Manchester and the wider North are packed with family days out right now – snowy adventures at Z-arts, festive fun at The Octagon, hands-on engines at the Science & Industry Museum, and big-stage magic at the Liverpool Empire. Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
Families who love Banksy, gather round. Spring 2026 sees The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind take over Depot Mayfield.
The Power Hall has reopened. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
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.
The world’s most famous nanny (sorry, Nanny McPhee) is visiting Liverpool and she’s bringing her magic, music and that smug, delightful perfection that we all know and love.
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.
A heartwarming festive treat for all ages, this brand-new musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings Bolton’s stage to life with music, magic and Dickensian spirit.
From £15.00
Step through the wardrobe and experience an icy, magic and mystical adventure.
From £19
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
Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
Free entry
From the urban hum of Manchester to the serene embrace of the...
Take a storybook journey from Manchester into Brontë country and the limestone...
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.
Modern all-day dining space in Stretford, with a well-stocked bar.
Three Little Words is a stylish bar and restaurant near the Great Northern and Deansgate in Manchester, serving up stunning Sunday roasts to packed crowds every week.
Habas is a modern Middle Eastern-influenced restaurant in the very centre of Manchester. It’s the latest venture from El Gato Negro’s Simon Shaw.
The Edinburgh Castle is one of the standout venues in Ancoats, with a laid-back pub on the ground floor and the amazing Bangkok Diners Club taking charge of the restaurant.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester is a two-storey venue with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a concert hall on the first floor.
Humble restaurant on Curry Mile that serves superb quality food.
Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
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