Out And About - January

The Adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin at Imperial War Museum North
Saturday 7 and - Saturday 21 January, 1pm - 4pm
WHAT have a parrot, a coconut and a motorbike got in common? Exploring the Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘Speak Up: Speak Out’ this event includes a special storytelling session revealing the adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin and looks at how people from different cultures and countries work together in times of hardship and war. These sessions also include creative activities.
Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ, www.northiwm.org.uk. Suitable for children of all changes. Free.

Imagine Weekend at Manchester Art Gallery
Saturday 14 January, noon - 4pm
CREATIVE play for the kids. Experiment and play with the material of the month. Drop in family event suitable for all ages.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M3 3JL, www.manchestergalleries.org. Suitable for families with children of all ages. Free.

Dark Matters Exhibition at Whitworth Gallery
From now until Sunday 15 January 2012, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sunday noon – 4pm
EXHIBITION centred on the theme of shadow, technology and art. This innovative show has strong interactive and digital elements making it perfect for families to explore. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore works of art in a unique, playful and magical space. A programme of fun and free workshops adds an extra dimension to the exhibition throughout October. In the workshops, children can explore different drawing techniques and use shadow art to create puppets, spooky pictures and frightening mobiles.
The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk. Suitable for all ages. Free.

Meet The Nanoscientists at MOSI
Saturday 21 January, 10.30am – 3.30pm
WOULD you like to find out how scientists can 'see' individual atoms? Or how to make wonder material graphene that earned Manchester scientists a Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010? Then meet young researchers from the North-West Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre. They will show you how to do it and, better still, you will be able to have a go yourself.
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester), Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP, www.mosi.org.uk, 0161 832 2244. Suitable for children aged 4 years plus. Free

Bug Art at The Manchester Museum
Saturday 28 January, 11am - 4pm
MAKE your own bug art inspired by the Museum’s bug collection. Creative fun for all the family.
The Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, www.museum.manchester.ac.uk, 0161 275 2634. Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. Suitable for children of all ages

Red Riding Hoods Magic Purse at The Lowry
Sunday 29 January, 11am and 1pm
A CLASSIC story told with a difference. Favourite characters abound, an adventurous Red Riding Hood, an independent Granny and, of course, the wonderful, Wicked Wolf who plans to have Granny for lunch and Little Rosie for afternoon tea! Find out how Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse saves the day in this delightful show told using rod-glove puppets, shadow theatre, original music and songs.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, www.thelowry.com. Suitable for children age three to seven years old. Tickets: £5.50 - £8.50