Things To Do October Half Term in Manchester 2025

Keep the kids entertained this year with our guide to things to do in the October half-term for kids in Manchester 2025. 

October half-term is on its way, which means looking to entertain the kids.

This year, all Greater Manchester council areas will have the same school holidays running from Saturday 25th to Sunday 2nd November 2025.

You will be pleased to hear that there is a lot going on around Manchester for October 2025, from lots of Halloween events and pumpkin picking to fun trails, interactive exhibitions, light trails and lots more. 

To help you out, we have put together a full list of fun things to do in the October half-term in Manchester for families in 2025. 

We will be updating the information below as information is released. 

Indoor October Half-Term Events 

October half-term weather is always unpredictable, and it is always good to have some indoor options for places to go. 

This year, there are some great indoor events and activities going on throughout Manchester.

Here are our top picks for indoor family events this summer in Manchester.

Plus, you can discover some great free indoor events further down in our guide.

Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools 

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

A  trip to the swimming pool makes a great School Holidays day out and Tameside pools have some extra fun in-store. 

Kids and adults alike can enjoy fun sessions with toys, inflatables, and even slides at their Swim, Slides, and Waves at Hyde Leisure. 

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

Chaos Karts, Manchester City Centre 

Ongoing

Kids over 11 years can enjoy the ultimate immersive go-karting experience at Chaos Karts.

Take to the tracks, complete with state-of-the-art technology, thrilling track designs and cutting-edge projection mapping.

This fun experience will take the gaming world to the next level, players can fully immerse themselves in digitally projected worlds and up the challenge on the tracks with weapons and power-ups.

Tickets cost from £22.50 and must be booked in advance. 

To book >>> Chaos Karts, Manchester City Centre 

Power Up, Museum Of Science And Industry 

Ongoing

Kids and adults who love gaming can enjoy the ultimate experience this summer

Gaming fans will be in their element with the chance to play the most popular games from the past 40 years. 

Expect a mix of vintage games, such as Pong and Pacman, Street Fighter, and modern-day favourites like Mario and Minecraft, alongside the latest VR experiences.  

Tickets are required and cost £8.00 for adults and £7.00 for children. 

Book and Read More >>> Power Up Gaming Event at Science and Industry

The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-Arts, Hulme 

Ongoing 

Z-arts are giving you the chance to enjoy a fun family escape room over the summer holidays. 

Aimed at children over 6 years and their adults, the escape room will feature clues, puzzles and challenges with the aim to try to escape the room within the hour. 

Booking is required, and places and like to go quickly. 

The event is closed on Sundays and Mondays

Discover >>>Review of The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts 

Read more and how to book >>>The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts 

Sixes Social Cricket, Manchester City Centre 

Ongoing 

Keep the kids busy this summer at Sixes with the UK’s first immersive cricket fielding experience.

With five challenger modes from Beginner to World Class, the new game will test guests’ reflexes, catching skills and throwing accuracy under pressure. Plus, you can challenge yourself by diving to catch a flying ball, then throwing it to strike lit-up targets.

Once you have worked up an appetite, you can eat onsite at Kricket. One of the UK’s most celebrated Indian restaurant groups will be offering an all-new Indian street food menu.

More >>> Sixes Social Cricket, Manchester City Centre 

Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogies and You at Science and Industry Museum

Ongoing to Sunday 4th January 2025 

Join Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx as you are shrunk to microscopic size and set out on a medical mission into Dr Chris’s brain headquarters

Journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot and plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses.

Venture through the five familiar senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste, as well as lesser-known secret senses that help you stay balanced, tell you when you need a wee and when it’s time to sleep.

Read More >>> Operation Ouch at Science and Industry Museum 

Pac-Man Live Experience, Manchester City Centre 

Ongoing 

This summer, you can step into a life-sized, interactive PAC-MAN maze, blending physical activity with augmented reality in a state-of-the-art, multi-sensory adventure.

Players wear high-tech PAC-Vests with advanced tracking technology while collecting POWER PELLETS and evading the iconic ghosts. 

Hosting throughout the game is your PAC-MASTER, who provides commentary and mid-game feedback to fully immerse participants in the action.

Tickets cost from £18.00 when booking as a family. 

To book >>>Pac-Man Live Experience Manchester

From Here To There: A Trail For Children, Dunham Massey 

To Sunday 2nd November 2025 

Families can enjoy a fun trail around the Dunham Massey House. 

