WOW What’s on Where in Greater Manchester
Details of What’s on Where across the county, all in date order to help you plan your weeks ahead. Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times!
THIS SUMMER
Summer of Play
Dunham Massey www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Enjoy playful family days out this summer at Dunham Massey until 7th September. Normal admission applies.
Theme Park Fun
Adventure Coast Southport www.adventurecoastsouthport.co.uk
A fun-filled, family-friendly day out on the North West coast. With four immersive lands – Viking Landings, Pirate Cove, Cartoon Boardwalk and Steampunk Bay – there’s something for all ages, from thrilling rides and classic fairground games to tasty food and picnic spots.
Stinky New Adventures
BeWILDerwood www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Follow the Pongy Potions stink trail, watch the new show Minty and the Big Stink, meet Minty herself and create lasting memories together as you swing and slide your way through the woods! Inspired by the new BeWILDerwood book Minty and the Big Stink, a Summer of Fun is all about getting outside and getting stuck into magical adventures. The woods are open 10am-5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Sir Monty Webber’s Quest
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Follow Sir Monty Webber, a curious moth on a mission to find food and make friends, on a magical journey around the Mill. Suitable for children of all ages. Free, running until 31st December.
King Pins
Trafford Palazzo and Manchester Arndale
www.kingpinsbowling.co.uk
Enjoy the state-of-the-art Ten Pin and Duck Pin bowling lanes, as well as mini golf, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, huge arcades, private karaoke party rooms and even more. Get stuck into delicious pizza and crispy chicken from Marvin’s, as well as sweet treats and slushies from the Royal Treats desserts emporium.
Magical Adventure in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester www.z-arts.org
An immersive play experience for ages 1-8, follow the White Rabbit into scenes from the beloved book – splash into the pool of tears, make friends with the Cheshire Cat, have tea as the Mad Hatter, play croquet with flamingos, get lost in a card maze, and wake up back on the riverbank, just in time for tea! Booking required.
Loads to Do
Manchester City www.loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Manchester City Council has teamed up with communities and activity leaders across the area to bring all school holiday activities and events on one website. Whether you’re looking for activities for younger children or older young people, there’s something for everyone on Loads to Do.
Stories brought to Life
MediaCity, Salford Quays www.npgunframed.com
A ground-breaking immersive art experience created by FRAMELESS, in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. Discover the extraordinary stories behind some of the nation’s favourite portraits.
From Pitch to Page
National Football Museum www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
Explore four zones filled with iconic moments, interactive quizzes, and nostalgic editions of annuals. After visiting the exhibition, join the Creative Kickabout – an array of exciting, hands-on activities across the school holidays that celebrate football through a mixture of art, play and performance. FREE to City of Manchester residents and all tickets are valid for 12 months, with unlimited visits!
Picnic and Play in the Gardens
Dunham Massey www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Play together, relax and unwind in the gardens this summer. Discover games on the lawn or find and conquer the mount! When you need a break, borrow a blanket or lounge on a deckchair as you enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. Running until 7th September.
Summer of Fun
Gulliver’s Theme Parks
www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Enjoy a summer of giant adventures at your favourite family theme park.
A Field Hospital for Eco-Anxiety
Dunham Massey www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The Edible Bus Stop® and Not Here to Be Liked present a takeover of tropical plants and artworks to transform the Orangery into a space where you can take in plants through your eyes, nose, and ears. An experience that offers a refuge within nature for visitors to pause and reflect. Running until 28th September.
Thursday 3rd July
Opening Event – The Herds
Manchester City Centre www.factoryinternational.org
Life-sized animal puppets take over Greater Manchester as part of monumental migration across West Africa and Europe. Can they escape climate disaster? From the team behind The Walk with Little Amal. 6pm.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Friday 4th July
The Herds –Seeking Sanctuary Heywood www.factoryinternational.org
The Herds abandons the bustling city for the residential streets of Heywood, Rochdale. Encounter the animals in the industrial shadow of Mutual Mills before they move to Queen’s Park in search of nature. Can they find a tranquil moment away from the city? 6pm.
