Manchester half term activities 2022: things to do in February break - from History Museum to Trafford Centre

From an outdoor fairground to fun with science, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained during February 2022 half-term in Greater Manchester.
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A week off school, the weather forecast possibly a touch iffy - the February half-term holiday can be quite a difficult one for families to keep youngsters entertained.

Fortunately, there are a number of activities across Greater Manchester taking place during the school break for children and families to enjoy while they are off.

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This year most schools in Manchester are off the week Monday 21 February to Friday 25 February, but some may have slightly different holidays so it is always best to check.

We’ve rounded up five ideas for things to do during half term.

Visit the People’s History Museum

The People’s History Museum is opening seven days a week for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began and is pulling out all the stops to bring families through the doors during the half-term break.

The More in Common exhibition in memory of Jo Cox at the People’s History MuseumThe More in Common exhibition in memory of Jo Cox at the People’s History Museum
The More in Common exhibition in memory of Jo Cox at the People’s History Museum

There are three family trails: one exploring stories around migration, one exploring the life and legacy of murdered MP Jo Cox and a game of I-Spy in which eagle-eyed youngsters going around the museum can solve the clues and spot a number of treasures.

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The museum has reinstated its interactive features and there is a special family-friendly menu at the cafe.

Take a trip back in time at Elizabeth Gaskell House

Elizabeth Gaskell House is putting on family crafting activities in its Servants’ Hall based around Victorian greetings cards.

The activity, which is on between 16 February and 27 February, is being done in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections to promote the 32,000 greetings cards of the era the archive holds.

Children can make a seasonal card to take home and also enjoy following the cat trail around the house.

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The house is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday with last entry at 3pm, and under-16s get in free with a paying adult.

Get excited about science at a spectacular show

Exciting Science is touring around Greater Manchester this February half term to get youngsters aged four and upwards enthused about biology, chemistry and physics.

The show promises to amaze and astound young audiences and promises to be an all-action and spectacular show with plenty of whizzes, bangs and pops to keep kids on the edge of their seats.

It’s at the Albert Halls in Bolton on Wednesday 16 February, the Altrincham Garrick on Friday 18 February and Middleton Arena on Saturday 26 February.

Follow the clues on a treasure trail

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A treasure trail gives a fun and quirky twist to going on a leisurely walk and is a great way of getting children outdoors if the weather is decent for a few hours.

You are given a series of clues and have to follow the trail to crack whatever mystery is at the heart of the scenario, with the organisers promising a good deal of fun for all ages.

There are six treasure trails across the city-region, including a wizard-themed one in Manchester city centre, a spy mission around Castlefield and a detective mystery in the Medieval Quarter.

Each trail costs £9.99.

Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre’s popular outdoor fairground is reopening for the February half term and promises plenty of family fun if the weather plays ball.

There are a number of exhilarating rides for both children and grown ups, including The Wave Swinger, Apple Coaster and Fun House.