Babies & Kids in the City 2013 is available to buy now online! It's completely new with some fab ideas on what to do with children aged 0-11years.

Days out in Manchester - Babies & Kids in the city

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Aqua Babies

Aqua Babies have now been running structured, fun, safe, baby swim courses for 14 years! Teachers are experienced and friendly, often calling parents between classes for a chat and to give support. From wetting baby’s head in your first lesson to  underwater swims and safety skills Aqua Babies builds on both  baby’s and parent’s confidence as you progress through each level. Aqua Babies currently holds the Swimming Teacher’s Association STAmark, a recognized quality accreditation,  at distinction level. Many pools used are hydrotherapy pools,  inc...

Baby Loves Bootcamp

For busy new mums who want their bodies back!   My postnatal program has been developed using my own postnatal "rehab" program after 3 children. Trust me, it works! Anyone attending needs to complete a Health Questionnaire before coming.   Tweet @DidsburyPT Facebook mariafernandeztraining...

Baby Sensory

I thought this was such a sweet class, with many different elements loved by all the babies. Each session is divided into three parts and there is something new every week. First is the sensory element. In our class, the teacher handed out small balloons with rice inside to handle and listen to, bowls of fruit and vegetables to touch and feel, and laminated cards with pictures to look at. All these activities were accompanied by music ranging from classical to pop. One aspect I particularly liked was that we sat on wonderfully soft rugs placed on crash mats so there were no uncomfortable knees...

Babywinks

A fun, fast-paced and jam-packed 30-minute class that incorporates movement, dance, singing and instruments for those aged 4-18 months. First there’s a warm-up to music, with familiar songs such as ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ being belted out. Then, my favourite part of the class – Nuala hands out cute, furry monkeys dangling on elastic for you to bounce around whilst singing the ‘Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed’ song. Other elements of Babywinks involve baby signing, instruments such as shakers and bells to play with and the ever popular bubbles. We finished o...

Bents Garden and Home

Giving a child a healthy interest in the great outdoors can really improve their lifestyle which is why Bents Garden & Home has a special programme of events and attractions aimed just at the young ones.  Face painting, treasure hunts and Bents ‘Inspiring Children To Do’ workshops take place throughout all school holidays along with additional events such as puppet shows and pottery workshops.  Seasonal events such as the Summer Family Fun and Festive Family Fun weekends have become firm favourites in the calendar as have the Centre’s popular Tea Parties which t...

City of Manchester Institute of Gymnastics, Gorton

It is when you head to venues like this that you realise how lucky we are to live in Manchester. Right on our doorstep is the most fantastic gymnastics centre. Originally an old swimming pool, the club is now a state of the art gymnasium and a 2012 Olympic Training Venue. I first visited the club a couple of years ago when my eldest was six to one of their after school clubs, football has since taken over as the sport of choice, but if we can find a free night he is desperate to go back. This time though is was my toddlers turn, and he loved it! Every weekday they run a Toddler Play Gym offeri...

Colour You Happy, Chorlton

Colour You Happy is a creative art workshop for under 7's, run by artists and qualified teachers, Fay and Caroline, who believe that it is never too young to introduce children to the teaching of texture, form, pattern and other art techniques.   Housed in a well-equipped church hall, with free parking and baby change facilities, these sessions run on Saturdays once a month from 10.30-11.30am. Each workshop explores an exciting seasonal theme with many activities to discover, from messy painting to tactile play. Plus you get to take home at least one mini masterpiece. It’s a chanc...

Diddi Dance

Winner of a 2012 Netmums Silver award for Favourite Preschool Activity in Manchester, just 3 months after launching, Diddi Dance offers funky dance classes for girls and boys aged 2-4.  They’re the only class incorporating 14 different dance styles, everything from hip hop to disco,  Bollywood to salsa and  everything in between! All the music used is totally original and “pop-esque” and a variety of props are used in the lesson plans, which the children love.  Lessons are really entertaining and easy-going but designed to support  a wide variety of ...

Elite Swim School

Elite Swim School run children's courses for all abilities from the age of 3. All classes are small with a maximum staffing ratio of 1:8. For the beginners classes the staffing ratio is 2:8 where possible. The teachers are in the water, increasing their enjoyment and rate of learning, plus all the teachers are enthusiastic, reliable and experienced swimmers. Prices are £5.25 per 30 minute lesson plus the first two lessons are free! Courses run in 10 week blocks payable in advance. Elite Swim School, Manchester High School For Girls www.eliteswimschool.co.uk Tel: 07977 235856...

Enjoy a Ball

Enjoy-a-Ball South Manchester runs weekly classes for children aged 3-9 years and is taught in a caring and positive environment. It covers 10 different ball sports and helps build confidence, coordination and concentration. Enjoy-a-Ball also runs holiday camps and fun-filled birthday parties. One parent says: “My daughter goes to Enjoy-a-Ball and absolutely loves it. When she’s there the hour flies by, as it’s filled with many sport-related games and activities - I didn't know there were as many ways to play with balls, bean bags, hula hoops, as well as more exotic equipm...

