February half term Manchester family activities 2026
February half term is just around the corner, have you made plans yet? I’ve put together this guide to February half Manchester events and activities 2026. Please click through to the specific attractions page to check that the event date and time haven’t changed as I have written this guide a few weeks in advance and things do sometimes change. Find more February half term North West guides here.
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Please ensure you click through to the event organisers’ website and check if the event is still running before travelling to your chosen event. Occasionally events do get cancelled due to severe weather etc and I can’t guarantee I will be aware.
I will be continuing to update this post right up until the holidays. If you know of an event I’m not aware of, please email me at info@northwestforkids.co.uk
Manchester Piccadilly train station is closed from 14th -22nd February!
All trains through Stockport will stop in Stockport and there will be a rail replacement bus to Manchester Piccadilly.
Trains from Chester will terminate at Altrincham where you can transfer to the trams. There will also be rail replacement buses to Manchester Airport and Chesterfield.
Trams will be running as normal. Don’t forget to allow extra time to travel and check your options on the Network rail website.
AD – Featured Event – The Super Duper Family Festival
When – Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st Feb 2026
The Super Duper Family Festival is returning to Manchester.
4 days of Free Half Term Fun across the city
Manchester will turn into a playground for all, with a series of FREE Play Zones to explore.
See Manchester’s public spaces, squares and venues transformed into exciting Play Zones, with games, dancing, activities, crafts, performances and more to enjoy.
Explore the 8 FREE Play Zones:
The Carnival – St Ann’s Square
The Playground – Exchange Square
The Arcade – Printworks
The Nursery Rhyme Trail – Manchester Arndale
The Story Den – Manchester Central Library
The Sports Hall – The Great Northern
The Soap Box – People’s History Museum
The Studios – St John’s, Aviva Studios, Science and Industry Museum
Find our full guide here – Super Duper Family Festival
Half term at Dunham Massey NT
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026.
Limited details so far. Ask for seasonal trails at the Visitor Reception.
Free event. Admission cost apply to none National Trust members.
Early spring brings a burst of colour to the gardens. Stroll through the Winter Garden and enjoy blooms in every seasonal shade, from delicate flowers to the golden daffodil meadow. Keep an eye out for fallow deer beneath the ancient trees, and let little explorers loose on the Log Pile in the North Park, where enormous fallen trees await.
Full details here – February Half Term at Dunham Massey
February half term at Lyme Park
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026.
Pick up a walking trail (£1) from the kiosk to spot the signs of spring with red deer, highland cows, and other nature to look out for and endless puddles to splash in.
Free family trail in the house. Dress up in a pinny, mob cap or white gloves and explore the house, helping along the way. Set the Dining Room table for dinner, clean the Grand Stairs and imagine what it was like to be a servant in the Edwardian golden age or head to the dressing room transform into a member of the family and surprise the servants early.
Full details here – February Half Term, Lyme Park | National Trust
Free February half term activities at The Science and Industry Museum
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026
Explore the wonders of space with a lively programme of free hands-on fun as part of the Super Duper Family Festival. From cosmic crafts to star-gazing activities, there’s something for every aspiring astronaut this February.
Get your galactic groove on with dancers from Company Chameleon as they take over our Revolution Manchester gallery with regular dance and movement sessions. Inspired by planets, stars and galaxies, you can spin, twirl, dart and dance your way through the solar system.
Head to the Star Lab and explore the night’s sky. Budding stargazers can get hands-on with cosmic crafts, learn about stargazing over Manchester and pick up tips for exploring the night sky from home. Create your own map of the stars, make a constellation in a cup or design your own constellation.
Full details here – February half term | Science and Industry Museum
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, Science and Industry Museum
When – 13th February 2026 – 3rd January 2027.
Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new Horrible Science TV series.
Walk in the shoes of astronauts and discover far-off worlds, dance on an alien disco planet and get ready to journey through the depths of space to uncover the secrets of our universe.
Get ready for surprising science, interactive experiments and playful challenges, but beware of Dr Big Brain, the galaxy’s greatest evil genius, who will be on the hunt for help with his diabolical plans to conquer the Solar System. Will you use your new science skills to make sense of the solar system, or cause cosmic chaos by joining forces with a supervillain?
