themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester: An A-Z of family days out

We all know Greater Manchester is truly great so it 's no wonder so many people choose to raise their families here .
But while your younger self might have fallen in love with the city 's music , or nightlife , if you have children , then it becomes a whole new ball game .
Suddenly you find yourself in places and parks you never knew existed and quite often searching for decent places to entertain the big and little kids in your group .
The M.E.N 's Manchester Family is used to finding places for children to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by following on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram @ familymanc .
As well as having guides to everything from the best parks , playgrounds and family walks , we also share a list of events happening each weekend and during every school holiday .
If you fancy crazy golf , a wild day out , a trip to a farm or petting zoo , or you want to know which castles are good for a family day out , then we 've got those covered too .
And if you want to head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens a lot here , then you could always check out one of the area 's best trampoline centres , water parks with slides , or roller rinks .
As if all that was n't enough , we 've been taking a look at some of the best and most popular places to take children of all ages .
Indeed we 've created a whole alphabet of inspiration from attractions in and around Greater Manchester .
The kids will never have reason to be bored again .
There 's always something to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what your child 's age .
Free playful activities for all ages are hosted by the gallery with award-winning artist-led workshops for families throughout the school holidays .
The Clore Art Studio is an interactive family space developed by artists , which you can access every day .
Borrow an explorer toolbelt to help you look and connect with the collection artworks .
The museum 's cafe is also popular with families , particularly for its 'pay as you feel ' rule .
Families can pick any dish from the children 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decide for themselves how much to pay .
The aim is make healthy meals affordable to everyone - in a place that 's open to all and so valuable for young minds .
Find out more about the venue here .
The café is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday ( until 9pm Thursdays ) , and from 10am to 5pm at weekends .
Museum opening times are Monday 11am–5pm , Tuesday-Sunday 10am–5pm , including bank holiday Mondays .
First Wednesday of every month open until 9pm .
Visit the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyond and Chill Factore You ca n't miss Beyond at the side of the M60 and it offers so much for families to do .
It 's still home to Chill Factore where , for families , much of the fun lies in the Snow Park , with its Downhill Donuts and Ice Slide .
For younger ones , aged three and under , they can have a play in the snow in Mini Moose Land and enjoy sensory play , lights , textures , music and more .
But there 's lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World , which is based inside the Breezeboard Pro store where a track at the side of the shop offers one-off sessions for kids wanting to have a whizz around on a buggy board .
Aimed at kids age five and over , it 's also a party venue , fitting groups of up to 10 .
Underneath the Chill Factore slope is the equally popular Play Factore , home to Europe 's largest play frame , with a giant four-lane slide .
The venue is also home to a zip wire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate toddler area for under fives and recently launched a new VR experience where children 1.25 metres or above can choose between the Star Defence , Clock Tower and Alien Invasion games .
The VR attraction is open on weekends , bank holidays and during school holidays and costs £5 on top of the general £12.95 admission fee .
Alternatively you can pay £18.95 for the Ultimate All-Inclusive package , which includes admission for once child , a run on the zip-wire and one VR experience .
Visit the website for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyond and for opening times of the various venues .
C is for Chester Zoo OK , we know it 's not in Manchester , but we also know Chester Zoo attracts families from miles around , so it 's certainly worthy of a mention .
Home to 35,000 animals in 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens you can see why it pulls in close to 2m visitors a year .
As well as being open daily , it hosts numerous events for families , with something different planned during each school holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its newest addition is a new habitat for its pride of Asiatic lions .
An impressive 4,790 square metre enclosure has opened for the public to get up close and personal with lionesses Kumari and Kiburi , along with adult male Lblis - all aged 12 .
It 's been specially designed to help conserve the world 's rarest species of the animal , with only an estimated 350 of the animals left in India , after they originally roamed across Northern Africa , Greece , Turkey and Asia .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madagascar habitat , featuring the attraction 's first ever 'walk-though ' primate experience .
Visitors now have the chance to see lemurs jumping across the path in front of them or swinging in the trees above them as they make their way through part of the new zone .
Dunham Massey is another favourite of families in the region .
Take a walk in the park and see if you can spot the herd of fallow deer , or climb and clamber on the Log Pile and let your imagination run wild .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy and activities are put on in the school holidays .
Gardens are open 10.30am to 5pm .
Visit the website for more details .
If you 're in the blue side of Manchester then this one 's for you .
At the Manchester City Stadium and Club Tour fans are given a behind-the-scenes look at their favourite club .
During the tour , fans are able to a look in the First Team changing rooms where tactics are discussed , pre-match banter banishes nerves and where quotes from Tony Walsh ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Place ' have been immortalised across the walls .
The 90-minute guided tour costs £17.50 per adult and £11 per child aged five to 15 .
Families can also enjoy some free fun at the stadium before selected home games .
The indoor pitch at City Football Academy hosts the Man City Kids Fanzone - a two-hour event which takes place three hours before the kick-off .
It aims to offer younger fans another way to connect with their club and includes inflatables , football skill games , music and mascot meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters can claim up to five tickets for each event .
They are available up to two weeks prior to the Premier League match day and issued on a first come first served basis from the website here .
There are loads of daily activities to enjoy down at Cockfields Farm and it pulls in the crowds for it 's much-loved school holiday events too .
Children can groom a rabbit , cuddle a guinea pig , bath a tortoise and meet the snakes each day at the venue .
There 's play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the indoor play frame and role play village when the weather is wet , to the huge outdoor jumping pillow , swings and slides for the brighter months .
An Easter Wonderland event is planned from April 6 to 22 , with Easter entertainment shows , egg hunts , bottle feeding goats , cuddling the baby chicks and more .
Tickets cost £9.95 for children and £7.95 for adults .
The farm 's open 10am to 4.30pm , closing at 4pm on Sundays .
Visit the website .
Greater Manchester Police Museum has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a 'hidden gem ' .
Founded in 1981 , the GMP Police Museum is itself located in a former police station and hosts regular open days during school holidays on Tuesdays and Thursdays .
It collects and preserves relevant archive material and acts as an important resource for community engagement .
Open days run from 10.30am to 3.30pm and focus on different units within the police force from the North West Underwater Search and Recovery Unit to the Tactical Dog Unit and the North West Ambulance Service .
Private tours can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large former manor house in Ordsall , Salford .
It dates back more than 750 years , although the oldest surviving parts of the present hall were built in the 15th century .
Reportedly a haunted building , it 's a regular venue for ghost hunts , especially around Halloween , but hosts many other family-friendly events .
There are regular craft and storytime sessions and during the school holidays it often gives children the chance to 'meet the maids ' in the kitchen of the grand hall and find out about life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays .
Visit the website for more details .
One of five branches of the Imperial War Museum , the venue was purpose-built to tell the powerful stories of over a century of war .
It 's been commended for delivering an award-winning immersive experience and hosts events for families at weekends and during the holidays .
It 's free to attend , donations welcome , and regular object-handling sessions let kids get hands on with artefacts from IWM 's collection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is only closed on December 24 , 25 and 26 .
Its café offers children ’ s menus and an indoor picnic area is also available at weekends and in the school holidays for visitors to take their own food and refreshments along .
Visit the website for more details .
J is for The John Rylands Library The John Rylands Library is a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building on Deansgate and first opened to the public in 1900 .
Throughout the year it hosts regular events , ranging from tours of the library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its exhibitions .
One activity available all year round , and suitable for all ages , involves Grumbold the Library Dragon .
He 's lost his spectacles and needs your help to find them .
Families can pick up a free trail at the welcome desk , to explore the library at your own pace while looking for Grumbold 's specs .
There are other toddler tales sessions running and school holiday activities such as Lucky Charm Workshops and Shakespeare-inspired family trails .
Free entry .
No need to book , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visit the website for more details .
Just a short drive from Manchester is Knowsley Safari where there lots for families to see and do .
A brand new tiger habitat opened at the attraction last year , giving visitors the chance to get closer to the tigers than ever before .
Sisters Sinda and Bira moved in to their new home , which opened last May , and features full-length glass panes that allow visitors unique , up close viewing opportunities .
Guests can immerse themselves in the Russian themed habitat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their habitat , threats to their survival and conservation .
While at the attraction families can also journey through the camels , buffalo , antelope and more and get an up-close experience as you drive through lion territory .
You can also stay dry at the indoor sea lion display , although there 's no guarantees there wo n't be any splashing going on at the front .
