Family events in Manchester, NH

On this Summer Friday, Cowabunga's Indoor Kids Play & Party Center - Manchester is opening its private gym spaces to the public, creating extra room to play at the usual low admission price. These areas are normally reserved for private birthday parties, so this special access adds something extra for kids on summer break.

Ms. Karyn leads a summertime storytime for babies in the Winchell Room, designed for children ages 6 months through 18 or 24 months. The program is offered on a drop in basis. For more information, call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can explore the craft of origami with Ms. Amanda. Participants will fold pirate hats and sea creatures like fish and crabs, along with other ocean themed creations. Registration is required and opens two weeks before the program. For more information, call 624-6550 ext. 7628.

Come enjoy a fun, interactive magic show packed with tricks and illusions. All are welcome, and admission is free. No registration is required.

Stories for All Senses brings together The Bookery, ABA Center of America, and PMV Educational Advocacy for a gentle storytime paired with movement and a hands-on activity. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming so children can explore at their own pace through imaginative play and interactive moments. Designed for ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers, this free community gathering supports a variety of learning styles while encouraging connection, curiosity, and confidence.

An afternoon of jazz with the Alex Minasian Trio caps the summer reading program. The trio pays homage to icons like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk and features favorites from the Great American Songbook. Pianist Alex Minasian holds two NYU degrees and has built a multifaceted career as a performer, educator, and impresario across multiple musical styles, studying under Hank Jones, Don Friedman, Jean-Michel Pilc, and James Williams. He has appeared with artists such as James Ingram, Arturo Sandoval, Questlove, Sam Moore, Marilyn McCoo, Curtis Fuller, and Clark Terry, and has collaborated with Brian Lynch, Annie Ross, Billy Pierce, Sheila Jordan, Eric Alexander, and Hugh Masekela. In 2013, Minasian, Disterheft, and veteran drummer Steve Williams, noted for his work with Shirley Horn, formed the Hanky Panky Trio in tribute to Hank Jones; the group was featured in Season 2 of the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival with Sheila Jordan as well as at the Istanbul Jazz Festival. Minasian currently tours with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Little Anthony and the Imperials and with soul legend Candi Staton.

Enjoy a relaxed storytime with as many as three read-alouds, or fewer if a longer tale is chosen. Late arrivals are welcome, so you will not miss out if you arrive after it begins. The program is intended for toddlers and children in Pre-K through second or third grade who like having stories read to them. Ample parking is available at the venue.

At Fisher Cats Stadium in Manchester, this baseball fundraiser includes a designated TLC seating section. Every ticket contributes $5 to the Children and Youth camp fund. The game also features Star Wars Night, and fireworks are planned at the stadium.

At the Bishop O’neil Center, Nextgen Championship Wrestling presents an evening of traditional, all-ages pro wrestling featuring rising talent from across New England. Cheer for favorites like the Funtime Boy Kidd V, Big Bad Teddy Jaxx, Nova Michaels, and Maestro Morey as they take on Malos Morgan of the Church of Filth, The Bleeding Edge Jason Vaunt, Brother Abel, and others. A free meet and greet with the athletes is included, and souvenirs along with budget-friendly merchandise will be available to support local wrestling. General admission is $20, with tickets available on Eventbrite and at the door, and children 10 and under are free. Aspiring wrestlers can connect with the team from Next Gen Wrestling Center, billed as the most affordable pro wrestling school in New England, who will be on site with free classes and special sign-up offers.

Get ready for a full day of monster truck mayhem at Hopkinton Fairgrounds with 2X Monster Trucks Live on August 8, featuring big-name trucks taking over the track for racing, wheelies, and freestyle action. Expect nonstop entertainment including crushed-car spectacle, plus family-friendly activities like ride opportunities in a monster truck, kids’ events (including Power Wheels races and driver meet-and-greets), food, vendors, and official merchandise. There are also optional all-access upgrades that add extra perks such as a pre-show meet-and-greet and VIP items.

At New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Lil' Iguana's Kindness Day celebrates compassion, inclusion, and the ripple effect of small, positive actions. Before the game, games, music, giveaways, and other kid-friendly activities are planned. During the game, smiles will be shared throughout the stadium while highlighting local businesses, community champions, and families who weave kindness into everyday life. The day features "It's Easy to Be Kind" wristbands, a live singalong of the "It's Easy to Be Kind" song in the stands, photo opportunities with Lil' Iguana, and a look at the Kindness Workbook with related resources. Proceeds support Lil' Iguana's Children's Safety Foundation and its mission of helping children stay safe, grow strong, and practice kindness.

