Sarah Monaghan | UK Family Blog for Days Out, Theatre, Crafts & Family Life

Welcome to Sarah Monaghan:
Family, Fun & Everyday Magic

A family lifestyle blog by Manchester mum and YouTuber Sarah Monaghan, sharing weekly updates, theatre reviews, family days out, attractions, crafts, baking and everyday magic.

Featured & Popular

Colorful cornflake nests with pastel candy eggs in paper cups, arranged on a tray. Bright and festive mood

RECPIES - 🐣 MARS BAR CORNFLAKE NEST CAKES – EASY NO-BAKE EASTER TREATS FOR KIDS

These Mars Bar cornflake nest cakes are a quick and easy no-bake Easter treat for kids. Made with chocolate, cornflakes and mini eggs, they’re perfect for family baking fun.

REVIEW - A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts – A Lovely Midweek Theatre Trip with the Kids 🐄✨

Our review of A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts. A fun, interactive children’s theatre show with creative puppetry, catchy songs and a relaxed, family-friendly theatre experience.

Cartoon alien, a startled man, and text "Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos." Colorful cosmic background with planets and a meteor.

Review: Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum Manchester – An Out-of-This-World Family Day Out

Our visit to Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Manchester at the Science and Industry Museum was a fun, interactive family day out filled with hands-on science, space adventures and plenty for kids to explore.

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Latest Weekly Updates

Collage of Easter treats, kids baking, a theater performance, and a pastel Easter display. Text: "Weekly Update 30th March - 5th April 2026."

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 30th March – 6th April | Easter Prep, Top Hat & Family Time

A busy family weekly update featuring Easter prep, baking, a trip to see Top Hat at The Lowry and a fun Easter party filled with games, food and family moments.

Stage set with red curtain and furniture; performers bowing; assorted candies in a bowl; Easter baskets with plush toys; text: "Weekly Update 23rd-29th March 2026".

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 23rd – 29th March | Dentist Drama, Easter Prep & A Cosy Weekend at Home

A family weekly update featuring a dentist visit, Easter prep, a theatre trip to The Lowry and a cosy weekend of family time and film days at home.

Collage: St. Patrick's themed food, a boy in a green hat and shirt smiling, and children preparing food. Text: Weekly Update 16th-22nd March 2026.

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 16th – 22nd March | St Patrick’s Day Party, Baking & A Little Self-Care

A family weekly update filled with St Patrick’s Day baking, party prep and a fun family celebration, followed by a relaxing rest day and a lovely late Mother’s Day lunch.

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Theatre

REVIEW - A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts – A Lovely Midweek Theatre Trip with the Kids 🐄✨

Our review of A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts. A fun, interactive children’s theatre show with creative puppetry, catchy songs and a relaxed, family-friendly theatre experience.

REVIEW - INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS AT THE LOWRY – A TWIST-FILLED THEATRE NIGHT WITH MY MUM

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts at The Lowry is a twist-filled theatre mystery with plenty to keep you guessing throughout this engaging evening out in Salford.

Dancing couple in elegant attire, against a blue starry background, smiles brightly. Text: Irving Berlin's Top Hat The Musical.

REVIEW - TOP HAT THE MUSICAL AT THE LOWRY – A THEATRE NIGHT THAT SURPRISED ME

We went to see Top Hat the Musical at The Lowry and it completely surprised me. From incredible tap dancing to iconic songs like Puttin’ on the Ritz, it’s such a fun and feel-good night at the theatre.

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Attractions & Experiences

Review: Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum Manchester – An Out-of-This-World Family Day Out

Cartoon girl with magnifying glass casts shadow of detective. Text: "Spies, Lies & Deception." Exhibition: 29 Nov 2025 - 31 Aug 2026.

Review: Spies, Lies and Deception at Imperial War Museum North — A Free Spy Adventure the Kids Absolutely Loved

We visited the free Spies, Lies and Deception exhibition at Imperial War Museum North during half term. Here’s what we thought of the interactive spy missions and family-friendly activities.

Review title graphic for Disney On Ice: Into the Magic showing Moana, Elsa with Olaf, and Miguel from Coco performing on a brightly lit, colourful ice stage with a purple “Review” banner at the top.

REVIEW - DISNEY ON ICE INTO THE MAGIC — A MAGICAL FAMILY DAY TRIP TO LIVERPOOL

We travelled from Manchester to Liverpool to see Disney On Ice Into The Magic — here’s our full family experience including travel tips, seats, merch and show highlights.

