A true gem in Manchester’s cultural crown, the Science and Industry Museum is celebrating its 41st birthday with a myriad of things to see, do and discover on your half term visit.

Get ready for the perfect family theatre experience over the October half term. This interactive, award-winning production showcases just how ‘awful’ children can be. Suitable for little monsters aged 7+.

Dig deep into creativity and history at the National Coal Mining Museum, with all sorts of hands-on activities and storytelling fun to unearth creativity, explore the mining world and discover new facts!

The North-West’s favourite Halloween event returns in 2024 with lots of new spooky twists.

Join Witch, her cat, her hat and her very long plait and jump aboard the broom in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s well-loved book.

Get ready for a some seriously spooky fun for families at the Mini Monster Mash at Victoria Baths this half term, featuring Halloween arts and crafts and a silent disco.

Yes, okay, we know a cultural day out with the family really shouldn’t involve staring at screens. However, the ever-popular Power Up at the Science and Industry Museum offers avid gamers the opportunity to play their way through five decades of the best video games, and always demands an exception.

Halloween in the City is back to haunt Manchester over the Halloween weekend, with monsters, DJs and more!

Enjoy a spooktacular afternoon of fun and games at Z-arts much-awaited Halloween party.

Enjoy a fun and creative day out with the family this half term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, with dressing up, spooky themed arts and crafts, and more

Both kids and grown-ups will get a lot out of this educational exhibition in Liverpool, which takes a closer look at the lives of bees and their vital role in human existence.

Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival (known affectionately by many as simply “the lights”) needs little introduction: over a million bulbs transform the Blackpool skyline for 66 nights each year.

Get ready for a sensational re-adaptation of the well-known and much loved rhyme about the old lady who mysteriously swallows a fly – among other creatures!

Visit a gallery like no other – this celebration of illuminated art takes place at night along Liverpool’s famous waterfront. There are numerous installations spread across the 2km long walking trail, from giant imposing sculptures to photography exhibits, illuminated hanging artworks and light projections.

Explore incredible objects from the world-renowned theoretical physicist’s office in this special display.

The perfect spot for a nice meal out after half-term shenanigans with the family! A delicious, wide-ranging menu will keep everyone happy.

Whether you’ve half an hour or a full day, you’ll always find something new to discover at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.

Enjoy spooktacular, family-friendly activities to keep families entertained for free.

Taking place just before half-term, non-profit organisation Eat Well MCR launches The Eat Well, Do Good Festival, a series of events and fundraising activities to celebrate Manchester’s hospitality community. Delicious food and fascinating talks guaranteed.

Brighter days mean more outdoor adventures. Set over 500 acres, you’ll find art trails, scavenger hunts and all manner of family fun happening at this stunning open-air gallery over the hols.

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

For something a bit different, head to the Armenian Taverna and Restaurant. In a gorgeous setting, wonderful staff, and with a menu full of authentic, diverse dishes, it’s worth a visit!

Discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are a part of everyday life at the North’s newest children’s museum, sister of the much-loved Eureka!

The perfect place to experience the first hints of warmer days. Whatever the weather, Dunham Massey in Altrincham takes our number one spot for a fun outdoorsy day out.

Squelch, smash and splatter this October Half term with Hyde Park Picture House’s Halloween Foley Workshop.

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’.

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.

Expect to be moved as you encounter an incredible body of work by Turner Prize-nominated artist Barbara Walker, with large portraits for the whole family to enjoy.

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.

The North of England is home to the longest high wire bridge in Europe, over 1,000ft above the Honister Pass in Keswick, and one of the UK’s largest outdoor inflatable water assault courses near Sheffield. This part of the world, then, has no shortage of incredible adventure activities.