Manchester’s best May half term events for curious kids and cool parents

From raves and robots to theatre shows, science experiments and outdoor escapades, Manchester’s May half term is packed with unforgettable family fun for every age.

If you’re staring at the calendar wondering how to keep the kids entertained this May half term, or you’ve simply run out of fresh ideas, this guide is for you.

From science-packed adventures and immersive theatre to outdoor escapades and free creative workshops, Manchester is bursting with brilliant things to do for families of all ages.

Whether you’re after big days out, budget-friendly treats, or ways to sneak a little learning into the fun, we’ve pulled together the very best events happening across the city and beyond.

Read on for our top picks to make your half term joyful, memorable and (almost) completely stress-free.

What’s on this half term in Manchester?

Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You | Science and Industry Museum

Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogies, & You at the Science & Industry Museum

Dates: 24th of May – 1st June 2025
Location: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP

Following its sell-out success over the February half-term, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You is back to take families on a hilariously disgusting dive into the world of our senses. Get ready to venture through a waxy ear canal, navigate sensory rooms, and discover the wonders of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. The adventure culminates in a riotously fun finale as you don a bogie hat and get sneezed out of a giant nose. It’s an experience you won’t forget! Also happening at the Science and Industry is Power Up, the ultimate hands-on gaming experience. Explore five decades of gaming with over 150 consoles — from Atari and arcade classics like Pacman to Sonic, Street Fighter, Mario, Minecraft, and even Manchester-made games. Get nostalgic, go head-to-head in multiplayer battles, and try everything from Guitar Hero to VR. Whether you’re reliving old favourites or discovering new ones, it’s game on!

We’ve only scratched the surface here, as there is plenty more going on at the Science and Industry Museum. You can see what’s happening by clicking here

Half Term Fun | Z-arts

Dates: Various events from 24th May to 1st June
Location: Z-arts, 335 Stretford Rd, Manchester

Z-arts is overflowing with joy, imagination and family fun this May half term! The brand new Adventures in Wonderland immersive play space invites children to explore a magical world inspired by Alice, in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books. Little ones will love The Ultimate Bubble Show with Guinness World Record holder Ray Bubbles on 17th of May – a sensory-friendly spectacle blending science, art and accessible fun.

On 31st of May, join international beatbox legend SK Shlomo for Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids – a high-energy interactive show for ages 1 to 101. For puzzle lovers, The Library of Enchantment escape room challenges families to solve clues and escape a magical library together. And don’t miss The Smeds and The Smoos from 20th to the 22nd of June – a joyful musical tale from the creators of The Gruffalo.

There’s something for every age and interest, ranging through playful performances to mind-bending challenges. Refuel at the Z-café and explore the Z-arts Children’s Library while you’re there!

You can find out more about what’s happening at Z-arts here

There’s a Monster in Your Show | LOWRY

Dates: Tuesday 27th of May – Sunday 1st of June 2025

Location: LOWRY Theatre, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ

Tom Fletcher’s much-loved Who’s in Your Book? series bursts onto the stage in this brand-new musical show perfect for little ones. When a group of performers prepare to begin, they quickly realise they’re not alone—Little Monster has snuck on stage! Chaos and fun ensue as he invites Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join the show. Featuring energetic music, interactive moments, and lovable characters, this 50-minute show is a joyful introduction to live theatre for young audiences. Full of laughter, surprises and the magic of books, this is ideal for first-time theatregoers aged 2+ and their grown-ups.

You can get tickets here

The Detective Dog | Waterside Arts

Dates: 24th of May 14:00 & 16:00 and 25th May 11:00 & 14:00

Location: 1 Waterside, Sale M33 7ZF

Join Nell, the clever canine with a nose for solving mysteries, in this delightful stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s beloved picture book The Detective Dog. Either missing shoes or mysterious poos, Nell is always on the case—but this time, someone’s stolen all the books! This inclusive performance includes British Sign Language, creative captions, and spoken English, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. With toe-tapping tunes, inventive puppetry, and a heartwarming love for reading, this charming show is suitable for children aged 3 to 103. A wonderful celebration of books, dogs, and detective work!

You can find out more and get tickets here

Oxygen Holiday Bounce Pass | MediaCity

Dates: 26th of May to 1st of June 2025
Location: Quayside MediaCityUK, The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford M50 3AH

Get ready to bounce into half term with BIG-TIME energy at Oxygen MediaCity! Their limited-edition May Holiday Pass offers five 1-hour sessions of Open Play for just £30—over 50% off the usual price. Jumpers can explore interconnected trampolines, a mega-airbag, an inflatable park, and the fast-paced Strike Arena. It’s perfect for burning off energy, making friends, and scoring memories that soar. Top it all off with a meal from the on-site café, or pre-book VIP Meal Deals and Feed the Family bundles for added savings. It’s flexible, fun, and perfect for families looking to stay active all week long.

You can find out more and get tickets here

Mini Trek | Zip World Manchester

Dates: Open throughout May Half Term
Location: Heaton Park, St Margaret’s Rd, Manchester M25 2GT

Ready to swap screens for sky-high adventures? Mini Trek at Zip World Manchester offers an adrenaline-filled treetop high ropes course perfect for adventurous kids and grown-ups alike. From balancing across wobbly bridges to flying through the trees on five thrilling zip lines, it’s a fresh-air challenge like no other.

