There’s so much happening during February Half Term in Manchester. There’s no need to be bored or stuck for something to do. Our round-up of half term activities happening in Manchester, features many FREE events so also no need to spend a fortune.
If you know of any other events happening during half term (between 15th and 23rd Feb), please let us know and we will be sure to add them. You might also like to check out our other local post on February Half Term Activities in Liverpool and Merseyside.
Throughout the week, I’ll be posting updates on our North West Family Adventures Facebook page.
If you are organising any Manchester events yourself or would like to shout about what you have previously enjoyed, please feel free to join our North West Days Out Recommendations Facebook Group too.
To get up to date information straight to your inbox, sign up to our What’s On in the North West Newsletter.
Things to see during February Half Term
Dear Evan Hansen – Palace Theatre, Manchester
18th Feb-22nd Feb. Age 12+. From £58.50.
Book through ATG Tickets Palace Theatre
97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
Sing-a -Long Encanto – The Opera House, Manchester
Sat 15th Feb.Tickets from £19.75. Age 4+.
Book through ATG tickets Opera House
Sing-A-Long Dirty Dancing – Opera House, Manchester
Sat 15th Feb. Age 15+. Tickets from £19.75.
Book through ATG Tickets Opera House
3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP
The Detective Dog: Julia Donaldson – The Lowry, Manchester
Mon 17th Feb – Thurs 20th Feb. Tickets from £12.00. Ages 3-10.
Find out more at What’s On at The Lowry.
Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ
The Met, Bury
Sat 15th Feb – Sandscape
Sandscape is a silent theatrical piece that embraces the beauty and essence of nature and evokes the visual, heart-rhythmic abilities that get you transfixed with the aid of sand as its major tool.
Tickets £12. Ages 2-7. 11am & 1.30pm. 40 minute show.
Tues 18th Feb – Cinderella: Ice Cream Seller
Perfect for children and families alike, this exciting musical retelling of a fairytale classic promises a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic that will capture your heart and tickle your taste buds.
Ages 5+. Tickets start at £9.50. 11am & 2pm (60 minute show)
Fri 21st Feb – Half Term Drama Day
Children aged 6-10 are invited for a fun-filled day of drama and all things fun where they will have the chance to create their own brand-new piece of performance.
Over the day children will be able to:
- Devise and perform their own scenes.
- Play drama games, learning skills in theatre performance.
- Make theatre, using props, costume, music and imaginations!
- Improve acting skills in a fully-supported, inclusive environment.
- Build confidence, have fun and make new friends.
Tickets £22. 9.30am – 3.30pm. Bring a packed lunch.
Booking available through The Met Facebook Page.
Waterside Arts, Sale
Fri 21st Feb – The Little Prince
The Little Prince is here to remind us in Lyngo’s new collaboration with Norwich Puppet Theatre. Through mesmerising puppetry and beautiful songs the boy who fell to earth teaches his friend the Aviator about love, life and real happiness.
Ages 5+. Tickets start at £7.50. 60 minute show.
Sat 22nd Feb – Jack & the Beanstalk
This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.
Ages 3+. Tickets start at £7.50. 60 minute show.
Find out more at Waterside Arts on Facebook.
Family Events
Guess How Much I Love You – RHS Garden Bridgewater
Garden Trail Adventure & Family Fun Days
Sat 15th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb. 10am-4pm. U5s & RHS Members FREE
Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ
Other RHS Half Term Events:
Mon 17th Feb – Garden Adventure Ages 2-6. Times: 11am, 12.15pm & 1pm (45 min sessions). £2.50 per child.
Tues 18th Feb – Carrot & Coriander planting drop in sessions. Between 11am-2.30pm. All ages welcome.
Wed 19th Feb – Interactive storytelling. Ages 2-6. 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm.
Thursday 20th Feb – Dance Workshop. £2.50 per child. 30 min sessions.
Fri 21st Feb – Spring hare clay model making. All ages welcome. £2 per child. 30 min sessions.
Visit the RHS Bridegwater Facebook page for more information.
Museum of Science & Industry
Sat 15th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb. Activities include:
- Brand new science shows and immersive activities
- Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You – Ages 5+. Tickets £10
- Power Up, the ultimate gaming experience with over 150 consoles to explore. Ticket £8. Ages 5+.
15 – 23 Feb. Family discounts apply.
