PLAY! Stories at Chester Zoo

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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PLAY! Stories at Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, Chester
24 March-15 April 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

half term in manchester and the north
Chester Zoo
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Families of the North and beyond can rejoice this Easter half term at more creative animal antics than you can shake a stick at. Demonstrating its committment to being one of the best conservation attractions in the world (and England’s top attraction outside London to boot), Chester Zoo has put together a joyous programme of inspiring creative learning experiences this spring. Expect to experience both much-loved and brand new animal tales through dance, music, drawing, storytelling and playful shenanigans galore.

Navigate your way around the Zoo with a special storytelling trail from recent bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks What The Ladybird Heard on Holiday. Find the snapping crocs, roaring lions and howling monkeys from the story and pick up drawing tips on the way. On Saturday 7 April there’s the chance to join Lydia Monks herself in interactive illustration workshops. Learn top tips for drawing incredible characters, ask all the questions and get those much-loved books signed.

For the weeniest explorers, Little Monkeys morning story time sessions each day take place in story teepees complete with books, dress-up and crafts. Don’t miss sing-along stories with Zoo Rangers on 27 March and 10 April and storytelling in extraordinary locations such as The Tropical Realm and close to the Black Rhinos.

Storytime With Zoo Rangers

On wet days there is Puddle Science where young scientists can complete a special puddle map. With the help of tape measures, white coats and clipboards, record some very important key performance indicators such splashability, size, depth and even duck-to-puddle ratios to help the zoo’s “Puddle Experts”.

Older kids meanwhile won’t want to miss the chance to meet zoologist and TV presenter Jess French (of Minibeasts Adventure with Jess fame)  who will be revealing the wierd and wonderful world of insects on 31 March at 11am.

Minibeasts with Jess French

Between 28 March and 12 April, look out for Stories To Save The World with the curious Professor Jigget and his colleague, Dr Methera, where the audience help to create the adventure and no two stories are the same. Between 3 and 8 April, there’s the chance to hunt for a secret explorer storyteller too, who will be popping up to tell tales from around the world of the weirdest and most wonderful creatures in the zoo.

On 3 and 9 April don’t miss The Orangutan – a Search For Survival Through the Trees – a mesmerising experience set in the Zoo’s Islands zone, with Zoo Ranger Phil and an ensemble from the Halle. An original Chester Zoo story revealing a day in the life of an orangutan in Borneo will be brought to life as a musical adventure.

Throw some shapes on 14 and 15 April in a Giraffe Dance Workshop  inspired by the bestselling book Giraffes Can’t Dance. Learn more about the story of Gerald the giraffe, dance the warthog waltz and the rhino rock and roll with a professional dance team.

With the chance to put your feet up for a while and watch favourite animal films each day such as Jungle Book and Madagascar, we love that all paces have been considered (from high energy to low and all the volumes in between).

Don’t miss the Madagascar Play Space (one of the greatest adventure playgrounds in the North) and play challenges across the expanse of the zoo such as fluttering like a butterfly, stomping like a rhino and feats of balance in the flamingo and gibbon areas.

Where to go near PLAY! Stories at Chester Zoo

Stone Villa hotel, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Stone Villa

Stone Villa, built around 1850, is located in an attractive suburb just 0.8 miles from the centre of the city and its famous walls.

Sticky Walnut, Hoole, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Sticky Walnut

The Sticky Walnut is an award-winning ‘local’ bistro in the heart of Hoole, serving humble dishes using the best possible ingredients.

Chester
Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint

The section of the North Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint, starts off from Chester Station and the first section being unofficial isn’t way-marked. However, it offers pleasant urban walking and a stretch along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal, along Catherine Street to an area known as The Cop.

Grey n Pink Records Chester
Chester
Shop
Grey n Pink Records

Grey n Pink Records has the largest selection of new, second hand and collectible vinyl records in Cheshire. Established for over 30 years in the Chester record shop, they specialise in collectible vinyl LPs, 7″ and 12″ singles.

Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Mill Hotel & Spa

Situated on an historic Roman site, the Mill Hotel & Spa was opened by its present owners in 1987. The original Griffiths Cornmill building dates from 1830 and great care has been taken to sympathetically incorporate many of the original architectural features during the conversion into a hotel.

Bar stock image
Cheshire
Bar or Pub
The Cornerhouse

Live music, comedy, quiz nights and special events – all to be enjoyed alongside sharing platters and, of course, an extensive range of drinks.

Hypha restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Hypha

Hypha was Chester’s first plant-based restaurant and has gone on to earn high praise with eco-conscious foodies across the North.

Chester
Event venue
Alexander’s Live

Established in 1991, Alexander’s puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy & drama. Alexander’s is famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Covino Restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Covino

Covino is a small owner-run wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Chester. They serve an ever-changing menu of seasonally inspired small plates, guided by the quality and provenance of ingredients, with a real focus on simplicity and flavour.

The Cheese Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop has been a source of speciality cheeses in Chester for 25 years and has over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses available -including pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian varieties.

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