Whether it’s the holidays or the weekend, the big question is how to keep the kids entertained? If you’re stuck for ideas or in need of fresh inspiration for things to do with the kids in Manchester, we’ve made things a little easier. We’ve rounded up some of the best things happening in Manchester this February half term which are suitable for kids and families, including some indoor activities in case the weather doesn’t deliver. So, without further ado here are the most thrilling things to do in Manchester with kids, which are bound to make the holidays pretty memorable and enjoyable for all.
The best things to do with kids in Manchester
1. Bounce and fly around at playzone Oxygen Activeplay at Salford Quays
Oxygen Activeplay at Quayside in Salford is a playzone promising to bring a whole new world of exploration, excitement, and fun. Little ones can bounce their way across 24 epic trampolines, dive into awesome inflatables, and challenge their friends in the super cool interactive strike arena. Older children can take to the sky and test their skills on the high ropes course, climbing and navigating obstacles as they conquer the heights of the Activeplay park. Plus, the indoor aerial Sky Rider is not to be missed, where you can forget about gravity and fly high above the Activeplay park giving you the ultimate birds eye view of the fun below.
2. Head to East Lancashire Railway for a Peter Rabbit Easter festival
One event not to be missed during the East holidays is the one and only Peter Rabbit coming to Bury Transport Museum, along the East Lancashire Railway (ELR). On Friday 18th (Good Friday) and Saturday 19th April, Peter Rabbit will be around to visit with all members of the family at intervals at Bury Transport Museum, plus there’ll be even more family fun with funfair rides (suitable for toddlers), face painters and craft activities – you can’t get better than that!
3. Step in time as Mary Poppins flies back into Manchester
The classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins has embarked on a UK and Ireland tour. 20 years after the world premiere in Bristol and subsequent, record breaking productions around the world, Mary Poppins flies back into the Palace Theatre in Manchester from April 9 to May 17. Get ready for iconic songs including Step In Time, Chim Chim Cher-ee and, of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (try writing that out), that stand the test of time, getting the whole family tapping their feet and humming the tunes.
4. Celebrate 90 years of Penguin Books at People’s History Museum
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is celebrating 90 years of Penguin Books during the Easter holidays (April 5-27). Families are invited to make mini books inspired by a revolution in publishing and the changemakers whose stories are told on the museum’s galleries. Taking place in PHM’s Playful Protest Space, children will be given a series of fun challenges to help them create their mini masterpieces to add to their bookshelves at home. Also free to take part in is Banner Bingo; an exciting way to experience the 2025 Banner Exhibition, with symbols like stars, shields and scales to spot on the colourful banners that are dotted around the two main galleries.
5. See adorable donkeys up close at The Donkey Sanctuary
In search of free things to do with the kids in Manchester? Look no further than The Donkey Sanctuary in Abbey Hey. Both a great cause and a chance to see cute donkeys up close, it’s great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and interact with animals. Visitors will have the chance to see the different areas in which the donkeys live, learn about how we care for them, discover the dynamics of the herd and get answers to all questions that they may have about our donkeys. The Donkey Sanctuary is free and can be booked online, however donations are welcomed.
6. Step inside the weird and wonderful world of Alice In Wonderland at this new experience
You can explore the world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland for yourself as a brand new XR (extended reality) experience in Manchester. Perfect for all the family, this April Trafford Palazzo will be offering a new kind of storytelling. Immersia XR: Walking XR Theatre makes its debut as the UK’s first large-scale immersive XR experience, blending cutting-edge technology with iconic tales in an unforgettable walk-through format. Running from April 5, Immersia XR invites audiences of all ages to step inside legendary stories and live them from within. No screens. No controllers. Just you—walking through the story.
