Families are to get Walks on the wild side

THERE’S ANIMAL MAGIC AND MORE AT MANOR WALKS NEXT WEEK, SAYS BARBARA HODGSON

CREEPY crawlies – as well as popcorn and pancakes – will be among the attractions on offer to children this February half-term holiday.

Manor Walks in Cramlington is to host a week of free activities during the school break and one of them is a chance to encounter some of nature’s mini marvels.

On February 15, Steve’s Animal Ark will be visiting the shopping centre’s Centre Mall, outside Boots, bringing insects, grasshoppers, beetles and spiders as well as snakes and a lizard.

The Steve’s Amazing Minibeasts session will run from 10am until 4pm and there will be an opportunity for young ones who feel brave enough to handle the creatures.

Before that, the centre’s half-term programme activities will get under way on February 10 with a variety of games hosted in the Centre Mall by Vue Cinema between 10am and 2pm.

The fun will include colouring-in and guessing the number of popcorn kernels in a pot.

Then more games, along with arts and crafts, face-painting and even a mocktail masterclass will take place between February 13 and February 17.

With Pancake Day being on February 13, Autism Northumberland will be hosting a pancake-making event for children with autism.

This will take place between 2pm and 3pm at its room at Dudley Court, Manor Walks. It is a free event but places are limited so families will need to book in advance at autismnorthumberland@gmail.com

Then on February 14 it will be mocktail-making time.

Glass House Cramlington will host its family-friendly mocktail masterclass from noon until 2pm and this promises to be an opportunity for children to discover a new favourite soft drink.

On February 16, there will be another chance to get creative with a glitter tattoo session in Centre Mall from 10am until 2 pm as well as mini beasts inspired crafts.

Then the programme will be rounded off on February 17, at the same time and in the same location, with activities including face-painting and colouringin.

Bruno Coppola, general manager at Manor Walks, said that the venue and its partners have worked hard to surprise and treat families with free experiences.

“We hope families will come more often and stay longer, taking advantage of the ample free parking,” he said.

“There’s definitely something for everyone.”

Other attractions include the cinema, range of food outlets, soft play, swimming and Clip ‘n’ Climb at Concordia Leisure Centre.