Children's Entertainments
around Greater Manchester

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Museums & Tours Around Manchester

Corgi Heritage Centre
53 York Street, Rochdale. Tel: 01706-365812.
Website: www.corgi-heritage.co.uk
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.00am to 5.30pm. Free car parking, disabled access and visitor shop. Small museum devoted to miniature diecast model vehicles by Corgi, many shown in period settings. Model railway layout. Free admittance.

Greater Manchester Police Museum
Newton Street, Manchester.
Tel: 0161-856 3287.
Open Tuesdays 10.30am to 3.30pm - other days by appointment.
Manchester law and enforcement in bygone days, including uniforms, weapons and equipment. Visit spooky old police cells and get locked up by "friendly" bobbies. Free admittance.

Stockport Hat Works
Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport. Tel: 0161-355 7770.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm and on Sundays from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Prices: Around £4.00 per adult, concessions £2.50, family ticket (2+2) at £11.00 - under 5s go free (prices may change - please check before setting off). Toilets, shop, disabled access, baby changing facilities, café on site. A guide to hat making in the borough plus demonstrations of the whole hat making process. Dressing up for kids, and regular events on offer. Large - allow at least a half day for the visit.

Opie's Museum of Memories
Trencherfield Mill, Wallgate, Wigan.
Tel: 01942-323666.
Open: Monday to Thursday 10.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm, closed on Fridays.
Price (Museum only) around £5.00 per adult and £3.50 per child.
Car parking, toilets, shop, baby changing facilities, café on site. May be visited in conjunction with nearby Wigan Pier. 20th Century historic exhibits through the eyes of historian and collector Robert Opie. Commonplace and rare household artefacts, especially of interest to children.

See also Main Entry: Manchester Museums

Steam Railways

Horse Riding

Greater Manchester Police Museum

Trencherfield Mill, Wigan

 

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Animal Experiences around Greater Manchester

Heaton Park - Domestic farm & Horse Riding
Middleton Road, Prestwich. Tel: 0161-798 6106.
Offers rides around the park. Inexperienced riders can be led. Permanent farmyard setting with pets corner and domestic animals, (cows, goats, pigs, chickens, as well as extensive bird collections of turkeys, geese, ducks, peacocks, etc).

Old Hall Riding School
Old Hall Mill Lane, Atherton, Wigan. Tel: 01952-677052.
Welcomes riders of all ages and abilities. Childrens' birthday rides, parties, fun events in school holidays. Half hour beginner's lessons.

Croft End Equestrian Centre
Bardsley, Oldham. Tel: 0161-624 2849.
Children over 4 years welcome, with lessons from around £7.00 for the first half hour (prices may change - check before setting off). Close to a bridleway, runs parties and summer activity days (enquire).

Manchester Equestrian Centre
Urmston. Tel: 0161-748 4374.

Chamber House Urban Farm
Rochdale Road East, Heywood, Rochdale. Tel: 01706-648710.
See farmyard animals like cows and sheep being milked.

The Chestnut Centre
Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. Tel: 01298-814099.
Otter and owl sanctuary, with foxes and wild birds. Admission charge of around £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children (prices may change - check before setting off)

Pony Parties - Glen Jakes Riding School
Bean Leach Road, Offerton, Stockport SK 5 2JE. Tel: 0161-483 7063.
Email: glenjakes@aol.com. Website: www.glenjakesridingschool.co.uk.
Pony Parties: Celebrate your special day at Glen Jakes Riding School, We provide a unique and unforgettable experience that all the family can enjoy.
6 Days A week, 2 hour and 1 hour parties available. Including Musical Statues, Gymkhana and many more. Please give us a call on 0161 483 7063 for further information and a free brochure.

Hillside Bird Oasis
Beech Hill, Mobberley, near Knutsford. Tel: 01565-873282.
Bird sanctuary containing penguins, flamingos and owls.

Moss Bank Park
Moss Bank Way, Bolton. Tel: 01204-846157.
Animal World, with small animals, tropical birds and butterfly house.

Stockley Working Farm
Arley, near Warrington. Tel: 01565-777323.
Excellent working organic dairy farm, with shire horses, ponies, pigs, tractor rides. On site café and shop. Entrance price around £4.50 per adult and £3.50 per child (under 5s go free). Prices may have changed - please check before setting off.

Three Owls Bird Sanctuary
Hutchinson Road, Norden, Rochdale. Tel: 01706-642162.
Animal hospital welcomes visitors free on Sundays from 12 noon to 4.00pm. Voluntary donations requested.

See Also:

• Zoos
• Bird Sanctuaries
• Safari Parks
• Main Entry - Equestrianism & Riding Schools

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Toy & Model Shops in Greater Manchester

See Main Entry - Toy & Model Shops in Manchester

Fantasia
32 Stockport Road, Stockport. Tel: 0161-491 1130.
Excellent collection of all kinds of toys from Action Man to dolls and Beanie Babies. Matchbox & Corgi models here too.

