It seems as if we have only just got back to normal after the Christmas holidays and already the February half term break is upon us.
The half term week runs through from Monday 16th February until Friday 20th February and don’t forget that it is Pancake Day on the Tuesday. I’m a traditional sugar and lemon girl, what pancake toppings do you like?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with the little treasures but I just find it easier and more enjoyable if I have already planned out what we are doing and where we are going.
Here are our picks of some of the best and varied, priced and free entertainment and activities for families in Manchester over the February half term holidays…
The Lowry
The Lowry offer Little Actors and Little Artists over the half term holidays. The activities run every day during half term from 11:00am until 12:30pm.
Little Actors have Frozen themed activities to bring Elsa, Anna and co to life in this fun and interactive drama workshop. Little Artists will be doing junk modelling around the theme of Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns. We have been to the Little Artists session before and both children really enjoyed – we made a Dorothy and a Toto. The sessions are recommended suitable for ages 5-11 and cost £3.50 per child (or £1.75 for Salford residents).
The Lowry also have I Believe in Unicorns and Singalong Frozen on in the theatres during February. Check out the website for more information.
Sale Waterside
Now, I should warn that there is a little bit of a Frozen theme to this post. Well, the children (and some of the parents…ahem) love it, so why not!
Following the same theme then, the Waterside are holding a Frozen Day on Thursday 19th February – there will be craft activities (running as part of the family club) and a singalong Frozen. The day starts at 10am and costs £5.00 to join in with the singalong version of the film. Pre-booking is advised and there will be prizes for the best Frozen themed costume. Check out Sale Waterside Family Club for more information.
Also running in the theatre is Goldilocks and The Three Bears, running at just 60 mins long and suitable for age 2 and over. Interested? For prices and times – click here.
Museum of Science and Industry
Steam, Sweat and Sewers runs daily from 14th February until 22nd February. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian Manchester. There are lots of gross but informative FREE workshops and creative sessions. Open 10am until 5pm each day.
The activities are FREE (yipee) but make sure that you have a little bit of change on you (or well-briefed and behaved children) for the Victorian fairground rides.
Imperial War Museum
War at Sea – Jump aboard for the whole family to get creative and make something inspired by the IWM’s collections. See how far you can gaze with your very own telescope, as you design a message in a bottle. Discover which animals sailed the seas and learn some sailor slang in interactive storytelling sessions.
All of the activities at IWM are FREE but you are encouraged to make a donation.
Bury – Half Term at The Met
There are some great family shows on at The Met during half term.
Nicobobinus – suitable for children aged 6+. When Nicobobinus is magically turned to gold, he and his friend Rosie embark on a musical adventure to the Land of Dragons…
Duck in the Truck – suitable for 3-7’s. Join duck and his friends in this happy new adventure with puppetry, sing-a-long-songs and plenty of opportunities to join in along the way.
Puss in Boots – suitable for ages 4+. Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies brings this classic fairytale to life.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Don’t forget Chinese New Year next week…There are a few free events around the city to celebrate the year of The Ram.
On February 18th Salford Museum and Art Gallery would like to celebrate with you by making a colourful, fire breathing, dancing dragon puppet. The event is FREE and runs on 18th February from 10:30am until 2:30pm.
Z-Arts
Popular family friendly arts venue, Z-Arts are showing Emergency Story Penguin during half term. Suitable for ages 5+ and a running time of 1 hour.
I didn’t get to see the last show by the same company, 59 minutes to Save Christmas, but reliable sources reported that it was a real cracker and not to be missed.
See the trailer For Emergency Story Penguin here:
Shows are on 18th – 22nd February at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. On Wednesday 18th February there will be a FREE Penguin Fun Day. All activities through the day will be free, however tickets for the show will still need to be paid for and booked in advance.
Enjoy your half term, stay arty, stay sane and don’t forget pancake day…