7. Tumble down the Rabbit Hole and into Wonderland at Z-arts
From April 5, families are invited to tumble down the Rabbit Hole and into Wonderland to enjoy a brand new immersive play experience at Z-arts. Adventures in Wonderland has been created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and celebrates the 160th anniversary of one of the most loved children’s books of all time, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Tunnels to crawl through, mazes to get lost in, fairground mirrors to amuse and a ball pool to ‘splash’ into, plus a Mad Hatter’s tea party, interactive games and sensory areas, all bring Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world to life. There are lots of surprises along the way, great photo-opportunities and dress-up for the occasion is encouraged!
8. Bounce around at Inflata Nation Manchester
If you and the kids want to still bounce around but the weather isn’t looking the best then head to Inflata Nation. With loads of jaw dropping features and fun activities including the epic double tipping slide, it’s twice the fun but can you hang on? Inflata Nation Manchester offers kids and adults alike unrivalled bouncing fun, and can be enjoyed by just about anyone, of any age, shape and physical ability. The inflatable park also has a variety of classes including Disability Friendly sessions and Inflata Tots sessions (just for pre-schoolers).
9. Hop on over to the Hare’s Easter Picnic at the Stamford Quarter
The Stamford Quarter is celebrating a very Hoppy Easter on Saturday 12th April with its ‘Hare’s Easter Picnic’. Complete with a mobile bar, a whole host of Easter-themed activities and decorations as well as live music, it’s the perfect event for kickstarting the Easter holidays. Stamford Square will be transformed into a beautiful picnic garden from 12pm, with tables set up for al-fresco dining, and decorated with hanging Easter lanterns. Characters from the classic children’s book Hare and The Easter Eggs, by Alison Uttley, will also be dotted around the Stamford Quarter, inviting younger visitors to brush up on their Easter-egg hunting skills and try and spot them all.
10. Attend an enchanting Candlelight concert
Experiencing timeless melodies in a candlelit setting is a fun plan for the whole family. If your kids are eight or older, you can bring them to a breathtaking Candlelight tribute. These performances recreate some of the best music ever written, including classical works by Vivaldi and iconic ABBA and Queen hits. Taking place at some of the city’s most charming and historic venues, your little ones can get introduced to musical legends or rediscover popular hits.
11. Reach for the stars at one of Manchester’s many rock climbing walls
If you and the kids are looking for a challenge right here in Manchester, then rock climbing or bouldering is one of the top things to do. Push yourself to new heights (quite literally) as Manchester has plenty of indoor climbing and bouldering spots, whether you’re a rock climbing rookie or a seasoned climber. From Stretford to Stockport, Bolton to Oldham, there are many venues which are suitable for kids and some even have cafes offering light refreshments or a place to watch the youngsters scale some walls from afar.
12. Experiment with fluorescent colours at a family-friendly art session
Both kids and parents alike can enjoy these fun-filled, fluorescent workshops, where creativity shines in a whole new light—literally. Led by an experienced artist, you can experiment with neon paints to create everything from abstract portraits to glowing galaxies. Neon Brush Kids in Manchester is perfect for high-energy kids that need a creative outlet, or that are little adventurers at heart and want to explore new worlds of limitless imagination.
13. Boggle your mind at the brand new Museum of Illusions
New to the city, Museum of Illusions should definitely be on the cards for a mind-bending day out this half term, and you’re sure to leave rather mind-boggled. The brand new 10,700 sq ft space is filled with “fascinating holograms, mind-bending illusion rooms, and astonishing exhibits intended to trick the mind and puzzle perceptions”. In addition to the museum’s signature, most popular and photo-worthy exhibits, such as the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel, and Infinity Room, visitors will be treated to custom-made installations that celebrate Manchester’s unique culture and heritage.
14. Swing into action at Total Ninja Manchester
Families can kick boredom to the curb this half term, with some ninja fun at Total Ninja Manchester. Thrill-seekers can take on obstacles, climbing, leaping and swinging their way through over 25 challenges. Ninjas can find their inner calm on Balance Logs, sail through the Sea of Swings and reach new highs on the challenging Warped Wall, with challenges ranging to suit all ages and abilities. Plus, this Easter, prospective Ninjas can snag two 1-hour sessions plus a sharing pizza, Monday-Friday after 4pm, for just £24.
