2026 is looking to be 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 from January to August 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-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
Children’s 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 January – August 2026 programme:
- • The Wizard and The Mechanic: Saturday 31 January, ages 5 – 10 – Find out more
- • Meet the Hatter: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 February, age 5+ – Find out more
- • The Gruffalo’s Child: Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March, age 3+ – Find out more
- • Brave Bettie: Saturday 14 March, ages 3 – 8 – Find out more
- • Counting Sheeps: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March, ages 0 – 3 – Find out more
- • There’s A Monster In Your Show: Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 April, age 3+ – Find out more
- • Mika and the Polar Bear: Saturday 18 April, age 4+ – Find out more
- • The Detective Dog: Saturday 16 May, ages 3 – 10 – Find out more
- • Take Flight: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 May, ages 0 – 2 – Find out more
- • Magic Gareth: BALLOONATIC: Saturday 6 June, age 5+ – 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!
