Perfect half term fun for the kids come rain-or-shine at The Whitworth

I have always loved taking the kids the The Whitworth Art Gallery for two reasons.

First of all – It’s free!

Secondly, you don’t have to take the gamble on Manchester’s weather gods as everything is indoors. So no matter what’s going on outside – you can still be guaranteed barrels of fun.

The gallery itself is really open so you’re never in fear of the little ones running into something and breaking it, plus there is always something for them to be getting up to.

Upstairs on the mezzanine is where you will find the School of Creativity.

This is a fantastic space for tots and children under 10 to explore and build with different materials.

On our visit we had a riot building towers of tubes made of both plastic and card. Even though these materials seems so simple in comparison to the blocks at overpriced soft play areas, my four-year-old and I spent a good half an hour stacking tubes.

Admittedly, they kept falling on my head, but at least he found it hilarious.

As you walk around the gallery there are spots set up for you budding artists to draw using materials provided.

You can also buy a bag of creativity from the front desk which contains crafting materials to accompany your stroll around the gallery.

There was plenty to keep us all entertained all afternoon.

If you’re looking for a picnic spot, there are plenty of benches on the lower ground floor where you can snack on your sandwiches, or you can head to the stunning Cafe they have too.

Beautiful glass walls peer out across Whitworth Park, full of cheeky squirrels that kept my little one giggling while we tucked into the excellent selection of cakes on offer.

Make no doubt about it, the facilities are top notch here too.

There are large toilets that will fit the pram and the kids in – and there are lockers to keep your non-essential items in too.

The great thing about a visit to The Whitworth is that the art continues around the park outside, with large sculptures that my 4-year-old liked to climb and explore.

And to top it all off, there is a playground just a stone’s throw away from the gallery.

So whatever the weather, The Whitworth is a safe bet for an ace day out with the kids, and best of all!

It’s free.

There are sessions held for kids of all ages at The Whitworth Art Gallery including baby sensory plays and outdoor art clubs at the weekend.

If you’re looking for something to do during half term this February, check out the actives on offer.

Here’s the full list of Half term activities

All of these events take place on Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 of February.

African & Caribbean inspired music activities

Sessions from 12noon-3pm on
No need to book, these are drop in sessions!

Cultural Arts & Crafts activities
From 12 noon-3pm
Free, no need to book
Regular Sessions for families

PLAY days
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources.
Dates: Second Friday of each month – term time only
Times: 10.30am-2.30pm, drop-in, no need to book

Art Baby

Sensory play sessions in the beautiful surrounds of the gallery, especially for non-walking
babies and their grown-ups
Dates: First Friday of the month – term time only

Feel Good Kids Art Club
A fun and expressive art and mindfulness session for 6-12 year olds
Feel Good Kids Art Club are FREE and drop-in, no need to book
Session dates and times:
Saturday 4 March 2023, 1-3pm

Outdoor Art Club
Creative activities designed to encourage children to play freely whilst exploring nature outdoors.
Outdoor Art Club sessions are FREE and drop-in, there’s no need to book.
They take place on the third Saturday of every month from 10.30am to 2.30pm
Session dates:
Saturday 18 February 2023
Saturday 18 March 2023

Quiet Sundays
Multi-sensory, open-ended play for families with additional needs.
Times: 10.30am to 12.30pm, FREE, drop-in, no need to book
Session dates:
Sunday 26 February 2023
Sunday 26 March 2023