The Bookmobile returns to Livingston Park near the play area. A guest reader hosts an outdoor story time, a Girl Scout STEM van leads a STEM activity, and there is one free book to take home.

Dive into a summer of brainteasers with a weekly escape room series, where each session brings a new scenario and fresh clues to crack. This week features Cool Caves. Capacity is limited, and advance registration is required to make sure every player can contribute. Participants must be entering grades 3 through 12. Registration opens two weeks before the program. Call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Kids can bounce through the inflatable playground and make their own gooey slime during a play session at Cowabunga's Indoor Kids Play & Party Center - Manchester. A slime-making station is available throughout play time, so little ones can craft their creation whenever it suits them. This hands-on experience offers plenty of fun while supporting mindfulness and building dexterity.

The Summer Pokémon League welcomes trainers of every age and experience level. Led by Pokémon Professors Isaiah and Holly, each session focuses on practical activities that strengthen fundamentals for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Beginners can learn the basics and returning players can refine their strategy. There is a $5 entry. Every time you participate, you will assemble a deck from bulk cards following set guidelines and you get to keep what you build at the end of the day. By tackling a variety of challenges, you earn League Points that can be exchanged for rewards such as playmats and sleeves when the season concludes.

A mall storytime welcomes little ones for ice cream themed tales in the play area by the food court. Children can also make a simple craft to take home. This gathering is designed for families with kids ages 1 to 5. For details, call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Stark Park hosts an outdoor art experience from The Porch. Brandy, the Artist in Residence, brings a broad selection of carefully chosen materials and sets up an outdoor classroom where art making is open ended and exploratory. The emphasis is on curiosity, collaboration, and tactile discovery, inviting attendees to create at their own pace.

Offered every other week, the Slime-of-the-Month Club invites participants in grades 1-12 to reserve a spot and craft a bowl of slime to take home. This session features rock slime. Registration opens two weeks before the program, and space is limited. Participants must be entering grades 1-12 to register. For details or to register, call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Families can visit the children's room for a relaxed game night, with a selection of board games and puzzles to enjoy while browsing for books. For more information, call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Open to all ages who already have a basic grasp of drawing, this session centers on building confidence with the fundamentals. Participants will revisit essential techniques, spend time sketching from life, and, if there is extra time, try a few playful drawing exercises. If you are aiming for a particular project or skill, please note your goal during registration.

Miss Katie leads a lively session of stories, songs, movement, and playful activities for children ages 2 to 5. Each week features singing, dancing, and play centered on the current summer reading theme. Weather and time permitting, some activities may take place outdoors, so participants should be ready for outdoor play. Registration is required and opens two weeks before the program date. For more information, call 624-6550 ext. 7628.

Make the middle of the week more fun with a two-hour playtime session for $10, a half-off deal available every Wednesday. This offer is available only online and space is limited, so booking ahead online is recommended.

This hands-on painting session welcomes students in grades 6 through 12 and offers the choice to work with acrylic or watercolor. Participants can explore their own subject matter with plenty of creative freedom, or draw inspiration from themes that will be available. The cost is $50 per session. If there is a specific goal in mind, that can be noted during registration.

Designed for kids in grades K-5, this hands-on program with Ms. Amanda turns participants into Dino Detectives. Through paleontology themed activities and games, children explore and learn about the giant creatures of long ago. Registration is required and opens two weeks before the program date. For more information, call 624-6550 ext. 7628.

At the Discovery Zone Table, kids can immerse themselves in imaginative play and explore at their own pace. The focus is pet care with a stuffed animal clinic. Children may bring a favorite stuffed animal from home or borrow one provided to take part in the experience.

A weekly drop-in project for teens in grades 6 through 12 takes place in the Winchell Room. This session features making skeleton soap bars by melting, tinting, and shaping soap to encase a small dinosaur skeleton. Registration is required so there are enough supplies for all participants. For more information, call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

WWE is back at SNHU Arena in Manchester with the WWE Summer Tour, featuring favorite WWE Superstars live for an evening filled with standout moments, fierce rivalries, and nonstop energy. Tickets are on sale now.