There’s plenty of great activities and events to keep the kids entertained this school holiday.
Adventures in Wonderland | Z-arts, Hulme | Until 11th April
Created in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books, this interactive experience invites children and families to explore Wonderland through imagination and adventure. Follow the White Rabbit to discover scenes from the beloved story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Splash in the pool of tears, meet the Cheshire Cat, enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter, play flamingo croquet, get lost in a card maze, and find your way back to the riverbank just in time for tea.
Z-arts.org
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos | Science and Industry Museum | Ongoing
The beloved BBC Children’s show Horrible Science is brought to life as a fully immersive exhibition. Step into the solar system on a thrilling adventure where mystery, mischief, and rocket-loads of silly science await. Visitors will walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off, weird worlds. Through interactive experiments, playful challenges, and sensory-packed exploration, this cosmic journey engages all the senses on a rip-roaring tour of our solar system.
Scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Brave Bettie | Z-arts, Hulme | 14th March
A magical woodland adventure about courage, friendship, and finding your voice. Bettie loves the forest – it’s her sanctuary, where she feels calm and in control. But when the council threatens to cut down her favourite tree, Bettie must find the courage to fight for what she loves. Written by Tatenda Naomi Matsvai, Brave Bettie is a magical woodland adventure told through poetry, songs, and stories that explore their home heritage in Zimbabwe. This playful yet powerful production explores resilience, self-belief, activism, and our bond with nature. Co-produced by Half Moon and Z-arts, this exciting partnership brings together two of the UK’s leading theatre companies for young audiences. Suitable for ages three to eight.
Z-arts.org
Matilda the Musical | Palace Theatre | 26th March to 25th April
Combining the talents of Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company, this production of Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic has won seven Olivier Awards and has captured the hearts of young and old theatregoers alike, making it one of the most sought-after musicals of the last decade. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit and intelligence for her young age – not to mention her psychokinetic powers. She’s despised by her own hideously selfish parents but finds a kindred spirit in her shy schoolteacher Miss Honey. Miss Honey also has demons to face in the form of the outrageously callous headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
Manchester-theatre.co.uk
Power Up | Science and Industry Museum | Open daily during school holidays
Play the very best video games from the past five decades and try out over 100 different consoles with the ultimate hands-on gaming experience. There’s something for everyone, from Pong to Pacman, Sonic to Street Fighter, and Mario to Minecraft, plus a selection of games created in Manchester. Face off against friends and families in multiplayer showdowns, rediscover your childhood favourites, and test out some of the latest virtual reality experiences. Game on!
Scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure | RHS Bridgewater | Ongoing
To celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations for Kenneth Grahame’s classic The Wind in the Willows, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and HarperCollins have teamed up to create interactive children’s trails around RHS Garden Bridgewater. A selection of the beloved illustrations will feature in the garden adventure which will be made up of a host of exciting activities featuring favourite characters Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger. The trails will explore the gardens’ most iconic sights and bring plenty of storybook magic. Both the young and young at heart can discover sensory boxes, traditional garden games, photo opportunities, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Rhs.org.uk
