Summer of free fun for children at West Cheshire Museums

This summer, children across Cheshire can enjoy free, creative drop-ins, films and storytelling thanks to West Cheshire Museums.

Its inspirational drop-in workshops will enable children, to amongst other things, create their own clay pot or tile; design cardboard dinosaurs and use inspiration from the museums to produce their own games and ‘Dark Age’ jewellery.  At the Grosvenor Museum, its summer of ‘dreams, giants, gadget and stories’ will include storytelling in a ‘glittering cavern’, making dream catchers and a giant’s mask. There will also be a free film programme each week during August. Suitable for children up to 11 years old, all the activities are free but donations are gratefully received. There is no requirement to pay to enter any of the museums to enjoy the free activities. For further information go to www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk or Eventbrite. 

Chester’s Grosvenor Museum 

Each week during August, the Grosvenor Museum will feature three-days of creative family ‘drop in’ workshops, taking place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. This summer’s activities are all about dreams, giants, gadgets and storytelling. Every Tuesday from 9-30 August there will also be a free film at 11am that explores these themes, starting with ‘The BFG’ on 9 August (PG-rated); 16 August - 'Frozen II'; 23 August - 'Bridge to Terabithia' (PG-rated); 30 August - 'Rise of the Guardians' (PG-rated). 

Stretton Watermill 

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s beautiful Stretton Watermill, near Malpas, will also be joining the fun by holding a ‘Gadgetering’ afternoon at the mill between 12-5pm on 6 August. There is free parking and ample space for picnics.   

Lion Salt Works Museum 

The multi-award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum, based near Northwich, will be hosting action-packed fun for children across the region this Summer. Each week during the Summer Holidays will feature two-days of creative ‘drop in’ workshops, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday between 10.30am - 3.30pm. This summer, young visitors can design their own cardboard dinosaurs, create their own stained glass-effect window decorations and make Summer Garden Clay Tiles. Visitors can also enjoy the Museum’s imaginatively themed play area, free parking and Butterfly Garden. The Museum’s café and shop are open to everyone and there is plenty of space for picnics.  

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse 

Each week during August on Wednesday and Thursday, Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse will host ‘drop in’ workshops between 10.30am - 3.30pm. This summer, young visitors can dig deep into the museum’s collection and draw inspiration to make models, clay pots and workhouse games as well as create ‘Dark Age’ jewellery and a masterpiece-inspired artwork.  

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It is going to be a fun, action-packed Summer full of imaginative and exciting activities. I am delighted that the museums’ collections and exhibitions have inspired so many varied and fun activities.” 

Pictured - Cardboard dinosaur at Lion Salt Works Museum.