GINGERBREAD. Nobody believes in magic anymore, or do they? Cooking can be magical with Mrs Mags who is a very good cook. Listen as she enchants you with her stories and shapes and bakes a gingerbread man. A story suitable for 5 to 7 year olds. Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton. Saturday February 23. Starts 11am. Ring 520661.

SHAKESPEARE FIRST. A show combining narrative, puppetry and music in to energetic and interactive retellings of A Midsummer Night's Dream which is suitable for 7 to 14 year olds and Henry V suitable for 9 to 16 year olds. Both plays are performed on Tuesday February 26 and Wednesday February 27 at 1.30pm and 7pm. Tickets £8. Preston Guild Hall and Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston. Ring 01772 258858.

ARTS ACTIVE SATURDAY CLUB for seven to 16-year-olds, Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh -- experiment with drawing, painting, sculpture, learn new skills and create your own work of art, led by local artists. Every first Saturday of the month 10.30am-1pm. Please book to ensure your place, under eights must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free. Details 01942 404469.

BOOM TING -- an introduction to music and rhythm for 0-5 years olds using song, percussion, instruments and games. £2.50 per session, babies under six months 50p. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every Friday from 10.15-11am at Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, High Street, Uppermill, near Oldham. Details for this event only 0161 330 965.

CORNERHOUSE KIDS EVENTS, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester. Action packed programme for 11-16 year olds every Saturday morning at 11.30am. Tickets £2.50. Details 0161 200 1500.

TATE LIVERPOOL, Albert Dock, Liverpool. Events for families every Sunday between 1.30-4.30pm. 'Art Quest' every Sunday (apart from the last Sunday of the month) for an encounter with Modern British Art. 'Great Art Adventure' (last Sunday of the month) games and studio activities for children age five and up with accompanying adults. No need to book, just drop in. Details 0151 702 7451.

CLIFTON COUNTRY PARK AND VISITOR CENTRE, Clifton House Road, Swinton. Imagine what it would be like to work in the mines and create drawings to be used as designs for a mural in the park's visitor centre, Saturday February 9 and 23. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please phone to book, admission is free. Details 0161 793 4219.

FIT KID ADVENTURE CLUB at Fit City, Pendlebury, fun-filled sessions for five to 11-year-olds Saturdays 9.30-10.30am and 10.30-11.30am. Details 07970 045972.