Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Manchester Half Term Watch
Despite the gloomy February weather, your kids will be delighted to have time off school and will be looking forward to a week of fun with you! So tear them away from the TV and head out the door - there are plenty of weather-proof activities to entertain the gang that won’t break the bank. From pirate adventures to science shows, plan your days to make it a memorable, happy half term!
Roll up, roll up it’s Circus Showtime!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - tumble down to Eureka! from the 10th-25th February to celebrate the wonderful creation of the circus! It all began 250 years ago when a chap by the name of Philip Astley brought together acrobats, clowns and horse riders, put them in a circular performance space, and hey presto, the modern day circus was born. Eureka! will be celebrating Circus250 this half term with two weeks of thrills and spills, including regular sessions with fire juggler, street performer and entertainer extraordinaire, The Fire Man Dave. T: 01422 330069 W: www.eureka.org.uk
Flex your curious side at Dunham Massey
Venture into Britain's largest winter garden and take a journey of discovery with the Curiosity Garden. Collect your own cabinet of curiosity on a trail around the garden. Let your imagination run wild as you take winding paths to discover colours, feelings and smells. Peek inside forgotten drawers, discover feely boxes and uncover stories along your way. Or why not step inside the grand house at Dunham to discover what life was like for the servants who called it their home? Travel back in time with the Victorian Estate Agent on a tour of the servants’ quarters and find out what life was really like. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
A Steam Star Storms into Town
Batten down the hatches, Peppercorn Class A1 60163 “Tornado” is returning to the East Lancashire Railway for the first time since 2010. The legendary locomotive is Britain’s newest steam engine built in 2008, yet despite her youth, she has already become an icon, finding fame in “Top Gear” and the 2017 family feature film “Paddington 2”, as well as being the first locomotive to reach 100MPH in 50 years. “Tornado” will take to the tracks alongside another engine that appeared in the Paddington Bear sequel, LMS Hughes Fowler Crab 2-6-0 No. 13065 “The Crab”, providing a chance to see and ride behind two big screen stars! T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Will you go over to the Dark Side at Jodrell Bank?
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Visit Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre this half term and discover the dark side of the Universe! Unravel the mysteries of space and learn all about dark matter in a brand new live science show packed full of experiments and demonstrations. You can also quiz a resident astronomer in one of their popular Meet the Expert sessions, learn all about the giant Lovell Telescope in a special walking tour, and under 5s can explore the solar system in a fun interactive session in the Centre’s Clockwork Orrery. W: www.jodrellbank.net
Indulge in fun, free family time at Manchester Art Gallery
Every day you can go to Manchester Art Gallery to access playful activities for all ages. The Clore Art Studio is a large interactive space filled with hands on activities and you can borrow one of their easy to use toolbelts to help you look and connect with their stunning artworks. During the school holidays they run award-winning workshops for families - keep an eye on their website for all the details. In their café, there’s a ‘pay as you feel’ offer for children, so you can enjoy fantastic affordable food too! W: www.manchesterartgallery.org/learn
Celebrating all things Victorian and beyond
From the 10th-25th February, travel to the Museum of Science and Industry, then back further to the Victorian era to find out how Steam, Sweat and Spinners created our modern world and how Manchester was at the start of it all. The Science Showdown will face off history’s biggest technological revolutions, asking ‘which changed our lives the most?’. There are toymaking workshops, the chance to strike a pose for a selfie in the photo booth, and themed trading cards to take home. Roll-up for the Victorian style fairground too - book your tickets in advance on their website and get 6 rides for the price of 5. W: www.msimanchester.org.uk
Ahoy there, me hearties!
It’s Pirate Week this half term at Kidszone holiday care with an action packed week of swashbuckling adventures! You will build a pirate ship and have a go at walking the plank, make your own parrots, create skull and crossbones art and learn how to act and sound like pirates in their pirate theatre workshop. And all pirates will be taken on a trip to the bowling alley for even more fun! No pirate week is complete without a treasure hunt - and all pirates will use map reading skills to help them find the hidden treasure. W: www.kidszoneonline.co.uk
Get crafty by making yourself at home in Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
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Join the gang at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House on Wednesday 21st February, 1-3pm for textile-based craft activities with visual artist Rose Miller in the home of Manchester’s most famous Victorian author. Children and adults can also discover what life was like in a Victorian House. Ring the servants’ bell, dress up in period clothes, write at Elizabeth’s desk and make yourself at home - the majority of the furniture and objects can be touched and used! Tickets cost £4/£5 (under 16s free) and £1 for the craft activity and you don’t need to book. W: www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk
Get ready for the greatest show on earth with Circus Extreme
A new death-defying and extreme circus is launching in EventCity Manchester, celebrating 250 years of circus performances with the ultimate show to remember. From 9th-25th February, EventCity Manchester will be hosting Circus Extreme, a one-of-a-kind performance that has been five years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world. Merging modern and contemporary styles with extreme stunts and classic clown escapades, audiences will be amazed by the jam-packed Circus Extreme with show-stopping performances that will have you on the edge of your seat.
This really is an event with something for everyone. If you’re a petrol head, theatre-goer, thrill seeker or simply want to see one of the greatest shows of its time, make sure to get your tickets fast. The show will be housed in the UK’s largest Circus Big Top, which is climate controlled and features comfortable theatre-style seating. W: www.circusextreme.co.uk
Explore the National Football Museum
Give your kids something to shout about this half term with a trip to the National Football Museum, open every day 10am-5pm. Hit the back of the net in Penalty Shootout, show off that fancy footwork in Pass Master, or practice your commentary skills in the Match of the Day booth - there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful game! They are also offering free 30 minute Football Skills sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm every day from 19th-24th February, to improve your footballing tricks and impress your friends.
You can have unlimited chances to beat your top score with their Season Ticket offer - £35 for a year’s worth of fun for all the family! What could be better than that? Find out more online. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/season-ticket