NEWS: TOP 5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THEATRE SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES AT Z-ARTS THIS NOVEMBER 2025

Sarah Monaghan
14 minutes ago
3 min read

Red brick building with arched entrance, banners, and a "Welcome to Z-arts!" sign. People walking, tree in foreground, overcast sky.

A Month of Family Fun at Z-arts

Looking for something magical to do with the kids this November?Z-arts in Hulme, Manchester’s much-loved family arts centre, is celebrating 25 years of creativity, imagination, and fun with a packed programme of shows and activities for all ages!

From hilarious fairytale flips to immersive story worlds, Z-arts is turning up the indoor magic this autumn — perfect for those cosy family days when the weather turns chilly.

Here are five fantastic family-friendly experiences you won’t want to miss this November at Z-arts.

Hare and Tortoise: The Ultimate Race Adventure -
Three performers in colourful outfits; two crouch with animal ears, one stands with arms up, on a vibrant, playful stage with plants.

1. Hare and Tortoise: The Ultimate Race Adventure

📅 Saturday 15 November – 11am & 2pm👧 Ages 3+

Tutti Frutti Productions put a playful spin on Aesop’s classic fable with Hare and Tortoise: The Ultimate Race Adventure. Expect a race through the seasons with songs, laughter, and plenty of heart as the excitable Hare and wise Tortoise learn what true friendship really means.

✨ Why go? Delightful characters, live music, and toe-tapping songs make this a must-see for little ones.

🎟️ Book tickets: Hare and Tortoise

The Three Bears: A Fairy Tale Flip with Slapstick Chaos -
Three people wearing playful hats with ears, laughing around a yellow furry object in a cozy room. Warm lighting, cheerful mood.

2. The Three Bears: A Fairy Tale Flip with Slapstick Chaos

📅 Saturday 29 November – 11am & 2pm👧 Ages 3+

Full House Theatre bring their hilarious and heartwarming remix of The Three Bears to Z-arts. Expect porridge, feathers, and plenty of laughter as a fluffy “Goldie” turns the story upside down in a celebration of family and fun.

✨ Why go? Giggles galore in this playful twist on a fairytale favourite.

🎟️ Book tickets: The Three Bears

Bright children's library with white shelves full of colorful books, rainbow arch with cushions, bean bag chairs, and cloud wall decor.

3. Free Children’s Library Drop-Ins

📅 Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm👧 All ages

Z-arts’ colourful Children’s Library is a hidden gem! Families can drop in for free storytimes, rhyme sessions, and bear-themed adventures — perfect for introducing little readers to a world of creativity.

✨ Why go? It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s full of rainbow magic!

📚 Weekly sessions include: Baby Book Club | Storytime | Rhyme Time

Adventures in Wonderland: Interactive Play Experience -
A group of three adults and a child sit on grass, smiling and waving. One wears bunny ears. A colorful setting with cartoon-like decor.

4. Adventures in Wonderland: Interactive Play Experience

📅 Weekends in November & December👧 All ages (Under 1s free)

🎟️ £12 per ticket / £40 for four

Fall down the rabbit hole and explore Lewis Carroll’s world like never before! Crawl through tunnels, splash into ball-pools, and enjoy a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in this immersive Adventures in Wonderland experience. There’s even a relaxed performance on 29 November and 30 December – perfect for children with sensory needs.

✨ Why go? Step straight into the pages of the story — imagination guaranteed!

📖Read Our 5⭐ revie Here

🎟️ Book tickets: Adventures in Wonderland

The Library of Enchantment: Family Escape Room -
Four kids holding signs with text like "WE ESCAPED." One wears a helmet. Background is a "Z-escape" sign. Playful mood.

5. The Library of Enchantment: Family Escape Room

📅 Fridays (5:30pm/7pm) & Saturdays – November & December👧 Ages 8+ (or 6+ with family)

An adventure for puzzle lovers! Work together to capture mischievous bookworm Billi before the Inspector arrives in this time-travelling, seafaring escape room challenge.

✨ Why go? A fun and fantastic group activity that’s perfect for birthdays or weekend adventures.

🎟️ Book tickets: Library of Enchantment

Celebrating 25 Years of Creativity at Z-arts

This autumn marks a major milestone as Z-arts celebrates 25 years of inspiring young minds. To mark the occasion, the centre has launched its #Zarts25 fundraising campaign, encouraging visitors to donate £25 for 25 years of family fun.

💛 Visitors can now donate at the venue using new Tap to Donate stations or online to help support the next generation of 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

🎭 Book a show — Hare and Tortoise or The Three Bears

🕵️ Try The Library of Enchantment escape room

🎩 Explore Adventures in Wonderland

📱 Share your visit using #Zarts25

☕ Enjoy a coffee in the Z-café and toast to 25 years of creativity

Conclusion

Whether your little ones love live theatre, storytelling, or imaginative play, Z-arts has something for everyone this November. With so much family fun under one roof, it’s no wonder Z-arts continues to be one of Manchester’s most magical spots for children and families.

✨ Indoor adventures, imagination, and joy await — so grab your tickets, step inside, and let the stories begin!