Edition 48 • July/Aug 2017 @FamCheshMag The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years facebook.com/familiescheshire FREE www.familiesonline.co.uk

®

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

Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, , Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, , Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas News News

Theatre in the open air Jurassic Kingdom – a 30 years of Stockley Farm Park! The Summer Reading and a host of new ones. Plus, roar-some dinosaur tour! Challenge 2017 Shakespeare’s most accessible, family friendly play the magical comedy A dinosaur documentaries. Other activities Agency. Children can sign up at their Midsummer Night’s Dream. Families with include an excavation scene where younger local library from the end of June onwards older children can also experience children can dig in the sand to unearth a and all materials are absolutely free. Shakespeare’s brutal thriller Julius Caesar. T-Rex fossil, a VR experience and a range of This year’s theme is Animal Agents, Audiences are set to once again be photo opportunities. introducing young readers to a variety of delighted at the award winning open air The dinosaurs cover three key area clever creatures, specially trained to use Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in theatre; there are matinees and family tea including the Jurassic, Triassic and their skills and natural instincts to Chester is back for 2017 (15 July – 27 time specials throughout the run, as well as Cretaceous period and include a T-Rex unravel mysteries. August) with a family programme to evening performances staged under the standing 18m from head to tail, a battle The Challenge is open to all primary suit all ages and interests. stars. Picnics are welcome and there is The UK’s first ever national outdoor between Deinonychus and Tenontosaurus, Family festival fun with camping, Around UK, Sensory Fun Bus, Rainbow’s The annual Summer Reading Challenge school children and is designed for all From the same team behind sell-out hits plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the animatronic dino-tour, including 30 full and a 16 metre long Diplodocus. workshops & live music?! GREAT circus skills to children is simple. During the reading abilities. Schools work with local Stig of the Dump, The Secret Garden and show. scale creatures, comes to Manchester The event runs daily from 8 – 23 July, SCOT! This August (Sat 12 & Sun 13), • Performances from Michael Diamond holidays they are encouraged to read libraries and give out information to Wind in the Willows comes playwright’s Under 12s go free (one free ticket for this summer. Expect snarling jaws, 10am to 8pm with last entry at 7pm. Stockley Farm is sending you…back to Magic, Impulse Dance & lots more… six or more books of their choice - encourage children to take part, and most Glyn Maxwell’s joyful new adaptation of every full paying adult) – book online at moving eyes, swaying tails and roaring Tickets are now on sale at the Eighties! Grab your legwarmers • 80s Games Tent fact books, joke books, picture books libraries run Summer Reading Alice in Wonderland. The show includes all www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk sound effects from these magnificent www.jurassickingdom.uk with online and go back in time with an activity • Camping*? Join the Saturday Night or audio books – just as long as they Challenge linked early years activity for the favourite characters from the original creatures as you follow the trail around booking prices from £11.50 adults, £10.50 filled weekend and more neon than at the Moo-vies Trail & Batman’s are borrowed from the library. pre-schoolers. Why not head to your the site at Philips Park in Manchester. concessions, £9.50 children and £38 for a you can shake a glow stick at! Batwalk & campfire fun… There are collectable incentives and local library during the summer holidays The tour has an educational element family ticket plus standard booking fees. • 80’s Tribute Show (Saturday) rewards, plus a certificate for every child and enrol. It’s completely free and any Turn your passion into pennies attached to it thanks to an educational But if you book before 8 July and enter • Mascot racing fun in ‘It’s A Stockout!’ Visit www.stockleyfarm.co.uk to book who completes the Challenge, which is child can take part. Read more at worksheet for primary school aged children FAMILIES20 at the checkout, you can • Dairy Disco with DJ Pete Deane (Sunday) online and receive an exclusive run by independent charity The Reading www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. Gemma, an existing consultant in the and a marquee where you can watch save 20%! • Fire & Police 15% discount with the code area, has achieved huge success after less • Cocktail Bar & Tatton Brewery FAMFEST17 than a month of promoting this well-known • Workshops including Two by Two * Camping must be prebooked. Timings and performers and trusted range of products. Gemma says FREE family fun in Crewe on 8 & 9 July Sale, Rhythm Time, Decathlon, Mess are subject to change ARE YOU “I am already earning a good income with trAction Crewe is a futuristic weekend ages – including a racing simulator, virtual the 25-30% commission, plus there are of free fun for the whole family. Enjoy welding, a Giant Operation Game, memory FEELING LUCKY?! so many incentives and the company is a vast range of activities, including games and a stupendous “first of its kind” Disney on Ice so supportive. I am just thrilled and can’t high flying astronauts, SoundAvan and musical installation ‘Illumaphonium’. This WIN a Family Ticket believe I didn’t try this sooner! It fits so stunningly beautiful arts activities and comprises a semi acoustic, semi automatic, comes to Manchester to Gulliver’s World, Are you looking to earn some extra easily around the children and I am selling performances. multi-player musical sculpture made from money around being home with the products I am passionate about.” New for this year, Science Corner illuminated chime bars, each of which respond children? Or perhaps to start a whole To find out more about local opportunities (located at the covered outdoor market) will to touch, with ever changing patterns of light new full time career in something you from sales consultant to team manager call feature engaging STEAM based (Science, and sound spreading out like waves over the Gulliver’s theme park resorts offer love? The Body Shop At Home could Jayne on 07960 274 739 or email Technology, Engineering, Arts, Manufacturing) giant instrument’s surface. the hottest ticket for fun-loving have just the answer you are looking for. [email protected] workshops, with inspiring activities for all www.tractioncrewe.co.uk families this summer! And we’ve Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse tales that have captivated the world, teamed up with them to give as they take audiences on a fun-filled including the Lion King, The Little Termsaway and THREEconditions familyapply. Family tickets membership for Mini games for your mini me’s! tour in Disney On Ice presents Passport Mermaid, Peter Pan and Frozen. entitlesa bumper 2 adults andday 2 childrenout at (aged Gulliver’s 15 or under) toWorld 60 consecutive in Warrington. days free health & fitness the range gives classic games, from to Adventure (11 – 15 October). The show will be at the Manchester membership at the club. Does not include access snakes and ladders to happy families, a fun Journey to the most memorable Disney Arena from 11 - 15 October and tickets toMagical golf facilities. memories are created every ‘Orchard Toys’ twist! destinations with all of your favorite are now available at day at Gulliver’s, which is specially Match the Llamas in Pyjamas, build your characters and get swept away by classic www.disneyonice.co.uk. designed for children aged two to Spiders & Spouts and have a go at Jungle 13. So it doesn’t matter if you’ve Dominoes, making sure your journey to got toddlers or bigger kids in tow, your destination is a real winner! Or try Little Macclesfield Festival - Saturday 22 July there really is something for everyone Parents travelling with their little Bug Bingo, Animal Families, or Animal to explore and enjoy! ones will be pleased to hear of the Match, a fun animal snap game. The first ever Macclesfield Festival for children, which involves the use of New for 2017 is Togo Tower at Warrington and the Pirate Training Camp at Matlock exciting new Mini Games added to the These summer travel games are a takes place at Macclesfield RUFC adapted equipment and a variety of Bath. Together with theme park classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and collection from Orchard Toys. Six new must-have for a playcation with the little (Priory Lane) on Saturday 22 July. games) – designed to provide an dodgems and a host of weird and wonderful rides and attractions at each park, there’s lines to their popular mini game range people in your life. Put together by local Macclesfield enjoyable introduction to the sport. loads to discover with lots of new things to see and do all the time! have recently launched. Priced at just £4.99, they’re available residents, this family friendly event Traders Village plays host to the With free parking all day, every day and a host of soft play areas, interactive shows, Based on traditional family favourites, from all good retailers. will showcase local talent, produce, regions finest food and craft traders activities and entertainment on offer too, there’s more to Gulliver’s than meets the eye. and traders. with a beer tent showcasing local ales It’s not just theme park thrills on offer at Gulliver’s – each resort is also home to You can expect great musical alongside branded drinks. other captivating attractions, including the Gulliver’s Hotel Warrington, Explorers Next issue: Sep/Oct2017 Editorial: [email protected] Families Cheshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd, entertainment in the Main Arena, a Dance till you drop in the Dance Retreat at Matlock Bath, the award winning Adventurers Village at Milton Keynes Advertising/artwork: a franchise company. All franchised magazines in Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Cheshire the group are independently owned and operated range of activities and live entertainment Zone, or bring a deckchair and relax on plus the Dinosaur & Farm Park as well as the SFEAR high ropes climbing are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, [email protected] under licence. Families® is a registered trademark for all ages in Kids Town, which also Festival Hill with a prime view of the challenge and an official Nerf Zone at every location. selected shops and other points throughout Events, diary dates, what’s on: of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your [email protected] Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 features a varied range of attractions main arena and stage. Find out more at www.gulliversfun.co.uk, www.facebook.com/gullymouse organisation, please let us know. Cover Photography: iStock 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully from kiddie rides and kiosks to the latest Gates open at 10am with main and www.twitter.com/gullymouse Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton. protected by copyright and none of the editorial or Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Design: hi tech thrill rides. festivities including live music starting Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk photographic matter may be reproduced in any form @FamCheshMag To enter the competition, simply send your name and daytime telephone number to Contact details: Families Cheshire, without prior consent of the publisher. Cain Golf Academy will be hosting a at midday and finishing at 8pm with an Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED We take every care preparing the magazine, but the [email protected]. Entries close Sunday 30 July. Good luck! Hampshire PO6 1TR ‘Tri Golf Corner’ (a mini version of golf afterparty til late. Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk facebook.com/familiescheshire for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the www.macclesfieldfestival.co.uk contents nor for any consequences. 2 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesFamilies Cheshire Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk | www.familiesonline.co.uk 3 Education Education