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🕵️‍♂️ Come with us to the Spies, Lies and Deception Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North…

This free, family-friendly exhibition in Greater Manchester explores the secret world of espionage through real artefacts, spy gadgets and interactive experiences.

From dressing up as a spy in the Mission Room to completing the Secret Mission trail, there’s plenty to keep younger visitors engaged — while the powerful real-life stories add depth for adults too.

Running until 31 August 2026, it’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for something educational and interactive to do with the family.

👉 Read our full review via the link in bio

Have you visited Imperial War Museum North before?

#ManchesterWithKids #FamilyDaysOut #ManchesterMuseums #FreeThingsToDoManchester #ManchesterDaysOut

We went to the new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and it was such a fun family day out 🚀

From touching a real piece of the Moon 🌕 to exploring all the interactive exhibits, there was so much for the kids to get stuck into. Alice loved dressing up as an astronaut and both of them really enjoyed all the hands-on activities throughout.

Even though our time slot (and most of the others that day) were sold out, it didn’t feel overcrowded at all. There was plenty of space to explore and we never felt rushed, which made such a difference.

It took us just over an hour to go round and it’s definitely one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something fun and interactive to do in Manchester 💫

✨ To find out more about this fun exhibition, you can read my full review via the link in my bio

✨ Save this for your next family day out

#ManchesterDaysOut #FamilyDaysOutUK #ThingsToDoWithKids #ManchesterMums #UKFamilyBloggers

✨ FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE ✨

This week was a mix of everything — catching up on editing, a lovely theatre night with my mum, lots of Easter prep, and finishing it all off with a really fun Easter party 🐰💛

One of my highlights had to be going to see Top Hat The Musical at The Lowry — such a feel-good show and a really special night out with my mum 💃

The rest of the week was full-on Easter mode… baking, decorating, making a piñata (which took way longer than I expected 😅), and getting everything ready for our party.

Easter Sunday was such a lovely day. The kids had their Easter surprises, we did an egg hunt, played games, and spent time with family — exactly what Easter should be all about 💛

If you’d like to read more about our week, you can find our latest Family Weekly Update over on my blog (link in bio) ✨

#FamilyWeeklyUpdate #UKFamilyBlog #EasterWithKids #MumLifeUK #familylifeuk

✨ TOP HAT THE MUSICAL – THE LOWRY ✨

On Tuesday, my mum and I headed to The Lowry to see Top Hat the Musical and it ended up being such a lovely evening 💛

I’ll be honest — old-school musicals aren’t usually my thing, but this one really surprised me. The tap dancing is incredible, the costumes are stunning and there were so many songs I recognised 🎶

My mum absolutely loved it too — especially the humour and the big dance numbers — and it was just such a nice night to spend together ✨

Full blog post now live – link in bio 🎭

PR-GIFTED TICKETS

#TheatreNight #TopHatMusical #TheLowry #ManchesterDaysOut #MusicalTheatreUK

A rainy walk, a nostalgic show and a really lovely night with my dad 💛

On Tuesday we went to The Lowry to see Eric & Ern — and it ended up being such a special evening.

It was absolutely chucking it down when we arrived (and way too windy for an umbrella 🌧️), but once we were inside with a drink in hand and settled into our seats, it felt like the perfect cosy night out.

I’ve only ever seen a few clips of Morecambe and Wise before, so I didn’t recognise a lot of the sketches, and it’s not quite my usual style of humour…

…but my dad absolutely loved it 🥰 He was laughing the whole way through, and seeing how much he enjoyed it honestly made the night for me.

We both agreed the second act was even better, and overall we had such a nice time together.

👉 You can read the full blog post via the link in my bio

PR-GIFTED TICKETS

#TheLowry #ManchesterDaysOut #FamilyTime #TheatreTrip

🍀 These Leprechaun Hat treats were a HUGE hit at our St Patrick’s Day party!

They’re so easy to make using biscuits, marshmallows and chocolate — and they turned out so cute 😍

Perfect for party food, school treats or a fun activity with the kids 💚

We’ll definitely be making these again next year!

👉 Save this so you don’t forget for next St Patrick’s Day 🍀

👉 Full recipe on my blog (link in bio)

Would you try these? ✨

#StPatricksDay #EasyRecipes #NoBakeTreats #KidsActivities #FamilyFun

🍀 Shamrock Hot Dogs – the easiest St Patrick’s Day party food!

We made these for our St Patrick’s Day party this week and they were such a hit 💚

Just hot dogs and puff pastry with a fun little shamrock twist – perfect for picky eaters and so simple to make.

Definitely one we’ll be making again next year!

