May half-term activities in Cheshire 2026

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 2026 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.

Cheshire National Trust May half term events

Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail, Hare Hill NT

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Discover more about these busy bugs that buzz about the place and how important their daily work is to us humans. No need to book just look out for the handy hint boards to help guide your adventure. Pack a picnic, bring the hive and delve into the world of bees and uncover more about these precious pollinators.

Full details here – May half term | National Trust

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Quarry Bank

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.​

Are you ready for a mega adventure?​ Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day.

Full details here – Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail

May half term top floor play space at Quarry Bank Mill

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

This May half term little ones can enjoy soft play, giant board games and lively puppet shows. Take to the stage to perform for your grown ups, and get creative with a craft activity.

Daily storytelling sessions at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. 

Craft sessions 11am – 3pm each day.

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

Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail, Little Moreton Hall NT

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Discover more about these busy bugs that buzz about the place and how important their daily work is to us humans. No need to book just look out for the handy hint boards to help guide your adventure. Pack your curiosity, bring the hive and delve into the world of bees and uncover more about these precious pollinators.

Full details here – May half term | National Trust

Wandering Wolves, Little Moreton Hall

When – 11th February – 1st November 2026.

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

Junior Longbow, Tatton Park

When – 26th May 2026.

Discover what it was like to be a medieval archer and learn about the famous English longbow, one of the most important weapons of the Middle Ages. With expert, child‑friendly instruction, young archers will find out how longbows were used in the past and have a go at shooting for themselves in a safe, supervised outdoor setting.

This hands‑on session is designed to build skills, confidence, and curiosity about history while having fun. The event is intended for children aged 8 years and above – this should be strictly observed for health and safety reasons. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this event – your ticket fee applies to entry for one child and one adult. Please come dressed for the outdoors.

£25 per person (includes Parkland and Old Hall entry)

Book here – Junior Longbow

Secrets of the Old Hall Tour, Tatton Park

When – 27th May 2026.

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.

£15 per person

Book here – Secrets of the Old Hall Tour

Wildlife explorers, Tatton Park

When – 28th May 2026.

An exciting parkland adventure and discover the wonderful wildlife of Tatton Park. Young explorers will get hands‑on with nature through activities such as bug hunting and pond dipping, while also learning about the park’s resident deer, birds, and farm animals.

This fun, interactive session encourages curiosity and a love of the outdoors, perfect for budding nature lovers. This event is suitable for children aged 4–11 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult, and all attendees are required to purchase a ticket.

£15 per person (includes Parkland entry)

Book here – Wildlife Explorers

Carnival creations: Venetian Mask Making, Tatton Park

When – 28th May 2026.

Discover the fascinating history behind this spectacular festival, then unleash your creativity as you design your very own carnival mask. To finish, bring your masterpiece to life with costumes and props for a fun photo opportunity! This workshop is intended for family visitors – children of all ages are welcome to attend. Each child must be supervised by an adult. Due to limited space in the workshop room, we can only admit one adult per child.

£15 per person

Book here – Venetian Mask making

Family Smartphone Photography Workshop, Tatton Park

When – 29th May 2026.

The workshop is targeted for families with young people aged 11+, who wish to learn together. The session will include a little classroom time to get to grips with the phone camera and then plenty of time photographing on the farm and in the gardens. There will be a fun element to the workshop with a game of photography bingo. 

£30 per person

Book here – Family Smartphone Photography Workshop

Hawk Walk. Tatton Park

When – 30th – 31st May 2026.

Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, learning about their hunting techniques and even flying them yourself.

£25 per person

Book here – Hawk walk

May half term at Lyme

When – 23rd May – 7th June 2026.

Take a deep breath in nature and discover Lyme’s parkland blossom on this self-guided walking trail along Hawthorn Drive. Ideal for those arriving by green travel means, this linear route begins close to the entrance of the park and travels across the parkland with views of the Cage, before ending at the house. Follow the pink Blossom signs and use this trail to start your visit to Lyme, or use it as an opportunity to end your visit with a mindful walk. 

Spotlight on Collections: Blossom in the house 

This half-term in the house at Lyme, explore how artists and makers across the centuries have used blossom as a symbol for representing beauty, prosperity and the changing seasons. This self-led trail highlights several of the unique and important collection items in our care, inspiring you to take a closer look at the beauty of blossom around us. 

Blossom installation in the Orangery

Immerse yourself in an installation inspired by the falling blossom of spring. Visit the Orangery to see a display of hundreds of paper origami flowers, each made in partnership with local community groups, Lyme staff and volunteers, and shown cascading from the hanging baskets above.

Full details here – May half term

Mystery Mission at Beeston Castle

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

A top-secret message has gone missing at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who’ll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission.

Full details here – May Half Term at Beeston Castle

Steve Backshall Live, Chester Zoo

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Brand‑new, in person, LIVE stage show this May half term. Taking you on a jaw‑dropping journey into the lives of the planet’s most extraordinary and misunderstood predators – sharks.

Book here – Steve Backshall Live

Events in museums across Cheshire May half term

FREE Drop-in craft activities, Weaver hall museum

When – 25th & 26th May 2026.

