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.
KidGloves at Bell’s Gym
Bells Gym is a unique, one-on-one boxing and fitness facility based in the heart of Altrincham. Focused on fitness, weight loss and coaching for all ages and gender, Bells brings something for all members of the family.
KidGloves is a session designed to introduce boys and girls aged 7 to 15 to boxing training. It’s a fun group workout teaching the basics of boxing in a safe arena. There’s no contact – instead the focus is on skills, fitness and fun – and the classes have many rewards for kids. It’s a great way to improve your child’s fitness, build their confidence, enhance their ability to focus and instill discipline. What’s more, it’s really good fun! You can just drop-in and the fee is £5 per class. Sessions run on Saturday mornings, 10am-10.45am, and Wednesdays from 4pm to 4.45pm.
Bell’s Gym, Denmark Street, Altrincham WA14 2WG. Call 07926 589189 for more details.
Family Club at Waterside Arts Centre (Saturday Feburary 7th)
Waterside has so much to offer families – as well as playing venue to a variety of clubs and classes throughout the week for children, it has established an outstanding reputation for the family friendly performances at the centre’s theatre. A lesser-known but wonderful option for local parents and their children is Waterside’s Family Club. Membership is just £5 per family for an entire year and this entitles you to entry to the Saturday morning Family Club as well as exclusive offers on family shows and events.
Family club activities include art and crafts, storytelling, circus skills, drumming and more. Just drop in anytime on Saturday morning between 10.30am and 12.30pm (except where stated otherwise on the website). Activities cost 50p per child for the whole session (non Family Club members can also attend for a fee of £2 per session). All the activities are suitable for children aged four years and over and there are a limited number of spaces available on some sessions. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
This Saturday’s session is focused on Goldilocks and the Bears (a production of which is showing at the Waterside from February 14-17) and children will have the opportunity to make characters from the story with clay.
Times: 10.30-12.30. Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside, Sale M33 7ZF
The re-opening of Market House
It’s been just over a month since our fantastic Market House in Altrincham had to close due to the very unfortunate fire and all I can say is absence makes the heart grow fonder! After a stirling effort from all concerned, Market House is back… and it’s better than ever! There’s guaranteed to be a brilliant atmosphere this weekend to welcome back Honest Crust, Tender Cow, Wolfhouse, Reserve, Jack in the Box, Sam Joseph, Great North Pie and the rest of the team! Why not pop along and join in the fun?
Market House, Greenwood Street, Altrincham WA14 1SA
Dragon Tales at The John Rylands Library (Saturday February 7th)
If you’d like to venture a little further afield this weekend, why not head to John Rylands Library in Manchester. Built in the 1890s, this library is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world; both the building and its collections are of outstanding international significance. This Saturday, children are invited to join the hunt for the Library’s mythical beasts before settling down for stories!
Times: 11am-12pm. The John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH.
Mop-Tops Magical Tale Trail at Royal Exchange Theatre (Sunday February 8th)
Prepare to be whizzed away with this mad-cap, bonkers adventure as you join Mop-Top in her quest to save the land of Rum Tum Tush! Mop-Top is trapped outside her story. Can you find the clues to make the magic spell to help open her giant book and start the story? If you can you’ll enter an incredible world of dreams, colour – and a whole lot of nonsense!
Enjoy interactive theatrical entertainment from Mother Hen – suitable for children aged 11 and under. To find out more and book your places, please see here.
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7DH.
