Get ready for an action-packed Easter weekend in Manchester! We've got everything from magical theatre shows like Gabby's Dollhouse Live and Matilda The Musical to fantastic outdoor Easter egg hunts happening all over the region on Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th, 2026.
See our top picks
Family Saturdays at the Octagon Bolton
Octagon Bolton
Free interactive storytelling sessions on Saturday morning.
Matilda The Musical
Palace Theatre, Manchester
A world-class theatre show guaranteed to entertain the whole family indoors.
Mini Movers at Science and Industry Museum Manchester
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Dedicated free drop-in sessions for children aged 5 and under.
· April 4
6EASTER FAIR : Enjoy an Easter extravaganza packed with circus acts, craft tables, games, and live music for the whole family. This is happening on Saturday afternoon.A multi-activity fair happening Saturday afternoon, great for a burst of fun.
KNUTSFORD BUNNY HOPFREE : Head into Knutsford town centre for a fun Saturday activity where you hunt for hidden bunnies around the shops. There are also fun games and a competition to enter.A free, central Easter activity happening across the town centre on Saturday.
FREE : Join the bonnet parade, get involved in colouring activities, and take part in the free Easter Egg Hunt in the Town Park. Treats are promised for all participants.A completely free, traditional Easter egg hunt with bonus parade and colouring on Saturday.
: This is the popular local Easter egg hunt held in Heaton Moor Park, kicking off bright and early at 10am on Saturday morning.A classic local favourite Easter event specifically for children, kicking off early Saturday.
: Get hands-on and creative in this workshop where families can make their own puppets. You'll learn how they move and how to tell stories with them.A fantastic creative session available Saturday for all ages, with tickets starting low.
FREE : Enjoy free Easter entertainment and crafting sessions happening across Macclesfield town centre. Don't miss the free Easter trail too!A great way to spend Saturday enjoying free, town-wide family fun and trails.
· April 5
5: The global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation hits the stage! Join Gabby for an 'a-MEOW-zing' musical show as she unboxes a special acorn that needs a magical touch.This is a major Sunday spectacle perfect for younger kids who love the show.
: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved stories are brought to life on stage in this enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Sunday has an earlier 11am slot available.Based on incredibly popular picture books, perfect for the younger end of the family demographic.
DOKTOR KABOOM AND THE WHEEL OF SCIENCE : This interactive show creatively blends theatre with the wonders of scientific exploration. Expect engaging science experiments performed live on stage.A fantastic, high-energy show combining theatre and live science demonstrations.
: This is the very last day to catch the lambing season happenings at Tatton Farm! Staff will be giving informative talks about the newborn lambs.It is the final day (Sunday) for this seasonal farm event, offering a great rural outing.
FREE : Join a free Easter Egg Hunt happening at Ancoats Green this Sunday afternoon. It runs for an hour and a half, so plenty of time to find the eggs.A free, local Easter trail right in the Ancoats area on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Roald Dahl's story of an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination is brought to life in this multi-award-winning production. Saturday has both afternoon and evening shows available.It's a high-quality theatre experience running all weekend, great for older kids (6+) and families.
FREE : If you have little ones aged five and under, head to the Science and Industry Museum for Makaton-friendly adventures. They can spend the morning whirring like a cog!Dedicated, free drop-in activity specifically for the under-5s demographic on Saturday.
FREE : The museum is open on Sunday with several activities running, including Banner Bingo (for over 5s) and the Little Suffragettes Trail (ages 5-12). Great interactive history on a Sunday.Offers a range of interactive, historical activities suitable for different ages on Sunday.
FREE : Enjoy FREE interactive storytelling sessions at the Octagon Bolton this Saturday. They focus on sharing stories creatively to spark imaginations.A completely free, creative activity happening inside on Saturday in Bolton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Manchester this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 5 free events: Family Saturdays at the Octagon Bolton, Mini Movers at Science and Industry Museum, Knutsford Bunny Hop, Easter in Macclesfield, and the Easter Egg Hunt at Ancoats Green.
Are there any family shows running on Sunday?
Yes, you can catch Gabby's Dollhouse Live at the AO Arena, Doktor Kaboom And The Wheel of Science at The Lowry, and the final day of Tales from Acorn Wood Live! at HOME.
Where can we go for an Easter trail or hunt on Saturday?
Saturday features the Knutsford Bunny Hop town trail, the free Easter in Macclesfield trail, and dedicated Easter Egg Hunts in Winsford Town Park and Heaton Moor Park.
