The ultimate half-term guide for kids in Manchester
- Written by Thom Bamford
- Last updated 24 seconds ago
- Attractions, City of Manchester, Family & Kids, Featured
Half term is just around the corner, and if you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained, we’ve got you covered!
Whether your little ones love getting hands-on with LEGO, bouncing off the walls (literally!), exploring science in the most fun way possible, or diving into magical theatre performances, Manchester is packed with incredible activities to make this half term unforgettable.
From interactive exhibitions and high-energy play zones to creative workshops and free city-wide festivals, here’s your ultimate guide to family fun in Manchester this February!
Manchester events February Half Term 2025
Bricktastic 2025 – The Ultimate LEGO Convention
Where: Manchester Central
When: 22nd – 23rd February 2025
Bricktastic 2025 returns to Manchester Central, bringing with it an incredible LEGO experience for fans of all ages. Visitors can admire over 250 exhibitors showcasing spectacular LEGO models from different themes such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Cityscapes. Attendees can also contribute to a giant LEGO mosaic, dive into brick pits filled with thousands of bricks, and leave their mark on a LEGO graffiti wall. With a variety of rare sets and minifigures available to purchase, all proceeds from the event support Fairy Bricks, a charity that donates LEGO sets to children in hospitals.
Oxygen Active Play – Jump, Bounce, and Climb!
Where: Quayside, Salford
When: Opens 17th February 2025
The brand-new Oxygen Activeplay experience in Salford’s Quayside offers an exhilarating way for kids to burn energy. The venue boasts 24 interconnected trampolines, gigantic inflatables, and an interactive strike arena. Older children can test their agility on a thrilling high ropes course, while toddlers (aged 0-5) have a dedicated play area to explore at their own pace. Oxygen Active Play is an ideal destination for kids who love action-packed fun.
February Half Term at RHS Garden Bridgewater
When: 15th February – 23rd February 2025
Looking for fun, family-friendly activities this February Half Term? RHS Garden Bridgewater has something for everyone with a week full of adventures and creativity for the whole family.
Garden Adventure: Monday 17th February: 45-minute sessions at 11am, 12.15pm, and 1.30pm Explore the garden with your little ones and enjoy the heartwarming tale of Guess How Much I Love You™. A perfect outdoor adventure for tiny explorers.
£2.50 per child. Recommended for ages 2–6 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Cup of Soup – Carrot and Coriander Planting: Tuesday 18th February: Drop-in between 11am – 2.30pm. Head to the Learning Studio and sow your own carrot and coriander ‘cup of soup’ to nurture and grow. Suitable for all ages (must be accompanied by an adult)
Colour the Clouds Storytelling: Wednesday 19th February: 30-minute sessions at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm, Learning Studio
Enjoy an interactive storytelling session of Guess How Much I Love You™ with Colour the Clouds, perfect for little ones to engage and imagine.
Recommended for ages 2–6 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Dance Workshop: Thursday 20th February: 30-minute sessions at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, Learning Studio Hop, skip, and jump in this fun-filled dance workshop inspired by the characters of Guess How Much I Love You™. £2.50 per child. Recommended for ages 3–7 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Spring Hare Model Making: Friday 21st February: 30-minute sessions at 11am, 11.30am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, and 2pm. Get creative and make your very own clay hare, the perfect keepsake to take home and cherish. £2 per child. Suitable for all ages (must be accompanied by an adult)
Ramadan: Story, Henna, and Craft Workshop: Sunday 23rd February: Story at 11am, 12noon, and 1.30pm; henna and craft between 11.30am – 2.30pm, Learning Studio Celebrate Ramadan with storytelling, henna hand painting, and crafting your own moon and stars mobile. Suitable for all ages (must be accompanied by an adult)
Detective Dog – Powerful Theatre at LOWRY
Where: The Lowry, Salford Quays
When: Mon 17th Feb –Thu 20th Feb 2025
Tiny & Tall Productions, formerly Tessa Bide Productions, brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog on stage for Deaf and hearing family audiences. Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Nell’s ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. So when the books at the school have disappeared one morning, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit! With British Sign Language, creative captions and spoken English, this engaging production celebrates books and the magic of reading in an inclusive and accessible performance. Expect captivating puppetry; surprising smells and toe-tapping music. Suitable for ages 3-103.
Little Prince Puppetry at Waterside Arts
Where: Waterside Arts
When: 21st February
Join Lyngo Theatre and Norwich Puppet Theatre for a magical puppet performance of The Little Prince. Through captivating puppetry and beautiful songs, this enchanting show brings to life the story of the boy who fell to earth, reminding us all of the importance of love, life, and true happiness. The Little Prince helps his friend, the Aviator, discover that the most important things in life can only be understood with the heart—just like a sheep on a star eating a rose.
Price: Adult: £9.50, Child: £7.50. Duration: 60 minutes (no interval)
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies, and You
Where: Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
When: February 14th 2025
The Science and Industry Museum hosts Operation Ouch!, an interactive and educational exhibition that takes visitors on an engaging journey through the human body. Kids can crawl through a wax-covered ear canal, explore a giant eyeball, and even get sneezed out of an oversized nose. With interactive displays explaining the five senses and lesser-known bodily functions, this exhibition is an unmissable opportunity for young scientists to explore biology in a fun and hands-on way.
Super Duper Family Festival – Free Half Term Fun!
Where: Various locations across Manchester
When: 15th – 18th February 2025
From the 15th to the 18th of February, Manchester will transform into an exciting playground with the Super Duper Family Festival. This free event features various Play Zones spread across the city, including areas dedicated to games, music, interactive performances, and sports activities. Public squares, museums, and galleries will host engaging activities for families, ensuring there is plenty to explore and enjoy throughout the festival.
Creative Adventures at Z-Arts
Where: Z-Arts, Hulme, Manchester
When: Various dates from January – August 2025
Z-Arts, Manchester’s leading children’s arts centre, offers an exciting half-term schedule packed with creative activities. Library Lab: Mother Language Day on the 21st of February brings an interactive storytelling session featuring drumming and songs. Dance Fusion, running from January to April, introduces kids to different dance styles, while Drama Stars workshops encourage children to develop acting skills. Younger children can enjoy Toddler Make & Believe, a fun mix of arts, crafts, and storytelling. Throughout the year, Z-Arts provides a welcoming space for children to explore their creativity through engaging workshops and performances.
Sixes Social Cricket – Fun for the Whole Family
Where: Sixes Social Cricket, Corn Exchange, Manchester
When: Ongoing – Half term offer available
Sixes Social Cricket at the Corn Exchange offers a fun-filled experience combining cricket, delicious food, and an interactive batting game. Families can enjoy a friendly competition at the batting nets before refuelling with a tasty meal. To make it even better, Sixes is offering a special family discount, allowing adults and children to save up to 30% on their visit. This is a perfect outing for sports-loving families looking to enjoy some friendly competition.
- This article was last updated 24 seconds ago.
- It was first published on 11 February 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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