Top 5: February 2018 half-term ideas ft. robots, treetop nets + more

Manchester Wire’s round up of things to do this February half-term 2018 includes everything from football skills to a Victorian fairground, robots and a nature trail. Read on to find something for all ages in that tricky holiday period…

Visit a mid-air playground at Treetop Nets
Treetop Nets at Heaton Park boasts over 2000 square metres of netted trampolines, slides and tunnels suspended amongst the trees, and they’re walled, so you won’t need a harness. Entry for adults and children aged 5 and above is £20 each, while for 3-4 year olds and their adult supervisors it’s just £13. The park, and the nets, are open every day during half-term – although times are limited, so be sure to book well in advance.
Mon 19 – Fri 23 Feb, Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Manchester M25 2SW. Tel: 01539 447186, times vary, £20/£13, www.treetopnets.co.uk

Explore nature at Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey has a jam-packed weekly programme of events for all ages, including a Curiosity Kids Trail, a guided Winter Walk, and a Garden Exploration. Entry to events is free, but the National Trust charge admission to Dunham Massey itself. An adult ticket generally costs around £13.50, but there are plenty of group discounts and concessions.
Every day, Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ. Tel: 0161 941 1025, times and prices vary, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover toys from throughout the ages at Tatton Park
Tatton Park is an ideal half-term family spot – there’s a deer park, adventure playground, and a whole range of events throughout the year. On Fri 23 Feb, it’s home to Toys Through Time, a chance for 3-5 year olds to explore the ways children played in the past, ending in a group game and a story. Entry costs £10 per child, which includes entry for one accompanying adult.
Fri 23 Feb, Tatton Park Gardens, Mereheath Drive, Knutsford WA16 6QN. Tel: 01625 374400, 10:30am and 1pm, £10 per child, free for one accompanying adult per child, www.tattonpark.org.uk

Ride a Victorian fairground at MOSI (pictured)
The Museum of Science and Industry’s half-term offering includes a Victorian fairground and a series of industrial revolution-themed workshops for kids. There’s also a child-friendly interactive element to its current robotics exhibition. The fairground costs £2 per person per ride, while the exhibitions and workshops are free. Take home your handmade clockwork toy, or get a Victorian portrait taken.
Sat 10 – Sun 25 Feb, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, times and prices vary, www.msimanchester.org.uk

Learn some new tricks at the National Football Museum
Alongside the National Football Museum’s ongoing Pelé exhibition, there are also free football skills sessions for young visitors every day during half-term. There are three sessions a day between 11am and 3:30pm. These are drop-in and aimed at kids aged 5-12, but places are limited, so it’s best to ask ahead of time.
Mon 19 – Sat 24 Feb, National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG. Tel: 0161 605 8200, times vary, FREE, www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

For more things to do for families in Manchester click here.