May half-term activities in Cheshire 2025

Can you believe the May half-term is almost here? This term is a very short one! Find all the best May half-term activities in Cheshire 2025 here. There are lots of great kids’ events happening across the county. Which will you choose? This post is part of a series of posts on May half term activities North West. If you are close to one of the borders of the region click through to see what else is on in the surrounding areas.

Please ensure you click through to the event organisers’ website and check if the event is still running before travelling to your chosen event. Occasionally events do get cancelled due to severe weather etc and I can’t guarantee I will be aware.

I will be continuing to update this post right up until the holidays. If you know of an event I’m unaware of, please email me at info@northwestforkids.co.uk.

Family deer workshop, Tatton Park

When – 27th May 2025

Join our knowledgeable Education Team for a fun, family event, which shares the history and significance of Tatton Park’s deer herd.

The session will cover various historical periods and will provide an opportunity to handle real antlers & pelts, undertake a deer tracking walk and participate in a craft activity.

As part of the walk, we hope to be able to observe the deer from a safe distance and will provide specialist binoculars for children to use to take a closer look. Adults are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them, but a small supply will also be available to loan. Each child will also be given a Parkland Explorer handbook to take away, filled with outdoor activities and quizzes.

This event is open to all the family (no charge for under 3’s), but please be advised that it will include a parkland walk of approximately 1 mile in length. Please note that as the deer are a wild herd it is possible they may not be visible within walking distance of the event, but our team will be able to direct you to where they are situated that day.

Book here – Family Deer Workshop

Stone Age Times, Tatton Park

When – 27th May 2025

Hear about how we find out about the past and take part in some exciting, hands on activities in the atmospheric surroundings of the Old Hall. This event is recommended for families with children aged 7-11 years old. Please note this event takes place partly outdoors and also inside an unheated, period building. All children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult, and everyone must purchase a ticket. Your participation will be recognised with a certificate issued at the end of the session. 

Book here – Stone Age Times

Secrets of the old hall, Tatton Park

When – 28th May 2025

Step back in time on a tour which unravels the mysteries of the Old Hall – the oldest building at Tatton, which dates back to the late fifteenth century. With the help of our knowledgeable guide, you will travel through the last 500 years of Tatton’s fascinating history. Soak up the atmosphere of this historic site, smell the woodsmoke and maybe even hear a ghost story or two in reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in England.

Secrets of the Old Hall is a special tour that brings to life the history and character of this unique site, which has limited public opening.

Suitable for age 10+

Book here – Secrets of the Old Hall Tour

May half term at Beeston Castle

When – 24th May to 1st June 2025.

Get ready for a fun-filled outdoor adventure at Beeston Castle with hands-on activities this May half term. Challenge your family and friends to giant jenga, test your skills on the balance board or bounce your way to the finish line on spacehoppers. Enjoy fun and games in the fresh air!

Find out more here – May Half Term Fun & Games at Beeston Castle | English Heritage

May half term at Quarry Bank Mill

When – 24th May to 1st June 2025.

Fourth Floor Play Hub – Open daily. From Saturday 24 May until 1 September, come and explore our play hub on the fourth floor of the Mill. Here, your little ones can enjoy hours of fun in the new soft play area, transform into a character from the dressing-up wardrobe, and take to the stage. Plus, they can create puppet shows and challenge themselves to a giant board game. It’s the perfect space to enjoy, whatever the weather.

Discovery Zone – open daily during May half term. Returning this May, children can unleash their creativity with bird themed crafts in the Discovery Zone. And join Sir Monty Webber the moth on his exciting journey of transformation.

Ollie the owl guided walk – available Monday 26 to Friday 30 May only.

Enjoy a story telling walk with Ollie the owl around the Mill Pond. Tickets are free and available from Visitor Reception. Walks will take place daily at 12pm / 13:30pm / 14:30pm. They will take approx. 45 minutes.

Admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust members.

Find out more here – May Half-Term at Quarry Bank | National Trust

Barn owl walks, Quarry Bank Mill

When – 27th – 29th May 2025.

Meet at Visitor Reception for a walk and talk with our Ranger team to hear about barn owl habitats and their feeding habits.

Head to the field and see a barn owl box and learn about their life cycle.

Delve into some owl pellets to learn about their diet and see what they’ve been eating.

National Trust admission charges do not apply. Tickets are none transferable.

Book here – Barn Owl Walks | National Trust

Kids craft workshop, decorate your own t-shirt, Quarry Bank

When – 29th May 2025

Join Hilary from Scrapadoo Craft Workshops this half-term and transform a plain T-shirt into a wearable work of art.

