Manchester City Centre
Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026
10am – 5pm

Plan the perfect half-term day out with your guide to The Super Duper Family Festival, as Manchester city centre becomes a giant playground for families from Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026. Running 10am–5pm each day, eight free Play Zones across the city are packed with games, crafts, films, music, sports and fun to dip in and out of at your own pace.

THE PLAY ZONES

1. The Arcade at Printworks, 10am - 5pm

Step into a retro gaming world at Printworks. Under Europe's largest digital ceiling, immerse yourself in a world of electronic arcade games that span decades of gaming history.

Interactive Racing Game
Chase the Light
Digital Whack a Mole
Catch it Reaction Ring
Air Hockey

2. The Nursery Rhyme Trail at Manchester Arndale, 10am - 5pm

Discover a world of imagination with The Nursery Rhyme Trail, a lively, interactive experience to get you moving, singing, solving and creating together.

The Dippy Training School
The Humpty Dumpty Parade
Put Humpty Back Together Again

3. The Playground at Exchange Square, 10am - 5pm

Come out to play in the pop-up school playground, inspired by BBC’s Waterloo Road.

Mini School Disco
Crafts and Activities
Schoolyard Games
Dress-Up

4. The Carnival at St Ann’s Square, 10am - 5pm

Experience a world of nostalgic fun, playful challenges, and classic fairground charm.

Victorian Carousel
Side-Show Carnival Stalls
Classic Fairground Games

5. The Soapbox at People's History Museum, 10am - 5pm

Be rebellious, hear your voice and stand up for what’s right at People’s History Museum this half term.

Badge Making
Family Reading & Creativity Corner
Banner Bingo
My First Protest Song
African Drums for Protest
Protest Heroes Dress Up & Photo Booth

6. The Story Den at Manchester Central, Manchester Central Library and Lower Mosley Street, 10am - 5pm

From creative craft sessions and lively dance workshops to film screenings, Lego building and Bedtime Stories with CBeebies, The Story Den is the home of tales and trails at The Super Duper Family Festival.

Manchester Central

CBeebies Bedtime Stories LIVE!

Manchester Central Library

Lego Workshop
Library Hunt
Little Reads
Crochet Club
Little Movers and Shakers
Music Crafts
Family Film Club
Central Library Teen Book Club
International Mother Language Day

Lower Mosley Street

Story Book Walk

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7. The Sports Hall at Great Northern Warehouse, 10am - 5pm

Head to the interactive sports destination packed with friendly competition, skill-building, and plenty of play. There’s something for every age and ability level.

The Grand Prix
The Pitch
The Ping Hub
The Fan Zone with The National Football Museum
The Skate Park
Super League Basketball

8. The Studios at Aviva Studios, The Sheds, Science and Industry Museum, 10am - 5pm

Step onto a TV set, make some movie magic and create the soundtrack of Manchester.

Aviva Studios

The Digital Playground
Make & Create: Family
Game Stations
The Roller Studio
Silent Disco: Kids Edition
Quiet Zone

Grape Street

The Super Duper Movie Making Challenge
Crew Catering by GRUB on Grape Street
Manchester Music Mooch

Science and Industry Museum

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Cosmic Dance Drop-Ins
Explore the Night Sky
Meet an Astronomer

Campfield Studios

Blue Peter: Behind the Scenes

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All events are free, however some sessions take place on specific dates and times and some require booking, please check the website listings for full information: www.superduperfamilyfestival.com.

More Fun Across the City

In addition to the Play Zones, enjoy even more half-term activities at Manchester’s museums, galleries, and outdoor spaces. Check out more to discover here.

Don’t forget to check out special offers at local hotels, cafes and restaurants to make the most of your visit. Check out the range of fantastic offers here.

22 Jan 2026 -

Seasonal guide 5 months ago

February half term in Manchester

2 minute read

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…