Manchester’s packed with family things to do right now – whether you’re after accessible exhibitions or heartwarming family theatre. There’s cosmic chaos at the Science & Industry Museum, a Banksy experience at Depot Mayfield, The Gruffalo’s Child at Z-arts and a creative adaptation of Pinocchio Lowry – and loads more!
With UK rocket launches, lunar missions and solar eclipses all on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for space. What better timing for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, a world-premiere exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.
Watch a playful, high-energy adaptation of Pinocchio where everyday objects become puppets and family relationships take centre stage.
Families who love Banksy, gather round. Spring 2026 sees The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind take over Depot Mayfield.
Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning bedtime book, this production from Tall Stories offers songs, laughs, snow, the occasional fright.
Britain’s most successful dance troupe, Diversity, is back! Their brand-new concept tour, SOUL, explores AI through dance, and what makes us human.
Horrible Histories is coming live-on-stage to Liverpool! It’s loud, hilarious and yes, a little bit horrible.
Do you ever get bored with how things always look so ordinary? If you feel like distorting your reality a little, you are in luck. Bring your family, your friends and get lost in the amazing world of the Museum of Illusions.
Tudor history gets another glow-up as the internationally acclaimed musical sensation SIX returns to Manchester and its going to be fabulous!
Everything is connected but we rarely get a chance to really see it – YOU:MATTER is a spectacular audio-visual experience that playfully explores our place in the universe.
Tumble down the rabbit hole and experience the most curious adventure, where the surreal and bizarre awaits!
The College provides Manchester with a diverse, explorative, and bold public programme of events showcasing standout students as well as musicians working on the international stage.
Manchester Art Gallery and their excellent hands-on family gallery Lion’s Den. Developed by artists to encourage kids in first-rate creative endeavours such as making sculptural hideouts and regular artist-led workshops.
Beautifully-designed spaces that embrace the park, such as the landscape gallery and the café in the trees. Together, the attractions make The Whitworth both a tranquil place to visit yet welcoming to families.
Sneak into the deep dark wood with The Gruffalo’s Child in 2026.
From £14.70
A magical adventure in a topsy-turvy wonderland awaits.
From £12.00
Get ready to dive right into the most disgusting parts of history!
From £18.00
Return to the Forest is an immersive puppetry and dance experience that treats children’s theatre as a space for serious ideas.
From £10.00
This world-premiere exhibition offers a hands-on journey through the Solar System, making complex science tangible, playful and participatory.
From £10.00
From the urban hum of Manchester to the serene embrace of the...
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A tour through idyllic Derbyshire and the Peak District, where rolling hills,...
From Manchester to Mr Darcy’s drawing room. Swap the city for sweeping...
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Looking for things to with kids in Blackpool? Look no further. We round up the town's very best family-friendly experiences.
Our guide to the best things to do with kids this Christmas to keep little and big giddy-kippers out of trouble (and the selection box).
Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to Manchester's best hotels.
There’s no shortage of hotels in Liverpool, but you don’t have to go far to find something a bit more stylish than a Travelodge. Here’s our guide.
Leeds has plenty of new types of accommodation, from sleek, modern luxury to affordable art hostels and grand accommodation in green space.
For a weekend break in a private apartment or an overnight stay in high luxury, we've rounded up the best places to stay in Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire.
Butter Bird is a newly opened casual but stylish restaurant in Ancoats, based around the very delicious concept of tea-brined chicken.
The Blues Kitchen is a Quay Street highlight, not only for live music, but drop-in dining that delivers surprises alongside the classics.
The Head of Steam chugs into the Northern Quarter showcasing high-quality drinks, and cult burger smashers That Burger Thing manning the kitchen.
Independent Leeds-based brewery North has opened its first Manchester taproom, in Oxford Road’s Circle Square neighbourhood.
Eritrean & Ethiopian Restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, serving up traditional food from the Horn of Africa.
The recent revamp builds on Australasia’s well-deserved reputation as one of Manchester’s most stylish venues
Chorlton’s magnificent Horse and Jockey has had an almighty do-over, transforming it into one of South Manchester’s top must-visit drinking and dining destinations.
The ever-popular Maray’s third site, based at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, has beautiful views and flavours in equal measure.
Spring is coming, but first let's get Valentine's Day done and dusted. Here's our deal-packed guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
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