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Kidsguide homepage > what's on for families?  > what's on May?                                                
what's on for families in May 2008? 

Family events and kids' activities listed in order of their start date. Listing is for guidance only - always check details with the event organisers. Ongoing children's activities and exhibitions and family films are listed at the end.

8th May

10th May

Have a go at Dry Stone Walling
Macclesfield Forest, Wildboarclough
For all the family.
Booking essential
01244 376333
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

10th May

NCT Table Top Nearly New Sale
Mynydd Isa Community Centre
Starts at 10.00 (9.45 for members)
0870 421 1989

10th May

On closer examination...
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Take a close look at some collected objects and see how many secrets you can discover. Suitable for 7yrs+.
1.30, 2.30 and 3.30
0151 478 4999
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation

10th May

Those Wonderful Trees
Royden Park
Explore the woodland of Royden Park and learn more about its history, management and folklore. This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy. No need to book. Meet at the Walled Garden, next to the Rangers Office, Royden Park, Frankby.
1.30pm – 3pm
0151 677 7594

10th - 11th May

Terrific Tudors
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
Period fun with music and historical falconry. Try on Tudor clothes.
0161 9411025
dunhammassey@ntrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

11th May

Family Concert - A Cavalcade of Clowns
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
Roll up, roll up, look out your baggy pants, red noses and face paints and come and follow the band to the Philharmonic Big Top for the crazy concert. Expect lots of clowning around to suitably silly music. Some of the players will be showing off their party pieces, plus there’s a chance to hear the maddest piece of music ever written!
www.liverpoolphil.com

11th May

Carrs Nature Day
Parish Hall car park, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow
A free, fun, family event celebrating nature with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, BVP, Friends of the Carrs, Butterfly Conservation, RSPB and Macclesfield Rangers.
9.30 - 4.30
01625 534790
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

11th May

Bird Box Building
Speke Hall, Liverpool
0151 427 7231
spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

12th May

Parent and baby morning
The Walker Art Gallery
Free session  for under 4s, with activities and the chance to explore the rest of the gallery. 
10. 00 - 11.15
0151 478 4178 to book - limited places available.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

13th May

Creepy Crawly Collections Tour
World Museum Liverpool (Formerly Liverpool Museum)
Behind the scenes tour. Limited free tickets are available.
Suitable for 5yrs+
1.00pm
0151 478 4399
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

14th - 17th May

Northern Ballet Theatre Presents A Midsummer Night's Dream
Palace Theatre Manchester
0844 847 2275
www.PalaceTheatreandOperaHouse.org.uk

16th May

17th May

Chester Regatta
River Dee in Chester
Annual rowing race. Includes junior race. Watch free from the Groves. Refreshments.
chesterregatta@hotmail.com
www.chesterregatta.org.uk

17th May

Northwich and District NCT Nearly New Sale
Methodist Church Hall, Beach Road, Hartford
Toys & nursery goods.
3 - 4.30pm
0870 460 7990

17th May

Picking up the Pieces
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Imagine being a conservator faced with the remains of a broken plate with pieces missing. Could you fix it? Come along and give it a go. Suitable for 7yrs+.
1.30, 2.30 and 3.30
0151 478 4999
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation

17th - 18th May

Arley Horse Trials & Country Fair
Arley Hall, Northwich
Country Fair, British Eventing Horse Trials, medieaval jousting. Shire horses, Cheshire Forest Hunt, falconry displays and have a go entertainment including clay shooting, crossbow, fishing casting and dog scurries. Donkey rides, climbing wall, bouncy slide, junior crossbow. Entering your family dog in the PDSA fun dog show.
01565 777353
enquiries@arleyhallandgardens.com
www.arleyhallandgardens.com

17th - 18th May

The Thomas Stanley Retinue at the Old Hall
Tatton Park
Tatton is proud of its connection to the brothers who turned the tide of history at Bosworth Field. Fun living history for all the family. Adult £4 / Child £2/ Family £10
12pm – 5pm
01625 534400
tatton@cheshire.gov.uk
www.tattonpark.org.uk

17th - 18th May

Victorians at Home
Lyme Park, Stockport
Hands on activities for the family including costumes, games and puzzles.
01663 762023/766492
lymepark@ntrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

