Half term
Image courtesy of IWM North.

Things to do at half term

Creative Tourist

You’ve made it through the first half term of the year (hopefully without too many school closures and homeschooling stop-starts), so make the most of this well-deserved school holiday. As ever, there’s a huge range of creative, fun activities – online and to attend in person – so enjoy some quality time together as a family this half term in Manchester.

Whether you’re looking for music, theatre, exhibitions, crafts, science, art or outdoor adventure, we’ve got you covered. There’s a world of fun activities awaiting you across Manchester and the North.

For more half term Manchester ideas also check out our guide to free family things to do in Manchester and the North.

Here are our picks

  • 1. Z-arts

    Z-arts / Lesley Chalmers

    Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA - Visit now

    With Halloween themed craft sessions, spooky storytelling and Bonfire Night music-making, Z-arts’ online programme has got every event covered this half-term.

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  • 2. Lyme Park

    Julie Anne Workman via Wikimedia Commons

    Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR - Visit now

    Things may be a little different this half term, but with autumn upon us and loads of outdoor space to run wild in, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained at Lyme.

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  • 3. Ordsall Hall

    Ordsall Hall

    Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 3AN - Visit now

    With a pumpkin painting workshop and a spooky scarecrow trail, there’s nowhere creepier than Ordsall Hall at Halloween…

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  • 4. Leeds Art Gallery

    Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS1 3AA - Visit now

    Founded in 1888, Leeds Art Gallery houses a world-class collection of 19th and 20th century British painting and sculpture, presented alongside a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions. Best of all however, don’t miss its incredible Victorian Tiled Hall café, perfectly formed lending library, and the stunning glass ceiling that was ‘re-discovered’ and restored to its former glory in 2017.

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  • 5. World Museum Liverpool

    Exterior of World Museum Liverpool, home to Dino Ranger Day

    World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN - Visit now

    Family-focused and hands-on, it’s all here at The World Museum with treasures from around the world, the bottom of the ocean and even outer space.

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  • 6. National Science and Media Museum

    National Science and Media Museum, Leeds
    National Science and Media Museum

    National Science and Media Museum, Princes Way, Bradford, BD1 1NQ - Visit now

    Explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies and their impact on our lives at The National Media Museum in Bradford – the first UNESCO City of Film.

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  • 7. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

    Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4LG - Visit now

    Explore Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s award-winning 500 acres in all weather with additional family events this half-term.

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