Make the Most of February Half Term at Manchester’s Super Duper Family Festival

This February half term, Manchester city centre becomes the ultimate playground for families as the Super Duper Family Festival returns. From Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February, the city will be bursting with fun and creativity during four days of FREE activities. 

With eight FREE Play Zones across the city, Manchester’s public spaces, squares and venues will be transformed with games, dancing, activities, crafts, movies, performances and more. 

Beyond the Play Zones, Manchester has plenty more to enjoy this half term, from family-friendly eateries to museums, shops and green spaces - making it the perfect city-centre escape for families. 

Key Super Duper Family Festival Information

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

PLAY

Discover eight FREE Play Zones across the city centre. 

• The Carnival, St Ann’s Square - Step into a world of nostalgic fun, playful challenges, and classic fairground charm 

• The Playground with Waterloo Road, Exchange Square - Explore a vibrant, family-friendly, old-school playground inspired by BBC’s Waterloo Road 

• The Arcade, Printworks - Under Europe's largest digital ceiling, immerse yourself in a world of electronic arcade games that span decades of gaming history 

• The Nursery Rhyme Trail, Manchester Arndale - Step into a playful world of imagination with The Nursery Rhyme Trail, a lively, interactive experience to get you moving, singing, solving and creating together 

• The Story Den, Manchester Central, Manchester Central Library and Lower Mosley Street - 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 Festival 

• The Sports Hall, Great Northern Warehouse - Step inside a dynamic, interactive sports destination packed with friendly competition, skill-building, and plenty of play 

• The Soapbox, People's History Museum - Be rebellious, hear your voice and stand up for what’s right at People’s History Museum this half term  

• The Studios, St. John’s Manchester, Aviva Studios and Science and Industry Museum - Are you ready for your close-up? Step onto a TV set, make some movie magic and create the soundtrack of Manchester 

DISCOVER

The fun doesn’t stop at the festival’s Play Zones. Manchester is packed with activities to keep families entertained throughout half term: 

• King Pins, Manchester Arndale - bowling, arcade games and casual dining, plus buy one game and get one half price on weekdays  

• Immersive Gamebox, Manchester Arndale - an action-packed indoor experience that older kids and teens will love. With motion tracking, projection mapping and touch-sensitive walls, it’s a chance to step inside the game and play together

• Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street - workshops, hands-on activities and immersive experiences designed to spark your family’s imagination and love for art 

• Manchester Museum, Oxford Road - meet dinosaurs, mummies and fascinating exhibits for little explorers 

• Mayfield Park, Baring Street - discover Manchester’s 6.5-acre park with adventure play areas, open lawns, meadows and quiet spaces 

• Museum of Illusions, Market Street  - mind-bending exhibits perfect for curious minds 

• National Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens - discover interactive galleries, family trails and inspiring stories that bring the world’s favourite game to life 

• Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road - explore interactive galleries, hands-on experiments and the museum’s new Power Hall, where Manchester’s industrial past comes to life 

• The Whitworth, Oxford Road - discover inspiring art and hands-on activities for the whole family 

• Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale - play THE CUBE, inspired by the hit TV show, or take on a round of indoor mini golf for some friendly competition

EAT  

Refuel after a day exploring The Super Duper Family Festival. Manchester offers plenty of options for every taste: 

• Barburrito, Manchester Arndale - Enjoy a free kids’ Bambino meal with an adult main

• Banyan, Corn Exchange - Enjoy a delicious family day out this February half term with kids eat free at Banyan 

• Creams, Manchester Arndale - waffles, sundaes, pancakes and sweet treats 

• Franco Manca, Mosley Street - kids eat free during half term, plus free pizza-making masterclasses during Super Duper 

• Italiana Fifty Five, Great Northern - Enjoy 30% off food during The Super Duper Family Festival  

• McDonald’s, St Ann’s Square - fun and familiar options for little ones 

• Pizza Hut, Corporation Street - classic family favourites, plus kids eat free all day, every day during half term

• Zizzi, Corn Exchange - Italian-inspired dishes the whole family will enjoy, plus free candy floss during Super Duper  

SHOP 

Image credit: The Vain

Manchester city centre is packed with family-friendly shops where kids can explore and find their favourites: 

• Build-A-Bear, Manchester Arndale - create a cuddly companion to remember your trip 

• The Entertainer, Manchester Arndale - toys, games and all-time favourites, plus don’t miss the special Barbie-themed event in partnership with Mattel on 18^th February

• MINISO, Manchester Arndale – cute and colourful gifts 

• Smiggle, Manchester Arndale - stationery that brightens up any school bag 

• LEGO Store, Manchester - bricks, builds and creative fun 

• Lush, Manchester Arndale – drop-in bath bomb workshops during half term, 12-4pm 

• Kenji, Manchester Arndale - quirky finds and playful surprises 

• POP MART, Piccadilly - collectible figures and accessories 

• Waterstones, Manchester Arndale & Deansgate - children’s books and cosy reading corners 

• Warhammer, Manchester Arndale - for older kids who love strategy and creativity 

STAY 

Extend your Super Duper adventure with a family-friendly stay in the city centre. Many hotels and serviced apartments are joining the festival spirit with special offers during half term: 

• CitySuites II – 25% off stays, plus free colouring books, crayons and games 

• Roomzzz Manchester Victoria – 15% off stays 

• Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena – 15% off stays and 10% off the bar 

• The Lowry Hotel - The kids will love Lowry Loot; special tokens to spend on cookies, mocktails, and fun surprises throughout the hotel

With four days of free festival fun, eight Play Zones, museums, shops, green spaces and delicious family-friendly food, Manchester is the ultimate destination this February half term.