Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Our top picks this February bring you the best family things to do across Manchester and the north. We know this is the toughest stretch of winter so take it easy and treat you and your family to some quality family time together exploring the places and things you love. Our top picks include science, art, music, theatre, crafts and even insects!
The fabulous Young Explorers programme returns to the Royal Northern College of Music. Designed to engage young children in classical music, this latest event invites you to take a trip through the musical art gallery that is Pictures at an Exhibition.
Over at Z-arts they open their smash-hit show of the year this month, The Tiger that Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat. Children can get up close to some of Judith Kerr’s famous characters. We’ve also selected The Little Prince at Z-arts, which is a magical, timeless story, on stage this February half term.
For the young scientists in your life the Science and Industry Museum and Jodrell Bank have got a packed programme of fun activities ready to entertain and inspire throughout half term.
Heads up for March; Zog is coming to Oldham Coliseum! Join Zog at Madam Dragon’s school to learn all the things that dragons need to know…
Lots to look forward to and we’ll make sure you hear about it all. Read on for more details.
Check out our free things to do in Manchester guides for more ideas.
Here are our picks
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1. Z-access Family Fun Day at Z-arts
Gemma Rooke -
2. Digging Deep at The National Coal Mining Museum
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3. A Healthy Profit at Quarry Bank
Paul Harris A Healthy Profit Exhibition at Quarry Bank, Cheshire, Until 19 April 2020, free entry - Visit now
A Healthy Profit at Quarry Bank offers an important look at one chapter in the continuing story of capitalism’s impact on the human body.
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4. The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Adventures of Mog the Forgetful Cat at Z-arts
The Tiger that Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat at Z-arts, Manchester, Until 31 December 2020, from £8.00 - Book now
In this immersive exhibition children can let their imaginations go wild as they take centre stage alongside some of their favourite characters from beloved children’s author, Judith Kerr.
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5. Zog at Oldham Coliseum
Zog at Oldham Coliseum, Manchester, 27–29 March 2020, from £12.50 - Book now
Join Zog in his mission to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Roaring fun for all ages.
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6. Wow! Said the Owl at the Cooper Gallery
Wow! Said the Owl at the Cooper Gallery, 21 March–20 June 2020, free entry - Find Out More
Explore this vibrant new, multi-sensory exhibition for the under 5s, based on the much-loved children’s book by Tim Hopgood.
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7. Story Seekers at Imperial War Museum North
Imperial War Museums Story Seekers at Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Manchester, 4–19 April 2020, free entry - Find Out More
Ever fancied taking an adventure in to a museum’s collection and getting closer to the objects they look after? This is your family’s chance to get hands on with real artefacts.
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8. Planetarium Shows at World Museum Liverpool
Planetarium Shows at World Museum Liverpool, City Centre, Until 31 March 2020, from £2 - Book now
Take your family on a trip through space and time in this fully immersive cinema experience.
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9. Back To The Future The Musical at Manchester Opera House
Image courtesy of ATG Back To The Future The Musical at Manchester Opera House, City Centre, Until 17 May 2020, from £19.95 - Book now
Turn your flux capacitor on and set your destination to the Manchester Opera House. Your future depends on it.
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10. Dino Ranger Day at World Museum Liverpool
Image courtesy of World Museum Liverpool Dino Ranger Day at World Museum Liverpool, City Centre, 25 April 2020, free entry - Find Out More
Live out your long lost palaeontologist dream by being a Dino Ranger for the day! Surely the best thing about having kids is getting to attend events like this?!
More in Families
In A League Of Their Own at Castleford Museum
Rugby League is born and bred in West Yorkshire. From its beginnings in Huddersfield in 1895 to the Super League superstars of today, celebrate over 120 years of blood, sweat and tears.
Maddi Nicholson: a place lived at Hardman Square in Spinningfields
‘a place lived’ by Maddi Nicholson is a new public artwork that delves into the near-forgotten history of Manchester’s thriving financial district.
Toddler Tuesdays at Castleford Museum
These lively mornings of crafts and singing are fun, creative sessions for toddlers.
Little Lambs Toddler Sessions at The Piece Hall, Halifax
Visit The Piece Hall in Halifax for a series of People Play inspired early years mornings complete with songs, stories and a craft activity.
Alice Irwin: People Play Trail at The Piece Hall in Halifax
Drop into The Piece Hall Welcome Centre and collect a sculpture trail map that will take you on a sketching and symbol spotting journey.
BOX at Waterside Arts
Featuring impressive acrobatics and a mysterious box of tricks, BOX offers a humorous and uplifting tale about sibling connection and compassion.
Alice Irwin: People Play Party at The Piece Hall in Halifax
Head to The Piece Hall in Halifax to celebrate the launch of People Play – a new sculpture commission and exhibition by artist Alice Irwin.
British Science Week at Various Venues
Join the ten day celebration of all things innovative and check out the scientific happenings in Manchester and the North.
Mindful Makers at The Hepworth Wakefield
Mindful Makers is a fun morning of children’s yoga including movement, meditation and mindful art activities inspired by artwork in the galleries.
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