The Easter holidays are one of the best times to get outdoors and explore Manchester with kids. With spring blooming and the sun starting to shine again, the city and surrounding areas are packed with family-friendly events, Easter egg hunts, outdoor trails and farm experiences perfect for all ages.
Whether you’re planning a full day out or just looking for easy ways to keep the kids entertained for a few hours, this guide covers the best things to do in Manchester during the Easter holidays 2026 — with a focus on outdoor activities and seasonal events you won’t want to miss!
Get the wellies ready and let’s get outdoors and enjoy this Easter holiday!
Don’t worry, there are also a lot of things to do indoors in Manchester in this post incase the rain does appear!
1. Manchester Duck Race
📍Salford Quays – 🗓️ Friday 3rd April 12:30-16:00
If you’re looking for a fun family event on Good Friday, head to Salford Quays for the annual Manchester Duck Race! This free family-friendly event brings together entertainment, fairground rides, food stalls and live activities, with the highlight being the exciting duck races where visitors can sponsor a duck for the chance to win prizes.
2. Easter with Miffy at Tatton Park
🗓️ 28th March to 19th April
Families looking for fun things to do near Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can enjoy a magical spring day out at Tatton Park, where a special Easter event with Miffy brings the season to life. Children can follow an interactive trail through the gardens, taking part in a spring scavenger hunt, playing games and discovering seasonal sights, sounds and smells, before meeting farmyard animals and helping prepare for a themed Easter picnic.
The adventure continues inside the mansion, where kids can explore Easter-themed displays and collect a chocolate reward, making it one of the best family-friendly Easter activities near Manchester. Running throughout the Easter holidays, this event combines outdoor exploration with interactive fun, offering a memorable day out for families with younger children.
3. Mad Hatters Teaparty on Churnet Valley Railway
📍Froghall Station Staffordshire 🗓️ 2nd to 11th April
Families looking for unique things to do near Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can step aboard a magical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party experience with Churnet Valley Railway. This themed train journey brings Alice in Wonderland to life, with children invited to meet the Mad Hatter and friends while enjoying interactive entertainment, storytelling and plenty of Easter surprises along the way.
Set against the scenic Staffordshire countryside, this experience combines a nostalgic steam train ride with a fun-filled Easter event, making it a memorable family day out near Manchester. With themed activities, character encounters and a truly immersive atmosphere, it’s perfect for younger children looking for something a little different during the Easter holidays.
4. Breakfast with the Ivy Bunny
📍The Ivy, Spinningfields- 🗓️ 3rd, 4th, 5th April 9:00am to 10:45am
For an Easter breakfast out that you and the kids will enjoy, book breakfast at The Ivy with the Ivy Bunny! This family-friendly event combines a delicious set breakfast with fun Easter extras, where children receive a keepsake Ivy Bunny, bunny ears to dress up and a themed activity sheet, along with plenty of photo opportunities to capture the moment.
Perfect for a relaxed Easter treat, this experience offers something a little different for families, blending dining with seasonal fun in the heart of Manchester. Tickets include breakfast and gifts, making it a memorable Easter activity for both kids and adults.
5. Tales from Acorn Woods Live
📍HOME – 🗓️ 3rd, 4th, 5th April
Families looking for fun things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can enjoy amagical live show based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tales from Acorn Wood.
This enchanting stage adaptation brings the beloved stories to life with interactive lift-the-flap moments, toe-tapping songs and charming puppetry, as children help Fox find his lost socks, join Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover a special surprise from Postman Bear, making it a delightful Easter theatre experience for younger audiences.
Find out more and book tickets here
6. LEGOLAND Discovery Build The Thrill
📍The Trafford Centre – 🗓️ 28th March to 26th April
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is hosting the exciting “Build the Thrill” event this April. This exciting Formula 1® LEGO-themed experience invites children to get creative by joining a team, building a driver and driving their car to victory!
Alongside the special Easter activities, families can enjoy everything the attraction has to offer, including rides, a 4D cinema and immersive LEGO play areas, making it one of the best family-friendly days out in Manchester. Perfect for younger children, it’s a great option for a weather-proof Easter activity packed with creativity and entertainment.
7. Easter Fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
📍Ardwick – 🗓️ 29th March to 19th April
Families looking for creative things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can visit Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, where a range of family-friendly Easter activities bring the historic home to life. Children can follow themed trails through the house, with both easy and more challenging options available, exploring everything from the Victorian rooms to the Servants’ Hall before creating their own book to take home.
Alongside the trails, families can enjoy dressing-up opportunities, relax in the tea room with a hot chocolate, and take part in self-led activities at their own pace. It’s a relaxed and engaging Easter day out in Manchester, perfect for families looking to combine creativity, history and hands-on fun.
