May

Be prepared for the May Bank Holidays, half term and beyond – browse our events and find the one for your family. With a variety of festivals, shows, and activities for kids and parents, you won’t be bored. Come rain of shine, there is always something to do in Cheshire and Manchester. Whether you’ll be having fun in Tatton Park, joining playtime classes at The Lowry or visiting East Lancashire Railway in Bolton, we’re certain you’ll enjoy it!

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

1 May 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/

1, 8, 15, 22 May 2026, 10am – 10.45am, 11am – 11.45am
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 Lookout
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

2 – 4 May 2026
All Aboard For A Day Out With Thomas!
Meet Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends, who are waiting to greet you at the East Lancashire Railway! This fun filled day out for all the family includes:
– Rides on Thomas
– Meeting The Fat Controller and some of Thomas friends
– Performances by Rusty and Dusty, Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers
– Unlimited Travel on Steam and Diesel trains
– Thomas Themed Activities in the Imagination Station, including, Tabletop Games, Colouring, Thomas Films
– Re-enactments of classic Thomas stories, including the Troublesome Trucks up to no good
– Magic Shows, Circus Workshops, Face Painting
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

4 May 2026, 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm),
Dog Show begins at 12pm
Fun Dog Show at the Farm
Join in for an unforgettable day of fun and excitement at the dog show, featuring ten delightful novelty classes that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Some of the crowd-favourite categories include Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail, and Scruffiest Dog, each offering a unique twist to traditional dog shows. In addition to the novelty classes, there will be a thrilling agility course where you and your furry friend can test speed and coordination—just make sure you’re fit enough to keep up!
The highlight of the event is the coveted ‘Show Champion’ trophy, which will be awarded to the top dog of the day. To recognize the efforts of all participants, rosettes will be awarded up to 6th place in each class, ensuring that many of their canine competitors go home with a well-deserved keepsake.
The festivities kick off at 12pm.
Entry to each class is just £2, in addition to the standard Farm entry charges. Whether you’re a seasoned dog show enthusiast or a first-time participant, this event promises a day of joy, laughter, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity to celebrate our four-legged friends and have a tail-wagging good time!
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

5, 12, 19 May 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

7, 14, 21 May 2026, 10am for 0–1, 11am 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

8 May 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/

8, 22 May 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

9 – 10 May
The Great British Food Festival
The nation’s favourite food festival is back in 2025 with great food and drink at some of the country’s most treasured locations. GBFF offers a chance for foodies, friends and family to come together for a special day out. The organisers will make sure children are blissfully amused and the dog has fun too!
Arley Hall & Gardens
Northwich
Cheshire CW9 6NA
www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com/arley-hall

11 May 2026, 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: £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

16 May 2026, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Outdoor Art Club at Whitworth
Play-based outdoor workshops for all the family, but particularly brilliant for two to eight year-olds – encouraging children to play freely while exploring nature.
Wear suitable clothing, waterproofs and wellies, especially during the winter months.
Free, drop-in
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/outdoorartclub/

16 May 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Lego Club | Manchester Central Library
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served.
Suitable for ages 4 and above
Free, drop-in
Manchester Central Library
Saint Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD
www.librarylive.co.uk/event/lego-club-2

16, 17 May 2026
The South Manchester Food Festival 2026
A weekend jam-packed with brand-new production, eccentric live entertainment, and an abundance of culinary delights.
Alongside the cornerstone classics, you can expect…
– Their Biggest Music Lineup Yet! (Including Brand-New Tributes)
– Manchester’s Leading Chefs in the Cookery Theatre
– Brand-New Attractions & Family Activities
– Heightened Production & New Entertainment (yes, new weird & wonderful attractions you won’t see anywhere else)
– Fresh Street Food, Artisan Market & Bar Line-up Mark the date, grab your family and friends, and lock yourselves in for Manchester’s ultimate foodie celebration this Spring.
Wythenshawe Park
Wythenshawe Road, Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester M23 0AB
Tel :01619982117
www.southmanchesterfoodfestival.com

17 May 2026, 11am – 4pm
Bramhall Duck Race 2026
the Duck Race and Family Fun Day is held by Bramhall And Woodford Rotary Club at Bramhall Park. There will be a variety of duck races to enter and speciality races with local celebrities and businesses getting involved by decorating large rubber ducks, who will go beak to beak in the river. As well as Duck Racing with some fabulous prizes for the winners there will be many sideshows a bouncy castle, games, singers, dancing groups and craft stalls. Free DUCK BUS Park & Ride service will be running throughout the day between Woodford Garden Village (via Bramhall) and the Park, Hazel Grove High School and from Church Road, Cheadle Hulme with parking available at the two local schools. Look out for the yellow DUCK BUS.
Bramall Park
Hall Road
Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3NX
tel: 0161 4398278
www.bwrotary.org

23 May 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

27 May 2026
Wonderland Adventure
You’re late, you’re late, for a very important date! It’s time to take a tumble down the Rabbit Hole for a curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends.
During this weird and wonderful interactive experience you’ll meet the surreal inhabitants of this bizarre place.
Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back and a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters and themed activities.
Pre-booking required
Bury Transport Museum
Bolton Street Station, Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, Bury BL9 0EY
Tel: 0333 320 2830
Booking Office: 0161 876 2015
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

28 May 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

29 May 2026
The Dino Adventure
Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin?
Now’s your chance. Come on an adventure of Jurassic proportions to The East Lancashire Railway and get the opportunity to get up close and personal with their baby dinosaurs.
You’ll get to learn all about these adorable dinosaurs from our expert handlers in this fully interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for all the family. Come along an earn your diploma in dino know how and begin your training as a palaeontologist of the future.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a dino-proofed steam train.
– An approximately two hour dinosaur experience with expert rex wranglers and triceratops tamers.
– Dinosaur 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.
Age recommended: 5 – 12 and anyone is welcome to join the fun.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

31 May 2026, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Quiet Mornings at Whitworth
Quiet and calm open-ended play sessions for families with additional needs.
There will be open-ended play objects to explore, created by The Sensory Toolkit, as well as a creative making activity. The sessions are designed so that children lead the way, moving around in their own time and at their own pace.
Free, drop-in
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/quietmornings/

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)