PLUS Meet Beekeeping experts from Sat 15th – Thursday 20th Feb (Not including Monday 17th).
PLUS Meet Guide Dogs & their trainers on Mon 17, Wed 19, Fri 21st & Sat 22nd Feb.
Find out more about all half term events at MOSI on the Science & Industry Museum Facebook page.
Half Term Activities at Heaton Park
Funfair Sat 15th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb. Unlimited rides £12.99.
Heaton Park Signs of Spring Nature Trail 15th – 23rd February 10am – 3pm £2.
National Nest Box Week : Tuesday 18th February 12pm – 2pm Free – Build & decorate your own nest box.
First Signs of Spring Carnival :Thursday 20th February 11am – 3pm FREE – classic carnival games like ring toss, water shooting races, and tin can bowling, along with face painting, dancing, and party games and special offers in The Stables Café.
Heaton Park Adult Skills Carnival – Thursday 20th February 11am – 3pm FREE.
Visit the Heaton Park Facebook page for more information.
Barnyard Baby Bash at Cockfields Farm
Sat 15th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb. Tickets £12.95 (U1 £2.95)
Surround yourself with adorable newborn lambs, chicks, and piglets ! Enjoy farmer talks, a bottle-feeding demonstration, and “Learn to be a Farmer” activities in our maternity ward. You might even witness a live birth!
Cuddle Corner will be extra fluffy with newly hatched chicks.
Don’t miss the reptile encounter in our cozy safari tent, featuring snakes and lizards ready for handling.
Enjoy farm favorites throughout the day, including:
- Tractor rides
- Carousel
- Bouncy pillow
All activities included in your ticket price:
- Cuddle with rabbits and guinea pigs
- Farm talks and bottle-feeding demos
- Animal feeding in the barn
- Meet the meerkats
- Reptile handling
- Outdoor play
Come join the fun! Check out Cockfields Farm on Facebook for more information.
Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Half Term Arts & Crafts
Crafts at Salford Museum
Tues 18th Feb – Make a Peg Doll. 11am, 1pm & 2pm. £3 per child. Booking essential.
Wed 19th Feb – Victorian Washday. 11am, 1pm & 2pm. FREE event – No booking required.
Thurs 20th Feb – Craft Lucky Dip – Decorate your mystery item. 11am, 1pm & 2pm. £3 per child. Booking needed.
Fri 21st Feb – Make your mark on the giant artwork. 11am & 2pm. £1 per child. Booking required.
Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, M5 4WU.
More information available at Salford Museum Facebook Page.
Hyde School Art Trail
Fri 14th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb. FREE. All ages welcome.
Follow the art trail, finding all the masterpieces and sketch away as you go.
Pick up a mini sketchbook trail from Hyde library and set off on a fabulous art adventure around Clarendon Square. Follow the map and search through the shops to discover wonderful works of art created by local primary school students inspired by original Harry Rutherford paintings. Along the way the Rutherford Rabble will also challenge you to complete a series of mini drawing activities in your sketchbook.
Hyde Library, Town Hall, Greenfield St, Hyde SK14 1AL
Half Term Travel Activities
East Lancashire Railway Activities
Wed 19th Feb – The Wizarding Adventure
During this enchanting interactive experience, children will enjoy a journey through the Irwell Valley on board a heritage train. During the voyage you will meet our colourful characters and take part in themed activities to complete the story, whilst learning to master magic.
- One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine heritage (and spell) powered train
- An approximately hour and a half wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters.
- Wizard themed activities.
- Plenty of photo opportunities.
- Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Thurs 20th Feb – Travel to Wonderland
- One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine steam powered train.
- An approximately two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters
- Alice in Wonderland themed activities
- Plenty of photo opportunities
- Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Both days 10am-4pm. Ages 5-12. Ticket £20 adults, Children £17.50.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet on both days.
For more information, check out East Lancashire Railway on Facebook.
Manchester River Cruises – Pirates & Mermaids Cruise
An hour-long cruise from Salford Quays the Mermaids & dastardly Irwell Pirates bring fun and games to the canal for the ultimate kids event.
Thurs 20th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb – Various times available.
Tickets £12 (adults) & £10 (Children). Ages 2-10 (but older kids welcome).
Includes a sing-a-long & a bag of treasure from the Treasure Chest. Fancy Dress welcome.
FREE Half Term Events in Manchester
Super Duper Family Festival
(Thank you to Manchester Mummy for letting us know about this).
