Looking for May half term activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is buzzing this time of year with the best family days out from exciting outdoor adventures to indoor budget-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re looking for ideas to keep the little ones busy or inspiration for older kids, Greater Manchester has plenty of options that are fun for all the family.
Makes the most of the sunshine at a selection of outdoor attractions surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery, follow little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare around the glorious RHS Bridgewater Garden or let the kids run wild around the new Heart of Africa enclosure at Chester Zoo.
Ever wondered what it’s like to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax? Book tickets at the sense-sational science at Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You at Science and Industry Museum. Make a day of it and head over to Manchester Museum where the free exhibition Wild explores relationships with the natural world and looks at how people across the globe are creating, rebuilding and repairing connections with nature.
Here are just some of the great activities worth looking out this May half term:
Best days out for young children
Back to Top of ListLittle ones will love seeing their favourite characters come to life across Greater Manchester this May half term holidays. Go on a magical adventure at Z-arts, following White Rabbit into scenes of the beloved book Alice in Wonderland. Explore Manchester’s neighbourhoods, can you find Paddington in Spinningfields?
Fun days out for teenagers
Back to Top of ListFamilies can immerse themselves into the captivating exhibitions, diverse collections and interactive displays that showcase the vibrant cultural scene. Sport fans can experience the celebration of football over the last 60 years at National Football Museum. Walk through a timeline of history at Imperial War Museum and experience the powerful stories of war and conflict with current and future generations.
Take gaming to the next level with Power Up at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Play the very best video games from the past five decades and try out over a hundred different consoles with the ultimate hands-on gaming experience. There's something for everyone, from Pong to…
Adventure through the streets of Manchester's city centre and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles & completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app. See the area's highlights, explore it's hidden gems and…
Beyond The Surface Tour Dive behind the scenes at SEA LIFE Manchester with an exclusive guided tour that takes you beyond the public exhibits. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the aquarium, led by a knowledgeable aquarist. Enhance your visit with the Beyond…
Family friendly attractions
Back to Top of ListCreate lasting memories with family-friendly attractions in Greater Manchester. From interaction museums to lively parks, explore a world of fun and adventure tailored for all ages. Enter the fascinating world of Manchester Illusions where families will have their minds blown with intriguing visuals, sensory and educational experiences. Or witness the Grand Opening of Party and Play Funhouse's new outdoor space on Saturday, 24th May featuring a state-of-the-art water-play area, multi-level playframe, climbing wall, and slides, offering adventure and fun for children of all ages.
Manchester City Stadium Tour is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass. With 1, 2 and 3 day passes, find out more and purchase…
Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction. Uncover the inspirational heritage of Jodrell Bank in the new First Light Pavilion. Inside this architecturally…
Where rhino stomp and lions roar, the safari by the city, and so much more. Experience Manchester's wildest day out with a trip to family favourite, Knowsley Safari. Start your adventure by exploring our impressive 5-mile safari drive which is currently home to over 750 fascinating animals, from…
With a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and shows to see each day, Gulliver's World guarantees you one of the best family days out in the UK. There's so much to experience, from the wild rides in Western World to the thrilling rides of Smugglers Wharf. Gulliver's Resort…
Manchester welcomes World-Famous Museum of Illusions to the city! Enter the fascinating world of illusions where nothing is ever quite as it seems. This highly anticipated new attraction promises a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, immersing them in a world of optical illusions and…
********* LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is the ultimate indoor LEGO Playground and offers an inspirational and unique day out for all the family! LEGOLAND Discovery Centres are designed specifically for children aged 3-10 years to enjoy – everything is child sized! As soon as you step…
Step into our Bolton Adventure Play Centre, where laughter is limitless, and fun is just the beginning! With a landscape full of indoor and outdoor wonders, we deliver a thrilling eco-friendly play arena that’s bursting with adventure. Not only does it feature an indoor play area with a…
Outdoor adventures for the whole family
Back to Top of ListGet the family out and about enjoying the sunshine at a selection of fantastic places to enjoy the weather. Families can immerse themselves in the African Savannah where children of all ages can see over 30 species including giraffes, zebras and ostriches at Chester Zoo.
Immerse yourself in an African savannah Opening from 5th April 2025, this 22-acre habitat is the largest ever to open at the zoo, home to over 30 species including giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. Every visit supports vital conservation efforts to help Africa’s rarest species not only survive…
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