Happy Half Term weekend! This Saturday, Feb 14th, and Sunday, Feb 15th, Manchester is buzzing with Chinese New Year celebrations, fantastic immersive shows, and plenty of farm fun to keep the kids busy. We've sifted through the listings to bring you the absolute best family events happening across the city.
See our top picks
Manchester Lunar New Year Fair 2026
Market Street & Exchange Square
A massive, free street festival celebrating Chinese culture.
Power UP at the Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum
Hands-on gaming exhibition perfect for keeping older kids entertained indoors.
Barnyard Baby Bash
Cockfields Farm
Adorable newborn lambs and chicks for hands-on interaction.
· February 14
13FREE : The streets are transforming for the Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market, featuring over 130 stalls and 20 live performances celebrating vibrant Hong Kong culture. This is the best spot for street food and general atmosphere all weekend.It's a massive, free city centre festival running all weekend, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.
: Z-arts presents a new multimedia dance show retelling the iconic Hatter story from Alice in Wonderland with a modern twist. It's perfect for kids who enjoy theatrical performances.A dedicated theatrical performance suitable for older primary school kids.
BARNYARD BABY BASH : Head out to Oldham for some quality time with newborn lambs, fluffy chicks, and ducklings. They host farmer talks and bottle-feeding demos, which younger kids absolutely adore.Great for toddlers and younger primary kids who love hands-on animal experiences.
: An interactive music session blending storytelling and live illustration, perfect for preschoolers. Catch one of the 1pm, 2pm, or 3pm slots on Saturday.Perfectly targeted session for the under-fives age group happening on Saturday.
FREE : Explore the gallery on a special horse-themed trail related to the Lunar New Year, finishing with some creative drawing activities. It’s a fantastic way to engage kids with art for free.Free, hands-on activity linked to the main cultural festival happening this weekend.
: Take the family out to Tatton Park to see the annual Scarecrow Festival, which has a fun 'Sports Day' theme this year. It’s a great excuse for a long walk in beautiful grounds.A classic annual attraction with a fun theme running all weekend.
: The funfair is back at Heaton Park daily over the half term break, running from noon until 5pm. Entry is free, so you can just enjoy the atmosphere or pay per ride.A fun fair running all weekend in a major city park.
FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT QUARRY BANK : Explore the woodlands, step inside the historic mill to follow a book-themed trail, and let the kids burn energy in the Fourth Floor Play Space with soft play and giant board games.Offers a mix of history, nature trails, and dedicated indoor play space for a full day out.
: Head to Knowsley Safari to see the young Amur tiger cubs! They run themed crafts and games daily between 11am and 3pm, plus specific storytelling sessions for ages 4-10.A chance to see cubs and take part in dedicated themed activities at the safari.
A WEEK OF FUN & FREE LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES AT HEATON PARKFREE : While you are at Heaton Park for the funfair, check out the Lunar New Year activities running all weekend. The Zodiac Quest involves spotting animal signs on a map—great for keeping little legs moving.Free, all-day activity at a major park, perfect for filling in downtime.
BUBBLE PLANET: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE IN MANCHESTER : Step into a magical world filled with bubbles at Depot Mayfield. This immersive experience features VR and themed rooms; ideal for a truly different kind of family day out before it closes later this month.It's a trending, fully immersive experience running all weekend.
FREE : If you are near Sale on Saturday afternoon, check out the Lion and Dragon dances happening in Stanley Square from 2pm. There will also be arts & crafts activities available.A smaller, local celebration of Chinese New Year happening Saturday afternoon.
OUTDOOR ART CLUBFREE : The Whitworth is hosting free outdoor art sessions where kids can get messy exploring nature. Even if it’s chilly, a bit of outdoor creativity is always welcome!Free, creative, and takes place outdoors, perfect for an active Saturday morning.
· February 15
2FREE : Don't miss the legendary Dragon Parade, a huge procession through the city centre to celebrate Chinese New Year. Expect stunning traditional dragons, dancers, drummers, and acrobats. Get there early to bag a good spot!This is the main cultural event of the weekend, only happening on Sunday.
LUNA NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES AT HEATON PARKFREE : If you are visiting Heaton Park, there are free Lunar New Year activities running all weekend, including the Zodiac Quest. Head there Sunday afternoon specifically to join the Year of the Horse bookmark making session.Free crafting tied to the Lunar New Year, located in the popular Heaton Park.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: The ultimate hands-on gaming experience is back! Kids (and adults!) can play hundreds of games, from retro classics to modern console hits. Book tickets as this often sells out.Massive interactive gaming exhibition that appeals to older kids and teens.
: An improv comedy show where two teams battle it out using audience suggestions for quick-witted gags and songs. Great for older primary kids and teens who appreciate live comedy.Improv comedy is fun and fast-paced, perfect for the 7+ age group.
FREE : Meet a genuine prehistoric icon at the Manchester Museum! This exhibition explores how the Triceratops lived and survived. Great free option for dinosaur fans.A limited-run exhibition at the Manchester Museum that’s free to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Manchester this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 14-15) there are 6 completely free events: the Manchester Lunar New Year Fair, the Chinese New Year trail at Manchester Art Gallery, the Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth, the Lunar New Year activities at Heaton Park, the Triceratops exhibition at the Manchester Museum, and the Dragon Parade on Sunday.
Are there any family shows this weekend?
Yes, you can catch the interactive musical session Stoller Story Sounds with Robot! on Saturday afternoon, or the more theatrical Meet the Hatter show at Z-arts on both days.
What is happening in Manchester for Chinese New Year?
It's the Year of the Snake celebration! Look out for the huge Manchester Lunar New Year Fair (Market Street), themed art trails at Manchester Art Gallery, dances in Sale (Saturday), and the spectacular Dragon Parade through the city centre on Sunday.
