Family fun featuring bingo, bunnies, BMX - and of course chocolate
Inevitably, the Easter holidays revolve around chocolate - finding, hoarding and inevitably eating it. But not every day can be about gorging on Cadbury's finest in front of cartoons while still in our jim-jams (and that's just the grown-ups). So if you need some inspo for getting out and about with the kids, we've got you covered. There are egg hunts of course, but also more active ideas and some culture too. As usual, we've tried to include free and cheap activities with a few treats thrown in for good measure.
Read on for a list of the top things to do with the family in and around Manchester throughout the month of April.
Banner Bingo | People's History Museum | From 2 April
The People’s History Museum is planning some Easter holiday fun for families with its brand new Banner Bingo. Instead of numbers being called out, the focus of the quest is the different images featured in banners found throughout the two main galleries and the new 2022 Banner Exhibition. Visitors can collect their Banner Bingo card from the info desk when they arrive at the museum from a member of the visitor experience team and for everyone that takes part this is also where they can collect a small prize at the end. For the weeks commencing 4, 11 and 18 April 2022 the PHM will be open seven days a week.
Spring holidays | Science + Industry Museum | 2 - 18 April
The usual sciencey fun. Plus, in the revamped Experiment gallery, discover how warm or cold you are and learn more about heat energy with a thermal camera, make some magnetic art, and throw some shapes and tell stories with the new shadow wall. Construction packs are available for little mega makers and the whole family will marvel as the incredible moving sculpture, A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley springs to life.
Bunny Tales | Ducie Street Warehouse | Sunday 17 April
Ducie Street Warehouse will host an Easter Sunday egg hunt, in partnership with local artisan chocolatier Cocoa Cabana where kids can explore the venue with a basket provided to hunt for hidden eggs and treats around the space (from 10am until 12pm). Tickets to participate are priced at £5 per child, which includes the basket. Carry on the Easter theme with kids' movies in the Mini-Cini as Wallace and Gromit take on the Were-Rabbits (12pm) or Peter Rabbit is showing at 10am.
Afrocats | The Whitworth | 12-14 April
Following the success of the February half-term takeover, Afrocats will be back taking over the galleries at the Whitworth. This time around, African and Caribbean songs will fill the galleries as well as cultural and creative arts and crafts workshops taking place in the School of Creativity. Suitable for all the family, no need to book just turn up.
Easter Egg Hunt | Dunham Massey |2 - 24 April
Is it even a National Trust property if it isn't putting on a cutesy egg hunt for the kids? Natty Trust is an old faithful for families and Tatton Park and Lyme Park are also putting on Easter events. The trail at Dunham is a little bit more low-key but the garden is always lovely - for £3 per child you get a trail map, pencil and edible chocolate treat (while stocks last). A non-dairy alternative is available. Normal admission fees apply.
Giant Easter Egg Hunt | RHS Bridgewater | 2 - 24 April
When they say it's a giant Easter Egg hunt they aren't kidding. Massive eggs are dotted around the grounds of RHS Bridgewater, there are fun puzzles to solve and plants and wildlife to spot along the way. Once the trail is complete, children will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat. Other events include crafts and a theatre walkabout. Egg hunts and activities are included with garden admission.
Family Rave| Escape To Freight Island | Good Friday and Easter Sunday
We return to Escape to Freight Island on Easter Sunday for a family friendly reggae and jungle party to the soundtrack of the Mighty Mikey D.O.N, a real legend in the music scene. Hosted by MC Kwasi aka the Smile Factory bringing good vibes and messages of love to our dance-floor. Expect inflatables, bubbles, face painting and craft activities, plus a massive slice of pizza free with every kid's ticket. Tickets are £7-10.
Culture Club | Gorse Hill Studios | Various times and dates
Stretford's Gorse Hill Studios has been providing creative classes for local people for ages and are starting to advertise a little further abroad so it's well worth checking their huge range of classes - many of which are online. These include street art, dance, zine-making, martial arts, music production, lyric writing, cookery, special effects make-up and indoor rock climbing. Classes from £3 per person (ages 5-16 only), book ahead.
Easter BMX Camp | National Cycling Centre | Various dates
Got an adventurous youngster with dreams of becoming the next Charlotte Worthington? This camp for eight to 16-year-olds is taught by British Cycling qualified coaches, and all bikes and safety equipment are provided. It’s a chance to develop skills, gain confidence, and progress through different areas of the track. There’s also an outdoor session at Platt Fields BMX Track. Cost is £35 per day, 9am-2pm, with lunch included.
Paint a Bunny | Chorlton Library | 11 April
Paintaway Events is hosting a parent and child art class at Chorlton Library to get you in the mood for spring. Everything you need - canvas, paints and even glitter - will be provided, so you just have to turn up and create a special memento with your little one. It might even make a sweet gift for a grandparent. A hot or soft drink is also provided. Tickets are £25.99 for an adult and a child together. Additional child or adult tickets are available.
Free swimming for under-17s | various locations |2-18 April
It’s the go-to option for bored kids of all ages - and it’s free at various MCRactive pools every weekend and every holiday during all “Swim for All’ general public sessions. All you need is a free MCRactive card (and your swimming costume and towel, obvs).
Read next: The North West festival guide 2022: March to September
Read again: Top things to do in Manchester: April 2022
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