Top 5: February 2017 Half Term ideas inc. a Lego castle & fairy school

Manchester Wire’s round up of half term events in February 2017 includes horse riding lessons, fairy forest school, Lego, story time at People’s History Museum, the chance to be a young crime scene investigator and much more…

1. Try horse riding in Urmston
Urmston’s John Shaw Equestrian yard offers kids beginners classes every Sat & Sun at 9.30am. £15 for 45 mins, and adult beginners classes Sat 11am & Sun 1pm, £20 for 60 mins. Various ages.
Every Sat & Sun, John Shaw Equestrian, Torbay Road, Urmston, M41 9LH. Tel: 07966209611, www.jsequestrian.co.uk

2. Fairy Forest School in Irlam, Lancashire (pictured)
Come and help the woodland fairies rebuild their village and homes after Winter. Forest games, actvities and campfire lunch. Call for more information and age brackets.
Tue 21 Feb, New Moss Wood, Cadishead Mosses, Irlam, Lancashire M44 5LR. Tel: 01925 837124, 11am – 1.30pm,, £10 per child including campfire lunch and toasted marshmallows and hot drinks parents go free, www.fairyforestschool.com

3. Lego, Lego Castle (with throne) and Lego character trail at the Lowry Outlet
Get creative with mountains of Lego at the Lowry Outlet this half term. Other attractions include a treasure trail of characters such as princesses and smoke breathing dragons made from Lego, an actual Lego castle with a throne inside, and free daily activities. Some classes need pre-booking, such as those on Sat 11 Feb with a Lego Master Builder – book free places via the link below. Various ages.
Sat 11 – Sun 26 Feb, Lowry Outlet, The Quays, Salford M50 3AH. Tel: 0161 848 1850 11am-4pm, FREE, www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

4. Under the Rainbow Interactive story time at People’s History Museum
Find out about the past at this fun and interactive session. There’s a great cafe with views of the River Irwell to enjoy too. Under 5s.
Sat 11 Feb, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER. Tel: 0161 838 9190, 11am, FREE, www.phm.org.uk

5. Forensic Science in Action (for ages 7-11) at Sale Waterside Arts Centre
Sale’s arts centre offers theatre shows for little ones over half term including Puss in Boots and there’s something special happening for older kids too. Those aged between 7 and 11 years old are invited to join experienced and professional forensic scientists, SPI ( Science, Participate, Inspire) for an espionage experience – getting hands on and up close to the real life work of crime scene investigators. White suits, gloves, masks and all the other essential kit for a day of finger-printing, clue-hunting and code breaking.
Mon 13 Feb, 1 Waterside, Sale, Manchester M33 7ZF. Tel: 0161 912 5616, 10am to 3pm, £25/£30, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Other ideas: The Lowry usually has free activities on a daily basis. You could try Manchester’s new water taxi service, WAXI, the Imperial War Museum North is excellent and has freshly baked pizzas for sale in the cafe, while Manchester’s libraries, art galleries and museums, such as the Museum of Science and Industry are safe bets, if a little busy during this time.