February

It is half term time. Whether you’ll choose open air fun at Scarecrow Festival in Tatton Park or indoor activities for children and their families at The Lowry, we are certain that your kids will enjoy it.

2, 16 February 2024, 10am for 0–1, 11am for 1–2
Babies Playtime
These classes are led by a professional early years practitioner and are an opportunity to have fun, sing, dance and make new friends. Classes last 45 minutes and are free for all. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 0 to 1 and 1 to 2.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

3, 17, 27 February, 11am – 11.45am, 12noon – 12.45pm
Crafty Families
An exciting and engaging art class for families and under 11’s. With a different theme each week you’ll leave the session having created their own pieces of art. All attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-11.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

6, 8, 13, 15 February, 10am – 2pm
Let loose: Toddler play at Lyme Park
Come to the chapel for pre-school play, stories, and activities. Meet other grown ups, or plan a playdate. You could continue your visit with a buggy-friendly walk around the garden or a coffee in the Servants’ hall café next door.
Free for members. For non-members admission fees apply.
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/ef044bb9-83c5-41d3-b7a5-9ee7ae78c9e6

9, 10 February 2024, 5pm – 9pm (last entry 8pm)
After-hours with the Mermaids
Come and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester!
Tickets: £25 adult, £21.50 child, £5 passholders
Pre-booking is essential
SEA LIFE Manchester,
Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester M17 8AS
Tel: 0161 749 2875
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/explore/events/after-hours-with-the-mermaids

9 February 2024 10.30am – 2.30pm
PLAY days at Whitworth
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. Whitworth’s School of Creativity space will be packed full of huge tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, large reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/playdays/

10 – 25 February, 9am – 4pm
February Half Term Activities at Lyme Park
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained at Lyme this half term, including indoor family trails, outdoor nature-inspired activities, and toddler play.
Free for members. For non-members admission fees apply.
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
Tel: 01663 762023
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/lyme/events/c820dabc-355c-4a06-a4bc-2461692e9d95

10 – 11, 13 – 18, 20 – 25 February
Scarecrow Festival
Visit the Gardens and Farm during February half term and spot the pop stars, dressed up in the latest styles! How many will you find?
Also meet Aunty Mary and the miller and hear them tell their tales at weekends down at the Farm.
Normal Garden and Farm opening times and entry fees apply.
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

14, 18 February, 10am – 10.45am, 11am – 11.45am
Little Creatives
A weekly creative session for toddlers and their adults! Includes music making, storytelling, dance and creative play. Sessions are 45 mins, are free for all and all attendees must book a ticket (including accompanying adult).
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Free, booking required
The Lowry, Salford Quays. Manchester
Tel: 0333 320 2838
www.thelowry.com

17 February, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Stoller Story Sounds – The Chocolate Wolf
Musical story journeys for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups.
A rainstorm is forecast… Come and shelter in Ferocious Wolf’s Chocolate Shop and listen to our cosy, chocolatey story – accompanied by original drawings and beautiful song.
Be sure to bring your raincoats and umbrellas!
These musical journeys transport you a beautiful world of new and exciting sight.
Suitable for ages 3-5.
£5 per child, free for 1 accompanying adult, booking required
The Stoller Hall,
Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1DA
Tel: 0333 130 0967
www.chethamsschoolofmusic.com

17 – 18 February 2024
Pancake Weekend at the Farm
Come down to the Farm for some flipping fun and celebrate the humble pancake!
Discover more about where your pancake ingredients come from. Meet the chickens that will have laid your eggs, move into the Mill to learn about the flour you need, and then collect fresh milk straight from the shippon. You will be able to see how we make pancakes and you will be able to decorate your own pancake. The session will finish with a pancake flipping competition.
Standard farm entry applies
Tatton Park
Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
Tel: 01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk

17 – 25 February, 10.30am – 5pm
Mill trail – February half term fun at Quarry Bank
This half term young visitors can enjoy the CSI Quarry Bank trail and the mystery of the Mill. This is indoor activity, perfect for rainy days.
Free for members. For non-members admission fees apply.
Quarry Bank
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LA
Tel: 01625 527468
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank/events/fc1a962b-b7ff-4d46-9ee4-21d054cb6518

