Want to know what's on for families over the six week break? Here's our pick of the events, activities and days out
THE summer holidays are here and if you've got a kid in your life, you're probably wondering how you'll fill the endless days between now and September. After all, even the most committed Roblox fan will get bored of pixellated blocks eventually.
Keep them happy and active with a few trips out into the city - here we've listed loads of events, activities and kid-friendly exhibitions happening in and around Manchester. While over at Confidential Guides, we have hundreds of ideas for places to visit and days out for families, with lots of free and affordable options.
Power Up
Daily until 1 September then weekends only
Play the best video games from the past five decades at Power Up, the ultimate gaming experience. From retro favourites like Pac-Man and Street Fighter to virtual reality, there’s something for all games fans with over a hundred consoles to explore.
Shaun the Sheep in The Great Garden Adventure
20 July - 1 September
RHS Garden Bridgewater has joined up with Academy-Award-winning studio Aardman to deliver these family-friendly activities for the summer holidays. You can help Shaun in his gardening escapades, try your hand at planting lamb's lettuce to take home, burn off some energy with the O'Lamb'pic Games, and get hands-on in creating a mini version of Shaun in the Claystation sessions.
An Edwardian Childhood
24 July - 1 September (Thursdays and Sundays only)
Head to the Pankhurst Centre, the birthplace of the Suffragette movement, for free family activities every Thursday and Sunday over the summer holidays. There’ll be drop-in craft sessions, a museum trail, dressing up, and games, all exploring the Edwardian era through a child’s eyes.
Bright Lights, Big Fun
The Trafford Centre
26 July – 1 September
Have a family day out at the Trafford Centre this summer - its popular fairground is back with a splash park, a giant beach, food trucks, and fairground rides galore.
MegaCon Live
27 - 28 July
Cosplay kids, steampunks and anime fans will be converging on Manchester Central in the last weekend of July for this comic convention. It's a full day out with a kids mega zone, a gaming zone, special guests and lots happening throughout the weekend.
Adidas Skate Plaza
27 July - 8 August
Adidas brings its global skateboarding event Build to Manchester with a custom-built public skate plaza at Aviva Studios. There’ll be skate contests, skate school, exhibitions, film premieres and workshops - and you can see Adidas' global team riders in action.
Manchester Day
Manchester city centre
27 July
The theme for this year's Manchester Day celebrations is 'Let the games begin!' Inspired by a summer of sport, the city centre will be filled with music, performances, dancing and have-a-go activities. Look out for the world's slowest race, a hip hop wrestling ring, a best Dad dancer competition and lots more.
Krazy Races
St Peter's Square, Stockport
28 July
Watch the Krazy Races teams tear around a special route in the town centre with chicanes, obstacles, and thousands of people cheering them along. And it’s all to raise money for local charities including The Christie and St Ann’s Hospice.
Bluey's Big Play
31 July - 11 August
Catch this brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, featuring brilliantly created puppets. It’s an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm with new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
Little HOME
2 August - 4 August and 10 August - 11 August
Head to HOME for this family-friendly festival featuring loads of interactive theatre, circus skills, puppetry, music, dance, crafts, and film. Meet a baby dragon, learn diablo, take part in a doodle dance workshop and lots more. Much of the festival is free with some ticketed events.
Bubblefest
19-21 July
Bigbubbleman brings his bubble mix to Knowsley Safari to fill the air with some of the biggest bubbles you’ll ever see - plus tiny bubbles that will make the park shimmer. Kids can have a go too. This is just one of several special events throughout the summer holidays at Knowsley Safari.
Arts Award: Discover in a Day
7 August
Kids aged six to 13 are invited to take part in an 'Arts Award Discover in a Day' workshop which will include sketching, collage, and print-making. This session is inspired by the incredible life and work of Jewish artist Pearl Binder whose work is featured in the museum's collection.
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