Manchester Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Manchester
This itinerary focuses on balancing free and ticketed activities, ensuring a fun and engaging weekend for families with children aged 3-12. Many events are part of Manchester's February half-term celebrations.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Story Den Fun
Jump off the page and into a real-life adventure at The Story Den, part of the free Super Duper Family Festival.
Engage in creative craft sessions, Lego building, and story-based activities designed to spark imagination.
Suitable for all ages, with specific activities like Lego workshops for all ages. Younger children (under 5s) can enjoy 'Little Reads' sessions. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. The library has baby changing facilities and a café.
Centrally located, easily accessible by Metrolink tram (St Peter's Square stop) or bus. Limited city centre parking; public transport recommended.
Family Dinner Treat
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Printworks, a vibrant entertainment complex.
Choose from a variety of family-friendly restaurants like Frankie & Benny's, Nando's, or Wagamama, offering diverse menus to suit all tastes.
Restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and a casual atmosphere. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located near Exchange Square tram stop and Manchester Victoria train station. Several paid car parks are available nearby.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Horrible Science Chaos
Blast off into the solar system with the new 'Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos' exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.
This interactive adventure brings the hit TV show to life, inviting visitors to explore far-off worlds and uncover secrets of space. The museum also offers free interactive galleries.
Exhibition suitable for all ages, especially 5+. The museum's 'Experiment' and 'Revolution Manchester' galleries are free and interactive. Café and baby changing facilities on site. Duration: 2-3 hours.
A short walk from Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop or Castlefield train station. Paid parking is available nearby.
Lunar Lion Dance
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Heaton Park with thrilling Lion Dance performances by L2 Lion Dance.
Also, take part in the free 'Zodiac Quest' trail around the Animal Centre.
Lion Dance performances are 10-15 minutes long, with multiple showings. Suitable for all ages, though very young children might find the costumes a little imposing. The Zodiac Quest trail is ideal for all ages. Enjoy the park's playgrounds and free Animal Centre. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Heaton Park has its own Metrolink tram stop. On-site paid parking is available from 10 am to 5 pm.
Printworks Arcade Fun
Step into a retro gaming world at 'The Arcade' in Printworks, part of the Super Duper Family Festival.
This free Play Zone offers high-energy digital games and transforms the Pumpyard into a vibrant digital playground.
Interactive crowd gaming using smartphones (no app required). Suitable for all ages. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located near Exchange Square tram stop and Manchester Victoria train station. Several paid car parks are available nearby.
Jurassic Seas Expedition
Dive into an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Manchester.
Explore the 'Jurassic Seas' trail and come face-to-fin with over 2,000 marine creatures across 11 themed zones, including majestic sharks and gentle sea turtles. Enjoy the ocean tunnel and interactive rock pools.
Suitable for all ages, with free admission for children under 2. The 'Jurassic Seas' event runs until March 1, 2026. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Located at the Trafford Centre, accessible by numerous bus routes from Manchester city centre. Ample free parking is available at the Trafford Centre.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Football History & Play
Explore the National Football Museum, featuring four galleries of iconic trophies, memorabilia, and interactive Football+ games.
Discover the rich history of English football.
Great for football fans and children over 5 years old. Manchester City residents receive free admission with proof of address. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Penalty Shootout is an extra £3 per play. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Located in the city centre, close to Manchester Victoria station and Shudehill Interchange. Paid parking is available nearby.
Park Animals & Play
Enjoy a visit to Heaton Park's free Animal Centre, home to various farm animals including pigs, goats, and alpacas.
Afterward, let the kids burn off energy at the multiple adventure playgrounds.
Suitable for all ages. The Animal Centre is free to enter and open all year. The park has two children's playgrounds. Consider bringing a picnic or visiting the café. Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Heaton Park has its own Metrolink tram stop. On-site paid parking is available from 10 am to 5 pm.
Library Storytime
Wind down the weekend with a relaxing storytime session in Manchester Central Library's jungle-themed Children's Library.
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes in a welcoming environment for young readers.
Storytimes are typically 30 minutes and suitable for under-fives. It's a relaxed, drop-in session. The Children's Library provides a cosy space for exploring books. Check the library's website closer to the date for specific Sunday storytime schedules. Baby changing facilities and a café available.
Centrally located, easily accessible by Metrolink tram (St Peter's Square stop) or bus. Limited city centre parking; public transport recommended.
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