Whats On In January In Manchester For Kids and Families – 2026 Guide

We know it’s not easy to keep the kids entertained in January 2026. However, there is lots going on in Manchester to kick off the new year with fun activities for kids of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for free or budget-friendly options, special weekend events, or seasonal highlights, our January guide has you covered.

In this month’s round-up, you’ll find fun family-friendly events happening across Manchester. Each listing includes essential details such as location, timings, age suitability, and any booking requirements, making it easier for parents to plan ahead.

Explore the best things to do with your kids this January and discover new favourite spots in Manchester.

Don’t forget to check out our links to ongoing attractions and indoor play areas for ideas on days when the weather isn’t ideal.

Start the year off with memorable family experiences right here in Manchester!

Manchester January Restaurant Offers and Discounts

All January 

Lots of Manchester restaurants and cafes are offering discounts throughout January. 

From 50% off to great meal deals and even £1.25 slice pizza, there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Check out all the offers >>> Manchester January Restaurant Offers and Discounts

Indoor Things To Do This January In Manchester 

Although we hope for nice, dry, and crisp January weather, we all know that living in Manchester means there is a good chance of rain. 

Here are some great indoor events to entertain the kids whilst staying dry!

The Great Turtle Odyssey, Sealife Manchester 

To 1st February 2026

SEA LIFE Manchester are giving you the chance to follow the journey of a turtle’s incredible life.

Discover the places they go, the animals they meet – both friendly and not so friendly! The skills they have, how far they swim, the dangers they face, the things they eat – and that eat them!

There will be an interactive trail, the chance to meet a turtle expert and more. 

The event is included in ticket entry, which starts at £19.50 for adults and £16.50 for children. Under 3’s are free. 

More >>> The Great Turtle Odyssey, Sealife Manchester 

Dunham Massey — Winter Family Trail With Speechly the Pineapple (Indoors)

Ongoing to 8th March 2026

Enjoy a daytime, family-friendly trail aimed at younger children that mixes simple storytelling with nature exploration.

Families follow a map or trail sheet to meet Speechly (a friendly character), collect stamps and discover seasonal surprises dotted around the parkland and gardens.

More >>> Winter Family Trail With Speechly the Pineapple, Dunham Massey 

Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools 

Weekends Throughout January

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 

Adventures in Wonderland, Z-arts Manchester

Ongoing until 11th April 2026

An immersive, interactive play experience for families at Z-arts where children can tumble down the rabbit hole and explore the magical world of Wonderland.

Follow the White Rabbit, splash into the pool of tears, meet the Cheshire Cat, play croquet with flamingos, get lost in a giant card maze and join the Mad Hatter’s tea party as you make your own adventure through this vibrant story-inspired space.

Designed especially for curious young explorers, there are tunnels, sensory zones, interactive games and plenty of photo opportunities — dressing up is encouraged and part of the fun. 

Tickets from £12 with family offers available. Ideal for children aged 1–8 and their grown-ups. 

More >>> Adventures in Wonderland, Z-arts Manchester

Power Up, Museum Of Science And Industry 

Ongoing

Kids and adults who love gaming can enjoy a range of games from vintage such as  Pong and Pacman, Streetfighter, and modern-day favourites Mario and Minecraft, along with 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 at The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room.

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

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 

K‑Pop Demon Hunters Silent Disco

Sunday 18 January 2026

Get ready to dance your socks off at the K‑Pop Demon Hunters Silent Disco at KARGO MKT, MediaCity!

This family‑friendly event is all about fun, music and bubbles — with one channel playing all your favourite K‑Pop Demon Hunters tracks (plus classic pop for everyone else) and another packed with 80s/90s hits for extra boogie vibes. There will also be foam, bubbles, games and challenges to keep little dancers smiling all morning long.

The event runs from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, and tickets are required in advance and cost £6 plus a booking fee.

Venue: KARGO MKT, Central Bay, Unit 32, Quayside MediaCity, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester

More >>> K‑Pop Demon Hunters Silent Disco

Inspiration Train at East Lancashire Railway

Friday 23 to Saturday 24 January 2026

All aboard for a journey through railway history! The Inspiration Train is a family-friendly mobile exhibition celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel in the UK, co-curated with the National Railway Museum.

