DOWN in the Woods is the theme for free activity sessions taking place in Tameside’s libraries over the Easter school holiday.
Aimed at children aged four to 11 and their grown-ups, they comprise crafts, games and a treasure hunt based on a woodland animal theme. There’s no need to book, you can just come along on the day.
The sessions are Tuesday, 2 April (11am to noon) Dukinfield Library.
Thursday, 4 April (2.30 to 3.30pm) Denton Library.
Friday, 5 April, (3 to 4pm) Ashton Library.
Monday, 8 April (10 to 11am) Hyde Library.
Wednesday, 10 April (2 to 3pm) Stalybridge Library.
Thursday, 11 April (2.30 to 3.30pm) Hattersley Library.
Friday, 12 April (10.30 to 11.30am) Mossley Library and (2 to 3pm) Droylsden Library.
Alternatively, there are artist-led Make, Do and Play craft sessions at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton. All of them take place from 11am to 3pm and cost £1.35 per child. Again, there’s no need to book, just drop in.
Easter Monday: Spring Chicks – A delightful session crafting collage chicks.
Tuesday, 2 April: Lego Printed Robots – design and customise your own mechanical marvels using recycled cardboard and Lego bricks to print.
Thursday, 4 April: Colourful Crafty Flowers – Create some colourful crafty flowers. Exploring patterns and textures, allow your creativity to blossom.
Tuesday, 9 April: Make your own Tambourine – Follow our simple steps to make a tambourine from paper plates and all things recyclable.
Thursday, 11 April: Colourful Castanets – You’ll go clackers for these castanets. Design them, make them, then dance away.
Portland Basin Museum, which is free to enter and open over the entire Easter weekend, is well worth a visit in its own right for a family day out. There are attractions for all ages and it stands in a picturesque canalside location. If the weather warms up, it’s a great place for a picnic.
Details of walking trails around Tameside can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside
“Glorious Gorse Hall” is a heritage and nature audio walk for families which encourages you to slow down and enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Created by 2 Boards & A Passion Theatre Company, with support from the Friends of Gorse Hall Park and Tameside Historical Society, it’s available to download at www.2baap.co.uk/glorious-gorse-hall
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Whatever the weather over Easter, Tameside can offer something for the whole family to enjoy.
“Whether you like getting into the fresh air or prefer something that takes place indoors, like crafts or a museum visit, there’s lots to do.”