17th - 1st June

Funfair
Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Liverpool
0151 233 6910
croxtethcountrypark@liverpool.gov.uk
www.croxteth.co.uk

18th May

Bark in the Park
Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Liverpool
The ever popular Bark in the Park Fun Dog Show Classes courtesy of West Lancs K9 Centre. Bring your dog and enjoy the free entertainment on display.
croxtethcountrypark@liverpool.gov.uk
www.croxteth.co.uk

18th May

Mr Men and Little Miss: Sports Day Fun
Stockport Plaza
Stageshow.
0161 477 7779
boxoffice@stockportplaza.co.uk
www.stockportplaza.co.uk

18th May

A Small and Furry Safari
Wirral Country Park
The traps will be baited and set so why not pop down to Wirral Country Park to see what has been caught on our small mammal safari. Mice, voles and shrews are often on the menu for owls, kestrels and foxes but we will release anything we catch! This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy and all children must be accompanied by and adult. Sorry no dogs.
Booking essential
6am – 7.30am
0151 648 4371/3884
wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk

18th May

Leasowe Lighthouse Open Day
Moreton
Climb the 130 steps to the top of the oldest brick built Lighthouse in Britain. The guided tours led by the Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse run every ½ hour and last 20 minutes. (Last tour to the top is at 3.30pm). There is a minimum height restriction of 1.06 metres for people wishing to visit the top and a charge of £2 per adult and 75p per child (under 16 years old). Alternatively why not spend some time in the ground floor Exhibition Area where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy some refreshments. No need to book. Just turn up at Leasowe Lighthouse, off Pasture Road, Moreton.
1pm – 4pm
0151 678 5488

19th May

Parent and baby morning
The Walker Art Gallery
Free session  for under 4s, with activities and the chance to explore the rest of the gallery. 
10. 00 - 11.15
0151 478 4178 to book - limited places available.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

22nd May

Baby Signing - Free Taster Session
Alsager Library
Free baby signing session 1.00pm till 1.30pm.
Learn the benefits of Baby Signing and how it can help with toddler tantrums.
07973 479471
sharon@hullabalookids.co.uk
www.hullabalookids.co.uk

22nd May

Sunset Walk to Hilbre
Hilbre Island
Join the Ranger and cross the sands to discover the wildlife and history of the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve. This 4-mile walk of 4 hours is ideal for first time visitors and suitable for all the family to enjoy, although some people may find the walk strenuous in places. Warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are essential. (Wellies are recommended). Sorry no dogs. There is a £1 charge per person for this event.
6pm – 9.30pm
Booking essential
0151 648 4371/3884
wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk

23rd - 26th May

Chester Folk Festival
Kelsall
Music, family events and children's entertainment.
www.chesterfolk.org.uk/festhome.htm

24th  May

Close encounters with spiders and scorpions
World Museum Liverpool (Formerly Liverpool Museum)
Drop-in event
2.15 & 3.30pm
0151 478 4399
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

24th May

Bug Box
Rufford Old Hall, nr Ormskirk
See the Bug Man with his box of creepy crawlies Sessions at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.
01704 821254
ruffordoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

24th May

Family Fun Day
Imperial War Museum North
From costumes and craft to music and drama, there's something for all the family.
11.00 - 5.00
0161 836 4000
iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk
http://north.iwm.org.uk

24th May

The Spirit of Liverpool
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Sculpture modelling. Booking required.
Suitable for 7yrs+.
1.30, 2.30 and 3.30
0151 478 4999
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation

24th & 26th May

Delightful Dramas
Imperial War Museum North
Meet a range of First World War characters in costume in these short and lively performances. Connected to Horrible Histories exhibition.
0161 836 4000
iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk
http://north.iwm.org.uk

24th - 25th May

Playhouse Disney Live!
Echo Arena Liverpool
0844 8000 400
www.accliverpool.com

24th - 25th May

Open weekend
The Salt Museum, Northwich
Free admission & visitors will be able to go behind-the-scenes. Outdoor activities relating to farming exhibition.  Open 10.00 - 5.00 on Saturday
1.00 - 5.00 on Sunday
01606 41331
www.saltmuseum.org.uk

