Steph Smith, who manages the Hale, Altrincham and Sale area for Mums in the Know, chooses five great things to do with the kids over the next week.
1. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at The Lowry (until January 11th)
We’ve heard great reports about this adaptation of Michael Rosen’s award-winning book. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. A delight for younger children.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ. Various times.
2. Aladdin at Waterside Arts Centre (January 9th to 11th)
Sale Nomads are back with their annual pantomime! Aladdin is a traditional family pantomime for all ages with all the usual characters to laugh along with and plenty of booing, hissing and audience participation. Approximately 2hrs 30mins including interval.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, M33 7ZF. Various times.
3. Fun, interactive Kiddiewinks classes
The new year is a great time to try something different with your kids and Kiddiewinks recently launched in the local area with weekly term time classes in Altrincham, Timperley and Sale. There are classes for babies aged four months until they are confidently walking and these focus on singing, dancing, puppets, parachute play, musical instruments and much more. The classes designed for older children (18 months to pre-school age) have a different theme each week, such as “Movement and Dance”, “Food” or “The Farm”. It’s also a great way to meet other local parents – and the first class is free!
Class registration £10, Babywinks is £3.75 per week and Kiddiewinks is £5.25 per week. Click here for details of class times and locations and contact Kate 07870 625 513 to book.
4. Bounce off some energy at Jump Nation
Kids of all ages can’t seem to resist a trampoline so Jump Nation is a great place to burn off some energy, especially when the weather is a bit too damp and cold for the park! Jump Nation boasts the largest indoor trampoline park in Europe – if you’ve not yet been, imagine wall to wall trampolines as far as the eye can see… there are even angled trampolines so your kids (and you, should you so desire) can literally bounce off the walls! If it all sounds a little crazy, you can be reassured by the strict safety rules at Jump Nation, reinforced by their referees who operate a yellow and red card system. Also, younger children can stick to the under 5s area. It’s essential to book your hour slot in advance online or by telephone.
Jump Nation, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1WA. Prices: Sessions are £6.95 for under 6s or £8.95 for children over 6 and adults. Spectators are free and can enjoy the fun from ‘afar’ in Cafe Nation. Click here to visit the website.
5. TV and a takeaway from Pix Pizza
With tight budgets after the expense of Christmas, cold January weekends can be a perfect excuse to stay in and enjoy some Saturday night TV and a takeout! Mamma Mia is showing on ITV at 4.55pm on Saturday and there’s also the launch of The Voice on BBC1 at 7pm. Why not have a break from cooking and order a delicious wood-fired pizza from Pix Pizza? Already a firm favourite with locals, it’s shot to number one on TripAdvisor’s top places to eat in Altrincham. The pizzas won’t break the bank either – the core menu ranges from £6 to £8.
Pix Pizza, 19 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1QU. Telephone 0161 928 3573
