2nd May
Childminder Drop In, Oakenclough Childrens' Centre, Wilmslow (0830-1230)
Registered childminders are being invited to a drop-in sessions held by Cheshire East Family Service.
At the sessions, childminders will get the opportunity to update and manage information about them that is held in the online directory- plus be given tips on promoting themselves.
3rd-7th May
Royal May Day Funfair, The Heath, Knutsford
UK's biggest bank holiday fun fair with over 100 rides and attractions, plus free firework display on Sunday night. Thu/Fri 6 ’til late, Sat/Sun/Ban Hol Mon 1 ’til late. Free entry.
4th May
Under 5s First Steps, The Studio, The Lowry (1000 & 1100)
This is the perfect chance to really bring stories to life with your little one as we take inspiration for movement and expression from some of the best-loved classic children’s picture books. Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Tickets £3.50
5th May
Saturday Playhouse, The Studio, The Lowry (1100)
Do you know a budding Lowry? This exciting series of art activities for young artists and their families including drawing, printmaking, model-making and a whole palette of fun! Each month offers new activities so come back as often as you like. Suitable for ages 5 – 11.Tickets £3.50
5th-7th May
Knight School, Beeston Castle, Beeston (1100-1700)
Meet the medieval castle knight, splendid in his armour, hear his tales of chivalry and practice your sword skills.
The Lego Show, Event City, Trafford Centre (1000-1700)
A great day out for all the family, the show is packed full of interactive features including workshops with LEGO® designers, LEGO® marketplace with new and second hand LEGO® products for sale, and a display of new 2012 LEGO® sets, many of which are not yet on sale.
Spring Gift Fair, Tatton Park (1030-1700)
Where better than Tatton Park for some retail therapy? Enjoy Bank Holiday shopping in this magnificent setting. Quality and value gifts, crafts, art, home décor and food.
6th May
The Incredible Edible Welly Walk, meet Ned Yates Car Park at 11am
Join other local families to go on a fantastic welly walk, sure to involve lots of puddle jumping for the little ones. If you mention Mums in the Know in the Ned Yates cafe before/ after you get a 10% discount on food & drink too!
6th-7th May
Spring Steamings at Bolton Steam Museum (1000-1600)27 old stationary steam engines have been restored and will be running in steam on these 2 days, from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Free admission, and free unlimited parking
7th May
A Victorian May Day, Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Estate (1100-1600)
Celebrate May Day at the Mill with entertainment and music including a Punch and Judy and a traditional Maypole.
Adopt A Farm Animal Day, Tatton Park (1200-1700)
Come to the Farm and meet the animals which are up for adoption. Choose from Rosie the Red Poll, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse and Tallulah the Tamworth Pig.
11th May
Under 5s Doodle Tots, The Studio, The Lowry (1000 & 1100)
Creative little ones will enjoy painting, drawing, sticking and making their own unique works of art in this colourful, artist-led workshop. Having fun and of course getting messy. Don’t worry – aprons are provided! Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½.Tickets £3.50
12th May
East Cheshire NCT Nearly New Sale, Wilmslow United Reform Church (1100-1300)
Quality nearly new clothes, toys, books and nursery equipment plus refreshment stalls selling hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes. You can pick up some amazing bargains here!
Baby Boot Sale, Poynton Methodist Church Pre School (0900)
Fantastic Table Top Sale of baby and young children’s clothes, toys and equipment.
13th May
Wilmslow Triathlon, Start point Wilmslow Leisure Centre (from 7am)
Swim,bike & run through Wilmslow, Ashley & Mobberley! First wave goes at 7am.Entries close on 5th May 2012, to secure your place go to www.xtramileevents.com.
Alderley Edge Farmers Market, Alderley Edge (0900-1300)
The Alderley Edge Farmers Market is on the 2nd Sunday of every month, ideal for getting all the ingredients to cook the perfect Sunday lunch.
Ballroom Sunday, The Studio, The Lowry (1100-1430) Put on your best sparkly outfit and come along for a fun day out for all the family. This event is always a sell-out so book early. Ticket price includes a tailored ballroom workshop in the morning followed by a tea dance with a choice of tea or coffee and homemade scones with jam and cream. (Alternative drinks for children). Suitable for all levels aged 8+. Tickets Children £5, Adults £10
Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club Duck Race/ Family Fun Day, Bramall Hall (1130)
As well as Duck Racing with some fabulous prizes for the winners there will be many sideshows a bouncy castle, games, emergency vehicles, dancing groups and craft stalls.
Treasure Island, The Lowry
Yo ho ho! Outsmarting the one-legged Long John Silver in search of Captain Flint’s buried treasure, honest Jim Hawkins finds himself on a remote desert island… Join Jim as he sets sail on an interactive high seas adventure – with barrels of laughter for the whole family! Suitable for ages 4+.