Regular ticket offers run , but general prices are £17.50 for adults and £13.50 for children .
Under threes always go free .
Legoland is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and offers three fun rides , 10 build and play zones , a 4D cinema and much more .
A Ninjago City Adventure opened after a £1m refurbishment , offering kids a 'whole ninja experience ' , with a special ninja training camp and a three-tiered play temple .
Play features include a climbing wall , Ninjago character challenges , crisscross maze and vertical rope climb , a spiral slide of lights , crawl through tunnel , ball pool , sky wheels , bash bags , lightening buzzer bars , Spinjitzu tornado and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibitions at Manchester Museum is Stan the T-Rex , who lives in the fossils gallery along with a giant Plesiosaur .
The three rooms of fossils , minerals and meteorites show some of the finest examples of past life , crystals and space rocks in the country .
The gallery takes you on a tour of life on Earth over the last 600 million years , from the earliest evidence of bacteria to swamp forests and enormous sea reptiles .
On the second Saturday of each month the museum hosts See , Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have autism and other needs .
They can attend with their families , carers , and siblings , and activities take place before the museum opens to the general public and there is a quiet room available too .
Children can see objects , do activities and make creations inspired by one of the museum ’ s galleries at the sessions , which run from 9.30am to 10.15am and are free to attend .
A different gallery is open during each early opening .
There is no need to book and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five to 16 .
The museum is open daily 10am to 5pm .
With interactive objects , games and displays , the National Football Museum has lots of fun activities for kids of all ages .
Throughout the museum there are interactive objects , games and displays , including a Discovery Zone designed especially for ages five and under .
You now have to pay to get in the museum but six of the interactive games offered at the venue - aimed at kids seven and over and letting them test their skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now included in the entrance fee .
These include testing your lightning-quick ‘ keeping reactions to prove yourself as the top Shot Stopper , testing your passing skills with the game One-Two and following the autocue or just calling the action as you see it with the Match Of The Day .
The penalty shootout costs £2 for three penalties .
Tickets cost £10 for adults , £5 for children aged five to 15 , or £25 for a family .
It 's open daily from 10am to 5pm .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old Trafford So we 've given you the Etihad tour so it would n't be right to leave out the Reds now would it .
If you want a glimpse of behind-the-scenes at the Theatre of Dreams , then you can book a place on the museum and stadium tour .
Immerse yourself in the history of Manchester United and obtain access to the dressing room , tunnel , players ' dugout and exclusive areas .
Explore the museum and learn everything there is to know about your footballing heroes .
Tickets for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and £25 for adults and can be booked online .
P is for The Printworks If you 've never taken your children to The Printworks then you 'll probably be surprised at how much there is for them to do there .
The relatively recent addition Treetop Adventure Golf - offering two 18-hole courses , Ancient Explorer and Tropical Trail - has given families even more reason to head into town .
Add to that the huge escape room Escape Reality and films for a fiver a ticket at the Vue cinema , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plus , if you 're out during the day , there are lots of family-friendly places to eat before the adult crowds descend , including the likes of Hard Rock Cafe , Nando 's , Chiquito and Frankie & Benny 's .
Visit the website for more details and opening times .
This working mill owned by the National Trust is surrounded by gardens and woodland and there 's a play area and family trails for children to enjoy .
In the mill itself you can discover what it was like to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machinery in action and feel the floors shake beneath your feet as the spinning machines turn and the looms weave .
It 's a popular venue for school trips but attracts visitors of all ages throughout the year .
You can take guided tours of the Apprentice House where child workers lived and were given food and board in exchange for their labour .
You 'll see where they ate and were given a small amount of education , and the dormitories where they slept two to a bed .
Next to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working kitchen garden and orchard , where apprentice children once worked after their shift in the mill .
You can join in with nature-themed adventures in the garden and woods .
Normal admission charges apply - children £10 , adults £20.25 , families £50.50 .
See the website for more details .
The Apprentice House is open 10.30am to 4pm and Quarry Bank House until 5pm .
You do n't have to be jetting off anywhere to have fun at Manchester Airport - there 's lots to make for a great day out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year for standing outside enviously watching people jet off to the sun , but wrap up warm and the Runway Visitor Park is still worthy of a trip out in the school holidays or at weekends .
As well as watching the planes take off and land , you can climb aboard the Avro RJX aircraft and enjoy the small play area .
Special events are also held in the school holidays , with the Flight Academy and Concorde tours both a big highlight for kids .
The cosy Concorde Coffee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snacks and meals if you want to get out of the cold for a bit .
In the summer months there are lots of picnic tables to take advantage of and the warmer weather also sees the place open up its Nibbles huts and an ice cream hut selling drinks , snacks and slushies .
Find out more about visiting the Runway park here .
The park is just off the A538 at junction 6 of the M56 motorway .
Use the postcode WA15 8XQ for your sat nav .
Many families combine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its neighbour Sea Life and there is plenty to see once inside .
Events planned for 2020 include Meet the Mermaids , Jawsome Sharks , PJ Masks and Octonauts .
To find out more and to book tickets , from £9 online , visit the website here .
T is for The Lowry As well as Manchester 's Palace and Opera House staging many of the city 's biggest shows , The Lowry is a favourite for many families looking to give their children that first taste of theatre .
It hosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all ages , with the line-up for 2020 including everything from The Tiger Who Came To Tea and In The Night Garden Live , to Peppa Pig 's Best Day Ever and the Christmas show The Lion , The Witch and The Wardrobe .
It also hosts workshops such as the Under 5s First Steps dance session for little ones and is home to The Lookout , a place where families can play , draw and relax .
The Lookout was renamed in honour of Salford businesswoman and philanthropist , Carol Nash , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for The Lowry .
Drop in and get drawing , design picture frames and make word searches – all inspired by the beautiful Lowry and the Pre-Raphaelites exhibition in the galleries next door .
Events are often held during school holidays .
For more details of shows and workshops , visit the website .
Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs , Stockport 's intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s .
Visitors have the opportunity of learning about the experiences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can learn about the experiences from the displays in the tunnels and from the state of the art audio-guides .
You can also to find mementos of the 1940s in the shop .
The tunnels , which date back to the Second World War , once held thousands of people as they sheltered from Nazi bombs .
Part way through the Blitz they were extended , doubling in size to accommodate 6,500 .
After the war , they were closed and their entrances sealed .
But now they are open giving visitors a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tickets for a self guided tour of the tunnels cost £5 for adults .
Under 16s go free with a paying adult .
These are Tuesday to Thursday 1pm to 4pm , Saturdays 10am to 4pm , or Sundays 11am to 4pm .
In the school holidays children can also book on explorer tours to brave the darkened tunnels between 6.45pm and 8.15pm as they go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war .
These are suitable for ages seven and above and cost £4 for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call 0161 474 1940 or email airraid.shelters @ stockport.gov.uk .
Visit the website for more details .
V is for velociraptors at DinoFalls One activity that 's popular with kids of all ages is adventure golf and DinoFalls has been a massive hit with families since it opened .
At the side of the M60 , in the shadow of Chill Factore , visitors play under the watchful eyes of the gigantic resident dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex , Allosaurus , Baby Triceratops , Pterasuria , Velociraptors Raptors , Iguanodon , Diplodocus and Triceratops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently added to the attraction , as well as a second 18-hole golf course .
The new 18-holes wrap around the edge of the Rapids course , with both offering 'engaging obstacles with a pre-historic twist , selfie stations and fascinating facts to keep you informed as you play ' .
Six new dinosaurs have been added , including another one that sprays at visitors , plus two ride-on Triceratops , which make for great photo opportunities .
One course costs £8 for adults , £6 for under 16s , or £24 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay for one course and get the second half price .
See the website for more details .
The course is open daily from 7am to 10.30pm , including bank holidays .
Last play around 9.55pm .
Whatever the weather you and the kids can head along to The Whitworth for some guaranteed fun and creativity .
Even if it 's raining , you can still enjoy the outdoors with one of the venue 's popular Welly Walks .
The event is aimed at toddlers and their grown ups but there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about getting muddy and discovering art and nature in the Whitworth Park .
You can download a free Welly Walks guide to enjoy the walk that has been specially designed to support your toddler ’ s inquisitive nature .
Artists have also created quirky activities and creative challenges to do together with your family .