👉 Save this so you’ve got it ready for next St Patrick’s Day

👉 Find the full recipe on my blog – link in bio 🍀

#StPatricksDay #EasyRecipes #PartyFood #FamilyFood #kidsfood

🍀 Shamrock Mini Pizzas – such a fun and easy St Patrick’s Day food idea!

We made these for our St Patrick’s Day party and they were such a hit 💚

Made using tortilla wraps and simple toppings, they’re really easy to put together and perfect for picky eaters.

Save this for next year ✨

Full recipe is over on the blog – link in bio ✨

#FamilyFun #KidsFoodIdeas #EasyRecipes #StPatricksDay #pickyeaters

🍀 DIY Leprechaun Hat Craft

This is a really fun St Patrick’s Day craft to make with kids — and the best part is the hat is actually wearable once it’s finished.

Using coloured card, scissors and glue, you can make your own leprechaun hat for St Patrick’s Day that’s perfect for parties, school celebrations or dress-up.

I’ve shared the full step-by-step tutorial on my blog if you’d like to make one too.

🍀 Link in bio

#stpatricksdaycraft #kidsartandcraft #familycrafts #stpatricksdayideas #KidsActivities

🍀 DIY Shamrock Paper Chain

This is a really simple St Patrick’s Day craft that’s perfect to make with kids.

All you need is some green card, scissors and glue or a stapler, and you can turn a few strips of card into a shamrock paper chain decoration.

It’s a fun way to decorate the house for St Patrick’s Day, and using different shades of green makes the finished chain look really festive.

I’ve shared the full step-by-step tutorial on my blog if you’d like to make one too.

🍀 Link in bio

#stpatricksdaycraft #kidsartandcraft #familycrafts #stpatricksdayideas #KidsActivities

🍀 Pretzel Shamrocks – the easiest St Patrick’s Day treat!

We made these fun little pretzel shamrocks using mini pretzels, pretzel sticks and green white chocolate and they turned out so cute!

They’re super simple to make and perfect if you want a quick St Patrick’s Day snack for a party, movie night or school treat.

They’re also a great one for children to help with as most of the fun is dipping the pretzels in chocolate and arranging them into shamrock shapes.

🍀 Full recipe on my blog – link in bio!

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayTreats #FamilyBaking #KidsCooking #EasyRecipes

🌿 A lovely morning at Z-arts to see Brave Bettie 🌿

We went into Manchester to see Brave Bettie, a woodland adventure for children aged 3–8.

Before the show even started the children were invited into the story — learning some Shona words and a rain dance they later got to perform during the show.

Alice and Leo even got picked to shout out their favourite animals which they were very excited about 🐧🦒

It’s a really thoughtful show about courage, friendship and protecting nature, with some lovely interactive moments for younger audiences.

PR - Gifted Tickets

#ManchesterWithKids #FamilyDaysOut #ZArtsManchester #DaysOutWithKids
#FamilyLife

🌳 Our trip to see Brave Bettie at Z-arts 🌳

We had such a lovely morning heading into Manchester to see Brave Bettie, a woodland adventure for children aged 3–8.

The story follows Bettie, who loves the woodland behind her home. When she discovers it’s going to be cut down, she wishes for the courage to save it — and suddenly a legendary protector from the stories she reads appears to help her on an adventure through the forest.

Alice loved the moment where Bettie helps a hedgehog collect leaves, and Leo’s favourite part was when everyone joined in with the rain dance.

Swipe to see some photos from our trip to Z-arts 🌿

#ManchesterWithKids #FamilyDaysOut
#ZArtsManchester #DaysOutWithKids #childrenstheatre

🌿 Brave Bettie Review🌿

We recently went to see Brave Bettie at Z-arts and I’ve written a full review over on the blog.

It’s a magical woodland adventure for younger children with a really lovely message about courage, friendship and protecting nature.

You can read the full review via the link in my bio 🌿

#ManchesterWithKids #FamilyDaysOut #FamilyBlog #ZArtsManchester #DaysOutWithKids

We had such a lovely time exploring the Triceratops exhibition 🦖✨

Swipe to see some of the highlights from our visit

From the moment we walked in and saw the HUGE Triceratops skeleton, Alice and Leo were completely amazed. There were so many hands-on activities to explore too — interactive displays, creative play areas, and sensory elements that made it really engaging for kids.

It’s such a fun, family-friendly exhibition and perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

✨ It’s completely FREE to visit — you just need to book a time slot in advance.

📍 Manchester Museum — running until 22nd February

🔗 You can read our full review at the link in bio.