Kids and adults alike can explore interactive engineering challenges, learn about fascinating railway firsts, and discover career paths on the railways. 

Tickets to enter the Inspiration Train are free but must be booked in advance. If you want to ride on any of the trains, you will need to purchase a standard East Lancashire Railway ticket. Opening times are:

• Friday 23 January: 12:00 – 17:00
• Saturday 24 January: 10:00 – 17:00 (note: Open House Event also happening on this day; separate tickets required)

More >>> Inspiration Train at East Lancashire Railway

January Outdoor Events In Manchester

If we are treated to dry and bright winter days over January, there are lots of fun events for all the family to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. 

Really Wild January at Cockfields Farm Park

Friday 9 – Sunday 31 January 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)

Get ready for a wild family day out at Cockfields Farm Park with “Really Wild January”!

This seasonal event brings extra animal-themed fun to one of Greater Manchester’s favourite farm parks, combining all of their usual animal encounters and play activities with special reptile and bird of prey experiences that are perfect for curious kids. You’ll find a brand-new reptile room with fascinating scaled friends and engaging bird of prey talks alongside familiar favourites like meeting the cuddly guinea pigs and rabbits in the Cuddle Corner. 

You can enjoy hand-feeding farm animals, outdoor play areas (including swings, climbing frames and a bouncing pillow), go-kart racing, tractor rides and discovering the nature walk and duck pond.

Tickets cost £5.95 and under-1s are free with proof of age.

Home Education Day at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Bring learning to life in the great outdoors at RHS Garden Bridgewater’s Home Education Day! This special event is perfect for home-educated children aged 4–12 and their families, with a variety of hands-on activities scattered throughout the stunning gardens.

Expect a family mystery trail and scavenger hunt, try seed planting, build their own dens, or get creative with botanical illustration.

There’s even New Shoots careers advice for budding young horticulturists — a fun chance for kids to learn about plants and nature while getting fresh air. 

The activities are free to join but standard admission applies. Book in advance once bookings open.

More >>> Home Education Day at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Dunham Apples Wassail, Dunham Apple Barn – Sold Out 

17th January 2026

Celebrate the winter season with the Dunham Apples Wassail, a traditional outdoor orchard event full of folklore, firelight and community spirit.

Taking place at Dunham Apple Barn, this atmospheric evening includes a torch-lit procession, Morris dancing, live music, and a classic wassail ceremony to bless the apple trees and wish for a good harvest year ahead. Expect warming food and drinks, plenty of cheering, and a wonderfully festive countryside vibe that’s perfect for a January outing.

Tickets from £16 for adults and £10 for children, with under 5s going free. Suitable for families, friends and anyone who enjoys seasonal outdoor events.

To book >>> Dunham Apples Wassail, Dunham Apple Barn

Free and Cheap March Events In Manchester

You don’t have to spend a fortune to entertain the kids this Spring, there are lots of fun events that are free or for a small amount, suitable for all the family. 

Make sure to also check out >>> Cheap and Free Things To Do In Manchester

Spies, Lies and Deception, IWM North

Ongoing to 31st August 2026

Explore the shadowy world of espionage in this free, family-friendly exhibition at IWM North. *Spies, Lies and Deception* uncovers real tales of covert operations, secret gadgets and daring plots from the First World War through to the present day.

Follow the trail of deception from imaginary D-Day armies to Cold War spy rings and modern deep-fake technology, and put your own spy skills to the test in the interactive “Mission Room” as you piece together clues and see what it takes to be undercover.

Free entry. Recommended for families and children aged 8 and up.

More >>> Spies, Lies and Deception, IWM North

Fletcher Moss Park — Broad Oak Heart Christmas Trail (Outdoors)

To 12th January 2026

Enjoy a low-cost, family-friendly daytime trail around the gardens where children follow a map of painted wooden hearts or decorations hidden around the park. This community-run event is excellent for families who want a relaxed festive stroll with simple, child-focused activities.

Free or donation-based available from the food truck.

More >>> Broad Oak Heart Christmas Trail, Fletcher Moss Park 

Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat, Manchester Museum

Until 22nd February 2026

 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

LibraryLab, Z-arts Children’s Library, Manchester

17th January 2026

LibraryLab is a relaxed, family-friendly event held in the colourful and creative Z-arts Children’s Library.