Busy Bee Toy Service
517 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21. Tel: 0161-881 3906.
Independent toy shop, large stockist of Lego, Brio, Beanie Babies, educational toys, charity dolls, etc.

Golden Occasions Toys
16 Bury New Road, Prestwich. Tel: 0161-773 9421.
Toys, games, gifts and novelties.

New East Games & Repairs
87 Princess Street, Manchester. Tel: 0161-228 0070.
Imported games and toys from the Far East, including Hello Kitty, games and repairs.

Early Learning Centres
Toys for the very young - all with an educational or therapeutic purpose. Branches at:

• Altrincham: 21 St George Street, Tel: 0161-941 5264.
• Bolton: 64 Deansgate. Tel: 01204-399117.
• Bury: 15-19 The Rock. Tel: 0161-797 2401.
• Manchester: 29, Barbirolli Mall, Arndale Centre. Tel: 0161-834 0634.
• Oldham: 28 Spindles Shopping Centre. Tel: 0161-652 0484.
• Rochdale: 15 Market Way. Tel: 01706-649788.
• Stockport: 19 Unit 11, Warren Street. Tel: 0161-429 0977.
• Trafford Centre: 101 Peel Way. Tel: 0161-747 7555.

Teddy & Treasure Shop
46 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, near Bury.
Very large teddy bear collection, home-made sweets, chocs and confectionery. Café and Ice Cream Parlour on site.

Toys R Us
The well known very well stocked superstore - busy at weekends and school holidays - shop very early for Christmas!

• Altrincham: Retail Park, George Richards Way, Broadheath. Tel: 0161-929 7373.
• Bolton: Trinity Retail Park, 6 Springfield, Bolton. Tel: 01204-398877.
• Manchester: Central Retail Park, Great Ancoats Street, M4. Tel: 0161-272 6515.
• Stockport: Peel Centre Trading Park, Great Portland Street. Tel: 0161-474 7700.

Winstanley's Cycles & Toys
725 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan, Tel: 01942-214864.
Established family run toyshop specialising in bikes, trikes, prams, dolls houses and furnishings.

Howarth's Toy & Hobby Shop
141 Northenden Road, Sale Moor. Tel: 0161-973 2944.
Toys on two floors including under threes and toddlers through to older children and young teens.

Kingspot
360 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton. Tel: 0161-881 9102.
Excellent and popular toy shop for inexpensive toys, model planes, party bags, etc.

Toymaster

• Bury: 6 Crompton Street, Bury. Tel: 01610761 6209
• Hyde: 82 Market Street. Tel: 0161-368 0178.
• Leigh: 3-5 Silk Street, Leigh, Nr Wigan. Tel: 01942-671116.
• Trafford Centre: Toy World Megastore, 104 Peel Avenue. Tel: 0161-755 0355.
  

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Children's Music & Dance around Manchester

Family Fun
St Thomas Aquinas Centre, Whalley Range, Manchester M16.
Games and musical activities for young string players and their families on Saturdays from 10.45am to 11.45am at a small fee.

Polka Dots
Parrs Wood Centre, Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, Manchester M20. Tel: 0161-226 4422.
Music club for 4-7 year olds using musical games and activities. Tuesdays from 5.00pm to around 6.00pm. Small charge. Please phone for latest times.

Beginners Strings
Parrs Wood Centre, Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, Manchester M20. Tel: 0161-226 4422.
Course in playing stringed instruments for young beginners on Tuesdays from 4.00pm to 4.35pm at a small charge.

Anita Tmycyshyn School of Dancing
The Studio, 83a Long Street, Middleton, Rochdale. Tel: 0161-655 3097.
Classical ballet training, as well as jazz and tap for pleasure or exams.

Manchester Music Service
Zion Arts Centre, Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester. Tel: 0161-226 4422.
Tuition in various musical instruments. Reasonable charges with discounts for Manchester residents.

Besses Boys Band
Bandroom, Clarkes Hill, Bury New Road, Prestwich. Contact Tel: 0161-724 4461.
The award winning world famous Bess O' Th' Barn Brass band trains young people and children.

Swinton Dance Studios
Swinton Palais, Station Road, Swinton, Manchester.
Tel: 0161-794 0459 Mobile: 07989 620806
Website: http://uk.geocities.com/swinton_palais/
Swinton Dance Studio (Manchester) school for performing arts - lessons for
all ages, from 2yrs and upwards, in ballet, tap, ballroom, disco, street, jazz, Latin, linedancing, stage classes (singing, acting & dancing), social events and competitions.