Friday 4th July –
Sunday 24th August
Football City, Art United Aviva Studios www.factoryinternational.org
What happens when 11 football legends team up with 11 artists? Experience the exhibition of the summer at Aviva Studios! There’s something for everyone to enjoy – from walking through the tunnel out onto the pitch to sculptures, animations and even having a kick about.
Saturday 5th July
Festival Square
Aviva Studios, Manchester www.factoryinternational.org
Enjoy a morning of family fun on the Square with Z-arts Family Jam before more live acts curated by Neighbourhood Organisers. Legendary Haçienda DJ Dave Haslam takes over the Square for a late-night party.
The Herds –Waiting for Kudu Pennington Flash www.factoryinternational.org
Explore Pennington Flash’s winding trails, pause in bird hides, and quietly observe as 70 life-sized puppets appear amid the trees and wetlands. A lion stalking through the long grass. A giraffe blending with the canopy. A silent kudu, watching from the shadows. Will your patience be rewarded? 6pm.
KIDS GO FREE
Sunday 6th July
Festival Square
Aviva Studios, Manchester www.factoryinternational.org
The Carlton Club descends on Festival Square with an all-day celebration featuring music, family fun and Rummage in the Range DJs.
Monday 7th & Monday 14th July
Blaze Trails Toddler Walks
Lyme National Trust Property www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Join Blaze Trails for a series of free toddler-friendly walks around Lyme, with a different route each week.
Monday 7th July –Sunday 31st August
Music for Senses Art Trail
Manchester City www.manchester.gov.uk
Music for the Senses will take over the streets with a trail of amazing artworks, murals, mosaics and installations celebrating the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene.
Wednesday 9th July
England Women v India Women
Emirates Old Trafford www.lancashirecricket.co.uk
Emirates Old Trafford hosts its first women’s international in over a decade as England Women take on India Women in a Vitality IT20! With tickets from just £13 for adults and £5 for juniors, enjoy world-class cricket, free fan village activities, live entertainment, plus food and drink.
Saturday 12th July
Festival Square
www.factoryinternational.org
Afrohouse, soul, jazz and funk are the order of the day. At night High Hoops take over bringing their legendary long-running queer parties to the Square with Fastlove, Lady Shakaand Kim Lana.
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July
Manchester Mega Mela
Platts Field Park www.manchester.gov.uk
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a community stage for local performers, and a funfair.
Sunday 13th July
Festival Square
www.factoryinternational.org
Start your morning right with Our Kids Social family silent disco before live music, Brazilian Drumming and more. South Asian Music Summit and Green Island Presents take over for the evening.
Friday 18th July –Sunday 7th September
Summer of Play at Lyme
Lyme National Trust Property www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Experience Summer of Play with a host of imaginative and hands-on activities all over Lyme.
Saturday 19th July
Festival Square
www.factoryinternational.org
Kick off the weekend with a family-friendly rave from The Playhouse Project.
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July
Funfair
Fog Lane Park www.manchester.gov.uk
Take your family to enjoy the funfair.
Saturday 19th July –Sunday 31st August
Play Every Day
Dunham Massey www.nationaltrust.org.uk
From circus skills to storytelling, a schedule of daily activities in the North Park Play Hub, suitable for the whole family.
Saturday 19th July –Monday 1st September
Summer of Play
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
A season packed with play, creativity, and discovery –every day of the holidays.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
July 28th – 1st August OR August 4th – 8th, 2025
For 5 - 12 Year Olds
Saturday 19th July –Sunday 4th January
Quentin Blake and Me
Lowry www.thelowry.com
Celebrate the work of one of the most popular and successful writers and illustrators of children’s books, Quentin Blake. This exhibition will be a delightful experience for all, featuring a vast collection of his work, fun interactives, games to play, and plenty of opportunities for young visitors and their families to write and draw their own stories.
Sunday 20th July
Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth – Double Bill Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Experience two Shakespearean classics in one magical evening! With bold performances and immersive staging by A Place for Us Theatre. Tickets from £14.
The Dino Academy East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Grab your explorer hat and get ready for a prehistoric day of dinosized fun! Join the eccentric and knowledgeable palaeontologists as they take you on a Jurassic journey packed with thrilling discoveries.
Festival Square www.factoryinternational.org
Round off the weekend in true Festival Square style with a mix of folk, rave and a Public Living Room in the Social to chill out.
