Right, the Christmas chaos is over, and now we've got that weird first weekend of January stretching out ahead of us! Don't let it be a washout of old pizza boxes and TV. We can still catch some last-chance magic before the New Year rush dies down. Seriously, get down to A Taste of Christmas before it vanishes on Sunday, and if the kids need a brain-bend, Operation Ouch! is wrapping up too. Let's make this weekend count!
Quick Picks
Find the Flock
Aviva Studios
A free Shaun the Sheep sculpture trail around a cool arts venue – perfect for little legs.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
Science and Industry Museum
Brilliant, interactive science fun about the body that's great for primary schoolers when it’s pouring.
Find the Flock
Aviva Studios
A gentle, free outdoor trail with well-known characters that toddlers can easily follow.
Find the Flock
It’s a Shaun the Sheep sculpture trail around the new Aviva Studios – super quirky and totally free! Perfect for a gentle wander on Saturday morning before the big shops get too manic.
Why we picked it: It's a free, easy-to-do, art-meets-character trail right in the city centre.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
The *Operation Ouch!* exhibit is ending on Sunday, so this is your last chance to get grossed out by science. It's super hands-on and great for primary kids who love the gross stuff.
Why we picked it: It’s the final weekend for this popular, interactive science exhibition before it closes.
Experiment (Interactive Gallery)
Okay, it’s *always* on, but it’s the best rainy day option at the Science and Industry Museum, and they have that special bit just for little ones. Head up to the top floor for hands-on stuff.
Why we picked it: It’s a reliable, genuinely free-to-access interactive gallery (with museum entry) perfect for toddlers when the weather turns.
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway
This major fashion exhibition is wrapping up on Jan 10th, so this weekend is a good shout if your older kids are into design or fashion history. It's very visual and great for Instagram fodder.
Why we picked it: It's a 'last chance' major exhibition that will appeal more to teens than standard kid-focused events.
Lowry Youth Dance Project
If your 8-15 year old is restless and into dance or movement, check out The Lowry’s Youth Dance Project sessions. It’s a chance to upskill in something cool while you shop or grab a coffee nearby.
Why we picked it: Specific workshop for the 8-15 age group looking for something active and skill-based.
Adventures in Wonderland
Tumble down the rabbit hole for a surreal, curious adventure at Z-arts. It's a great alternative to the big museums and gets you out to Hulme for something a bit different.
Why we picked it: It’s an immersive, storybook-themed experience that’s a bit left-field compared to standard exhibitions.
Manchester Central Library Rhyme Time/Book Club
If you've got little ones, check the Central Library schedule for their free rhyme time or baby book club session on Saturday. It’s a fantastic, warm space for under 5s in the city centre.
Why we picked it: A recurring, reliably free, high-quality activity for the under-5 crowd right in the heart of the city.
Football History Walking Tour
If you have footy-mad kids, this Rock & Goal walking tour covers centuries of music AND football history. A great way to see the city centre outside and burn off some energy.
Why we picked it: It cleverly links two typically separate interests (music and football history) into one walking tour.
The Enormous Crocodile
This is your *last chance* to catch Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile before it slithers away! It’s proper theatre for a Sunday afternoon, so book tickets sharpish if you fancy some jungle escapism.
Why we picked it: It’s the absolute final day for this well-known children's show, making it a true 'last chance' pick.
A Taste of Christmas
The Christmas Market atmosphere is sticking around for one last weekend at Albert Square! Grab a proper German sausage or some festive sweet treat before they pack up for another year. It's a free wander, so just go for the smells!
Why we picked it: The final day of the festive market stalls in the city centre – maximum festive vibes before it all disappears.
FLECKY BENNETT'S THE MANCHESTER GHOST WALK
If your teens fancy something a bit spooky, this ghost walk is on Sunday morning (check the time, 3 AM is probably an error!). It’s a quirky way to see some of the city’s older bits.
Why we picked it: A genuinely quirky, slightly edgy tour event happening on Sunday for older kids/teens.
Big Screen Fun for less at HOME
If it's grim outside, check what's on at HOME’s cinema for family films on the cheap. It’s always better than sitting in, and it’s right next to the Science Museum area if you fancy two things.
Why we picked it: A consistent, indoor option for a lazy Sunday viewing, usually at a lower price point.
Beyond the Surface Tour
Go behind the scenes at Sea Life with this exclusive tour led by an aquarist—way cooler than just looking at the fish! It’s an extra cost, but a rare glimpse into how the place actually runs.
Why we picked it: It's an exclusive, behind-the-scenes 'VIP experience' that most visitors don't know about.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 (Angel Meadows)
Get involved in citizen science by joining the RSPB to count birds in Angel Meadows. It’s a super mindful, free outdoor activity perfect for getting fresh air right near the centre.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free, community-focused nature event happening right in the city that encourages quiet observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Manchester this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can enjoy the completely free Find the Flock Shaun the Sheep sculpture trail at Aviva Studios, check out the free entry to the Experiment interactive gallery at the Science and Industry Museum, and look for the Saturday Rhyme Time at Manchester Central Library. Plus, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch on Sunday is also free to join.
What can I do with a toddler in Manchester on Saturday?
For under-5s, the Find the Flock trail at Aviva Studios is free and low-pressure. For a guaranteed indoor spot, head to Manchester Central Library for their scheduled Rhyme Time or Book Club session. The Science and Industry Museum’s Experiment gallery is also excellent as it has a dedicated area for babies and toddlers.
Are there any last-chance family events before they close for good?
Yes! Sunday is the final day for The Enormous Crocodile theatre show in Salford and the A Taste of Christmas market in Albert Square. Also, the brilliant Operation Ouch! science exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum wraps up on Sunday.