Each session invites a local author or illustrator to share stories, spark imaginations and bring books to life in a fun, welcoming way.

With storytelling, creative activities and plenty of chances to explore the library space, it’s a lovely way for children and grown-ups to enjoy stories together in a calm, inspiring setting.

This event is Irish Storytelling with Neysa Killeen.

Free to attend. Ideal for families and children of all ages.

To book >>> LibraryLab, Z-arts Children’s Library Manchester

Cinema Spectacular – £3 Films, The Light Stockport

Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026

Head to The Light Stockport for *Cinema Spectacular*, where a big lineup of films will be showing for just £3 each over the weekend — perfect for families, friends and film fans looking for a bargain day out at the movies.

Films showing on Saturday 31st January:

• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
• The Housemaid
• Wicked: For Good
• Kangaroo
• Stitch Head
• The Bad Guys 2
• Anaconda
• Hamnet
• H is for Hawk
• Labyrinth (40th Anniversary)
• Song Sung Blue
• Marty Supreme
• Primate
• 28 Years Later : The Bone Temple
• Jaws (50th Anniversary Re‑Issue)
• Nouvelle Vague 
• Mercy 
• Interstellar
• No Other Choice
• Return To Silent Hill 
• One Battle After Another
• Iron Lung 
• Melania

Films showing on Sunday 1st February:

• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Extended Edition)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
• Roofman 
• I Swear 
• Exhibition On Screen – Van Gogh – Poets and Lovers 
• Frankenstein
• National Theatre Live – The Fifth Step
• Back to the Future (40th Anniversary Re-Issue)
• The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Blade Runner 
• Twilight 
• Sinners

To book >>> Cinema Spectacular – £3 Films, The Light Stockport

LEGO Make & Take Event, The Entertainer Manchester

Saturday 31 January 2026

Take home a bit of island magic with our LEGO Make & Take event! Drop in to your local Entertainer shops across Manchester and build your very own Heihei rooster from Disney’s Moana. You get to keep your creation for free! No booking is needed, just pop in anytime during the day — but hurry, it’s while stocks last. Fun, hands-on and perfect for little LEGO lovers!

Free entry, suitable for all ages

Locations in Manchester: The Entertainer, Arndale Centre; The Entertainer, Trafford Centre; The Entertainer, White City Retail Park; The Entertainer, Stockport.

To book >>> LEGO Make & Take Event, The Entertainer Manchester

Dino Draw-athon, Manchester Museum

Saturday 31st January 2026

To celebrate National Draw a Dinosaur Day, head to the Fossils and Dinosaur Gallery to get creative. 

You’ll be given all the inspiration and materials you need to draw your dinosaur, whether it’s a scientific sketch or something more unusual and imaginative.

There will also be chances to get involved in fossil object handling, dinosaur collage craft and lots more throughout the day.

The event is drop in between 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm. 

More >>> Dino Draw-athon, Manchester Museum

£2.50 Movies for Juniors Films, Cineworld Ashton Under Lyne 

Weekends In January 

Enjoy a weekend trip to the cinema without breaking the bank with the £2.50 Movies for Juniors at Cineworld Ashton. 

Films and tickets are usually released on Tuesday before.

Read More >>> £2.50 Movies For Juniors at Cineworld Ashton 

Family Shows In January, Manchester

A trip to see a show or a concert is a great way to spend time with the family, and there are lots of great options available throughout January in Manchester.

Freaky Friday – HOME Manchester

To Saturday 10th January 2026

HOME Manchester, Tony Wilson Place

Step into the UK premiere of the musical adaptation of *Freaky Friday*, where a mother and daughter magically swap bodies! This show is packed with contemporary music, witty humour, and chaotic family fun, all wrapped up in a heartwarming story about empathy, understanding, and growing up.

Expect energetic performances, lively choreography, and moments that will have the whole family laughing together.

For children aged 8+, families with older children or teens, and anyone looking for a modern twist on the festive theatre experience.

Book >>> Freaky Friday Home

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lowry Salford

To 11th January 2026

Step through the wardrobe and into the magical world of Narnia with the spectacular stage adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — coming to The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre!

