Manchester is offering a vast selection of fun activities to keep children entertained this half term.
From pirate ship rides to some of the UK’s top museums there is plenty on offer to overcome that holiday boredom. We've rounded up some of the best below.
1. Pirate Kids Cruises
When: 19-25 February. Where: Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ. Cost: Adult £12, children £10 Manchester’s pirate ship experience has arrived at Salford Quays. The hour-long adventure allows children to live out their pirate fantasy as they search for the mermaid’s treasure. There will be plenty of games, fancy dress and sea-shanties along the way as well as a complimentary drink for parents.
2. Operation Ouch - Food, Poo and You
When: Running until June. Where: Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4JP. Cost: Adult £10, child £9 The science and industry museum has brought the hit BBC children’s TV series - Operation Ouch - to life in a world premiere exhibition. Guided by a selection of video and illustrations children can be taken on an interactive journey throughout the digestive system. Kids can play in a giant set of teeth, get flushed down a giant toilet or meet Larry the Vomiting Robot as they learn all about the role of each organ in their bodies.
3. Half Term Cup
When: 13-25 February. Where: National Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG. Cost: City of Manchester residents - free, adults £13, children £7 This year’s half term cup is underway at the National Football Museum. Ahead of this month’s FA Cup clashes and League Cup final there will be ample opportunity to get in the spirit. Children can make their own medals and trophies at workshops throughout the day and seek inspiration from some of the traditional old-school medals in the display. There will also be an opportunity to get a photo with the oldest surviving FA Cup which will be placed in the activity space. You can also check out the ‘Batteries Not Included’ exhibition about the history of football toys while you’re there.
4. Cockfields Farm Park
When: 10-25 February. Where: Cockfields Farm Park, Lees Road, Oldham/Ashton border, OL6 8AR. Cost: adult £6.95, child £13.95 Cockfields is welcoming visitors to check out its new born lambs, chicks and ducklings. A selection of talks, bottle-feeding demonstrations and ‘Learn to be a Farmer’ activities will be held throughout the day. And with 14 expectant ewes there is a chance that you may see a live birth as well as getting hands on with the ducklings and reptiles. There will also be a wide-range of farm favourites throughout the day including a tractor ride, carousel, outdoor play and bouncy pillow.