Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Creative Tourist

Looking for things to do with the kids over the Easter school holidays? You’re in luck. We’ve tracked down the best places to explore the first hints of warmer days as well our favourite indoor escapades. Read on for ideas on museum trips, children’s theatre, outdoor adventures and more. We’ve included lots of free and low-cost activities too, so if money’s a little tight, fear not, there’s lots of affordable arts and cultural fun to be had.

And if the below isn’t enough, there’s more in our regularly updated Families guide plus our round-up of free family things to do in Manchester. Do keep checking back here too – we’ll be adding more good stuff as we find it.

Our top picks

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Tatton Park

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Tatton Park at Tatton Park, Until 23 June 2024, from £6.00 - Book now

Enjoy a baa-rilliant family adventure with Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Tatton Park this spring and throughout the Easter holidays.

Shaun the Sheep
Tatton Park

The 100 Story Hotel at Z-arts

The 100 Story Hotel at Z-arts, Manchester, Until 31 July 2024, from £9.00 - Book now

Check into the 100 Story Hotel this Easter! Walk through those doors and let Clive the Concierge take your bags. Yes, he is slightly hairy and has got very long claws, but what do you expect from a polar bear?

The 100 Story Hotel at Z-arts
Z-arts

Preston: City Event Programme

Preston: City Event Programme, Until 28 September 2024, free entry - Visit now

Preston’s annual Easter Monday extravaganza at Avenham and Miller Park includes everything from an Easter bonnet-making workshop to street theatre, live music and egg rolling.

Image of a stage with a band playing and a crowd of audience members stood and sat down.
Michael Porter Photography

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4LG - Visit now

Brighter days mean more outdoor adventures. Set over 500 acres, you’ll find Easter bunny trails, scavenger hunts and all manner of family fun happening at this stunning open-air gallery over the hols.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Manchester Open 2024 at HOME

Manchester Open at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 28 April 2024, free entry - Visit now

Plan an arty day out for the whole family with Manchester’s biggest celebration of local talent. See nearly 500 inspiring works and then argue over which you liked best over dinner.

Connection by Tinuke Fagbourn
Connection by Tinuke Fagbourn.

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now

A place of wonder packed full of incredible stories and family-friendly activities, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Manchester Museum.

Manchester Museum Tours at Manchester Museum

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside, Victoria Pl, Seacombe, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH44 6QY - Visit now

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!

Image courtesy of Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside.

Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SJ - Visit now

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.

Dunham Massey
National Trust

People’s History Museum (PHM)

People’s History Museum (PHM), Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now

There is always something stimulating and creative for big and little kids alike at this national museum of democracy. It’s never too early to learn about past struggles and that ‘there have always been ideas worth fighting for’.

People's History Museum Manchester
Image © People’s History Museum

World Museum Liverpool

World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN - Visit now

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.

Exterior of World Museum Liverpool, home to Dino Ranger Day

Stately Homes in the North

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.

Breakfast in Manchester

School holidays are an egg-cellent time to start the day slowly and treat yourselves. Enjoy a breakfast out with your family at some of our top-picked breakie and brunch places in Manchester.

Federal Cafe Bar
Image courtesy of Alabama's All American Eatery.
Spotlight on

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Festival-goers at Green Island
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Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.