FREE half term events across Manchester from Sat 15th Feb – Tues 18th Feb.
6 Playzones including:
- FREE chill out at Factory International Art Theatre
- The Sports Hall at Great Northern Warehouse (Table tennis, table football, curling & much more)
- Old school fun at The Playground, part of BBC’s Waterloo Road
- Big Green Leaf Eco School at Manchester Arndale
Visit the Super Duper Family Festival Facebook page for more information.
Cloak of Spells Crafts at Ashton Library
Join local artists Aimee and Tom at Ashton Library and help to create ‘The Cloak of Spells’. The cloak is made up of individual patches of fabric, each telling a story about a ‘magic’ person.
Mon 17th Feb FREE Drop-in between 10am – 3.30pm
Ashton Library main space, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton OL6 6BH, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 7SG
JunkBots at People’s Museum Manchester
FREE build your own robot, inspired by the Deceptioncon robot costume which has recently made its home at the museum.
A whole host of colourful junk will be waiting, ready to be recycled into your own characterful junkbot!
Suitable for ages 5-12. Cafe facilities available.
Leftbank, Manchester M3 3ER
Ordsall Hall Activities and Workshops
Mon 17th Feb – Meet a Tudor Servant – Learn how they keep a house running and take a beeswax candle home. £1.50 per child.
Tues 18th Feb – Cardboard Bird Sculptures – Make a sculpture & learn about birds in the area. £3 per child.
Wed 19th Feb – Bedtime Storytelling Disks to help you drift off to sleep. £3 per child.
Thurs 20th Feb – Tudor Playtime. Play with toys of the past. FREE.
Session times 11am, 1pm & 2pm.
322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3AN
Visit Ordsall Hall on Facebook for up to date details.
World Book Day Event – Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Storytelling, Family Drama Games, Book Nook & Arts & Crafts.
Thurs 20th Feb 10.30 & 2.30 (Sessions last 1.5 hours). Booking essential. FREE event.
Bolton Library Half Term Events
All FREE activities. Between 11am – 3pm.
Sat 15th Feb – Craft Your Own Mini Underwater World
Mon 17th Feb – Awesome Aquatic Quiz: Test your knowledge of the deep blue in a fun and interactive quiz!
Tues 18th Feb – Launch a Leaping Salmon: Create your own salmon and help them launch them up our river!
Wed 19th Feb – Big Ocean Clean-up Craft: Remove the rubbish and help create fish to repopulate our sea!
Thurs 20th Feb – Marine Marvels: Ocean Object Handling and Exploration: Get hands-on with fascinating marine objects!
Fri 21st Feb – Make an Incredible Octopus: Craft your own eight-legged friend to take home!
Fri 21st Feb – 2pm: ‘Finding Nemo’ Free Family Film Screening Enjoy a delightful cinematic adventure with this beloved family film.
Sat 22nd Feb – Design Your Own Underwater Monster: Let your imagination run wild as you create a mythical sea creature!
More half term fun at Bolton Library
Fish Feeds: Join in with feeding times in the Aquarium at 1pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to see the fish in action!
Tales from the Lighthouse: Thursday 20th February at 11am and 2pm
Experience a magical voyage into the world of theatre, puppetry, and music. Perfect for children aged 5+ and their families.
Digital Family Fun Day: Tuesday 18th February 202510am to 3pm
Dive into a world of creativity and discovery with our underwater-themed Minecraft Education, LEGO Robotics, and Scratch coding event.
Check out Bolton Library on Facebook for more information.
Portrait Painting at The Turnpike Gallery
Thurs 20th Feb. 11am-12pm or 12pm-1pm. Age 5+. FREE event.
Fun and relaxed portrait painting session. Learn tips and tricks from Tina and hone your skills in painting people.
Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB
Wild About Birds at Manchester Museum
FREE family drop in sessions from Sat 15th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb.
Activities include:
- Bird Rave
- Bird Crafts
- Meet the RSPB
Visit the Manchester Museum website for more details.
FREE drop-in activities at the Whitworth Art Gallery
Sat 15th Feb – Outdoor Art Party. 10.30am – 1pm. All ages welcome but particularly suitable for 2-8.
Outdoor Art Club in the Art Garden and a lively PLAY PARTY in the Grand Hall. Dive into water play, craft a masterpiece in the mud painting studio, and burn off energy at the PLAY PARTY. The Grand Hall will come alive with imaginative loose-parts play, dimmed lights, sparkling visuals, and dance-worthy beats.
