SALFORD MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford. The Mare's Tale. Visit the magic of childhood in a wonderful exhibition of verse. Artists have explored nursery rhymes using a variety of materials including sculputres, prints, paintings, textiles and animation bringing well known characters such as Jack and Jill and Old Mother Hubbard to life. Runs to Tuesday May 1. Ring 0161 736 2649.

CENTRAL LIBRARY, Nelson. Ring 01282 692511.

THACKRAY MEDICAL MUSEUM, Beckett Street, Leeds. Experience the drama of life and medicine through the ages with interactive galleries and exhibitions. Travel through a reconstruction of the slums of Victorian Leeds, learn how Blossom the cow was the source of the first vaccine against smallpox, how the dramatic story of surgery is told through pain, pus and blood and how babies where delivered in 1890. Open Tuesday to Sunday and holiday Mondays 10am-5pm. Last admission 3pm. Admission £4.40 for adults, children aged 5 to 16 £3.30, concessions. £3.60 and family tickets £14. Ring 0113 244 4343.

HACK GREEN SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER, off the A530 Whitchurch road, Nantwich. Discover the secret world of nuclear government by entering the massive blast doors into the 35,000 sq ft complex where you will be transported into the chilling world of the Cold War. The tour includes many audio visuals and children can explore the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. Open daily all year round from 11am. Ring 01270 629219.

MARTIN MERE WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS TRUST, Burscough. Ring 01704 895181.

DOCK ROAD EDWARDIAN PUMPING STATION, Weir St, off London Road, Northwich. Ring 01257 260157. Northwich Water Heritage Trail guided walks every Sun at 3pm from the Edwardian Pumping Station. Industrial heritage of the River Weaver and Northwich. Guided trail walk. Dock Road Edwardian Pumping Station visitor facility open from 2pm to 5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays. Wardens demonstrate gas-fired engines and pumps in attractive grade 2 listed building. On-site parking and disabled access. Adm adults 50p, children and conc 25p.

THE LOWRY, Salford Quays. Family activities for children aged 5 to 11 and adults led by professional artists. Every Saturday. Starts 11am to 1pm. Admission £2 for children £1.50 for Salford residents. Also, Family Corner on the Deck. A special area for families with books Building in a Box and drawing activities for children under 7 available during Gallery opening times. Admission free. Ring for details of Gallery opening times. Ring 0161 876 2000.

CORNERHOUSE, 70 Oxford Road, Manchester. Fantastic Future Fashions. What will people wear in the future? Will trainers be super-powered or T-shirts self-washing? A workshop for 11 to 16 year olds. Every Saturday morning. Starts 11.30am. Cost £2.50. Ring 0161 200 1500.

TATTONDALE HOME FARM, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire. For more details ring 01625 534431.

CLIFTON COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, Clifton house Road, Swinton. Ring 0161 793 4219.

PORTLAND BASIN, Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne. Ring 0161 343 2878 for details.

NORTON PRIORY MUSEUM AND GARDENS, Runcorn. Ring 01928 569895.

CATALYST, The Museum of the Chemical Industry, Widnes. Ring 0151 420 1121.

CADBURY WORLD, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham. Visitor information ring 0121 451 4180.

THE LOWRY, Salford Quays.

ROYTON ASSEMBLY HALL, Market Square, Royton, Oldham. Ring 0161 911 4072.

DUNHAM MASSEY HALL, Altrincham, Cheshire. Free quizes for children, guides tours of the house and family tours, music and croquet in the garden. Open daily except Thursday and Friday. Ring 0161 941 1025.

BLAKEMERE CRAFT CENTRE, Cheshire Road, Sandiway, Northwich. A village of crafts offering individual hand-crafted items, demonstrations and craft fayres, a large Quatic and Falconry Centre and a children's Playbarn called Playstacks. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5.30pm.

MOULDSWORTH MOTOR MUSEUM, Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth, Cheshire. A unique collection of over 60 vintage, classic, sports cars, motorcycles and early bicycles housed in an a 1930s Art-Deco building. Also a quiz for children with special prizes. Open Sundays noon-5pm and all bank holiday weekends. Ring 01928 731781.

CORNERHOUSE, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester. Getting Into...Script Writing. A Saturday workshop suitable for 11 to 16 year olds teaching writing dialogues and bringing characters to life. SAturday April 28. Starts 11.30am. Cost £2.50. Ring 0161 200 1500.