Children can get creative using fabric pens, paints, buttons, scrap fabric and more—perfect for budding designers with big imaginations. It’s a fun and hands-on way to breathe new life into an old T-shirt and make something truly one of a kind.

Tickets: £9 per child. Accompanying adults go free—only children taking part need a ticket.

Aprons will be provided, but we recommend wearing clothes that can handle a little mess, just in case.

This activity does not include admission to the property. Both members and non-members will need to purchase tickets to take part.

Book here – Kids craft workshop – decorate your own t-shirt | National Trust

Young farmers, Kenyon Hall farm, Warrington

When – 24th – 29th May 2025

Details – Help to plant the 15,000 pumpkins ready for picking in October. The 45-minute session, aimed at children aged 3 -11 years old, combines hands-on fun with a little learning: Understand how we grow our pumpkins and other food crops.

Visit the Junior Farmer pumpkin patch where each child will get to plant a pumpkin by hand. Plant a sunflower to take home and grow over the summer.

Cost – £7.95 per child and must be booked in advance. It’s free for accompanying adults.​

Find out more and book here – Junior Farmers: Planting Pumpkins – Kenyon Hall Farm

Stick Man trail at Delamere forest

This is a really fun, short trail for young children that is on all year. Collect your pack for £4 from the visitor centre.

Full details here – Forestry England Stick Man Trails

Catalyst, Widnes

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025

Desert Island Survival Challenge – Half Term Holiday Workshops. Can you use science to survive on a desert island? Learn to filter water, signal for help and escape from an island in this hands-on workshop! 

Light Fantastic – Half Term Holiday Shows – An exciting, interactive show for all the family with UV lights, fibre optics, thermal imaging, glow in the dark objects and much, much more!

Find out more here – Events – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Find out more here – Catalyst Museum

BeWILDerwood, Cheshire

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025

This May half term you’ll discover the magic of BeWILDerwood as you zoom along extra-long zip wires, slide down giant slides and spot curious characters in a world full of wonder. With storytelling shows, creative crafts, and outdoor adventure galore, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. 

Book here – BeWILDerwood

Find our review here – BeWILDerwood Cheshire review

FREE Drop-in crafts, Weaver hall museum

When – 26th, 27th, 29th & 30th May 2025

Free but donations welcom.

Find out more here – Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse | Events

FREE Drop-in crafts, Grosvenor museum

When – 27th – 29th May 2025.

Free, donations appreciated. Wild and Wacky Birdhouses – have a look at some of the weird and wonderful bird species we have in our collections. Then create your own wacky birdhouse to take home.

Full details here – Grosvenor Museum | Events

FREE drop-in craft activities, Lion Salt Works

When – 28th & 29th May 2025

Create a 3D summer garden collage.

Full details here – Lion Salt Works

Northwich Explorers, Weaver Hall

When – 28th May 2025.

Pre-book, £5. Please ring 01606 271646 to book.
11.00-12.00 & 12.00-1.00

Northwich Explorers: 1hr Nature, Art, Science and Technology-based Activities: Investigating our weather.

Book here – Northwich Explorers | Events

Northwich Explorers, Lion Salt Works

When – 30th May 2025.

Pre-book, £5.
11.00-12.00 & 12.00-1.00
Northwich Explorers: 1hr Nature, Art, Science and Technology-based Activities: Make a bird or insect friendly garden ornament.

Book here – Lion Salt Works

Roman day, Chester Racecourses

When – 31st May 2025.

Experience an action- packed historic family fun day with thrilling racing and exciting activities for young racegoers.

Don’t forget – children 17 and under go FREE with all activities included.

Activities include Roman Stunt Show, Birds of Prey, AmaSing, Pop Up Play Village, Craft Camp, Camp Curiosity, Heritage Festival, Archery, Racing to School, Bootcamp Challenges, Inflatable Slides and Bungee Run.

Book here – Roman Day – Racing – Chester Racecourse

May half term at Jodrell Bank

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025 (closed on Friday 30 May for a private event)

Design Your Martian Spacesuit Patch – Step into the role of a space explorer and create a collaborative Martian spacesuit in this exclusive workshop with Anurita Chandola, spacewear and textiles artist.

Perfect for curious children aged 4-16, the group will blend teamwork, storytelling, and creativity to craft their own custom spacesuit patches in a personalised, action-packed session that’s really out of this world!

2 hour workshops taking place 28 & 29 May, 10.30 & 13.30. Book in advance.

Science Busking – Join our friendly team in the orrery for a chance to get hands-on with meteorites and ask your burning science questions! Included in ticket.

Meet The Telescope – This is your opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic Lovell Telescope! Join us outside for this bitesize introduction to Jodrell Bank’s famous big dish, filled with fun facts for the whole family.

