As the school summer holidays creep ever closer parents may be scratching their heads at how to keep their little angels entertained for weeks on end without breaking the bank.
Once the park’s been visited, the dog’s been walked and the shops have been walked around for the umpteenth time stressed parents may be at a loss of where to go next.
But fear not because Imperial War Museum (IWM) North has just the ticket, and the cover price? Nada.
Ever wanted to see dry-land synchronised swimming or learn how to commando crawl without the mud?
This summer IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums in Manchester is helping families get Fit For Action through a packed festival of free activities and fun events.
Throughout the summer break, from July 20 July to September 4, visitors are invited to get in shape and learn new skills through a variety of free and unusual activities.
Are you tough enough to dodge and dive your way through Commando Joe’s inflatable assault course? What about learning survival techniques like shelter building?
Every Sunday throughout August, these fun, family-friendly sessions will be run by Commando Joe’s energetic ex-military team – made famous through their appearance on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Young sports fans can see if they’d be frontline fit by putting their hand eye coordination to the test throughout summer during the Circus Skills Workshop or a range of sporty sessions, including fencing and table tennis.
The fun, free sessions will be hosted by Trafford Leisure Community Trust, in celebration of its 10th birthday.
Regular What A Performance live theatrical acts will bring stories of war and sport to life, with vsitors of all ages able to find out about the women footballers of a Lancashire munitions factory and how sport was used to rehabilitate servicemen injured in the Second World War.
Families are invited to get creative in daily craft sessions in our Learning Studio with different activities each week throughout summer exploring links between sport and wartime.
Visitors of all ages can embrace their inner Martha Stewart and design their own Fit for Action t-shirt, sport star magnet or work of art.
Dancing has always been a great way for soldiers and civilians to have fun and keep active, and visitors can get in the mood as they dance along to 1940s classics and learn the jitterbug stroll with retro dance duo G.I Jive.
And if dancing on your own two feet isn’t enough of a challenge, how about embracing wheelchair dancing with Britain’s Got Talent 2012 semi-finalists Strictly Wheels?
If that doesn’t whet your appetite there are a whole range of exhibits and other activities at the museum that are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.
Before you know it September will have rolled around and it’ll be back to school!
Entry is free to IWM North, but donations are welcome.
For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk
Picture courtesy of State Library of Victoria Collections via Flickr, with thanks
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