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Things to do May Bank Holiday Weekend in Manchester 2026

A child in a bank over Bank Holiday weekend
Published Date: 18 Apr 2026
Updated: 26 Apr 2026
Author: Gemma

If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester over the May Bank Holiday weekend 2026, you’re in the right place.

From fun fairs and family events, there are loads happening across Greater Manchester.

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for a last-minute idea, here’s your complete guide to what’s on from Saturday 2nd to Monday, 4th May 2026.

Featured Bank Holiday Events 

Kids Adventure Kingdom Bank Holiday Inflatables, Woodbank Park – Sponsored

Kids Adventure Kingdom Attractions
Credit Kids Adventure Kingdom

Dates: Saturday 2nd to Monday, 4th May 2026.

Running across the entire Bank Holiday weekend, this is one of the biggest family events taking place. Expect a huge range of inflatables, including giant slides, assault courses and activity zones, alongside children’s rides and entertainment.

It’s a great option if you want somewhere you can spend a few hours letting the kids burn off energy.

More >>> Kids Adventure Kingdom Bank Holiday Inflatables

What’s On All Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

Trails at Dunham Massey 

Dunham Massey is a great place to visit over the bank holiday weekend, and this May, they have the following trails to keep families busy. 

Pineapple Post with Speechly the Pineapple 

Help Speechly deliver the ‘pineapple post’, collect stamps and discover seasonal surprises along the way. Collect a booklet from the Visitor Reception or garden kiosk and follow the clues to complete the trail.

From Here to There: a tour for children

Children are invited to take a journey through the historic house, accompanied by Speechly the Pineapple. Grab a Pineapple Passport from the entrance of the house, spot the suitcase stacks, and collect stamps for your passport.

More >>> Bank Holiday Weekend At Dunham Massey 

Spring Trail at Heaton Park 

To the 31st May 2026 

Pick up a free trail map from Reception (by the Stables Cafe) and follow our family-friendly Spring Trail! This short walk takes you through scenic areas of the Park in search of fun spring characters.

More >>> Spring Trail at Heaton Park 

Fun Fair at Buile Hill Park, Salford

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

This family-friendly fun fair runs throughout the full Bank Holiday weekend with rides for all ages, stalls and entertainment. There’s also a free Easter egg hunt included, making it a great value option.

More >>> Fun Fair at Buile Hill Park

Dobbies Easter Bunny Breakfast, Marple

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

A popular Easter experience running across all four days. Families can enjoy breakfast, meet the Easter Bunny, take photos and take part in crafts and games. Each child also receives a chocolate treat.

More >>> Easter Bunny Breakfast at Dobbies

Easter Detectivate Trail at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Dates: Ongoing event including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

Although running for the full holidays, this is a great choice over the Bank Holiday weekend. Expect Easter trails, crafts, storytelling and outdoor fun in a beautiful setting. Ideal for families wanting a mix of nature and activities.

More >>> Easter Events at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Heaton Park Easter Fun Fair

Dates: Ongoing event including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

One of the biggest fun fairs in Greater Manchester, with rides for younger children through to thrill seekers. It’s open throughout the holidays, but a great go-to option across the Bank Holiday weekend.

More >>> Easter Fun Fair at Heaton Park

Wythenshawe Park Fun Fair

Dates: Ongoing event including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

A classic family fun fair with rides, stalls and games. Ideal for a flexible day out where you can turn up and enjoy at your own pace.

More >>> Fun Fair at Wythenshawe Park

Inflatable Ad-venture World Tour, Prestwich

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Sunday 12th April 2026 (includes Bank Holiday weekend)

This large-scale inflatable event includes themed attractions, character appearances and live entertainment. It’s a strong choice if your kids love inflatables but want something a bit more immersive.

More >>> Inflatable Ad-venture World Tour

Inflatable Easter Party, Uppermill Park 

Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th April 2026

This Easter, enjoy huge inflatables, children’s rides, Easter games, an Easter Egg Hunt and even a visit from Peter Rabbit

It will be open each day from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, entry is free, and rides tokens are available for £2.00. 

More >>> Inflatable Easter Party Royton Park 

Easter Open Air Bounce, Bolton

Dates: Ongoing event including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

A huge outdoor inflatable park with slides, obstacle courses and bounce zones. Great for energetic kids and dry weather days.

More >>> Easter Open Air Bounce

Highland Cow Spring Trail, Dunham Massey Farm

Dates: Ongoing event including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

A themed Easter trail where children can solve clues while exploring the farm and spotting Highland cows. Includes a prize at the end and plenty of photo opportunities.

More >>> Highland Cow Spring Trail

Stanley Square Easter Egg Hunt, Sale

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Saturday 11th April 2026 

A free dinosaur-themed Easter trail where children hunt for hidden eggs and complete challenges. A great free option for families.

More >>> Stanley Square Easter Egg Hunt

Fun Fair at Daisy Nook Country Park 

Ongoing event including across the Bank Holiday Weekend. 

