
What’s on this weekend in Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales, 16th to 17th Nov 2019
Here’s our handy round up of family friendly activities across Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales this weekend, 16th to 17th November. A huge thanks to Splat Messy Play Cheshire West and Wirral for going finding the majority of these events on our behalf.
Cheshire

*Christmas At Percy’s
When: 15th and 16th Dec 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (various time slots).
Where: Dunham Massey National Trust, Dunham Massey, WA14 4SJ Altrincham
Price: Adult £5, children £10
Prebook? Yes via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-at-percys-tickets-72527717355
Description: Snuggle up for festive tales from Percy’s park before enjoying a hot chocolate and biscuit. Take home a special gift in this lovely alternative to a Father Christmas visit. Inspired by Nick Butterworth’s much loved Percy the Park Keeper tale ‘One Snowy Night’.
*Percy the Park Keeper: One Snowy Night, Dunham Massey
When: Daily until 8th Jan
Where: Dunham Massey National Trust, Dunham Massey, WA14 4SJ Altrincham
Price: £2.50 per trail
Prebook? No
Description: Celebrate 30 years since Nick Butterworth’s One Snowy Night was released with this festive trail. Brrr! It’s cold in Percy’s park so the animals have come inside to warm up. Can you find them?
Explore the deer park this winter in search of Percy the Park Keeper’s animal friends.
*Santa’s arrival Brigade at Bridgemere Garden Centre.
When: Saturday 16th Nov at 11am.
Where: Bridgemere Garden Centre, Nr Nantwich, CW5 7QB
Price: Free but entrance to the grotto is charged for.
Prebook? If you want a visit to the grotto you will need to prebook.
Description: Why not join us tomorrow for Santa’s arrival parade!☃️ With his elves, Crewe Brass Band, dancers from the Academy for Performing Arts, Betley and our singing Princess. The Reindeer will also be with us on Saturday and Sunday, from the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Charity. To visit our Bridgemere Winter Wonderland Grotto .❄️🛷
*Dino trail and other dinosaur related activities at Biddulph Grange Garden.
When: Daily until 17th Nov.
Where: Biddulph Grange Garden, Grange Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7SD
Price: Mainly free but normal admission charges apply.
Prebook? Only for the Dino Dome Experience.
Description: Have fun exploring the garden looking for dinosaurs or participating in a range of exciting dinosaur related activities including Meet the baby dinosaurs, (9th and 16th November, free event), Meet the fossils (10th November, free event), Dino Dome Experience (16th November, an interactive journey through time and learn about the story of dinosaurs, £7.50, Pre-booking is essential), Make a dino peg puppet, (17th November, free event), Dino trail running daily until 17th Nov (£2.50 per trail, including dino biscuit).
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/biddulph-grange-garden-national-trust/
*A Crewe Crafty Christmas
When: 16th Nov from 10am to 4pm
Where: Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe CW1 2DB
Price: Free entry
Prebook? No
Description: Free entry, Gifts, Crafts and Miniature Railway.
*Festive Craft Workshop (0-11 years)
When: Saturday 16th at 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Chester Scouts, 58 Weston Grove, CH2 1QJ Chester, Cheshire
Price: £4 a ticket
Prebook? Yes via www.thecreationstation.co.uk
Description: This is a workshop where you pay for what you make. Entrance is
£4 per child & includes refreshments, PLUS price includes card making (not printed) with full use of card and sparkles – Then you pay on the day for anything additional that you would like to make. Places are limited but are suitable for any age from tiny babies to 11 year olds.
*Gingerbread Decorating & Face Painting
When: Saturday 16th Dec 10.30am -3pm
Where: The Port Arcade Shopping Centre, Ellesmere Port
Price: Free
Prebook? No
Description: Join us for free festive family fun – gingerbread decorating and festive face painting between 10.30am and 3.00pm, whilst the Neston Strummers will be providing musical entertainment between 10am and 1pm.
* Storytime with Elf Twinkletoes, Blakemere.
When: 9th to 22nd Dec
Where: Blakemere Village,
Price: Free
Prebook? No
Description: Enjoy a FREE Christmas story with Santa’s Elf Twinkletoes every weekend from 9th November – 22nd December. Located in the Elf Cottage in the Centre of the Courtyard. Enjoy craft activities in the craft corner.
For details on more of Blakemeres upcoming events, please click https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/blakemere-village/
*Family Saturday And Sundays At Storyhouse, Followed By Free Arts And Crafts
When: Every weekend.