Forest School, Didsbury

Set in a small woodland hidden in the heart of suburban Manchester, the Forest School provides a structured woodland playgroup. Run by a qualified Forest Teacher, each weekly session introduces the children to a different aspect of woodland life through stories and exploration. The sessions run all year, allowing children to expe- rience nature through the seasons.   Whilst there are naturally no formal toilet facilities, there is a ‘wee-tree’ and plenty of space to change nappies! There are healthy drinks and snacks provided.  Classes are weekly, Wednesday from 1-2.30p...

Go Canoeing, National Canoeing Week

Ahead of National Canoeing Week, Babies and Kids in the City, went to check out the canadian canoes at Salford Watersports Centre and found themselves loving being on the water.     Last Saturday we headed down to Salford Quays Watersports Centre to try our hand at canoeing Canadian style.  In case your confused, Canadian canoes are propelled with single-bladed paddles,  whereas kayaking is done with a double- bladed paddle.   After we all squeezed ourselves into wetsuits, waterproof cagoules, and helmets loaned to us from the centre, in the seemingly blistering h...

Hathersage Open Air Swimming Pool, Hathersage

A sunny day in May and a teacher-training day in Didsbury, so school was out – a perfect opportunity to check out Hathersage open air pool without it being too busy. How wrong I was – little did I realise that everyone else had the same day off!   We arrived soon after lunch (there are two sessions a day if you’re not a pass holder) and despite the long queue, we got in. Because of the limit on numbers it actually wasn’t too crowded. Access to the pool is via about 20 steps and there is no lift so be aware of this if you’re taking a pushchair.   It&r...

Hulme Community Garden Centre

Hulme Community Garden Centre’s Parent and Toddler Gardening Club Come rain or shine, every Thursday Hulme Community Garden Centre runs a craft or gardening session aimed at 0-3 year olds. Set in one acre of beautiful gardens, it is a hidden gem in the City less than a mile from Manchester Centre.   The site includes a woodland area, a pond full of frogs (and the occasional newt!), a fruit corner with berries, apples and plums, a sandpit and tons and tons of flowers and herbs. On rainy days sessions takes place sitting on straw bales in the garden tunnel.   The activities a...

Jo Jingles

Jo Jingles is a music and movement provider for babies and children aged between 3 months and 5 years.  Jo Jingles main aim is to foster a love of music in very young children through well planned and structured weekly classes that are fun for both the children and their carers. They have different weekly themes which allow them to incorporate the use of new props and instruments, and work around different learning objectives.  Jo Jingles believe that your child will grow in confidence, build important language, communication, listening and numeracy skills, and learn to work with ot...

Judo

If you want to do Judo then the man to contact is Steve Pullen. Steve is a 6th Dan Black Belt and holder of the MBE for his service to  Blind and Disabled Judo and has been Head Coach to the GB Judo Team at the Paralympics. Currently Steve heads up a Team of Coaches who teach Judo and arranges regular competitions for kids in the Greater Manchester area. Probably age 5 upwards but speak to Steve for advice.  Steve Pullen  07714248790 or 01618813033  steve.pullen@ntlworld.com...

Junior Y Club - City Centre Manchester

The Y Club has a long established programme of activities with the aim of promoting health, fitness and sport for children and young people. The emphasis is on fun, participation and development through a range of activities.   The current programme includes specialist sports sessions such as wrestling and judo, after-school activities and a “Saturday Club”.    Junior Y Timetable: Wednesday  4.30pm – 5.30pm – Trampolining in the Sports Hall (4-16yrs) Saturday  9.30am -11.30am – Children’s swimming lessons in the pool (from ...

Kiddiewinks

This is a class that does not stop from the moment you arrive until you sing the final song. Every five minutes a new activity begins so there is no time to stop and think, let alone get bored! Each week has a different theme that also incorporates the pre-school curriculum.   The class I went to was titled ‘Growing’. First we started with animal puppets and what their young were called; then we talked about healthy eating and exercise which then moved into a ‘growing up dance’ with pom-poms! A bit of quiet time was next as out came little bags containing babies ...

Kiddy Cook

Kiddy Cook classes and parties are designed to encourage children to learn about "good food" and to explore new flavours in an educational and fun way.   Join them once a month for a themed Kiddy Cook workshop for 4-11 year olds.  From Italian Treats to Summer Puddings to Winter Warmers and Mexican Delights!. You name it they make it!   CookieTots is a group activity for kids aged 2-4 yrs. Parents and carers help their children create easy-to-make recipes and then join in with music, games and activities based around preparing and enjoying food.   Kiddy Cook also do p...

Kids Can Do It - Woodwork

 Brilliant woodwork workshops for children aged 7-11 accompanied by a parent are held at larger branches of B&Q. Get to drill, hammer, screw and saw under supervision. At each workshop there is a different project, you make something from scratch and then take the finished piece home. My son made an apple feeder which looks brilliant in our garden and gave him loads of pleasure in the process. Book online.   Trafford Park, Stockport, Ashton-u-Lyne, Bolton, Warrington  ...