Join Silcocks Funfairs at Daisy Nook for Easter. There will be something for all the family, from knuckle rides, children’s rides, and family favourites.

There will also be side stalls and games. 

Rides start at just £2.50.

More >>> Easter Funfair at Daisy Nook 

Easter At Reddish Vale Farm

Saturday 28th March to Monday 6th April 2026

Join Reddish Vale Farm for a fun Easter Event.

You will be able to join an Easter Trail with a special prize for finding a golden egg.

Plus, there will be all the usual fun of the farm, including the chance to meet the resident animals and indoor and outdoor play areas. 

More >>> Easter At Reddish Vale Farm

Easter Spring Fling at Cockfields Farm 

Monday 23rd March to Monday 21st April 2025

 Cockfields Farm has lots of spring fun planned over the Easter Bank Holiday

Along with all the usual fun of Cockfields Farm, including animal activities and play areas, there will be tractor rides and an Easter Egg Hunt

Plus, there will be a separate toddlers’ event.

Read More >>> Easter At Cockfields Farm 

Diggle Scarecrow Trail, Diggle, Oldham 

Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April 2026

For a fun trail this Easter weekend check out the Diggle Scarecrow Trail. 

This year, it has a Disney theme, and you can follow the trail map around Diggle and Saddleworth on the lookout for the scarecrows. The trail maps will be available from Diggle Village shops and will cost £3 each. 

All entrants will receive an Easter treat plus correct entries will be entered into a prize draw. 

More >>> Diggle Scarecrow Trail 

Funfair At Platt Fields Park 

Across Easter Weekend 

Carousel Funfairs are heading to Platt Fields Park for Easter. 

There will be something for all the family, from adrenaline rides to family favourites and lots for children. 

You can also expect Dino Days, games and lots more. 

Unlimited ride wristbands start at just £13.99 with bulk discounts available. 

Read More >>> Easter Funfair at Platt Fields Park 

Inflatable Easter Party, Royton Park 

All weekend 

This Easter, enjoy huge inflatables, children’s rides, Easter games, an Easter Egg Hunt and even a visit from Peter Rabbit

It will be open each day from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, entry is free, and ride tokens are available for £2.00. 

More >>> Inflatable Easter Party Royton Park 

Build The Thrill, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester

Dates: Ongoing, including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026 

This Easter-themed LEGO event gives children the chance to design, build and race their own creations.

There are interactive build zones, timed challenges and opportunities to test vehicles on ramps and tracks.

Alongside the seasonal activities, you’ll also have access to the usual LEGOLAND attractions, making it easy to turn this into a half-day indoor activity. Best suited to younger children and LEGO fans.

More >>> Build The Thrill LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester 

Pirate Treasure Hunt, SEA LIFE Manchester

Dates: Ongoing including Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026

This Easter, SEA LIFE adds an extra layer of fun with a pirate-themed treasure hunt running throughout the aquarium. Children can follow clues, spot hidden items and complete challenges as they explore the exhibits.

Alongside the trail, families can enjoy the usual highlights, including sharks, rays and interactive zones. A good option if you want a mix of education and entertainment indoors.

To book >>> Pirate Treasure Hunt at SEA LIFE Manchester

Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions, Tameside Pools

Dates: Sessions over the Bank Holiday weekend

These special holiday swim sessions include inflatable obstacle courses, flumes and family-friendly pool activities. Sessions are usually timed, so it’s worth checking availability in advance.

It’s a reliable option if you need something active but indoors, and it works well for children who enjoy being in the water.

Times and More >>> Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools

Easter Holiday Activities, People’s History Museum

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April 2026 (includes Bank Holiday weekend)

A free programme of family-friendly activities running throughout the holidays.

Expect interactive exhibits, creative sessions and themed activities like Banner Bingo, designed to engage children while exploring the museum. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something educational that still feels fun and hands-on.

More >>> Families at People’s History Museum

What’s On Good Friday in Manchester (Friday 3rd April 2026)

Good Fridaze Easter Family Social, Freight Island

Date: Friday 3rd April 2026

A lively Easter party with music, crafts, entertainment, an Easter egg hunt and interactive activities. Great for families wanting something high-energy and social.

More >>> Good Fridaze Easter Family Social

Little Red Riding Hood Easter Panto, Victoria Baths

Date: Friday 3rd April 2026

A fun, family-friendly Easter pantomime packed with comedy, audience interaction and colourful characters. Ideal for younger children.

More >>> Little Red Riding Hood Easter Panto

Easter Egg Paddle Hunt, Hollingworth Lake

Date: Friday 3rd April 2026

A unique Easter egg hunt on the water. Families paddle across the lake searching for clues and eggs. A brilliant option if you want something a bit different.

More >>> Easter Egg Paddle Hunt

Burrs Silent Disco Hike Adventure, Bury

Date: Friday 3rd April 2026

Get ready for something a bit different this Good Friday with the Burrs Silent Disco Hike Adventure in Bury!

