Where to take Kids for Halloween in Manchester
London often gets all the love as the UK’s biggest city, but if you’re looking for festive things to do in the ‘capital of the North’, Kids Party Finder has got you covered.
Is Halloween celebrated in Manchester?
Of course! While still more popular in the USA, Halloween is a vastly growing tradition with big appeal for kids and adults alike. Most major cities in the UK have organised events like Manchester’s Halloween in the City to take advantage of the festive occasion.
Where is best to visit for Halloween in Manchester?
In addition to planning your own Halloween kids party in Manchester, here are our recommendations for fun days/nights out:
Heaton Park of Horrors and Zip World Manchester
They bill it as, “a themed spooky experience this Halloween for all the family! Leap along the Treetop Nets and dodge the horde of goofy ghouls.” And it does look like tons of fun.
Lancaster Farm
Their Halloween on the Farm event looks like wholesome fun with pumpkin picking and the usual farm activities, petting zoo, etc.
Ryecroft Hall Ghost Hunt
If your little ones love ooky spooky tales, take them to a dedicated ghost hunt night at Ryecroft Hall in Manchester.
What is Spookfest at the Trafford Centre?
SPOOKFEST at the Trafford Centre has been replaced this year with the Halloween Fair from Saturday, 25th October 2025 to November 2nd at The Trafford Centre, Manchester. Doors open at 14:00 and close at 20:00, and will feature the following games & rides:
- Tea cups
- Racing cars
- Balloon ride
- Bumper cars
- Mini swings
- Caterpillar coaster
- Flying elephants
- Don Sapo
- Jumbo circus
- Terror towers
- Pirate ship
- Re-mix
- Magic Mouse
- Rock rage
- Bungee trampolines
You can get tickets here.
Where is the Halloween Parade in Manchester?
This year’s Walk the Plank Monster Party Procession will be on the 25th-26th October, with routes announced on the 13th October, 2025. The listing says to “expect a crazy procession of dancing monster puppets, stilt walkers and a six-piece brass band playing spooktacular tunes.”
Where to take a 4-year-old in Manchester for Halloween?
If you’ve got very little tykes, not every Halloween event in Manchester is going to be appropriate. We like the idea of historical walks and events at country houses, but with little ones in tow, it can lose its lustre fast. That’s why we recommend the Ascarium at Sea Life Manchester. It’s endlessly entertaining and more of a rain-or-shine activity. Or, if you want to get them outdoors, try Halloween at Chester Zoo for some fresh air with their scares. These events don’t have set durations, so if they get tired and cranky, you can call it a day.
What’s the UK’s number one Halloween attraction
For little kids, Brick or Treat Legoland is an amazing event near Manchester. And if you’ve got older kids, we think it’s a toss-up between Tulleys Farm, Shocktober Fest in West Sussex (16+) or Thorpe Park Fright Nights (13+) and well worth the long car or train ride.
Once you’ve got your Halloween plans nailed down, it’s time to think about Christmas. Why not plan a do at home with this helpful list?