Join Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy as they discover snow-covered realms, brave enchanted foes and learn the power of courage, family and love in this spellbinding theatrical adventure.

Packed with breathtaking visuals, heart-warming moments and timeless storytelling, this production is perfect for families and theatre lovers alike.

Tickets from £16. Recommended for ages 6+

To book >>> The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lowry Salford

Six, Palace Theatre Manchester

13th to 17th January 2026

History gets a glitter-covered glow-up in Six, the smash-hit musical that sees Henry VIII’s wives step out of his shadow and into the spotlight.

This high-energy, pop-concert-style show is packed with attitude, humour and seriously catchy tunes as the queens remix their stories and battle it out for who had it worst. Bold, brilliant and only 80 minutes long — it’s no wonder this global hit has taken the world by storm.

Tickets from £15. Best for ages 10+.

To book >>> Six, Palace Theatre Manchester

Wickedly Ariana, Albert Halls Bolton

18th January 2026

Get ready for Wickedly Ariana at Albert Hall, Bolton, a spectacular theatre production starring and produced by Hariana, one of the UK’s leading Ariana Grande tribute performers.

This high-energy show takes you on a magical journey through Ariana’s greatest hits alongside favourites from the stage and screen sensation Wicked. Expect incredible choreography, stunning costumes, live band and dancers, audience participation and plenty of fun. There’s even a free meet-and-greet after the show where you can take photos and get autographs with the cast.

Tickets from £29.50. A must-see experience for music lovers and families alike.

To book >>> Wickedly Ariana, Albert Halls Bolton

The Bodyguard The Musical, Palace Theatre, Manchester

19th to 31st January 2026

Based on the iconic film, The Bodyguard is a thrilling, romantic musical packed with drama and unforgettable songs by Whitney Houston.

When former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from a mysterious stalker, sparks fly in more ways than one. Featuring show-stopping hits including I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and One Moment in Time, this is a powerful, emotional night at the theatre.

Tickets from £15. Recommended for ages 10+.

To book >>> The Bodyguard, Palace Theatre Manchester

Barton Theatre Company: “Red” (The Panto), The Lowry Salford

23rd to 25th January 2026

Get stuck into panto season with “Red”, a delightfully silly and festive family pantomime from Barton Theatre Company at The Lowry’s Aldridge Studio! Follow Red Riding Hood (basket in hand), the Three Little Pigs and the ever-hungry Big Bad Wolf as their stories hilariously tangle in Bluebell Woods — and wonder whether SuperPig can save the day.

With theatrical laughs, audience fun and classic pantomime energy, this production is a joyous way for young and grown-ups alike to enjoy a theatrical treat together. 

Tickets from £12. Recommended for ages 4+

To book >>> Barton Theatre Company: “Red” (The Panto), The Lowry Salford

Massaoke – Sing The Musicals, Opera House, Manchester

29th January 2026

Get ready for Massaoke – Sing The Musicals — a brilliant, live sing-along spectacular that brings the greatest musical theatre hits straight to Manchester! Expect a sensational live band, character singers and giant screens with lyrics so you can belt out favourites from Mamma Mia!,

The Greatest Showman, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You and more. This is no ordinary night at the theatre — it’s a full-on musical party where the audience is part of the show.

Tickets from £29. Suitable for all ages.

To book >>> Massaoke – Sing The Musicals, Opera House, Manchester

The Wizard and The Mechanic, Z-arts Manchester

Saturday 31st January 2026

Get ready for a magical family theatre adventure with The Wizard and The Mechanic — a playful, story-driven show brought to life by Adventure Arts at Z-arts. Join Kronos, a flamboyant chaos wizard with more sparkle than sense, and Pan, a clever mechanic who can fix just about anything (except maybe big-headed wizards), on an epic journey of magic, mayhem and unlikely friendship.

Packed with audience participation, original live music, puppetry, clowning and glorious silliness, this is an interactive quest where you help complete the story and explore themes of bravery, sharing and teamwork! 

Tickets from £6 (with discounts available). Recommended for ages 5 to 10.

To book >>> The Wizard and The Mechanic, Z-arts Manchester

Browse >>> What’s On In Manchester For Families Monthly 

More >>> Things To Do In Manchester City Centre For Kids 

Discover >>> Free and Cheap Days Out In Manchester