It’s the start of the summer holidays – a time of unalloyed joy for kids, but slight trepidation for parents.
So what is there to do around Altrincham over the next few weeks? Here are 10 ideas…
1. Outdoor adventure summer programme with GRIP adventure
What: GRIP Adventure and the Friends of Navigation Recreation Ground are conducting a fun summer programme for young people from eight to 13 years old. They will be introducing forest skills, outdoor sports, arts and crafts and many more fun activities, with the aim of delivering a variety of outdoor learning, adventurous experiences and reflective practice. There are limited places and it’s a good idea to book early.
When: 20-21st August, and then 24-28th August
Timings: 9am – 5pm
Cost: £5 per child per day
More Info: http://www.gripadventure.co.uk
2. Ice Skating summer fun day and lessons at Silver Blades Altrincham
What: Silver Blades Summer Fun Day, perfect for young children. Includes face painting, toys on and off the ice, exciting games on the ice, meet your favourite Frozen snowman Olaf, and prizes to be won. There are also ice hockey and speed skating lessons.
When: The Summer fun day is on Tuesday 28th July (10am – 5pm) and the ice hockey and speed skating lessons run from August 9th until September 17t.
Address: Oakfield Road, Station Site, Altrincham, WA15 8EW
Cost: The Summer fun day (£4 entry fee per child)
More info and tickets: http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/page/times_prices/Altrincham
3. Well Active open sports days at The Grammar
What: Unsupervised access to a wide range of sports equipment and facilities and supervised gym sessions for 11 to 15 year olds. Sports include badminton, hockey, football, tennis, basketball and table tennis.
When: Weekdays throughout the summer holidays
Times: 9am to 4pm, kids can bring packed lunch or go out to buy lunch.
Address: The Grammar, Marlborough Road, Bowdon, WA14 2RS.
Cost: £5 for the day
4. Dunham Massey and the Stamford Hospital
What: Visit the house presented as the Stamford Hospital, with new stories of the patients and nurses brought to life by actors, original archive material and objects. In addition to this, there are daily park walks and monthly themed park walks. Dunham Massey is a great place to explore the outdoors and spot some deer, or even have a picnic.
When: The Stamford Hospital display will be at the House until late November, but is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Timings: The House is open 11am – 5pm, and the park is open 9am – 7.30pm.
More info: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/
5. Sunday Fundays at the Runway Visitor Park
What: At Runway Visitor Park, you can have an unforgettable day out. With free entry onto the bouncy castle, inflatable slide, play truck, mini trampolines, tea-cup ride and carousel. Book the children onto one of the fun tours or the new flight academy programme and learn all about the world of aviation.
When: Every Sunday in August
Timings: The park opens at 8am and until August 23rd is open until 8pm. After that, until September 20th, it is open until 7pm.
Cost: Free
More info: http://book.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/concordewhatson
6. Altrincham Kersal RFC Rugby Summer Camp
What: After a successful inaugural summer camp last year, Altrincham Kersal are running it again! Four fun-packed days of rugby especially designed for boys and girls aged 5 – 11. Beginners welcome!
When: August 17 – 20 (4 days)
Timings: 9.30am – 3pm
Cost: £60 for the week
Address: Altrincham Kersal RFC, Stelfox Avenue, Timperley, WA15 6UL
More info: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/altrinchamkersalrfc/news/summer-camp-2015-1451281.html – To book a place, contact Nicola on 07717 826 740.
7. Conquer the Maize Maze at Red House Farm
What: Created from over 500,000 maize plants, the Red House Farm Maize Maze is a fabulous, fun-filled attraction based in the village of Dunham Massey. Other attractions include the barrel train, climbing wall, inflatable slide and bouncy castles, trampolines and laser quest.
When: From the 18th July – 14th September
Timings: 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)
Cost: Children (3-16) = £7.95, Adults (16+) = £6.95, OAPs = £5.95.
Address: Red House Farm, Red House Ln, Dunham Massey, WA14 5RL
More info: http://www.redhousefarm.co.uk/maze.htm
8. Visit Art with a Heart and enjoy an exhibition or attend a workshop
What: Art with a Heart hosts a range of exhibitions, often sourced from local artists, student artists, and photographers. There is a free children’s area with themed activities and free resources.
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Timings: 10am-5pm
Cost: Free
Address: 82-84 George Street, Altrincham
More info: Pop in and ask if walking by, or visit: www.artwithaheart.org.uk
EXTRA: Free Willow Making sculpture workshop with Enya Koster on Friday 21st August. Perfect for families with drop-in sessions between 11am-4pm.
9. Creative Summer Hangout at Open Studios Altrincham
What: Summer Hangout is aimed at children and young people who are interested on doing something creative during their summer holiday. Activities include game design, comics, arts and craft and much more. Contact openstudiosaltrincham@gmail.com for more details.
When: 29th July – 1st August (4 days)
Timings: Morning sessions are from 10am – 12pm and afternoon sessions from 1pm-3pm.
Cost: £15 per session, or £5 discount for multiple children.
Address: 10 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DW
More info: http://shoutout.wix.com/so/4KwEkJKI#/main
10. Themed School Holiday Camps at Altrincham Leisure Centre
What: A total of four, differently themed, week-long sessions of sport and activity for children ages 5-11 years. Activities include dance mats, gymnastics, swimming, football, martial arts, tennis, cricket, basketball and loads more related to the weekly theme.
When: The four weeks starting from the 27th July – 21st August.
Times: Drop kids off at 8:30am and collect at 3pm.
Address: Altrincham Leisure Centre, Oakfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 8EW
Cost: £15 a day for the first 20 places.
More Info: http://www.traffordleisure.co.uk/brands/under-16s/holiday-activities/sport-camps/#Alty
