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With the warmer weather and lighter nights, we have a bit more of a spring in our step and there are plenty of exciting family things to do. This month’s round-up features online sing-alongs and crafts, outdoor theatre, and summer festivals.
The prospect of a festival is thrilling and 5 on the Farm in Barnsley, Yorkshire manages to combine all of the best kids activities into one three-day extravaganza with the aim of celebrating rural life. With plenty of opportunities to meet their favourite Milkshake! TV presenters, much-loved cartoon characters Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol, and access to furry friends in Cannon Hall Farm there’s something for everyone.
Round up the family for a woodland walk with a difference! In the stunning surroundings of Mottram Hall, a whole host of species await discovery – from dinosaurs and jungle animals to mythical creatures and even superheroes. One thing’s for sure, Totally Roarsome is bound to excite.
After months indoors, the very mention of outdoor theatre has us brimming with excitement! Which is why Waterside Arts and Heartbreak Productions’ new adaptation of the children’s favourite Mr. Stink is simply unmissable. Arrive early to explore Sale’s ‘secret’ Walkden Gardens before settling down with a picnic.
There are a host of online activities for families to enjoy too – ranging from a raucous protest style sing-song with songwriter Matt Hill (you can expect tunes from all the greats – including Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan) to crafts with Early Years Atelier at The Whitworth.
For the inevitable rainy days (it is Manchester after all!) there are brilliant resources for creating a special Doodle Den from the People’s History Museum along with activities relating to topics such as climate change, LGBT+ Pride and migrant rights.
Do bedtime a little differently! Get cosy and snuggle up for a live-streamed, multi-sensory story session via the People’s History Museum’s Facebook page. It’s a perfect way for your tots to prepare for a long snooze (fingers crossed, eh!) at the end of the day.
Events are still changing at pace, but rest assured that we continue to update these pages frequently – so do check back for new family-friendly activities. In the meantime, be sure to check out our full guide to the best online events from organisations in Manchester and the North too.
Scroll down to get stuck in.
Here are our picks
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1. Totally Roarsome
Courtesy of Totally Roarsome Totally Roarsome at Mottram Hall, Macclesfield, Until 6 June 2021, from £7.95 - Book now
Head over to Mottram Hall where, in the depths of stunning Cheshire woodland, you’ll discover an immersive walking trail. Totally Roarsome promises to excite your little ones with huge figures of animals ranging from the Jurassic to the mythical.
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2. 5 on the Farm Festival
Channel 5 5 on the Farm Festival at Cannon Hall Farm, 28–30 August 2021, from £24.95 - Book now
This three-day extravaganza manages to combine all of the best kids activities into one festival featuring famous faces from the tellybox, access to furry farm animals, and opportunities to meet much-loved cartoon characters from Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol.
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3. Mr Stink
Jeremy Abrahams Mr Stink at Walkden Gardens, Manchester, 13 June 2021, from £11 - Book now
Round up the family for a trip to Walkden Gardens to watch Waterside Arts and Heartbreak Productions’ outdoor theatre adaptation of Mr Stink in stunning Sale parkland which is perfect for a summertime picnic.
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4. Doodle Den: Playful Protests Online
Doodle Den: Playful Protests at People's History Museum at People’s History Museum in Manchester, City Centre and online, Until 31 December 2021, free entry
Hunker down with blankets, cushions and whatever takes your fancy to create a Doodle Den and use the People’s History Museum’s online resources to creatively explore important topics including climate change, LGBT+ Pride and migrant rights.
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5. Science Learning at Home with Jodrell Bank
Jody Hartley Science Learning at Home, online, Until 31 December 2021, free entry - Visit now
Science Learning at Home with Jodrell Bank is a great way to explore some of the observatory’s themes online. The current #CaptureTheMoon series includes photography-based projects – with tips for achieving clear images using a camera or phone, along with art-based activities for younger children – which include making your own moon craters and packing bags with items fit for a trip to the moon! On top of all that, you can find an introduction to the best stargazing apps for budding astronomers big or small.
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6. My First Protest Song with the People’s History Museum
People's History Museum -
7. Zog
Courtesy of Freckle Productions -
8. Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now
Round up the family and explore Manchester Museum’s collection from your home. Head over to their new site for entertainment and education until they reopen.
More in Families
Hidden Winter
Round the family up and head outside for this wonderful story walk adventure from Stand and Be Counted Theatre. Perfect for livening up a lockdown walk.
POSTPONED: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
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Vintage by the Sea in Morecambe
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Professor Brian Cox: Horizons
Using state of the art LED screen technology, Horizons will fill the M&S Bank Arena with images of far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and a time before the Big Bang.
Horizons is a celebration of our civilisation, of our music, art, philosophy and science; an optimistic vision of our future if we continue to explore Nature with humility and to value ourselves and our fellow human beings.
The Winter Droving in Penrith
An incredible wonderland of outdoor arts, masquerade and pint carrying competitions in Penrith.
The Not So Ugly Sisters at Waterside
The Yorkshire based theatre-company Wrongsemble bring this wonderful new take on the well-loved classic to audiences for Christmas 2021.
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