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Adventure Play Facilities in Manchester
including pubs with Children's Play Facilities

Alphabet Zoo Adventure Play Centres
Open every day. One and a half hours play around £3.00, £1.50 for under 4s before 3.00pm weekdays. Parties at around £6.00, with 50p extra for party bags. (Price liable to change - please phone to check current prices). Branches at:

• Sale: Wharf Road. Tel: 0161-973 9323.
• Stockport: King Street West. Tel: 0161-477 2225.
• Ashton-under-Lyne: Wharf Street. Tel: 0161-339 4491.

Running Wild
School House, Middleton. Tel: 0161-654 1788.
One and a half hours play for around £2.50 from Mon - Fri and £3.00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Parties catered Mon - Fri from around £5.00 - £7.00 (depending on day and food requirements - please enquire).

Wacky Warehouses
Usually attached to pubs. Around £3.00 for one hour's play, including a £2.00 voucher redeemable on children's meals. Parties catered for (minimum 8 children) at £5.25 from Mon-Fri and £5.75 on Saturday and Sunday. (Prices may change - please check before setting off).Branches at:

• East Didsbury : The Bell House, Wilmslow Road (A34), Parrs Wood, Manchester M20.
• Alderley Edge: The Country Hotel, London Road. Tel: 01625-582294.
• Bolton: The Bee Hive, Chorley New Road. Tel: 01204-692104.
• Denton: The Band Stand, Debdale Park, Hyde Road. Tel: 0161-223 0783.

Brewster Fun Pubs
About £2.00 for one hour's play while mum and dad have a meal and a drink in the pub. £1.00 redeemable food voucher included for children's meals. Parties catered for by prior arrangement at around £5.75 per head (includes party food, drink, ice cream, access to play area - minimum 8 kids for 2 hours). Please check prices before setting off, as they are liable to change. Branches at:

• Trafford Centre: The Coach House. Tel: 0161-748 3258.
• Disley: Dog & Partridge, 88 Buxton Road, High Lane. Tel: 01663-762413.
• Knutsford: The Frozen Mop, Faulkners Lane, Mobberley. Tel: 01565-873234.
• Rochdale: The Manor, Edenfield Road, Norden. Tel: 01706-650027.
• Sale: Mersey Farm, Ashton-upon-Mersey. Tel: 0161-962 8113.
• Cheadle Hulme: The Micker Brook, Councillor Lane. Tel: 0161-482 8139.
• Denton: The Stablegate, Alphagate Drive, Manchester Road. Tel: 0161-320 1116.
• Wigan: The Wheatlea, Warrington Road. Tel: 01942-493469.

Bouncy Castle Installations & Party Hire

• AA! Party Bouncys, Chorlton, Manchester M21. Tel: 0161-437 6129.
• ABC Bouncers, Royton, Oldham. Tel: 0161-626 1326.
• Beanstalks Inflatables, Ince, Wigan. Tel: 01942-740296.
• Birthday Bouncers, Stockport. Tel: 0161-432 7995.
• BJ Bouncy Castles, Bury. Tel: 0161-797 3079.
• Bouncy Land, Sale. Tel: 0161-976 3169.
• Castle Inflatables, Heaton Mersey, Stockport. Tel: 0161-432 5557.
• Fun & Co, Westhoughton, Bolton. Tel: 01942-810777.
• Jackies, Radcliffe, Bury. Tel: 0161-725 9372.
• King of the Castle, Swinton, Salford. Tel: 0161-703 7218.
• Majestic Castle Hire, Edgeley, Stockport. Tel: 0161-429 8307.
• Mr Bounceabout, Rochdale. Tel: 01706-647382.
• Oldham Bouncy Castle Company. Tel: 0161-628 8408.
• On Track Leisure, Manchester. Tel: 0161-998 5923.

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Manchester Youth Clubs & Organisations

Bolton Girls & Lads Club
Bark Street, Bolton. Contact Tel: 01204-435363.
Sports, activities and crafts.

Lancashire Guides

• Border: Bury South. Contact Tel: 01204-69219.
• South East County: Bury North. Contact Tel: 01706-653047.

Greater Manchester Guides

• West: Contact Tel: 0161-748 7508.
• County of Stockport: Contact Tel: 0161-485 6345.
• Manchester: Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester. Contact Tel: 0161-236 4061.

Greater Manchester Scouts

• North County: 380 Rochdale Road, Middleton, Manchester. Contact Tel: 0161-643 4004.
• East County: Stockport Resources Centre, Reddish Vale Road, Reddish, Stockport.
  Contact Tel: 0161-480 5621.

Saturday Arts Club
Bury Art Gallery & Museum, Moss Street, Bury. Contact Arts Officer Tel: 0161-253 5878.

Manchester Museum Saturday Club
Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester M13.
Contact Education Officer Tel: 0161-275 2630.
Art activities related to museum exhibits. See Main Entry: Saturday Club

Salford Junior Museum Club
Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford. Tel: 0161-736 2649.
Members club offering activities and trips. See main Entry: Salford Art Gallery.

