Looking for things to do with the family over the May half-term holidays?
Check out what’s on, from theatre shows, to space-themed book treasure hunts, print workshops and more! There’s loads to do to make the upcoming school holiday special – whatever the weather, and whatever the budget.
And if the below isn’t enough, sign up to our newsletter for a weekly round-up of Manchester and the North’s best events.
Enjoy a family-friendly theatre trip to keep the kids (and grownups) entertained this half term.
The Festival of Libraries’ Look for a Book challenge is kicking off during the half term holidays – are you ready to embark on a super galactic book treasure hunt?
Step back in time to a 19th century world of creativity and exploration, where kids can enjoy all sorts of activities, including arts, crafts, games and adventure trails.
Enjoy a hands-on printmaking workshop and create your very own festival posters featuring your favourite artists and bands, all part of the Bluecoat’s Big Music Weekend.
Get ready for a multi-sensory adventure packed with super-sized science and brilliant biology.
Keep those budding young writers busy over the Easter holidays with Lowry’s creative writing challenge.
From comedy nights to drop-in family craft sessions, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of events this spring – the best thing, it’s all free.
Enjoy a family-friendly journey through the history of activism at the People’s History Museum’s year-long Banner Exhibition.
Tumble down the rabbit hole and into a world of imagination. The White Rabbit and all your favourite Wonderland characters await in an interactive play adventure, created in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books.
Why not enjoy a breakfast out with the family at some of our top-picked breakie and brunch places in Manchester during the holidays?
Both kids and grown-ups will get a lot out of this educational exhibition in Liverpool, which takes a closer look at the lives of bees and their vital role in human existence.
Brighter days mean more outdoor adventures. Set over 500 acres, you’ll find art trails, scavenger hunts and all manner of family fun happening at this stunning open-air gallery over the hols.
A place of wonder packed full of incredible stories and family-friendly activities, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Manchester Museum.
Discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are a part of everyday life at the North’s newest children’s museum, sister of the much-loved Eureka.
The perfect place to experience the first hints of warmer days. Whatever the weather, Dunham Massey in Altrincham takes our number one spot for a fun outdoorsy day out.
Family-focused and hands-on, it’s all here at The World Museum with treasures from around the world, the bottom of the ocean and even outer space.
Explore some of the North’s most stunning buildings and learn about the families that once lived there. Stroll through the picturesque grounds, take in the fresh air and let the kids run free.
The North of England is home to the longest high wire bridge in Europe, over 1,000ft above the Honister Pass in Keswick, and one of the UK’s largest outdoor inflatable water assault courses near Sheffield. This part of the world, then, has no shortage of incredible adventure activities.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.
With these lighter, brighter days and warmer temperatures, it's really starting to feel like summer here in the North West!
Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
Live scores, midnight movies and the latest from Wes Anderson are just some of our upcoming film highlights.
