The new and free events for families to enjoy in Cheshire this summer

Here are some of the highlights from Visit Cheshire’s campaign #OurFamilyWelcomesYourFamily:

WHAT'S NEW?

Chester Zoo

Explore The World in a Day at Chester Zoo – July 18 to September 11, is offering the chance to collect stamps from different destinations on a whirlwind journey from the forests of Madagascar to the national parks of India.

The zoo will hold after-hours sessions, Into The Night, with live entertainment and themed food on selected dates in July and August.

Go to chesterzoo.org.

Chester Zoo

Jodrell Bank

It's blast off at the new First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank, which has now opened its doors to visitors.

Inside the futuristic dome is a cutting-edge exhibition about the observatory's ground-breaking contribution to exploring the universe using radio waves. 

Go to jodrellbank.net.

Storyhouse Outdoors 

Storyhouse is going al fresco this summer with Storyhouse Outdoors, a packed programme of children's shows, comedy, music and storytelling at the Grosvenor Park Open Air village until August 28.

Go to storyhouse.com. 

BeWILDerwood

The Boggles and Twiggles are planning a Bouncing Boggle Bonanza for youngsters at BeWILDerwood Cheshire until September 25.

The woodland creatures will be telling a brand new tale at the Storytelling Stage and helping little fingers stick together crowns.

Plus, there's a new Puzzling Park Trail with clues to find in the woods.

Visit cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk.

BeWILDerwood

Dunham Massey

They’ll be sprinkling the magic dust on a new self-guided family trail at Dunham Massey’s Fairy-tale Summer, from July 23 to September 7.

Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood will be among the familiar characters inspiring activities.

Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey.

Bolesworth Castle
Flower power is blooming this season at Bolesworth Castle, which will open its first Summer Sunflower Maze, from August 20 to September 4.

Movie nights on August 19 and 21 include a screening of Disney’s animated adventure, Encanto.

Visit bolesworth.com/events.

Gulliver's World

See CBeebies favourites Bing and Flop at Gulliver's World in Warrington this summer.

The bunny and his carer from BBC's hit animation Bing will be out and about meeting families each day from July 16.

Currently, a T-Rex and other dinosaurs are roaming the theme park until 26 June.

Go to gulliversworldresort.co.uk.

WHAT'S FREE?

West Cheshire Museums

West Cheshire Museums will host a brand new event Festival of the Future – The Big Sustainability Festival throughout July, aiming to entertain families while encouraging sustainable everyday habits.

The itinerary includes circus performances, clothes swap events and ‘eco ceilidhs’ across Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, Stretton Watermill, Lion Salt Works Museum and Weaver Hall Museum.

Go to westcheshiremuseums.co.uk .

Lion Salt Works, Google Maps image

Chester's Grosvenor Museum

Would-be illustrators should pack their pencil cases and head to Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, the next stop for BFG in Pictures, July 23 to October 2, an exhibition of the work of Quentin Blake, one of the country’s best-loved illustrators.

There will be free activities about dreams, giants and the power of the imagination.

Go to grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk.

Knutsford

Knutsford will be throwing a tasty celebration of local culinary culture at its first Food & Drink Festival on August 13.

There’ll be a food market, tastings, live music and more for all the family to sample at venues across the town.

Go to knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/knutsford-food-drink-festival .

Knutsford town centre

Bents Garden Centre

Scaling walls and keeping balance on wonky walks are among the challenges in store for youngsters at the free new Adventure Play Area at Bents Garden & Home.

Children’s storytime sessions are also held here every Thursday morning.
Visit events.bents.co.uk.

For more events and ideas about places to stay, go to visitcheshire.com.