Things to do with kids in Manchester

Looking for things to do with kids in Manchester? The summer holidays are well underway and we have gathered together some of the best things you can do with the kids this summer in and around Manchester.

Join our mailing list and receive the Creative Tourist newsletter each Friday. Be the first to know about the latest family things to do as well as gigs, shows, concerts and places to eat and drink.

Never miss a thing!

We’re serious about protecting your privacy
and won’t share your details with anyone, ever
Read our privacy policy).

Festivals 18–27 July 2019,

REFRACT:19 at Waterside Arts

Activity 20 July–12 September 2019,

Summer Holidays at Quarry Bank

Exhibitions 20 July 2019–29 March 2020, from £6

The Sun at the Science and Industry Museum

Families 27 July–1 September 2019, FREE

Playtime: Summer Family Activities at The Whitworth

Families 10 August 2019 11:00 am, FREE

Sadler’s Yard Summer Jam 2019

Festivals 8–9 August 2020, FREE

Caribbean Carnival of Manchester at Alexandra Park (CANCELLED)

Exhibitions 23 March–1 September 2019, Lyme admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £2.50 for trail

The Lost Words at Lyme

Families 17–18 August 2019, from £11.50

Romeo and Juliet at Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

Families 21–25 October 2019, from £10.00

The Lost Words: Told in Gold at Dunham Massey

People’s History Museum

Exhibitions 25 2018–8 September 2019, FREE

Rocket Returns to the Science and Industry Museum

Education 30 July–1 August 2019, from £18

School Holiday Drama Workshops at The Met

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

Exhibitions 19 July–3 November 2019, from £5

Roy of the Rovers – The Exhibition at the National Football Museum

Greater Manchester Police Museum

Culture Guides

Cinema Online

From our picks of the latest streaming titles, to drive-ins and live digital film events from your favourite venues, we round up the best in lockdown cinema.

Family of Lord Alf Morris, image courtesy of Manchester Histories

Exhibitions

Art and women’s wrestling, Ancient Akkadian gravesites and invented artefacts – check out this month’s pick of exhibitions from across the north.

Families Online

Need some inspiration for online activities and creative family fun? Look no further than our top picks online for families across Manchester and the North.

Literature

From book launches to readings and open mics to creative writing workshops, Live Literature Land has taken to online activities and events like the proverbial duck to water.

Music

Discover the best live-streamed concerts, broadcasts, musical activities and exhibitions on offer during the lockdown.

Theatre

We can’t wait to be back in the stalls again…until then our theatre guide brings online theatre festival fun, a live drive-in musical and interactive performances to enjoy at home.

Classical Music in Manchester and the North

We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester.

Food and Drink in Manchester and the North

Lockdown is in full effect but that doesn’t mean we can’t support our favourite bars, restaurants, brewers and food suppliers. Here’s our guide to the best takeaway and delivery Food and Drink in Manchester and the North