Magna

Ok so it's not exactly on the doorstep, but i've heard some good things about Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham. It's the kind of place that kids will spend a field trip at, but it's got plenty of handz-on science stuff for younger kids too.

On Wednesday 28th May, they're having a ‘Colour Day’ to celebrate their latest exhibition, Eye for Colour, which explores things which are bright and colourful. As an added incentive Children who wear red on this day will get in for free.

I, for one, love stuff like this, cos all too soon children get soooo over dresssing up, so make the most of it while they can't protest!

Thomas Pulls In

Thomas & Friends arrive at the Opera House in Manchester, Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April

My son pointed out a flaw in the concept behind the Thomas stage show; 'Thomas can't go to a theatre mum, he has to go to a station' however, it looks like an excellent adventure all round, with musical numbers and characters like Thomas, Percy, Diesel, The Fat Controller and various other residents of the strangely named island Of Sodor.

The show clocks in at 90 minutes, and includes songs such as... ‘Roll Call’ and ‘Good Morning’ as well as a magic lantern festival.

Fri 2pm, 5pm, Sat 11am, 2pm and 5pm, Sun 11am and 2pm, £10 to £19.50, tel: 0844 847 2328

Classical for kids: Wallace and Gromit at Bridgewater Hall

Presented by the above kid's tv personality, Chris Jarvis, this Saturday, a BBC Philharmonic classical concert at the Bridgewater Hall is set to feature the Wallace & Gromit film theme tune. For those like me who aren't exactly au fait with the classical conundrum, this could provide the perfect opportunity to get kids chomping at the classical bit, and even pracitising their cellos or what have you. It looks like a nice afternoon out anyhow.

The extravaganza is aimed at 7-13 year olds but suitable for all ages and music inspired by Harry Potter is on the programme too.

Saturday 5 April at 3pm, ₤5 for children, ₤8 for adults and ₤20 for a group of four. Tel: 0161 907 9000.

Native creatures, ahoy!

Arthur (or me, anyhow) are fans of British wildlife, and this is a round up i wrote for The Guardian a while back.

Wild Boar at Chipping, near Preston

Wild boars, fluffy chicks and tractor rides for a pound a go, plus plenty of related edibles too. Wild Boar Park, 10.30am to 4pm daily, £4.50 adults, £3.50 child, £14 family. Chipping, Preston (Call 01995 61554)

Shire Horses at Cotebrook, Cheshire

A working stable packed with Shires, Clydesdales and rolling acoutrements. Horsing about guaranteed.Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, 10am to 5pm daily, £5.95 adult, £3.95 child (under 5s are free), £18.50 family, Cotebrook, near Tarporley, Cheshire (call 01829 760506 or visit http://www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk/)

Seals in Gweek, Cornwall

A rescue centre for the lost and poorly seals of the south, with sea lions and otters to add to the fun. The National Seal Sanctuary, from 10am daily, £10.95 adults, £7.95 child (3 to 14), Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall (call 0871 423 2110)

Shrew in Herne Bay, Kent

A forest park crammed with small and often endangered creatures like pool frogs, harvest mice and water shrew. Wildwood, 10am to 4pm daily, £9.50 adult, £7.50 child (3 and over) Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent (call 0871 7820081)

Kingussie Hooper swans in the Highlands

Home to over 100 of the Nordic charmers right now, as well as the odd Golden Eagle, Scottish Cross Bill and Black Grouse. Insh Marshes RSPB Reserve, open at all times, free, Kingussie, Highland (Call 01540 661518)

Easter days out: The Deep and Eureka!

Ideas for easter days out....

The Deep (in Hull, but don't let that phase you) launches Shark Summer season next Friday (March 21) which includes the daily screening of a '4D shark movie' which will star great whites, whalesharks and giant hammerheads. Excellent. Not one for the feary.

Halifax's Eureka museum meanwhile has something for all ages in the form of a Dinosaur Dig (March 21 to April 13) The museum's park will be transformed into a dinosaur dig fit and, if your young diggers dress up as explorers or dinosaurs, they get in for free with a paying adult.

The Nutcracker!

This weekend we are going to a show at the Lowry called Matthew Bournes Nutcracker!

There's something about the use of an exclaimation mark after any event title that puts me right off. I'm trying to think of examples to illustrate my point and failing, but regardless of my feelings, the show sounds right up my son's street. He likes (in order of passion)

1. sweets (the show culminates in sweetie land)

2. theatres (they are dark and he gets to lie around eating sweets while people parade around for his pleasure)

3. dancing (most days include at least an hour of his own personal dance-fusion which combines air guitar with gestures of a lady of the night. i have no idea where he gets it from).

I will report back, but the last few Saturday matinee tickets are on sale now.

My Kid Could Paint That?

My Kid Could Paint That is a new film / doco showing at Cornerhouse. I've read loads about it and i think, by exploring the story of alleged US child painting prodigy Marla Olmstead, it raises the issue of how much it's okay to do for our kids and how far it's okay to push them before you become a bully. Complex issues, all round really.

Its showing today - Sun at 2pm and 6.25pm. and Mon 8.40pm.