Monday 21st July
Schools Out!
Bents Garden and Home www.bents.co.uk
There’s lots going on during the holidays with Make Your Own Pizza (Mondays), Build a Buddy (Tuesdays) and Children’s Crafting (Thursdays). Add to that fun on beach, golfing with dinosaurs or making outdoor adventures of their own and children have choice in abundance. And for everyone there’s a perfect place to dine with a choice of delicious venues.
Say you saw it in Primary Times
Tuesday 22nd July –Friday 22nd August
Summer of Adventure at the Farm
Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
Head down to the farm for a funfilled day out! From getting up close and personal with all your farmyard favourites to delicious cookery demonstrations, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Tuesday 22nd July –Friday 29th August
Camp Graystone Graystone Action Sports, Salford www.graystoneactionsports.co.uk
These action-packed camps are all about having fun, learning new skills and making friends. Open to children of all abilities; those new to action sports and experienced riders alike. No need to worry about lunch… a delicious meal served fresh from their bar and restaurant is included!
Wednesday 23rd July –
Monday 4th August
Sunflower Planting
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Plant your own sunflower and learn how to help it grow tall and strong. Taking place on Wednesday 23rd & Monday 28th July and Monday 4th August. Drop-in sessions 11am-1pm and 2-3.30pm.
Wednesday 23rd July –Sunday 31st August
The Great Woodland Adventure
RHS Bridgewater
www.rhs.org.uk
Go wild in the woods this summer! Head to the woodland basecamp for six weeks of hands-on fun and outdoor challenges, from epic den building and forest school workshops to woodland crafts, tree climbing, fire making and much more. With family trails, explorer walks and storytime for little adventurers too.
Self-Guided Trails
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Join the Summer Escape Hunt: solve the puzzles, find the hidden locations and collect all the stamps while uncovering the secrets of the woodland in this exciting self-led treasure trail. The Habitat Trail: discover threatened animal species and find out how you can help support them in your garden and local area. Or the Tremendous Tree Trail: discover which tree lives the longest, grows the tallest, or has the most fascinating story. Most importantly… which is your favourite? A peaceful and educational trail for all ages.
Thursday 24th July
Victorian Life
Tatton Park
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Step back in time to explore what life was like in Victorian times by assisting Tatton’s servants with their important daily jobs.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Tatton Park
www.tattonpark.org.uk
A delightful storytelling tour in the gardens inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Thursday 24th July –
Tuesday 5th August
Birds of Prey Encounters
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Meet majestic birds of prey and owls up close and discover what makes these woodland creatures so remarkable. Taking place on Thursday 24th & Tuesday 29th July and Tuesday 5th August. Age 5+, must be accompanied by an adult. Drop-in 10am-4pm.
Friday 25th July –
Sunday 3rd August
Summer Funfair
Wythenshawe Park www.manchester.gov.uk
Enjoy the fun of the fair this summer.
Friday 25th July &
Wednesday 6th August
Dreamcatcher Crafts
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Make your own dreamcatcher to take home – a perfect memento from your woodland adventure. Age 3+, must be accompanied by an adult. Drop-in sessions 11am-1pm and 2-3.30pm.
From Saturday 26th July
Outdoor Beach Opens
Merseyway Shopping Centre www.merseyway.com
Merseybay will transform Stockport town centre into a tropical paradise with golden sand, deckchairs and beach huts. Enjoy FREE seaside activities daily during centre opening hours, plus themed events every Friday in August including volleyball competitions, a mermaid celebration and lots more.
Saturday 26th July
Manchester Day 2025 www.manchester.gov.uk/ manchesterday
Inspired by a sensational summer of music across the city, Manchester Day will be bringing pop-up performances, astounding acrobatics and banging beats to the streets of Manchester for a day of free, family-friendly fun.12-5pm.
Pretty Muddy Kids
Tatton Park
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids is a brilliant muddy obstacle course just for the little ones.
Monday July 28th –
Friday 8th August
Summer SciTech 2025 Baguley Hall School www.scitech.co.uk
Two weeks of amazing hands-on science holiday clubs for ages 5-12 in South Manchester. Running 10am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours available too.
