This summer, Altogether Otherwise’s Fan Club of Everything is taking over the school holidays, with no-cost creative workshops, outdoor films and something different to enjoy every day of the week.
If you’re on the hunt for things to do with the kids during the summer holidays, head to NOMA. The city centre neighbourhood is putting families firmly on the agenda during the school holidays, hosting a range of workshops, craft sessions and film screenings. What’s more, with a handy location just five minutes away from Victoria Station, it’s perfectly placed for families travelling in from Greater Manchester and beyond.
Here’s everything you need to know about their programme of family activities this summer.
Join the Fan Club of Everything this summer
Credit: NOMA
With the school holidays stretched out ahead, many parents often feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning things to do with the kids. Luckily, NOMA’s Altogether Otherwise has it covered. They’re launching five brand new clubs this summer – one for each day of the week.
Every weekday has its own themed club led by resident creatives and makers, so whether your little one prefers painting, gardening, storytelling or getting gloriously muddy, there’s something to get involved with. Free to attend and no need to book, each club takes place from 2pm to 4pm throughout August at Altogether Otherwise on Hanover Street.
Monday – The Fanclub of Collage. Join Izzy from the Paper Engineering Club for a session dedicated to levelled up cutting and sticking. All you need is enthusiasm and you’ll walk away with a colourful creation to take home.
Tuesday – The Fanclub of Mud. If your kids like getting their hands dirty, drop in on Tuesday afternoons for a gardening session with Joe Hartly. Expect plants, bugs and a whole lot of mud – then home for a much-needed bathtime.
Wednesday – The Fanclub of Clay. There’s another messy play session on Wednesday afternoons, as Bruno the Potter welcomes families for a creative clay workshop. It’s fun, creative and chaotic in equal measures – don’t dress them in their Sunday best.
Thursday – The Fan Club of Yabbering. Is your child a mini chatterbox? Head down on Thursday afternoons for a storytelling session with a difference. Get ready for inventive new words and anything-goes spelling.
Friday – The Fanclub of Doodles. Doodlers, assemble – Friday afternoons are all about drawing. Illustrator in residence Mr Gordo is at the helm for an interactive art class. Go big or go home!
Catch a movie at the outdoor cinema
Credit: NOMA
If a family outing to see a film is more your thing, grab a free ticket to the Midday Movie Club at Sadler’s Yard. There are three screenings during August, each taking place at 12pm on the pop-up outdoor screen. Catch UP on Sunday 2nd August, The Incredibles on Sunday 18th August and Finding Nemo on Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Big kids can join in with the Movie Nights evening screenings, with Grease, The Parent Trap and The Goonies all lined up on Wednesday 29th July, Wednesday 5th August and Wednesday 12th August 2026. With complimentary popcorn and a pop-up bar, it’s a laidback way to spend a midsummer’s evening.
Turn it into a family day out
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Whether you’re visiting for a workshop or a screening, there are loads of ways to make a day of it. You can enjoy a coffee and a cake at Allpress Espresso, grab a drink at the Sadler’s Cat while the kids blow off steam in the yard, or explore the wildflower meadow, moth garden and mini forest that surround the neighbourhood.
And when the kids get peckish, head to New Century – a vibrant dining hall home to four street food traders. With the likes of pizza, mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and chips all on offer, there’s something for even the fussiest of eaters – and all through the holidays, kids eat free with any main adult meal from 12pm every Sunday.
Discover a summer of family activities at NOMA
Explore the full programme of free family activities in Manchester and start planning your visit to NOMA this summer.
