Wrap up warm and avoid any winter break boredom with JLife’s pick of the perfect family-friendly activities.
As White as Snow
What better way to mark the seasonal shift than by being transported to a wintry world in a spellbinding production of The Snow Child?
Enthralling audience members from 22nd December to 3rd January at The Lowry, and adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, the tale focuses on the heartache of a lonely couple yearning for a child of their own. On one particularly cold, white winter’s day, they decide to sculpt a daughter out of snow – before unexpectedly bringing her to life! Magic and mayhem soon ensue as they attempt to navigate through the life-altering event and learn to love her as their own.
Taking the reins of The Snow Child are the Tutti Frutti theatre development team, while Emma Reeves – whose TV triumphs include Tracy Beaker and the Dumping Ground – penned the play.
Visit Thelowry.com.
On the Ball
Rather than allowing the temperamental weather conditions to curb your sporting adventures, take a trip to Manchester Paintball Arena – a spacious indoor playing area with all the benefits of an outside setting, but without the mud!
A large amount of participants are welcome along at once, so why not gather a group together and take on the adrenaline-fueled challenge as competitors? A selection of packages are available for you to choose from, while the hassle-free bookings include body armour and paintball gloves free of charge.
For family members a little younger but no less eager, the junior paintball session – appropriate for those aged nine to 11 years old – is a fun and appealing alternative. The equipment is low impact and great for kids to move around the arena with ease, and they’ll be equipped with overalls and a mask fitted by a trained professional. They’ll be fully engrossed in the pace and atmosphere of the traditional game – but parents won’t have to fret!
Visit Manchesterpaintballarena.co.uk.
What’s Cooking?
From comforting homemade soups to crispy baked goods, there’s no denying that food is hugely synonymous with the winter months – being a prime opportunity to present kids with their first introduction to cooking.
Established in 2005, Kiddy Cook classes promote healthy eating and food awareness for little ones aged four to 11 years old, all the while building confidence and encouraging independence. During each session, the children will embark on fun, hands-on gastronomic experiments and recipes. They’ll be revelling in the chance to construct carbon dioxide rockets and bread bubble bombs to demonstrate chemical reactions!
And for those even younger, CookieTots in Hale and Altrincham is a group activity for kids aged two to four years. Parents and their children can collaborate on easy-to-make recipes, and then join in with various music, games and activities.
Visit Kiddycook.co.uk.
All Fun and Games
Offering an outdoor event with a seasonal twist, the UK’s largest indoor winter wonderland is arriving at EventCity throughout December, so prepare yourself for rides and attractions galore!
Among the abundance of things to do and see is a brand new stage featuring festive shows, including a dazzling ice princess performance, while lots of familiar faces from TV and film will be putting in an appearance. In particular, The Sooty Show will be making a return, entertaining alongside presenter Richard Cadell who will attempt to halt the puppets from their mischievous escapades.
Another addition for 2015 is The Magical Van Buren Show; a unique mix of magic, illusions, escapology, circus skills, and a few surprises thrown in too from master magician Andrew Van Buren.
There will also be a whole host of games and stalls, so don’t forget to slip on your warmest hat and scarf!
Visit Winterwonderlandmanchester.com.