What kids really need to know before starting school Seize the summer with Explore Learning!

Dressing and undressing There is no expectation that any child will Send a postcard Independent dressing is something children be able to read at such a young age. Indeed Let your friends and family know what should be able to do. Some things may be it may even be a disadvantage. There is you’ve been up to with a postcard. difficult for children at Reception age like more than one type of phonics for example They’re only short so are a wonderful buttons, but there is a reason why the early – what if you have used a different type of way to get a bit of writing going during year’s uniform is usually based around phonics from the school? Or you haven’t the holidays. If your child is reluctant to are great for so many reasons, from t-shirts and jumpers. Don’t send them to used phonics at all in teaching them to write, then why not try a postcard app developing language to improving school at this age with shoes that have laces. read? Don’t spend the summer trying to get like By Post? They can take their own memory skills. Need some new games? Staff will be there to help them with dressing, them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time pictures to make into postcards and Have a scavenger hunt in local charity particularly when they start changing for PE together instead. There are lots of studies type their message. shops to see who in the family can find lessons, but most children at this age can’t tie out there that show reading to your child the best game. their own laces and aren’t expected to. Velcro every day has a far better impact on their Read, read and read some more fastenings are much faster and also give educational outcomes. Explore Learning is encouraging help children who find writing tricky. A study by OUP showed that just 10 Tuition children some independence. families to seize the summer! To help Encourage them to describe what is minutes of shared reading a day can have To keep your children progressing over Mastering cutlery you do this they have put together a happening in the picture to get their a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop the summer, a tuition centre is a great What kids really need to know Holding a pencil Using the toilet on their own The chances are that your child will have jam-packed summer programme with creativity flowing. a book in your bag so you can use any option. Prevent the battle ground of before starting school There is a myth that your child will be Now, this is a must-have skill. If your child cooked school dinners. First off, don’t get creative ideas on how to keep your opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in. getting children to do work at home Just five minutes ago you were bringing expected to at least write their own name has been in private day-care, they may be anxious if they aren’t that great cutting up child’s brain active over the holidays, Have a movie night Explore will be uploading weekly activities and get them along to a centre where your little one home from the hospital. before they start school. This isn’t the case used to having staff around that help them their food. There will be dinner supervisors so they are ready to settle back into Research carried out by Explore Learning that you can complete with your child to there are lots of other children getting Now you’re shopping for their first at all, and no one expects a child who is with toileting. There is a lot less of this in there to help them. Most schools (possibly the new school year confidently! highlighted watching TV/films is the help keep them engaged with what they involved. Explore Learning runs maths school uniform and trying to find a four or who has just turned five to achieve this school. Unless a child has special needs, all schools) arrange dinner times so that number one thing children wanted to do are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/ and English sessions as well as a suitable pair of school shoes. Where did straight away. There will always be some who they will need to wipe themselves and be nursery and reception children come in Start a blog over the summer. Use this to motivate summer to find out more and download whole range of interactive workshops the time go? If you go onto any can, but that doesn’t mean anything. able to flush the toilet. first, and are able to take their time picking Learn some new skills, as a family, your child to read. Find a book that your first activity! throughout the holidays to keep your parenting forum once the primary school Remember when we said earlier that all their food, and settling down at the table. by creating a blog together. Give your has been made into a film that your child’s brain active. The best things is offers go out, you’ll find lots of children develop differently? Being able to Reading However, if your child can use a knife and child a little note book to jots ideas child wants to watch. Then plan a Play some games you can go along and try one of these panicking parents worried that their little hold a pencil confidently though is quite useful. This is one area where some parents (and fork, and cut their own food, it will make down whilst you are out and about, then movie night far enough in advance so There are bound to be some rainy days for free, so get in touch with them today! one will be left behind if they aren’t Again, don’t panic if they can’t. Some children we all know the type) can get competitive. lunchtimes a lot easier for them. They will write up what you’ve done. Take lots you can read the book together before this summer, so use this as a chance www.explorelearning.co.uk properly prepared. Relax. All children are simply late at developing gross motor Unfortunately, this can have the knock-on also be expected to carry their food tray and of pictures as these are a great tool to enjoying the film. to get out some board games. These learn and develop at different rates and in skills, and some may face other barriers. Both effect of dragging other parents into take plates up to be washed. This is different ways. There is no definitive list of hypermobility syndrome and dyspraxia, for worrying about it as well. Should your child something you can prepare them for at must-have skills for them to have acquired example, make holding a pencil and putting be able to read before they start? Will that home by getting them to carry their plates before the start of term. But there are a few pressure on paper hard. If you suspect give them a bump up to the ‘top table’, and if out to the kitchen after meals. basics that can be helpful. Read on to find that’s the case for your child, try building they can’t read does that mean they will never out what your child really needs to know them up slowly by encouraging them to catch up? For more information about starting before they start school. play with Lego or Duplo, or make models There is no need to be so anxious. Reception school, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk from modelling clay. is not as academically oriented as Year 1.

