february half term activities for kids in and around manchester
I have to confess, February half term is my least favourite school holiday. There isn't an 'event' like Halloween in October, the weather is still on the gloomy side and it feels like we've only just got into the swing of the new year and it hits!
But I've been doing a bit of research and there are some cracking activities on so thought I'd share some ideas to help you out! Indoors, outdoors, free and paid - Manchester and the surrounding areas have delivered!
OUTDOORS
RHS Bridgewater are launching their 'Guess how much I love you' Garden adventure on the 15th Feb which runs til the end of the year, based on the book with an interactive trail and activities. During the half term week there's also carrot and coriander planting, colour the clouds story-telling, dance workshops, hare model making and a Ramadan event with stories, henna and crafts. Check out the website here for info on dates and times. If you fancy a trip to RHS AND a photo shoot during the half term hols get in touch (hello@rebeccalattin.co.uk) I have an RHS membership that will give entry to two extra adults and 3 kids!
National Trust - most of the activities at the National Trust are free but entry fees will apply.
Lyme park has Arty House activities which is a free trail with arty activities along the way.
Quarry Bank Mill has a couple of offerings; the Brilliant Bug trail with bug-themed activities, inside the mill there's Sir Monty the Moth and the Discover Zone has bug-themed crafts.
Dunham Massey has Speechly the Pineapple's outdoor winter trail. Visit all 6 trail points and collect a sticker prize.
Tatton Park has the annual Scarecrow Festival in the gardens and farm where you can look out for favourite fairytale characters and there's also a a nature trails about Billie the Beetle and her forest friends.
We have a relatively big age gap between our kids at 9 and 3 so it can sometimes be a bit trickier to find things they're both into but have found Jodrell Bank to be a winner so far and worth the £33 annual fee we paid for a family of 3 pass. (June will be free til she hits 4) During half term there's a Star hunter trail, curious kids science show (we've been twice now and always found these to be great) and Space crafts. All of these are included in the ticket fee. On Wednesday 19th Feb there's a showing of Ted's space adventure in the Space Dome which is bookable in advance and costs £5 per person.
Manchester is hosting a city-wide Super duper family festival with 4 days of FREE fun across the city. There are 6 different zones - The Playground, The Party, The Garden, The Carnival, The Arcade, The Sports Hall. I have to admit, I felt a little bit overwhelmed looking through the events page as there's so much on! I think the reality is it'd be a case of choosing a few areas you think your kids would be into and having a wander: mine will probably be The Carnival with traditional stalls, The Playground with nostalgic pop-up games and The Arcade with retro gaming fun.
Heaton Park is a great place to run off some energy with 2 playgrounds and a little farm. During half term they'll be a First Signs of Spring nature trail (15th-23rd Feb, 10am-3pm, £2) On Tuesday 18th (12-2pm, free) they'll be the opportunity to build and decorate your own bird box to celebrate National Nest Box week. On Thursday 20th (11am-3pm, free) there's a First signs of Spring Carnival in the courtyard with games like ring toss, water shooting, tin can bowling, face painting, dancing and party games.
INDOORS
The museum have a bird based half term theme with a Bird Rave (including plumage-making workshop), crafts for a paper flying bird or bird wings and meet the RSPB with activities and info about conservation.
Peoples History Museum have lots on offer with some things ongoing and others specifically for half term. There's The Little Suffragettes trail, (£2.50 ages 5-17 includes a trail sheet and badge-making kit), Banner bingo (Free, ages 5+), Half term junkbots (Free, ages 5-12) and Playful Protest Space.
Z-arts
Sandscape (£9.50 ages 2-7) A silent theatre piece using sand on Sunday 16th Feb. There's also the Library of Enchantment for kids who are a bit older (8+). We had Frank's 9th birthday party there and it was a real hit.
The Museum of Science & Industry has a few things worth a go as well as their new adventure Operation Ouch! Brains, bogies and you. 'Get shrunk down to microscopic size and set out on a medical mission into Dr Chris's brain headquarters. Plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses, poke around inside a giant eyeball, encounter incredible illusions and more in this multi-sensory adventure.' Tickets are £9 for anyone over 4 with 3's and under free.
Manchester Art Gallery has the Lion's Den on the ground floor where younger kids can throw themselves about on cushions and make dens. They also now offer Explorer Toolbelts to borrow for free from the Information Desk. I'll definutely be taking June as this is totally her bag. I also found something online to say they'd be craft-making sessions but check first as it was TBC. There's always Manchester Central Library just up the road for some lounging about reading to make a full day of it in town.
Whitworth Art Gallery is celebrating 10 years since their re-opening and has a PLAY PARTY planned. On Friday 14th there's a free indoor event for under 5's and on Saturday 15th there's the same party indoors with their outdoor Art Club running alongside. Free and open to all. There's also Afrocats, three fun-filled days of drumming, dance, and creative arts workshops on Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 February Drop-in, each day, 12pm-3pm Free, no need to book.
Salford Museum is hosting a variety of events Tuesday-Friday based around a Victorian theme with make a peg doll, Victorian washday, crafty lucky dip and 'make your mark' an opportunity to contribute to a giant art works using paintbrushes, crayons, your hands, and feet!
While doing my monthly cat food & litter run (aka 'glitter' by 3 year old June) I noticed Pets At Home are doing Pet Pal workshops from 1st-23rd Feb aimed at 4 and above - 45 mins of learning how to take care of our pets and birds as well as meeting the animals they have in store. An activity shoot and certificate is included and it's all free!
There are also some theatre productions going on! The Lowry have got a production of 'Detective Dog', Home have got Stuff and Nonsense's Three Little Pigs. Manchester Opera House have a Sing-a-long Encanto. The Palace Theatre is running Horrible Histories 'Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians' for over 5's.
Half Term offers
BeWILDerwood are offering buy one, get one free on all their tickets during half term. I've not been but heard some good things and this offer makes it much more affordable. Blue Planet Aquarium have an offer of 'Kids for a Quid' where any child over 90cms up to 12 years old can enter for £1 with an accompanying paying adult. For Animal Crossing fans Sea Life Manchester have an event from 8th Feb - 9th March. If you have an OL or M postcode you can get 50% discount but this annoyingly ISN'T running during half term! (but worth a mention for a rainy Feb weekend)
There's also a kids eat free guide here for when you can't deal with another snack request!
I'll update this list if I find anything else that looks good but for now I hope you've found it useful! I've also got a fun photo based activity blog 8 Photo Challenges for kids which includes my downloadable scavenger hunt below - ideal for a wet day indoors or a nature walk! And if you'd like to join my mailing list for more photography tips and discounts, subscribe below!
