July

July is here, and the school holidays are in full swing – lucky we have plenty of activities to keep children entertained! Festival season is here, so head to Altrincham for a celebration of all things French, or to Tatton Park for an explosion of American culture. For the creative among you, head to the Whitworth Art Gallery in search of treasure! And for a family fun day, why not see what the Cheadle Social Club has to offer.

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 July 2025, 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 Lookout
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

3 July 2026, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Art Baby at Whitworth
Sensory play sessions in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery, especially for non-walking babies and their grown-ups. It is a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where you can meet, play and talk with other parents and carers. These sensory play sessions are also specially designed to help develop your baby’s physical and social skills. With loads of space to crawl and explore, and lots of new things to look at, the gallery is a great place to play and bond with your baby.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/artbaby/

3 July, 10.30am – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm
Under 5s Little Creatives
A weekly creative session for toddlers and their adults! Includes music making, storytelling, dance and creative play. Sessions are 45 mins, are free for all and all attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

6 July, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
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: £5.00, 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

7, 14 July 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

10 July 2026, 10.30am – 2.30pm
PLAY days at Whitworth
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. Whitworth’s School of Creativity space will be packed full of huge tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, large reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/playdays/

10 July 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

24 – 25 July 2026
After-hours with the Mermaids
Come and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester!
Tickets: £28 adult, £24 child, £5 passholders
Pre-booking is essential
SEA LIFE Manchester,
Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester M17 8AS
Tel: 0161 749 2875
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/explore/events/after-hours-with-the-mermaids

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)