8. East Lancashire Railway
📍Bury Transport Museum – 🗓️ 3rd & 4th April
Families looking for fun things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can enjoy a nostalgic day out on the East Lancashire Railway. This heritage railway offers scenic steam and diesel train rides through the beautiful Irwell Valley, giving children the chance to experience a classic train journey while taking in the countryside during the spring season.
Throughout the Easter holidays, the railway often hosts family-friendly activities and themed events, making it more than just a train ride. On 3rd & 4th April, Peter Rabbit will be at Bury Transport Museum with 3 theme park rides suitable fort all ages too.
🌳 Outdoor Easter Events in Manchester & Places To Go 2026
Spring is here and the best way to spend this 2 week holiday is outside for many parents so here are specific outdoor easter events happening in and around Manchester.
9. Dunham Massey Easter Adventure Trail
Running from 26 March to 19 April 2026, this popular National Trust event invites children to explore the park and gardens while completing 10 fun activity stations, with trails typically open daily from around 10am to 4pm. Each trail costs £3.50 per child and includes a map, activities and a chocolate egg at the end, while normal admission charges apply for non-members.
Perfect for families, the trail combines outdoor play with learning, encouraging kids to get active, solve clues and discover nature along the way. With flat, pram-friendly paths and plenty of space to explore, it’s one of the best Easter activities near Manchester for a full day out, especially when combined with deer spotting, picnics and exploring the wider grounds. This is one of our favourite places to go as a family!
10. Quarry Bank Easter Trail
Rrunning from 28 March to 12 April 2026 and set within beautiful woodland and gardens, this National Trust event invites children to follow a nature-inspired trail packed with fun activities and challenges, with trails typically open daily from 10:30am to 5pm (last entry around 4:15pm). Each trail costs £3.50 per child and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg, while normal admission applies for non-members.
Perfect for a full family day out, the trail encourages kids to explore the outdoors, stay active and discover spring wildlife along the way. With plenty of space to roam, scenic walks and activities on-site, it’s one of the best Easter activities near Manchester for families wanting a mix of adventure, nature and seasonal fun.
11. Into the Wild Bushcraft, Hale
One of my favourite places to take the kids is Into the Wild on the outskirts of Hale. This can’t be under free things to do, as you have to buy a ticket but it’s a very low price because that’s their priority.
Hidden in the woods with features like a 50m zip line, tree nets, climbing frames, mud kitchen and den-building areas designed to get kids off screens and into nature, families can enjoy all-day play with flexible arrival times. They have a small cafe, ice cream, wood-fired pizza, outdoor seating and plenty of space to explore, it’s one of the best family-friendly Easter days out near Manchester for children who love adventure, nature and active outdoor fun.
🐣 Best Easter Egg Hunts in Manchester for Kids
Create some excitement by heading out on an Easter egg hunt, here are the best Easter egg hunts in and around Manchester.
12. Man City Stadium Easter Egg Hunt
Families looking for fun things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can enjoy the Manchester City Easter Egg Hunt at the Etihad Stadium. This family-friendly event combines football-themed fun with a traditional Easter egg hunt, as children follow clues around the stadium to find hidden eggs and win prizes, making it a unique experience for young football fans.
Alongside the Easter trail, families can soak up the atmosphere of one of Manchester’s most iconic venues, with interactive activities and photo opportunities adding to the experience. It’s a great Easter day out in Manchester for kids, especially those who love football, offering a mix of outdoor fun, exploration and seasonal entertainment during the school holidays.
13. RHS Garden Bridgewater Easter Detectives Trail
Running from 27 March to 19 April 2026, this interactive “Easter Detectives” trail invites children to follow clues around the gardens, solve puzzles and uncover a fun mystery, with activity packs costing £3 per detective pack and includes games, colouring activities and a chocolate reward at the end.
Open daily from around 10am to 6pm (last entry 5pm), the trail can be enjoyed alongside exploring the beautiful gardens, play areas and seasonal displays, making it a full day out for families. Standard garden admission applies (free for RHS members, with children’s tickets from around £5 and under 5s free), and booking in advance is recommended.
14. Stanley Square Big Dino Egg Hunt – Sale
This FREE, fun, dinosaur-themed trail invites children to explore the area in search of hidden eggs, match them to different dinosaurs, and complete a trail sheet, tracker card and trivia questions along the way, with Easter treats waiting at the end.
Running from 3rd to 11th April around Stanley Square in Sale ,free trail maps are available from Bean & Brush Art Café, making it a great budget-friendly Easter activity for families.
15. Broad Oak Easter Hearts Trail – Fletcher Moss Park
This simple but fun Easter activity invites children to pick up a trail map from Fletcher Moss Park food truck and explore the gardens while searching for themed hearts hidden around the park with around 20 hearts to find.
Perfect for a relaxed, budget-friendly day out, the trail is self-led and suitable for all ages, with a small suggested donation of around £1 to take part.
