Looking for things to do with the family for the rest of the year?
The North West always has something for all the family to enjoy, especially as Halloween and Christmas get closer. Spice up these next couple of seasons with our picks of the best family events in Manchester to keep the kids entertained this Autumn and Winter.
Day Out with Thomas | East Lancashire Railway | Multiple Dates
For a fun meet-and-greet adventure, get down to East Lancashire Railway to see everyone’s favourite blue steam train, Thomas the Tank Engine, and his friend Sir Topham Hatt AKA the Fat Controller.
Say hello and hop aboard as Thomas takes you on a scenic journey to Ramsbottom Station and back, with a break in between where even more Thomas-themed activities are to be found at the Bury Transport Museum, including performances from station sweepers Rusty and Dusty, as well as face painting, fair rides and much more.
Don’t miss your chance to meet Thomas this October.
Demon Dentist | Manchester Opera House | October 13 – 15
Based on David Walliams’s best-selling book, Demon Dentist is taking to the stage in an action-packed, spooky production for all the family to enjoy.
The tooth fairy seems to have been replaced. Instead of their usual treat, children are finding disgusting horrors underneath their pillows and a brand-new dentist has come to town, with gleaming white teeth and eyes black as night.
Unfortunately for Alfie, he has awful teeth and the Demon Dentist has a few tricks up her sleeve. Can he and his friend Gabz put a stop to her before it’s too late?
Recommended for ages 6 and up, Demon Dentist is a heartwarming story that brings family and friends together. Check it out at the Manchester Opera House between October 13 – 15.
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox | Anthony Burgess Foundation | October 15
As part of Manchester Folk Festival this Autumn, David Gibb is taking audiences on a musical journey through his outrageous imagination, where teddy bears dance at the disco and dragons live under your bed.
Expect an interactive experience that explores a wide range of musical genres, such as rock n’ roll, jazz, folk and more, that will have you up singing and dancing. See David and his magical jukebox at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation at Chorlton Mill on October 15 2022.
Manchester Science Festival | Science and Industry Museum | October 21 – 30
Back again for another season of sciencey fun, Manchester Science Festival is running from October 21 to 30 this year. Events will mostly take place at the Science and Industry Museum itself but some activities are taking place all around the city, such as the Central Library and the Arndale.
A great educational and fun festival that poses the question ‘what does the future hold for humanity?’ by exploring recent scientific innovations and developments. This year’s headline exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music looks at the science behind music through immersive activities and gives the family a chance to experience an out-of-this-world dance experience to discover how gravity affects movement.
See for yourself this October for an exciting and interactive learning experience.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea | The Lowry | October 27 – 30
When the doorbell rings at teatime, Sophie and her mummy certainly didn’t expect their guest to be a big, stripy tiger! Watch as he guzzles down tea and joins in with the delightful sing-along songs and teatime adventure.
Straight from the West End, this famous book-to-stage adaptation is great for the little kids (ages 3+) and the big kids. The Tiger Who Came to Tea, comes to The Lowry this Autumn between October 27 and 30. Be sure to book your tickets now.
Halloween Ghost Trains | East Lancashire Railway | October 27 – 29
Catch a spooky ride this Halloween on East Lancashire Railway’s Ghost Trains and meet a host of freaky friends including Count Brian the Vampire, Veronica the Witch, Bob the Zombie and many more. Work together with them to break the ancient railway curse.
Show up in your best costume to blend in and listen to some haunting tunes along the way. Why not also book yourself a Carn-Evil ticket, based at Bury Transport Museum, which is full of thrilling rides for all ages.
Book your ticket now for October 27 to 29… if you’re brave enough.
Carnival of Monsters | Manchester City Centre | October 28 – 30
Check out this spooky sideshow circus as part of Manchester’s Halloween in the City experience on New Cathedral Street between October 28 and 30.
Are you brave enough to stay put when the monsters come your way or will you run away? Don’t be too scared – there’s plenty of fun to be had on the traditional fairground rides, such as carousels and helter-skelters, and entertainment stalls around the area.
Be sure not to miss it or you might hear a bump in the night…
Monster Procession | Manchester City Centre | October 29 – 30
Another instalment of Manchester’s Halloween in the City, the Monster Procession is an unmissably vibrant parade performance where you can expect to see incredible monster puppets (designed by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas), skilled stilt walkers and a five-piece band to keep the vibe going all through the city centre.
It’s only on for two days – October 29 and 30 – so make sure you take a trip down to see the colourful creatures.
Nick Sharratt’s Halloween Drawalong
Come join Nick Sharratt – illustrator extraordinaire best known for his work illustrating Jacqueline Wilson books – to hone your drawing skills this Halloween as he teaches you how to sketch some of the most popular characters from his picture books, including You Choose, Shark in the Park and Pants. Both children and adults will recognise Nick’s distinct character style, with characters like Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather.
Create memorable drawings and experiences at the Lowry this October 30. Make sure to bring your own pencils and paper as well as something to lean on to get the most out of it that you can.
Lightopia | Heaton Park | November 24 – January 2
Back again for another year of magic, Lightopia brings luminous light fixtures to Heaton Park this Winter between November 24 and January 2 2023. Take a scenic walk through the park and discover different mystical lands, such as Candy Land, the Land of Mythical Creatures and Christmas Land. There are bright colours everywhere to catch your eyes and even water shows to keep everyone entertained.
Experience an enchanted wonderland this Winter, with wonderful views and fantastic photo opportunities. Tickets go on sale soon so make sure to book them when they do.
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