Book here – Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
February Half Term at RHS Bridgewater
When – 14th – 21st February 2026.
The Wind in the Willows – A Garden Adventure trail following Mole, Ratty and Badger and chase after naughty Mr Toad as you go on an expedition across the garden. Journey through the garden alongside Mole and Ratty while encountering various characters and learning about nature, loyalty and friendship. You could even enjoy a picnic like Ratty and Mole.
Craft activities – 17th and 18th February 2026, drop in, inspired by The Wind in the Willows, from making your own lolly stick character puppet to decorating a bookmark.
Planting activity – 19th February 2026. drop-in planting activity inspired by The Wind in the Willows where you can plant your own ingredients for pea and watercress soup.
Full details here – February half term events | RHS Bridgewater / RHS
LEGO Creative Academy at Legoland discovery centre, Manchester
When – 7th February – 1st March 2026.
Pick up your LEGO Creativity Academy Passport and take part in the scavenger hunt. Meet the Master Model Builder and learn tips and tricks from the experts – talks will be taking place throughout the day! Build a cool and creative vehicle using your imagination and fun tips from MMB’s. Add your creativity to the giant LEGO mosaic patchwork
Book here – Lego Creativity Academy
Bubble Planet, Depot Mayfield
Immerse yourself in the magical world of bubbles. Explore a crazy planet that pushes the limits of your imagination, featuring virtual reality, themed rooms, and breathtaking landscapes.
Travel from one fascinating space to another and engage all your senses!
Suitable for all ages!
Book here – Bubble Planet
Barnyard Baby Bash, Cockfields farm
When – 10th – 28th February 2026
Embark on a delightful adventure at the Barnyard Baby Bash on the farm! Immerse yourself in the joy of new-born lambs, fluffy chicks, and adorable ducklings!
The event will include farmers talks, bottle-feeding demonstrations and more farm yard fun.
Full details – Cockfields Farm
Luna New Year activities at Heaton Park
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026.
Zodiac Quest, 14th – 22nd February – Pick up a free Zodiac Quest map from Reception (next to the Stables Cafe). See if you can spot all 12 animals of the Zodiac around our Animal Centre.
Make Your Own Bookmark, 15th, 17th, 19th (11am to 2pm) – Colour in your own Year of the Horse bookmarks in the Stables Courtyard.
Lion Dance, 21st (Performances at 11.30am, 12.10pm, and 1pm) – Enjoy thrilling Lion Dance performances by local company L2 Lion Dance, taking place outside, next to the Stables Café.
Calligraphy Workshop, 21st (11.30am to 2pm) – Join in with drop-in calligraphy workshops in the Stables Courtyard.
Full details here – Luna New Year activities
Lambing live at Reddish Vale Farm
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026
Where –
Over 40 lambs and 30 kids due with arrivals expected from 14th! This event is included in general admission.
The team of farmers will be on the yard monitoring progress, answering your questions and on hand to teach you all about lambing.
Full details here – Lambing live
Family escape room at Z-Arts
Various dates
Can you escape the library of enchantment in under 60 minutes? Solve the clues, riddles and puzzles to help you.
Find our full review here – Z-Arts family escape room
Book for half term here – Family-friendly escape room
February half term at Elizabeth Gaskell House
When – 15th – 22nd February 2026
Two brand new trails so all the family can explore the House by collecting colours and objects from the Victorian Morning Room to the Bedroom. At the end the trail head down to the Servant’s Hall to write a story using the words you found, or design your perfect writing room with the colours you collected.
Dressing-up for all ages can be found throughout the House, getting into character is very much recommended!
Full details here – February half term
Circus Funtasia at Wythenshaw park
When – 12th February – 1st March 2026
Circus Funtasia is back. Bear witness to some amazing feats… hear the roar of motorbike engines, feel the heat of the fire-breathers flames, see stunning aerialists and a hair raising performance on the Wheel of Death. Be enthralled by our energetic Cuban Acrobatic Troupe, heart-stopping roller skating Duo and to top it off laugh out loud comedy by our award-winning comedian ‘The Geek’.
