A photo of the Z-arts building on Stretford Road.

3 interactive experiences for families this May half term at Z-arts

Half term is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for something different to do, Z-arts has three interactive experiences running this May – each one is designed to get families thinking, exploring, and playing together.

Here’s what’s on:

Explore all our events here.

1. Adventures in Wonderland – for ages 1 – 8

The world of Lewis Carroll comes to life in this hour-long immersive play experience, created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books. Little ones can follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole, crawl through tunnels, splash in the ball pool, play croquet with flamingos, dress up as their favourite characters, and join the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – all within a beautifully designed and story-filled set.

It’s a genuinely magical experience for young children, and a treat for grown-ups too. Tickets are £12, with a family offer of 4 for £40. Bright Sparks members and M15 residents get 20% off.

Half term dates: Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May, 10am, 11:30am & 1:30pm

Book Adventures in Wonderland →

A mother holds her toddler up to touch a textured red and white sensory wall in the Z-arts colourful, immersive Adventures in Wonderland space.

2. Mission: Mad Hatter – for ages 9+

Something strange has happened in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s tea party guests have vanished through the Looking Glass, and your team has 75 minutes to bring them back.

Mission: Mad Hatter is Z-arts’ brand new experience for older children and families, created in collaboration with Supermassive. Set inside the Adventures in Wonderland space, it combines the logic of an escape room with the energy of a scavenger hunt and the interactivity of a computer game. Teams of up to six use a digital tablet to navigate clues, solve puzzles, and race against the clock through Wonderland’s curious corners.

Half term dates: Sat 23 & Sun 24 May, Fri 29 & Sat 30 May. Slots every 20 minutes.

Book Mission: Mad Hatter →

A young girl gazes up in wonder at an ornate framed map on a dark, atmospheric set within Z-arts' Mission: Mad Hatter.

3. The Library of Enchantment – for ages 8+

Z-arts’ much-loved family escape room takes you into a world of seafaring adventures, time-travelling tricks, and one very troublesome bookworm called Billi. Working as a team of up to eight, you’ll have 60 minutes to crack the riddles, work through the puzzles, and restore order before the Library Inspector arrives.

Ideal for birthdays, special occasions, or just a half term adventure, The Library of Enchantment is a firm favourite with families. Designed for ages 8+, though children aged 6+ can take part as part of a family group.

Half term dates: throughout Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May  – slots are selling fast!

Book The Library of Enchantment →

A group of children explore an outdoor-themed set, one reaching up towards wooden structures draped with trailing ivy within Z-arts The Library of Enchantment escape room.

Planning your visit

All three experiences are at Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA. After your adventure, make the most of Z-café, our Children’s Library, and our gift shop.

Questions? Call 0161 226 1912 or email boxoffice@z-arts.org.