With the February half term almost here, families in Manchester will be looking for exciting events and activities to keep them busy over the school holidays. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of thrilling activities which both adults and children of all ages will be able to enjoy.
From energetic pastimes such as adventure golf for active households, to memorable visits to the local wildlife park, there’s something for everyone to take part in. Carry on reading for our eight favourite things to enjoy in the city this month, along with details on how to book.
All of the following businesses/organisations have paid to be featured in this article: Treetop Golf, Manchester River Cruises, The University of Manchester, Fun Fest, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, The National Trust, Trafford Golf Centre, and Zion Arts Centre.
1. Treetop Golf
With two indoor 18-hole mini golf courses to play, tasty jungle grub to eat and delicious mocktails to sip, there’s loads to entertain little explorers at Treetop Golf – whatever the weather’s doing outside.
If that’s not enough, there’s also free face painting on select days.
The venue is open from 10am every day during half-term. There’s no need to book – visitors can just turn up, tee off and let the extraordinary adventure begin.
Where to go: Unit 17A The Printworks, Manchester, M4 2BS.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
2. Manchester River Cruises
It’s mutiny on the ship canal this February half term, as the pirates and mermaids perform another kids’ takeover.
Manchester River Cruises is offering families an hour-long cruise from Salford Quays, with nautical adventures and games along the way. The expedition is perfect for kids aged up to 10, but big kids are welcome too.
The trip includes weevil biscuits and juice drinks for the little pirates and mermaids, as well as a goody bag from the mermaid’s grotto. For ye ole seadogs, there’s a hot drink or ‘shiver me timbers’ rum punch instead.
Please note alcohol is only available to people aged 18+, and you may be asked for ID when purchasing. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink if you are pregnant.
Where to go: The Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ.
Get in touch: Book now and keep up to date with the latest news from Manchester River Cruises on the website.
3. Jodrell Bank
This February half term, Jodrell Bank presents an explosive new science show called ‘Curious Kids!’, where families can set their course for an incredible live event that really goes off with a bang.
Visitors are encouraged to try and keep a cool head as they test their knowledge in the adults vs kids space quiz, and join the team of Explainers to investigate incredible forces found on Earth and beyond. These experiences are free with entry tickets.
The Curious Kids! live event is suitable for all ages and will take place between Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 25 (excluding Wednesday, February 21).
Families are encouraged not to forget to explore the rest of the site, including exhibitions, crafting, and planetarium shows – there’s a whole universe to discover.
Where to go: Bomish Lane, Cheshire, Macclesfield, SK11 9DW.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
4. Fun Fest
Fun Fest Holiday Club is ready to welcome families this February half term.
Operating extended opening hours every school holiday, Fun Fest offers a one-drop stop for parents with children aged 3-12 years. With over 40 activities to choose from, children can learn and develop skills in a safe environment with experienced staff.
Current locations under Fun Fest Cheshire include Northwich, Altrincham, Cheadle, Bramhall and Middlewich. As an award-winning Ofsted registered franchisee operating for five years in the north west, Fun Fest continues to be used by many families for their childcare needs.
Where to go: Bolshaw Primary School, Cross Road, Cheadle, SK8 3LW.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
5. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a guaranteed fun day out this half-term – offering the chance to come almost face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species.
The park is home to a unique collection of animals, including one of the world’s largest groups of polar bears, Amur leopards, tigers, lions, black rhinos, sea lions and giraffes.
Visitors to the park in Auckley near Doncaster can enjoy ranger talks with stories about the park and the endangered animals they care for.
Meanwhile, youngsters can enjoy the indoor play areas, and there’s a wide variety of shopping and eating options, including the immersive-themed Evolution restaurant and the Wild Café Bistro.
Whatever the weather in the park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled and educational day out.
Where to go: Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.
Get in touch: Book tickets on the website.
6. Lyme Park (National Trust)
Visitors can put on their wellies and jump into half term fun at Lyme Park. They can transport themselves to the past by taking on the roles of a housekeeper or hall boy to assist Mr Truelove on a free* family house trail in the mansion.
Visitors can also pick up a free nature spotting activity sheet for their family stroll while spotting deer and cows in the 1,400 acre estate or run off some steam in the recently refurbished Crow Wood play area.
Little ones can let loose in the chapel each Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm too, for pre-school play, stories, and activities.
*normal admission applies.
Where to go: Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
7. Dino Falls Adventure Golf
Mancunians can gear up for a dino-tastic half term adventure at Dino Falls Adventure Golf. From Monday, February 12 to Friday, February 23 (midweek rounds only), kids can enjoy a free hot chocolate on rounds teeing off before 10am.
Visitors can grab a family ticket for only £28 and make the most of this half-term offer. They can plan ahead and book in advance via the website or just turn up and play for spontaneous fun, it’s hassle-free.
Conveniently situated near the Trafford Centre, the prehistoric golfing experience is popular across Manchester and beyond. Locals are encouraged not to miss this affordable family day out, and book their round for a roaring good time.
Where to go: Old Park Lane, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8PG.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
8. Z-arts
Opening at Z-arts this February half term, ‘The 100 Story Hotel’ will feature a collection of author and illustrator Rob Biddulph’s unique and extraordinary characters, staying in a slightly unusual hotel full of lions, dinosaurs, sausage dogs, penguins and a friendly polar bear, as well as a mysterious mystery for visitors to help solve.
The 100 Story Hotel is the first new interactive world at Z-arts in two years after the hugely popular exhibition ‘Fairy Tales’, created with Discover Children’s Story Centre, which concluded at the end of 2023.
The 100 Story Hotel has something for everyone aged one to eight years old, and their families too.
Where to go: 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA.
Get in touch: Visit the website.