Where: Hunter St, Chester CH1 2AR
Price: £4
Prebook? No
Description: Arts and Crafts for all the family designed with a different theme each weekend perfectly matched with what’s screening in the cinema. You do not have seen the film to enjoy the free arts and crafts.
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/event/family-saturdays-sundays-at-storyhouse/
*Free Ice Cream At The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire
When: Daily throughout November.
Where: Drumlan Hall, Newton Ln, Cheshire, Chester CH3 9NE
Price: Free
Prebook? No
Description: We are giving away a free teddy cone ice cream to every child who visits the farm throughout November, starting tomorrow! You don’t want to miss this.
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/the-ice-cream-farm-cheshires-ice-cream-adventure-park/
*Mill Trail: Become A Factory Inspector
When: Daily until 31st Dec
Where: Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow SK9 4LA
Price: 50p per trail. Usual admission fees apply.
Prebook? No
Description: Join factory inspector Augustus Snout and his assistant Scuttle on an inspection of the mill. Have a go at different jobs throughout your journey and experience the dangers of working in a cotton mill. Pick up your mill trail at the mill entrance. 50p per trail.
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/quarry-bank-mill-and-styal-estate-national-trust/
*Exhibition: A Healthy Profit, Quarry Bank Mill
When: Daily until 19th April
Where: Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow SK9 4LA
Price: Free. Usual admission charges apply.
Prebook? No
Description: In a new exhibition we explore the physical, mental and emotional toil of working in a mill. What did it feel like to lose a finger, to suffer from cotton lung or return to work days after giving birth? Discover the impact of mill work on the body, the treatments given to workers, and how this historical story is relevant to our health and wellbeing today.
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/quarry-bank-mill-and-styal-estate-national-trust/
*Telescope Walking Tours, Jodrell Bank
When: Daily until 9th Jan 11.45am and 3.15pm
Where: The University of Manchester, Macclesfield SK11 9DL
Price: Free with admission
Prebook? No
Description: Join one of our friendly Explainers as they take you for a stroll around the base of the impressive Lovell Telescope. You’ll find out more about how the Grade 1 listed Telescope works, explore its fascinating history and discover some of its ground-breaking research. Walking Tours last around 45 minutes, will take place indoors if wet, are available on a drop-in basis and are free with general admission. Talks are aimed at adults and children aged 10+
To find out about this venues upcoming events, or details about what this venue has to offer on a typical day, please visit https://www.cluedinwithkids.co.uk/days-out-with-kids/jodrell-bank-discovery-centre/
* Foodies Festival Christmas, Tatton Park
When: until 17th Nov
Where: Tatton Park Gardens, Mereheath Dr, Knutsford WA16 6SG
Price: Adult: £10-£14, Concession: £8-£12, Young Adult (age 12-18): £5, Child (under 12): Free
Prebook? Yes
Description: Get top Christmas recipe tips and sample the best of festive fare with a ticket to the Christmas Foodies Festival 2019 at Tatton Park. See Michelin-starred and top chefs whip up amazing dishes in the Chef’s Theatre, alongside the stars of Great British Bake Off in the Cake and Bake Theatre. Enjoy a festive masterclass with cupcake decorating, Xmas cocktails, and orange garland making in our Festive Workshop. Keep in the Christmas spirit throughout the day with vintage style singers and Christmas carollers, plus fun competitions including mince pie & chilli eating contests. Keep the wee ones entertained at the Elves Cookery School with classes in gingerbread baking and Christmas cookie decorating.
Manchester

*Moa gingerbread City Magic In Manchester.
When: Saturday 16th Nov at 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Where: Manchester School of Art, 12 Higher Chatham St, M15 6BR Manchester, United Kingdom
Price: £20
Description: The Museum of Architecture, the team behind The Gingerbread City, is bringing some gingerbread fun to Manchester this holiday season. Working with Playground Design Studio and Manchester School of Architecture, they will be hosting three gingerbread skyline-building workshops sponsored by Hawkins\Brown on Saturday 16 November as part of Design Manchester 2019. Visitors are invited to come and hear from local architecture practices about designing Manchester’s evolving high-rise skyline, then have a go at creating their own unique skyscraper building using a ‘kit of gingerbread parts’.
*Ice Village Manchester
When: Daily until 5th January 2020 from 11 AM to 10 PM (times subject to change).
