Free things to do at half term in Manchester: 25th-31st October 2021

With half term holidays underway, here are some suggestions of free things you can do each day with the kids in Greater Manchester over the break.
Halloween fun Credit: ShutterstockHalloween fun Credit: Shutterstock
Halloween fun Credit: Shutterstock

Halloween in the City

Manchester City Centre, from 25 October and on 30 and 31 October, see below

Half term coincides with Halloween this year so what better excuse than to get your little monsters dressed up in their best costumes and go monster-spotting in Manchester city centre?

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This year’s Halloween in the City festival, organised by Manchester Business Improvement District, will see lots of free fun for families. There will be giant inflatable monsters dotted on rooftops from 25 October to 31 October.

Halloween in the City Manchester  Credit: Jason LockHalloween in the City Manchester  Credit: Jason Lock
Halloween in the City Manchester Credit: Jason Lock

Then over Halloween weekend itself, look out for the Welcome Monsters Procession, created by Walk The Plank, who will have colourful characters roaming the streets around the Arndale and Market Street on both days, along with live music. There are also spooky free events in St Ann’s Square and Exchange Square aimed at kids.

Aleiah’s Adventure theatrical show

Manchester Central Library, Tuesday 26 October

Taking place as part of the Manchester Libraries Black History Month programme, the show tells the story of a young deaf girl called Aleiah who becomes lost after leaving her family to step out into the world on her own.

Join Aleiah as she discovers the stories of three women from Black British History. The showat 2pm will be signed and is suitable for kids aged seven-11. It is free but you need to pre-book by calling 0161 234 1983.

Halloween Mask Making

Chorlton Park, Nell Lane, Wednesday 27 October

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Save a few quid on expensive Halloween masks and have fun making your own with help from the park rangers and some colourful craft materials. Simply drop in from 1-3pm. More details on the park are here.

Halloween fun  Credit: ShutterstockHalloween fun  Credit: Shutterstock
Halloween fun Credit: Shutterstock

Children’s Football Writing Festival

National Football Museum, Manchester, Thursday 28 October

A day-long celebration of writing about football, to encourage kids to put pen to paper and discuss their love of the game.

Running from 11am to 3pm, you can take part in skills workshops with former pro footballer Seth Burkett or take part in a writing session with Ultimate Football Heroes author Matt Oldfield - and of course have a go at a penalty shoot-out in the Play Gallery.

The National Football Museum. Credit: Getty.The National Football Museum. Credit: Getty.
The National Football Museum. Credit: Getty.

Admission is included in your general entry ticket, which is free for people who live in the city of Manchester (proof of address required) or for those who have visited in the last year and retained their ticket (otherwise it’s £5.50 per child and £10.50 an adult).

More details are here.

Get Curious

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Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 October

The museum’s themed curiosity series for the over-sevens is all about the body this half term.

On Tuesday 27th, kids can get involved with fun activities and games from STEM ambassadors, learning about how the body works and what jobs they can do in the world of science. Then the following day, discover what’s in blood, how it is pumped around our body and more, with staff and students from Manchester Metropolitan University.

It is free but you need to reserve your tickets here.

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