Salford Girls Club
Salford Methodist Church, Pendleton Way, Salford. Contact Tel: 0161-736 1920.

Stockport Saturday Club
Stockport Art Gallery, War Memorial Building, Stockport. Contact Tel: 0161-474 4453.
Arts and crafts activities for kids. See Main Entry: Stockport Art Gallery

Arts Active
Turnpike Gallery, Civic Centre, Leigh, near Wigan. Contact Tel: 01942-404469.
Art workshop sessions and school holiday activities.

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Playgroup and Toddlers Groups in Greater Manchester

Bolton

• Toddler Time
  Baptist Church, Trafford Street, Farnworth. Contact Tel: 01204-708234.
• Parent & Toddler Group
  Cherry Tree Primary School Community Centre, Farnworth.
  Contact Tel: 01204-709822.
• Bolton Children's Information Service
  Tel: 01204-386030. Information on Playgroups in the Bolton area.
• Stickybobs
  Advertised as "Messy play sessions for under fives". Sessions are now held at Birtenshaw Methodist Church, Bromley Cross, Bolton on Thursdays at 2pm. In addition we now have a session in Greenmount Old School on Tuesday at 2pm. Telephone 0161-796 3652
  Email: info@stickybobs.com. Website: http://www.stickybobs.com

Bury

• Bury Children's Information Line
  Tel (Freephone): 0800 731 4611. Information on Playgroups in the Bury area.
• Stickybobs
  Advertised as "Messy play sessions for under fives". Several sessions held in the Bury, Bolton and North Manchester area see our website or contact Naomi Fisher on Tel: 0161-796 3652 for more details.
  Email: info@stickybobs.com. Website: http://www.stickybobs.com
• The Italian Playgroup
  A small group of Italian-speaking parents who have decided to meet regularly to allow our children to make new friends and play, sing and practice Italian together. Meets Every Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm, starting January 2006. The Italian Playgroup is entirely run by parents and is located in “Our Lady of Grace” Church, Prestwich, Manchester M25.
  Website: www.italiankids.co.uk/index.php

Manchester

• Children's Information Service.
  Tel: 0161-234 7111. Information about Playgroups in Manchester.
• Birch Playgroup,
  Birch Community Centre, Brighton Grove, Rusholme, M13.
  Contact Tel: 0161-224 4624. For children ages 30 months to 4 years.
• Gorton Women & Young Children Group
  Gorton Library, Garratt Way, Gorton, Manchester.
  Tel: 0161-223 0493. Mothers and toddlers welcomed here.
• Woodhouse Park Family Centre
  Stoneacre Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester. Tel: 0161-498 0292.
  Pre- and After-School Club, community crêche, playschools and social afternoons.

Oldham

• Oldham Children's Information Service
  Tel: 0161-628 0808. Information on Playgroups in Oldham.

Salford

• Salford Children's Information Service
  Tel: 0161-837 1836. Information on Playgroups in the Salford area.
• Kids Kapers
  Westerham Avenue, off Liverpool Road, Salford M5. Contact Tel: 0161-736 5934.
  Large indoor play centre, play schemes and nursery care.

Stockport

• Family Information Link
  Tel: 0161-477 0606. Information about Playgroups in the Stockport area.
• Alexandra Park Pre-school Group
  Edgeley Childrens Play Centre, Cheadle Old Road, Edgeley, Stockport.
  Contact Tel: 0161-485 5826.
• High Lane Play Group
  High Lane School, High Lane, Disley. Contact Tel: 0161-427 4355.
• Hazel Grove Parent & Toddler Group
  St Peters Church Hall, Green Hall, Hazel Grove, Stockport. Tel: 01625-873600.
• Step In Parent & Toddler Group
  Scout Hut, Linney Road, Bramhall, Stockport. Tel: 0161-439 3540.

Tameside

• Children's Information Service.
  Tel: 0161-339 6705. Information about Playgroups in Tameside.

Trafford

• Trafford Children's Information Service
  Tel: 0161-962 4296. Information about Playgroups in the Trafford area.
• All Saints Playgroup
  All Saints Church, Barton Road, Stretford. Tel: 0161-865 9343.
• Methodist Playgroup
  Carrington Lane Methodist Church, Ashton-on-Mersey. Tel: 0161-282 7853.
• Rainbow Link Group
  Rainbow Room, The Toy House, 91 Irlam Road. Flixton. Tel: 0161-746 8185.
  For parents and carers and including special needs children.

Wigan

• Wigan Children's Information Service.
  Tel: 01942-827621. Information on Playgroups in the Wigan area.
• Linc Playgroup
  Linc Community Centre, Worsley Street, Golborne, Wigan. Tel: 01942-729885.