Call into the learning studio and collect a specially made family bag and head off to the galleries to explore and have fun .
The gallery and shop are open Monday to Wednesday 10am-5pm , Thursday 10am-9pm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more details about the activities offered visit the website .
The Whitworth , The University of Manchester , Oxford Road , Manchester , M15 6ER .
X is for eXperitots at the Science and Industry Museum OK , so it does n't start with an X , but you get the picture - and there 's no way we were going to leave the Science and Industry Museum out of our list .
The Experitots sessions run monthly and are aimed at under fours .
During these relaxed sessions , toddlers and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experiment together .
A team of friendly Explainers are on hand to support young explorers throughout the morning and at 10.45 and 11.15 you can join them for 20 minutes of songs , play and multi-sensory fun .
The sessions last 90 minutes and can be booked online .
Tickets cost £3 each .
Younger ones can collect an Early Years Engineers Power Pack from the front desk and join in a special tour of the Power Hall where under fours can help keep engines in tip top condition .
There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including current exhibition The Sun , which has now been extended until March 29 .
From an ancient Scandinavian sun horse to Jimmy Carter 's solar panels from the White House , The Sun - which is recommended for children age five and above - tells the story of our ever-changing relationship with our closest star .
The museum is open daily 10am to 5pm .
A wide range of activities are held in the school holidays , some of which need booking when you arrive to make sure you get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website here .
OK , we might be cheating a bit with the ' Y ' , but families can take a step back in time to yesteryear at the museum 's Lark Hill Place .
The attraction sits inside Salford Museum and Art Gallery and is an atmospheric re-creation of a typical northern street during Victorian times .
Lark Hill Place was originally created in 1957 when many shops and houses in central Salford were being demolished to make way for new developments .
It is set at the turn of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items are older to show development over time .
The ambience is set at teatime on a winter ’ s evening when the street gas lamps have just been lit .
Visitors can take a peek inside the many shops and houses , including a toy shop , chemist , grocers , a blacksmiths and an artisan ’ s cottage .
At certain times families can get some treats from Mr Tomlinson 's Sweet Shop in return for a donation to the museum .
Find out more about the place here .
Z @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Nets , Heaton Park The tree-top adventure playground at Heaton Park is a hit with all ages .
The Treetop Nets play park features giant treetop trampolines suitable for everyone aged three and up .
Treetop Trek features two courses : the Zip Trek and a shorter Mini Trek .
Suitable for ages five and over , the Mini Trek is the easier of the two courses , with seven ziplines and 13 different obstacles to conquer .
Tickets cost £18 for an hour .
The Zip Trek is a two-hour experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from £24 .
Up to a jaw-dropping height of 15m , you will weave through the tree canopy across 35 obstacles , including balance bars , swinging logs and Indiana bridges , along with 24 'thrilling ' zip lines .
To find out more and to check opening times , visit the website or call 01539 447 186 .

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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
We all know Greater Manchester is truly great so it's no wonder so many people choose to raise their families here.
But while your younger self might have fallen in love with the city's music, or nightlife, if you have children, then it becomes a whole new ball game.
Suddenly you find yourself in places and parks you never knew existed and quite often searching for decent places to entertain the big and little kids in your group.
The M.E.N's Manchester Family is used to finding places for children to go and you can keep up to date by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @familymanc.
As well as having guides to everything from the best parks, playgrounds and family walks, we also share a list of events happening each weekend and during every school holiday.
If you fancy crazy golf, a wild day out, a trip to a farm or petting zoo, or you want to know which castles are good for a family day out, then we've got those covered too.
And if you want to head indoors out of the rain, that happens a lot here, then you could always check out one of the area's best trampoline centres, water parks with slides, or roller rinks.
As if all that wasn't enough, we've been taking a look at some of the best and most popular places to take children of all ages. Indeed we've created a whole alphabet of inspiration from attractions in and around Greater Manchester. The kids will never have reason to be bored again.
A is for Manchester Art Gallery
There's always something to see and do at Manchester Art Gallery no matter what your child's age.
Free playful activities for all ages are hosted by the gallery with award-winning artist-led workshops for families throughout the school holidays.
The Clore Art Studio is an interactive family space developed by artists, which you can access every day. Borrow an explorer toolbelt to help you look and connect with the collection artworks.
The museum's cafe is also popular with families, particularly for its 'pay as you feel' rule.
Families can pick any dish from the children's menu at Manchester Art Gallery 's café and decide for themselves how much to pay.
The aim is make healthy meals affordable to everyone - in a place that's open to all and so valuable for young minds. Find out more about the venue here.
The café is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday (until 9pm Thursdays), and from 10am to 5pm at weekends.
Museum opening times are Monday 11am–5pm, Tuesday-Sunday 10am–5pm, including bank holiday Mondays. First Wednesday of every month open until 9pm.
Closed Good Friday, 1 January, 24–26 and 31 December.
Visit the website for more details.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL.
(Image: Matt Ratcliffe)
B is for Beyond and Chill Factore
You can't miss Beyond at the side of the M60 and it offers so much for families to do.
It's still home to Chill Factore where, for families, much of the fun lies in the Snow Park, with its Downhill Donuts and Ice Slide.
For younger ones, aged three and under, they can have a play in the snow in Mini Moose Land and enjoy sensory play, lights, textures, music and more.
But there's lots more to Beyond too, including Hoverboard World, which is based inside the Breezeboard Pro store where a track at the side of the shop offers one-off sessions for kids wanting to have a whizz around on a buggy board.
Aimed at kids age five and over, it's also a party venue, fitting groups of up to 10.
Underneath the Chill Factore slope is the equally popular Play Factore, home to Europe's largest play frame, with a giant four-lane slide.
The venue is also home to a zip wire, a laser tag, go karts and a separate toddler area for under fives and recently launched a new VR experience where children 1.25 metres or above can choose between the Star Defence, Clock Tower and Alien Invasion games.
The VR attraction is open on weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays and costs £5 on top of the general £12.95 admission fee.
Alternatively you can pay £18.95 for the Ultimate All-Inclusive package, which includes admission for once child, a run on the zip-wire and one VR experience.
Visit the website for more details of what's on offer at Beyond and for opening times of the various venues.
Beyond, Trafford City, 7 Trafford Way, Manchester, M41 7JA.
C is for Chester Zoo
OK, we know it's not in Manchester, but we also know Chester Zoo attracts families from miles around, so it's certainly worthy of a mention.
Home to 35,000 animals in 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens you can see why it pulls in close to 2m visitors a year.
As well as being open daily, it hosts numerous events for families, with something different planned during each school holiday.
The place is constantly updating too. Its newest addition is a new habitat for its pride of Asiatic lions.
An impressive 4,790 square metre enclosure has opened for the public to get up close and personal with lionesses Kumari and Kiburi, along with adult male Lblis - all aged 12.
(Image: PA)
It's been specially designed to help conserve the world's rarest species of the animal, with only an estimated 350 of the animals left in India, after they originally roamed across Northern Africa, Greece, Turkey and Asia.
Last year the zoo also unveiled its new Madagascar habitat, featuring the attraction's first ever 'walk-though' primate experience.
Visitors now have the chance to see lemurs jumping across the path in front of them or swinging in the trees above them as they make their way through part of the new zone.
Visit the website for tickets.
Chester Zoo, Chester, CH2 1LH.
D is for Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey is another favourite of families in the region.
Take a walk in the park and see if you can spot the herd of fallow deer, or climb and clamber on the Log Pile and let your imagination run wild.
There's a trail for children to enjoy and activities are put on in the school holidays.
Gardens are open 10.30am to 5pm. Visit the website for more details.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ.
E is for Etihad Stadium
If you're in the blue side of Manchester then this one's for you.
At the Manchester City Stadium and Club Tour fans are given a behind-the-scenes look at their favourite club.
During the tour, fans are able to a look in the First Team changing rooms where tactics are discussed, pre-match banter banishes nerves and where quotes from Tony Walsh’s poetic tribute to Manchester, 'This is the Place' have been immortalised across the walls.
The 90-minute guided tour costs £17.50 per adult and £11 per child aged five to 15.
Book online at mancity.com/tours or call 0161 444 1894 (excluding match days).
Families can also enjoy some free fun at the stadium before selected home games.
The indoor pitch at City Football Academy hosts the Man City Kids Fanzone - a two-hour event which takes place three hours before the kick-off.