Monday 28th July –
Friday 15th August
Themed Holiday Workshops
Stagecoach Urmston, Wellfield Junior School www.stagecoach.co.uk/urmston
Three different themed workshops are running over the next three weeks for children aged 5-16! Book a fun-filled week of dance, drama and singing classes, with a show at the end for family and friends. Wraparound hours are also available. Themes are Pirates & Mermaids, Trolls and Wild West.
Wednesday 30th July
Through the Window Workshop
Tatton Park
www.tattonpark.org.uk
A unique experience recommended for 3-6 year olds, based within Tatton’s Gardens, which explores art and design, observational skills, and simple mapping.
Wednesday 30th July –
Friday 1st August
Tree Climbing
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Climb safely in the treetops with the help of expert instructors. A thrilling way to see the garden from a whole new perspective! Meet at the woodland marquee 10 minutes before your session. Bookable onehour sessions between 10am-5pm. Age 6+, must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential, £8 per child.
Wednesday 30th July –
Thursday 28th August
Wildlife Spotting Walk
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
This 40-minute gentle guided nature walk encourages young children to spot wildlife. Meet outside the Welcome Building. Running on Wednesday 30th July, Thursday 14th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 28th August. Bookable sessions at 11am, 12.15pm and 1.30pm. Ages 2-6, accompanied by an adult. Booking essential, £2.50 per child.
Wednesday 30th July –
Thursday 30th October
Family Garden
Wildlife Watch
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Enjoy time with your little ones, discovering the wildlife in the gardens at Quarry Bank.
Thursday 31st July
Mini Mindfulness
Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
An engaging session for 3-6 year olds, based in Diary Wood; an often unexplored area of the parkland.
Friday 1st August
Launch Party
Merseyway Shopping Centre www.merseyway.com
Don’t miss the Ohana Summer Launch Party with music, games and dancing!
Viking Life
Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
Discover the history of the Vikings and their way of life in this immersive, hands-on workshop in the atmospheric surroundings of the Old Hall.
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August
Day Out With Thomas East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Sunday 3rd August
The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
A hilarious musical Tudor romp from The Three Inch Fools. Join Good Queen Bess on stage for a royal theatrical adventure like no other. Tickets from £13
Wednesday 6th August
Manchester’s Playday
Across Manchester City www.manchester.gov.uk/play-day
BOOK AHEAD
Join Sodor’s Number One Tank Engine and Meet Sir Topham Hatt on a spectacular Day Out With Thomas. Your day out will start at Bury where you’ll meet Sir Topham and say hello to Thomas, before climbing aboard a carriage for a ride with the Little Blue Engine up to Ramsbottom Station and back.
Say you saw it in Primary Times
Playday is a national event to celebrate and highlight the importance of play. Manchester is on a journey to become a UNICEF-UK recognised Child Friendly City. 2025’s theme is ‘Spaces for play’ and there’ll be events at spaces across the city including libraries, leisure centres, parks and cultural venues.
From Wednesday 6th August
The Hundred is Back
Emirates Old Trafford www.thehundred.com
Music, entertainment and world-class cricket! The 2025 campaign gets underway against Southern Brave on Wednesday 6th August while the local derby with Northern Superchargers on Sunday 17th August is already selling fast after being sold out in the last three seasons. Don’t miss out on the action!
Thursday 7th August
Family Deer Workshop
Tatton Park
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Join the knowledgeable Education Team for a fun, family event, which shares the history and significance of Tatton Park’s deer herd.
Thursday 7th August
Bioblitz
Lyme National Trust Property www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Learn about the work Mersey Rivers Trust and the National Trust are doing to improve freshwater habitats at Lyme and across the River Bollin catchment. There will be a variety of activity stations suitable for any audience. 10am-2pm.
Thursday 7th –Saturday 9th August
The Big Den Build RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Unleash your imagination with an epic building challenge. Join Woodland Tribe, the UK experts in constructive play, and together with your fellow adventurers build a giant woodland adventure castle. Age 4+, must be accompanied by an adult. Bookable 90-minute sessions at 10am, 11.45am, 2pm and 3.45pm each day. Booking essential, £10 per child, £5 per adult.
