Whats On In April In Manchester For Kids and Families – 2026 Guide
Looking for things to do in April in Manchester with kids?
April is a brilliant month for family days out in Manchester. The days are getting lighter, spring is in the air, and there’s a lovely mix of indoor activities, outdoor adventures and seasonal events popping up across the city.
Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, searching for budget-friendly ideas, or just want inspiration to get everyone out of the house, this April what’s on guide has you covered.
This month’s round-up is packed with family-friendly events happening across Greater Manchester, from creative workshops and exhibitions to farm fun, trails and live shows. Each listing includes helpful details such as location, dates, age suitability and booking info, making it easier to plan ahead.
April also brings the Easter school holidays from 28th March to 19th April (depending on which area of Manchester you live in), which means even more is happening for families.
To keep this guide easy to browse, we’ve rounded up our top April events outside of the school holidays here. You will find a full list of the holiday activities in our dedicated Easter and school holiday guides, also linked below.
Whether you’re filling weekends, planning a big day out, or just looking for something new to try, there’s plenty to enjoy with kids in Manchester this April.
Indoor Things To Do This April In Manchester
April weather can still be a little unpredictable, so having a list of great indoor things to do is always a win. Whether you’re dodging a rainy day, looking for a calm midweek activity, or planning a relaxed family outing, Manchester is full of brilliant indoor experiences this month.
From immersive exhibitions and hands-on workshops to play spaces and attractions designed especially for children, these indoor events are perfect for keeping little ones entertained while staying warm and dry.
KHOOGHI Puppet Workshop, The Coliseum Theatre
Saturday 4th April 2026
Get hands‑on with puppetry at the *KHOOGHI Puppet Workshop* at The Coliseum Theatre, a fun and creative session where families can make their own puppets and learn how they move, behave and tell stories.
Led by friendly and experienced facilitators, this pop‑up workshop is a great way for children and grown‑ups to explore imaginative play, experiment with performance and develop practical puppet‑making skills ahead of the Khushi Festival. A brilliant, creative experience for curious minds and families alike.
Tickets from £5. Suitable for all ages.
To book >>> KHOOGHI Puppet Workshop, The Coliseum Theatre
Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools
Weekends Throughout April
A trip to the swimming pool makes a great treat, and Tameside pools have some extra fun in store.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy fun sessions with toys, inflatable and even slides at their Swim, Slides and Waves at Hyde Leisure.
Times and More >>> Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools
April Outdoor Events In Manchester
As spring starts to bloom, April is a wonderful time to get outside with the kids and enjoy some fresh air. Longer days and brighter skies make it ideal for farm visits, trails, nature activities and seasonal outdoor events.
These outdoor ideas are perfect for families who want to stretch their legs, explore new places and make the most of the changing season – just remember your wellies and a spare layer, just in case!
Free and Cheap April Events In Manchester
Family fun in Manchester doesn’t have to cost a fortune. April is packed with free and low-cost events that are perfect for parents looking to keep the kids entertained on a budget.
From museum activities and community trails to drop-in workshops and seasonal fun, these events make it easy to enjoy days out without stretching your wallet – great for filling the holidays and weekends alike.
Make sure to also check out >>> Cheap and Free Things To Do In Manchester
Spies, Lies and Deception, IWM North
ongoing until 31st August 2026
Step into a world of secrets and intrigue at IWM North with Spies, Lies and Deception. This free exhibition reveals how deception has shaped history, showing real espionage stories, hidden messages and clever ruses used in wartime. Discover gadgets, disguises, coded documents and personal stories from spies past and present, then test your observational skills on the top-secret exhibition trail designed for young recruits and curious visitors alike.
Free to attend. Great for families and teens with an interest in history and mystery.
More >>> Spies, Lies and Deception, IWM North
LibraryLab, Z-arts Children’s Library, Manchester
25th April 2026
LibraryLab is a relaxed, family-friendly event in the vibrant Z-arts Children’s Library where young book lovers and grown-ups can enjoy storytelling, creative activities, and meet local authors or illustrators.
Each session offers fun, interactive moments that encourage imagination, reading and play in a welcoming library space — perfect for curious minds and families looking for engaging activities together.
Free to attend. Ideal for families and children of all ages, and it will run from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
To book >>> LibraryLab, Z-arts Children’s Library, Manchester
Family Activities at The People’s History Museum, Manchester
To be confirmed
The People’s History Museum is lovely for families with lots of interactive exhibitions and activities. Plus, they will be running the following activities:
- Banner Bingo, Daily, Free, Daily – 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.
- Radical Women’s Trail, Daily, £1.50, Daily – Discover radical women who campaigned for equality on this interactive trail. Suitable for over 12’s.
