Family things to do in Manchester and the North

October half-term at Quarry Bank, 19 October–1 November 2019, free entry - Visit now

This half term Quarry Bank invites you to discover what life in the mill was really like, through family crafts and science experiments. Discover how mill work impacted the body, then let the family run wild in the picturesque meadow and woods.

Half Term at Chill Factore at Chill Factore, 19 October–3 November 2019, from £7.00 - Book now

Chill Factore is about much more than just learning to ski and snowboard… hit the Downhill Donuts of the Snow Park and explore Mini Moose Land with the under 4s.

IWM North - We Were There at Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Manchester, 22–24 October 2019, free entry - Find Out More

These unique ‘meet the veterans’ events will give your family first-hand insight into the impact war has on people’s lives, from being evacuated during the Second World War, to living through the Korean and Falklands Wars.

Girls Night Out: Moon Special at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, 25 October 2019, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm, from £14.50 - Book now

The ever-popular Girls Night Out returns to Jodrell Bank to inspire and celebrate women and girls in STEM. This event is a moon special to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landings.

Little School of Sorcery at Haddon Hall, 26–31 October 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Dig out your best Halloween fancy dress and prepare to hone your wizard skills. Enjoy ghastly games and activities in the atmospheric Haddon Hall, including creating potions, wand decorating, broom making and a chance to learn spells.

Halloween in the City 2019, 26–27 October 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Looking for something a bit more exciting than pumpkin carving this Halloween? Halloween in the City brings a packed weekend of terrifyingly good family events to Manchester city centre.

The Sun at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 20 July 2019–5 January 2020, from £6 - Book now

Try on sunglasses from different eras and cultures, bask on an indoor beach, pose in a giant sunbeam and experience a solar storm at this mega new exhibition.

Digital Dimensions at Eureka!, 25 May–5 November 2019, from £5.95 - Book now

Children take centre stage at Eureka! as they step in to a world of immersive, cutting edge technology in this interactive exhibition.

Telescope Walking Tours at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, 9 January 2019–9 January 2020, free entry - Visit now

Join one of the Centre’s Explainers as they take you on a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope. Find out how it came to be and discover more about the ground breaking research it enables.

, 5 March 2019–1 March 2020, Normal admission charges apply/free to National Trust members

If ever there’s a time to explore Beningbrough Hall, this is certainly it. Check out the packed programme of seasonal events and activities at the National Trust property this autumn.

Planetarium Shows at World Museum Liverpool, City Centre, 1 January–30 December 2019, from £2 - Book now

Take your family on a trip through space and time in this fully immersive cinema experience.

Light Up Lancaster at The Storey Creative Industries Centre, Lancaster, 1–2 November 2019, free entry - Find Out More

Festival of light and art Light Up Lancaster returns to the city with installations, projections, performance and fireworks illuminating the city’s historic buildings, charming streets and hidden squares.

MadLab 3D Printing Architecture Workshop at Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, Manchester, 16 November 2019, 11:00 am–3:30 pm, from £8 - Book now

Explore the fundamentals of digital design software and be inspired by the work of Shanghai based artist, Cui Jie. You’ll even be able to 3D print your own futuristic building to take home.

Lightopia at Heaton Park, Manchester, 21 November–31 December 2019, from £11 - Book now

This is a brand new, unique event sure to captivate young and old alike. Take a breathtaking journey through six magical, interactive art installations in Manchester’s historic Heaton Park.