Labels4Kids - no more lost Dogs could help children clothes or belongings! improve their reading skills

for different application methods. There Assistance Dogs (READ) scheme. It was are woven sew on labels, easy to use slower to catch on in the UK but has iron on labels, click on labels (tags that gained traction recently, with the Kennel you simply click on with an applicator) Club’s Bark and Read Foundation being or even stick on name labels that just at the forefront. go on the care label of the garment. According to the Kennel Club, Your labels are made to order in the UK reading to dogs has been proven to Get all set for the new school year and to the highest quality standards. Many studies have shown that help children develop literacy skills and with name tags from Labels4Kids Visit www.labels4kids.com today to improving a child’s reading skills build confidence, through “both the – a family business with an award personalise yours. will tend to lead to a greater overall calming effect the dogs’ presence has winning range of name labels. You can now get 10% off your first academic success and better life on children and the fact that the dog will Since 2004, Labels4Kids has helped order using the discount code FAM chances. listen to the children read without being thousands of families in the UK to – just select the labels you want to There have been numerous schemes judgemental or critical”. bypass the lost and found box and get order on the website, personalise them and initiatives aimed at boosting both Actress Zoe Wanamaker CBE, a back lost belongings quickly. In 2015, and apply the code in the shopping cart interest in and aptitudes for reading but supporter of the scheme, said: “That the company also started to sell name to claim your discount. one of the most novel involves bringing is why the Kennel Club’s Bark & Read labels via John Lewis. Get some peace of mind this summer four-legged helpers into the classroom. project is such an inspiring idea, as we Labels4Kids range contains many with Labels4Kids - because kids lose The practice originated in the US all know that dogs are great listeners different types of name labels to cater stuff! in 1999 with the Reading Education and won’t judge if we stumble over a word.”

4 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 5 Parties / holidays away Summer holidays

Fabulous parties at Stockport Summer in the Alps Free ways to keep the kids entertained this summer Nerf Centre By Jayne Keep provide a wonderful life lesson. Volunteering 12. Head to the beach can be done on a huge range of tasks, Children love beaches, it’s almost of games/missions to choose from to tailor be it simply providing company for a universal. They have a seemingly play to different age groups. Before play neighbour, walking a dog, helping out in unlimited supply of a material they commences rules of the arena are given a charity shop, helping plant trees or rarely get to play with, sand! Having that and the hosts are keen to enforce with anything else that benefits another fellow open space, cool breeze and ice cream safety always a priority. Cheating is also human or cause. Learning the value of doing in hand makes the beach a unique frowned upon and sees teams lose points. The Alps may be an obvious destination your own meals, or join the party at something for nothing may give your experience. Running away from the waves, After a full hour of battling we had some for the ski season, but how about a ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you children a fulfilling early life experience. skimming stones, building sandcastles, hot and tired children. The hosts were summer visit? Summer offers enough usually only dream of. Family friendly making pictures in the wet sand...hey, quick to fetch out plenty to drink along with green (the mountains) and blue (the early evening meals for the children and 7. Baking you might even turn into a kid yourself sandwiches and cookies. All I needed to do sky) to set you up for the whole year a daytime crèche for little ones not quite Cooking is an important life lesson for for the day! For my son’s 7th birthday party he was was supply the cake and party bags. – and plenty of fresh air to fill your as active as you, with drinks in the bar anybody, so why not start them out young adamant it had to be Nerf or nothing! Stockport Nerf Centre runs parties for families’ lungs. for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on with the most joyous form of cooking, 13. Paint So Stockport Nerf Centre was the children from 6+ and they often host adult With reasonably priced flights the terrace – Paul and Francesca will baking! Dependent on their age, you Painting is one of those things with your perfect choice. parties too (I can see why, it looks great fun from London airports to Geneva then make you wish that this was home! could get a carton cake mix or make children that you can’t do every day An indoor arena fitted out with purpose & much less painful than paintball!). a short drive to Morzine, there is a For more about Chilly Powder chalets your own grown-up cake. The kids will because you start the activity knowing built obstacles to hide behind, plus lasers and This venue definitely gets a thumbs warm welcome waiting from Paul and for summer and winter visit love getting involved, especially with all how it will end – with a lot of cleaning smoke effects, the ideal Nerf battleground! up from us and I think we will be back for Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With www.chillypowder.com and more the messy parts of baking. Getting them up! However, you only have to look at The fully hosted parties see guests another session there over the Summer the main chalet – Au Coin du Feu – plus about summer in Morzine visit to clean up after themselves, however, their faces when they paint to see the enjoying two games in the arena with a break to run off some energy. two chalets next door, you can organise www.summer.morzine-avoriaz.com may be a bit more difficult! fun that can be had. The children love it range of Nerf blasters over the course of For more info call 07598 953 884 or and it shows them the beauty of creating one hour. The hosts have a large selection visit www.stockportnerf.co.uk 8. Bike ride something. Just make sure you’re all Trying to keep children occupied can expensive. But what a lot of people don’t Bikes are a great, free and fun way to wearing aprons and have a lot of be difficult enough on evenings and realise is there are countless free museums spend a few hours. Whether you have newspapers down! Free Disney Magic! weekends, let alone when you have to be explored on a whole range of somewhere local or can drive to a park, six weeks of summer holidays to different subjects. You don’t have to go the children will love the independence 14. Puzzles FREE Disney Quick Service Dining Plan contend with. But trying to keep them far either; there’s probably one in your and freedom that comes with riding a bike. They seem to be a dying breed now with Stay at a Disney Moderate Resort busy, and trying to not spend a lot of own town. The beauty of them is that It’s a great way to travel long distances the invention of mobiles and tablets, but including Disney’s Caribbean Beach money doing it, is another matter. your children will be learning, having in a short space of time, and they’ll feel sitting down as a family and completing Resort and you’ll enjoy FREE Disney Whilst the zoo, cinema and sporting fun and being inspired at the same time, like they’ve really achieved something. a jigsaw, a puzzle or a board game is a Quick Service Dining Plan for your events can be fun, they soon burn a meaning they can be a wonderful recipe wonderful way to spend a few hours with whole holiday. hole in your pocket and leave you for knowledge. 9. Trip to the pond the family. All you need to remember is FREE Disney Dining Plan looking for your next pay cheque to take A local pond is a great way to find not to get too competitive! Book now & dine for free at Walt Disney Stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or your children to the next big thing. But 4. Gardening wildlife that may be missing from your World in 2018, plus receive free spending selected Deluxe Villa Resort including don’t fear, there is help at hand, and a One of the beautiful things about gardening back garden. From frogs and tadpoles to 15. Picnic money & capture your magical Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to lot of ideas and activities that can be for adults is the ability to create a vision fish swimming below, it gives little ones The classic. People love to take moments with free memory maker! receive FREE Disney Dining Plan for done for next to nothing. in your head, plant, and then watch that a taste of the outdoors in a safe environment. something they do the same way day in, Let Richard at Personal Travel Agents your entire stay. vision grown into reality. There is no You can also take part in a classic day out, and switch it up. That’s what a book your dream Walt Disney World Call Richard, Cheshire’s “Preferred” 1. Hiking reason why your children can’t be a part pastime - just grab some bread and picnic does; it’s a sense of adventure holiday including Disney Park Tickets for Disney Partner on 0800 567 7470 or All you have to do is put on your most of that process too. Help them plant feed the ducks, they’ll love it. where you swap the dining table for a five nights or more, and everyone in the 0750 430 3088. sensible form of footwear and head out some flowers or seeds and not only do blanket and the great outdoors. Get a party dines for FREE! www.mypersonaltravelagent.co.uk there. Getting out up a hill or through a you have entertainment for one day, but 10. Make something collection of your favourite foods and forest can open up your children’s it’s something you can go back to and All you need is some simple arts and make a day of it - it’ll provide your imaginations. The smell and touch of chart how they grow. It’s a wonderful crafts to let their imagination go wild. children with some of their greatest the outdoors are a welcome change biology lesson for children, and they With some card and sticky tape you can summer memories. from everyday life. The kids will love won’t even realise it! make anything in the world! Maybe make exploring new surroundings too. a paper boat or a plane. Or perhaps it’s For more ideas to keep the kids 5. Home cinema someone’s birthday coming up and you entertained visit 2. Chalk The actual cinema is getting very expensive, want to make them a custom card. It’s a www.familiesonline.co.uk Children have a mischievous side and so expensive that a lot of people these great way to get their creative side working. may have seen their favourite cartoon days leave the popcorn and the drinks character dabble in a bit of graffiti. out of their experience. Anyone who’s 11. Sports at the park Grabbing some chalk and scribbling on had to tell a child that they can’t have Grab a bat, ball or whatever they love the pavements is a great way to open up those things knows how difficult it can be. and head to the nearest park. Get your their artistic side while they get some Instead, watch out for the latest premiere friends and their families involved and fresh air, and it can also make them on your home TV, darken the room and make a day of it. You don’t have to attend think that they are playing the rebel. make your own popcorn. The kids will expensive sports events or classes to You’ll be safe in the knowledge that they love it, and you’ll love not having to travel enjoy what they love. Get involved are creating art knowing the next spot of and pay a small fortune for snacks. yourself and they’ll love it even more. rain will clear away the evidence. 6. Volunteer 3. Museums and art galleries OK, this may be a hard sell but could Some museums and galleries are 6 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 7 Summer holidays Summer holidays

