Manchester February Half Term 2026
Looking for things to do in Manchester this February half term? From West End musicals and family theatre to free city-wide festivals, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained during the school holidays.
Manchester half term dates 2026: Monday 16 – Friday 20 February (schools close Friday 13 February, reopen Monday 23 February).
The Super Duper Family Festival
Manchester’s biggest free family event returns for February half term 2026. The Super Duper Family Festival transforms the city centre into a giant playground from Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 February.
Eight free Play Zones will pop up across the city, including:
- The Sports Hall at Great Northern – high-energy challenges and activities
- The Arcade at Printworks – gaming and interactive fun
- The Carnival at St Ann’s Square – whirl and twirl with carnival games
- The Playground at Exchange Square – creative play with BBC’s Waterloo Road
- The Party at Aviva Studios – family raves from The Playhouse Project
- The Story Den at Central Library – CBeebies Bedtime Stories sessions and Lego workshops
- The Studios – film-making workshops where families can shoot scenes for a feature film
- The Soapbox at People’s History Museum – protest-themed crafts and African drumming
All activities are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sessions require advance booking.
Super Duper Family Festival – full programme and booking
Theatre Shows This Half Term
Palace Theatre Manchester
Manchester’s grand Palace Theatre on Oxford Street hosts touring West End productions throughout the year.
Barnum – 10-14 February 2026
Step right up for the spectacular circus musical Barnum, starring Lee Mead as legendary showman P.T. Barnum. This dazzling production features incredible circus acts, catchy songs, and the inspiring story of the man who created “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Perfect for fans of The Greatest Showman. Ends just before half term – catch it in the first week back after Christmas.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert – 19-28 February 2026
The outrageous Broadway and West End hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert rolls into Manchester during half term week. Follow three friends on a hilarious road trip across the Australian Outback in a battered bus named Priscilla. Packed with dazzling costumes, dance numbers, and disco classics. Best suited to older teens and adults.
Half Term Musical Theatre Masterclasses
The Palace Theatre runs musical theatre masterclasses during half term for young performers. Sessions take place around the iconic venue and are led by industry professionals.
- Ages 7-12: Half Term Musical Theatre Masterclass
- Ages 13-17: Teen Musical Theatre Masterclass
Check dates and book masterclasses
Opera House Manchester
The beautifully restored Opera House on Quay Street is Manchester’s home for major touring musicals.
Mean Girls – 23 February – 7 March 2026
Tina Fey’s hit musical Mean Girls makes its Northern debut at Manchester Opera House. Based on the cult 2004 film, this sharp, funny musical follows new girl Cady Heron as she navigates the social minefield of North Shore High School and encounters the infamous “Plastics”. Features Faye Tozer (Steps) as Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George. Starts the weekend after half term – book now for best seats. Recommended for ages 12+.
The Lowry, Salford Quays
The Lowry is Greater Manchester’s largest theatre and arts venue, located at Salford Quays with stunning waterfront views.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – 6-8 February 2026
Peppa Pig and friends return in a brand new live stage show. With a new arrival on the way, the whole family are busy getting ready – it’s an oinktastic makeover! Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig for songs, games and muddy puddles. Just before half term – perfect for pre-schoolers and early years.
Operation Mincemeat – 16-28 February 2026
The Olivier Award-winning new musical Operation Mincemeat tells the extraordinary true story of the most successful deception operation of World War II. When a dead body washes up on the coast of Spain carrying top-secret documents, the course of the war is changed forever. Runs throughout half term – best for older children and adults who enjoy history.
Book Operation Mincemeat tickets
Z-arts, Hulme
Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. Located in Hulme, this friendly venue offers a 230-seat theatre, children’s library, café, and regular creative workshops.
The Gruffalo’s Child – 27 February – 1 March 2026
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?
Songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 and up. Running time 55 minutes. Some performances already sold out – book early!
Book The Gruffalo’s Child tickets
Adventures in Wonderland
Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books, Adventures in Wonderland is an interactive play experience where children aged 1-8 can step into Alice’s shoes and have their very own magical adventure. Check the Z-arts website for February dates.
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Bolton’s award-winning Octagon Theatre produces its own shows and hosts touring productions. The intimate in-the-round auditorium creates a unique theatrical experience.
Family Saturdays
The Octagon runs free Family Saturdays throughout the year – interactive storytelling sessions followed by arts, crafts and creative activities. Perfect for ages 4+ and their families. Check the website for February dates.
Coming Soon After Half Term
Mamma Mia! – Palace Theatre, 3-21 March 2026
The ultimate feel-good musical Mamma Mia! returns to Manchester with all your favourite ABBA hits including “Dancing Queen”, “Honey Honey” and “The Winner Takes It All”. Set on a Greek island paradise, this sunny, funny tale of love, friendship and identity is perfect for the whole family.
Matilda The Musical – Palace Theatre, 26 March – 25 April 2026
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life. Little Matilda discovers she has extraordinary powers and uses them to stand up to the fearsome Miss Trunchbull. Winner of over 100 international awards.
More Family Activities This Half Term
Museums and Attractions
- Science and Industry Museum – hands-on science experiments, historic engines, and special half term activities
- Manchester Museum – Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat exhibition (free, until 22 February 2026)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – building challenges and special half term workshops
- SEA LIFE Manchester – underwater adventures at the Trafford Centre
- National Football Museum – interactive exhibits celebrating the beautiful game
- People’s History Museum – The Soapbox play zone during the Super Duper Festival (18-21 Feb)
Stadium Tours
- Etihad Stadium Tour – go behind the scenes at Manchester City FC
- Old Trafford Museum & Stadium Tour – walk in the footsteps of Manchester United legends
Getting to Manchester Theatres
Palace Theatre & Opera House: Both ATG theatres are in Manchester city centre, a short walk from Piccadilly or Oxford Road stations. St Peter’s Square Metrolink stop is closest to the Palace Theatre.
The Lowry: Located at Salford Quays. Take the Metrolink to MediaCityUK or Broadway stops, or drive and use the multi-storey car park.
Z-arts: 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA. On-street parking available and good bus links from the city centre.
Super Duper Festival: Play Zones are spread across the city centre. The Bee Network offers family travel tickets for affordable tram and bus travel between zones.
Book Early for Best Seats
Half term shows are popular with families across Greater Manchester. Book early to secure the best seats, especially for:
- Weekend matinee performances
- Popular family shows like Peppa Pig and The Gruffalo’s Child
- Hit musicals like Mean Girls and Mamma Mia!
Many theatres offer family tickets and group discounts – check when booking.