So, it’s half term. Have you survived day one or you’re pulling your hair out because your little bundle of delight has driven you crazy (and it's only Monday!)

We can picture the scene... Your child is slouched on the sofa, picking Cheerios out of the cushions and their belly button, and mopping up the spilt milk with their onesie (which of course was clean on last night) because they are trying to watch Mr. Bean for the 400^th time on their tablet! 

Fear not though.  This isn’t a lockdown flashback, no triggers here, for no home-schooling needs to be undertaken.  Half term means you can make the rules up as you go when it comes to you keeping your mini-me’s entertained.  Be creative, be spontaneous, be kind to yourself too.

We have a whole host of suggestions here at Manchester Theatres, which range from entirely free to spending a bit of dosh.  So whether your kids love the outdoors, culture, adventure, or are the next star in the making, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy Bob The Builder and co at Waterside in Sale

ZERO BUDGET

Times are tough, but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out.  Here is a list of things to do that are entirely free, so be first in line and enjoy your week.

1. Be creative.  If you are unable to take your kids to the theatre – put your own show on!  This can be spread out across an entire week and won’t always need your input, allowing you to both spend time with them, but get on with whatever you need to do as well.  Brainstorm your story, decide who will play which parts (even if you only have one child, they can play all the roles – why not?!)  They can create costumes, posters, have fun choosing songs for a musical, learn to sing some, create dances to others.  Design tickets, think about how and where they will stage it within your home, who will they invite to watch it.  What about props and scenery?  This can allow for craft activities, or use technology to create digital scenery, slide shows and so on.  They can rehearse it, invite friends to join in and so on.  This can be as big or small a project as you like.  
   
   
2. Fill your Saturdays with crafts at The Lowry Suitable for under 11s, little ones and their grown-ups can get crafty with a professional artist who will lead you through some fun, creative and colourful arts activities.  No glitter glue in your own rug at home!  Perfect!
   
   
3. The National Football Museum. Not only is it jam packed with memorabilia, fun facts and interactive displays, throughout half term it also continues with its new exhibition - From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona.  It is a collection of fine art pieces by Michael Browne which chronicle the relationship between sport and modern society.  Ooh ahh!  Cantona!!
   
   
4. The Waterside, Sale have a really exciting exhibition too, as they celebrate 30 years of Altrincham’s own, the Mackinnon & Saunders Animation Studio. Think Corpse Bride, Pinocchio, Frankenweenie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Twirly Woos, Bob The Builder and Raa Raa The Noisy Lion.  You’ll be able to see all these childhood favourites and more, along with a behinds-the-scenes display and so much more.
   
   
5. The Manchester Museum re-opens its doors with an epic Egyptian exhibition. It will also wow you with its collections from human cultures and natural sciences.  From aardvarks to archaeology, there is something for everyone so pop along and be prepared to be wowed as history comes to life.
   
   

Enjoy the interactive event, Malice In Wonderland in Bury

A LITTLE SMACKEREL OF SOMETHING

You may not have much to spare, but you may have put aside a little smackerel of something to splash out with the kids this half term.  These activities will require you to dip into the pot, but won’t break it.

1. Paint a pot style places are a great activity for families and they are quite literally everywhere. Do a bit of googling and you’ll be surprised to find one on your doorstep.  You could even order all the bits and pieces online and do this yourself at home to make sure your exact requirements are met.
   
   
2. Activities for kids?! Go to Dreamland Imaginarium at Regent Retail Park!  With giant inflatable creatures, the opportunity to bounce, slide, dance, play games, create storyboards and do it all in 4 different zones (Dreams of Flight, Monster’s Midway, Underwater Enchantment, and Fantastical Flora) Scoop up the kids and taking them whether they like it or not!  Half term is for big kids too right?! 
   
   
3. Join Wonderland's whacky inhabitants at Bury Transport Museum as you find out who stole all the tarts. Part mystery, part scavenger hunt, this Malice In Wonderland event will have you hunting amongst the exhibits of the museum to find those wonderland characters, discover clues, and complete crazy quests to discover the truth.  You’ll meet The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, and even The Queen Of Hearts!  Just don’t be late for your very important date!
   
   
4. Have you ever fancied going behind the scenes? Stockport Plaza and The Bridgewater Hall offer regular backstage theatre tours, and the Palace Theatre and Opera House offer occasional heritage tours too.  Tread the boards of some of your favourite stars, learn the history of the venue, discover a secret or two and soak in the atmosphere as you imagine your name in lights! 
   
   

Go to the Stockport Plaza for Dinosaur Adventures Live!

LET’S JUST GO FOR IT

For those wanting to indulge a little and splash out, we’ve got a few suggestions below that will enable you to really go for it.

1. Order a green screen, buy a portable projector, and a camera stand with built in light, and create, direct and film your own movies. Have immense fun as your only limit becomes your own imaginations.  Indulge in a movie night where you are the star!  Kids absolutely love this, and it combines good old fashioned storytelling with modern day technology.  You can project your movie onto a cinema screen that can be bought, or if you have a light wall, project your movie onto that.
   
   
2. Ever fancied putting a twist on the glorious game of football? Well, why not BE the football!  Zorbing Football at the Cheetham Hill shopping centre is guaranteed to have you giggling so much, you don’t care who man of the match is (or ball of the match!)  Tickets are pricey but cover 15 of you, so it actually doesn’t work out too bad at all, and you will have the most unique experience and biggest laugh you’ve had in ages.
   
   
3. The Lion King! Yes it’s still here and yes, it’s still fabulous!  This is a spectacle to behold that you and your children will never forget.  Be overwhelmed as Disney bring Africa right into the theatre and dazzle you with showstopping numbers, glorious costumes and an experience that will leave you with a happy glow for the entire week.
   
   
4. We are in a city that loves its football, so why not indulge and make the most of it. Regardless of whether you’re a red or a blue, both the Manchester United and Manchester City sides of the city have got you covered.  Their stadium tours will indulge you in their history, their glories, their trophies, memorabilia and way of life.  You don’t need to support the team to enjoy the tour, as they are fascinating for anyone.  Go into the dressing rooms, the VIP boxes, see how the other half lives and be swept away by the best game in the world.
   
   
5. Dinosaur Adventure Live at Stockport Plaza is roarsome! Tickets aren’t actually that expensive, but it depends how many of you want to go.  This adventure has been 65 million years in the making, so are you ready?  This immersive show will wow you all as the rangers guide you through a quest and save the dinosaurs!  Stomp, roar and swish your way through this exciting journey through history, just watch out for the T-Rex!  This is a must for any dino loving fans, and even those who just want something different.
   
   

So there you have it!  Lots of memories to make this half term, and these are just a few suggestions of what Manchester has to offer.  Combine these with what your wonderful brains can come up with and you’ll be in for one heck of a week.  Why not share your ideas with us on our socials and make Manchester have the best half term ever!  You deserve it.


We add offers on a daily basis, so keep checking our special offers page for exclusive deals to help save some money!

Dreamland Imaginarium can keep the kids busy for a while!