Where: The Ice Village, Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, M3 1 Manchester
Price: Entrance to the Ice Village is FREE but you will require tickets for the Ice Cavern, Ice Tiki Bar, Ice Rink and Santa’s Grotto. Grab your ticket at http://tidd.ly/7da43215
Prebook? Yes for Ice Cavern and Santa’s Grotto
Description: The wintry domain of the Ice Village is coming to Manchester for Christmas 2019. Set against a backdrop of snow covered trees and twinkling lights, there will be lots to see and do. Wrap up warm and visit the Christmas elves hard at work in the Ice Cavern or take your wish list and visit Santa in his Grotto. There’s plenty to enjoy for both children and adults and the Ice Tiki Bar is the perfect place indulge in a festive drink or two. Enjoy arctic games, find a range of unique gifts for loved ones, grab a bite to eat or drink at the traditional Christmas market stalls and have a great day out at Ice Village Manchester.
*Peter Rabbits Christmas Grotto.
When: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th Dec 10am-6pm
Where: intu Trafford Centre, Regent Cres., Stretford, M17 8AA Manchester.
Price: £8.50 for adults and £5.50 for children.
Prebook? Yes https://tickets.eskimojoevents.co.uk/trafford_2019/?fbclid=IwAR2N6w2YCLopmy00ssXJMYVXzIfUh9M9aFZ1LCIDUB6HHccvDVwC80FtZuM
Description: Experience the wonders of a Peter Rabbit inspired grotto as the story of Beatrix Potter’s woodland wonderland is brought to life by actors playing the part of Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends. The excitable Squirrel Nutkin will be up to mischievous tricks whilst you decorate your Christmas Elf biscuits* with Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and don’t forget to keep those eyes peeled for that cunning Mr. Tod! Will you be brave enough to join him in his twinkly lair and take a peep inside his cooking pot?
*Kidtropolis with Digital Kids Show
When: 16th and 17th Nov
Where: Manchester Central, Petersfield, M2 3GX
Price: Dependent on activity.
Prebook? Yes via https://digitalkidsshow.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options?fbclid=IwAR20Dlg7gbzmZlxLkMueuiXgtY8Z-9FmA_wZUBApPYyILvK6NBYcb32hMDk
Description: Looking for fun things to do with the kids? A family day out with amazing activities all under one roof?
After 4 successful years in London and 3 in Manchester respectively, Kidtropolis and Digital Kids Show have teamed up to offer families an experience packed with fun family activities, amazing live shows and special guests from TV and online. Enjoy the latest family games, VR, Slime, ice skating, inflatables, fair rides and much much more.
Wirral And Merseyside

*Enchanting Elf School Saturday Classes
When: Saturday 16th Dec at 4 PM for a 6 week term.
Where: The Pixie Door by Sugarplum Fairy, 13 Milner Road, CH60 5RT Heswall
Price: £25 for the enrolment and then £5 per payable session.
Prebook? Yes
Description: Do you believe in fairies? What about Elves? A wonderful Christmas School. Come and learn about the Christmas fairies, elves, Pixies and even Christmas unicorns. School runs for 6 weeks as a term, Saturday 16th Nov until Saturday 21st Dec 4pm till 5pm. It’s £25 enrolment this includes Elf School uniform and registration, Certificate, Elf or Fairy Christmas Name. Then £5 a session payable as a term. Places are limited so it’s never to early to book. Each week we do an elf workshop and really start to feel Christmassy!! Lots of precious creations and keepsakes. It’s going to be enchanting! Just PM me to book a place with a deposit or for more info. Suitable from 4yrs to 10yrs. Fairy Girls and Pixie Boys Welcome.
*The Little Narnia Experience
When: Sat 16th
Where: Bootle Strand Shopping Centre, Liverpool
Price: £7 Adults, £4 children
Description: This half term bring your kids to step into the magical land of Narnia, Go through the wardrobe on an adventure with Mr Tumnus, Mrs Beaver and The White Witch. The LITTLE Narnia Experience is a walk-through theatrical experience, where visitors step through a wardrobe of fur coats into a wintry forest with a magical lamppost. The audience follows in the footsteps of Edmund and Lucy, visiting Mr Tumnus, Mrs Beaver and The White Witch in her castle, as the story of ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ unfolds
*Moreton Christmas Light Switch on.
When: Sat 16th at 3pm.