Accompanied by Speechly, The Pineapple, grab a passport as you look out for the suitcase stacks, collecting a stamp as you go. 

The trail will be open from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm it is free, but normal admission applies.

More >>> From Here To There: A Trail For Children, Dunham Massey 

Wizarding Adventure at East Lancashire Railway

Wednesday 29th October 2024

Little witches and wizards can enjoy a fun adventure this October half-term.

This magical interactive experience will give you the chance to learn the basics of broomsticks, potion making, instructions in incantations and lots more. 

Tickets are on sale now and places are limited. 

Read More >>> Wizarding Adventure at East Lancashire Railway here. 

Halloween Paint a Pot and Stories at Kargo MKT, Quayside 

Wednesday 29th October 2025

This October half-term Kargo MKT is hosting a fun Halloween Paint A Point and Spooky Stories session.

There will be a chance to show off your creativity by painting your own pot while enjoying some Halloween-themed stories. It’s a perfect way to get into the festive spirit!

The session will start at 10.00 am and places cost £16.96

They are also running some fun free activities – see below under free things to do this half term. 

Read More >>> October Half-Term Workshops at Kargo MKT

The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-Arts, Hulme 

Ongoing 

Z-arts are giving you the chance to enjoy a fun family escape room over the summer holidays. 

Aimed at children over 6 years and their adults, the escape room will feature clues, puzzles and challenges with the aim to try to escape the room within the hour. 

Booking is required, and places and like to go quickly. 

The event is closed on Sundays and Mondays

Discover >>>Review of The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts 

Read more and how to book >>>The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts 

Adventures in Wonderland At Z-arts Hulme 

Join Z-arts for an immersive play experience at the Adventures in Wonderland.

Step into the shoes of Alice as you join your storyteller, the White Rabbit. Discover the shape-shifting Cheshire Cat in a game of croquet with flamingos and even the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

There will be a chance to climb through tunnels and get lost in mazes, along with fairground mirrors to amuse, a ball pool to ‘splash’ into, plus interactive games and sensory areas, all bringing Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world to life.

There will also be lots of surprises along the way and great photo opportunities.

More >>> Adventures in Wonderland At Z-arts Hulme

Outdoor October Half-Term Events In Manchester 

Spooks’ Autumn Art Adventure

To 9th November 2025 

Spooks the spider is spinning something spectacular – but first, they need a burst of inspiration!

Join Spooks on a wander through the park, where every leaf, colour and creature could inspire their next work of art.

Along the way, you’ll sort colours, match leaves and hunt for natural treasures, all to help create Spooks’ most magnificent masterpiece yet.

The event is free, but normal admission applies.

More >>> Hedgehog Hibernation: A Home For Prickles Trail, Dunham Massey 

Autumn Crafts – Half-Term Creations

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025 

Join Dunham Massey for a moment of creativity at our autumn craft workshops. Make your own leafy crown or fluffy pumpkin pompon.

The event is free but normal admission applies. 

All Things Autumn Trail, Lyme Park 

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

Discover our autumn trail for families running every day.  

Explore what makes autumn so special at Lyme as you look out for all the colours and weird and wonderful creatures that autumn has to offer, and enjoy autumn games and indoor creative activities.

It costs £3 per trail and normal admission applies.

More >>> All Things Autumn Trail, Lyme Park 

October Half Term Fun Fair, Trafford Centre 

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025 

Enjoy a day at the fun fair at The Trafford Centre this half term. 

Not only will they have a whole host of rides, including a haunted house and ghost train, but they will also have some spooky crafts and more. 

Plus, for over 12s, there will be the first-ever Trafford Fright Nights 

More >>> October Half Term Fun Fair Trafford Centre 

Fun Fair at Heaton Park 

Saturday 25th to Sunday 2nd November 2025

Carousel Fun Fairs will be bringing a fun, spooky event to Heaton Park in the run-up to Halloween. 

The fun Manchester event will offer a whole range of rides from white knuckle rides to family favourites and children’s rides with something for all ages.

If that is not enough, you will also be able to get into the Halloween spirit with a scarecrow pumpkin patch, spooky meet and greets and more. 

Discover More >>> Spook In The Park Fun Fair Heaton Park 

Fun Fair at Platt Fields, Manchester

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

Head to Platt Fields for all the fun of the fair over the October half-term. 

