It’s that time of year again, when schools are out for the summer. We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly events and activities happening in Manchester to help parents in the area who are at a loss for ways to occupy their children over the summer months, as well as parents from further away who may be considering a trip to the area during the school break. There’s something for kids of all ages to do this summer, from age-specific events to more general celebrations, and it won’t break the bank or your taste.
Here are 10 things to do with the family in Manchester, throughout the summer holidays this year…
#1 – A Night at the Zoo
Discover the enchantment of Chester Zoo after dark this summer for only £10 per child and £16 per adult at one of the zoo’s stunning family events. There will be live entertainment, special guest appearances, plus wonderful food and drink, while you get to see what the animals do at night, including your nocturnal favourites, with after-hours admission.
#2 – Summer Science
This summer, the Science and Industry Museum is playing host to a groundbreaking exhibition that is making headlines across the world. Operation Ouch! The iconic CBBC series is brought to life in this supersized adaptation of Food, Poo, and You, which explains how food is broken down and eliminated from the body. For just £9 per child and £10 per adult, you can see this one-of-a-kind, instructive, and entertaining supersize exhibition about our magnificent bodies.
#3 – Summer Sing-Along
This summer, an exclusive screening of the full-length film Encanto will be shown at Bridgewater Hall, accompanied by an orchestra. With the addition of stunning live music, all of your favourite songs will sound like they were made for this moment. Cost of a ticket is £25.50.
#4 – Something for Cricket Fans
There’s nothing quite like a hundred for sports lovers. Starting on Tuesday, August 1 at Emirates Old Trafford, you can enjoy four weeks of thrilling cricket action and nonstop entertainment. The Hundred is a great day out for the whole family, with fantastic sporting action for both men and women, as well as live music and other family-friendly entertainment.
#5 – Mermaid Magic
When the sun goes down at SEA LIFE Manchester, the special guests emerge from their hiding places and the magic begins. This summer, if you visit SEA LIFE Manchester after hours, you may experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with the mermaids. See them interact with sea turtles and other marine life in a totally magical and mer-mazing way! And that’s not even counting all the other fantastic animals you’ll encounter! Tickets are £21.50 for kids and £25 for adults.
Children and young adults of all ages will enjoy the shows scheduled at The Lowry.
From Friday, August 4 through Sunday, September 3, the Lowry Theatre will be home to the stage adaptation of Zog, the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Zog’s journey through Madam Dragon’s School, where dragons learn everything they need to know, and preparation for his greatest challenge yet, a clash with Sir Gadabout the Great, is sure to be a hit with younger audience members. The stage version is sure to be a smashing success.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a great story for young adults. End their summer in spectacular fashion with performances of the blockbuster musical at The Lowry from Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 16. This hilarious, spectacular, and upbeat West End musical has received rave reviews. Jamie, a 16-year-old outcast from a Sheffield housing project, is about to become a superstar, and you can watch it all unfold right before your eyes.
#7 – Cats in the Wild at Tatton Park
Tatton Park is honouring cherished children’s novelist Judith Kerr this summer by constructing two kid-friendly routes named after two of her timeless works. Trail packs for The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog adventure trails can be purchased for £2 in addition to garden entry until Sunday, September 3. This is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with your family in the outdoors while also reenacting a beloved children’s story.
#8 – Seaside Fun in the Sun
In 2023, Oldham Summer Beach will return to Alexandra Park to once again bring its celebration of seaside pleasure to the city. Manchester might lack an actual beach, but thanks to this amazing event, you’ll feel like you’re at the beach any time you attend. There will be daily beach activities and treasure hunts, giant inflatables and rides, a clowns’ cave with daily magic shows, and even some special guests on the weekends, in addition to a mega-decked beach sandpit with deckchair seating. You may easily make a day out of it, as there will be plenty of food and drink available. From Monday, July 31, through Sunday, September 3, 2023, attendees can enjoy the Summer Beach Event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
#9 – Outdoor Cinema
Watching a movie outside in the summertime is the quintessential summer activity. Luna Outdoor Cinema returns to Tatton Park this year for four nights, beginning on Friday, August 25 and running through Monday, August 28. With the beautiful grassland and estate of Tatton Park as a backdrop, visitors may watch films including Pretty Woman, Top Gun: Maverick, Mamma Mia!, and The Great Gatsby. What better summertime pleasure could there be?
#10 – Funtopia
Stockport’s Big day out for tiny kids is coming back on August 27. This festival caters to children under the age of ten, and features everything from large inflatables to role-playing sections to shows to competitions to character meet and greets to giant games to water battles and a delicious food court. You can bring the whole family without worrying about anyone being left out thanks to the designated play area for children under the age of five and the dedicated Autism Friendly session. Adults pay only £5 for a ticket.
With these top ten family friendly events to entertain over the summer holidays, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is fitting them all in!