Language Learning 4 Kids

Fun French and Spanish, 30 minute, weekly classes for children from the age of 18 months  to 11 years  and upwards. The course follows the nationally acclaimed  La Jolie Ronde programme and is to be booked per term block. Your child could become a Little Linguist!   Each class combines fun with exciting games, songs, stories and various activities. A fun La Jolie Ronde activity book is used covering a wide range of vocabulary with emphasis on oral communication.  An interactive CD of games, stories and songs complement the course, to be used at home. The courses in C...

Little Art Bugs

Messy art play sessions for children aged 18 months upwards. Each week this group, adopts a theme, which can be anything from dinosaurs to space exploration and the children make, paint or mold, something to take home as well as work on a big messy piece together. The ethos is to have fun and explore art materials, so old clothes are encouraged. The group stop for a biscuit, juice and a story during each session. Sessions Cost £4.50per child, £2.50 for sibling. Weekly morning classes in Sale every Friday....

Little Bubbles at Y-Club - NEW SWIMMING CLASSES!!

Little Bubbles are the new Y Club baby swimming classes.  For further information about Little Bubbles please call Natalie at the Y Club on 0161 837 3535 or email nataliejones@yclub.org.uk       ...

Little Kickers

Play not Push is the Little Kickers moto. Little Kickers is a positive, fun-filled football programme executed in a friendly, pressure-free environment. The real goal of Little Kickers worldwide, is to use football as a fun forum to instil their growing squad with a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie; which they feel will stand them in very good stead for the future. Guided by the likes of FA qualified coaches, nursery school teachers, child health specialists and pro-active parents, the Little Kickers programme is an ever-evolving quest to teach fundamen...

Little Superstars

Little Superstars is an activity class covering general sports including rugby, golf, cricket and football. After a good warm-up, various games are played that change every 10 minutes, with an emphasis on colours and counting.   Each session then focuses on one main sport and involves parents in one-to-one with their children after a demo from one of the brilliant coaches. For example, the basketball session involves bouncing and catching the ball, then scoring baskets in smaller, specially adapted nets.   This is not the sort of thing you go to and put your feet up while your ch...

Puddle Ducks

What’s lovely to see when you go to a Puddle Ducks lesson, is a personal touch. The teachers are picked for their dedication and passion - they are highly trained and able to adapt every activity to suit each individual child.   It’s a baby-led swimming approach that ensures the child’s needs are expertly fulfilled – never forcing development, but rather nurturing it to ensure a positive experience and love of swimming.   The lessons are friendly, fun and full of rhyme, music and movement. The small groups of babies progress through six different stage...

Pyjama Drama

Pyjama drama is a fun creative programme combining drama, movement, music and play, for children up to 7 years old. Classes are designed to develop key social skills while igniting the imagination. The drama classes for children are packed full of drama games and activities, original songs, and music, and of course lots of pretending and role play. Pyjama Drama has an innovative approach to improvisation. Where appropriate children are encouraged to lead the drama themselves as Pyjama Drama believe this helps creativity and confidence - and means no two sessions are ever the same! Session...

Rhythm Time

Rhythm Time’s passion is music and its ability to stimulate every part of a child’s brain. As such, it has developed a set of unique courses that have been specifically written to help a child’s confidence, creativity and co-ordination.   The music classes are aimed at different age groups, specifically: multi-sensory classes for babies (from birth to 14 months), exciting classes for toddlers (15 months to 3 years), and educational classes for pre-schoolers (3 – 5 years).   Rhythm Time believe music is crucial in helping to develop a child’s speech ...

Sally Jolley Music Group

This is a fantastic little group although I am totally biased as I have been going to it for over two years. Friends from a toddler class introduced me and the arrangement is that Sally comes to your house and takes an interactive music session lasting 45 minutes for a small group aged from two-and-a-half years to school age.   The group runs every other week, so it’s not a huge commitment on your time. The variety of instruments and puppets Sally has built up over the years is amazing and the children love it when it’s their turn to ‘host’ the group....

Talking Tots

Talking Tots classes are bursting with fun, interactive activities designed to help pre-school children communicate with confidence. Whether your child is just learning their first words or is already a fully fledged chatterbox, Talking Tots has something to offer. The three year programme has been carefully designed to follow the natural stages of early language development and provide just the right combination of fun, excitement and learning. Children love the brightly coloured props and vibrant picture cards.    With its unique mix of games, songs, rhymes and structured activi...

The Music Place

The Music Place, Altrincham is an educational centre devoted to teaching music in an inspirational way. They offer expert tuition for all instruments, styles, ages and abilities under one roof. The emphasis is on combining dedication and enjoyment to produce well-rounded musicians. We believe the best results come from a friendly and welcoming environment. Lessons available: piano, saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, singing and theory. We also offer band sessions, choirs, children’s music groups, Jazz courses, ABRSM and ICMA exams.    ...

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