Find out more here – Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse

FREE Drop-in crafts, Grosvenor museum

When – 26th – 27th May 2026.

Full details here – Grosvenor Museum | Events

Museum Explorers: under the sea, Weaver Hall

When – 27th May 2026.

11.00-12.00 and 12.00-1.00
1hr STEM session. Please book places in advance by either ringing and paying over the phone or popping in. £5

Book here – Museum Explorers

FREE drop-in craft activities, Lion Salt Works

When – 27th & 28th May 2026.

Full details here – Lion Salt Works

Museum Explorers: Medieval Mayhem, Grosvenor Museum

When – 28th May 2026.

11.00-12.00 and 12.00-1.00
Join our hour long, pre-booked, nature, art and technology-based activities.
1hr session. Please book places in advance by either ringing or popping in. £5

Book here – Museum Explorers

FREE Drop-in craft activities, Weaver hall museum

When – 28th & 29th May 2026.

Find out more here – Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse

Museum Explorers: Lights, Camera, Action!

when – 29th May 2026.

11.00-12.00 and 12.00-1.00
1hr STEM session. Please book places in advance by either ringing and paying over the phone or popping in. £5

Book here – Museum Explorers

Over the rainbow, May half term at Catalyst

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

In this workshop you’ll investigate light, optical illusions, density, chromatography, and acids and alkalis in the search for the rainbows in science and find out who discovered them first!

Workshops will run twice a day at 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets cost £2.75 per person in addition to the normal admission charge and can be booked in reception on arrival.

Full details here – Events – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Towering Tetrahedron, May half term at Catalyst

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Explore the strongest shape in more depth! Using nothing but sticks and elastic bands, work as a team to build a tetrahedron big enough that you can climb inside.

Workshops last 45 minutes and will run twice a day at 12:30 and again at 3:00pm.

Tickets cost £2.75 per person and can be booked in reception on arrival.

Full details here – Events – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

May half term at Jodrell Bank

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Unleash your curiosity this May half term with a range of exciting activities from our brand-new Curious Universe series. Get a crash course in quantum with interactive shadow theatre and bubble experiments, or journey beyond Earth in immersive new Space Dome films and out-of-this-world exhibitions.

Find out more here – May Half Term at Jodrell Bank – Jodrell Bank

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

Other outdoor events this May half term

Roman Day, Chester Racecourses

When – 30th May 2026.

For young racegoers, a day filled with thrilling themed activities awaits including Roman Stunt Shows, Gladiator Bootcamps, Camp Curiosity’s Interactive Outdoor Learning Camp, Themed-Crafts with Fancy Entertainment, Roman Artefacts and Activities With Chester Heritage Festival, and so much more!

Kids go free – and all activities are included!

Book here – Roman Day – Racing – Chester Racecourse

BeWILDerwood, Buy 1 get 1 free

When – May weekends, Bank Holidays and half term.

Enjoy a day at BeWILDerwood for half the price!

Book here – BeWILDerwood

Find our review here – BeWILDerwood Cheshire review

Room on the Boom trail at Delamere Forest

When – 27th January 2026 – end of year.

Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.

These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.

Packs cost £4 from the visitors centre.

Full details here – Forestry England Room on the Broom Trails

Young farmers, Kenyon Hall farm, Warrington

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026

Details – Help to plant the pumpkins ready for picking in October.

Cost – £8.45 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

Crewe Krazy races, Crewe

When – 24th May 2026.

an adrenaline-filled day as teams race downhill from Ford Lane, tackling tight turns and speeding towards the finish line in front of up to 20,000 cheering spectators.

The event village at Brooklands will be buzzing with local food, family entertainment, and a giant screen, perfect for enjoying a picnic while catching every twist, turn, and crash.

Full details here – Krazy races

Chester Heritage Festival, Chester, various locations

When – 23rd May – 7th June 2026.

Includes a self-led family trail and daily events such as Roman Zumba, family activities at the cathedral and lots more.

Full details here – Chester Heritage Festival

Blakemere’s Spring Trail

When – 3rd April – 31st May 2026.

Follow the trail map to spot animals, uncover clues, and make fun rubbings – enjoy mindful moments in our nature garden on an adventure perfect for curious little explorers.

Trail maps are just £5 per child, available from our Visitor Information Centre—no need to book!

Full details here – Blakemere’s Spring Trail

Family theatre across Cheshire this May half term

Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest super stupid show, Storyhouse

When – 24th May 2026.

The comedy show comedians take their kids to is back and even funnier! Join Olaf Falafel (if that is his real name) for an hour of kid’s comedy which will be the stupidest he has ever let trickle from his brain.

Expect jokes, poos on pogo sticks, more jokes and truth-telling cheese. There will definitely be a time-travelling portal to the future and a live drawalong! 

Book here – Olaf Falafel | Storyhouse

Love your aquarium at Blue Planet aquarium

When – 24th May – 1st June 2025

Details to follow

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

May half term at Oxygen Mediocrity

When – 23rd May – 1st June 2026

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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