Busy Buddies – for a fun filled Summer camps make learning Summer Residential Camp - fun, Summer Holiday Sports Camps at

Summer holiday Based at in tech fun for kids games and personal development Alderley Edge, Busy Buddies Technology has moved so quickly and Holiday Club is a great Summer plays such a central role in every type of all the amazing facilities on site at the childcare option for all children commercial activity that for current and school as well as developing their key aged 4 and above. future generations, coding is a skill that is thinking, social and essential life skills Activities include: outdoor swimming, as essential as literacy and numeracy were (including basic first aid), increase tennis and football, climbing frames, for past generations. FunTech camps offer their financial awareness, and grow in craft activities, trips to the local children a wide variety of topics, with everything confidence. park and further afield, as well from Minecraft with Mods, Drone Coding, By taking part in individual as external special visitors. No and 3D Modelling & Printing through to challenges, they’ll learn a great deal time to be bored here! You don’t How about doing something different this programming languages such as Scratch, about themselves, and the team have to be a pupil at The Ryleys year and send your kids to a tech camp? Java and Python. With a maximum class size challenges will help them to develop Pearson Sports and Fitness extend the pick up time until 5.30 for an to attend – as long as you are You’d be providing your child with the of 8 students to 1 tutor, children are guaranteed a greater sense of social competency coaching is running Multi Sports extra £8 per day, as well as a 10% sibling older than aged 4, you’re welcome! opportunity to enhance their coding and excellent learning support and the residential Camp Evolution is a fantastic as they learn to listen, interpret and and Football camps for ages 4 – 11 discount available. Or buy a Summer Email Emily: programming skills while getting to grips camps also balance out the lessons with summer residential camp being respond to their peers’ needs. at Tytherington School in Macclesfield Pass for all four weeks for £180. busybuddies16@gmail. with cutting-edge technology. And as well plenty of fun leisure activities and events. held at near The camp costs £55 per night, or this summer. Multi Sports camps The Macclesfield Cavaliers Futsal com for more information or as a week’s worth of fun and enjoyment and Suitable for children aged 7 to 16, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. £385 for the full week, with siblings will run from 31 July – 4 August, Camp is for ages 10 – 14 and runs from find them on Facebook – some new friendships, they will come FunTech is holding camps at The King’s Taking place from Monday 31 July receiving a 30% discount. Camp 7 – 11 August and 21 – 24 August, 1 – 3 August and 9 – 11 August, 4 – BusyBuddies. home with new skills and knowledge that School in Chester this July and August. For – Sunday 6 August, the camp offers 9 Evolution also offers a collection/drop with the Football camp running 5.30pm daily. This costs £8 per day or will prepare them for their next academic more information and to book: – 14 year-olds a fabulous range of fun off service if required. 14 – 18 August. £22 for the week. year and beyond. www.funtech.co.uk and educational activities; all focused For more information, call Camps run from 8.30am – 3.30pm For more info, call Jordan on on their personal development. Your 0161 706 0144 or visit daily, and cost £20 per day or £60 for 07720 629 690. West End Summer School in Cheadle children will be able to make full use of www.campevolution.co.uk the full week. There’s also an option to www.pearsonsportsandfitnesscoaching.com

Incredible guest teachers from the West End will hold workshops for students Junior Tennis Camps in Chester throughout the week. Liam Doyle (Ghost, High School Musical, Wicked, West Side Story) will be taking West Side Story and Younger children will learn High School Musical Workshops, and co-ordination, movement, ‘Ball, Body Jodie Steele (Legally Blonde, Fame, & Bat’ skills, and take part in fun games YSBD Theatre Academy is thrilled Wicked), will be taking Legally Blonde and competitions. Older children will to announce their ‘Schools Out’ and Fame Workshops. be coached in basic techniques, skills, themed West End Summer School Plus, Company Director Amy Goodwin, tactics and rules, and will take part in for children aged 4 – 18. is back from playing Swing/Cover Glinda singles and doubles matchplay. Taking place at All Saints Parish Rooms in the International Tour of Wicked to The camps run from Wednesday in Cheadle Hulme from Monday 31 July teach throughout the week too. 26 – Friday 28 July and Tuesday 15 – Friday 4 August, students will perform Don’t miss this amazing opportunity – Thursday 17 August, 1 – 5pm daily. at the end of the week in their very own to work with the industry’s finest! The They cost £55 for members, with non show for family, friends and a YSBD Summer school runs from at from 10am Charles Applewhaite is running members also welcome for £60. agent. The show will feature songs from – 4pm, and costs £150 for the week, Junior Tennis Camps at Chester Places are limited, so make sure musicals such at Matilda, School of with a 10% sibling discount. LTC this Summer. Suitable for ages you book early! For more info, contact Rock, Grease, West Side Story, Legally Contact Hannah 07738 164232 or 6 – 16, the courses are aimed at Charles on 07768 125685 or email Blonde and many more. email [email protected] Mini Red, Mini Orange and Green [email protected]. Tennis levels. www.chesterltc.org.uk Outdoor fun with Delamere Forest Explorers

