With the May half-term quickly approaching, families in Manchester will be looking for fantastic events and activities to keep themselves busy while school's out.
Luckily, we've put together a list of exciting things that both children and adults can enjoy this month.
From energetic pastimes such as adventure golf for active households, to memorable visits to the local wildlife park, there's something to suit family members of all ages. Carry on scrolling for eight thrilling attractions to enjoy in and around Manchester, with details on how to find out more.
All of the below businesses have paid to be featured in this article.
1. Treetop Golf
Visitors can roll up this half-term to conquer treks, slurp milkshakes and win big on the bonus 19th hole.
Open from 10am daily with family saver tickets available, and jungle grub to devour from The Market vendors, Treetop Golf has players covered - whatever the weather ends up doing.
The venue is also having a menu shake-up and visitors are sure to like it. Think mystic levels of milkiness, plus fresh and fruity flavours with a big mound of cream on the top.
They can head to The Market in between rounds to give Treetop Golf's new shakes a slurp this half-term.
No booking, no fuss – explorers can come and visit the jungle soon.
Where to go: The Printworks, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS.
Get in touch: Visit the website or Facebook page to find out more.
2. Tatton Park
Baa-rilliant adventures with Shaun the Sheep await. Visitors can head to Tatton Park’s blooming gardens this May half-term to find 12 super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures.
Some designs are inspired by the flora and fauna they’ll find in Tatton’s gardens, from around the world, including designs overlooking the famous Japanese garden.
Kids of all ages can enjoy playing Shaun’s favourite garden games over half-term – from Lim-baaa to Catch the Flock, before rolling out a picnic rug to enjoy the sunshine.
This ewe-nique arts trail is great for families who are looking for a colourful adventure.
Shaun the Sheep will be in Tatton Park’s gardens until Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Where to go: Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6SG.
Get in touch: Visit the website or Facebook page to find out more.
3. BeWILDerwood
Visitors can join the Soopa Sock Party at BeWILDerwood this May half-term.
They have the chance to venture down to the woods to enjoy a full day of family fun. They'll be leaving the real world behind and discovering slippery slides, wobbly zip wires, muddled mazes, curious characters and lots, lots more.
The Grubbles, a group of curious characters from the BeWILDerwood book series, have just arrived in the woods for the fun. Visitors can join them too and wear their favourite red socks on their feet (just like the ones the Grubbles mend and dye), before receiving a special BeWILDerwood treat.
They can then head to the Storytelling Stage during their visit to learn more about the Grubbles and the magical story of BeWILDerwood.
They shouldn't forget to show the Twiggle Team their red socks, and they'll even get a limited edition BeWILDerwood bookmark - yippee.
Where to go: Malpas, Bickley Moss, Cheshire, Whitchurch, SY13 4JF.
Get in touch: Book your tickets today on the BeWILDerwood website.
4. The Trafford Centre
Both children and adults can have a blooming good May half-term at the Trafford Centre.
From Wednesday, May 29 until Thursday, May 30, from 11am to 4pm, the wonderful world of ‘Let’s Grow’ is coming to the shopping centre.
There will be plenty to do, with hands-on gardening activities, interactive performances, and themed art activities too.
Mr Bloom from CBeebies will also be live on The Orient main stage at 1.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, perfect for kids aged 3-9 years as well as the rest of the family. There's no need to book, locals can just drop by and join in.
Where to go: Trafford Centre, Stratford, Manchester M17 8AA.
Get in touch: Visit the website or Facebook page to find out more.
5. Gravity MAX
There's thrilling family entertainment and events on offer at Gravity MAX this May half-term.
Families are in for an electrifying treat with a whole host of adrenaline-pumping activities, all conveniently located under one roof.
From high-speed electric e-karting to immersive augmented reality (AR) bowling and darts, along with a challenging 18-hole urban street golf course, there's something for everyone at Gravity MAX.
Where to go: Various locations in the UK.
Get in touch: Activities vary per site, visit the Gravity MAX website or Facebook page for more details.
6. Manchester Made Market
Calling all lovers of local creativity, the inaugural ‘Manchester Made’ market is coming to Deansgate Square.
This two-day celebration of all things locally-made brings together a curated selection of more than 30 of Manchester's most talented artisans, food producers, designers, and craftspeople.
Visitors can browse adorable timber stalls to the soundtrack of live acoustic music, pick up a gift, a print or something for the home.
They can also grab a bite from street food vendors including Medlock Canteen, Food Sourcery, The Wild Grill, and local Manchester-via-Italy legend, Salvi’s.
Where to go: Deansgate Square, Manchester, M15 4TQ.
Get in touch: Get VIP access to the Manchester Made Market at tinyurl.com/mcrmadevip.
7. NERF AX
Visitors can take advantage of Rocafella's incredible NERF AX family ticket this May half-term.
They'll be saving more than 20% with the special deal*, for groups of four to six players, starting at £60 (only £15 each including goggles).
NERF AX is one of the only legitimate places to play NERF in the UK - with challenges and activities to get the whole family active.
Players have 60 minutes to navigate five zones for themselves, spending as much time in each zone as they like, including inside the venue's newly-opened Project Stealth.
With a huge atrium dedicated solely to NERF sports, two epic-themed battlegrounds, and an arcade-style target range, players have all they need for a fun-fuelled, and somewhat competitive experience just off the M60 in Trafford. It’s time to #getbattleready.
*Terms and conditions may apply
Where to go: Unit C2-C6, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford City, Manchester, M17 8AS.
Get in touch: Visit the website or Facebook page to find out more.
8. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Half-term visitors to Yorkshire Wildlife Park will be amongst the first to see its family of lions rescued from Ukraine.
Three 18-month-old cubs arrived in March after nine months in Poland, where the youngsters were separated from their mother without seeing the sky. After travelling 2,000 miles, mum Aysa was reunited with her cubs before all of them were released outside.
Colin Northcott, deputy section head of carnivores at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, said: "I am overjoyed they are now enjoying life to the full in Yorkshire."
Visitors can come almost face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species, including polar bears, Amur leopards and giraffes at the park.
Its eateries provide a wide range of food and drink options, and kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas too. The Hex Wildlife Hotel is also just a few metres from the main entrance.
Where to go: Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.
Get in touch: Visit the website or Facebook page to find out more.
