13 minute read
OCTOBER HALF TERM
As the nights draw in, it’s time for some half term fun with spooky events, creative costumes and plenty of tricks and treats! This season, get ready for creepy trails and tales and pumpkins galore! And if friendly-frightening is not for you, there are plenty of destinations, without the scares! Read on for our pick of the best half term entertainment.
MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL DELIVERS A UNIQUE PACKED PROGRAMME OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
From 21st -30th October, highlights at the unmissable Manchester Science Festival include the brand-new exhibition Turn It Up: The power of music. Get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, and explore music’s mysterious hold over us through weird and wonderful objects and handson activities. Enjoy an out-of-this-world dance experience with a new interactive installation by choreographer Corey Baker. Throw some shapes as you’re transported through the galaxy and see how your movements influence the journeys of stars and space dust. With family friendly activities throughout half-term at the Science and Industry Museum, plus special events at Central Library and Manchester Arndale, Manchester Science Festival is not to be missed. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/ manchestersciencefestival
DON’T MISS THE LEGO® BRICK-OR-TREAT MONSTER PARTY THIS HALLOWEEN
Join the Monsters from 1st – 31st October (on weekends and in school holidays) as they take over LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester to celebrate the release of the brand-new Halloween 4D Movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ It’s non-stop Halloween party fun, with spooky Halloween decorations, amazing LEGO® activities, and a screening of the EXCLUSIVE NEW LEGO® 4D Halloween movie. Join in with pumpkin LEGO® building in the Monsters’ Garden, find the LEGO® Monster band mates in MINILAND® and take part in building a giant LEGO® Vampire with awesome Master Model Builders. You can even meet LEGO® characters Scarecrow and Lord Vampyre, bring along your scariest dance moves for a monster dance party! W: LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre.com/Manchester
THERE’S LOADS TO DO THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM!
Manchester City Council has teamed up with communities and activity leaders across the area to bring all school holiday activities and events on one website: www.loadstodo.co.uk. It’s been a tough couple of years for us all but not least for Manchester’s children and young people, who have shown immense resilience in the face of the pandemic. We want to celebrate their courage in 2022 Our Year, and make sure there are plenty of ways for them to stay stimulated and have fun when they’re off school. Whether you’re looking for activities for younger children or older young people, there’s something for everyone on Loads to Do. W: www.loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
OCTOBER HALF TERM FAMILY FUN AT RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER
Head to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and delve into the world of deadliest plants and bugs with fun family activities. Explore the half term trail and discover more about the creepy-crawlies and super-smart plants that fight back. On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October, babies and toddlers can dive into an autumnal storytelling session, with crunchy leaves and sensory fun. On Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th October see Jo from the Cacti and Succulent Society to discover some amazing plants, and from Saturday 22 to Wednesday 26th October have a go at some creepy crawly crafts. Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October don’t miss Du Iz Tak? a family-friendly theatre performance by Long Nose Puppets. It’s a tiny tale told by tiny critters with BIG ideas. For full timings and to book, visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ bridgewater/whats-on/half-term-at-bridgewater
WHIZZING OR CHILLING – ENJOY SNOW-FILLED FAMILY FUN AT CHILL FACTORE
For an action-packed day out this half-term, take your family to Chill Factore at TraffordCity. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with exhilarating donut slides and sledging. Or, why not learn to Ski or Snowboard or even rediscover your snow legs with a lift pass on their real snow slope? There’s tons of fun to be had, with something for everyone. There’s even a comfortable viewing gallery for the less active, so you can sit back, enjoy a coffee, and watch the excitement unfold! W: www.chillfactore.com
GANDEYS HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR BIG TOP SHOW COMES TO THE TRAFFORD CENTRE
A very special (trick or) treat for Halloween, Gandeys Circus returns with a brand-new action-packed Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. A specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’Lanterns and Circus Artistes have been brought together for this sensational extravaganza. From the thrill acts to the big production numbers Gandeys are famous for, you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement, rolling in the aisles with laughter, and hiding under your coats from the spooky thrills. Gandeys is at the Trafford Centre from the 14th–30th October – and it’s advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. W: www.gandeyscircus.com
CELEBRATING ALL THINGS THEATRICAL AT TRAFFORD PALAZZO
Head down to Trafford Palazzo at TraffordCity on 28th & 29th October for a breath-taking evening at the theatre. With a showcase of theatre productions and a selection of drama and dance workshops on offer for the kids, this is going to be a celebration of all thing’s theatre. There will also be lots of children’s activities throughout half term, so make sure you check online for more details. W: www.traffordpalazzo.co.uk
TEST YOUR HEAD FOR HEIGHTS AT TRAFFORD TREETOP ADVENTURES
Take on the treetop challenge at an exhilarating high ropes course for a day of unforgettable family fun, all within the Trafford Centre at TraffordCity. Swing, climb, hop and shop all in one place for a fun filled day out, open 7 days a week! Just £14.97 per person with special Halloween themed sessions available to book online now! W: www.traffordcity.co.uk
CREATIVE LEAF ARTISTS COULD WIN A TRIP TO TREETOP NETS!
