Keep the kids entertained this summer with our picks of some of the best family-friendly events that are happening throughout the holidays.
SUPERMASSIVE | Depot Mayfield | until 13th September
A mind-bending mix of art, tech, and play – SUPERMASSIVE is Manchester’s most interactive rooftop experience, designed for curious humans. This summer, the rooftop of Depot Mayfield will be transformed into a living, breathing world of interactive light, movement, and sound. From sound-reactive rooms to wellness rituals and kinetic sculptures, every corner invites you to touch, activate, and connect. Spend up to 90 minutes in this indoor, open-world adventure where you’ll explore a surreal landscape of interactive tech, musical machines, projection-mapped puzzles, and strange inventions.
supermassive.uk
An Inheritance | Manchester Art Gallery | 4th July to 2nd November
Showing at Manchester Art Gallery in 2025 and again in 2125, An Inheritance brings together a sprawling collection of knowledge, advice, jokes, memories and objects curated by local primary school children. Explore the exhibition – and contribute some knowledge or advice of your own – before it’s locked away for 100 years. The collection has been assembled by over 500 primary school children from across every borough of Greater Manchester who have been thinking about Manchester 100 years from now and what they can leave behind for its children.
factoryinternational.org/whats-on/an-inheritance
Giant Summer Sandpit | Great Northern | 13th July to 31st August
The Great Northern Warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and ever-popular giant sandpit for families to enjoy throughout the summer. With 50 tonnes of sand, some wooden logs to sit on and play with, and buckets and spades to borrow, it’s the perfect place to stop off. In the heart of the city centre, free, family-friendly spaces can be tricky to come across, but at the Great Northern, community is key, so the site is excited to reopen its amphitheatre which is solely dedicated to providing a fun space for kids to play and let their imagination run wild while parents and guardians relax.
thegreatnorthern.com
Day Out with Thomas | Bury | 2nd and 3rd August
Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas the Tank Engine. It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas at the East Lancashire Railway. You’ll meet Topham at the station, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage. Thomas will pull your train through the amazing countryside on a fun-filled journey to Ramsbottom station. After a quick break there, one of the dazzling diesel trains will pull you and Thomas back to Bury Bolton Street, where the doors to Bury Transport Museum are open for you.
eastlancsrailway.org.uk
A Squash and a Squeeze | The Lowry | 5th to 24th August
Based on the book A Squash and a Squeeze – written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler – step into the magical world of the story live on stage as a musical adaptation. Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work? Follow this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs.
thelowry.com