16. Museum of Illusions Easter Egg Hunt – City Centre
If the Museum of Illusions (and the first Museum of Illusions to open in the UK) is still on your list to take the kids to, you’re in luck as they are celebrating Easter!
Families looking for fun indoor things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can visit the Museum of Illusions, where children can take part in a museum-wide Easter egg hunt, searching for hidden eggs as they explore immersive illusion rooms filled with spring decorations, from flowers and butterflies to vibrant photo spots alongside all of their hands-on exhibits that challenge perception and sparking curiosity.
17. Chester Zoo Really Wild Egg Trail
Ok, not in Manchester but not far away is Chester Zoo and they are hosting the Really Wild Egg Trail this Easter where children can follow clues around the zoo, discover fascinating animal facts and complete the trail to earn a tasty treat at the end. This interactive Easter activity is perfect for curious kids, combining exploration with learning in a fun, engaging way.
As families explore the zoo, they’ll spot giant decorated eggs inspired by different animals, from colourful birds to larger wildlife, while also having the chance to see the real animals up close. It’s a brilliant Easter day out for families, blending outdoor adventure, wildlife discovery and seasonal fun.
18. Kenyon Hall Farm Easter Egg Hunt
Also not in Manchester, but not far and well worth the visit is the annual Egg hunt at Kenyon Hall Farm near Warrington. Kenyon Hall Farm go all-out for all events throughout the year and Easter is no exception!
Running from Sat 21st March – Sun 19th April their egg hunt is a 20-30 minute trail around the farm, following clues, collecting the eggs and discover spring surprises. Prices are £3.50 per adult and £4.50 per child with pre booking advisable this is one of the fun easter egg hunts near Manchester!
🐑 Farm Parks & Animal Experiences This Easter
Spring is all about little lambs and farms reopening after the winter so here are the best farms in Manchester to visit that offer lamb petting and other animal petting experiences along with lots of play activities to make a full day out of it.
19. Smithills Open Farm Easter Event
Running from 28th March to 5th April 2026, this family-friendly event invites children to explore the farm while searching for hidden eggs, meeting the Easter Bunny and Easter Chick, and taking part in one of the biggest and most exciting Easter hunts around, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way and some treats at the end.
Alongside the Easter activities, families can enjoy everything the farm has to offer, including meeting animals, play areas and outdoor space to explore, making it a full day out for kids.
20. Reddish Vale Farm Easter Experience
From 28th March to 6th April, Reddish Vale Farm is celebrating Easter with a packed Easter programme including egg trails, a golden egg challenge, arts and crafts, seed planting and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny throughout the day. Younger children can take part in a special Easter egg hunt, while all kids can follow clues around the farm to earn a chocolate treat, with plenty of hands-on seasonal activities to enjoy.
Alongside the Easter fun, families can experience everything the farm has to offer, from meeting baby animals like lambs, chicks and calves to enjoying tractor rides, indoor play areas and outdoor adventure zones. With pony grooming, animal encounters and plenty of space to play, it’s one of the best family-friendly Easter days out near Manchester, combining interactive farm experiences with seasonal fun.
21. Cockfield’s Farm
Cockfields Farm near Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne is one of the best things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids, offering a full day of outdoor family fun and seasonal activities. Children can take part in the Easter egg hunt, following clues around the farm to win a chocolate treat, while the interactive Easter walkthrough and live show bring plenty of laughs, photo opportunities and festive entertainment for all ages.
Alongside the Easter events, families can enjoy everything the farm has to offer, includinganimal encounters, play areas, tractor rides and more. There’s also the option to bottle-feed newborn lambs for an additional cost, making this a memorable Easter day out near Manchester for families looking for fun, hands-on activities during the school holidays.
22. Lambing Week at Tatton Park
Lambing Week at Tatton Park is a lively unique activity where farm staff share their expertise through daily talks at the lambing shed. Children can learn how to spot the signs of lambing and discover how farmers care for sheep and newborn lambs during this special time, with informative sessions taking place at 12pm and 2pm each day.
This hands-on farm experience is a great Easter activity for families, combining learning with the chance to see newborn lambs up close. Standard farm and parkland admission applies, with discounts available when booking online in advance, making it a memorable and educational day out near Manchester.
23. Nixon’s Farm Shop
Nixon’s Farm Shop in Wilmslow doesn’t have a specific Easter event on but it’s still one of the good children’s farms to visit in Manchester with a small area of animals to meet, and pet at certain times alongside an indoor and outdoor play area, tea rooms and on-site butchers.
The popular outdoor play area is open on Good Friday and open Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays alongside their indoor area with lots of activities for toddlers and younger children, and the indoor area is open all weekend too.
🌿 Free Things To Do in Manchester Easter Holidays
Not everything needs to cost money this Easter, here are the best free things to do in Manchester this Easter holidays with a focus on free outdoor things to do in Manchester in Easter.