It aims to offer younger fans another way to connect with their club and includes inflatables, football skill games, music and mascot meet and greets.
Tickets are free and supporters can claim up to five tickets for each event.
They are available up to two weeks prior to the Premier League match day and issued on a first come first served basis from the website here.
MCFC, Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Road, Manchester, M11 3FF.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
F is for Cockfields Farm
There are loads of daily activities to enjoy down at Cockfields Farm and it pulls in the crowds for it's much-loved school holiday events too.
Children can groom a rabbit, cuddle a guinea pig, bath a tortoise and meet the snakes each day at the venue.
There's play equipment for them to enjoy - from the indoor play frame and role play village when the weather is wet, to the huge outdoor jumping pillow, swings and slides for the brighter months.
An Easter Wonderland event is planned from April 6 to 22, with Easter entertainment shows, egg hunts, bottle feeding goats, cuddling the baby chicks and more.
Tickets cost £9.95 for children and £7.95 for adults.
The farm's open 10am to 4.30pm, closing at 4pm on Sundays. Visit the website.
Cockfields Farm, Ashton, OL6 8AR.
G is for GMP Museum
Greater Manchester Police Museum has been recognised twice by Visit England as being a 'hidden gem'.
Founded in 1981, the GMP Police Museum is itself located in a former police station and hosts regular open days during school holidays on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It collects and preserves relevant archive material and acts as an important resource for community engagement.
Open days run from 10.30am to 3.30pm and focus on different units within the police force from the North West Underwater Search and Recovery Unit to the Tactical Dog Unit and the North West Ambulance Service. Private tours can also be arranged.
GMP Museum, 57A Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1ET.
H is for Ordsall Hall
Ordsall Hall is a large former manor house in Ordsall, Salford.
It dates back more than 750 years, although the oldest surviving parts of the present hall were built in the 15th century.
Reportedly a haunted building, it's a regular venue for ghost hunts, especially around Halloween, but hosts many other family-friendly events.
There are regular craft and storytime sessions and during the school holidays it often gives children the chance to 'meet the maids' in the kitchen of the grand hall and find out about life as a Tudor servant.
It opens 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. Visit the website for more details.
Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3AN.
I is for IWM North
One of five branches of the Imperial War Museum, the venue was purpose-built to tell the powerful stories of over a century of war.
It's been commended for delivering an award-winning immersive experience and hosts events for families at weekends and during the holidays.
It's free to attend, donations welcome, and regular object-handling sessions let kids get hands on with artefacts from IWM's collection.
The museum opens daily 10am to 5pm and is only closed on December 24, 25 and 26.
Its café offers children’s menus and an indoor picnic area is also available at weekends and in the school holidays for visitors to take their own food and refreshments along.
Visit the website for more details.
IWMN, Quay West, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1TZ.
J is for The John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building on Deansgate and first opened to the public in 1900.
Throughout the year it hosts regular events, ranging from tours of the library and family activities, to events associated with its exhibitions.
One activity available all year round, and suitable for all ages, involves Grumbold the Library Dragon.
He's lost his spectacles and needs your help to find them. Families can pick up a free trail at the welcome desk, to explore the library at your own pace while looking for Grumbold's specs.
There are other toddler tales sessions running and school holiday activities such as Lucky Charm Workshops and Shakespeare-inspired family trails.
Free entry. No need to book, just turn up between 10am and 5pm. Visit the website for more details.
John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH.
K is for Knowsley Safari
Just a short drive from Manchester is Knowsley Safari where there lots for families to see and do.
A brand new tiger habitat opened at the attraction last year, giving visitors the chance to get closer to the tigers than ever before.
Sisters Sinda and Bira moved in to their new home, which opened last May, and features full-length glass panes that allow visitors unique, up close viewing opportunities.
Guests can immerse themselves in the Russian themed habitat and learn all about the Amur tiger; their habitat, threats to their survival and conservation.
While at the attraction families can also journey through the camels, buffalo, antelope and more and get an up-close experience as you drive through lion territory.
You can also stay dry at the indoor sea lion display, although there's no guarantees there won't be any splashing going on at the front.
Regular ticket offers run, but general prices are £17.50 for adults and £13.50 for children. Under threes always go free.
Tickets can be booked online.
Knowsley Safari, Prescot, L34 4AN.
L is for Legoland Discovery Centre
Legoland is the ultimate indoor Lego playground for kids and offers three fun rides, 10 build and play zones, a 4D cinema and much more.
A Ninjago City Adventure opened after a £1m refurbishment, offering kids a 'whole ninja experience', with a special ninja training camp and a three-tiered play temple.
Play features include a climbing wall, Ninjago character challenges, crisscross maze and vertical rope climb, a spiral slide of lights, crawl through tunnel, ball pool, sky wheels, bash bags, lightening buzzer bars, Spinjitzu tornado and more.
Standard admission with online tickets from £13.50.
Book at manchester.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk.
Legoland Discovery Centre, intu Trafford Centre, Barton Square Bridge, Trafford, M17 8AS.
M is for Manchester Museum
Among the many artifacts and exhibitions at Manchester Museum is Stan the T-Rex, who lives in the fossils gallery along with a giant Plesiosaur.
The three rooms of fossils, minerals and meteorites show some of the finest examples of past life, crystals and space rocks in the country.
The gallery takes you on a tour of life on Earth over the last 600 million years, from the earliest evidence of bacteria to swamp forests and enormous sea reptiles.
On the second Saturday of each month the museum hosts See, Make and Do sessions aimed at children who have autism and other needs.
They can attend with their families, carers, and siblings, and activities take place before the museum opens to the general public and there is a quiet room available too.
Children can see objects, do activities and make creations inspired by one of the museum’s galleries at the sessions, which run from 9.30am to 10.15am and are free to attend.
A different gallery is open during each early opening. There is no need to book and it's suitable for children and young people aged five to 16.
The museum is open daily 10am to 5pm.
Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL.
N is for National Football Museum
With interactive objects, games and displays, the National Football Museum has lots of fun activities for kids of all ages.
Throughout the museum there are interactive objects, games and displays, including a Discovery Zone designed especially for ages five and under.
You now have to pay to get in the museum but six of the interactive games offered at the venue - aimed at kids seven and over and letting them test their skills at everything from showboating to commentating - are now included in the entrance fee.
These include testing your lightning-quick ‘keeping reactions to prove yourself as the top Shot Stopper, testing your passing skills with the game One-Two and following the autocue or just calling the action as you see it with the Match Of The Day.
The penalty shootout costs £2 for three penalties.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 15, or £25 for a family.
It's open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.
National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester, M4 3BG.
O is for Old Trafford
So we've given you the Etihad tour so it wouldn't be right to leave out the Reds now would it.
If you want a glimpse of behind-the-scenes at the Theatre of Dreams, then you can book a place on the museum and stadium tour.
Immerse yourself in the history of Manchester United and obtain access to the dressing room, tunnel, players' dugout and exclusive areas. Explore the museum and learn everything there is to know about your footballing heroes.
Tickets for the two-hour tour cost £15 for children and £25 for adults and can be booked online.
Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester, M16 0RA.
P is for The Printworks
If you've never taken your children to The Printworks then you'll probably be surprised at how much there is for them to do there.
The relatively recent addition Treetop Adventure Golf - offering two 18-hole courses, Ancient Explorer and Tropical Trail - has given families even more reason to head into town.
Add to that the huge escape room Escape Reality and films for a fiver a ticket at the Vue cinema, and you're spoilt for choice.
Plus, if you're out during the day, there are lots of family-friendly places to eat before the adult crowds descend, including the likes of Hard Rock Cafe, Nando's, Chiquito and Frankie & Benny's.
Visit the website for more details and opening times.
Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS.
Q is for Quarry Bank
This working mill owned by the National Trust is surrounded by gardens and woodland and there's a play area and family trails for children to enjoy.
In the mill itself you can discover what it was like to work in a cotton mill. Experience heritage machinery in action and feel the floors shake beneath your feet as the spinning machines turn and the looms weave.
It's a popular venue for school trips but attracts visitors of all ages throughout the year.
You can take guided tours of the Apprentice House where child workers lived and were given food and board in exchange for their labour.
You'll see where they ate and were given a small amount of education, and the dormitories where they slept two to a bed.
Next to the Apprentice House, you can explore the working kitchen garden and orchard, where apprentice children once worked after their shift in the mill.