Tues 8 Aug Family Forest Fun: 10am- 2pm / £10 per child, £2 per adult, Age 3+ Mono 21 Aug Forest Fairies: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 3 – 7 Tues 22 Aug Forest Tots: 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 2 – 5 Tues 1 Aug Forest Fairies: 10am-12pm Fri 1 Sept Family Survival Day: 10am- or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 3 – 7 2pm / £15 per child, £2 per adult, Age 7+ Wed 2 & 16 Aug Evening bat walk: – All events are non-refundable. Booking is 8-10pm / £8.50 per person, Age 5+ essential in advance via the website. Mon 7 Aug Teddy Bears Picnic: www.forest-explorers.co.uk 10am-12pm or 1-3pm / £8.50 per child, Ages 2 – 6 8 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 9 Summer holidays Summer holidays Holiday Snow Camps at Holiday clubs with a difference! Skills for life, not Chill Factore! just for the stage will have your children involved in Stagecoach Chester is a children’s Here’s the ideal opportunity for exciting, hands-on challenges, without part-time performing arts school that 6 – 16 year old skiers or 8 –16 even realising they’re learning too! teaches the three main disciplines of year old snowboarders to make the For example, in their new course this the stage – drama, singing and dance. makes the school so popular with parents holidays an exciting prospect. year they will be using creative problem The school has many students that regularly and their children. There are various snow camps solving and adapting to code drones to appear in professional theatre, television and Stagecoach Chester has been running available, catering for both complete overcome challenges. At Outdoor even films; they recently had a student in ‘Billy for 25 years and is run by Karen & Lindsay beginners and those already competent Skills, they learn to navigate around, Elliot’ in the West End and another playing Partington and their exceptional teaching staff. on the slope. Skill Supply has developed new and cook their own snacks and even make a Young Fiona in the UK tour of ‘Shrek – The Its main classes are for children between the age Each camp runs from 9am – 5pm, innovative ways to develop team and washing up stand and bin to clear up Musical’ to name a couple! Stagecoach Chester of 6 and 16, but there is a special set of classes with a mix of slope time as well as fun leadership skills with all age groups afterwards! Lots of confidence-building, also provides the children’s cast for most of for 4-6 year olds called ‘Early Stages’. activities in the Snow Park. Even with a in schools and at their holiday clubs exciting activities, lots of fresh air and Bill Kenwright’s productions (such as ‘Joseph The school operates from Bishops High jam-packed day of fun, there will still for children aged 7 – 12 (running no screens! and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’) in School, Boughton on a Wednesday, Thursday, be time for lunch, which is included in this Summer at , All Skill Supply staff are experienced, the North-West. Friday or Saturday and the class sizes are the price. Nantwich and ) from first aid trained and DBS-checked. To However, although its main aim is to provide age-based. Limited spaces are available, 7 – 25 August. book your place on their holiday camp, children with a sound performing-skills base, For further details please call 01244 316187 so book early! For more info Covering activities such as call 01270 748415 or it’s also proud of the excellent by-products or email [email protected] and available dates, go to Boot-camp, First Aid, Outdoor Skills, 07972 759035. And to find out more of self-confidence and comradeship which www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester www.chillfactore.com Science and Drone Wars to name but a about what’s on offer, visit few, this great holiday club programme www.skillsupply.co.uk/skill-clubs Multi Sports, Football & Dance Clubs Superstars Holiday clubs will be running Hub, Birchwood Tennis & Leisure Complex, Get more out of your active Multi Sports, Football and Dance (Hartford) and camps over the summer period from . They also run camps summer holidays with Monday 24 July until Friday 1 September. at 5 other venues across the North West. For They will also have specialist weeks of further information please look at their Brio! Lego Club, Art Club, Trampoling, Cricket and holiday club page at Tennis. Camps will run in Broomfields Leisure www.littlesuperstars.co.uk where there is If you’re looking for some Centre, Great Sankey Leisure Centre, Maple a 24 page colour brochure with all the summer fun Brio Leisure Lodge Guide Hut (Lymm), Orford Jubilee detailed information. has plenty of it… Get active and entertained at with Junior memberships from just £12 per month (that’s less than it costs to go swimming once a week!) – you’ll get unlimited casual swimming, off peak racquets and junior gym sessions for the older ones including a Welcome Workout. Just pop into your local Brio Leisure centre to find out more! And don’t forget to look out for their Holiday Fun guides, packed with extra activities for everyone to enjoy. Roll around the Roller Disco, splash about at the under 16’s free swim or get entertained with ‘The Giant’s Loo Roll’ production – they’ve got it all this summer! www.brioleisure.org/juniors

We all scream for ice cream! Backford Belles produce award winning ice cream from the milk from their herd of jersey cows on their farm in Backford, Chester. Their shop serves over 14 flavours in various cones or tubs, with dairy free options available too. 500ml tubs are also on offer to take home. Little ones can have fun in a small, indoor play area if the weather’s bad, or have fun running around the outdoor play area. There are chickens & calves to see too! There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and you can enjoy teas, coffees and sandwiches with your ice creams And there’s plenty of free parking too! www.Backfordbelles.com 10 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 11 These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, To include your upcoming event in our listings, email [email protected] so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info! What’s on or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk What’s on

