Looking for Autumn activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is buzzing this time of year with spooktacular events, outdoor adventures and free family fun. Beware as you walk through Manchester City Centre, because the MCR Monsters are back taking over the streets and rooftops. Or are you brave enough to enter the haunted Big Top at the Trafford Centre for the return of Gandeys Circus?
Mystery and Magic transforms East Lancashire Railway where you will journey through a Wizarding Adventure that is a wacky and wonderful ride on a steam train. Let the kids blast off at Jodrell Bank where a brand-new science show will leave aspiring astronauts amazed.
Make the most of the crisp Autumn weather with a selection of outdoor attractions surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. Pumpkin patches will be open to give kids hands-on learning about farming and nature, at Cockfields Farm they will also be joined by some iconic characters providing plenty of entertainment.
Don't forget Autumn fun is for the grown-ups as well, with a selection of frightful events and cosey spots to unwind.
Here are just some of the great activities worth looking at this October Half Term:
Spooktacular Events
Back to Top of ListYou’ll be spoilt for choice with free Spooktacular events happening across Greater Manchester this year. The MCR Monsters are back and taking over the roof tops and streets of Manchester. Explore everything the City Centre has to offer as you go on an adventure to spot tentacles coming from towers, spooks on top of shops and beasts on top of building. They bring all the fun with them with unmissable performances you won’t want to miss.
Halloween half term at Science and Industry Museum
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Whether you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky science or prefer to swerve a scare in favour of family favourite experiences, the Science and Industry Museum is offering something for everyone this Halloween half term (Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November)…
Pumpkin Picking in Greater Manchester
As the nights start to draw in and a hint of autumn mist settles over Greater Manchester, there’s one thing to look forward to - plenty of chances to go pumpkin picking across the region! From Oldham to Cheshire, you’ll find some fantastic pumpkin patches where you can pick your own, take in the autumn scenery, and enjoy a perfect seasonal day out.
Outdoor Autumn Adventures
Back to Top of ListPumpkin season is here, and there’s a fantastic selection of outdoor attractions to enjoy the crisp Autumn weather. Kids can enjoy learning about nature and farming as they join in hands-on activities to find their own pumpkins and bring them to life with carving their amazing creatures. Enjoy spooky inspiration at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford as carving masters from Sand in Your Eye bring all the fun. Kids can also get up close and hands-on with some fascinating creepy crawlies and learn how they interact with Halloween Pumpkins with Zoolab Animal encounters.
Following the launch of Race Across the World: The Experience earlier this year, CityDays is delighted to announce that Race Across the World: The Experience has arrived in Manchester. This high-stakes experience offers players the chance to live out their Race Across the World dreams by…
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…
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…
Autumn Family Fun
Back to Top of ListCurious minds will love to explore Manchester’s museums and galleries that will be hosting special exhibitions and events. The Autumn programming is packed with plenty of family fun and hands-on interactive activities. Come face-to-face with the mighty Triceratops at Manchester Museum as their latest exhibition arrives Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat. Or blast off into space at Jodrell Bank with their brand-new science show. Ever wondered what it’s like to journey into Mars? Aspiring astronauts can experience travelling there in the Space Dome and get creative with arts and crafts.
A major new free family exhibition celebrating the work of one of Britain’s most popular writers and illustrators, Quentin Blake, is to open at Lowry, Salford on Saturday 19th July. Curated by Lowry in collaboration with the artist and his studio, Quentin Blake and Me will feature a wide…
The Museum of Illusions offers a unique experience in Manchester to keep the kids entertained all May Half-Term.
SUPERMASSIVE is continuing for a few extra weeks at Depot Mayfield due to popular demand! A mind-bending mix of art, tech, and play — SUPERMASSIVE is continuing as Manchester’s most interactive experience, designed for curious humans of all ages. Don't miss your last chance to…
A sense-sational exhibition! Get ready for a brand-new adventure of super-sized science and brilliant biology with Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You. Journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot and plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses. Get…
An unmissable big-screen adventure for little ones, featuring Disney’s Mickey Mouse and friends, Marvel’s Spidey and Iron Man, plus SuperKitties, Bluey and more! Disney Junior Cinema Club brings together songs, dancing, interactive games, and episodes that are perfect for…
Journey with Manchester Museum into the heart of the Cretaceous to meet a true prehistoric icon. The latest exhibition is an adventure for all ages, bringing you literally face-to-face with the mighty Triceratops. Find out about one of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time through vibrant…
Blast off to Autumn adventures at Jodrell, including a brand-new science show and a journey to Mars in the Space Dome! With creative crafts, new exhibitions, and engaging talks galore, there's something for every aspiring astronaut… Book online to save 10% and return for FREE for 12…
Join your local museum this October Half-Term for family fun and Halloween kids activities. Discover our Hidden Wonders Trail around the House, join our drop-in creepy craft activities and share some Autumn time out with friends and family. Children aged 4+ and their families are invited to…
This half-term, join the Jewish Museum for a hands-on baking workshop where we'll be making delicious apple cakes, full of sweet autumn flavours. While your cakes are baking, you'll explore stories from our collection and learn more about the traditional connections between apples and…
Get creative and celebrate the threads that connect us. This half term, join IWM North for a vibrant programme of free creative activities designed for children aged 5+ and their grown-ups. Decorate your own cotton tote bag with colours, words, patterns and symbols that reflect your…
Meet IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict to gain a unique insight into the impact of war on people’s lives. You'll hear an array of personal stories, recollections, and powerful memories from those who have experienced conflict firsthand, ranging from driving a tank to being…
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…
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…
At iFLY believe flying shouldn't be reserved for a select few. That’s why we’ve made the thrill of indoor skydiving accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, iFLY delivers the magic of flight in a safe, guided, and…
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…
Get ready to swing by and enter a world where temples crumble, ancient spirits stir and mini golf reigns supreme. With two 18-hole indoor mini golf courses to choose from, will you tackle the Tropical Trail and work your way through the Mystic Wood, shooting the breeze with chattering toucans and…
Stockroom is an exciting new creative and cultural centre in Stockport, designed for getting together, getting involved or just popping by for a brew. It has been developed with and for local people and the creative community to build an exceptional communal resource for entertainment and learning…
Discover the rich history of firefighting in Greater Manchester at Fireground. Learn about the area's pivotal role in the development of fire brigades and fire engineering, from forming England’s first municipal fire service in 1826 to receiving the country’s earliest motorised fire…
Step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of Britain's Home Front. Wander around the original tunnels, authentically re-equipped, which provide you with first-hand experience of daily life in 1940s wartime Britain. Enjoy the displays and the state-of-the-art audio-guide which tell…
Live Family Shows
Back to Top of ListImmerse yourself in live shows and watch your family favourites come to life in the world of theatre. Children can go on a heart-pounding adventure with Steve Backshall at the AO Arena as he tackles daring stunts, mind-blowing experiences and cutting-edge science. Take your seats for a truly unique theatrical adventure at the Opera House Manchester with Slava’s Snow Show promised to be filled with love, humour and offer a stunning spectacle.
Make This Autumn One to Remember
With so much happening across the city, it’s worth giving yourself time to take it all in. Start planning your trip now and be part of an exciting Autumn in Manchester!
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by choosing from the array of hotels and serviced apartments in the bustling city center. Enjoy the convenience of centrally located hotels, where luxurious rooms and modern amenities cater to your every need. For those…
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