From the greatest secrets of the universe to the United-City rivalry – indistinguishable in their cosmic significance – Manchester’s May half-term schedule offers an array of engaging family-friendly events and exhibitions to guarantee the perfect day out for parents and children alike.
Here are some of the best half term events taking place around Manchester in May.
For more school holiday activity inspiration, check out our guides to the best day trips, the best outdoor adventure parks and the best Green Flag-status spaces around Greater Manchester.
Promising a jam-packed schedule of space adventures for the whole family, Jodrell Bank presents a half-term programme of fascinating interstellar intrigue. Earthlings of all ages are invited to discover the First Light Pavilion, explore our wondrous interconnected ecosystems with screenings of We Are Guardians and ask extraterrestrial experts about the mysteries of the universe.
Returning to SeaLife Manchester for another week of ‘oinktastic’ fun, Peppa Pig’s Aquatic Adventure features an activity trail on which guests can find their favourite creatures, visual games, crafts and photo opportunities, as well as opportunities to meet Peppa herself at various times throughout the day.
Billed as a free, inclusive celebration of creativity and ‘alternative approaches to reducing our impact on the environment’, Envirolution Festival returns to Platt Fields Park on Sat 27 May with world music, interactive workshops, a variety of talks, market stalls, children’s games and food by the team from GRUB.
Suitable for ages 2-7, You Choose offers children the chance to write their own unique musical from the audience, using picture books as inspiration while navigating a series of enthralling challenges to create a story that changes every show, with different costumes, characters and locations every time.
Blending digital projections with gravity-defying choreography, Starchitects brings a cosmic dance-circus visual spectacle to HOME from Thu 1 – Sat 3 Jun. Promising thrilling surprises and a joyous, accessible narrative, the new production from Motionhouse celebrates the boundless possibilities of childhood imagination, wherein a cardboard box becomes a train and a simple costume unlocks a spellbinding realm of adventure.
Inspired by the beloved illustrated book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Snail and The Whale follows an intrepid young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the impossible voyage of a tiny snail who, wishing to see the world, hitches a ride across the oceans on the back of a colossal humpback whale. Vividly rendered with fast-paced storytelling, evocative music and non-stop laughs, The Snail and The Whale promises a heart-warming adventure from the Olivier-nominated company behind The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom.
In celebration of the first all-Manchester major cup final in history, the National Football Museum hosts a half-term programme of crafts, talks, games and gallery trails dedicated to the timeless rivalry between United and City. Featuring interactive discussions about Manchester’s greatest footballing talents, make-your-own-medal sessions and an insightful history of the FA Cup, the museum offers everything necessary for Reds and Blues of all ages to get match-ready before kickoff.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 25 May 2023
Alongside dynamic drone displays, Lego Rovers, an incredible display of personal objects from Stephen Hawking’s office and ‘ultimate gaming experience’ Power UP, the Science and Industry Museum’s captivating half-term programme allows visitors of all ages to learn about modern programming with BeeBots, play with CHiP the robot dog and imagine their own bionic best friend before building them out of blocks.