Book here – Circus Funtasia
Heaton Park fun fair
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026
The Heaton Park fun fair is back! Free entry, rides from £2 or buy a wristband on Tuesday and Wednesday for £14.99
Full details here – Heaton Park & Hall
February half term at Ordsall Hall
Make a beeswax candle. 16th February 2026
Join one of the servants of Ordsall Hall and learn how they help keep the house running behind the scenes. Make a beeswax candle to take home.
Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Suitable for all ages. £1.50 per child, booking required.
Book here – make a beeswax candle
Tudor writing. 17th February 2026
Join the Lady of the Hall to learn how to use a quill and ink. Practice the alphabet and create a fancy Tudor signature, before helping her write some invitations.
Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Suitable for ages 5+. £1.50 per child, booking required.
Book here – Tudor writing
Storytelling at the hall. 18th February 2026
Come and join us for some storytelling in the awesome surroundings of Ordsall Hall. Be enthralled by the tales you hear!
Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Suitable for all ages. FREE, booking required.
Book here – Storytelling at the hall
Decorate a plant pot and plant a seed. 19th February 2026
Decorate your own plant pot, plant a seed and get growing!
Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Suitable for ages 5 +. £3 per child, booking required.
Book here – Decorate a plant pot and plant a seed
Half term at the Whitworth
When – 18th, 19th, 21st February 2026
Under the Sea with Yuki Kihara – 18th and 19th February 2026, 10:30am – 1:30pm, free drop-in
Dive into creativity this February half-term with joyful, hands-on activities inspired by artist Yuki Kihara’s colourful exhibition. Come together to create under-the-sea collages, enjoy lively drumming and storytelling sessions, and dress up to celebrate ocean life and island culture.
Outdoor art club – 21st February 2026, 10:30am – 1:30pm, free drop-in
Out in our Garden and Park children and their grown-ups are invited to explore, play and connect with nature. With mud painting studio, potion stations and water play.
Full details here – February half-term | Whitworth Art Gallery
February half term at Salford museum
When – 14th – 22nd February 2026
Free Your Salford 100 opening day. 14th February 2026.
Celebrates Salford’s centenary and showcases 100 objects and artworks from the museum’s collection. Come see the exhibition for yourself and then check out the different making stations we will have dotted around the building. Sign a birthday book for Salford, make a hand puppet, have a speed portrait done, and more!
Full details here – Your Salford 100 opening day
Patterns and printing. 17th February 2026
Design your own pattern on polystyrene and try your hand with wooden block printing. Contribute to a piece of artwork and make a card to take home.
Suitable for ages 8 years +. £3 per child, booking required.
Book here – Patterns and printing
Crafty Lucky Dip. 18th February 2026
Pick a mystery item out of the box – what will you get? Decorate your item using the material provided.
Suitable for ages 5 years +. £3 per child, booking required.
Book here – Crafty lucky dip
Toys through time. 19th February 2026
What did children play with in the past? Find out in this session and have a go with some toys from years gone by!
Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Suitable for all ages. FREE, drop-in, no booking required.
Full details here – toys through time
Cardboard Creations: Make a Mini Museum. 20th February 2026
Design and create your very own museum. Use cardboard and the art supplies provided to get inspired and become a curator for the day. We can’t wait to see your exhibitions!
Suitable for ages 5 years +. £3 per child, booking required.
Book here – Cardboard creations
Comedy sportz, Waterside Arts, Sale
When – 14th February 2026,
Two teams battle it out for laughs with quick-witted gags, games, sketches and songs inspired by your suggestions. There’s a referee on hand to ensure a good clean match – it’s a family friendly show after all – with penalties for bad behaviour and bad jokes. Who wins? You decide!
Suitable for children aged 7+
Book here – ComedySportz
Meet the Hatter, Z-Arts
When – 14th & 15th February 2026.
In celebration of their 15th anniversary, Joss Arnott Dance returns with the company’s most ambitious production to date, their brand-new, cinematic dance and multimedia show Meet the Hatter.
Suitable for age 5+
Book here – Meet the Hatter
Pop Princesses – World Tour, Stockport Plaza
When – 16th February 2026.