There will be rides for the whole family, stalls, and some fun entertainment.

More >>> October half-term fun fair at Platt Fields 

October Half Term Fun at RHS Bridgewater Gardens, Salford 

 Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

This Halloween, RHS Garden Bridgewater is serving up a ghoulishly good week of autumnal fun for the whole family. From pumpkin trails to creepy-crawly encounters, there’s something for every little monster to enjoy—and it’s all included with garden admission (unless marked *).

Pumpkin Garden Trail – Daily from 10 am to 4 pm – Step into the secret life of pumpkins and explore the garden filled with seasonal surprises. Spot pumpkin-decorated trees, spooky scarecrows, and a banquet table fit for a Halloween feast. Discover the history of pumpkin carving and pick up some tasty recipe ideas along the way.

Pumpkin Carving Demonstration – Saturday 25th October – Drop in between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm to watch expert carvers from Sand In Your Eye transform pumpkins into creepy creations. What insect will emerge from the carving? Come and see!

Sow the City Pumpkin Music – Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th October – Drop in between 10 am and 4 pm to discover how electrical currents in plants can be turned into music. Listen to what the pumpkins and squashes have to say in this fascinating sensory experience.

Zoolab Animal Encounters* – Wednesday 29th October Join Zoolab for a hands-on adventure with snakes, spiders, snails and more as they interact with Halloween pumpkins. Bookable 45-minute sessions (£5 per child), must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Crafts – Thursday 30th October – Drop in between 11 am–1 pm and 2 pm–4 pm for scarecrow-themed crafts. Perfect for unleashing your autumn creativity with little ones. Adult supervision required.

Bread and Butter Zombie Disco – Friday 31st October Join the undead dance party at 11 am, 12.15 pm, 1.30 pm or 2.45 pm. Put on your pumpkin costume and groove to monster hits around the garden. Meet at the Welcome Building.

Pumpkin Display – Saturday 1st November: Donate your carved pumpkins to help create a spooktacular display. Drop off at the Learning Studios between 10 am–11.30 am and 2 pm–3 pm. Sunday 2nd November: Take a haunting stroll down Long Walk and admire the glowing gallery of visitor-donated pumpkins.

Garden admission applies; free for RHS members and children under 5.

More >>> RHS Bridgewater Gardens October Half Term 

Free and Cheap October Half-Term Events In Manchester 

Half-Term Activities at People’s History Museum

Ongoing

Free to £2.50 

The People’s Museum has lots of fun planned for half term, including 

• Banner Bingo, Daily, Free – Go on a quest to find images featured in the banners in the galleries to match those on your bingo card. Get a line and shout BINGO, get a full card and shout HOUSE. Suitable for over 5’s. 
• Playful Protest Free, Daily– Enjoy family-friendly creative activities and games inspired by the museum’s collections.  Suitable for 5 to 12-year-olds.
• Mini Yarn Bombs, Daily – Have a go at weaving a simple knit to attach to a picture of an object commonly found to be yarn bombed, maybe a post-box, bench or tree trunk. Family-friendly activity, suitable for ages 5 -12 (under 16s must have an accompanying adult).

The Museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Read More >>> People’s History Museum 

Quentin Blake and Me – Free Family Exhibition at The Lowry 

Ongoing

Add a splash of creativity to your October Half Term with a visit to Quentin Blake and Me, a vibrant and interactive exhibition celebrating one of the most beloved illustrators in children’s literature.

Hosted at The Lowry in Salford, this free but ticketed exhibition invites families to explore the magical world of Quentin Blake, whose iconic illustrations have brought to life over 500 books—including classics by Roald Dahl, David Walliams, and Michael Morpurgo. From The BFG to Mr Stink. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, games, and storytelling stations, with plenty of opportunities to write and draw their own creations.

More >>> Quentin Blake and Me, The Lowry 

Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat, Manchester Museum

Saturday 25th October 2025 to 22nd February 2026

This autumn, Manchester Museum invites families to come face-to-face with one of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time in a brand-new exhibition: Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat.

Blending science, storytelling and hands-on fun, it’s a thrilling experience for dino-lovers of all ages. 

The event is free, but booking is required

More >>> Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat, Manchester Museum

Read More >>> Review and top tips for Manchester Museum here. 

