Just Kidding is the soft play on Holmes Chapel Business Park, a few minutes off the M6 and a sensible stop on the way back from Jodrell Bank. The junior frame, for up to 12s, is multi-level with a four-lane slide, a double sky glide, tunnels, monkey bars and a separate sports area. Toddlers get their own frame with a big ball pool and ball shower, and babies have a soft area of shapes, rockers and puzzles.
In term time it opens 9.15am to 5.30pm with no session breaks, so you can stay as long as you like, though a two-hour limit can come in when it is busy. Weekends, school holidays, bank holidays and inset days switch to four booked sessions, starting 9am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 3.45pm. Term-time entry is £9.70 for anyone from 18 months to 12 with one adult free; peak is £12.20, or £15.70 with a meal.
What it costs: Off-peak (term-time weekdays): 0 to 3 months free, 4 to 17 months £5, 18 months to 12 years £9.70 play only, one free adult per booking, additional adults £2.50. Peak (weekends, school and bank holidays): 4 to 17 months £5.50, 18 months to 12 years £12.20 play only or £15.70 with a meal (a second, lower meal and play figure of £13.50 also appears on the page), adults £3. A JK Play Pass gives one adult and one child unlimited visits for 30 days for £40. Over 12s pay the adult rate.
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The Lovell Telescope is one of the largest steerable radio telescopes on Earth and it silences children on arrival. The First Light Pavilion and its Space Dome do the explaining; the arboretum and the playground do the running about. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
A small family-run zoo off the M6 at Twemlow, with meerkats, skunks, wallabies, owls and reptiles, keeper talks and handling sessions in the ticket. Kids £6, picnics allowed, but the nearest toilets are at the dairy cafe next door.
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