2026 has already been another exciting year at Z-arts, the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families.
From interactive experiences to theatre for the whole family, and free fun days to our regular activities, we have a packed programme full of opportunities to play, create and imagine together.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for free things to do with kids in Manchester, or booking your next theatre trip, here’s what’s coming up at Z-arts in 2026.
Interactive Experiences at Z-arts
Imagine, explore and make brilliant memories as a family with our interactive experiences.
Adventures in Wonderland
Step into Lewis Carroll’s magical world! Crawl through tunnels, follow the White Rabbit, play croquet with flamingos, get lost in a card maze, dress up as your favourite characters and join the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Perfect for ages 1 – 8. Find out more
Family escape room experience – Mission: Mad Hatter
Can your team of riddle-cracking and quick-thinking explorers rescue the Mad Hatter’s tea party guests before the tea gets cold? Working in teams of up to six, you’ll use a digital tablet to navigate the twists and turns of Wonderland uncovering curious clues, solving mind-mangling puzzles, and rescuing the Mad Hatter’s missing guests along the way! Find out more
Family-friendly escape room – The Library of Enchantment
Ever wanted to step inside a story? Join us in our family escape room that’s full of seafaring adventures, time travelling tricks and a pesky old bookworm who’s always up to meddlesome mischief! Specially designed for ages 8+. Find out more
Free Family Events in Manchester
We always have a wide range of free activities for all ages at Z-arts, here’s some of what’s coming up in 2026.
Regular Library sessions
Join us weekly during term-time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for free sessions aimed at babies and toddlers. Find out more
Family Fun Days
We have lots of free family fun days coming up, including our Z-access Day, Hulme Is Where The Art Is, Haphazard and National Play Day.
Toddler Takeover
Join us every Friday in term-time for free arts & crafts, play and story activities for babies and toddlers – plus enjoy a discount in Z-cafe! Find out more
Summer of Stories
Our ever-popular Summer of Stories sessions are back at Z-arts for Summer 2026! Three weeks of free family-friendly fun, including storytelling and arts and crafts. Spark imaginations with magical tales, creative activities and hands-on making, with plenty of time to explore, create and enjoy stories together. Find out more
Family Theatre Shows at Z-arts
We have a wide range of interactive, adventurous and enchanting family theatre performances for different age groups. Here’s what’s coming up in our September – December 2026 programme:
- • A Message for the Future: Saturday 12 September, ages 0 – 3 – Find out more
- • Dance in the Dark: Saturday 26 September, age 3+ – Find out more
- • The Magic Stick: Saturday 17 October, age 6 – 12 – Find out more
- • The Enormous Turnip: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October, ages 3+ – Find out more
- • Monster Disco: Saturday 31 October, ages 4 – 8 – Find out more
- • The Gruffalo: Friday 27 – Sunday 29 November, age 3+ – Find out more
- • A Very Merry Minifest: Saturday 5 December, ages 2 – 8 – Find out more
- • Shiny Christmas: Friday 11 – Wednesday 30 December, ages 0 – 4 – Find out more
Visiting Z-arts in Hulme, Manchester
Z-arts is a welcoming space and place to express yourself, celebrate your imagination, have fun, be entertained and dream big! With a year-round programme of theatre, free events, interactive experiences and lots more there’s always something for everyone at Z-arts.
To find out more about how to get here, opening hours, facilities and FAQs please see our Visit page.
We can’t wait to see you at Z-arts in 2026!
