourites Mr Tumble, Andy Day and Dr Ranj Further artists still to be announced.

The BBC’s biggest family festival returns for 2019, bigger and better than ever! All performances and activities included in the ticket price

Welcoming over 30,000 visitors across the two days, BBC Summer Social has today announced an incredible first wave of artists for this year’s festival including pop icons Busted, Nina Nesbitt, John Newman, Freya Ridings, and many, many more topping the bill.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 28 March, priced at £23.50pp plus £1.50 booking fee (free for under 2’s) and includes all activities, rides and performances at the festival. https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/end2rz https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/summer-social

The Bluecoat – Funny Looking Kids Comedy Club Saturday 15 June 2.30pm – 4pm

Liverpool's first regular comedy club for kids (and their invited guests/handlers…) crashes into the Bluecoat with its usual jokes, sketches, quizzes & mayhem!

From the first sketch to the final joke competition, Funny Looking Kids: Comedy Club is a rag tag bag of tomfoolery and nonsense. Chaos and cachophoney, silliness and stupidity. This club offers comedy for kids with an alternative twist.

(7+ suggested but we had a 5 year old laugh so hard they fell off their chair. All children must be accompanied by an adult.)

We are delighted to announce that this season, the Funny Looking gang will be running the Kids Comedy Club on the following dates:

Sat 15 Jun / 2:30pm - 4pm http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/events/view/events/3729

Grovesnor Park Chester – Open Air Theatre - The Borrowers Saturday 13 July - Sunday 25 August (mainly weekend matinee performances)

“Borrowers don’t steal! Except from human beans…” A brand-new version of Mary Norton’s irreverent children’s story of the little people who borrow in order to survive. Arietty, Pod and Homily Clock leave their home beneath the floorboards to explore the world beyond… A joy for all the family!

Ticket Prices

Under 12’s go FREE (each child MUST be accompanied by a full paying adult, please note: ALL children still require a valid ticket)

£26.50 – £46.50 – book early for the best prices!

Groups of 10+ save £3 per full priced ticket NEW for 2019! Contact us and we’ll reserve an area for your group http://www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk/borrowers/?dm_i=1CEX,64GLX,V5OSND ,O2CFW,1

Useful Information

Directory of activities and groups for children with additional needs & their parents/carers

This website has a searchable database with a wide range of groups for children with additional needs and their parents/carers.

If you know of anyone who would find this support helpful please forward it on to them. http://fsd.liverpool.gov.uk/kb5/liverpool/fsd/localoffer.page

Recycling plastic packaging If you’d like to be able to recycle your plastic packaging a lady called Kerry is able to collect them from you. She takes them to a Terracycle recycling centre and the money she raises she donates to a charity called Kickstart which raises awareness of the importance of checking movement in unborn babies. Contact Kerry via the facebook group below or via email at [email protected]

Can be recycled Cracker, cake and biscuit wrappers Crisp packets Food pouches Bread bags all Hovis and others with LDPE 4 sign on Oral care like toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes Homecare such as trigger tops, wipe packets and air freshener plug ins

Not accepted Bread and bakery items without the LDPE 4 sign (Hovis don’t need the LDPE 4 sign) Pasta packets Chocolate bars, chocolate eggs Beauty care Bottle lids Plastic bags https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctkliverpoolcollections/

First News – children’s newspaper for 7-14 yrs olds

“First News is a weekly newspaper aimed at 7 to 14-year-olds that aims to get kids talking about the news in an easy to understand and non-threatening way.

We cover issues which are relevant to children and which specifically affect them. Inside you’ll find a mix of world news and UK news, but also loads of fun stuff, such as entertainment, games, animals, sport and puzzles.”

You can get 3 issues for £1 to try it out and then cancel if it’s not suitable. https://subscribe.firstnews.co.uk/the-newspaper/

The Week Junior – current affairs magazine for 8-14 yr olds

“The Week Junior is a brilliant current affairs magazine for children aged between 8 and 14. It’s filled with fascinating stories and information, written to engage curious young minds and encourage them to explore and understand the world around them.

By exploring real world matters, The Week Junior equips young people with the skills to think critically, learn about the world around them and ask questions. It gives context to what they learn in the classroom – and encourages them to look further.”

Try 6 issues for free. http://theweekjunior.co.uk/?ppcad=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy824zfGG2AIVSxgbCh1F PgmkEAAYASAAEgLrN_D_BwE