Every Thurs – Sun during July Sat 15 July Mon 24 July – Fri 4 Aug (excl Sat 29 & Sun 30 July Wed 2 Aug Sat 5 Aug Tues 8 & Wed 9 Aug Thurs 10 Aug Little Moreton Hall Arley Hall, Northwich Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Grosvenor Museum, Chester Tatton Park Lion Salt Works, Northwich Little Moreton Hall A day in the life of a Tudor child Live in the Park 2017 weekends) Clash of Knights Gorgeous Gardens Fergie at the Farm Pirates and Parrots The Princess and The Pig by Jonathan Emmett Quarry Bank Mill, Styal 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Live music concert in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre. 11am – 5pm. Four teams of knights battle it out for 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Visit the Shows at 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm / Normal admission 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 6 – 7pm. Family outdoor theatre presented by Folksy Summer Holidays: Grafting in the Garden Discover life through the eyes of a Tudor child. Talks 01606 861733 / www.nmcentre.com victory armed only with clubs and shields, strength Garden section of the new Natural History Gallery, applies. Meet Fergie, the little grey tractor with a secret Get ready for Percy and Polly’s Pirate Tea Party by Theatre. Booking essential. 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies & family activities daily. and skill. Battle drills for budding young knights too. then make decorations for the museum’s garden as - he’s alive! 01625 374400 / making some pirate attire. Then we’ll see if you’ve 01689 854409 / www.folksytheatre.co.uk Are you scary enough to chase away the birds, or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Sat 15 July & Sat 12 Aug www.english-heritage.org.uk well as your garden at home! Make a bee house from www.tattonpark.org.uk got what it takes to be a successful pirate! agile enough to catch a mole? Try out the worst MOSI, Manchester recycled materials (bring a clean 500ml plastic bottle). www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve gardening jobs in history. Sat 8 July Pi: Platform for Investigation Sun 30 July & Sun 27 Aug www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre Minibeast Mission www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Lyme Park, Disley A hands-on science platform to meet scientists Eaton Hall, Eccleston Butterfly Walk Tues 8 Aug & Wed 16 Aug 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Soft Archery Sessions working on cutting-edge research. July will be Charity Open Day The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield 11am – 1pm / All ages / Adult £3, Under 16s free, Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Track down the ‘Most Wanted’ Minibeasts. Use minibeast 11am – 3.15pm / 50p per session, normal exploring wonder materials and August will look at Tues 25 July, 8 & 22 Aug 10.30am / Adults £8, Children £2, Family £18 Animal Wall booking essential. Family wildlife walk to look for and Pond Safari mugshots and a variety of tracking techniques to admission applies. Have a go – you will be given a the amazing hidden world of salt marshes. Fri 4 & 18 Aug, 1 Sept www.eatonestate.co.uk 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Make your learn more about some of the park’s resident butterfly 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential complete your assignment. safety talk and pointers on how to improve. 30 minute www.msimanchester.org.uk Marbury Country Park own Animal Head wall plaque. 01625 613210 / species. 01625 374833 / Join Nature Stuff to hunt for weird and wonderful creatures 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk sessions starting at 11:00, 11:35, 12:10, 13:00, Holiday Bug Hunting Mon 31 July & 7, 14 & 21 Aug www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers lurking in the pond. Wear wellies and prepare to have Grosvenor Museum, Chester 13:35, 14:10, & 14:45 01663 761411 / Sat 15 & Sun 16 July Find the bugs and beasties that lurk in Marbury. St Johns Church Centre, Hartford fun. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Portrait Studio www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Tatton Park Morning sessions only, booking essential. Make, Taste and See Wed 2 & Thurs 3 Aug Sun 6 Aug Cost £6.50 per child. 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Style your Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm 01606 77741 / 10am – 12pm / Free, drop in. Craft, cake and film clips. Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk own costume and accessories, then pose for your Marbury Country Park 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry [email protected] / 01606 8772255 / www.stjohnshartford.org Clay Tiles Tegg’s Nose Rocks! very own fashionable portrait. Bring your own FoAM Music in the Park prices apply. Meet Myrtle the Middle White and all of www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 10am – 12pm / Age 7+ / Adult £3, Under 16s free, Wed 9 Aug 5pm. FoAM’s celebration of Summer in the Park. her piggy friends, the Red Poll cattle, Leicester Mon 31 July – Fri 1 Sept Experiment with air drying clay to make some tiles booking essential. Join Geologist Kate Riddington Tegg’s Nose Country Park camera, camera phone or selfie stick. Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue. Longwool sheep and others. Tues 25 July – Fri 25 Aug Jodrell Bank based on medieval designs. and Ranger Martin James to explore the geological Teddy Bear Treasure Hunt www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Jodrell Jubilee! 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential 01606 212264 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk Tatton Park www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk history of the park and wider Cheshire Plain. Tatton Park Summer Activities at the Farm 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Daily Learn about nature and wildlife in a hands-on, fun-packed Tegg’s Nose Bilberry Pick Mini-Beast Detective Lakehouse Field, Weaverham 12 – 5pm / Normal Farm opening times and entry drop-in activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of Wed 2 & Tues 22 Aug session for families. Bring along a teddy or cuddly toy. 1 – 4pm / All ages / Free. Healthy, organic, tasty and 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm / Age 3 – 5 / £8 Weaverham Carnival 2017 Sun 16 July prices apply. Meet the newly-hatched chicks, learn the Lovell telescope. Science-themed games, amazing Tatton Park 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk free. Bring a container and get picking. Jam making per child (one free adult), booking essential. A traditional family carnival. more about rare breed animals, storytelling, milking live demonstrations, fun activities. Theatre-Play session £1 (book for this session) 01625 374833 / Baby & Children’s Market demonstrations and sheep racing! CLOSED MONDAYS. www.jodrellbank.net 10.30am – 12.30pm / Age 7 – 11 / £12, booking Tatton Park Old Hall Time Explorers: Family Activity www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers St Johns Church, Chester Queen’s Park High School, 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk essential. Through the use of fun drama games, your Here Come the Vikings! 10.30 – 1230pm / All ages / Family tickets available Viking Chester Handbridge, Chester, Mon 31 July & 14 Aug budding actor or actress will devise mini scenes 10.30am – 12.3pm / Age 7 – 11 / £10, booking essential. (include park entry). Booking essential. Bring a Tatton Park 10.15am – 1.30pm. Viking encampment and 10 – 11.30am / Adult £1, Tues 25 July – Thurs 31 Aug around the theme of “Secrets”. Family and friends Meet Viking explorers at Tatton Old Hall and experience picnic to enjoy afterward on the grounds. Children free / Free parking Sat 5 &12 Aug The Volkswagon Northwest Car Show activities for all ages, with a battle at 2pm and a children’s Crewe Library will be invited back at the end of the workshop to life in their settlement. 01625 374428 / 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby (Tues – Thurs only) 9 – 5pm / Adults £7.50, under 16s free / Normal entry shieldwall at 3pm. www.vikingchester.com Crewecraft watch the scenes. www.tattonpark.org.uk & children’s items from birth to 8 years plus a small Lyme Park, Disley applies. The largest gathering of Volkswagens, both The magic of Minecraft comes to Crewe with five 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Fri 11 Aug selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s Summer of Sport air and water-cooled, in the North of England. Children’s Hare Hill, Over Alderley Sat 8 July & Sat 5 Aug public interactive sessions where you can build a Grosvenor Museum, Chester industry showcasing and selling their products & 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. A variety rides and entertainment plus much more on the day. The Smartest Giant in Town Grosvenor Park, Chester part of Crewe’s heritage. Four free workshops each Thurs 3 Aug Poulton through Time Family Fun Day service. No ATM service on site – please bring cash. of sporting activities on the Park and in the Garden. Grosvenor Museum, Chester www.vwnw.co.uk 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 6 – 8pm / Booking essential 01663 761411 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme day – booking essential on 01270 375295. 