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...
The Super Duper Family Festival is coming to Manchester. 4 days of Free Half Term Fun across the city.
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...
1. The Gateway to Osaka
By: Visual Architects This striking art installation by Visual Architects will celebrate the…
2. A World in Bloom at Printworks
By: Designs in Air and David Wayman Get ready to see Printworks in full bloom this May, at the…
2025 Banner Exhibition
A colourful exhibition of historic and contemporary banners displayed across two galleries…
3. The Markets of Marrakech
By: Citiblooms Limited Get ready to step into the colour, culture, and chaos of The Markets of…
4. MCR LIVE '25
By: The Manchester Flower Festival To celebrate MCR LIVE '25 — a summer of music across…
40 things to see, do and discover
Discover 40 of the highlights and hidden gems that are available to explore everyday at the Science…
5. Mumbai Dreams
By: Verdure floral Welcome to Mumbai – A Celebration of Holi & Bollywood…
6. Manchester: The Original Modern City
Manchester is often called "the original modern city" due to its pivotal role in the…
7. A Stroll Through Amsterdam
By: Royal Exchange Flowers Tulips from Manchester is inspired by the fun, bright, and bold capital…
8. La Romance in Paris
By: Frog Flowers This enchanting display takes inspiration from the romance of Paris in…
9. Steps of New York
By: Decordia Step into an artistic homage to the personal gardens that flourish in the…
A Sea Symphony
Tarmo Peltokoski is joined by a duo of star-studded soloists and two generations of Hall…
A Splash of Colour
A Blooming Moment at Hardman Square Step into a vibrant celebration of colour and sound as Hardman…
A World in Bloom at Printworks: Flower Making Workshops
Printworks will be transformed for the Manchester Flower Festival, featuring stunning floral-themed…
ABIGAIL'S PARTY
Mike Leigh's tragicomic masterpiece ABIGAIL'S PARTY has garnered cult status across the…
ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism in Greater Manchester
ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies…
Adventures in Wonderland
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at…
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar
Alcotraz Cell Block Three-Four promises to be one of the most unique cocktail bars in Manchester…
Ali Chahrour: The Love Behind My Eyes
A Tale of Forbidden Love and Longing Choreographer and dancer Ali Chahrour presents The Love Behind…
Arjuna Oakes x MJF
Arjuna Oakes is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, composer and producer from New Zealand…
At Home with the Pankhurst Family
The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new…
Between the Earth and the Sky: Capturing Nature's Fleeting Moments in Print, Photo, and Film
A New Contemporary Exhibition Exploring Nature's Fleeting Moments New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery…
Beyond the Surface Exhibition
Exhibition by Scarlett Raven Visit Castle Fine Art gallery to view a new collection of original…
Biig Time
Biig Time is a brother’s run side-project consisting of Johnny Took (DMA’S) + Matty Took (Planet).
Biig Time
Biig Time is a brother’s run side-project consisting of Johnny Took (DMA’S) + Matty Took (Planet).
Block Cinema
Block Cinema are now based at the Creative Space in Forum Library. Films are shown every Thursday…
Blossom + Bloomtown
By: National Trust You don’t have to go far to experience nature this spring…
Blossom Exhibition at Castlefield Viaduct
By National Trust What Does Blossom Mean to You? Step into a world of colour, creativity, and…
Blossoming together – Manchester Airport and Juneyao Air
By: Manchester Airport and Juneyao Air Experience the Charm of Chinese Florals at Manchester Flower…
Bolton Pride 2025
Bolton Pride Festival & Parade 2025 Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th May | Free Entry Bolton…
Breakfast Train at Churnet Valley Railway
Embark on a delightful morning journey aboard the Churnet Valley Railway's Breakfast Train…
Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space: Barbour
To celebrate the Manchester Flower Festival, heritage and lifestyle brand, Barbour is offering a…
Bringing Barbados Vibes to King Street
By: SP Floral Designs Get ready to feel the sunshine on King Street as Kuoni transforms their…
Café Paris 1804 – A sun safe retreat
By: Constructing Minds with Nature, and Melanoma UK The Café 1804 Garden, part of this…
Camilla George – matinée X MJF
Camilla George is a visionary saxophonist, composer, bandleader and innovator. Her strong cultural…
Celebrating Alice Coltrane: Alina Bzhezhinksa, Tony Kofi, HipHarp Collective with special guest Brian Jackson x MJF
Undoubtedly one of the leading harpists in the world today, Alina Bzhezhinska (a.k.a. AlinaHipHarp)…
Chat & Chai
A space just for women, a place to chat, share, and listen. Whether you're looking for new…
Cherry Blossoms of Osaka
By: Smart Floral Art Osaka in Japan is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossom trees…
Chila Welcomes You
Step into Chila Kumari Singh Burman’s imagination at Chila Welcomes You , a major new…
Chorlton Arts Festival
Chorlton Arts Festival 16th-25th May 2025 is back! The 23rd Chorlton Arts Festival returns in 2025…
Circus Funtasia Rochdale
A whiff of Candyfloss, and feel the thrill of Circus Funtasia 2025 as it transforms the ordinary…
City Walking Tour & Interactive Treasure Hunt
Adventure through the streets of Manchester's city centre and unlock a hidden trail by finding…
Connecting Spaces
Manchester's creative spaces are more than just buildings—they're communities. Whether…
Coraline - A Musical
“What does your shadow do, when the lights go out and you are in the dark all on your…
Country Urbanscape and Napoli Breeze
By: Ardwick Climate Action and Dan Musaheb and Choel Country Urbanscape A quintessentially urban…
Courts Club Summer Series
YOUR NEW GO-TO FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER SOCIALS. A full summer of events at Courts Club with the following…
Creative Writing - Over 50s
Brilliant workshops to help you to develop your writing and learn new skills. Also an…
Cross Street Arts SPLIT2
Cross Street Arts was set up as a charitable organisation in 1999. The studios and gallery space are…
Crow by Avanti Display
A show described as 'brilliantly strange' is coming to The Vale arts centre. Combining live…
Destination Unknown
By: Marks & Spencer Celebrate the Manchester Flower Festival with a stunning display in…