Z-Arts Manchester is a registered charity and theUK’s only arts centre dedicated to offering best practices in creative provision for children and families.It’s a creative space for families with a great mix of theatre, books, arts and crafts and loads of children’s classes and activities. We recently went along to review the new family escape room and while we were there I found out all about the other ways families can enjoy Z-Arts. Find more family days out across North West England here.
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AD – we were given press tickets to Z-Arts, and Z Escape in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own.
Where is Z-Arts?
Z-Arts is located in Hulme, close to the centre of Manchester.
The address is – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA.
There are good transport links around the centre and plenty of on-street parking.
How much does it cost to visit Z-Arts?
It is free to visit Z-Arts including the children’s library and some of the activities they run. Charges apply for theatre tickets, fairy tales and Z escape (family escape room).
Prices for fairy tales are £9.45 per adult or child. Babies in arms are £3.15
Prices for the escape room start from £60 for 3 people, rising to £115 for 8 people.
Prices for children’s shows in the theatre vary.
Activities and classes vary in price. You can also purchase an annual bright sparks membership giving you free access to many classes and activities. This currently costs £24 and is free for some families. Find out more here – Bright Sparks Family Membership.
The bright sparks exclusive classes run weekly on different days including after-school classes. They have classes for toddlers and preschoolers, right up to 12+. They are a mix of drama, music, dance, art, yoga and more.
Find full details of everything that is currently running (and coming soon) here – What’s on at Z-arts.
All prices are correct at the time of writing in April 2023.
What age is Z-Arts suitable for?
There is something at Z-Arts for children of all ages. The library, theatre and activity classes are suitable for all ages.
Fairy tales is suitable for under 8s. Z Escape is suitable for children aged 8 and over.
How Long do families typically spend at Z-Arts?
You can spend as little or as long as you like at Z-Arts. The escape room lasts up to 1 hour, fairy tales is 50 minutes. You are free to spend as long as you like in the cafe or library. If you’re just booking one of the activities and then want to explore the library etc then I’d say you’d be there half a day max.
Z-Arts family escape room
The family escape room opened in April 2023 and we were the first family to complete it! This is a fantastic experience for families with children aged 8 and over.
Find out more here in my review – Z-Arts family escape room.
Z-Arts children’s library
The children’s library is a small but fun and colourful library space. It’s really inviting and engaging for children and stocks a wide range of books.
They run a range of free activities for babies, toddlers and preschool children such as rhyme time, baby book club and mini move and grove.
Of course, you can also get your very own library card and borrow books from the library.
Z-Arts Fairy tales
Fairy tales is Z-Arts children’s exhibition space and what a space it is. This area of Z-Arts changes annually and is amazing for young children. My youngest is 6 and loved our visit to fairy tales. She also visited the previous one, The tiger who came to tea on a school trip and didn’t stop talking about it for ages!
Fairy tales is a really imaginative space that mixes play and storytelling in a truly magical way. It starts with storytelling with your host and then you are free to play and explore the enchanting fairy tale-themed space for the rest of your time slot.
There is a three bears bed and breakfast area, a Jack and the beanstalk area, three little pigs building area, a dressing-up area, a cafe with loads of pretend food, a disco palace and loads more to explore.
Z-Arts Theatre
There is a 230 seat theatre at the heart of Z-Arts where they have a regular programme of family shows. They get fantastic shows from some of the big names in children’s theatre like Stuff and Nonsense.
Don’t forget to check the website to see what’s currently showing here – What’s on at Z-arts.
Cafe at Z-Arts
On the ground floor, there is a lovely cafe with a children’s play area. The cafe currently sells drinks and cakes only.
Facilities and accessibility at Z-Arts
Z-Arts is situated in a really old and interesting building which they admit is a bit of a maze but they have done a fantastic job at making it inviting and inspiring for young minds. They have also thought about how accessible the building is and made lots of provisions and are always happy to help if you have specific accessibility questions. Find out more here – Access | Z-arts.
There are lots of bathroom facilities available.
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region.Join here.
Where to next?
Z-Arts is about a 20 minute walk from Manchester Museum. This is a great free museum to visit with the family.
Another great, free Manchester museum is Science and Industry museum Manchester.
Another place not far away that’s worth a family day out is RHS Bridgewater.
Find more free things to do in Manchester with toddlers (and preschoolers) here.
Find some great Pram friendly walks Manchester here.
About The Author
Claire Bones
Claire lives with her husband an 2 daughters in Cheshire. They love family days out and short breaks. As well as exploring Cheshire, you’ll find them exploring the wider North West on days out and holidays.
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