April

Whether you are in Manchester city centre enjoying Duck Race, hunting Easter eggs at National Parks or in Tatton Park for lambing fortnight we hope that the weather will stay bright and worm for you. And if not, there are plenty of activities at the Lowry, in Urbis or in the Museum of Science & Industry. Manchester and Cheshire are full of surprises for all the family this Easter break.

Till 31 August
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Manchester
Bubble Planet is an incredible adventure that immerses you in the magical world of bubbles. Explore a crazy planet that pushes the limits of your imagination, featuring virtual reality, themed rooms, and breathtaking landscapes. Travel from one fascinating space to another and engage all your senses!
Go on a journey with 10 rooms, each with a different theme. Travel through fantastic landscapes designed to stimulate the senses. Enjoy an immersive experience with VR tech, simulators, and illusions
Explore this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality
Depot Mayfield
11 Baring Street
Manchester, M1 2PY
www.bubble-planet.com/manchester

Till 31 August
Spies, Lies and Deception is a free, family-friendly exhibition at IWM North
In the undercover world of spies, lies and deception, nothing is what it seems. Everyone has something to hide.
Young recruits can visit the “Mission Room” to embark on a top-secret exhibition trail, piecing together information to find out if they have what it takes to succeed in the world of spies.
The reading age for Spies, Lies and Deception is 8+, but the exhibition is also suitable for younger children to explore with their parents and carers.
IWM North
The Quays
Trafford Wharf Road
Manchester, M17 1TZ
Tel: 0161 836 4000
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north

2 April 2026, 10.30am for 0–1, 11.30am for 1–2
Babies Playtime
These classes are led by a professional early years practitioner and are an opportunity to have fun, sing, dance and make new friends. Classes last 45 minutes and are free for all. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 0 to 1 and 1 to 2.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

3 – 4 April, 2026
Peter Rabbit™ at Easter Fun Day
That mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit™, is coming to visit us at the Bury Transport Museum.
Come and see Peter Rabbit at intervals throughout the day. There will be even more family fun with theme park rides, face painters and craft activities.
Complete your day out with a ride along one of our heritage steam or diesel trains through Irwell Valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit.
General Admission tickets must be purchased online, so don’t miss out.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

9 April 2026
The Wizarding Adventure
It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic.
During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
For students age 5 – 12 recommended, but anyone is welcome to enrol.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine steam (and spell) powered train
– An approximately two-hour wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters.
– Wizard themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
– Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

20 April 2026, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little one!
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £4.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

21, 28 April 2026, 10.30am – 11am
Baby Book Club
This is a great weekly session for parents and carers to introduce their babies to the wonderful world of libraries, books, and storytelling. Expect stories, songs, bubbles, sensory toys, and puppets! A fun and relaxed session especially for non-walking babies and their families.
Suitable for ages 0+
Free, booking required
Z-arts Library
335 Stretford Road, Hulme
Manchester M15 5ZA
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org

24 April 2026, 14.30 – 16.00
Experitots is a regular event specially designed for children aged 0–4.
During these playful sessions, toddlers and their adults are encouraged to explore and experiment together. Our team of friendly Explainers are on hand to support young explorers throughout the event.
This season Experitots sessions will take place in our Special Exhibitions Gallery, where you can enjoy a multi-sensory adventure with Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos.
Tickets: £10, ages 3 and under free
Location: Special Exhibitions Gallery
Level -1, New Warehouse
Science and Industry Museum
Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP
tel: 033 0058 0058
www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)