Family things to do in Manchester and the North

Gemma Gibb, Families Editor

Last Updated 24 June 2019

We preview all the fun at this year’s Handmade Parade and new festival line ups from Underneath The Stars and the BBC Summer Social.

Check out our free things to do in Manchester guides for more ideas.

Enjoy!

Here are our picks

1. Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade

Handmade Parade

Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade at Calder Holmes Park, 30 June 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Giant puppets with a European forest and folklore theme and killer street bands coasting through the beautiful streets of Hebden Bridge. We’re booking our train right now.

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2. Rights of the Child at Quarry Bank

National Trust Images, John Millar

Rights of the Child at Quarry Bank, 6 April–29 September 2019, Quarry Bank admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) - Visit now

Discover how children’s rights have changed over time in a brand new exhibition at Quarry Bank, Rights of the Child.

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3. The Lost Words at Lyme

National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The Lost Words at Lyme Park, 23 March–1 September 2019, Lyme admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £2.50 for trail - Visit now

Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris’ spell book is brought to life in a special new artist trail which brings to life the language of the natural world.

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4. MIF19: Tuesday at Saint Augustine’s Church

Studio ORKA: Tuesday at Saint Augustine’s Church, Manchester, 10–21 July 2019, free entry - Find Out More

A family-friendly odyssey on the uniqueness of human experience by Belgium theatre royalty Studio ORKA

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5. MIF19: Animals of Manchester at The Whitworth

Animals of Manchester at The Whitworth at The Whitworth, Manchester, 20–21 July 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Little and large beasts alike should make tracks for this wild celebration for Manchester International Festival’s final weekend.

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6. Underneath The Stars Festival 2019 at Cinderhill Farm

Underneath The Stars Festival

Underneath The Stars Festival at Cinderhill Farm, Barnsley, 2–4 August 2019, from £55 - Book now

This charismatic folk and acoustic music festival in the stunning South Yorkshire countryside has a cracking family-friendly arts programme and tremendous food. Musical highlights in 2019 include The Proclaimers, Billy Bragg and Kate Rusby – who is also one of the festival’s organisers.

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7. BBC Summer Social at Croxteth Hall and Country Park

Photo courtesy of CBBC

BBC Summer Social at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Liverpool, 3–4 August 2019, from £25 - Book now

Two days of music, live performance and creative and sporting prowess in beautiful, historic parkland.

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8. Just So Festival 2019

Pillow Fight at Just So Fesival courtesy of Chris Payne

Just So Festival at Rode Hall, Cheshire, 16–18 August 2019, from £20 - Book now

The best family festival in the UK returns for its 10th birthday edition. Midnight feasts, pillow fights and the best new outdoor arts for families.

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9. A-Z of Salford’s Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Salford Musuem

A-Z of Salford's Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, 16 March 2019–23 February 2020, free entry - Visit now

Discover how Victorian gentlemen protected their moustaches from tea, which monarch’s pair of stockings reside in Salford, get up close to incredible art and more.

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Activity 20 October 2018–31 December 2019, FREE

Documentary Challenge at IWM North

Make and feature in your own mini-documentary at IWM North.

A World Inside A Book courtesy Suzi Corker

Exhibitions 12 February–26 October 2019, from £6

A World Inside a Book: Gruffalo, Dragons and Other Creatures at Z-arts

The UK’s first immersive exhibition of the much-loved tales of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Expect enchanting forests, miniature towns and watery worlds.

Families 3 March–2 November 2019, FREE

Dovetail, Biscuit, Splat at Nostell

From designing the highest quality furniture, to sourcing the latest fashions in wallpaper, textiles and fittings, Thomas Chippendale created a world of interiors for Nostell. Roll up your sleeves and discover the designer in you with creative family activities every school holiday

Families 7 April–24 December 2019, FREE

Explore & Draw stations at The Hepworth Wakefield

The Explore and Draw stations are open daily and are free to use.

Look out for Explore & Draw stations in The Hepworth Wakefield’s galleries. Borrow looking tools, handling objects and drawing materials to explore the galleries and create artworks.

The gallery have up to three stations in the galleries for you to use and explore. Each station links to their temporary exhibitions or collection displays and contains activities, objects and books related to the artworks. Enjoy drawing in the galleries, look in new ways at the artworks, feel objects and materials connected to exhibitions, or sit and read together.

Families 13 April 2019–25 January 2020, FREE

Family Fun at Pontefract Museum

Lively activity sessions that everyone can take part in.

Families 23 April–16 July 2019, FREE

Toddler Tuesdays at Castleford Museum

Pay a visit to Castleford Museum every Tuesday during Term Time for Toddler Tuesdays.

Families 1 May 2019–5 February 2020, FREE

Castle Crafts at Pontefract Castle

Get creative together and explore and learn about the history of Pontefract Castle through play or crafts. A different activity each month.

Activity 3 May–3 November 2019, FREE

Summer 2019 at Little Moreton Hall

With its beautifully charming and quirky style, Little Moreton Hall offers an iconic Tudor manor house, moat, manicured knot garden and plenty of fun activities for everyone.