17 – 25 February, 10.30am – 5pm
Wellies and Wellbeing – February half term fun at Quarry Bank
Brave the weather and get out and about this half term. Bring your little ones to enjoy our nature themed scavenger hunt.
Explorer packs will be available at Visitor Reception. £2 each. Each pack will include a trail sheet, stickers, nature crown kit and a wellie peg for you little ones to decorate.
National Trust admission charges apply.
Quarry Bank
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LA
Tel: 01625 527468
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank/events/60d429ec-a978-4277-8abd-580add389ae6

17, 18, 24, 25 – 21 January 2024, 11am – 11.20am, 1pm – 1.20pm, 2pm – 2.20pm
Half Term Storytelling at Dunham Massey
An interactive storytelling journeys into nature based tales bring an extra special moment of connection and magic to a day out at Dunham Massey. Presented in collaboration with storytelling masters Histrionics, and located under the cover of historic walls, this is a great experience for all ages.
Free, but normal admission charges apply
Dunham Massey
Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ
Tel: 0161 941 1025
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/dunham-massey/events/0c7244dd-8755-44e9-8b71-da629f335562

21 February 2024 1pm – 4pm
Looking for languages: Half-term family trail (part of International Mother Language Day)
The Linguistic Diversity Collective invites you to some half-term fun to celebrate International Mother Language Day at the newly re-opened Manchester Museum. Grab your activity sheet and follow the language-themed trail around the museum’s enchanting collections, thinking about your own language(s) along the way.
This free, family-friendly activity is proudly presented in partnership with Creative Manchester and Manchester Museum.
Reserving the place is strongly recommended
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
Tel: 0161 275 2648
www.events.manchester.ac.uk

22 February 2024
The Wizarding Adventure
It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic.
During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
For students age 5 – 12 recommended, but anyone is welcome to enrol.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine steam (and spell) powered train
– An approximately two-hour wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters.
– Wizard themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
– Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

23 February, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £4.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

23 February 2024
The Dino Adventure
Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin?
Now’s your chance. Come on an adventure of Jurassic proportions to The East Lancashire Railway and get the opportunity to get up close and personal with their baby dinosaurs.
You’ll get to learn all about these adorable dinosaurs from our expert handlers in this fully interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for all the family. Come along an earn your diploma in dino know how and begin your training as a palaeontologist of the future.
What’s included:
– One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a dino-proofed steam train.
– An approximately two hour dinosaur experience with expert rex wranglers and triceratops tamers.
– Dinosaur themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.
Age recommended: 5 – 12 and anyone is welcome to join the fun.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

24 February 2024
Bluey and Bingo Family Fun Day
The excitable sisters from Down Under are coming to visit the Bury Transport Museum!
See Bluey and Bingo at intervals throughout the day at Bury Transport Museum. There will also be a fun fair, face painters, petting zoo and craft activities for you and the family to enjoy, all included in the ticket price.
Complete your day out with a ride with one of our heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell valley. Ticket Price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit – just pick the time that suits you!
General admission tickets must be purchased online, so don’t miss out.
What’s included:
– Meet & Greet with Bluey & Bingo – make sure you have your camera ready!
– Bury Transport Museum entry
– Crafting with Kate’s Crafts
– Petting Farm
– Fun fair rides suitable for toddlers
– Face painting
– Train ride
Age recommended: 5 – 12 and anyone is welcome to join the fun.
The East Lancashire Railway
Bury Bolton Street Station,
Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY
Tel: 0161 764 7790
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/bluey-and-bingo-family-fun-day/

25 February 2024, 12noon
Hallé Family Concert: The Musical Story of Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous stories ever written and the
Hallé, with the help of presenter Tom Redmond, will take you through Prokofiev’s exciting
Romeo and Juliet Suite.
Ticket Information:
£22.50 full price
£12.50 children (aged 16 and under)
£49 family (any 4 people, including at least one child)
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley St,
Manchester M2 3WS
www.halle.co.uk

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(for Manchester & Cheshire area, please)