#ManchesterMuseum #DinosaurExhibition #FreeDaysOut #ManchesterWithKids #FamilyDaysOut

🦖 A FREE family day out in Manchester that the kids absolutely loved!

We went to see Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat at Manchester Museum and it’s such a brilliant exhibition — from the huge Triceratops skull to the hands-on Dino Dig (with high-vis vests and goggles!).

It’s interactive, engaging and really easy to explore at your own pace.

📍 Manchester Museum
🎟️ Free (booking required)
📅 Until 22nd February

🦖 Read our full review at the link in bio.

Would your child love the Dino Dig? 💚

#ManchesterMuseum #FamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoInManchester #DinosaurExhibition #Triceratops ManchesterWithKids

✨ Catching up on blog content! ✨

My Weekly Update: 26th January – 1st February is now up on the blog 💛

This week was such a lovely mix of theatre, creativity and family life — from a rare grown-up date night at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals 🎭 to lots of behind-the-scenes blog work and crafty experiments.

Lawrence and I had the best night at the AO Arena (just the two of us!), I finally tried shrink plastic charms for my theatre characters, had a very exciting Hobbycraft delivery, and we ended the week helping Leo create his Arctic habitat for school ❄️

Seeing him so proud of his project honestly made the whole week.

Sometimes it’s the mix of big theatre moments and little creative wins that makes everything feel special ✨

💻 Link to post in bio.

#WeeklyUpdate #ManchesterTheatre #FamilyLifeUK #CreativeMum #mumlifeuk

Come with us to see The Smeds and The Smoos at The Lowry! 🚀✨

This charming stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story follows Janet the Smed and Bill the Smoo — two star-crossed alien friends whose families don’t get along. When the young couple runs away, their families travel across colourful planets in search of them, meeting quirky creatures and having all sorts of cosmic adventures along the way! 🌈

Alice and I loved exploring the vibrant planets, meeting cheeky alien puppets, clapping along to catchy songs, and even getting a little wet when Grandfather Smed and Grandmother Smoo watered the Lurgles’ roses! 💦 From swimming with the Smeds in the Loobular Lake to shouting and pointing where Janet and Bill were hiding in the Wurplar Wood, the children got to join in all the fun.

⭐ On at The Lowry until 1st November

⭐️ We gave it a sparkling 5 stars! 🌟

⭐️ Read the full review at the link in our bio!

#TheSmedsAndTheSmoos #TheLowry #FamilyTheatre #JuliaDonaldson #TallStories #AxelScheffler #FamilyFun #AllAboutTheatreUK

Come With Us To Bees: A Story of Survival at World Museum Liverpool

🐝✨ Step inside the hive and see the world through a bee’s eyes at Bees: A Story of Survival at World Museum Liverpool!

This stunning exhibition blends art, science & technology across 8 immersive rooms. From glowing hive walls and buzzing soundscapes to giant tactile models and interactive pollen rooms – it’s a magical mix of learning and fun.

Alice & Leo’s favourite? Symphony, where their movements turned into light and sound. Truly unforgettable! 🌟

📍 At a Glance
📍 Location: World Museum, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN
📅 Dates: 4 May 2024 – 28 September 2025
👧 Recommended Age: 10+ (younger children may enjoy sensory elements)
⏱ Visit Time: 60–90 minutes
🎟 Tickets: Adults £12 | Concessions £11 | Ages 12–17 £5 | Under 12s FREE

You can read our full review at the link in our bio

🐝 Don’t forget to like, save & share this reel – and follow @sara_monaghan_family_fun for more fun family days out!

#BeesAStoryOfSurvival #WorldMuseumLiverpool #FamilyDayOut #ThingsToDoInLiverpool #LiverpoolWithKids #ImmersiveExhibition #FamilyFriendly #UKFamilyDaysOut #NatureAndArt #MuseumAdventure

🐱✨ Come With Us To See The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years at Manchester Museum

This summer, Manchester Museum has a very unusual resident — a GIANT robotic cat that purrs, twitches, and dreams! ✨

The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years is a magical, family-friendly exhibition blending art, storytelling, and play. My kids loved cuddling the snoozing 10-metre-long feline, leaving letters, and enjoying the calm, glowing gallery space. 💤💜

It’s the purr-fect free day out in Manchester — but only until 14th September, so don’t miss it!