Tues 18th, Wed 19th & Thursday 20th Feb – Afrocats x Whitworth
A vibrant celebration of colour, music, storytelling, and dance, led by culturally diverse artists from our partners at Afrocats. Enjoy free art activities, storytelling, singing, and dancing while exploring the galleries. This event offers a playful way to celebrate and learn about different cultures and is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities.
The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER
Manchester Monastery (Gorton Monastery)
FREE Family Fun Day – Sun 16th Feb 10am – 4pm. Donations welcome.
This free-to-enter event promises fun for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy:
🎡 Children’s Funfair: A chance for little ones to enjoy classic fairground fun.
🚌 Vintage Bus Display: Step back in time with a nostalgic look at Manchester’s iconic transport.
🎶 Live Music: Soak up the atmosphere with fantastic local performances.
🛍️ Stalls: Discover treasures from local community groups, craftspeople, and businesses.
🎨 Arts & Crafts: Let your creativity shine with hands-on activities for all ages.
🎭 Magician: Fun-filled entertainment to captivate the kids.
🎟️ Tombola & Raffle: Win amazing prizes while supporting the Monastery’s charitable work.
🖼️ Belle Vue Memorabilia Display: Explore the fascinating history of one of Manchester’s beloved landmarks.
Visit Manchester Monastery on Facebook for more details.
89 Gorton Ln, Manchester M12 5WF
Portland Basin Museum
Sun 16th Feb – Sci-Tech Takeover. .
During this event SciTech will take over Portland Basins iconic industrial gallery bringing hands on micro experiments, to inspire and surprise young minds.
Tues 18th Feb – Make, Do & Play Art Activity – FREE Drop-In between 11am-3pm. All ages welcome.
Join artist Helen Dodsworth to make something arty and crafty in this drop-in children’s craft activity. Inspired by some new mini football banners recently donated to the museum, you can make your own mini banner of your favourite hobby, favourite thing or just have fun decorating them!
Portland Pl, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA
Tameside Libraries Fairytale Crafts
All FREE – No need to book. All ages welcome. Join in for some creative, fun and exiting sessions of Fairy Tale themed crafts, games and their ever-popular treasure hunts.
Mon 17th Feb – Hyde Library 10.30-11.30am
Wed 19th Feb – Stalybridge Library 2pm-3pm
Thurs 20th Feb – Hattersley Library 2pm-3pm
Fri 21st Feb – Mossley Library 10.30am-11.30am
More details available at Tameside Libraries website.
IKEA Manchester
FREE events throughout half term.
Mon 17th Feb – 10am-4pm. Bedtime Story Competition. Hand in your entry in the Dining Hall for a chance to win a child’s prize hamper.
Tues 18th Feb – Create a Bedtime Box – Children can decorate and personalise their very own Bedtime Box to store their favourite bedtime books. Choose between a 45 min or 1hr time slot- in our Dining department.
Wed 19th Feb – Breakfast with BJÖRN – join BJÖRN for breakfast at IKEA Manchester. 9.30am – 11am.
IKEA Manchester, 110 Wellington Road, Greater Manchester, OL6 7TE
Manchester Cinemas
Home Manchester
Fri 14th Feb – Sun 23rd Feb – Dog Man (U) Dreamworks Animation
When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together.
Tickets start at £7.15.
Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Odeon Manchester
Dog Man – Various Showings (U)
When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together.
Captain America (12A) – Various Showings
After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his MCU debut, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident.
Manchester Great Northern, UNIT 2, The Great Northern, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Manchester, Trafford Centre, M17 8DF
Cineworld Manchester
Dog Man – Various Showings (U)
When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together.
Captain America (12A) – Various Showings
After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his MCU debut, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident.
10.00am weekdays: Sloth Lane (U) (Movies for Juniors)
A speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck hoping to make their business a success.
Ashton – under-Lyne, Ashton Leisure Park , Fold Way, OL7 0PG, Ashton-under-Lyne
10.00am weekdays: Paddington in Peru (PG) (Movies for Juniors)
Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG
There are SO many activities for half term fun in Manchester this February! A brilliant, comprehensive guide – thank you for the mention! The Super Duper Family Festival in the city is hosting lots of fabulous, free events, just hope the weather is on our side!