Things to do at half term

The Lost Words at Lyme Park, 23 March–1 September 2019, Lyme admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £2.50 for trail - Visit now

Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris’ spell book is brought to life in a special new artist trail which brings to life the language of the natural world.

A-Z of Salford's Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, 16 March 2019–23 February 2020, free entry - Visit now

Discover how Victorian gentlemen protected their moustaches from tea, which monarch’s pair of stockings reside in Salford, get up close to incredible art and more.

The Cooper Gallery’s Space Odyssey 2019 at The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley, Barnsley, 26 January–27 April 2019, free entry - Visit now

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, The Cooper Gallery in Barnsley presents an exhibition celebrating some of the most beautiful and spectacular visions of the cosmos taken by astrophotographers around the world.

Rocket Returns at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 25 September 2018–28 April 2019, free entry - Visit now

Make tracks for Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum. A one-in-a-lifetime chance to see Stephenson’s Rocket return to the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway for the first time in over 180 years.

A World Inside a Book: Gruffalo, Dragons and Other Creatures at Z-arts, Manchester, 12 February–26 October 2019, from £6 - Book now

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 drawing and sculpture building events this half-term.

Percy the Park Keeper - One Springy Day at Dunham Massey, 23 March–9 June 2019, Dunham Massey admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £2.50 for Easter Egg Hunt - Visit now

Join Percy the Park Keeper and his woodland friends on a new interactive activity trail. Based on the new book ‘One Springy Day’ by Nick Butterworth.

Steampunk Science at Eureka!, 6–28 April 2019, from £5.25 - Visit now

Steampunk shenangigans ahoy at the UK’s only national children’s museum. Brace yourselves for a cacophony of light, sound and creation.

Spring Holiday: Fashion Fun at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 6–22 April 2019, free entry - Visit now

Strut down to the Science and Industry museum for scientific style inspiration. You won’t look at your wardrobe in the same way again.

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER - Visit now

Wild Whitworth events this Easter hols include a daily Welly Walk Trail at Whitworth Park, Wild Baby sensory play sessions and outdoor den building.

Greater Manchester Police Museum, 57a Newton Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1ET - Visit now

Be on your best behaviour for special open days on Tuesdays 9 and 16 April and Thursdays 11 April. Explore this gem of a museum and meet guests from the forces.

Zara at The Piece Hall, 19–20 April 2019, from £8 - Book now

A mother against the world and a giant outdoor theatre event for the whole family from Walk The Plank and Mind The Gap.

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4SD - Visit now

Head to this magical Tudor House for Easter Egg hunting among its higgledy piggledy interiors and gardens.

People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now

Head to Manchester’s Left Bank for Playful Protest, Photography and Protest Song creative sessions as part of the museum’s programme marking 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre; a major event in Manchester’s history, and a defining moment for Britain’s democracy.

Wonderlab, 17 May 2017–3 May 2019 - Book now

Explore a maze of mirrors and take part in Star Wars inspired sound battles in over 20 state-of-the-art experiences.

Dear Zoo at Waterside Arts, Manchester, 19–20 April 2019, from £12 - Book now

After a successful debut tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage.

You Choose at The Met, Bury, Manchester, 19 April 2019, from £11 - Find Out More

Head to the Met for the stage version of this classic book. What happens? You decide.