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With summer just around the corner, here are some of the best family-friendly events taking place in Manchester and the North in the coming months, both indoors and outdoors, so you can enjoy a fun trip out with your family come rain or shine!
First and foremost, we are very excited to announce that after a two year break due to you-know-what, Manchester Day returns on 19 June! Join fellow Mancunians for a free, fun-filled event, celebrating the culture, diversity and creativity of Manchester.
Watch out – because in May, Manchester theatres are getting some very… ‘fiery’ visitors! On 22 May, visit The Stoller Hall to experience The Little Green Dragon, an interactive music-themed Early Year’s workshop, for young people aged 3-5 and their grownups to enjoy together.
Next up, get ready for a magical adventure with your other favourite dragon – Zog! Zog and The Flying Doctors will be taking place at The Lowry, on 28 and 29 May.
First dragons, now dinosaurs… In June, travel back in time to a world pre-humans, in a roaringly exciting Jurassic adventure, The Dino Adventure at East Lancashire Railway.
More time-hopping… Immerse yourself in the unfiltered stories of the Terrible Tudors, featuring those horrible Henries and the many headless wives! Expect another side-splittingly funny, educational performance from the Horrible Histories team, teaching you all there is to know about the torturous, terrifying, and quite frankly terrible Tudor times, taking place at The Stockport Plaza on 7 May.
And the festival we’ve all been waiting for is back, bigger and better than ever before! Are you ready for infinite fun that knows no limits? Science and space-loving families are invited to the Bluedot Festival 2022, which returns for its fifth year of awe-inspiring, inter-planetary fun and delight, on 21-24 July.
Other family events include Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers, a mischievous family show inspired by the extraordinary works of the much-loved, prolific author, taking place at The Lowry from Sunday 29 May to Wednesday 1 June.
On 22 May, head to the eco-aware, climate-conscious Plastic Drastic Fantastic, also taking place at The Lowry, and experience an energetic and thought-provoking dance show that explores our complicated relationship with plastic.
Witches and wizards of the North are invited to step aboard the Harry Potter-themed steam train at the East Lancashire Railway for a spell-binding Wizarding Adventure, taking place on selected dates until 1 June.
Families who love the outdoors, the Outdoor Art Club at the Whitworth continues in May, with fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.
Open all year round is the interactive Fairy Tale wonderland at Z-Arts, in an innovative and enchanting exhibition that takes children aged 0-8 and their grownups to a magical world, jam-packed with storytelling and immersive play.
Looking forward to the summer months and into September, experience the Manchester Festival of Nature at Heaton Park on 26 June 2022, for a family day out jam-packed with fun outdoor activities and nature-focused adventures, and Just So Festival is back this August with a weekend of wonderful treats and fun for the whole family. While in September our favourite nanny, Mrs Doubtfire, is taking to the stage at the Manchester Opera House, in a hilarious and touching musical comedy about family, love, and friendship.
Here are our picks
Manchester Day, 19 June 2022, free entry - Find Out More
Manchester Day is back! Join fellow Mancunians for a free, fun-filled event, celebrating the culture, diversity and creativity of Manchester, featuring an outstanding parade and stunning displays taking place throughout the city centre.
Zog and The Flying Doctors at The Lowry, Salford, 28 May 2022, from £17.00 - Book now
Get ready for a roar-some adventure with a fiery but very friendly beast – Zog! Zog and The Flying Doctors will be taking place at The Lowry on 28 and 29 May.
The Dino Adventure at The East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire, 2 June 2022, from £13.50 - Book now
First dragons, now dinosaurs… Travel back in time to a world pre-humans, in a roaringly exciting Jurassic adventure, The Dino Adventure at East Lancashire Railway.
The Untold Orchestra Presents: Disney An Orchestral Rendition at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester, 26 June 2022, from £5.00 - Book now
Hear your favourite Disney tunes as you’ve never heard them before as The Untold Orchestra performs orchestral renditions of The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Encanto, and everything in between!
Families at Bluedot Festival at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield, 21–24 July 2022, from £59.75 - Book now
Are you ready for infinite fun that knows no limits? Science and space-loving families are invited to the Bluedot Festival 2022, which returns for its fifth year of awe-inspiring, inter-planetary fun and delight on 21-24 July.
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Lowry, Salford, 29 May 2022, from £7.00 - Book now
This May half-term holiday, experience Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Lowry, a mischievously wicked family show inspired by the extraordinary works of much-loved and prolific author, Roald Dahl.
More in Common: in memory of Jo Cox at People’s History Museum (PHM), City Centre, Until 30 June 2022, free entry - Visit now
An exhibition inspired by the legacy of Jo Cox MP and which represents the culmination of a community-led project involving over 30 people who made the city their home.
The Wizarding Adventure at The East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire, Until 1 June 2022, from £13.00 - Book now
Witches and wizards of the North! Polish those wands, read up on those spell books and get ready to attend your first day at the Grand Old School of Wizardry, at the Harry Potter-themed Wizarding Adventure at the East Lancashire Railway.
Manchester Festival of Nature at Heaton Park, Manchester, 26 June 2022, free entry - Find Out More
Head to the Manchester Festival of Nature at Heaton Park on 26 June 2022, for a family day out jam-packed with fun outdoor activities and nature-focussed adventures.
Electric Gamebox at Manchester Arndale, City Centre, Until 22 October 2022, from £5.00 - Book now
Step into the Electric Gamebox in the Arndale Centre in Manchester for a totally new digital gaming adventure experience. You’ll be mind blown by this interactive, fully private high-tech digital room full of fun and immersive arcade-style games and challenges.
Families at the National Football Museum at National Football Museum, Cathedral Quarter, Until 1 December 2022 - Book now
The National Football Museum in Manchester boasts a variety of football-themed activities for people of all ages. Prepare for a day of football discovery, penalty shoot-outs, interactive play and much, much more.
Mrs Doubtfire at Manchester Opera House, City Centre, 2 September–1 October 2022, from £13.00 - Book now
A hilarious and touching musical comedy about family, love, and friendship, Mrs Doubtfire, based on the much-loved 1993 film featuring Robin Williams, is live on stage at Manchester Opera House this year, with performances running from Friday 2 September to Saturday 1 October 2022.
Whatever the weather, we’ve got tonnes of new art for you to enjoy. This month we bring you lots of choice: from large, all-encompassing displays to smaller and equally as interesting shows to suit all tastes.
Live literature has plenty for readers and writers alike this spring, with emerging names and established authors taking to a mic near you, along with the opportunity to perform or put pen to paper yourself. There’s lots to listen to in real life and there are still opportunities to join in to events online. Read more here…
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