12 – 4pm. Celebrate the park’s 150th birthday with Stall bookings now being taken.07946 513404 / WRNS Badges Mon 2 – Fri 18 Aug (excl Become an archaeologist for the day with themed A wonderful open-air musical production by Folksy, lots of fun free family entertainment. [email protected] / Every Tues in Aug 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. The museum crafts and activities, and help us build a miniature based on Julia Donaldson’s wonderful book. www.grosvenorparkchester.co.uk www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Wed 26 July recently acquired a portrait of Sybil, Lady Rocksavage, Iron Age village to display in the museum. 01698 854409 / www.folksytheatre.co.uk The Showground, Nantwich Jodrell Bank weekends) who helped to form and run the Women’s Royal Navy Quarry Bank Mill, Styal www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Nantwich Show & International Cheese Awards Meet the Expert Sat 8 & Sun 9 July 1pm / Age 7+ / Free, normal admission applies Service (WRNS) in both World Wars. Make WRNS-inspired Summer Holidays: Muck in at t’Mill Fri 11 – Mon 28 Aug A great day out for the whole family. MOSI, Manchester MediaCity UK, Salford Sun 16 July Meet a resident science and astronomy expert. badges and handle items from the collection. 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies. Can you The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield MediaCityUK www.nantwichshow.co.uk Power Up! CBBC’s Summer Social Places can be reserved up to the day before by www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk stoke a steam engine, move muck from under a mule Arrr Shipmate! 9am – 5.30pm / All ages / Free. A brilliant day out Pugfest or carry a can? Find out which worst mill job is for you. 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in 90 min session £5, full day session £15, family The Grange School, Northwich phoning 01477 571766. with some of CBBC’s biggest stars, including Hacker 12 – 5pm / Adult £8, Child £5, under 3s free / Booking Thurs 3 & Thurs 17 Aug www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Make a pirate hat, eye-patch and flapping parrot, and discounts available. Gaming extravaganza with FREE Heart Test www.jodrellbank.net T Dog! www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc essential. With a TV and Film theme, expect glitz and Tatton Park go on a treasure hunt to uncover a bar of gold. something for everyone, from Pong and Pacman to Ages 14 – 25 / Free, booking essential glamour with a VIP (Very Important Pug) area, complete Creative Writing Workshop 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Minecraft and Mario. www.msimanchester.org.uk 0203 691 0000 / www.c-r-y.org.uk Tues 1 & Wed 2 Aug Tues 8 Aug Daresbury, Warrington with prosecco, dog goody bags and doggy treats. Lion Salt Works, Northwich 10.30am – 12.30pm / Age 7+ / £12, booking essential Grosvenor Museum, Chester Cheshire Steam Fair Plenty of children’s entertainment too. Pugs & pug Dragons and Kingdoms A fun, interactive creative writing workshop for children Fish Mobiles Wed 9 & Thurs 10 Aug Sat 12 Aug Fri 28 July, 11 & 25 Aug Little Moreton Hall 10am – 5pm / Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, crosses only able to attend. www.pugfestevents.com 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 - 12 / £1.50, with talented former Cheshire poet laureate, Joy Winker. 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Take Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Tudor All Nighter Family (2+3) £25. Not just for steam enthusiasts! A Tues 1, 15 & 29 Aug drop in. Hear tales from years gone by about A complimentary notebook and pen is provided for inspiration from the Rivers section of the new Natural Monster Masks 6 – 9pm / Free. A new family experience exploring great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and Sat 22 & Sun 23 July Marbury Country Park forgotten kingdoms and the fierce battles between each participant. History Gallery and make a colourful fish mobile. 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Hear Blakemere Village the sleep rituals of the Tudors. fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk Holiday Pond Dipping dragons, kings and queens. Then have a go at making 3 Aug: Scuffles with Superheroes www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk some famous myths and legends and create a Countryside Fair www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Find the bugs and beasties that lurk in Marbury. your own dragon mask, or something fit for royalty! 17 Aug: Masks and Shields Monster Mask to take home. A fun, family weekend celebrating everything the Sun 9 July Morning sessions only, booking essential. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Carnival Fields, Wilmslow countryside has to offer. www.blakemerevillage.com 01606 77741 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk Wilmslow Show Tues 1 Aug 11am – 5pm. Classic car show, fun dog show, trade Sun 23 – Tues 25 July Sat 29 July Grosvenor Museum, Chester MOSI, Manchester stands, band stand, refreshments. Lion Salt Works, Northwich Celtic Jewellery Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond www.wilmslowshow.co.uk Just Dig It! 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make a A ground-breaking show –with hands-on activities 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 - 12 / Free, drop in. Grab a metallic brooch and pendant necklace covered in and creative stations, combining science, art and Neston Cricket Club trowel, put on some old clothes, and unearth your knotted designs. interactive games. Suitable for age 5+ Parkgate Carnival inner archaeologist by completing a series of fun and www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 11.30am – 6pm / Adult £1, children free. A family www.msimanchester.org.uk hands-on activities. fun day with plenty of entertainment, food and music. Sun 23 July www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk West Park Museum, Macclesfield www.northernlightscharity.org.uk Make your own Pharaoh’s Headdress HSBC UK City Ride Manchester Vicars Cross Community Centre 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Create your 11am – 4pm. A traffic free bike ride around the city Dorfold Hall, Nantwich Baby Ballet Chester Teddy Bear’s Picnic own headdress fit for a Pharaoh!01625 665010 / with loads of free entertainment. Super Heroes Picnic Take your favourite teddy for a very special Teddy www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk 11am – 3pm / Adult £6, Child £3, under 3s free www.letsride.co.uk/city-ride Bear’s Picnic! Lots of fun with glitter tattoos and wand Break out your costume for this traditional fun filled making plus picnic bags for the children and Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Tues 1 Aug – Sun 3 Sept family day out with a variety of fun games and refreshments for the adults. Open to both babyballet Little Moreton Hall Twelfth Night outdoor activities for children of all ages. Proceeds members and non-members. Booking essential. Summer Fun Activities 7.30pm / Ages 6+. An outdoor performance of to Donna Louise Children’s Hospice and Ray of Light. 07902 805926 / www.babyballet.co.uk 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Shakespeare’s hilarious cross-dressing comedy. www.superheroespicnic.co.uk Weekly Tudor themed activities relating to food, drink, www.english-heritage.org.uk Sat 29 & Sun 30 July textiles, the still room and games. Fun for all the family. Fri 14 – Sun 16 July Manchester Central Convention Complex www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Tatton Park Mon 24 - Fri 28 July MCM Manchester Comic Con Foodies Festival Mon 31 Jul - Sat 26 Aug 9am – 6pm / Kids go free. A celebration of all things Tues 1 & Thurs 24 Aug The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink. awesome and geeky for those who love films, TV, Tatton Park Normal park entry applies. Tues 29 – Thurs 31 Aug comics, gaming, anime or cosplay. Tatton’s Fairytale Postman www.foodiesfestival.com Beeston Castle and Woodland Park www.mcmcomiccon.com 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm/ age 3 – 5 / £8 per Hands on History – Outdoor Adventures child (1 adult free), booking essential 11am – 5pm. The Hands on History Crew will be Tatton Park’s postman has got into a muddle! Can bringing Beeston to life with outdoor adventures you help him deliver his mixed up letters to all the throughout the holidays. fairytale characters living in the Gardens? www.english-heritage.org.uk 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk 12 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 13 These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go Not all event information is available at the time of going to press, To include your upcoming event in our listings, email [email protected] so make sure you visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for up to date info! What’s on or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk What’s on

