As the first half term of 2026 approaches, you might be looking for activities to keep the kids busy on their week off. Manchester has an exciting array of family-friendly events and attractions, from the four-day free Super Duper Family Festival to coming face-to-face with the might Triceratops at Manchester Museum.

Don't miss Manchester's cultural highlights, from the spectacular Dragon Parade for Lunar New Year and interactive children’s trails celebrating The Wind in the Willows, to the launch of the electrifying Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition. Families can get creative at the National Football Museum’s Black in the Game exhibition, and enjoy the imaginative retelling of Pinocchio at  Lowry.

If you're looking for ways to make this February half-term special without breaking the bank, Manchester is bursting with delicious deals and family-friendly experiences, offering a fantastic array of restaurant offers and activities to keep both little ones and grown-ups smiling. From kids go free offers at Trading Route to free Candlyfloss for kids at Zizzi's.

Find the perfect blend of education and entertainment, ensuring the week is filled with laughter, discovery, and cherished moments with the family below:

A Four-Day FREE Family Festival

The Super Duper Family Festival is coming to Manchester. Four days of Free Half-Term Fun across the city.

Manchester will turn into a playground for all, with a series of FREE Play Zones to explore. 

See Manchester’s public spaces, squares, and venues transformed into exciting Play Zones, with games, dancing, activities, crafts, performances, and more to enjoy. 

Explore the Play Zones: 🎠The Carnival, 🏃‍♀️The Playground, 🎮The Arcade, 🥚The Nursery Rhyme Trail, 📚 The Story Den, ⚽The Sports Hall, 🖼️ The Soapbox, 🎥 The Studios

February half term events in Manchester...

Trafford Centre are celebrating the Year of the Horse with some free half-term Lunar New Year activities. If you’re looking for a fun day out, Trafford Centre is packed the centre with family friendly arts and crafts, exclusive offers, and unforgettable experiences.  Lunar New Year…

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Farshore, part of HarperCollins Publishers, are teaming up in February 2026 to celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard's iconic illustrations for Kenneth Grahame’s classic The Wind in the Willows with interactive children’s trails…

Come and see the home of Manchester City this February half term! Get behind the scenes of the Etihad Stadium and immerse yourself in the City story on the Manchester City Stadium Tour. Explore the home team dressing room, walk down the players tunnel and take in those pitchside views from the…

A fallen tree becomes a fairy’s home in this magical tale of nature and imagination. Join us in Joseph Banks Room for a calming sensory story told through puppetry in the heart of the zoo - perfect for little listeners and big imaginations. Meet Juni, a tiny tree fairy with a big adventure…

The Dragon Parade is the standout moment of the celebrations and one of the most anticipated events in Manchester - Chinese New Year. Powerful, loud and full of joy, this traditional Chinese dragon parade is impossible to miss. A giant dragon winds through the city streets, carried by skilled…

Luminiscence UK 13 Mar 2026 - 05 Jun 2026

Luminiscence arrives in the UK for the first time, transforming Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuring new choral arrangements of iconic Manchester songs performed by Collectives Gospel Choir, a specially commissioned script by BAFTA Award winner Tim…

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos 13 Mar 2026 - 03 Jan 2027

The countdown has begun for the world (and galactic) premiere of Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, an electrifying new exhibition that launches at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester in February 2026. Step into the Solar System on a thrilling adventure where mystery, mischief, and rocket-loads…

Big Screen Fun for less at HOME 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Join us every week for Family Films at HOME! Treat yourself to a Saturday cinema trip or catch a film on select Wednesdays during school holidays with our Disney classics and latest releases. All tickets are £4.70 (inc. booking fee) and kids eat free* in our restaurant with a film ticket…

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre…

Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Aug 2026

Imperial War Museums (IWM) invites visitors to venture into the secret world of espionage this winter with the arrival of blockbuster exhibition Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North (29th November 2025 - 31 August 2026).    Showcasing over 60 objects including gadgets, classified…

When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. With newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want and a…

LOWRY 360 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Step inside LOWRY 360, a new FREE immersive gallery experience. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic painting, Going to the Match, in the UK’s first FREE permanent immersive experience. Created in collaboration…

Journey with Manchester Museum into the heart of the Cretaceous to meet a true prehistoric icon. The latest exhibition is an adventure for all ages, bringing you literally face-to-face with the mighty Triceratops. Find out about one of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time through vibrant…

Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 returns on 14–15 February, transforming Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street into a vibrant celebration of Hong Kong culture. Now in its third year, the free, family-friendly event features 130+ stalls, 20+ live…

Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense. Three very funny men seek refuge in a grand but abandoned old house, where they gather around an extraordinary dining table that becomes their playground. Grandfather, Father and Son tell tales of growing up; one of them is Pinocchio and it turns out…

Under the Sea with Yuki Kihara Dive into creativity this February half-term with joyful, hands-on activities inspired by artist Yuki Kihara’s colourful exhibition. Come together to create under-the-sea collages, enjoy lively drumming and storytelling sessions, and dress up to celebrate ocean…

Travel to Wonderland 27 May 2026 - 12 Aug 2026

You're late, you're late, for a very important date! It's time to take a tumble down the Rabbit Hole for a curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends. Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience…

The Wizarding Adventure 09 Apr 2026 - 30 Oct 2026

It's time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic. Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour wizard experience…

The Dino Adventure 29 May 2026 - 07 Aug 2026

Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin? Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour dino experience with our professional dinosaur handlers, themed activities and plenty of…