At a Glance
📍 Location: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester
📅 Dates: 19 July – 14 September 2025
🎟 Entry: Free (book in advance)
⏱ Average visit time: 30 mins – 1 hour
👧 Suitable for all ages
♿ Accessibility: Step-free, sensory-friendly, ear defenders available

#ManchesterMuseum #TheCatThatSleptForAThousandYears #FamilyDayOut #ThingsToDoInManchester #FreeInManchester #ManchesterWithKids #MuseumMagic #FamilyFriendlyExhibition #UKDaysOut #ExploreManchester #ArtAndPlay #MuseumWithKids

Come With Us To See Cbeebies House Party Live at The Lowry 28/08/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎉✨ Just had the MOST magical family day at CBeebies House Party Live! at The Lowry! Alice (7) and Leo (6) were over the moon 🎈💛 From streamers, bubbles & giant jelly balls 🍬 to singalongs with Duggee, Mister Maker & Justin Fletcher 🎶, it was 60 minutes of pure fun, laughter & dancing!

The bright, bold set 🌈, playful lighting 💡, and cheerful costumes made it feel like stepping into a TV show come to life. Evie & Rhys (plus BSL interpreter Emma) made sure every family could join in – the perfect inclusive party! 🥳

Our verdict: a glittering, high-energy, interactive celebration for all ages. If you’re ready to sing, dance & boogie with your little ones – this is THE show! ✨💃🕺

Read my full review at the link in my bio! 🔗

PR - Gifted Tickets

#CBeebiesHousePartyLive #TheLowry #FamilyFun #KidsTheatre #JustinFletcher #Duggee #TheatreForKids #FamilyDayOut #SingDancePlay #CBeebies #housepartylive

Come With Us To The Dino Takeover At Liverpool World Museum

Looking for a fun family day out in Liverpool? 🦕🦖 Join us as we head to the Dino Takeover at Liverpool World Museum!
Dive into a roarsome adventure filled with life-size dinosaurs, fossil digs, baby dinos, storytelling, and more.
From meeting a towering Diplodocus and a cheeky baby T-Rex, to hands-on activities like Dino Dig, fossil making, and colouring dinos that come to life on the big screen – Alice and Leo had the best day ever!

If you’re planning a family day out in Liverpool with kids, this free summer event is perfect. Great for dino fans & little explorers.

📍 Location: Liverpool World Museum
🎉 Event: Dino Takeover – Every Wednesday & Thursday during summer holidays

🔗 Full Written Review at the link in my bio

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬 and follow 🔔 for more family day out ideas.

#familydaysout #daysoutwithkids #dinosaurs #museum #liverpooldaysout #northwestdaysout

COME With Me To The Titanic Exhibition In Manchester

Take a glimpse inside the Titanic Exhibition at Manchester Central – an immersive journey through the world’s most famous ship. From artefacts and personal stories to stunning recreations, this exhibition brings the story of the Titanic to life for the whole family.

📍 Running until 24th August 2025 at Manchester Central.

🎥 Watch my full family vlog and review here: https://youtu.be/u2_7nbz3eiA?si=kCazgEara0YlrzUk

📝 Read my written review on the blog: link in bio

More family days out and theatre adventures on my blog: https://www.allabouttheatreuk.com

#TitanicExhibition #Manchester #FamilyDayOut #Titanic #MuseumExhibition

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Welcome to Sarah Monaghan: Family, Fun & Everyday Magic

Featured & Popular

RECPIES - 🐣 MARS BAR CORNFLAKE NEST CAKES – EASY NO-BAKE EASTER TREATS FOR KIDS

REVIEW - A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts – A Lovely Midweek Theatre Trip with the Kids 🐄✨

Review: Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum Manchester – An Out-of-This-World Family Day Out

Latest Weekly Updates

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 30th March – 6th April | Easter Prep, Top Hat & Family Time

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 23rd – 29th March | Dentist Drama, Easter Prep & A Cosy Weekend at Home

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 16th – 22nd March | St Patrick’s Day Party, Baking & A Little Self-Care

Theatre

REVIEW - A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts – A Lovely Midweek Theatre Trip with the Kids 🐄✨

REVIEW - INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS AT THE LOWRY – A TWIST-FILLED THEATRE NIGHT WITH MY MUM

REVIEW - TOP HAT THE MUSICAL AT THE LOWRY – A THEATRE NIGHT THAT SURPRISED ME

Attractions & Experiences

Review: Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum Manchester – An Out-of-This-World Family Day Out

Review: Spies, Lies and Deception at Imperial War Museum North — A Free Spy Adventure the Kids Absolutely Loved

REVIEW - DISNEY ON ICE INTO THE MAGIC — A MAGICAL FAMILY DAY TRIP TO LIVERPOOL

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Welcome to Sarah Monaghan:
Family, Fun & Everyday Magic