A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix!
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back, and this time they are on their first World Tour! Come and join them on this epic around-the-globe show.
Book here – Pop Princesses – World Tour
Pinocchio, The Lowry
When – 17th – 22nd February 2026.
Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense.
Three very funny men seek refuge in a grand but abandoned old house, where they gather around an extraordinary dining table that becomes their playground. Grandfather, Father and Son tell tales of growing up; one of them is Pinocchio and it turns out he’s had quite a life!
In this adaptation of Pinocchio expect the classic elements of the story – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – combined with Stuff and Nonsense’s hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks.
Book here – Pinocchio
Chevalier: Hobbyhorse Circus. The Lowry
When – 18th – 19th February 2026.
Chevalier – Hobbyhorse Circus is an irresistibly charming homage to the magnificent horses of circus and the silent movie era. Drawing inspiration from the history of traditional horse circuses, Kalle Lehto’s ringmaster performs acrobatics, juggling and balancing with an amazing cast of hobby horses.
Book here – Chevalier: Hobbyhorse Circus
Chinese New Year Extravaganza, Stockport Plaza
when – 18th February 2026.
Jinlong is back with the “Chinese New Year Extravaganza”, an unforgettable show filled with vibrant colours, awe-inspiring performances, and endless fun! Touring across the UK, this sensational event brings one of the biggest celebrations in the Chinese calendar to life on stage.
Be enchanted by the joyous Lion Dance, marvel at breathtaking acrobatics, and discover the world of wonder with dazzling new acts alongside beloved audience favourites. And don’t miss the playful charm of our mischievous pandas – guaranteed to bring a touch of PANDA-monium to the festivities!
Book here – Chinese New Year Extravaganza
K-Pop Demon hunters silent disco, Kargo MRTK
When – 20th February 2026.
One channel with all your K-Pop Demon Hunters faves – plus some classic pop tunes too!
Switch to the other side for all your 80s / 90s classics – guilty pleasures, power ballads and old school rave
plus foam and bubbles, games and challenges, the ultimate dance off – we can’t wait to see you!
K-Pop colouring on arrival
Book here – K-Pop Demon hunters silent disco
The Enormous Turnip, Waterside Sale
When – 20th – 22nd February 2026.
Join Mr and Mrs Chickweed and save the day as they pull The Enormous Turnip out of the ground before it takes over the planet!
Living in their tiny shed squeezed in amongst the garden tools, Mr and Mrs Chickweed’s amazing prize-winning vegetables have taken over everything! Before they retire, they can’t resist planting one last seed, try for one more champion vegetable and one more trophy!
But no one knew that a vegetable could grow bigger than the cat, bigger than the dog, bigger than you and me put together! It’s gigantic, it’s blocking out the light and it’s still growing!
Suitable for all the family (recommended for ages 3-10).
Book here – The Enormous Turnip
Dinosaur adventure Live, Stockport Plaza
When – 21st February 2026.
Join our intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs!
Stomp, Roar and Swish your tail as we introduce you to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on planet Earth. An unforgettable Jurassic experience for all the family to enjoy.
Learn their history with our amazing Dino-facts, meet our beautiful baby dinosaurs and even feed them, but watch out…. you could be on the menu.
Book here – Dinosaur adventure live
Pirate Adventure! The Hive at Moss Bank Park
When – 19th February 2026
Yo Ho Ho! Join Captain Flint and the Hive Pirates this half term for a swashbuckling adventure! Make your own sword and become part of the scurvy crew hunting for the hidden treasure. Help to build the Jolly Roger and get ready for battle with Long John Silver. It’s a Pirate’s life for you!
Tickets are £9 per child (for children up to 12 years). Accompanying adults and children over 12 enter free, but please still book a ticket then we can keep track of numbers. Any individuals over 12 who wish to take part in activities must have a child’s ticket purchased.
Book here – The Hive at Moss Bank Park
February Half Term at Manchester Museum
Triceratops: eat, roam, repeat
When – Until 22nd February 2026.
Your chance to meet one of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time.