Friday 8th August
Travel to Wonderland
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Join Alice and her delightfully mad friends for a topsy-turvy day where nothing is quite as it seems. Get ready for curious encounters, magical mayhem, giggles, jiggles and song!
Monumental
Mapping Workshop
Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
A unique family workshop at Tatton Park’s Gardens focusing on the fascinating monuments and teaching basic mapping techniques.
Friday 8th –Friday 29th August
Ohana Summer Activities
Merseyway Shopping Centre www.merseyway.com
Exciting activities lined up on all four Fridays in August including volleyball competitions, a mermaid celebration and lots more.
Saturday 9th August
Breadcrumbs
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wrongsemble’s award-winning show reimagines Hansel and Gretel in a fairytale packed with music, puppetry, and laughs. Perfect for families! Two performances at 12noon and 2.30pm. Tickets from £7.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August
Magic of Thailand
Platts Field Park www.manchester.gov.uk
Treat yourself to a weekend of wonder and take along your families and friends to experience a touch of Thai culture.
Monday 11th –Friday 15th August
Summer Workshop
Stagecoach Altrincham, Bowdon Church School www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham
This five-day experience is open to children and young people aged 5-18 of all abilities. This year’s workshop will be inspired by the magical world of The Wizard of Oz. Students will enjoy a fun, creative and highenergy environment as they work together to rehearse and develop a full performance. From singing and dancing to acting and staging, it’s an exciting opportunity to build skills, make new friends and grow in confidence. The week will culminate in a fantastic showcase performance on Friday evening, where friends and family are invited to watch the magic come to life on stage.
Monday 11th –
Friday 29th August
Forest Schools
RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk
Experience the magic of outdoor learning with activities guided by expert forest school leaders, from crafting with natural materials to learning bushcraft skills. Activities include woodland crafts, fire making workshops, tools workshops and woodland storytime. Not running on Monday 25th August. Book individual activities online.
Thursday 14th August
Tatton Tales: Cinderella Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
A magical storytelling tour in the Mansion to find out what life was like for Cinderella before and after she was a princess.
Friday 15th August
Villain Academy
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Don your darkest cloak, sharpen your wits, and prepare for a wickedly fun day where bad is the new good! Food and drink will be available to purchase from the café on Platform 3 and 4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
Thursday 21st August
I See Me When I look at a Tree Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
A mindfulness experience for families in Tatton Park’s Gardens, inspired by different varieties of trees.
Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd August
Peppa Pig
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Meet Peppa Pig in the fantastic Bury Transport Museum at intervals on both days.
Thursday 21st, 28th & 29th August
Night-Time Wildlife Walks Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Explore Quarry Bank at night and see what nocturnal residents you spot. £14pp.
Saturday 23rd –Monday 25th August
Summer Country Fayre at the Farm Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. Traditional country crafts, food and drink, plus demonstrations and a daily programme of activities!
Saturday 30th August
Summer Sparks Spectacular
Gulliver’s Theme Parks www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Celebrate another magical summer season! Enjoy extra ride time with extended opening hours (10.30am-8.30pm) ahead of a fantastic fireworks display starting at approximately 8.45pm!
Friday 12th September
The Greatest Showman – Outdoor Cinema Sing-along
Lyme National Trust Property www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Experience the magic of the UK’s No.1 outdoor cinema shows with Adventure Cinema at Lyme! A fantastic open-air, sing-along cinema experience with a showing of The Greatest Showman. 6.30-9.45pm.
Sunday 21st September
Family Fun Run
Gulliver’s World, Warrington www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
£12.50 event entry with theme park ticket included! Gulliver’s can’t wait to welcome 1000 fun runners, raising funds for St Rocco’s Hospice. Take part in the Gulliver’s Family Fun Run, dust off those running shoes for this fantastic event. Combined fun run and theme park entry is just £12.50pp, with £2.50 of your entry being donated directly to St Rocco’s. Non-Fun-Runners can still purchase standard theme park tickets (entry from 10.30am) at a reduced rate, starting from £17pp.
Saturday 27th September
September Apple Day Celebration
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk
In the Apprentice House Orchard, sample freshly pressed apple juice, take part in apple themed activities and get a chance to take a bag of apples home, for a donation. Admission charges apply. 11am-3pm. Free.