- Little Suffragettes Trail, Daily, £2.50, Daily – Discover how women have campaigned for equality, from the women of Peterloo, to the Pankhursts, to the present. Suitable for 5 to 12-year-olds.
- Playful Protest Free, Weekends In March – Enjoy family-friendly creative activities and games inspired by the museum’s collections. Suitable for 5 to 12-year-olds.
The Museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
More >>> Families at People’s History Museum
£2.00 Family Films, Cineworld Ashton Under Lyne
Weekends In February
Enjoy a weekend trip to the cinema without breaking the bank with the £2.00 Family Films at Cineworld Ashton.
Films and tickets are usually released on Tuesdays.
Read More >>> £2.00 Family Films at Cineworld Ashton
Family Shows In April, Manchester
A trip to the theatre or a live show is a lovely way to make memories together, and April brings plenty of family-friendly performances to stages across Manchester.
From magical storytelling and lively musicals to shows designed especially for younger audiences, these performances are perfect for introducing children to live theatre and enjoying a special family treat.
Matilda The Musical, Palace Theatre, Manchester
Thursday 26th March to Saturday 25th April 2026
Don’t miss *Matilda The Musical* at Palace Theatre Manchester, the multi-award-winning show based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story of an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind. Packed with clever songs by Tim Minchin, brilliant choreography and heartfelt humour, this joyful musical follows Matilda as she stands up to ridiculous grown-ups, discovers her own powers and changes her destiny.
Powerful, playful and inspiring, it’s a brilliant night out for families, teens and anyone who loves first-class musical theatre.
Tickets from £15. Great for ages 6 and up and families.
To book >>> Matilda The Musical, Palace Theatre, Manchester
Little Red Riding Hood Easter Panto, Victoria Baths
Good Friday, 3rd April 2026
Hop into an egg-citing Easter treat with Little Red Riding Hood at Victoria Baths!
This joyful panto brings the classic fairy-tale adventure to life with plenty of laughs, colourful characters and audience participation.
Follow Little Red as she travels through the woods to Grandma’s house, outwits the Big Bad Wolf and shares fun moments with all her forest friends. Perfect for families looking for something playful and theatrical this Easter holidays in Manchester.
Tickets from £10.00 great for families and kids of all ages
To book >>> Little Red Riding Hood Easter Panto, Victoria Baths
The Wizard of Oz, Albert Halls Bolton
Saturday 4th April 2026
Follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road in *The Wizard of Oz* at Albert Halls Bolton! This magical family pantomime brings the classic story to life with colourful characters, joyful songs, laughter and theatrical fun as Dorothy, Toto and the gang meet Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on their way to the Emerald City. It’s a heart-warming adventure full of imagination and audience participation that’s perfect for families and young theatre fans.
Tickets from £11.75. Great for families and children, and there will be two showings.
To book >>> The Wizard of Oz, Albert Halls Bolton
There’s a Monster in Your Show, Z-arts Manchester
Tuesday 7th to Wednesday 8th April 2026
Bring the fun of theatre to life with *There’s a Monster in Your Show* at Z-arts Manchester! This playful, interactive performance invites children and families to join little Monster and his colourful friends — from Dragon to Alien and Unicorn — as they turn a rehearsal into a big, music-filled theatrical adventure.
With songs, laughter and plenty of audience participation, it’s a brilliant introduction to live performance for younger visitors and their grown-ups.
Tickets from around £10. Perfect for families and children.
To book >>> There’s a Monster in Your Show, Z-arts Manchester
Khushi Pop‑Up: KHOOGHI, The Coliseum Theatre
Tuesday 7th April 2026
Join the joyful *Khushi Pop‑Up: KHOOGHI* at The Coliseum Theatre’s Oldham Library space, a delightful storytelling and puppet performance inspired by Punjabi folk legend and culture.
Meet Khooghi, a colourful dove with over 30 fabulous puppet characters, as storyteller Oluwasegun Lafup‑Ogundipe weaves humour, music and heritage into a warm, inclusive show for families. Arrive early to participate in crafting activities and immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere that celebrates creativity and community.
Tickets from £8. Great for families and children.
To book >>> Khushi Pop‑Up: KHOOGHI, The Coliseum Theatre
https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/theres-a-monster-in-your-show
A Squash and A Squeeze, Waterside Arts Sale
Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th April 2026
Step into the magical world of *A Squash and A Squeeze* at Waterside Arts Sale, a heartwarming and hilarious family theatre show based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. When a little old lady’s house feels too small, a wise‑cracking solution brings in a crowd of noisy farmyard animals — and lots of laughter! Filled with beautiful puppets, enchanting songs and playful storytelling, this show is perfect for curious young audiences and their grown‑ups.