By studying its anatomy, you’ll find out its secrets. From the bird-like beak and spectacular frill to its three-horned face and rhino-like body. Learn how it lived, what it ate and how it survived the Cretaceous.
Book here (free) – Triceratops: eat, roam, repeat
Dino Den
When – 17th – 20th February 2026.
Dive into the Dino Den throughout February half-term and celebrate the final week of our fun, family-friendly exhibition Triceratops:Eat, Roam, Repeat.
The Den will be full of free activities to help you get closer to the Cretaceous, including junk model dinosaur-making, re-creating scenes from the time of Triceratops, and opportunities to get up close to fossils and casts.
Activities will be suitable for all ages and will run 10.30am-12.30pm and 1-4pm on 17, 18, 19 and 20 February.
Full details here – Dino Den
Lunar new year at Manchester Museum
When – 18th February 2026, 4 – 9pm
Free
Celebrations will include a wider range of cultural elements, including a series of exciting performances. These will include a lion dance and a collaboration with the Hong Kong Plucked String Chinese Orchestra.
Visitors can also enjoy hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts, and much more. Stay tuned for more information.
Book here – Lunar New Year – Manchester Museum
Jurassic seas, Sea Life Manchester
When – 7th February – 1st March 2026
Travel back millions of years and navigate through the Jurassic Trail at SEA LIFE Manchester. You’ll get to learn all about the creatures of the deep, as well as those from millions of years ago! The event includes meet and greet with a baby Triceratops!
Book here – Jurassic seas
Chinatown Celebrations, Manchester
When – 14th & 15th February 2026
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown with live performances, stalls, a funfair, Manchester’s famous red lanterns and the city’s legendary Dragon Parade.
Dragon parade Manchester
When – 15th February 2026
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Manchester’s legendary Dragon Parade.
Full details here – Chinatown Celebrations
Chinese new year celebrations with OKS, Stanley Square, Sale
When – 14th February 2025. from 1:30pm
Free
With a traditional lion dance and dragon dance in the square from 2pm. PLUS OKS arts & crafts and activities from Hong Kong Women’s collective CIC.
Full details here – Chinese New Year | Our Kids Social
Chinese New Year at Manchester art gallery
When – 14th & 15th February 2026
Pick up a sketchbook and pencil, then set off to explore the gallery on our special horse-themed trail. Track down a series of colourful posters, enjoy creative drawing activities inspired by our art collection, and bring the trail to life with your own drawings.
Show your sketches to a staff member at the end to claim your reward!
Full details here – Chinese New Year – Family Trail
Chinese New Year at The Trafford Centre
When – 17th February 2026
Whether you’re watching traditional performances, family friendly arts and crafts or exploring exclusive seasonal offers, there’s something to inspire everyone.
Full details here – Chinese New Year
MadLab sessions, Stockport Museum
When – 14th – 22nd (selected dates, different themes) February 2026.
Family-friendly events for aspiring young digital creatives aged 7+ and their parents.
Book here – MadLab sessions
February hearts trail, Fletcher Moss Park
When – 14th February – 8th March 2026.
Collect your trail sheet from the Fletcher Moss food truck (suggest £1 donation). Find 20 hand-decorated hearts. Each heart is individually hand-decorated with an illustration from a children’s book
Full details here – February hearts trail
Bricktastic, Manchester Central
When – 21st – 22nd February 2026
Expect LEGO models, activities and more fun for all the family.
Book here – Bricktastic
February half term holiday pass at Oxygen Media City
£30 for 5 x 60 minute sessions between 14th and 22nd February.
Book here – Oxygen Holiday pass
February half-term at Trafford Palazzo
When – no details yet for 2026
Full details here – TP Love | Valentine’s Day & half term events – Trafford Palazzo
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.
Nearby February half term guides
If you’re on the north side of Greater Manchester you might be interest in this guide – February half term Lancashire.
and if you’re on the south side, this – February half term Cheshire
More ideas for things to do in Manchester with kids
Find the best pram friendly walks Manchester here.
Find loads of parks to visit here – Best parks in manchester
Find loads of Free things to do in Manchester with kids here.
Find 49 Things to do in Manchester for teenagers here.