24th - 25th May

Teddy Bears Picnic and Mask Making
Speke Hall, Liverpool
Teddy's Trail around the estate with picnics in the glade, and Teddy bear mask making. Free entry to the house and grounds for children who bring their teddy.
0151 427 7231
spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

24th May - 1st June

Croxteth Hall Toy Hunt
Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Liverpool
Toy hunt trail. Also Wheelers horse drawn bus and donkey rides.
0151 233 6910
croxtethcountrypark@liverpool.gov.uk
www.croxteth.co.uk

24th May - 20th July

Brmm Brmm Toot Toot
Bersham Heritage Centre, Wrexham
Bersham hosts an annual vintage car rally. Build your own wacky car to mark the centenary of the birth of Ian Fleming, author of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. Gallery activity for 7-11 year olds.
01978 261 529
bershamheritage@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

26th May

Spring Bank Holiday

26th May

National Bluebell Day - Garden highlight!
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Fun family activities and bluebell walks.
01928 569895
info@nortonpriory.org
www.nortonpriory.org

26th May

Boredom Busters
Ness Botanic Gardens
10.30 - 11.30
0151 353 0123
nessgds@liv.ac.uk
www.nessgardens.org.uk

27th May

Jumbo Butterfly Making
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Workshop. Booking essential.
01244 402005
grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

27th May

Pond Dipping
Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow
01625 527468
quarrybankmill@ntrust.org.uk
www.quarrybankmill.org.uk

27th May

Vegetable Printing
Chester History & Heritage, St Michael’s Church
Craft workshop.
01244 402110
chh@chester.gov.uk

27th - 28th May

Create your own cityscape
The Walker Art Gallery
Drop-in session. Suitable for 5yrs+
1.00 - 4.00
0151 478 4178
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

27th - 28th May

Adventures in Music
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
Half-term musical workshop for 5 - 11 years. Booking essential.
0151 709 3789
www.liverpoolphil.com

27th - 28th May

First Notes
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
Half-term musical workshop for 1 - 4 years. Booking essential.
0151 709 3789
www.liverpoolphil.com

27th - 28th May

Half Term Activities for Families
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Family activities for Museums & Galleries month
01928 569895
info@nortonpriory.org
www.nortonpriory.org

27th & 29th May

Spring storytelling
Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight 
Storytelling sessions & craft activities.
1.00, 2.00 & 3.00
0151 478 4136
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever

27th - 29th May

Cartoons workshop
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Learn how to draw your very own cartoons and comic strips.
1.30, 2.30 and 3.30
0151 478 4999
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation

27th - 29th May

Moving Pictures
The Salt Museum, Northwich
As part of mini film festival, make an old fashioned flicker book, any time between 10am -4pm and watch classic children’s films showing at 10.30 and 2.30.
01606 41331
www.saltmuseum.org.uk

27th - 29th May

Soccer Funweeks
Upton Recreation Centre, Chester
Football school holiday course.
01244 316493
soccerfunweeks1@btopenworld.com
www.soccerfunweeks.com

27th - 29th May

Moving Pictures
The Salt Museum, Northwich
Children's mini film festival.
10.00 - 4.00
01606 41331
www.saltmuseum.org.uk

27th - 30th May

Hidden Nature
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
Quizzes and activities with a wildlife theme.
0161 9411025
dunhammassey@ntrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

27th - 30th May

Shake It
Manchester Art Gallery
Family activity workshop.
1.00 - 3.00
0161 235 8888
www.manchestergalleries.org

27th - 30th May

28th May

Flowers with Meaning
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Workshop. Booking essential.
01244 402005
grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

28th May

Sea Urchins
Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool
Play and listen to stories in the Sea Urchins play area. For  under 5s.
1.00, 2.00 & 3.00.
0151 478 4499
maritime@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime

28th May

The Creation of the Planets
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Workshop. Booking essential.
01244 402005
grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

28th May

Aztec Art
Bersham Heritage Centre, Wrexham
Celebrate one of the great cultures of the New World by making your own Aztec god. Suitable for 5- 9 year olds. Cost: £1
01978 261 529
bershamheritage@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

