CitySuites Blog
From unique things to do, to exclusive events at CitySuites, find the best Manchester has to offer on our blog.
The February school half-term is almost upon us for 2023, and as a parent, you may be starting to wonder how you’re going to fill the week with activities to keep the kids entertained. If you're looking for events or experiences that aren't time-limited, check out our guide on things you can do with toddlers in Manchester.
This year, the half-term week for most schools in Manchester is from Monday 20th February to Friday 24th February. While it’s only one week, there are lots of events and activities to choose from so the kids can stay active during their time off.
After all, what’s a better way to bond with your family than exciting events or activities?
Things to do in Manchester this February half term
If you’re looking for some activities to immerse and engage your kids during the February half term in Manchester, there are plenty of things on – read more below.
Free Holiday Programme at the Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum has a free holiday programme for various drop-in activities and science shows. These exhibitions include Turn It Up: The power of music, where children can discover weird and wonderful instruments, or Power Up where you can play through 50 years of gaming concepts and devices.
There’s plenty to get stuck into in the Science and Industry Museum, so if you’d like to make this short break interesting, we recommend you check out the exciting shows they have on offer this half-term.
For more of their shows, view the list below:
Sound SessionsThis is a free family talk and demonstration from expert guitarists and sound technicians. The audience will hear from sound professionals as they demonstrate their expertise. Where?: Revolution Manchester (Level 0) When?: Daily at 10:30, 11:30 and 14:30 Who?: Recommended for ages 7 and older Make and Take WorkshopA free drop-in craft workshop that allows the audience to make their instruments and noise-makers. Where?: Science and Industry Museum When?: Daily at 13:00 and 16:00 Who?: Recommended for everyone Textiles DemonstrationA free drop-in activity where you can look at the history of working machinery. Get a taste of what it was like to work in a cotton mill amongst the noise, dust and elbow grease. Where?: Textiles Gallery (Level 0) When?: Daily at 11.00, 13.30 and 14.30 Who?: Recommended for everyone | The Noisy ShowAnother free family, interactive event that shows the science of sound. Where?: Revolution Manchester (Level 0) When?: Daily at 13:00 and 15:00 Who?: Recommended for everyone Acoustic CornersA free drop-in activity where you can explore acoustic environments and how they work. Create your soundscape by altering your environment’s sound. Where?: Science and Industry Museum When?: Daily - drop by anytime. Who?: Recommended for everyone Experiment A free, interactive gallery designed for the entire family. Where?: Level 1, New Warehouse When?: Daily - drop by anytime Who?: Recommended for everyone |
Directions to the Science & Industry Museum can be found via Google Maps.
Plan your visit via their website here.
Create your Crown in the National Football Museum.
Take your kids to make their football crown this February half-term. Inspired by Michael Browne’s “The Art of the Game” painting from the “From Moss Side to Marseille” exhibition, all young visitors can take part in replicating the crown found in the infamous painting.
Replicate the style and the stance using cardboard, and mould your very own crown in the Pitch Gallery, located at the National Football Museum. All young visitors can cut out, colour and design their chosen bands with precious jewels and stones.
Once you’ve finished your crown, you’ll be free to head to the Score Gallery and compare your creation to king Eric Cantona himself, the initial person that wore an ornate headwear in the iconic football painting!
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Virtual Hideout Manchester
Enter a different world this February half-term at Virtual Hideout Manchester. The exciting virtual reality and gaming hub is in central Manchester, in the Northern Quarter, and offers a range of games that can be experienced alone or as part of a group. All ages 6 and above can play, although some games have a minimum age recommendation.
Game packages include First Timers, Horror, Shooters, Escape Rooms & Puzzles, Family, Kids, and Sci-Fi. VH Manchester notes that their Family option is perfect for everyone, from kids to grandparents, whether it’s walking the plank or saving the earth – things may get competitive!
Additional information about this event can be found below:
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Book your experience now for this upcoming half-term in February.
Flip Out Manchester
If you find the kids have boundless energy this February half term, take a trip to Flip Out Manchester and let them run riot for an hour or two. The huge soft play/activity centre is located near the Etihad Campus close to Manchester city centre and contains 100 trampolines, a Total Wipeout zone, a Ninja Warrior course, a DodgeAttack arena, and so much more.
There are various packages to choose from, including a one-hour jump session for £11, the two-hour experience of everything for £15, and a family saver for £55 peak / £45 off-peak. There is also a special session on Tuesdays and Sundays for ASD and Disabilities where the music is turned down and the disco lights are off to create a more relaxing play environment.
Additional information:
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Check out Flip Out Manchester's session prices for more information.
Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Get immersed in Victorian history at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this February half term. Known for her novels including ‘Cranford’, ‘North and South’ and ‘Wives and Daughters’, Gaskell settled in Manchester for much of her life. The half-term activity taking place at her house, located just south of Manchester city centre, allows guests to bring their kids along for creating fun crafts.
You can visit the house and let your children run wild with imagination, making their crafty masterpieces in the Servant’s Hall this half term!
Additional information:
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Booking essential – book and learn more about the event here.
Stoller Story Sounds - The Snowbear’s Story
Create a fantastical memory with your children at Stoller Hall this year. Stoller Story Sounds tell a magical tale combined with drawings and music. This event will showcase a musical story journey, perfect for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups.
This exhibition will also come with a string quartet performance to top it off, along with small violins and cellos in the mix. This is an interesting event to look out for this upcoming half-term in 2023.
Additional information:
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You can book your tickets for the Stoller Story Sounds - The Snowbear Story today.
Where will you be taking your family this half-term in February?
This year, Manchester is full of family-friendly activities that your kids can enjoy. You can even enjoy the city at its best in one day if you're short on time.
Whether you want to participate in a lighter event, or you want to take your family somewhere activity-heavy, then our selection might be something you’re looking for.
The best thing about Manchester is its massive selection of events throughout the year. So even if you miss any activities that are happening during February half-term in 2023, you still have other events to look forward to that you and your children can experience.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Manchester city centre during the February half term, CitySuites offers luxury serviced apartments with room for all the family. We have Family Apartments and Two Bedroom Apartments with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
If you'd like to book one of our family rooms for the February half-term school holidays, you can either book online or get in touch with our Reservations Team directly via reservations@citysuites.com