With tunes to suit all tastes and a relaxed, community vibe, it’s a brilliant way to spend part of the Easter holidays exploring the outdoors and having a laugh with the kids.

Tickets from £15.50, suitable for families and all ages

To book >>> Good Friday Burrs Silent Disco Hike Adventure, Bury

Peter Rabbit Family Fun Day, Bury Transport Museum

Friday 3rd and Sunday 4th April 2026

Meet Peter Rabbit and friends at the Bury Transport Museum, with themed activities and photo opportunities for young families.

Booking required.

 More >>> Peter Rabbit Family Fun Day, Bury Transport Museum

Winstanley Park Easter Egg Hunt

Dates: Friday 3rd April to Sunday 5th April 2026

This woodland trail runs across Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday. Expect clues, characters, crafts and a chocolate reward at the end.

More >>> Winstanley Park Easter Egg Hunt

What’s On Easter Saturday in Manchester (Saturday 4th April 2026)

Free Easter Egg Hunt, Waterloo Park

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

A free community Easter hunt with games, crafts and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Ideal for younger children.

More >>> Waterloo Park Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Trail, 4C Community Centre

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

A simple but fun trail where children solve clues to earn an Easter treat. A good low-cost option.

More >>> Easter Egg Trail 4C Community Centre

Teddy Bear Easter Trail, Lancashire Mining Museum

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

A themed trail with added extras including train rides. A nice mix of indoor and outdoor fun.

More >>> Teddy Bear Easter Trail

Easter Egg Hunt, Heaton Moor Park

Date: Saturday 4th April 2026

A traditional Easter egg hunt with a relaxed, local feel. Great for families wanting something simple and outdoors.

More >>> Easter Egg Hunt Heaton Moor Park

What’s On Easter Sunday in Manchester (Sunday 5th April 2026)

Gee Cross Village Easter Egg Hunt

Date: Sunday 5th April 2026

A popular village-wide trail where children follow clues, find hidden eggs and solve a puzzle to win a treat.

More >>> Gee Cross Village Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday Funday, Stalybridge

Date: Sunday 5th April 2026

A free family event featuring a sensory trail, games, face painting and an Easter egg hunt. Booking required.

More >>> Easter Sunday Funday Stalybridge

Easter Family Fun Day, The Nursery Inn

Date: Sunday 5th April 2026

A relaxed Easter event with food, entertainment and a chocolate hunt. A good option for a laid-back Easter Sunday.

More >>> Easter Family Fun Day The Nursery Inn

Easter Family Fun, Elizabeth Gaskell House

Dates: Sunday 5th April 2026

This smaller, quieter attraction offers Easter crafts, trails and simple hands-on activities inside a historic setting. It’s well suited to younger children and families who prefer a more relaxed pace compared to busier venues.

A nice option if you want something low-key but still engaging.

To book >>> Easter Family Fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Easter Chick Hunt, Ordsall Hall

Dates: Sunday 5th April 2026

Follow the clues and search the gardens to find the hidden chicks around Ordsall Hall. This fun seasonal trail encourages children to explore the grounds while solving clues along the way.

Suitable for families with children. Tickets cost £1.50, and booking is required.

More >>> Easter Chick Hunt, Ordsall Hall

What’s On Easter Monday in Manchester (Monday 6th April 2026)

Diggle Duck Race

Date: Monday 6th April 2026

A fun community event where decorated ducks race along the water. Simple, affordable and great for families.

More >>> Diggle Duck Race

Egg-cellent Easter Egg Hunt, Sholver Millennium Green

Date: Monday 6th April 2026

A community Easter event with egg hunts, games and creative activities. Ideal for younger children.

More >>> Easter Egg Hunt Sholver Millennium Green

Easter Egg Hunt Trail, Chadkirk Chapel

Date: Monday 6th April 2026

A traditional trail around the chapel grounds with a chocolate prize at the end. A quieter option to finish the weekend.

More >>> Easter Egg Hunt Chadkirk Chapel

Top Parks In Manchester For Families 

A day out at a new park makes a great free day out. 

We are lucky to live in Manchester as there are lots of great options for kids.

Check out our top picks of Manchester Parks with great playgrounds and facilities for families. 

More >>> Top Parks In Manchester For Families

Free And Cheap Days Out In Manchester

Manchester cheap days out Putt Stars Rochdale

It is not always easy to entertain the kids over the school holidays, especially when you’re on a budget. 

To give you a helping hand we have put together a list of the best free and cheap days out in Manchester for families. 

Discover >>> Free and Cheap days out in Manchester here. 

Things To Do in Manchester City Centre with the Kids 

Things To Manchester City Centre for Kids

If you looking for a day out but are not sure where to go Manchester City has lots of things to do for kids

From child-friendly activities, playgrounds, adventure activities, gaming and lots more there is something for all budgets and ages. 

Read More >>>Best Things To Do With Kids in Manchester City Centre

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