15 minute outdoor sessions, taking place 12.15, 13.15 and 14.15 each day (weather dependent). Included in ticket.

Telescope Talks – Join the team for their daily sit-down show where they will delve deeper into the secrets of the Lovell, from the dawn of the Space Age to revolutionising our understanding of the universe.

30 minute indoor show, taking place 11.15 and 15.30 each day. Included in ticket.

Brand New Trail Sheet – Embark on a mission across space and time as you search for cosmic entities in our stunning countryside grounds. Included in ticket.

Ted’s Space Adventure – Discover the secrets of the Solar System at our special Space Dome screenings of Ted’s Space Adventure. With sing-along music and rhyme, this show is a must for tiny space explorers (recommended ages 2-5).

26 & 29 May, 11.00.

Space Crafts – Unleash your imagination and channel your wonder and curiosity at our space crafts station. Included in ticket.

Book here – Jodrell Bank

Find out all about our Easter visit here – What’s at Jodrell Bank for kids

Bee festival at Norton Priory

When – 25th May 2025

Learn about the different bees at Norton Priory with activities in the museum and at the Walled Garden.

This event includes:

• Family activities including including seed planting and bee-themed trails
• Insect ID and wildlife recording with RECORD – Local Environmental Records Centre
• Bumblebee talk with naturalist Tony Parker at 11am

Full details here – Bee Festival | Events | Norton Priory Museum Trust Ltd

Ocean explorers at Blue Planet aquarium

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025

Your little ones can take on the role of Ocean Explorers, complete with explorer hats and themed challenges, including:

• The Explorer’s Touch Test – Get hands-on with our mystery touch boxes where young Ocean Explorers guess what lies within
• The Explorer’s Excavation – Pick up a brush and start uncovering hidden treasures buried in our sand pits!
• The Ocean Explorers Logbook – Take on puzzles and activities with your very own Explorer’s Logbook
• New for 2025: Dino-Roar Adventure – Step back in time and embark on a prehistoric expedition along our brand-new dinosaur trail!

Find out more and book here – Events – Blue Planet Aquarium

Wandering Wolves, Little Moreton Hall

When – 12th February – 2nd November 2025.

See if you can spot the Moreton family crest on your wander around the hall. The crest shows a wolf as they were a symbol of valour and guardianship. Some of the mischievous wolves have thrown on disguises and escaped the crests and cleverly hidden themselves away. See how many wolves you can spot when you explore Little Moreton Hall.

Full details here – Wandering Wolves | National Trust

May half term: Wild Senses, Little Moreton Hall

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025.

Discover how the wildlife that lives in the green spaces surrounding the hall, use their senses to thrive and survive. Will you move in stealth mode like a hunting buzzard or like a bee will you be able to recognise different flowers just by touch? Look out for our handy hint boards with different sensory activities to find and help you get in touch with your wilder side!

Full details here – May half term: Wild Senses | National Trust

May half term at Hare Hill NT

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025.

Discover how the wildlife that lives in the gardens, use their senses to thrive and survive. Will you move in stealth mode like a hunting owl or like a bee will you be able to recognise different flowers just by touch? Look out for our handy hint boards with different sensory activities to find and help you get in touch with your wilder side!

Full details here – May half term | National Trust

The Wizard of Oz, Lyceum Theatre Crewe

When – 29th May 2025.

Join Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the very cowardly Lion who is desperate to be brave and have some courage. Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help?

Book here – The Wizard of Oz tickets | Lyceum Theatre Crewe

May half term at Oxygen Wilmslow

When – 26th May – 1st June 2025

90 minutes for the price of 60 minutes. Full details here – 90 Minutes for 60 Minutes | Oxygen Activeplay

May half term pass, 5 x 60-minute Open Play sessions for just £30. Full details here – Oxygen Activeplay May Half-Term | Book Now

Outdoor paddling pools

Fancy a trip to an outdoor paddling pool or splash pad this May half-term? We have lots in Cheshire and many are free. Some of them do require pre-booking though.

Full details of them all here – Outdoor paddling pools and splash parks in the North West

More ideas for things to do in Cheshire

• If you are happy to travel a little, you might like this post on May half term activities in Manchester
• You might also enjoy this guide May half-term activities Liverpool
• How about a free trip to a farm? Find out more here – Why visit Glebe Farm Astbury, Congleton?
• Visit Marbury country park and walk from here to the boat lift. Find the route here – Marbury Park to Anderton boat lift walk
• Walks always make a great free day out – Child-friendly walks in Cheshire
• If you need a walk that is more accessible – pram friendly walks in Cheshire
• Join my Facebook group to find and share walks across the North West – Family Walks North West England

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