24. Spring Trail at Heaton Park
Families looking for free things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids can enjoy the Spring Trail at Heaton Park, one of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces. This family-friendly trail invites children to explore the park while following clues, spotting seasonal signs of spring and completing fun challenges along the way.
Perfect for a budget-friendly day out, the trail can be combined with everything else Heaton Park has to offer, including playgrounds, open green space and picnic spots. Just pick up a free trail map from Reception by the Stables Cafe.
25. Cherry Blossom Spotting
Manchester is coming into bloom so why not go bloom spotting around the parks and city of Manchester. Here are the best places to see Cherry Blossom in Manchester but I’ll tell you that my favourite places are Manchester Cathedral, Heaton Park and Tatton Park.
26. Wythenshawe Park & Farm
Wythenshawe Park is one of my favourite free places to take the kids in Manchester. I love how large the park is with bike trails, play area, cafe and it’s great for the pram. Their newly done park offers plenty for toddlers and older children and you can visit their community farm for free which is open from 11:30(ish) to 15:30.
27. Space Fun at Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is hosting one of the best free things to do in Manchester this Easter holiday with kids, with a space-themed experience full of hands-on activities and family fun. Children can take part in astronaut-style challenges, learn about life on the International Space Station and even design their own mission patch.
Families can also enjoy a live science show exploring space food, with the chance to try astronaut-inspired snacks, making it a fun and educational Easter day out in Manchester for curious kids.
28. Manchester Museum
The Manchester museum is one of the best free things to do in Manchester all year round and this Easter they have a few additional events too. They have a free clay play workshop happening on 7th to 10th April and on 11th April they are celebrating most important festival in the Sikh calendar – Vaisakhi.
29. Manchester Library
Don’t dismiss the Library as a free fun day out in Manchester. Downstairs in Manchester Library they have lots of soft and fun seating for young kids to enjoy in a chilled out environment, perfect for getting them used to the library and there’s an onsite cafe.
🫧More family friendly things to do in Manchester in Easter
Here are a few more great ideas for things to do with kids during Easter and the Easter holidays. These are open all year round but it doesn’t mean they aren’t a great family day out!
30. Bubble Planet
If Bubble Planet is still on your list to visit, why not go this Easter! Enjoy an immersive experience with VR tech, simulators, and illusions. Travel through fantastical, pastel landscapes challenging all 5 senses.
We had a lot of fun there recently. My top tips for visiting Bubble Planet are to book first thing in the morning so that the queue to get in is shorter and then combine it with a trip to Mayfield Park opposite and Freight Island for food and a drink after that.
31. Head Over Heels Soft Play
Easily the best soft play in Manchester is Head Over Heels! They have 2 locations, one in Wilmslow which is definitely the best over a larger area, but also one in Chorlton. If you want indoor activities for toddlers this easter holiday, check out Head Over Heels if you haven’t been already!
32. Bean and Brush Art Cafe
I mentioned Bean and Brush above as outside the cafe in Sale you’ll find the Big Dino Egg Trail. Bean and Brush has been one of our favourite places to visit with younger kids for some nice arts and crafts in a light open setting where adults can enjoy a good coffee whilst the kids craft.. or you can join in too!
33. Total Ninja
To let out some energy this Easter in Manchester, check out Total Ninja which is the UK’s largest indoor ninja obstacle course, offering challenges and fun for all ages. They even have a small soft play area for toddlers and tickets including free pizza for their kids eat free Easter offer!
34. Inflata Nation
Another place to head if the weather isn’t great or if you want the kids to burn some energy is Inflata Nation a huge inflatable ball park fun for kids and adults. They also have a small side area for toddlers.
35. The Snow Centre
Formerly the Chill Factore, learn a new skill this Easter at the Snow Centre with regular snowboarding and ski lessons for adults and kids. They also offer a snow activity session which is pure fun for kids and adults.
36. Rock Up Manchester
For a climbing adventure, check out Rock Up which is in the Snow Centre in Trafford Park. They have 25 diverse climbing walls with their own unique elements and a smaller area for toddlers so it’s perfect for all ages and can be paired well with a trip to the Trafford Centre.
FAQ:
What is on in Manchester for Easter 2026?
There are plenty of Easter specific events on in Manchester from The Big Dino Trail in Sale to Easter Egg Trails at Dunham Massey and Quarry Bank and popular petting farms like Reddish Vale Farm have lamb petting and easter egg hunts happening.
Are there free Easter activities in Manchester?
Yes, you’ll find a few free easter egg trails happening in and around Manchester.
Where are the best Easter egg hunts in Manchester?
The best easter egg hunts in Manchester are in Heaton Park, Man City Stadium, Kenyon Hall Park, Chester Zoo, Fletcher Moss Park, Dunham Massey and Quarry Bank.