28th - 29th May

Dyeing to get stuck in?
Nantwich Museum
Craft workshop.
01270 627104
nantwich.museum@virgin.net
www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

28th - 30th May

Soccer Funweeks
Sutton High, Ellesmere Port
Football school holiday course.
01244 316493
soccerfunweeks1@btopenworld.com
www.soccerfunweeks.com

28th & 31st May

Life of the Lady Lever
Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight 
Discover the story of the art gallery and its collection through the eyes of a Sunlight Soap factory worker. Craft activities.
1.00, 2.00 & 3.00
0151 478 4136
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever

29th May

Nature Collages
Chester History & Heritage, St Michael’s Church
Craft workshop.
01244 402110
chh@chester.gov.uk

29th May

Customs Cutters
Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool
Explore the world of smuggling and fakes.
1.00 - 4.00
0151 478 4499
maritime@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime

29th May

Challenger Chieftains
Wrexham County Borough Museum
Make your own toy tank – ideal for armchair generals aged 7-11 years old. Cost: £3
01978 317970
museum@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

29th May

Knights and Princesses Day
Chirk Castle
All brave Knights and beautiful Princesses are invited to a day of fun and frolics. Be presented to Queen Joanna. Trails and quizzes to complete. Prizes for 'Best Dressed Knight' and 'Best Dressed Princess'. Free entry for every child in courtly costumes.
11.00 - 5.00
01691 774706
chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

29th May

Scavenger Hunt
Royden Park
Discover nature’s treasures on this natural history scavenger hunt at Royden Park. This event is suitable for all the family to enjoy and all children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs. No need to book. Collect your information sheets from the Coach House, next to the main car park,.
1.30 - 3.00
0151 677 7594

29th May

Miniature Kitchen Gardens
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Workshop. Booking essential.
01244 402005
grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

30th May

Tree Spinners
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Workshop. Booking essential.
01244 402005
grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

31st May

Birds of Prey
Rufford Old Hall, nr Ormskirk
Birds of prey display. Booking essential.
12.00 - 4.00
01704 821254
ruffordoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

31st May

A Touch of Colour
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Could you retouch a damaged painting? Test your skill in this free family session.
1.30, 2.30 and 3.30
0151 478 4999
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation

31st May - 1st June

Classic and Performance Car Spectacular
Tatton Park
Over 2000 cars on show with over 80 top car club displays. The 22^nd year for one of Britain’s most popular classic car events. Adult £6.
9am – 5pm
01625 534400
tatton@cheshire.gov.uk
www.tattonpark.org.uk

ongoing plays, exhibitions and kids' activities etc.
local theatres, galleries, museums & historical sites

All year 2008

Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008
This year Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture. Keep up-to-date with all the family activities and special events at www.liverpool08.com.

Until 2nd May

Group Infant Massage Sessions
Wallasey YMCA
Fridays, 10.30am - 11.30am/12noon. Last session on 2nd May. Relaxing massage for babies & toddlers. Oil & manual included in charge with a baby cafe at the end of each session.
07906816549
kerry.rumney@homecall.co.uk

Until 3rd May

Crewe & District Scout Gang Show
Crewe Lyceum
01270 537333
lyceum.theatre@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
www.lyceumtheatre.net

24th May 2008 – 4th January 2009 

Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War - The Exhibition
Imperial War Museum North
History with the horrible bits left in. Find out what made up rotten rations for the soldiers in the trenches, and how they dealt with fierce flies, lovely lice, gruesome gas and all the other dangers.
0161 836 4000
iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk
http://north.iwm.org.uk

family films

not all films are on everyday so check with cinema for availability and times

Horton Hears A Who! - U
CGI animation from the makers of Ice Age. Based on Dr Seuss book about an elephant which discovers a miniature world on a speck of dust. Jim Carey.

details of local cinemas and their contact details

The Spiderwick Chronicles - PG
Jared is having trouble fitting in until he discovers the Spiderwick Chronicles and is introduced to the mystical creatures that live around us.

Nim's Island - U
Family film. Comic adventure starring Jodie Foster as a reclusive author who has to rescue and adventurous little girl from an island.

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