The course stands 8 metres high, includes 8 different obstacle elements, and lasts 1–2 hours depending on ability. Suitable for ages 5+, this is a fantastic family bonding experience that builds confidence and gets everyone moving. Prices start from £23.

You can find out more and book tickets here

Raver Tots | Freight Island

Date: Monday 26th of May 2025 (Bank Holiday) 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PZ

Turn up the volume and get ready to rave! Raver Tots, the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave, lands in Manchester for a spectacular half-term celebration at Freight Island. This high-energy party features live sets from DJ and singer Leanne Louise, dazzling dancers, cold pyro effects, bubbles, face painting, festival-sized confetti cannons, lasers, and more.

Kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a multisensory dancefloor experience in a safe, fun environment, with music played at child-friendly noise levels. Expect parachute games, giant balloons and a licensed bar for parents. Tickets start at £15 (kids) and £17 (adults).

You can get tickets on their website here

We Are Adventurers | Outdoor Holiday Clubs + Foodie Friday Fun

Dates: 27th to the 30th of May at Brookburn Primary; 2th of May to the 5th of June at St John’s Catholic Primary, Chorlton
Location: Brookburn Primary School & St John’s Catholic Primary School, Chorlton

Running out of ideas to keep the kids off screens and out of mischief this half term? Let nature take the lead with We Are Adventurers, Manchester’s leading outdoor holiday club provider. Designed for children aged 4–11, these action-packed days include den building, archery, nature crafts, marshmallow toasting and forest school favourites, all led by qualified leaders. New this year is Foodie Friday at Brookburn Primary, where kids can safely learn campfire cooking—flipping damper bread, toasting marshmallows, popping popcorn, and sizzling sausages over flames they’ve helped build. It’s messy, delicious and confidence-boosting!

With full-day sessions from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (£35 per child, sibling discounts available), this immersive, outdoor experience is as enriching as it is fun.

Find out more on their website here

Kids Eat Free + 50% Off Brunch | Tampopo

Kids Eat Free: 24th of May – 1st ofJune 2025
50% Brunch: Weekends until the end of June (before 12pm)
Location: All Tampopo restaurants (Manchester and beyond)

Treat the family to bold, Far Eastern flavours this half term with two great offers at Tampopo. From the 24th of May to the 1st of June, kids eat free all day, every day – just mention the offer to your server. The menu includes kid-friendly takes on dishes like Katsu Curry and Chicken Noodles. Plus, enjoy 50% off all weekend brunch and lunch dishes ordered before 12pm, featuring spicy Kimchi Rice, Hong Kong French Toast, and the indulgent Emperor’s Breakfast. The vibrant, family-friendly setting comes complete with activity sheets to keep little ones entertained.

Look for a Book | Festival of Libraries

Dates: Friday 23rd of May – Sunday 1st June 2025
Location: Across Greater Manchester Libraries, Spinningfields, People’s History Museum, Bee Network

Join the cosmic treasure hunt with Look for a Book, part of the Manchester Festival of Libraries! This free family activity features 500 hidden copies of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s space-themed book Am I Made of Stardust? scattered across libraries, parks, museums, and even public transport. Kids aged 5+ can solve riddles, follow clues, and maybe even find one of 25 golden tickets for a chance to meet Dame Maggie herself. With certificates and activity sheets included, this interstellar adventure promotes reading, exploration, and fun for the whole family.

Museum of Illusions

Dates: Open throughout May Half Term
Location: 58-66 Market St, Manchester M1 1PW

Enter a world where nothing is quite as it seems at the Museum of Illusions. Home to over 50 brain-teasing exhibits, this immersive experience offers mind-bending fun for kids and adults alike. Explore gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, holograms, and the puzzle-packed Brain Room. The museum is both educational and endlessly entertaining – perfect for selfie-lovers and curious minds. Whether you’re looking for a short visit or an all-afternoon activity, the pace is yours to set. Expect plenty of laughs and ‘wow’ moments as you stretch the limits of perception. Ideal for family fun this half term.

Dino Adventure | East Lancashire Railway

Half term — Fun on the East Lancashire Railway

Dates: 28th of May, 20th of July
Location: 23A Bolton St, Bury BL9 0EY

All aboard for a Jurassic journey on the East Lancashire Railway! Kids can meet baby dinosaurs while riding a dino-proofed steam train. This thrilling adventure blends the excitement of heritage rail travel with prehistoric encounters, making it a unique experience for dino-lovers of all ages. Expect interactive fun, roarsome photo ops, and plenty of surprises as the train rumbles along the tracks. Themed entertainment and engaging storytelling make this more than just a ride – it’s an unforgettable journey into the world of dinosaurs. A fantastic day out for families looking to mix nostalgia with natural history.

You can find out more on their website by clicking here

An amazing guide of Manchester events

For more amazing events across Manchester, check out our full events guide here

This article was last updated 3 weeks ago.
It was first published on 20 May 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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