£2.00 Family Films, Cineworld Ashton, Didsbury and Bolton

Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

Who doesn’t love a trip to the cinema?  The kids are occupied for an hour or two, and you can sit back and relax, well in theory.

This October Half Term, Cineworld Ashton is offering the chance to watch a family film for just £2.00 per (person plus a booking fee) 

Discover what films are showing this week >>> Half Term £2.00 Family Films at Cineworld Manchester 

Play Zone, Adswood Youth Centre 

Saturday 25th October 2025 

Enjoy a family drop-in experience offering its own gaming room, arts and crafts, sensory room, and so much more!

All ages and abilities are welcome, and tickets cost £5.00.

More >>> Play Zone, Adswood Youth Centre

Marple Monthly Family Session

Saturday 25th October 2025 

Enjoy arts and crafts, puzzles and board games, construction, sensory activities, switch console and VR headset.

Booking is not required, and sessions cost £3.00 per family

October Fun at Imperial War Museum 

Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024

The Imperial War Museum at Salford Quays has some great half-term fun in-store for families, all the sessions are free and drop unless it says otherwise.

These events include: 

• Story Seekers – Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm – Explore the museum’s collections with the Story Seekers trail to discover compelling real-life stories with your family.
• Carry Your Story – Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm –Decorate your own cotton tote bag with colours, words, patterns and symbols that reflect your family’s story, culture and everyday objects that hold special meaning. 
• Crack The Code – Weekends – 10.00 am to 5.00 pm – Collect a trail sheet and help Second World War veteran Bernard to ‘crack the code’ as he makes his way home after the end of the Second World War. Discover stories and objects covering historical moments, from VE Day, VJ Day, and rationing, which continued to be part of life well after wartime.
• We Were There Family Day – Wednesday 29th October 2025, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm – Meet IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict to gain a unique insight into the impact of war on people’s lives. 
• Raffia Embroidery Workshop – Friday 31st October 2025 at 11.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm. Join designer and maker Tihara Smith for a fun, hands-on workshop inspired by Caribbean craft and storytelling. Families with children aged 8+ will learn raffia embroidery—a colourful textile technique—and create a mini hoop artwork using symbols, patterns, and words that reflect who you are. 

More >>> October Half Term Activities at Imperial War Museum

Spooky Crafts at Stockport Libraries  

Monday 27th to Friday 29th October 2025

Head to the following libraries for a spooktacular Halloween craft session at the library.

• Bredbury Library, Monday 27th October, 11.00 am to 12.00 pm
• High Library, Tuesday 28th October 2025, 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm
• Brinnington Library, Friday 31st October 2025, 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

More >>> Spooky Crafts Stockport Libraries 

October Half Term Activities at Ordsall Hall, Salford 

Sunday 26th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025 

Ordsall Hall makes a great free day out, plus over half term they have the following activities planned:

• Tudor Tombstone Trail, Sunday 26th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025 – Will you be brave enough to explore Ordsall Hall and follow our Tombstone Trail? £2.00 per child, booking required. 
• Clay Monsters, Monday 27th October 2025 – Make your own weird and wonderful monsters out of clay. £3.00 per child, booking required.
• Halloween Wreath Making Workshop, Tuesday 28th October 2025 – Make a Halloween decoration to take home. £3.00 per child, booking required.
• Wand Making Workshop, Wednesday 29th October 2025 – Make a magic wand with the materials provided. £3.00 per child, booking required.
• Meet The Witch Storytelling, Thursday 30th October 2025 – Enjoy a Halloween storytelling session. Free but booking required. 

To book >>> October Half Term Activities at Ordsall Hall, Salford 

Free Half-Term Activities at Kargo MKT, Quayside 

Sunday 26th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025

Kargo MKT will be hosting a whole host of fun events for kids and families over half term. 

The events include: 

• Sunday 26th October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm – Boomchikkaboom Family Rave
• Monday 27th October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm – Bricklands Lego Build and Play Workshop
• Friday 31st October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm – Frankenstein’s Monster Mash Party
• Sunday 2nd November, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm – Mini Princess Disco 

All the sessions are free but booking is required. 