You can join in with nature-themed adventures in the garden and woods. Normal admission charges apply - children £10, adults £20.25, families £50.50. See the website for more details.
The Apprentice House is open 10.30am to 4pm and Quarry Bank House until 5pm.
Quarry Bank, Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow, SK9 4LA.
R is for Runway Visitor Park, Manchester Airport
You don't have to be jetting off anywhere to have fun at Manchester Airport - there's lots to make for a great day out.
It might not be the best time of year for standing outside enviously watching people jet off to the sun, but wrap up warm and the Runway Visitor Park is still worthy of a trip out in the school holidays or at weekends.
As well as watching the planes take off and land, you can climb aboard the Avro RJX aircraft and enjoy the small play area.
Special events are also held in the school holidays, with the Flight Academy and Concorde tours both a big highlight for kids.
The cosy Concorde Coffee House has got a good selection of snacks and meals if you want to get out of the cold for a bit.
In the summer months there are lots of picnic tables to take advantage of and the warmer weather also sees the place open up its Nibbles huts and an ice cream hut selling drinks, snacks and slushies.
Find out more about visiting the Runway park here.
The park is just off the A538 at junction 6 of the M56 motorway. Use the postcode WA15 8XQ for your sat nav.
S is for Sea Life
Many families combine a trip to Legoland with a trip to its neighbour Sea Life and there is plenty to see once inside.
A number of changes have been made to the sites, including online bookings, temperature checks and floor markings to help people maintain social distancing.
Full details of the measures in place for each Sea Life site are available online.
Tickets, from £13.50, can be booked here and there's 20% off for a limited time. Under threes go free.
Sea Life, Barton Square Bridge, Stretford, M17 8AS.
(Image: Sea Life Manchester)
T is for The Lowry
As well as Manchester's Palace and Opera House staging many of the city's biggest shows, The Lowry is a favourite for many families looking to give their children that first taste of theatre.
It also hosts workshops such as the Under 5s First Steps dance session for little ones and is home to The Lookout, a place where families can play, draw and relax.
The Lookout was renamed in honour of Salford businesswoman and philanthropist, Carol Nash, last year in tribute to her decade-long support for The Lowry.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Drop in and get drawing, design picture frames and make word searches – all inspired by the beautiful Lowry and the Pre-Raphaelites exhibition in the galleries next door.
Events are often held during school holidays.
For more details of shows and workshops, visit the website.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ.
U is for underground air raid shelters, Stockport
Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs, Stockport's intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s.
Visitors have the opportunity of learning about the experiences of local people during the war.
You can learn about the experiences from the displays in the tunnels and from the state of the art audio-guides. You can also to find mementos of the 1940s in the shop.
The tunnels, which date back to the Second World War, once held thousands of people as they sheltered from Nazi bombs.
Part way through the Blitz they were extended, doubling in size to accommodate 6,500.
After the war, they were closed and their entrances sealed. But now they are open giving visitors a chance to see what was inside.
Tickets for a self guided tour of the tunnels cost £5 for adults. Under 16s go free with a paying adult. These are Tuesday to Thursday 1pm to 4pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, or Sundays 11am to 4pm.
In the school holidays children can also book on explorer tours to brave the darkened tunnels between 6.45pm and 8.15pm as they go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war. These are suitable for ages seven and above and cost £4 for children and £3 for adults.
To book call 0161 474 1940 or email airraid.shelters@stockport.gov.uk. Visit the website for more details.
Air Raid Shelters, 61 Chestergate, Stockport, SK1 1NE.
V is for velociraptors at DinoFalls
One activity that's popular with kids of all ages is adventure golf and DinoFalls has been a massive hit with families since it opened.
At the side of the M60, in the shadow of Chill Factore, visitors play under the watchful eyes of the gigantic resident dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Allosaurus, Baby Triceratops, Pterasuria, Velociraptors Raptors, Iguanodon, Diplodocus and Triceratops.
A six-metre walk-through spouting volcano was recently added to the attraction, as well as a second 18-hole golf course.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The new 18-holes wrap around the edge of the Rapids course, with both offering 'engaging obstacles with a pre-historic twist, selfie stations and fascinating facts to keep you informed as you play'.
Six new dinosaurs have been added, including another one that sprays at visitors, plus two ride-on Triceratops, which make for great photo opportunities.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
One course costs £8 for adults, £6 for under 16s, or £24 for a family. There's an offer to pay for one course and get the second half price. See the website for more details.
The course is open daily from 7am to 10.30pm, including bank holidays. Last play around 9.55pm.
DinoFalls, Old Park Lane, Trafford, M17 8PG.
W is for Whitworth Art Gallery
Whatever the weather you and the kids can head along to The Whitworth for some guaranteed fun and creativity.
Even if it's raining, you can still enjoy the outdoors with one of the venue's popular Welly Walks.
The event is aimed at toddlers and their grown ups but there's no age restriction - it's all about getting muddy and discovering art and nature in the Whitworth Park.
You can download a free Welly Walks guide to enjoy the walk that has been specially designed to support your toddler’s inquisitive nature.
Artists have also created quirky activities and creative challenges to do together with your family.
Call into the learning studio and collect a specially made family bag and head off to the galleries to explore and have fun.
The gallery and shop are open Monday to Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-9pm, and Friday to Sunday 10am-5pm.
For more details about the activities offered visit the website.
The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER.
X is for eXperiment at the Science and Industry Museum
OK, so it doesn't start with an X, but you get the picture - and there's no way we were going to leave the Science and Industry Museum out of our list.
The Experiment Gallery is a favourite among family visitors, and sees science brought to life in front of their eyes.
In the multi-sensory gallery, visitors can explore science for themselves in a series of interactive experiments, all of which are being cleaned regularly to ensure safety.
Find out what it takes to lift a mini, see how light can be used to create different colours, and discover how bubbles look and move in different liquids. Friendly Explainers are also on hand to demonstrate science in action.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The museum caters for visitors of all ages, and has also reopened its Revolution Manchester Gallery, which explores Manchester’s rich legacy of innovations, discoveries and ideas that changed the world, as well as it’s Textiles Gallery, that tells the story of how cotton transformed the city into an industrial powerhouse like nothing the world had seen before.
From an ancient Scandinavian sun horse to Jimmy Carter's solar panels from the White House, The Sun – a special exhibition which is recommended for children age five and above and open until 29 November 2020 - tells the story of our ever-changing relationship with our closest star.
The museum reopened on Friday, August 14 following a closure of almost five months, and is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. It is free to visit, but guests are being asked to book tickets in advance to maintain social distancing.
For more details visit the website here.
Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Rd, Manchester, M3 4FP.
Yesteryear at Salford Museum and Art Gallery
OK, we might be cheating a bit with the 'Y', but families can take a step back in time to yesteryear at the museum's Lark Hill Place.
The attraction sits inside Salford Museum and Art Gallery and is an atmospheric re-creation of a typical northern street during Victorian times.
Lark Hill Place was originally created in 1957 when many shops and houses in central Salford were being demolished to make way for new developments.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It is set at the turn of the last century, although many of the items are older to show development over time.
The ambience is set at teatime on a winter’s evening when the street gas lamps have just been lit.
Visitors can take a peek inside the many shops and houses, including a toy shop, chemist, grocers, a blacksmiths and an artisan’s cottage.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
At certain times families can get some treats from Mr Tomlinson's Sweet Shop in return for a donation to the museum.
Find out more about the place here.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU.
Z is for Zip Trek at Treetop Trek and Nets, Heaton Park
The tree-top adventure playground at Heaton Park is a hit with all ages.
The Treetop Nets play park features giant treetop trampolines suitable for everyone aged three and up.
Treetop Trek features two courses: the Zip Trek and a shorter Mini Trek.
Suitable for ages five and over, the Mini Trek is the easier of the two courses, with seven ziplines and 13 different obstacles to conquer. Tickets cost £18 for an hour.
The Zip Trek is a two-hour experience for ages seven and above and starts from £24.
Up to a jaw-dropping height of 15m, you will weave through the tree canopy across 35 obstacles, including balance bars, swinging logs and Indiana bridges, along with 24 'thrilling' zip lines.
To find out more and to check opening times, visit the website or call 01539 447 186.
Treetop Trek and Nets, St Margaret's Road, Manchester, M25 2GT.
Bolton's Egypt exhibition, Bolton
Bolton's Egypt exhibition is a hit with kids of all ages, especially if they've been learning the subject at school.
