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. Altrincham Healthy Living Festival (Saturday 14th February)
Saturday sees the first ever Altrincham Healthy Living Festival and the organisers have arranged an action-packed line up for this FREE event. Sponsored by Hale-based Naturelly Jelly Juice, the festival will have four themed zones based in and around Grafton Cetnre at the top of George Street along with a programme of entertainment throughout the day.
Of particular note is the Family Zone, where children will be able to join in with healthy food preparation with local company Food & More, arts and crafts organised by Altrincham’s Juice Nursery, puppet-making with author Fiona Woodhead and story time with local author Morag Dennett. Waugh Brow Farm Shop will be setting up a ‘farm corner’ and bringing along some very special animal guests for the children to meet. Further down the road on George Street, Art with a Heart will be running a ‘Healthy Art’ day of arts and crafts for the family along the theme of healthy living.
As well as putting on a memorable event in Altrincham, the aim is to raise lots of money for the Counselling and Family Centre who are based in Altrincham near Stamford Park.
Times: 10am to 4pm. The Grafton Centre, George Street, Altrincham.
2. Stamford Military Hospital at Dunham Massey (from Saturday 14th February)
The Stamford Military Hospital at Dunham Massey will reopen from this Saturday with new stories of the patients and nurses brought to life by actors, original archive material and objects. Part of the National Trust’s ongoing programme to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, it really is a fascinating place to visit.
Dunham Massey was home to the Grey family, who offered their home as a sanctuary from the trenches and were involved with the care and convalescence of the men who were sent to the Stamford Hospital. A unique and informative experience plus if you visit on Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th February, you will be able to ‘Meet the servants’ at Dunham Massey. More info here.
For non-National Trust members, Estate entry is £6 for cars. Entry to the House is £12 Adults / £6 Child / £30 Family and there’s an option to pay a little extra to contribute to Gift Aid.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ.
3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Altrincham Little Theatre (Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February)
Stage Squad was established, initially for the members of GMP, back in 2004 and it currently has a staunch and dedicated group of about 20 people who love to create and perform comedy theatre. This weekend, the Stage Squad will be performing at Altrincham Little Theatre on Oxford Road. This family pantomime production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame promises lots of laughs – there are still tickets available for performances on Friday and Saturday. Evening shows are at 7.30pm and matinees at 2pm.
Tickets: Adults £12 / Children £6 and family ticket £32 (2 adults, 2 kids). To book, call 08444 930 620.
Altrincham Little Theatre, Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2ED
4. Peppa Pig on the Big Screen! (from Saturday 14th February)
Everyone’s favourite pig, Peppa, is set to make her big screen debut on Valentine’s Day. Little ones will adore the opportunity to see Peppa and her friends at the movies. Head to Altrincham’s Vue Cinema where there are set to be three screenings each day from Saturday 14th until Thursday 19th February: 9.40, 10.30 and 12pm.
The most popular Peppa Pig episodes will be shown as well as fun and songs with Milkshake! presenters Jen, Derek and Kemi. There will also be an exciting special 15-minute episode, Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots!
For more information click here.
Vue Cinema, Denmark Street, Altrincham, WA14 2WG
5. Stockley Farm Park at Arley
In the heart of the Cheshire countryside at Arley is the wonderful Stockley Farm Park. Less than half an hour’s drive from Altrincham, it’s well worth a visit. Stockley re-opens on Saturday 14th February and, at Mums in the Know, we have a One Child Free Voucher for you to download.
The fun starts as soon as you arrive at the carpark with a tractor and trailer ride down to the farm – a guaranteed hit with the little ones!! As spring approaches, children can learn all about lambing, help to bottle-feed the tiny baby goats, groom the ponies, enjoy the bird of prey display and cuddle up to our rabbits and guinea pigs!
There’s also an activity room for seasonal crafts and competitions as well as an indoor play barn where kids can enjoy the sand pit, soft play and bouncy castle. A great day out – whatever the weather.
Click here to print off your free child admission voucher. For more info click here.
Stockley Farm, Arley, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6LZ
