- 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
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
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.
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