Families can see the 'Land and People' gallery, which is the largest and brightest gallery space there, and offers 'a vivid celebration of life in Ancient Egypt'.
Five large glass archways are filled with artefacts relating to the everyday lives of Ancient Egyptian people.
You can walk beneath the arches, with mass displays of objects surrounding you, to an evocative chorus of river sounds, bird calls, voices, music and children playing.
As well as the exhibition, the Central Library and Museum building also houses Greater Manchester's only public aquarium, where you can meet exotic fish, creatures and wildlife from all over the world, including flesh eating piranhas from South America.
The museum is open 9am to 5pm daily (9.30am on Wednesdays) and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. To find out more, visit the website.
Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this weekend

The weekend 's almost upon us once again and there are loads of family events to keep the kids happy this Saturday and Sunday .
If it 's a cheap weekend you 're after ( who is n't ? )
then you could always wrap up warm and enjoy a brisk walk with the kids .
We 've created our own list of recommended places to take the whole family to here , and they involve a cafe stop along the way .
You could also try one of Manchester 's best parks , or playgrounds , or if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a trip to one of the region 's roller rinks , trampoline centres or kids ' club cinemas , which offer cheap films at the weekend .
But if you want to join in the Chinese New Year celebrations - they 're free too - then we have all you need to know .
Here 's what 's happening where and when this Saturday , January 25 and Sunday , January 26 ... Chinese New Year celebrations are taking place this weekend and there 's loads of family fun happening to mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-day festivities run from Friday to Sunday and will include traditional celebrations in Chinatown along with contemporary art , performances , food and family activities across the city centre .
It culminates in the annual dragon parade on the Sunday , with a new route for 2020 , and a spectacular fireworks finale .
This year the procession sets off from outside Manchester Central Library , departing at 12.30pm .
The 175ft dragon will be accompanied by lion and ribbon dancers , Chinese opera performers , giant Buddha dolls and the Chinese Scout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinatown .
The new route takes it from St Peter ’ s Square , down Peter Street and Oxford Street , before turning on to Portland Street and then Princess Street and into the heart of Chinatown for 2pm .
Activities include free , family-friendly workshops and events at venues including Manchester Central Library , which hosts a special Sunday Funday from noon until 4pm .
The library is teaming up with the Confucius Institute of Manchester University and the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art to host arts and crafts activities and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arndale 's Exchange Court , the Confucius Institute will also be giving families the chance to learn about the Chinese zodiac animals and make their own paper rat on the Saturday , from 11am to 4pm .
On the Sunday , from 11am to 3pm , families can join Manchester ’ s Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art ( CFCCA ) and artist Joey Yu at the shopping centre to make their own paper dragons and mythical beasts .
And between 12pm and 4pm there 'll be performances and workshops at Manchester Art Gallery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitmanchester.com/chinesenewyear .
The popular Outdoor Art Club is back at The Whitworth this Saturday and there are activities taking place for all ages .
These are creative , play led , forest school inspired sessions for all the family and run every Saturday during term time in Whitworth Park from 10am until noon .
Sessions take place outdoors whatever the weather and include everything from mud painting and mud sculpting to water play or nature based crafts .
The outdoor art studio area is under cover and sheltered for those slightly wetter days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with wellies and all-in-ones , plus an extra set of dry clothes for going home .
Sessions are free and there 's no need to book so you can just pop along .
The Whitworth , The University of Manchester , Oxford Road , Manchester , M15 6ER .
An autism-friendly screening of the hit film Rio 2 is showing at HOME theatre in Manchester this weekend .
The relaxed event is designed for people with autism spectrum conditions and their families so they can enjoy the arts together in a stress-free environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with sensory conditions or learning difficulties .
Noise and lighting will be lowered , there 's a relaxed approach to movement and noises from guests and there 's a separate chill out space for those needing some time out of the performance .
The film is showing at 11am on Saturday and tickets , from £5 , can be booked online .
There 's still time to catch the Upside Down House at the Trafford Centre if you fancy getting topsy turvy this weekend .
The topsy-turvy attraction is outside The Orient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience in a safe and family friendly environment ' .
The house is arranged over two storeys and fully furnished with a kitchen , bathroom , living room art and bedroom .
Visitors are invited to walk on the ceiling and 'lose themselves going downstairs to go up and letting their imagination run riot as they capture the perfect photo ' .
On the day tickets cost £5 per person ( under threes go free ) .
Advance tickets can be booked online for £3.50 weekdays or £4.50 weekends .
The house is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8pm weekdays and 9pm at weekends .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Grade II listed home left with huge hole in its wall after car is ploughed into it

A car ploughed into a Grade II listed home , leaving a huge hole in the side of the building .
Residents living in a row of cottages in Smithills Dean Road , in Bolton , say their homes shook due to the force at which the silver Vauxhall Astra hit the wall .
The impact of the crash caused the wall to cave in , damaging furniture inside the home .
Fortunately , no-one was inside the property at the time .
The car also wiped out a 20mph speed limit sign and two bollards before it ended up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's home .
Smithills Dean Road was taped off by police at the junction with Smithills Croft Road following the incident , which happened at 11.30pm on Wednesday evening .
Firefighters were called to the crash and performed first aid on the driver of the car .
One man attended hospital , although the extent of his injuries are not known .
Police say no arrests have been made , although one man was interviewed at the scene and reported for driving offences .
The side of the house was secured and boarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rubble could be seen in the front room .
Pictures from the scene also show a pile of bricks and part of the car strewn beside the property .
A neighbour told of how she was awoken by a 'huge bang ' and felt her house shake .
She said : `` I thought the car had come into our house at first .
`` I looked outside and the car was in the middle of the road , facing the other way .
`` There were three young lads in it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The house is a mess , it is just a pile of rubble .
It looks as though there has been an earthquake . ''
The building , which is opposite Smithills School , is known as Beggar 's Acre and was listed by Historic England in 1974 .
It is thought to have been built as a lodge in about 1830 .
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ( GMFRS ) said : `` At about 11.45pm on Wednesday , January 22 , firefighters were called to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house in Smithills Croft Road , Bolton .
`` One fire engine from Bolton North fire station was quickly on the scene , and firefighters administered first aid to the driver of the vehicle before handing over to colleagues from Greater Manchester Police . ''
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news .
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Available on iPhone and Android , the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest on what matters to you .
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A car ploughed into a Grade II listed home, leaving a huge hole in the side of the building.
Residents living in a row of cottages in Smithills Dean Road, in Bolton, say their homes shook due to the force at which the silver Vauxhall Astra hit the wall.
The impact of the crash caused the wall to cave in, damaging furniture inside the home.
Fortunately, no-one was inside the property at the time.
The car also wiped out a 20mph speed limit sign and two bollards before it ended up facing the opposite way outside a neighbour's home.
Smithills Dean Road was taped off by police at the junction with Smithills Croft Road following the incident, which happened at 11.30pm on Wednesday evening.
Firefighters were called to the crash and performed first aid on the driver of the car.
One man attended hospital, although the extent of his injuries are not known.
Police say no arrests have been made, although one man was interviewed at the scene and reported for driving offences.
The side of the house was secured and boarded up on Thursday, but a heap of rubble could be seen in the front room.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Pictures from the scene also show a pile of bricks and part of the car strewn beside the property.
A neighbour told of how she was awoken by a 'huge bang' and felt her house shake.
She said: "I thought the car had come into our house at first.
"I looked outside and the car was in the middle of the road, facing the other way.
"There were three young lads in it, they looked really shaken up.
"The house is a mess, it is just a pile of rubble. It looks as though there has been an earthquake."
The building, which is opposite Smithills School, is known as Beggar's Acre and was listed by Historic England in 1974.
It is thought to have been built as a lodge in about 1830.
MyBolton To get all the latest Bolton news, events and information, go to our MyBolton news channel. We also have a dedicated Facebook page, and you can follow us on Twitter.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At about 11.45pm on Wednesday, January 22, firefighters were called to a report of a car colliding with a house in Smithills Croft Road, Bolton.
"One fire engine from Bolton North fire station was quickly on the scene, and firefighters administered first aid to the driver of the vehicle before handing over to colleagues from Greater Manchester Police."
