Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this Easter holiday? From outdoor adventures and egg hunts to immersive experiences and family-friendly shows, there’s plenty happening across Manchester to fill your days with fun. Whether you’ve got little explorers or older kids to impress, these exciting activities are perfect for making the most of the school break.
Meet Miffy at Tatton Park
Follow Miffy into the beautiful gardens of Tatton Park, where little explorers can search for springtime surprises on a scavenger hunt, play games and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Along the way, meet Miffy’s farmyard friends and lend a hand as she gets ready for a special Easter picnic. Then, head inside the Mansion to discover the Easter treasures Miffy has gathered!
National Trust members enjoy free garden and mansion entry. Standard farm and parkland entry fees apply.
Gaze in awe at this bedazzling, kid-friendly ballet performance
Step into a dazzling fairy tale at Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty, where glowing costumes and graceful dance bring the story to life in a burst of colour and sparkle. Young audiences will be captivated as twirling dancers light up the stage, creating a magical, storybook adventure that makes ballet feel truly enchanting.
Follow the Easter egg trail at Heaton Park
Hop into Easter fun at Heaton Park with a family-friendly egg hunt full of surprises. Little ones can follow the trail, solve clues and search for hidden treats as they explore the park, making it a perfect springtime adventure for curious young explorers. All ticket holders will receive a chocolate egg at the end of the trail, with the option of a Cadbury or dairy free egg..
Dive into a burst of colour and joy with this immersive bubble experience
This immersive bubble experience landed in the city earlier this year, and is open throughout the holidays. Held at Depot Mayfield, the Bubble Planet Experience features 10 rooms, with each space offering a new sensory experience. From enormous bubbles and balloons to an oversized ball pit, it’s an endless delight for the senses!
Take a trip to the sun without leaving Manchester
Step into a glowing world of wonder at Helios in Victoria Baths, where kids can explore a giant, sun-inspired installation filled with light, colour and sound. It’s a fun and immersive experience that brings the magic of space to life in a truly unique setting, perfect for curious young explorers.
Let their imagination run wild at the Science and Industry Museum’s free holiday activities
Blast off into a world of discovery at the Science and Industry Museum with Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, where a fun-filled programme of free activities brings space to life. Take on mission control challenges, explore life aboard the International Space Station, and enjoy a live space show with out-of-this-world snacks, alongside interactive galleries packed with hands-on science. For even more adventure, add a ticket to experience the Cosmic Chaos exhibition or dive into retro gaming at Power Up.
Sponsor a duck at this iconic race and raise money for a good cause
Welcome in the Bank Holiday at the MedEquip4Kids Salford Quays Easter Duck Race, a lively community event packed with family-friendly fun. Head to Salford Watersports Centre for an afternoon of fairground rides, tasty treats, live entertainment and the much-loved duck races, where you can sponsor your own duck and cheer it along the water for the chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss the thrilling race launch led by Salford firefighters, plus the chance to meet the crew and explore their fire engine, all while supporting a great cause helping children in need.
While the event is free, donations to MedEquip4Kids are encouraged.
Enter the mischievous world of Peter Rabbit™ at Bury Transport Museum
The mischievous Peter Rabbit™ is paying a visit to Bury Transport Museum this Easter! You can see him at intervals on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April, and there will be plenty of family fun to make the day extra special, too. With craft activities, three theme park rides suitable for toddlers, and face painters, your little one can get fully immersed in the world of the bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit™. The ticket also includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit, so you can complete your day out with a ride aboard one of the heritage steam or diesel trains through Irwell Valley.
Share the dance-floor with the next generation of ravers at this free family rave
Get ready to dance at Boom Chikaboom Family Rave, a free, high-energy Easter party where kids and grown-ups can hit the dancefloor together. With DJs spinning feel-good tunes, bubbles, confetti and plenty of silliness, it’s a fun-filled experience that turns a day out into a full-on family celebration. Reserve your free tickets here.
Have breakfast with The Ivy Bunny
Designed to delight little ones and grown-ups alike, Breakfast With The Ivy Bunny features a curated breakfast menu with Easter surprises throughout the morning. Young guests will receive themed treats including a bunny headband, colouring sheets and pencils, plus a soft bunny toy to take home – ensuring the magic continues long after breakfast. Families will also be able to capture a special photo with The Ivy Bunny during the event.
Spot animals and Easter eggs on the Printwork’s futuristic ceiling
From April 1, Printworks Manchester will host an interactive Easter egg trail across Europe’s largest digital ceiling, alongside an Easter quiz on its interactive gaming screen. Visitors are invited to follow the trail and spot the animals hopping across the display, before putting their knowledge to the test with a fun Easter-themed quiz.
Hunt for Sylvanian Families at Selfridges in the Trafford Centre
This Easter activity invites little explorers to search for hidden Sylvanian Families characters dotted around the Toyshop at Selfridges on the upper level, bringing a playful and interactive adventure to your shopping trip. This event is free but tickets must be booked in advance.
Rescue the Easter Bunny at this detective trail
Make the most of the holidays with an Easter adventure at RHS Garden Bridgewater, where kids can follow a seasonal trail, take part in hands-on activities and explore beautiful gardens bursting into spring. They have a trail “Who Framed the Easter Bunny” so your little detective can explore the gardens, find clues along the way, and rescue the Easter Bunny! A chocolate reward is included in the ticket price after the mystery is solved.
Or, let the older kids test their judgement at this immersive courtroom drama
Step into the courtroom at The Jury Experience, an immersive live courtroom show where you’ll examine evidence, weigh up arguments and decide the final verdict. Perfect for older kids over the age of 12 and adults alike, it’s a thought-provoking experience that puts your analytical skills to the test — ideal for sharpening critical thinking ahead of GCSEs and beyond.