Top 5 Family-Friendly Theatre Shows and Activities at Z-arts this November 2025!
Looking for things to do with kids in Manchester this November?
Z-arts, in Hulme is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families, and it’s bursting with indoor magic! From retelling of classic fables to hilarious fairytale remixes, these November events at Z-arts promise laughter, live music, and imagination for all the family.
It’s time to get cosy with indoor adventures, book NOW – tickets are flying out! Z-arts is the perfect family day out in Manchester.
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Hare and Tortoise: The Ultimate Race Adventure (Saturday 15 November)
Introducing Tutti Frutti Productions‘ charming take on Aesop’s fable. Join excitable Hare and wise Tortoise in a nail-biting race through the seasons, packed with live music, unforgettable songs, and lessons on friendship. “Ready… Steady… Is it time to GO?”
Shows: 11am & 2pm
- Ages: 3+
- Why go?
Family fun with delightful characters, live music, and songs.
- Book here: Hare and Tortoise tickets
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The Three Bears: A Fairy Tale flip with Slapstick Chaos (Saturday 29 November)
Full House Theatre remixes The Three Bears. Surprises, heart-warming twists, and a fluffy “Goldie” changes everything. Giggles galore in this celebration of love, laughter and the beauty of families of all shapes and sizes.
- Shows: 11am & 2pm
- Ages: 3+
- Why go?
Delightful adventure with porridge, eggs, and feather-filled mayhem.
- Book here: The Three Bears tickets
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FREE Children’s Library Drop-Ins
Cosy up fable-filled storytimes and bear-themed adventures. Discover diverse books that spark creativity. All you need is your library card! Why not join one of our regular weekly sessions and introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of libraries, books, and storytelling!
- When: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
- Ages: For all the family
- Why go?
Build reading habits in a vibrant, inclusive space, plus our library is covered in beautiful rainbows!
- Weekly FREE sessions include: Baby Book Club| Storytime | Rhyme Time
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Adventures in Wonderland: Interactive Play Experience (Nov–Dec weekends)
Fall down the rabbit hole and step into Lewis Carroll’s classic world at Z-arts! Crawl through tunnels, splash into ball-pools, play flamingo croquet, and join the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Celebrating 160 years of Alice dress up, explore, and create memories together!
- November Slots: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 28th, 29th (plus relaxed performance on 29th)
- December Slots: 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th – 24th, 27th – 30th (plus relaxed performance on 30th)
- Tickets: £12 adult/child; 4 for £40! Under 1s free.
- Why go?
Step into scenes from the book – pure imagination!
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The Library of Enchantment: Family Escape Room (Nov–Dec)
An enchanting experience! Capture pesky bookworm Billi in this seafaring, time-travel puzzle adventure. Riddles, teamwork, 60-minute timer – put the chaos right before the Inspector arrives!
- Nov/Dec Slots: Fridays 5:30pm/7pm, Saturdays (many SOLD OUT!)
- Ages: 8+ solo; 6+ with family
- Groups: 3–8 people
- Why go?
Fantastic group activity, fun, perfect for birthdays!
This autumn marks a major milestone for Z-arts as Manchester’s award-winning family arts venue celebrates 25 incredible years of creativity, imagination and fun!
Supporting the Next 25 Years
Z-arts is also launching its #Zarts25 fundraising campaign to help keep the magic going. Visitors can now donate through new Tap to Donate stations, giving £2.50, £25 or any amount to support the next generation of family creativity.
If you’ve laughed, danced, made a mess (the fun kind) or shared a story with us,” says CEO & Artistic Director Liz O’Neill, “please consider donating £25 for 25 years of family fun, creativity and imagination.
How to Join the Celebrations
- Come along to the Big Birthday Fun Day and Rockin’ Rhinos party.
- Book a show — Hare & Tortoise or The Three Bears.
- Visit Adventures in Wonderland or The Library of Enchantment.
- Follow, like, and share on Z-arts’ social channels using #Zarts25.
- Donate online or in person.
- Enjoy a coffee in Z-café and toast to 25 years of creativity!