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Could this become the smallest flat in Manchester? Developer wants to convert TINY store room into s

Could this become the smallest flat in Manchester? Developer wants to convert TINY store room into studio apartment

A developer wants to convert a tiny store room in a Green Quarter apartment block into a bedsit .
But at just 21sqm , it would be almost half the recommended minimum size for a studio flat under the standards used by Manchester Council .
Developers have applied for planning permission to convert the storeroom on the ground floor of the Jefferson Place apartment block on Fernie Street .
A proposed floorplan submitted to the council shows the flat would contain a small ensuite bathroom , kitchenette and bed .
The application , which has been submitted by Prestwich-based Broompark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 'Change of use of unused store room into a studio apartment ' .
Cheetham Hill councillor Naeem Hassan described the plan as 'unacceptable ' .
He said : `` We do need more accommodation , but it needs to be reasonably-sized accommodation .
`` I am not interested in this type of accommodation .
I 'll be objecting to it .
`` It 's unacceptable .
It 's just greedy people trying to make more money .
`` What happens next ?
Will people start converting their garages ? ''
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced in 2015 , the minimum size for a studio flat is 37sqm .
But these standards aren ’ t legally binding and where there are housing shortages or where a flat has access to communal amenities , developers can apply to local authorities for permission to build smaller homes .
Councils can not reject properties on grounds of size alone .
The average size of a home in England and Wales is 90sqm .
It 's not clear if the flat will be up for sale or rent .
A 33sqm first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quarter apartment block is currently on sale for £130,000 .
The Manchester Evening News contacted Broompark Management and was told no-one was available for comment .
Read more of today 's top stories here A Manchester Council spokesman said : `` The local planning authority has to determine a planning application having regard to local and national planning policy , site specific issues and the merits of the proposal .
`` Minimum space standards are an important benchmark to ensure our residents have access to ample living space - which has a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is therefore a key consideration for the city 's local planning authority '' A decision will be taken in regards to the application having considered all relevant matters , and following public consultation via the planning process . ''
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A developer wants to convert a tiny store room in a Green Quarter apartment block into a bedsit.
But at just 21sqm, it would be almost half the recommended minimum size for a studio flat under the standards used by Manchester Council.
The average Travelodge hotel room is 28sqm.
Developers have applied for planning permission to convert the storeroom on the ground floor of the Jefferson Place apartment block on Fernie Street.
A proposed floorplan submitted to the council shows the flat would contain a small ensuite bathroom, kitchenette and bed.
The application, which has been submitted by Prestwich-based Broompark Management Limited, describes the proposal as a 'Change of use of unused store room into a studio apartment'.
Cheetham Hill councillor Naeem Hassan described the plan as 'unacceptable'.
He said: "We do need more accommodation, but it needs to be reasonably-sized accommodation.
"I am not interested in this type of accommodation. I'll be objecting to it.
"It's unacceptable. It's just greedy people trying to make more money.
"What happens next? Will people start converting their garages?"
Under the government’s Technical Housing Standards, introduced in 2015, the minimum size for a studio flat is 37sqm.
But these standards aren’t legally binding and where there are housing shortages or where a flat has access to communal amenities, developers can apply to local authorities for permission to build smaller homes.
Councils cannot reject properties on grounds of size alone.
The average size of a home in England and Wales is 90sqm.
It's not clear if the flat will be up for sale or rent.
A 33sqm first floor studio flat in the another Green Quarter apartment block is currently on sale for £130,000.
The Manchester Evening News contacted Broompark Management and was told no-one was available for comment.
A Manchester Council spokesman said: "The local planning authority has to determine a planning application having regard to local and national planning policy, site specific issues and the merits of the proposal.
"Minimum space standards are an important benchmark to ensure our residents have access to ample living space - which has a clear link to quality of life - and is therefore a key consideration for the city's local planning authority
"A decision will be taken in regards to the application having considered all relevant matters, and following public consultation via the planning process."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Thief 'with deep voice' swiped cash from M&S till - police want to speak to this man

Police are hunting a thief with a 'deep voice ' who swiped cash from a till in a branch of M & S .
The incident happened at around 5.30pm on Saturday , January 11 , at the retailer on Lord Sheldon Way in Ashton-under-Lyne .
Police said the man approached a counter in the food section of the store , leaned over and stole a large sum of money from the till before fleeing .
A CCTV image of a man officers want to speak to in connection with the offence has been released .
Police also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deep voice in a strong Eastern European-like accent ' .
PC Sultan of GMP ’ s Tameside District said : `` No-one was injured during this incident , but the cashier concerned was left shaken .
`` The store was busy at the time so we believe that there are people who may recognise the man and can assist our enquiries . ''
Information can be given to police by calling 0161 856 9242 quoting incident number 2198 of 11/01/2020 .
Alternatively , information can be passed on to the independent charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 111 .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Police are hunting a thief with a 'deep voice' who swiped cash from a till in a branch of M&S.
The incident happened at around 5.30pm on Saturday, January 11, at the retailer on Lord Sheldon Way in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Police said the man approached a counter in the food section of the store, leaned over and stole a large sum of money from the till before fleeing.
A CCTV image of a man officers want to speak to in connection with the offence has been released.
Police also said the man is described as having 'spoken with a deep voice in a strong Eastern European-like accent'.
PC Sultan of GMP’s Tameside District said: "No-one was injured during this incident, but the cashier concerned was left shaken.
"The store was busy at the time so we believe that there are people who may recognise the man and can assist our enquiries."
Information can be given to police by calling 0161 856 9242 quoting incident number 2198 of 11/01/2020.
Alternatively, information can be passed on to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--'I've nowhere to go': Struggling dad left homeless says efforts to help find him a council home have

'I've nowhere to go': Struggling dad left homeless says efforts to help find him a council home have been 'disgraceful'

A man suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and left homeless for the past month claims he has had `` disgraceful '' treatment while trying to secure a council house .
Peter Davenport says he has been homeless for the last month and has been trying to secure a suitable home for himself and his eight-year-old son for the last 16 months , but said he has had no luck with his local authority , Trafford Council .
He says his doctor has sent letters to the council to try and assist his application to secure suitable housing but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not had any joy .
Mr Davenport has now enlisted the help of his MP , Sir Graham Brady , who confirmed he has taken on Mr Davenport 's case to try and resolve the situation .
The council said they are more than willing to help the father and need him to go into their offices with a copy of his tenancy agreement proving that his previous tenancy has come to an end .
But Mr Davenport claims he 'd submitted a copy of the document to the council , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in paper form , which he said staff photocopied as far back as July 2019 .
A council spokesperson added : “ If Mr Davenport is able to provide us with the necessary documentation we will then be able to progress his application.
” Some years ago , Mr Davenport witnessed a harrowing car crash and says he was diagnosed with PTSD by his doctor soon afterwards .
He says he also suffers from emphysema and knee problems , among other health problems .
Mr Davenport said his current lack of a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedge between him and his child .
He said : `` My eight-year-old , it 's affecting him .
I used to see him three nights a week , but since becoming homeless that 's gone down to two hours a week at my mum 's .
`` I 'm homeless , I 've got nowhere to go .
I 've had three letters sent to Trafford from my doctor , explaining my mental and physical needs , and it 's got me absolutely nowhere . ''
Mr Davenport said he struggles with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatrist once every two weeks .
He describes himself as `` vulnerable '' .
He met with council officers from Housing Options Service Trafford ( HOST ) at the authority 's offices in Sale on January 13 to discuss securing a suitable place to live , but he claims the meeting did not end well .
He said : `` I broke down , I told them we 're going round in circles , it 's been 16 months and you 're not even doing your job .
`` I was in tears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victimised and was feeling bullied .
I was distraught and did n't know what to do . ''
Council officers accused Mr Davenport of becoming aggressive and threatening towards them , something he denies , and asked him to leave .
Mr Davenport said he then sat in the foyer of the offices for a number of hours because he had `` nowhere to go . ''
Mr Davenport now says he is too scared to go back to the council offices after his experience .
He added : `` All I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head , it 's disgraceful and I 've dealt with a lot of things . ''
Sir Graham Brady confirmed his involvement in trying to find a solution to the situation .
He said : `` [ Mr Davenport ] has been in touch and we have indeed taken his case up with Trafford . ''
A spokesperson for Trafford Council explained that last year the council rehoused 639 people , prevented 416 people from becoming homeless and dealt with 1,698 homeless applications .
They said : “ We have every sympathy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work as best we can with our partners to assist residents within the framework of relevant regulation and available resources .
