Hero Image Credit: Lizzie Coombes

Get ready, Manchester! The Super Duper Family Festival is set to transform the city into the ultimate playground from Saturday, 15th February to Tuesday, 18th February 2025. With six FREE Play Zones, games, performances, and activities galore, it’s an unmissable event for families looking to make the most of their February Half-Term in Manchester.

Running daily from 10am to 5pm, here’s everything you need to know about the festival’s exciting play zones and activities.

1. The Arcade

Location: Printworks

Step into a retro gaming paradise under Europe’s largest LED screen roof! Whether you're a fan of classic arcade games or modern tech marvels, there’s something for everyone:

  • Interactive Screen Games: Use your phone to play arcade-style games on Printworks' giant LED screen.
  • Retro Arcade Machines: Relive nostalgic hits, including the World’s Largest Pac-Man – A supersized twist on a fan favourite and Batak Reaction Challenge – Test your reflexes in this fast-paced challenge.

Gaming enthusiasts of all ages won’t want to miss this immersive experience!

2. The Garden

Location: Exchange Square & Manchester Arndale

Escape the urban hustle and dive into a lush, playful oasis in the heart of the city. Highlights include:

  • A Giant Hedge Maze: Navigate twists and turns while searching for a hidden gnome.
  • Giant Inflatable Flowers: Snap photos with vibrant, oversized blooms.
  • Garden Workshops: Join the Clocktower Florist for green-fingered fun.
  • Outdoor Games and Roaming Performers: Enjoy surprises at every corner with activities and entertainers bringing the garden to life.
  • Eco-School at Manchester Arndale: Build a bug hotel, craft your own bee finger puppet, make seeded paper crafts and more, at The Big Green Leaf Eco-School.

3. The Playground with Waterloo Road

Location: New Cathedral Street

Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic pop-up playground filled with fun for all ages:

  • Giant Games: Challenge your friends to oversized versions of classic games.
  • Street Games: Relive childhood favourites like hopscotch and skittles.
  • Creative Crafts: Unleash your imagination with hands-on activities, including designing your own locker and colouring Waterloo Road stained glass.

4. The Carnival

Location: St Ann’s Square

St Ann’s Square will come alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional carnival.

Experience:

  • A Victorian Carousel: Enjoy a magical ride on this timeless attraction.
  • Carnival Stalls: Try your luck at classic games, a Hall of Mirrors, and a Test of Strength.
  • Circus Skills Workshops: Learn juggling and plate spinning with experts
  • Mind-Bending Brain Games with Museum of Illusions:  Puzzle your way through interactive challenges..
  • Roaming Performers: Be amazed by jugglers and the hilarious Big Mob—giant roaming slinkies you have to see to believe.

5. The Sports Hall

Location: Great Northern

Unleash your competitive spirit in this ultimate sports haven, packed with activities for everyone:

  • Table Games: Test your skills at table football, air hockey, and table tennis.
  • Remote Racing Track: Race to the finish line on the Scalextric track or in racing simulators.
  • Indoor Curling and Sub Soccer: Unique games for sporty adventurers.
  • The Ping Hub: Free Table Tennis for all the family.
  • Little Northerners: A chill-out area for younger kids with free play and reading.

6. The Party

Location: Aviva Studios, home of Factory International 

Get your dancing shoes on for a family rave like no other! Hosted by The Playhouse Project, The Party features:

  • Family Raves: Dance to live DJ sets while enjoying bubble-making, parachute games, and face painting.
  • You can find more information about the rave sessions, and book your tickets here. Tickets are free, but require booking to reserve your spot!
  • Chill-Out Zone: Relax with dance-themed family films, storytelling sessions, and craft workshops inspired by music and movement.

Plan Your Visit

Download the event map here to plan your visit.

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, shops, and restaurants to make the most of your visit! Check out the range of fantastic offers here.

Plan today...

Join the Fun! For FREE 

The Super Duper Family Festival is unticketed and FREE to attend! All you have to do is turn up! 

With the exception of The Party at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. This event is still FREE, but will require booking. 

Tickets are available to book here.

 If you’re looking for Free things to do over half-term in Manchester, then don’t miss The Super Duper Family Festival! 

The Festival zones are open from 10am-5pm daily, with the exception of the Eco-School at Manchester Arndale which is open 12pm-5pm daily.  

Follow The Super Duper Family Festival on socials for updates, sneak peeks, and more:

Mark your calendars and get ready for four days of unforgettable family fun... February Half-Term in Manchester has never looked so good! 

Discover more events...

Ben Barnes 10 Feb 2025

Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes, actor and singer-songwriter, has announced a performance at New Century Hall. Best known…

G-Eazy 10 Feb 2025

G-Eazy

Multi-platinum selling superstar G-Eazy takes his “Freak Show” world tour across the…