Tickets from around £15 for adults and £15 for children, with family ticket options available. Designed for children aged 3 to 8 and their families.
To book >>> A Squash and A Squeeze, Waterside Arts Sale
The Bubble Show, Octagon Bolton
Thursday 9th April 2026
Step into a shimmering world of floating fun with *The Bubble Show* at Octagon Bolton! This spectacular family performance fills the space with giant bubbles, dazzling tricks and lots of audience participation — from bubble magic that defies gravity to bubble sculptures and surprise moments that will leave little ones laughing and wide-eyed. It’s a joyful, interactive experience that gets everyone from toddlers to teens clapping, giggling and reaching for the sky.
Tickets from £10. A brilliant choice for families and children of all ages.
To book >>> The Bubble Show, Octagon Bolton
Sisters 360, Octagon Bolton
Friday 10th April 2026
Roll into *Sisters 360* at Octagon Bolton — a high-energy, heart-warming and hilariously fun theatre show about step-sisters Fatima and Salima as they chase their skateboarding dreams! With plenty of laughs, friendship moments and a splash of skate-park cool, this performance celebrates teamwork, courage and sisterhood in a way that’s perfect for older kids and families who love character-driven stories with real personality.
Tickets from around £14. A great choice for families and teens aged 8 and up.
To book >>> Sisters 360, Octagon Bolton
The Utterly Revolting Science Show, Octagon Bolton
Saturday 11th April 2026
Get ready to laugh, learn and be delightfully gross with *The Utterly Revolting Science Show* at Octagon Bolton! This high-energy science spectacle turns the weird and wonderful world of science into an outrageous stage show full of burps, farts, explosions and edible experiments. Watch giant burp machines, fizzy reactions and playful demonstrations that make learning feel like a laugh-out-loud adventure. Perfect for curious minds and families who love hands-on fun with a seriously silly twist.
Tickets from £10. A brilliant choice for families and children aged 5 and up.
To book >>> The Utterly Revolting Science Show, Octagon Bolton
Sisters360, Waterside Arts Sale
Tuesday 14th to Wednesday 15th April 2026
Catch *Sisters360* at Waterside Arts Sale, a high‑energy, uplifting theatre show about step‑sisters Fatima and Salima on a mission to win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition.
When whispers of family troubles start to shake their confidence, the duo must come up with a super plan to stay united and chase their dreams. Packed with friendship, fun and skateboarding spirit, this joyful performance is perfect for older kids and families.
Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for children. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 and families.
To book >>> Sisters360, Waterside Arts Sale
Mika and the Polar Bear, Z-arts Manchester
Saturday 18th April 2026
Join Mika and a very special polar bear on an imaginative dance‑theatre adventure at Z‑arts Manchester! In this moving family show, Mika is swept away by a climate disaster and finds themselves in a strange, ever‑changing world where they meet creatures of land, sea and sky.
When they form an unexpected friendship with a lone polar bear in an icy wonderland, the pair must navigate the wild and learn to rely on each other in a story of resilience, hope and discovery. Featuring original music, animation and enchanting puppetry, this performance brings beauty, heart and creative movement to the stage for audiences of all ages.
Tickets from £10. Recommended for children aged 4 and up and families.
To book >>> Mika and the Polar Bear, Z-arts, Manchester
The Loneliest Whale, HOME Manchester
Saturday 25th April 2026
Set sail on a magical underwater adventure with *The Loneliest Whale* at HOME Manchester. This enchanting, interactive theatre show follows a whale on a deep‑sea quest to find someone who can hear its song, leading through coral caves, past glittering jellyfish and playful sea creatures. Full of beautiful puppetry, original songs, laughter and audience participation, it’s a heartwarming tale about friendship, difference and the joy of being yourself that families will love.
Tickets from around £9.20. Suitable for children aged 4 and up and families.
To book >>> The Loneliest Whale, HOME Manchester
Teach Rex Live 2026, The Met Bury
Sunday 26th April 2026
Join the prehistoric adventure with *Teach Rex Live 2026* at The Met in Bury! This highly interactive stage show brings dinosaurs to life with roaring fun, comedy and audience participation as the T. rex tries to learn a few new tricks.
Perfect for curious kids and families, the performance mixes clever educational content with lively entertainment that’s thrilling without being too scary.
Tickets from £15. Great for families and children aged 3 and up.
To book >>> Teach Rex Live 2026, The Met Bury
Browse >>> What’s On Each Month In Manchester for Kids
More >>> Things To Do In Manchester City Centre For Kids
Discover >>> Free and Cheap Days Out In Manchester