15. Chuckle out loud at family musical The Koala Who Could
The new family musical The Koala Who Could is adapted and directed by Emma Earle (Oi Frog and Friends) and features music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (The Lion Inside) is coming to The Lowry. Based on the multi-million-copy-selling series by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, which follows Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, the wombats and Kangaroo in an empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not. Co-produced by Lowry, Rose Theatre, Nicoll Entertainment, Northern Stage, Unicorn Theatre, and MAST Mayflower Studios The Koala Who Could comes to Salford from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th April as part of its world premiere tour.
16. Visit Chester Zoo’s new Heart of Africa zone
Ok, whilst Chester Zoo is not in Greater Manchester, it sure does make for a great day out during the school holidays. Chester Zoo has opened one of the biggest UK zoo habitats ever created, which will house 57 highly-threatened African species. The new Heart of Africa zone at the zoo, spanning more than 17 football pitches (22.5 acres), has been designed to recreate the grasslands of central Africa and features a vast open savannah where, for the very first time, visitors will encounter northern giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, roan antelopes and ostriches, all living together side-by-side.
17. Take part in Heaton Park’s Big Egg Hunt over Easter weekend
This Easter, you can join Detective Duckling as he hunts for clues around Greater Manchester’s biggest park, Heaton Park, and help find the code to the chest and retrieve a missing egg. Heaton Park’s Big Egg Hunt will be running from Friday 18th to Monday 21st April between 10am and 3pm. Trail maps can be collected from outside the Stables and each trail costs £4, which includes one Easter egg (dairy-free option available).
18. Get stuck into interactive activities at the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum in Manchester is hosting a jam-packed programme of events for families over the Easter holidays, designed to test your child’s creativity and thinking skills through interactive challenges, crafts, and activities. Kids can challenge their inner detective skills with ‘Goal Line Glow’, using LED lights and simple circuits to recreate iconic football moments and play a real-world version of ‘Spot the Ball’. Or why not design, build, and test their ultimate ball-kicking contraption with a variety of building materials? Plus, throughout the Easter holidays, the National Football Museum will be running a special exhibition delving into the 60 years of history behind the nation’s favourite footballing show – Match of the Day.
19. Jump around at this huge inflatable outdoor bounce park
Inflatable park Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton, Bolton is back for the Easter holidays and is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Packed full of bouncy castles, slides, obstacle and assault courses, the park has 15 different inflatables, aiming to provide kids of all ages with lots of opportunities to play, bounce and burn off some energy. The park is open to all ages but provides the option of a separate area for under fours as well as offering ‘Sen Sessions‘, and welcomes adults to join in on the fun alongside their kids.
20. Get green-fingered at Kimpton Clocktower’s kids’ florist workshop
This Easter Saturday (April 19), little ones can let their creativity bloom at Kimpton Clocktower’s Kids’ Florist Workshop. In collaboration with the hotel’s resident Clocktower Florist, The Den at Refuge will be transformed into a springtime sanctuary where children aged four and above can unleash their creativity. Each budding gardener will decorate their very own terracotta plant pot before planting a vibrant flowering plant to take home and care for. To top it off, every child will be treated to a delicious Grandpa Greene’s Ice Cream as part of the experience.
21. Go on a thrill-seeking adventure at Alton Towers
Calling all thrill-seekers, as Alton Towers is quite possibly one of the best things to do with kids during the school holidays and it’s less than a two-hour drive from Manchester. Brace yourself for over 40 heart-pounding, hair-raising rides that will leave you screaming for more, plus jaw-dropping live shows and the spine-chilling Alton Towers Dungeons for you to discover. Or if you and the kids don’t fancy wild rollercoasters that test your limits, the world’s first Bluey-themed hotel room is now open for you to stay in.