Barony Sports Complex, Nantwich Macclesfield Riverside Park Mon 21 Aug – Fri 1 Sept (excl Cheshire County Showground, WA16 0HJ UK Kids Fun Duathlon North West Summer Fun Cheshire Game & Country Fair Running and biking for fun. Achievable distances for 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. weekends & bank holiday) 10am – 6pm / Adult £14, Under 15s £4, Under 5s free. all abilities for ages 5 – 16. www.uktriathlon.co.uk Activities and crafts for parents and children. Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Advance booking discounts available online. The 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Summer Holidays: ‘Ard work at the Apprentice House very best in countryside activities and entertainment, Chester Town Hall 11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission applies for an unbeatable family day out. Chester Chilli Fiesta Tues 15 & Wed 16 Aug Have a go if you think you’re ‘ard enough to tackle the www.cheshiregameandcountryfair.co.uk Loads of fun for all the family. www.chillifest.net Lion Salt Works, Northwich worst jobs done by children at the Apprentice House. Go Wild! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Sun 27 & Mon 28 Aug Chester Racecourse 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop Lion Salt Works, Northwich Family Fun Day in. Make some decorations, then take on the garden Tues 22 & Wed 23 Aug Traditional Games Weekend Adult £12, Under 17s free. Plenty of free family trail and see if you can solve a mysterious riddle. Lion Salt Works, Northwich 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in entertainment together with an afternoon of www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Let’s go to the Beach! Good, old fashioned fun with traditional games – competitive racing. www.chester-races.co.uk 10.30am – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Arts everything from a coconut shie to flamingo croquet. Tues 15 & Wed 16 Aug & and crafts activities all linked to the Great British seaside. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Sat 12 & Sun 13 Aug www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lion Salt Works, Northwich Tues 22 & Wed 23 Aug Beeston Castle and Woodland Park Percy and Polly’s Pirate Tea Party Tatton Park Wed 23 Aug Armed and Ready 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £3, booking essential The Mystery of Egerton’s Missing Gold Grosvenor Museum, Chester 11am – 5pm. Experience the sights, sounds and Fancy the pirate life? Well, step on board as we sail Registration from 6.15pm, 7pm start, 9am finish / Cheshire Nature Day smells of life during the English Civil War as warriors the salty sea. A tea party with a twist, so dress to impress! Age 7 – 11 (must be accompanied) / £30 per 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in and families set up camp in the castle grounds. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk person, booking essential. After a series of strange Investigate the significance of Sandstone Ridge to both www.english-heritage.org.uk events, Lord Egerton has invited you to spend a night people and wildlife. Handle some of the geology collection, Astle Park, Chelford at Tatton Park to uncover secrets, solve puzzles and and make a fossil-style bracelet to take home. Tues 29 Aug resolve a perplexing mystery. Astle Park Traction Engine Rally www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 5pm (Sun) / Adult Chester’s Civil War £10, Under 16s £5, Under 5s free, Family (2+3) The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in £25. Advance purchase discount available. Wed 16 Aug Recycled Music See 17th-century armour worn by soldiers from the Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Make your Civil War and the weapons they used, including a Summer Fun fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk own kazoo, shaker and tambourine out of recycled sword and musket balls. Have a go at making your 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. materials, then make music wherever you go! own replica sword to take home. Activities and crafts for parents and children. Tatton Park 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Viking Sunday 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers 12 – 5pm / all ages / Adult £7, Child £5, Family Wed 23 & Thurs 24 Aug Tues 29 & Wed 30 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Chester £19, normal admission applies. Experience combat Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Lion Salt Works, Northwich All Things ‘Alice’! as well as domestic life, trades and skills such as coin Pop Bottle Rockets Gone Fishin’ 11am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Celebrate striking, calligraphy, storytelling and Viking Longboat. 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 10.30am – 1pm & 2 – 4.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in all things ‘Alice’ to complement the Grosvenor Park Have a go at archery (small charge) and try on armour. Bring a plastic pop bottle to recycle into a Rocket. Arts and crafts activities inspired by fish and fishing. Open Air Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland Fun Dog Show at the Farm There will be set blast off times during the day. www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk (15 July – 20 August). 12pm – 5pm / £2 entry fee plus normal Farm entry www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk charges. Ten novelty classes plus a fun agility course Wed 30 Aug ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes Thurs 24 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Chester The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield awarded up to 6th place. Grosvenor Museum, Chester Glamour Day Printed Parachutes 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Discover Poulton 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Decorate 1.30 – 2.30pm / Age 4 – 12 / Free, but book at the Make flapper headdresses and dapper bow ties, your own miniature silk parachute, attach your airman Cholmondeley Castle Gardens Museum Shop. A fascinating and informative guided design costumes for paper dolls, and explore and watch him drift to a soft or crash landing! Teddy Bears Picnic tour around the archaeological site at Poulton. fabulously fashionable clothing and accessories 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Adult £7, Child £4, under 3s and Teddy’s free. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk from the 1920s and ‘30s. A super family day out in aid of The Wingate Centre. www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk www.thewingatecentre.co.uk Wed 16 & Thurs 17 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Chester Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich String Art Tatton Park Holiday Diorama Mon 14 Aug 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Junior Longbow 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Make a colourful string art card and afterwards 10.30am – 12pm / Age 8+ / £15, booking essential Be inspired by the End of the Season exhibition and Teddy Bear Treasure Hunt choose your favourite outfit from the 1970s fashion Try your hand at archery. Learn the art of longbow, try on make a collaged holiday scene. 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential display in the Costume Gallery. armour and experience the life of a young Medieval archer. www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Learn about nature and wildlife in a hands-on, fun-packed www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk session for families. Bring along a teddy or cuddly toy. 07870 804413 / www.naturestuff.co.uk Thurs 17 Fri 25 – Sun 27 Aug The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Rossmill, Hale Barns Tatton Park 3-D Dinosaurs Summer Fun Tues 15 Aug Outdoor Cinema 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / £3, drop in. Discover the 2 – 4pm / Ages 6 – 10 / £4 per child, booking essential. Tatton Park 6.30pm (film starts 8pm), booking essential world of dinosaurs and create your own to take home! Activities and crafts for parents and children. The Court of Henry VIII Fri 25: Back to the Future 01625 613210 / www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers 10.30 – 12.30pm / Age 7 – 11 / £12, booking essential Sat 26: Grease Step back in time to experience what life was like in Sun 27: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone Wed 30 & Thurs 31 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Chester King Henry’s court. Hear tales of intrigue and learn to Hot food and a bar on site throughout the screening. Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich World War II Planes joust with Henry himself. www.thelunacinema.com Plastic Fantastic Jewellery 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk 10am – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Use Make a plane that really flies, and see if you can land Fri 25 – Mon 28 Aug recycled plastic to create a funky piece of jewellery. it accurately on the museum’s runway. Tegg’s Nose Country Park Moss Farm Leisure Complex www.weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Minibeast Mission www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Northwich Festival 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50, booking essential Music, sports and loads of family entertainment. Thurs 31 Aug Track down the ‘Most Wanted’ Minibeasts. Use minibeast Sat 19 & Sun 20 August www.northwichfestival.co.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester MOSI, Manchester mugshots and a variety of tracking techniques to Autumn Discovery Day MakeFest complete your assignment. 07870 804413 / Sat 26 Aug 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make some Science and craft collide at this family-friendly www.naturestuff.co.uk Poynton Show Ground leaf sun catchers, and help transform the museum’s celebration of making. www.msimanchester.org.uk Poynton Show oak tree with a burst of autumnal colour. NT Yard, Alderley Edge Stunt shows, horse show, livestock, children’s www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Down the Mines! Tatton Park entertainment, crafts, food market, classic cars, 7 – 9.30pm / Age 6+ / £7.50, booking essential “Passion for Power” Classic Motor Show music and dance displays. Dogs on leads welcome. Sun 3 Sept Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old 9am – 4pm / All ages / Adult £9, Child (10-15) www.poyntonshow.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley copper mines of Alderley Edge. £6, under 10’s free / Normal park admission applies. Lyme Bark 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Around 2,000 classic cars on show as well as children’s Sat 26 – Mon 28 Aug 11am – 3pm / Normal admission applies. Bring your rides, refreshments, entertainment and a bar. Tatton Park canine companion for a day of fun at Lyme, with games Grosvenor Museum, Chester 01565 723863 / Traditional Country Weekend at the Farm and demonstrations. 01663 762023 / Watercolour Forest www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk 12 – 5pm / All ages / Normal entry charges apply www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme 2 – 4pm / Age 4 – 12 / £1.50, drop in. Make a beautiful A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. landscape picture using watercolours, sponges and straws! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 14 Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire | www.familiesonline.co.uk 15