The Plaza is a 1932 super cinema and variety theatre on Mersey Square, restored to how it looked on opening day by the charity that runs it. For a child the building is half the show: the plush, the lights, and the Mighty Compton organ.
For families the calendar is mostly pantos. Jack and the Beanstalk runs 4 December to 3 January with BSL dates, and there is a one-day Easter panto, The Wizard of Oz, on 30 March at 3pm and 7pm. Around Christmas you also get breakfast and brunch with Santa (the early ones already sold out), The Snowman shown with a live brass band on 13 November, and the occasional U-rated classic film.
Most of the rest is tribute bands and comedy for adults, some of it adults only, so read the listing before you book.
Stockport's family panto at the Plaza on Mersey Square, with Todd Carty as Fleshcreep. BSL-interpreted shows on 5 and 10 December; book at the box office to dodge the booking fee.
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A labyrinth of tunnels carved under the town centre that sheltered thousands in the Blitz, explored with a self-guided audio tour. Atmospheric in the best way for 7-and-ups.
A proper deer park on the edge of the Peaks: 1,400 acres, a herd of red deer, the Crow Wood adventure playground, and the house from the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.
A proper small farm park tucked into the Tame valley on Stockport's edge: cows, goats, shire horses and alpacas, zip wires outside and a play area under cover for when it rains. Book online, the gate price is higher.
A big lake crowded with waterfowl, a flat path alongside it and a cafe where you left the car: the easiest small-child walk in the Stockport area. Entry is free, the car park is not.
A black and white Tudor manor house sitting in around 60 acres of parkland with woods, brooks and lakes. The park costs nothing, under 16s go into the hall free, and all-day parking is £4.
The UK's only museum of hats and hatting, back open after a four-year refurbishment. The galleries are free and you can try hats on; the Victorian factory floor is an £8.50 guided tour on selected dates. An hour well spent, not a full day.
One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.