Join Alzheimer's Research UK in Manchester for a free, interactive public engagement event celebrating the amazing science of the brain. Drop in, take part, and explore how research is helping us learn more about brain health, and how scientists are working towards better treatments and a cure…

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Manchester 13 Mar 2026 - 27 Aug 2026

Manchester is about to get a whole lot more playful with Bubble Planet! This quirky new attraction is all about big, magical bubbles - soap bubbles, air bubbles, even virtual reality bubbles that let your imagination run free. It’s a place to explore, play, and just have fun, no matter your…

The All-New Show! A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! It's the perfect mix!  This is the children's pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back, and this time they are on their first World Tour!…

Step into  Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City  and experience the legendary Inca citadel like never before. Traverse the majestic mountain site, explore the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and other iconic ruins as you witness the beauty of the Andes all around you…

The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth A dinosaur show 65 million years in the making... Are you ready for the BRAND NEW adventure? Join the intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs! Stomp, Roar and Swish your tail as we introduce…

February Half Term at RHS Garden Bridgewater 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

The Wind In The Willows: A Garden Adventure Half Term Fun: 14 - 22 Feb Join Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger for an unforgettable family day out! Step into the world of The Wind in the Willows with a brand-new garden trail and hands-on activities, brought to life by EH Shepard's enchanting…

Are you looking for fun and creative things to keep your little (and not so little!) ones occupied this Half Term? This year we are once again offering a full-day Arts Award workshop to children visiting the museum during Half Term. Come along to a full day of creative activities and explore some…

This year’s fun day at Rochdale Town Hall features activities including RDA and The Slopes Project, games in the Great Hall, storytelling with the Early Years Team, SEND team support, arts and crafts, and more. A quiet hour from 10am to 11am offers a calmer atmosphere for families and must be…

Adventures in Wonderland 05 Mar 2027 -

Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Curiouser and curiouser? Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure in Wonderland, celebrating…

Family Escape Room - The Library of Enchantment 13 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

A family-friendly escape room. Ever wanted to step inside a story? The Library of Enchantment is a fun-filled thrilling family-friendly escape room, full of seafaring adventures, time travelling tricks and a pesky old bookworm who's always up to meddlesome mischief! Join Z arts for an…

Day trip ideas for February half term in Manchester...

Winter adventures start just 50 minutes from Manchester at Chester Zoo Home to over 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo invites you to explore, unwind and reconnect this winter – with nature, each other and yourself. Explore 130 acres of immersive habitats - from dense rainforests and tropical caves…

A VIP take on the Manchester City Stadium Tour. Enjoy an exclusive 120 minute VIP tour of the Home of the Premier League Champions. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room. Feel totally immersed in the…

The Trafford Centre The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination has all the must-have brands, high street favourites, delicious food and exciting leisure all under one spectacular roof. Popular stores include Selfridges, John Lewis, River Island, Victoria’s Secret…

At iFLY believe flying shouldn't be reserved for a select few. That’s why we’ve made the thrill of indoor skydiving accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, iFLY delivers the magic of flight in a safe, guided, and…

Manchester welcomes World-Famous Museum of Illusions to the city! Enter the fascinating world of illusions where nothing is ever quite as it seems. This highly anticipated new attraction promises a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, immersing them in a world of optical illusions and…

You can expect cutting-edge racing rigs that replicate the feel of real-world racing, a vast library of tracks and cars, and competitive events for every level. We have quickly become a must-visit destination. When you arrive at the venue, choose a car, choose a track, and Simply Race. From just…

Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction. Uncover the inspirational heritage of Jodrell Bank in the new First Light Pavilion. Inside this architecturally…

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet – The Ultimate Day Out As the UK’s largest designer outlet, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet offers an exceptional destination for top brands, incredible value, and an unforgettable day out. With over 150 designer stores, restaurants, and cafés, visitors…

With a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and shows to see each day, Gulliver's World guarantees you one of the best family days out in the UK. There's so much to experience, from the wild rides in Western World to the thrilling rides of Smugglers Wharf. Gulliver's Resort…

Cockfields Farm is an amazing day out for the whole family. Spend your day feeding, handling, stroking and learning about the massive range of animals they have on the farm. Animal handling encounters usually run every 30 mins so you can get up close with bunnies, guinea pigs, lizards, snakes…

Oxygen Activeplay is about to bounce into Manchester, bringing BIG-TIME fun to MediaCity from the 17th of February! In the new, state-of-the-art venue, families can let loose on 24 awesome trampolines, leap into the comfort of a mega-air bag, battle it out in an interactive strike arena, scale an…

Adventure through the streets of Manchester's city centre and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles & completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app. See the area's highlights, explore it's hidden gems and…

Where rhino stomp and lions roar, the safari by the city, and so much more. Experience Manchester's wildest day out with a trip to family favourite, Knowsley Safari. Start your adventure by exploring our impressive 5-mile safari drive which is currently home to over 750 fascinating animals, from…

Play to your heart's content over two floors of arcade and pinball machines .Europe’s largest arcade, pay once and play all day with hundreds of games on free play. Big value, loads to do, and a guaranteed family win.

Family friendly hotels in Manchester

February Half Term is the perfect opportunity for families to extend your stay in Manchester and explore everything the City has to offer. Take a look at some of our top family-friendly hotels...

For more inspiration on things to do in Manchester over half term and beyond, check out our What's On page. 

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