Fun things to do with kids in Manchester

Build a bridge strong enough to survive an earthquake, make music using your body or try out some glow-in-the-dark art at Experiment, one of the Science and Industry Museum’s free interactive galleries. Also here are live demos of looms in the Textiles gallery, construction packs for budding mechanics and a raft of other free activities, including story time for early years and special programmes during the half term holidays.

From pram-friendly paths and roaming deer in the medieval park to a Book Nook in the Orangery, this National Trust property is a magical visit for people of all ages, little ones included. Reconnect with nature by spotting birds, keeping an eye out for unusual bugs or building a temporary den. Do check ahead for special events, including a Winter Family Trail with Speechly the Pineapple with seasonal surprises along the way.

Manchester Museum’s recent redevelopment has made it an even better day out for families - and seen it become European Museum of the Year 2025. There’s a new picnic area and revamped café, as well as a fabulous ground-floor shop. Look out for blockbuster exhibitions in the new temporary exhibition space, and fascinating artefacts in the Living Worlds gallery. The Vivarium includes several critically endangered species, while Stan the T-Rex can still be found in the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery. Pick up a free Dino Activity pack, and keep an eye out for drop-in activities during half term.

All entirely free, family activities at the Whitworth extend out from the beautiful galleries and into the surrounds of Whitworth Park. Inside, there’s sensory play sessions for babies, PLAY Days for under 5s and Quiet Mornings for families with additional needs. During half term, kids can get stuck into a range of hands-on activities inspired by Yuki Kihara's playful exhibition Darwin in Paradise Camp - creating under-the-sea collages, taking part in lively drumming sessions and dressing up to celebrate ocean life and island culture.

A must-visit for fans of the beautiful game, the National Football Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of football objects and archives – with historic artefacts and interactive displays across three levels. See the original rules of the game, lift a replica trophy or have a go at Match of the Day commentary. Re-fuel ‘post-match’ in the museum’s café and drop by the shop for unique, football-related gifts. This half term, you can also explore Black in the Game, a special exhibition celebrating Black excellence in English football (until 15 March).

Lyme Park's epic expanses have been made even more accessible to explore with buggy-friendly walks around the deer sanctuary, garden and woods. The Crow Wood play area is close to the café, shop and toilets – and, if the weather’s not on your side, you can head for the house. Visit the dressing up room, explore using a free Truelove trail that imagines what it was like to be a servant in the Edwardian golden age or, if you're ready to brave the great outdoors, pick up a wildlife wander trail to learn about the changing seasons.

The Lion’s Den is at the heart of the gallery’s family offer, named after the huge lion painting hanging on the wall. Designed with and for children, there are black and white artworks to stimulate babies’ sight, giant colourful cushions for den building and a hexagonal table tennis table. It’s also the spot for free workshops and holiday programming, Open Doors sessions for autistic children, and artist-led activities. Check ahead for the gallery's family-friendly activities over the February half term - including artist-led creative sessions and horse-themed drawing trail.

There are hands-on activities and interactive exhibits throughout the People’s History Museum, including a suffragette kitchen, Co-op shop and vintage jukebox. Bringing the history of democracy to life, there’s plenty to inspire history lovers and young radicals – as well as an ethical café, and shop perfect for spending pocket money.