“ We are absolutely more than willing to help Mr Davenport with his predicament and we would never turn him away without providing him with the help he needs .
`` We sympathise with any Trafford resident who is struggling with housing issues .
“ When Mr Davenport came to our offices he was asked to provide the correct documentation to our staff concerning his housing needs but was unable to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatening and was warned about his behaviour .
“ We can only help Mr Davenport if he is able to co-operate with us and provide the correct information , including a letter from his landlord stating his tenancy has come to an end .
`` We would be delighted to help Mr Davenport if he could provide us with the documents to support his case .
Our job is to prevent anyone in Trafford becoming homeless .
”

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A man suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and left homeless for the past month claims he has had "disgraceful" treatment while trying to secure a council house.
Peter Davenport says he has been homeless for the last month and has been trying to secure a suitable home for himself and his eight-year-old son for the last 16 months, but said he has had no luck with his local authority, Trafford Council.
He says his doctor has sent letters to the council to try and assist his application to secure suitable housing but, after a number of months, still has not had any joy.
Mr Davenport has now enlisted the help of his MP, Sir Graham Brady, who confirmed he has taken on Mr Davenport's case to try and resolve the situation.
The council said they are more than willing to help the father and need him to go into their offices with a copy of his tenancy agreement proving that his previous tenancy has come to an end.
But Mr Davenport claims he'd submitted a copy of the document to the council, the Job Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau in paper form, which he said staff photocopied as far back as July 2019.
A council spokesperson added: “If Mr Davenport is able to provide us with the necessary documentation we will then be able to progress his application.”
Some years ago, Mr Davenport witnessed a harrowing car crash and says he was diagnosed with PTSD by his doctor soon afterwards.
He says he also suffers from emphysema and knee problems, among other health problems.
Mr Davenport said his current lack of a permanent address and housing woes has driven a wedge between him and his child.
He said: "My eight-year-old, it's affecting him. I used to see him three nights a week, but since becoming homeless that's gone down to two hours a week at my mum's.
"I'm homeless, I've got nowhere to go. I've had three letters sent to Trafford from my doctor, explaining my mental and physical needs, and it's got me absolutely nowhere."
Mr Davenport said he struggles with reading and writing tasks and sees a psychiatrist once every two weeks. He describes himself as "vulnerable".
He met with council officers from Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) at the authority's offices in Sale on January 13 to discuss securing a suitable place to live, but he claims the meeting did not end well.
He said: "I broke down, I told them we're going round in circles, it's been 16 months and you're not even doing your job.
"I was in tears, I was scared, I felt victimised and was feeling bullied. I was distraught and didn't know what to do."
Council officers accused Mr Davenport of becoming aggressive and threatening towards them, something he denies, and asked him to leave.
Mr Davenport said he then sat in the foyer of the offices for a number of hours because he had "nowhere to go."
Mr Davenport now says he is too scared to go back to the council offices after his experience.
He added: "All I'm asking for is a roof over my head, it's disgraceful and I've dealt with a lot of things."
Sir Graham Brady confirmed his involvement in trying to find a solution to the situation.
He said: "[Mr Davenport] has been in touch and we have indeed taken his case up with Trafford."
A spokesperson for Trafford Council explained that last year the council rehoused 639 people, prevented 416 people from becoming homeless and dealt with 1,698 homeless applications.
They said: “We have every sympathy with those facing housing difficulties and will always work as best we can with our partners to assist residents within the framework of relevant regulation and available resources.
“We are absolutely more than willing to help Mr Davenport with his predicament and we would never turn him away without providing him with the help he needs.
Trafford news We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Trafford. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Trafford - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. And you can also follow us on Twitter.
"We sympathise with any Trafford resident who is struggling with housing issues.
“When Mr Davenport came to our offices he was asked to provide the correct documentation to our staff concerning his housing needs but was unable to do so. He then became angry and threatening and was warned about his behaviour.
“We can only help Mr Davenport if he is able to co-operate with us and provide the correct information, including a letter from his landlord stating his tenancy has come to an end.
"We would be delighted to help Mr Davenport if he could provide us with the documents to support his case. Our job is to prevent anyone in Trafford becoming homeless.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-23--Stones, Mendy, Sane - Man City injury latest and expected return dates

Aymeric Laporte 's return to the Manchester City starting line up at Sheffield United was a sight for sore eyes .
City have missed the Frenchman since his knee ligaments injury in August , and hearts were in mouths when he stayed down following a strong challenge by Blades midfielder Mo Besic early on .
Laporte got back up , though , and lasted 78 minutes before being replaced by Eric Garcia .
Laporte was replacing John Stones , who missed the Sheffield United win after picking up a knock against Crystal Palace - as did Benjamin Mendy .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearing a return to full training as he continues to recovery from his own knee ligament injury .
Stones missed the Sheffield United game after picking up a knock against Crystal Palace .
That game was only his second since returning from injury , but Pep Guardiola later confirmed that he is likely to return against Fulham in the FA Cup .
He said : “ John had a little problem and that 's why I decided for other guys today but it ’ s not dangerous.
” A day after the win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in training alongside his teammates who played against the Blades , making a return against Fulham likely .
Like Stones , Mendy was ruled out against Sheffield United with a 'minor injury ' as Aleks Zinchenko took his place at left-back .
Guardiola said the Frenchman should only be out of action for a week , but unlike Stones he might not be ready for the FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday .
“ Mendy had a big kick and has a little bit muscular problems but will be few , few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not against Fulham but maybe United he will be ready , '' said Guardiola .
Winger Sane has n't kicked a ball this season after suffering ligament damage in the Community Shield but he has finally made a step up in recovery .
The German did n't suffer a full tear of his ACL so it was expected that he would make a comeback in the new year and it became more of a possibility when he returned to the field in training .
Earlier this month , he was pictured at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his recovery .
He is n't yet playing with the rest of his teammates , which will be the next step of his recovery .
What Pep Guardiola said : [ Speaking on January 7 ] “ I think he is close .
I spoke with him two days ago and he said to me he is training alone with the ball , he is doing incredibly well .
“ His knee looks really good so I do n't think it is going to take too much time to come back to train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next few weeks he can come back .
”

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Aymeric Laporte's return to the Manchester City starting line up at Sheffield United was a sight for sore eyes.
City have missed the Frenchman since his knee ligaments injury in August, and hearts were in mouths when he stayed down following a strong challenge by Blades midfielder Mo Besic early on. Laporte got back up, though, and lasted 78 minutes before being replaced by Eric Garcia.
Laporte was replacing John Stones, who missed the Sheffield United win after picking up a knock against Crystal Palace - as did Benjamin Mendy.
Then there is Leroy Sane, who is nearing a return to full training as he continues to recovery from his own knee ligament injury.
John Stones
Stones missed the Sheffield United game after picking up a knock against Crystal Palace. That game was only his second since returning from injury, but Pep Guardiola later confirmed that he is likely to return against Fulham in the FA Cup.
He said: “John had a little problem and that's why I decided for other guys today but it’s not dangerous.”
A day after the win at Bramall Lane, Stones was pictured in training alongside his teammates who played against the Blades, making a return against Fulham likely.
Potential return date: January 26.
Benjamin Mendy
Like Stones, Mendy was ruled out against Sheffield United with a 'minor injury' as Aleks Zinchenko took his place at left-back.
Guardiola said the Frenchman should only be out of action for a week, but unlike Stones he might not be ready for the FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday.
“Mendy had a big kick and has a little bit muscular problems but will be few, few, few, few days so maybe not against Fulham but maybe United he will be ready," said Guardiola.
Potential return date: January 29.
Leroy Sane
Winger Sane hasn't kicked a ball this season after suffering ligament damage in the Community Shield but he has finally made a step up in recovery.
The German didn't suffer a full tear of his ACL so it was expected that he would make a comeback in the new year and it became more of a possibility when he returned to the field in training. Earlier this month, he was pictured at the CFA doing running drills and stepping up his recovery.
He isn't yet playing with the rest of his teammates, which will be the next step of his recovery.
What Pep Guardiola said: [Speaking on January 7] “I think he is close. I spoke with him two days ago and he said to me he is training alone with the ball, he is doing incredibly well.
“His knee looks really good so I don't think it is going to take too much time to come back to train with us. I think in the next few weeks he can come back.”
Potential return date: January/February 2020.