Read More >>> Free Half Term Fun at Kargo MKT

Free Half-Term Activities at Salford Libraries 

Monday 27th to Friday 31st October 2025

This October half term, the libraries across Salford have a whole host of free activities planned as follows:

• Walkden Library – Spooky Crafts, Monday 27th October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
• Cadished Library – Spooky Crafts, Tuesday 28th October, 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
• Height Library – Lego Mania, Wednesday 29th October, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
• Boothstown Library – Lego Mania, Wednesday 29th October, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
• Boothstown Library – Spooky Crafts, Thursday 30th October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
• Pendleton Library – Make Your Own Walking Spider, Friday 31st October, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
• Walkden Library – Fancy Dress and Crafts, Friday 31st October, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

All the sessions are free and drop-in

More >>> Free Half-Term Activities at Salford Libraries 

Greater Manchester Police Museum Open Days 

Tuesday 28th October 2025

Free

Greater Manchester Police Museum will be running its free open days over the summer holidays.

The museum will offer you will be able to check out the cells, the charge room looked like, a range of police uniforms and lots of different police transport. 

They will also be holding courtroom sessions at set times

Read More >>> Greater Manchester Police Museum Half-Term Open Days

October Half Term at Salford Museum

Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st October 2025 

This half term, head to Salford Museum for some fun activities:

• Halloween Card Making – Tuesday 28th October 2025, £3.00 and booking is required.
• Spooky Lantern Making – Wednesday 29th October 2025, £3.00 and booking is required.
• Make a Haunted Dolls House with Spooky Characters – Thursday 30th October 2025, Free booking is required. 
• Halloween Make Your Mark – Friday 31st October, £1.00 booking required. 

To book >>> October Half Term at Salford Museum

Afrocats X at Whitworth 

Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th October 2025

Afrocats x the Whitworth returns this October half term with an exciting outdoor twist!

With screens taking up so much of our lives, these sessions are designed for children to ground themselves and reconnect with others, with nature, and with the freedom to play. Come along and enjoy free, inclusive drop-in sessions filled with outdoor messy play, bushcraft adventures and circus skills. 

All ages welcome; however, the activities are aimed at children and teens aged six to 16. The messy play is perfect for those under six.

More >>> October Half Term Afrocats X at Whitworth 

Free Half-Term activities at Manchester Museum 

Tuesday 28th October to 1st November 2025 

We always love a trip to Manchester Museum, and this half term and as well as the new Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat Exhibition they have lots of fun activities in-store, including:

• Create, Fold and Pop Your Triceratops – 28th to 31st October 2025 – Create your own Triceratops in a hands-on activity. Design, decorate, and bring your favourite dino to life, then take it home as a roar-some keepsake. For children aged five and over and sessions will run at 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. 
• Dino Hunt Trail – 28th October to 2nd November 2025 – Head to the Fossils and Dinosaur Gallery to see how many wooden dinosaurs you can find tucked away in the cases throughout.
• Dino Tales Claymation Workshops – 28th to 31st October 2025 – Bring a Triceratops and other dinosaurs to life using vibrant plasticine and craft your own stop-motion animation. Dive into the world of storytelling as you design characters, build miniature sets and learn the magic of frame-by-frame filmmaking.
• Diwali at the Museum 29th October 2025 – Share in the colour and vibrancy of Diwali during a full evening of celebrations at Manchester Museum. Starting at 4.00 pm with fun, family activities across the Museum before the party starts as the sun begins to set, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy dance performances and music.
• Museum Meeple – Family Board Games – 1st November 2025 – Join the museum for tabletop gaming, with a range of games to get you looking at the Museum’s collections in a new light.

More >>> Free Half-Term activities at Manchester Museum 

Free Half Term Activities at Heaton Park

To be confirmed 

Heaton Park has lots of fun in-store this October half-term. 

From a Haunted History Trail to Apple Day, Halloween Stories, meet Creepy Crawlies and lots more. 

Read More >>> October Half Term at Heaton Park 

October Half-Term Theatre Shows

A trip to the theatre makes a lovely school holiday treat for all the family. We are lucky to live in Manchester, where you will find some great theatres with amazing family shows. 

Here are our top picks for the October half-term 2025!

Fiddler On The Roof, Palace Theatre, Manchester

Tuesday 21st October to Saturday 1st November 2025

It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker.

As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can Tevye hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and learn to embrace the unfamiliar?

The show is for kids over 12 years, and tickets currently start at £29.00.

To book >>> Fiddler On The Roof, Palace Theatre, Manchester

Slava’s Snowshow, Opera House, Manchester

Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th October 2025 

The multi-award-winning international sensation returns by popular demand. Enter Slava’s snowy world for a once-in-a-lifetime, joyous, fun-packed event culminating in a blizzard that puts you firmly at the centre of the action, leaving you literally knee deep in show!

