GOOD news for parents! You can avoid half-term hell because there is a wealth of places to see and things to do in the Manchester area at this time of the year - and many of them are free.

Several central attractions put on special events to interest all ages, to help ease those worries about entertaining youngsters during the school break.

Urbis in Cathedral Gardens, for example is running two half-term workshops from October 23 to 27. A Taste Of The Orient, taking place at noon, 1pm and 2pm, costs £3 and is a fun, interactive 3D hands-on workshop linked to Urbis's current, excellent exhibition, The China Show.

Youngsters of all ages can indulge in Eastern delights. Those aged from nine to 13 can try their hand at film-making and learn all about recording the news at Urban Movies - a chance to experience Channel M, Manchester's only TV news and entertainment channel, which is based in Urbis.

Youngsters can discover how a TV studio works and learn how to produce, edit, copy and script-write film shorts, concluding with a film screening. This costs £20 but lasts from 8.30am to 5.30pm and offers a unique chance to learn news-making skills.

To find out more and to book, ring 0161 605 8205.

Manchester Art Gallery, in Mosley Street in the city centre, is offering families the chance to take inspiration from textile designer to the stars, Georgina von Etzdorf. Her creations have been worn by Kylie, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger and figure at the free Material Matters workshop at the gallery.

A textile studio for children has been created here, overflowing with a sea of textured materials like net, velvet and cotton and a rainbow of brightly coloured dyes. Children can try laminating different materials together, explore dissolving fabrics, mix painted dyes, stitch and print directly on to fabric and create their own individual textile pieces.

This runs from October 21 to 29 and is part of national Arts And Kids Week 2006 - so it's a great opportunity to get children involved in arts and trying out their own ideas. Ring the gallery on 0161 235 8888 for more information.

Mum, dad and the kids can learn drawing and other creative arts, too, at workshops at the People's History Museum in The Pump House in Bridge Street, Manchester.

It is running a workshop entitled "There's no such thing as `I can't draw' " on Friday, October 27, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, offering free, foolproof drawing methods. And families can enjoy the Doves, Rainbows And Printing workshop on Wednesday, October 25, from 1.30pm to 3pm to try different printing techniques and learn about traditional banner symbols along the way.

Ring the museum on 0161 839 6061 for details about the workshops and other interesting events.

And if the children have never been to Imperial War Museum North, now is a good time to visit this free attraction.

On Sundays this month at 1.30pm there are interactive tours for children aged four to 11 to learn about the roles and experiences of animals during wartime. And on several days, they can have a go at designing and making badges, puppets and medals in the galleries.

There are also fascinating exhibitions and plenty to see at this impressive building at The Quays. Ring 0161 836 4000 for details.

The half-term hols also offer a timely chance to visit some of Manchester's other main attractions including The Lowry at Salford Quays, the Castlefield Gallery, the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Chinese Arts Centre in Thomas Street, which boasts a variety of unusual, multicultural attractions.



ENJOY the outdoors on Tameside with a programme of mainly free events designed to get everyone out and about.

Tomorrow (Saturday), there's a bracing autumn walk in the Tame Valley between Hyde and Denton. It not only lets all the family learn about the history of the area but also appreciate the local wildlife.

It takes place from 1pm to 4pm, and for details and where to meet, ring 0161 330 9613. On Sunday, from noon to 3pm at the Lymefield Visitor Centre, you can let your imagination run wild and become an artist for a day, using natural materials to inspire and create individual works of art. Ring 01457 765780 for more information.

And on Tuesday at Stalybridge, get crafty and be inspired by the natural surroundings in a session called Nature's Palette. It costs just £1 each for materials, and groups need to book. Ring 0161 330 9613 to find out more.

Flights Of Fancy is the name of an unusual session on Wednesday at Park Bridge Heritage Centre. Between 11am and 3pm you can build boxes and feeders and make and fly your own "feathered friend". Again, groups need to book. Ring 0161 330 9613.

And on Thursday, from noon to 3pm, there's Creative Recycling at the Lymefield Visitor Centre when you can create monsters, animals, buildings, puppets or whatever you like using everyday rubbish. There is no charge - and the rubbish is provided! Ring 01457 765780 for more details.



GREEN-fingered folk - and those who would like to be - are welcome at Oak Meadow Park in Cheadle Hulme tomorrow (Saturday).

From 10am to noon, there is a bulb planting event. Last year, more than 2,000 were planted by enthusiastic volunteers who were able to see a lovely floral display blooming there the following spring.

The event is suitable for adults and children. Everyone needs to wear suitable outdoor clothes but all the bulbs and planting equipment are provided on the day by the council. Just go along and enjoy the experience of creating a beautiful future.



A CHANCE to enjoy autumnal changes around Reddish Vale Country Park is on offer on Sunday.

Autumn Watch is the name of a walk of discovery around the vale. It's free and open to all.

Go along on the day or ring the country park on 0161 477 5637 for more information.



TATTON Park in Cheshire is the inspirational setting for a one-day event called The Big Draw on Sunday.

It's open to all and is part of the national movement to help get the whole country drawing and creating pictures.

And next week, the children are bound to enjoy a spooky time as ghost-hunters in the Old Hall. Youngsters are encouraged to dress up and give the ghosts a scare!

A special programme of events is being held from Tuesday to Sunday, at a cost of £3.50 for adults and £2 for children, under fours go free. Normal park entry charges apply. Ring 01625 534400 for more details of all Tatton events.



HALLOWEEN fun is on offer at Quarry Bank Mill in Styal when a Spider Trail is being held regularly from tomorrow until October 29.

Organisers promise fun and surprises on the trails, which take place between 11am and 4pm and cost 50p on top of the normal admission price.

Children can also make their own spider or mouse to go with their scary Halloween outfits. Ring 01625 527468 for further information.

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