Out and About – May

Billy’s War at Imperial War Museum North

Sunday 1, Monday 2, Saturday 7 and Saturday 21 May, 11.30am

This lively and engaging session uses a range of visual materials, sound and replica objects to tell the captivating story of a young boy from Salford who was evacuated to the countryside during the Second World War. Led by a member of our friendly staff, families will follow the story of Billy (a charming rag doll character) and learn about life on the home front during the Second World War.

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ, www.northiwm.org.uk, 0161 836 4000. Recommended for ages 4 - 10. Free.

Under 5’s first steps at The Lowry

Friday 6 and Friday 20 May, 10 – 10.45am, 11 – 11.45am

Come and explore your creativity through movement. Help design a dance, wiggle like a worm, balance in a shape and count to the music. Under 5s First Steps is a fun dance session encouraging physical awareness that energizes and educates too.

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, www.thelowry.com, 0843 208 6000. Suitable for children aged 2 ½  – 3 ½ years. Tickets: £3.50 (£1.75 for Salford residents) for more information please visit the website.

Colourful Sundays at The Whitworth Art Gallery

Sunday 7, Sunday 14, Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 May, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Join friends, family and artists for the popular Sunday drop-in creative workshops. There are new arty activities to take part in every week, from forming your own forest to mask making.

The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. Suitable for all ages. www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk. No need to book. For more information visit website.

Museums at night at Manchester Museum

Saturday 14 May, 5 – 9pm

The ghost of a man from the 1880s and the head of a young Egyptian prince etched in the dust are just a couple of the Museum’s ghostly sightings. See if you can spot anything on our spooky tour, take part in art and craft and watch an after-hours family friendly film screening of Night at the Museum (in the Fossils gallery underneath Stan the T.Rex). During the evening there will be an opportunity to eat a picnic – so please bring some food and drinks with you. Children have to be accompanied for the whole evening and any adults attending will need to purchase a ticket.

Manchester Museum, 250 Oxford Road, M13 9PP, www.museum.manchester.ac.uk, 0161 275 2634. Suitable for all ages. Booking essential, £5 per person.  Call Laura O’Donnell on 0161 275 2635 to book your place. 

Pirates weekend at Legoland

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May, 10am – 7pm (last admission 5pm)

Landlubbers will be given the chance to dust down their peg leg and eye patches in return for free admission to the attraction. There will of course be a treasure hunt with gold coins and loot bags aplenty along with the ultimate pirate ship build in the model builder’s workshop. 

Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester, Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS, www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester, 0871 222 2662, Suitable for all ages, Booking advisable as space is limited.  Tickets £6.95 plus VAT when you book online. For full price information and to book please visit the website.

Sheep shearing at the farm at Tatton Park

Monday 30 May, park open from noon – 5pm (last entry 4pm)

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.

Tatton Park and the Old Hall, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN, www.tattonpark.org.uk, 01625 374400, Suitable for all ages. Normal charges apply, please visit website for ticket prices and more information. 

Higgledy piggledy heads at Manchester Art Gallery

Tuesday 31 May, 1pm-3pm (sign in from 12.30pm onwards)

Make a portrait inspired by our surreal artworks. Use materials from all around the house to make your funny face.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M3 3JL, www.manchestergalleries.org, 0161 235 8888. Suitable for families with children of all ages, drop-in, free.