This truly unique theatrical adventure is filled with heart, humour and stunning spectacle.

Aimed at children over 8 years, and tickets cost from £15.00 

To book >>> Slava’s Snowshow, Opera House, Manchester

Villains Unleashed, Victoria Hall, Bolton 

Sunday 26th October 2025

Enjoy a half-term show at Victoria Hall, Bolton, with Villains Unleashed. 

Losing their magic powers as the screams of Halloween fade away, the Villains plan the perfect Halloween party. Join them as they plot and scheme to conjure up a magical event, guaranteed to make everyone celebrate the most haunting time of year.

Prepare to be spellbound with this hour-long show of spine-tingling songs, chilling choreography, and devilish party dances guaranteed to get you trembling in your seats.  Dress up in your favourite Halloween costumes.

Tickets cost £12.00 plus a booking fee.  

To book >>> Villains Unleashed, Victoria Hall Bolton 

Family Half Term Shows, Waterside Sale

Saturday 25 October 2025 to Saturday 1st November 2025

This half term, the Waterside in Sale has the following family shows instore:

ComedySportz, Waterside Sale – Saturday 25 October 2025

ComedySportz is back for half term with a spooky, all-action, all-improvised competitive comedy show that the whole family can enjoy. 

It is aimed at children over 7 years old. 

Tickets cost £9.00 for adults and £7.00 for children. 

Nick Cope I’ve Lost My Bobble Hat – Sunday 26th October 2025

Help Nick find his beloved bobble hat in this fun-filled musical hour with all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more

Tickets cost £16.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. 

The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep – Saturday 1st November

The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep by Steven Lee has been adapted for the stage by the creators of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.

October Half Term Family Shows at Z-Arts

Wednesday 29th October to Saturday 1st November 2025 

Join Z-Arts this October half term for some great family shows: 

Cinderella Ice Cream Seller – Wednesday 29th October 2025

Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble ice cream maker with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire businesswoman with her own ice cream empire?

In this new musical for families and children, join Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, as they share her rags-to-riches tale, and confront their own desires, hopes, and the magic that lies within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream.

There will be two shows at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm, lasting 60 minutes and are aimed at children over 5 years. 

Tickets cost £10 each. 

Rockin Rhinos – The Big Birthday Bash – Saturday 1st November 2025 

Join Z-arts favourites, Rockin’ Rhinos, for a gig that grown-ups will love as much as the kiddies. Rock, ska, rap & punk – dancing shoes a must!

John Cooper Cat and the other Rockin’ Rhinos are the hidden heroes of Manchester music – in the studios when 10cc, Buzzcocks, Magazine, Harlem Spirit, The Smiths, the Roses, Mondays and Carpets all laid down their hits but only now getting their share of the limelight.

So expect a real gig with Liam Lion, Guy Gorilla, Bernard Bear and not forgetting Debra Zebra – a full pelt rock band playing hits you’ll know as well as their own anthems like The Breakfast Song, Bits and Bobs and Dino Rap.

The show will run at 2.00 pm for 1 hour and 25 minutes and is aimed at the whole family. 

Tickets cost £10 each. 

To book >>> Family Shows at Z-Arts

The Smeds and the Smoos Live On Stage, The Lowry 

Monday 27th October to Saturday 1st November 2025 

Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?

Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories. Tickets cost from £19.50.

To book >>> The Smeds and the Smoos Live On Stage, The Lowry 

Halloween Events Across Manchester 

Along with all the October half-term activities, there are lots of Halloween-themed events throughout Manchester. 

From spooky trails, to Halloween parties and lots more there is something for all ages. 

Read More >>> Best Halloween Events in Manchester 

Pumpkin Picking Around Manchester 

What better half-term activity than heading to a pumpkin patch to choose your own pumpkin. 

There are lots of places in and around Manchester offering the chance to pick a pumpkin for 2023 and we have put them all in our guide. 

Read More >>> Pumpkin Picking In Manchester 

Cheap and Free Days Out In Manchester 

We all know that school holidays can be expensive, but being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. 

Did you know that there are lots of free places to go and cheap days out for families across Manchester?

There are options for all ages and tastes to occupy the kids for full days or for a couple of hours.

Read More >>> Best cheap and free days out in Manchester for Families .