16th May
Ladies Pamper Night in aid of MDNA, Slug & Lettuce, Wilmslow
To raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. £15 ticket price gets you a welcome drink, a 10-minute beauty treat, such as mini manicure or mini massage, and a goody bag packed with offers and treats from local businesses. More info here
18th May
Under 5s First Steps, The Studio, The Lowry (1000 & 1100)
This is the perfect chance to really bring stories to life with your little one as we take inspiration for movement and expression from some of the best-loved classic children’s picture books. Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½. Tickets £3.50
19th-20th May
The Spellbound Forest, Delamere Forest, Northwich, Cheshire
Wild Rumpus and the Forestry Commission invite you and your family to step into The Spellbound Forest. Twisting paths through the forest tell the twisting tales of English Fairy Tales through theatrical performance, music, visual art and dance.
19th May
Saturday Playhouse, The Studio, The Lowry (1100)
Do you know a budding Lowry? This exciting series of art activities for young artists and their families including drawing, printmaking, model-making and a whole palette of fun! Each month offers new activities so come back as often as you like. Suitable for ages 5 – 11.Tickets £3.50
Alderley Edge May Fair, The Park, Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge
Come and join in all the fun of the fair, join in with the singing and dancing , try your hand at the Tug of War, or have a go at the crazy bowls, there is something for everyone to enjoy! There will be events in the arena and also on the bandstand all day and in between you will be able to enjoy a delicious beefburger or sausage bap or a taste of the hog roast to keep you going!
Bupa Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run, Eastlands, Manchester
The Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run returns. The Mini event covers 2km and is suitable for children aged 3-8 years - all runners may be accompanied by an adult. The Junior event is 2 miles and suitable for those aged 9-15 years, with adult accompaniment optional. All runners will receive a t-shirt, medal and finisher's pack. There will be a host of 'Come and Try It' activities on offer, giving children the chance to try new sports including football, streetdance and mini golf.
Wilmslow Artisan Market, Grove St, Wilmslow
Local produce, gifts, crafts and lovely food on offer. Plus the chance of a good natter!
20th May
Baby & Kiddie Sale, Victory Hall, Town Lane, Mobberley (1100-1500)
Mobberley Pre-School Baby & Kiddie Sale. Tables are £20 each to hire if you have equipment, clothes, toys or other child related goodies to sell! Call 07885 958500 if you'd like to book a table. Or please visit us on the day to pick up some great bargains!
Knutsford Races, Point to Point & Pony Racing, Tabley House, Knutsford (11am onwards)
Knutsford Races point to point is being held in the beautiful parkland setting of Tabley House. There are 7 steeplechase races with the first race at 2pm. The event features bookmakers, food and bar, trade stands and funfair. There will also be two Pony Races taking place before the main race meeting at 1pm. It is a great family day out!
24th-27th May
Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales, The Lowry
A brand new show from the award-winning Scamp Theatre (Private Peaceful, The Lowry 2009) adapted from the bestselling books by Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo). This is a magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles including Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town, A Squash and a Squeeze and Monkey Puzzle brought to the stage spectacularly by the team that brought you Private Peaceful. Suitable for ages 3+.
25th May
Under 5s Tiny Tots Tales, The Studio, The Lowry (1015/1115)
Join us for an inspiring journey through favourite books and stories in this lively workshop for young children. Suitable for ages 2.5-4.5. Tickets £3.50
Experitots, Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester (1000-1130)
These popular activity sessions for under 5s take place in our hands-on science gallery, Experiment, with a different topic each month- this month 'Things that Fly!' Fun, creative activities, puppets and storytelling help toddlers get the most out of this gallery.Sessions have limited places - booking is highly recommended. To reserve your place call 0161 833 0027 or email education@mosi.org.uk
£3 for one adult and one child Each additional child or adult £2
26th-27th May
Tatton Park Biennial, Tatton Park (1000-1800)
Visit the Biennial to see international contemporary art specially commissioned for Tatton Park and focussing on 'Flights of Fancy'! This weekend activities for families and children are scheduled alongside talks, performances and tours.
Sheep Shearing at the Farm, Tatton Park (1330-1700)
Come along from 1.30pm to see our sheep being sheared ready for the start of Summer. The farm staff will be shearing some of our flock daily, so don't miss this opportunity to see them shed their woolly coats.
27th May
Free Family Sunday, The Galleries, The Lowry (1100-1500)
The theme in May is Funky Feathers & Fun!If you were a pop star what would you wear? Be inspired by the amazing costumes in The House of Annie Lennox exhibition then have fun designing your own using funky feathers, felt pens and lots more! Drop in between 1100 & 1500. Suitable for ages 5-11
28th- 31st May
Art Zone- Puppet People, The Galleries, The Lowry (1100-1230)
Explore the LS Lowry exhibition and sketch the weird and wonderful people found in his paintings - then continue the fun by discovering how to turn your drawings into your own fantastic hand puppet to take home as a special souvenir! Suitable for ages 5 – 11. Tickets £3.50
29th-31st May
Drama Zone, The Studio, The Lowry (1100-1230)
This half term why not come along and get creative in these interactive drama workshops that explore the idea of ‘Moving Pictures’? Using visual art as a stimulus, we will bring to life classic statues and paintings in this fun, madcap session of drama and games for the whole family.Suitable for ages 5 – 11.Tickets £3.50