Things to do at October half-term

Creative Tourist

The school year feels as though it’s only just begun and already we’re planning heady adventures for the October half-term.

No fear, we’ve got you covered with haunting happenings, the most exciting children’s theatre around and tip-top outdoor adventures. Families of the North rejoice… winter may be coming but this half-term is going to be mega. Read on for our take on the best things to do.

And if the below isn’t enough, there’s more in our regularly updated Families guide plus our round-up of free family things to do in Manchester. Do keep checking back here too – we’ll be adding more good stuff as we find it.

Our top picks

Julia & Axel: Thirty Years of Favourite Stories at The Lowry

Julia & Axel: Thirty years of Favourite Stories at The Lowry, Manchester, Until 1 January 2024, free entry - Visit now

Families are invited to step inside a world of imagination, rhyme, rhythm and delight at the Julia & Axel: Thirty years of Favourite Stories exhibition at The Lowry.

Julia & Axel: Thirty years of Favourite Stories
Image courtesy of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2023.

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now

A place of wonder packed full of incredible stories and family-friendly activities, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Manchester Museum.

Manchester Museum Tours at Manchester Museum

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside, Victoria Pl, Seacombe, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH44 6QY - Visit now

Become a bathroom DJ, climb inside a cat and get up close with the journey from chew to poo at the North’s newest children’s museum, sister of the much-loved Eureka! The National Children’s Museum.

Image courtesy of Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside.

People’s History Museum (PHM)

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

There is always something stimulating and creative for big and little kids alike at this national museum of democracy. It’s never too early to learn about past struggles and that ‘there have always been ideas worth fighting for’.

People's History Museum Manchester
Image © People’s History Museum

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1LH - Visit now

You’re never too old to have fun at Chester Zoo and with over 35,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore, it’s still one of the biggest and best zoos in the world.

Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo

National Videogame Museum

National Videogame Museum, Castle House, Angel Street, Sheffield, S3 8LN - Visit now

Play an array of video games, learn about their history and have a go at developing your own. Because gaming can be educational as well as fun!

A family enjoying gaming together at the National Videogame Museum.
Image courtesy of the National Videogame Museum.
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