Where : Coach and Horses pub, Moreton
Price: Free
Prebook? No
Description: Come and join us for our switch on event at the Coach and Horses pub Moreton! A lot of hard work has been put in this year! There will be a raffle, fundraising games and a buffet! Our Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm outside the coach and horses pub! See you there ⛄️🎄
*Ice Skating At Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival
When: 16th and 17th Dec from 10am until 9pm
Where: Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival, Pier Head, Georges Parade, L3 1DP Liverpoo
Price: Adult/Teen from £13.20 to £14.70, Children 3 – 12 years from £11.20 to £12.70 Children aged between 3 and 10 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Price includes £1.20 booking fee
Prebook? Yes https://arenagroup.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/23328?catID=23291&
Description: Set within the magical Liverpool Waterfront backdrop, Liverpool Ice Festival transports you into a frozen winter wonderland. Be a dare devil and try the UK’s largest Ice Slide, three super speedy 30m runs 6m above the park. Experience the buzz of skimming along at an exhilarating pace, while taking in the whole view of the Ice Festival. For those who need a little extra help on the ice, penguin skate aids are now available to book online and for those who love nothing more than taking to the ice, seasonal passes are now available to book online. After gliding on the ice for a 45-minute ice skating session, skaters – along with their spectators, can enjoy a variety of refreshments and seasonal treats from the food and drink stalls. Finish up in the cosy Alpine Cabin Bar for a warming winter drink after enjoying all the thrills of the funfair rides.
*Frozen 2 party, Wigwam Coffee Shop
When: 16th Nov
Where: Wigwam Coffee Shop, 70 Rose Ln, Liverpool, L18 8AG
Price: £11.37
Prebook? Yes via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frozen-2-party-tickets-72495753751?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR15DOPMLGopQlTmi4tjtIe4gdDLes3EYwflGT_5GZfiLm_AmlF7o0RVQek
Description: We’ll be showing the original Disney Frozen film in The Green Room, playing some songs from the film at our Frozen-themed disco with games and prizes for kids who come in costume. The highlight of the afternoon will be a visit from Elsa and Olaf! They’ll be hanging around at Wigwam and kids will have the opportunity to get their pictures taken with them too. Included in the ticket price is party food and drink for the children. One adult goes free per child, £5 each additional adult.
*Christmas Family Craft Fair
When: 16th from 11 until 2pm.
Where : Weatherhead High School, Wallasey UK
Price: 50p Entrance
Prebook? No
Description: Fabulous handmade Christmas gifts for everyone. Raffle, refreshments and festive music. 50p entrance (under 5’s free).
North Wales
*Kids Christmas Painting
When: Sunday 17th Dec at 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Where : Craft Cabin CYMRU Wrexham
Price: £8 per child
Prebook? Yes 07807 079214
Description: £8 per child includes a Christmas ceramic, juice and a snack. Tea and coffee extra for adults only £1. Let’s get festive and creative colouring included and a paper bag to take everything home. Booking essential only 8 places available deposit of £5 required to secure place.
*Christmas Eve Plate Workshop
When: Sunday at 11 AM – 1 PM
Where: Cwtch Ceramics, LL13 8BB Wrexham
Price: £15
Prebook? Yes
Description: Come and make your very own Christmas Eve Plate. We have several plate sizes you can choose from and out staff are on hand all evening to help you. All glaze used is non toxic and food safe, and your finished and fired plate will be microwave and dishwasher safe too.
*Contact Pets 5th Birthday Bash
When: Nov 16 at 10 AM – Nov 17 at 4 PM
Where: Contact Pets, Unit 68 Deeside Ind Est, Welsh Rd, CH5 2LR Queensferry, Flintshire
Price: Free entry.
Prebook? no
Description: 🎈🎉5th Birthday Bash!!🎉🎈 We’ll have some super special offers on all weekend as well as a fantastic raffle!! We will also be doing our usual animal handing 11am – 1pm and of course there will be lots of cake!! 🎂😋
*Musical mystery tour…here we go again Presented by Powerplay
When: Sat 16th
Where: Rhyl Pavillion, E Parade, Rhyl LL18 3AQ
Price: Adults £14, children £10. No under 3s.
Description: “Powerplay Junior & Senior Students take you on one their Musical Mystery Tours performing songs from 5 amazing Musicals, School of Rock, Mamma Mia, Wind in the Willows, Miss Saigon & Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat! Come and join us on this Musical Journey with some of the most incredible local talent!”
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