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The school year is flying by, and as we move into the summer months, we’re already looking forward to the May half-term holiday. We’ve compiled some of the best activities taking place in Manchester and the North, both indoors and outdoors, so you can be sheltered in the rain and bask in the sun on those rare sunny days!
From steam train journeys with wizards and dinosaurs, to flying with dragons and running freely around the RHS Bridgewater Garden, here’s a selection of things to do and see in Manchester and the surrounding areas, including stately homes, museums, parks and children’s theatre shows.
For more family activity ideas for half term in Manchester, check out our guide to family things to do in Manchester and the North and also our guide to free family things to do in Manchester too.
Here are our picks
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1. May Half Term at RHS Garden Bridgewater
RHS Garden Bridgewater May Half Term at RHS Garden Bridgewater at RHS Garden Bridgewater, Manchester, 28 May–5 June 2022, from £0.00 - Book now
Head to RHS Garden Bridgewater for a buzzing hive of bee-themed activities, where you can explore and discover the power of the Superbees, while also spending some time outdoors in beautiful, lush nature with your family.
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2. Zog and The Flying Doctors at The Lowry
Zog and The Flying Doctors at The Lowry, Salford, 28 May 2022, from £17.00 - Book now
Get ready for a roar-some adventure with a fiery but very friendly beast – Zog! Zog and The Flying Doctors will be taking place at The Lowry on 28 and 29 May.
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3. The Dino Adventure at East Lancashire Railway
Courtesy of East Lancashire Railway The Dino Adventure at The East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire, 2 June 2022, from £13.50 - Book now
Next up on 2 June at the East Lancashire Railway, travel back in time to a world pre-humans, in a roaringly exciting Jurassic adventure, The Dino Adventure.
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4. Manchester Day 2022
Image courtesy of Manchester Day. Manchester Day, 19 June 2022, free entry - Find Out More
Manchester Day is back! Join fellow Mancunians for a free, fun-filled event, celebrating the culture, diversity and creativity of Manchester, featuring an outstanding parade and stunning displays taking place throughout the city centre.
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5. Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Lowry
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Lowry, Salford, 29 May 2022, from £7.00 - Book now
Experience Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Lowry, a mischievously wicked family show inspired by the extraordinary works of much-loved and prolific author, Roald Dahl.
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6. 2022 Banner Exhibition at People’s History Museum
People's History Museum 2022 Banner Exhibition at People’s History Museum (PHM), City Centre, Until 8 January 2023, free entry - Visit now
An important conversation starter and a brilliant day out – head to PHM to take a bold journey through the history of rights and equality.
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7. Fairy Tales at Z-Arts
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8. The Wizarding Adventure at East Lancashire Railway
Image Courtesy of East Lancashire Railway The Wizarding Adventure at The East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire, Until 1 June 2022, from £13.00 - Book now
Summoning all witches and wizards in the North: Polish your wands, swot up on those spellbooks and get ready for your first day at the Grand Old School of Wizardry.
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9. Families at the National Football Museum
National Football Museum Families at the National Football Museum at National Football Museum, Cathedral Quarter, Until 1 December 2022 - Book now
Here’s one for a rainy day… Visit the National Football Museum to explore the history of football, practice your football skills and learn everything there is to know about the world of football.
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10. Stately Homes in the North
Explore some of the North’s most stunning buildings and learn about the families that once lived there. Stroll through the picturesque grounds, take in the fresh air and let the kids run free. Take a look at the guide for our picks of Stately Home in the North.
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11. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Eureka Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE - Visit now
Step into a digital forest world full of hands-on fun and make shapes with interactive tech that responds to your every move. Whether it’s your first or seventeenth time at Eureka – there’s always something new to experience.
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12. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4LG - Visit now
Looking for a glorious day out with the family? Head to the beautiful Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield this half term, where you’ll find modern and contemporary sculptures situated in 500 acres of the 18th century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire.
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13. RHS Garden Bridgewater
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14. Goodtime Games
Goodtime Games Goodtime Games, 212 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LW - Visit now
A haven for those of us who love food and getting competitive over a board game, Goodtime Games is the latest arrival to Burton Road. Serving up delicious vegan and vegetarian food alongside a plethora of table top fun.
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15. Leeds Art Gallery
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16. World Museum Liverpool
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17. Breakfast in Manchester
Image courtesy of Alabama's All American Eatery. Half-term is an egg-cellent time to start the day slowly and treat yourselves. Enjoy a breakfast out with your family at at some of our top-picked breakie and brunch places in Manchester.
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18. National Science and Media Museum
National Science and Media Museum -
19. Dunham Massey
National Trust -
20. Formby Beach
By Berit from Redhill/Surrey, UK (Formby beach) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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