Out and About – September

Under 5s First Steps at The Lowry
Friday 3 and 24 September, 10am and 11am sessions

Bring your little ones to First Steps to release and engage some of that energy through fun dance activities. Join in with your child or sit back and watch as they gain co-ordination, strength and agility.

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, www.thelowry.com, 0843 208 6000. Suitable for children aged under 5 years-old. Capacity 20 per session, £2.50 per child (£1.75 Salford residents). For more information please visit the website.

Imagine at Manchester Art Gallery
Saturday 4 September, 1pm-3pm

Drop into the gallery to experiment and play with the material of the month. From string to tin, paper to plastic – you’ll be amazed at the extraordinary things you can do with ordinary stuff. Stay for as little or as long as you want.

Suitable for families with children of any age.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M3 3JL, www.manchestergalleries.org, 0161 235 8888. Drop in - no need to book. Free.

Oskar’s Journey at Imperial War Museum North Sunday 5, 12, 19 and 26 September, 11.30am

Meet our charming cat puppet character Oskar and discover his tale of adventure on a journey across a divided city as he seeks out a friend on the other side of the Berlin Wall. The session uses puppets, multi-sensory resources including sounds and smells, and object handling including the chance to see a real piece of the Berlin Wall.

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ, www.north.iwm.org.uk, 0161 836 4000. Recommended for ages 4 and upwards. Free.

Bollin Bats at Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate
Thursday 9 or 16 September, 7 - 9.30pm

A fascinating insight into the world of bats presented by Cheshire Bat Group accompanied by a warming mug of delicious homemade soup. Please wear suitable clothing and stout boots.

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4LA, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Booking essential - call 01625 445896. Adults £8.50, Children £4.25

Children’s tours at Hat Works
September weekends, 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Take a step back in time and learn the story of Nat the Hatter. Discover how hats were made, experience the noisy machinery floor and learn what it was like to be a hatters apprentice.

Hat Works, Wellington Mill,Wellington Rd,South,Stockport SK30EU, www.hatworks.org.uk. Suitable for all ages. Booking essential - call 0161 355 7770 subject to availability, £2 per child, £1 per accompanying adult.

The American Civil War at The Old Hall
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September, 12pm-5pm (last entry 4pm)

Members of the American Civil War Society are among the most approachable and enthusiastic re-enactors on the living history scene. Share the myth, romance and reality of the period as you walk and talk your way through their encampment. Skirmish and gunfire, bugle and drum as well as rest and recreation offer vignettes of other lives. A great opportunity for photographers.

Tatton Park and the Old Hall, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN, www.tattonpark.org.uk, adult £4.50, child £2.50 (5-15yrs), family tickets £11. Normal park entry charge applies.

Chinese Moon Festival at Manchester Museum
Saturday 25 September, 11pm - 4pm

Celebrate Chinese Moon Festival with hands-on activities, experts and object handling at the museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery. Part of the China: Journey to the East exhibition.

Manchester Museum, 250 Oxford Road, M13 9PP, museum.manchester, 0161 275 2634. Suitable for all ages. Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50.