Bring the children to one of our free activities especially designed for you to enjoy as a family together.
Keep up to date with family events and activities at the gallery by joining our family email list.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 30 July -
28 August, 1 - 3pm
Let the children do the unthinkable this summer.
Come and draw on the walls in our pop-up room!
Make 3D badges together inspired by Lauren's books too.
Wednesdays 30 July, 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 1 - 3pm
Let the kids bounce, shimmy and jump around in our dance workshops.
Thursdays 31 July, 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, 1 - 3pm
Your whole family will want to make some noise and sing along in our
musical adventures.
Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August, 1 - 3pm
Help your children colour, stick and draw in their very first hand-made
book.
Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August, 1 - 3pm
In association with the Family Friendly Film
Festival
Watch your favourite episodes from the Charlie and Lola TV series
together.
Bring a cushion or blanket if you'd like comfy seats at the
front!
Please note:
There's no need to book, but events can get busy so it's a good idea to arrive early.
There's no skill or expertise required for you or your kids to enjoy them.
Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
If you're with a group - such as a holiday playscheme - please book ahead
by telephoning: 0161 235 8869.
Lauren Child stories brought to life by North west celebrities
David Threlfall reads - Beware of the Storybook Wolves
Manchester born actor and director David Threlfall made a special visit to the exhibition to host a storytelling session. David, who is best known for playing Frank Gallagher in Channel 4's Shameless, brought one of Lauren's best loved characters to life — Beware of the Storybook Wolves. The book, which tells the story of Herb, a little boy who falls into a storybook, won Lauren Child the Kate Greenaway award in 2001.
David Threlfall commented: "I've been practising my best wolf voice for days, so I only hope that I can do Lauren's wonderful story justice. Illustrated story books provide such an important introduction to the worlds of art and literature for children… I hope that the reading will inspire many more families to read storybooks together at home, and visit art galleries together in their free time — two perfect things to do over the summer holidays!"
You can listen to David reading Beware of the Storybook Wolves below.
Dave Spikey reads - That Pesky Rat
Chorley based comedian Dave Spikey read to a group of local children on Wednesday 20 August. The Phoenix Nights star read Lauren Child's That Pesky Rat, which won the Nestle Smarties Book Prize in 2002. The story follows a street rat who wants more than anything to have a home and somebody who cares for him.
Dave Spikey said of the initiative, "I think it's great that Manchester Art Gallery are encouraging under 7s to explore art and reading together in the Lauren Child exhibition, creativity should be kept alive in children for as long as possible. Having the sessions available online is brilliant because it means a lot more children can enjoy the storytelling sessions, I hope mine will be as good as David Threlfall's!"