There’ll be more frightfully fun adventures over at Treetop Manchester this half term with a spooky Halloween hunt on Treetop Nets from 21s–31st October. If you’d like to take part, just book any Treetop Nets session and the hunt is included. Treetop Manchester is also running its 5th LEAF ART competition. The competition is open to individuals, who can win a family ticket to Treetop Nets, and also to schools who can win a class trip to Treetop Nets, along with a workshop with this year’s guest judge, Caroline Daly. To find out more and book, visit their website. W: www.treetoptrek.co.uk
PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED AT BLAKEMERE’S MAGICAL WOODLAND EXPERIENCE
Treat all the family to a Magical Woodland experience at Blakemere, from 7th to 31st October. Set in a 15-acre woodland in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, experience nature in all its autumnal glory lit up by dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, floating umbrellas, clouds of flying lanterns, dancing tunnels of borealis-style lasers, and some family favourites including Dinosaur, Ghostbusters, Under the Sea, Hocus Pocus and more! The trail can be looped as many times as you wish, with plenty of opportunities to refuel with tasty snacks and hot drinks whatever the weather. Tickets from £15.50. W: www.magicalwoodland.com
GHOSTS AND GHOULS COME BACK TO HAUNT EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
The Halloween Ghost Trains are back to haunt the East Lancashire Railway from 27th–29th October. There will be tricks and treats galore as the Monster Squad attempts to break an ancient curse. Join Count Brian the Vampire, Veronica the Witch and a Zombie called Bob for the ride of your life on this spooky “scream” train. Why not add on a fun-fair Carn-Evil ticket? Sited at Bury Transport Museum, this theme park features a host of rides that are sure to satisfy your hunger for a haunting. Find out more and book tickets online. W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
THE SORCERER RETURNS FOR A WIZARDS GATHERING THIS HALLOWEEN!
Come and gather as the story unfolds in the spookiest corners of Tatton Park’s ancient Old Hall. Learn to do the finest spellcasting in the land, not to mention advanced broomstick training for every young wizard, before helping defeat the evil sorcerer Dimitri! So, this Halloween, bring out your magical side, give your wizard some wiz and make your witches wicked on an immersive journey through curious forests and enchanting theatre. Special discounted prices online for groups of 6. Enjoy free parkland entry with your Halloween tickets. Book online: www.tattonpark.org.uk
OPEN UP A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF IMAGINATION WITH THE STOLLER HALL
Family fun is in abundance at The Stoller Hall in Manchester, with interactive workshops, live music and entertainment. Each month their Stoller Story Sounds workshops have a different theme, taking pre-schoolers and their grown-ups on an interactive musical journey. Join Dandylion as he helps a sad flower stem to find its lost petals scattered over Africa’s plains. Led by storyteller Carla Henry and illustrator Lizzie Finlay, this interactive workshop features live music inspired by Soweto’s glorious gospel choir, in honour of the father of their rainbow nation, Nelson Mandela. Attendees are also entitled to one free ticket to the Soweto Gospel Choir concert. W: www.stollerhall.com
MAGICAL FAMILY ADVENTURES AND GENTLE SPOOKING AT BEWILDERWOOD
It’s the most fantastical time of the year at BeWILDerwood Cheshire this October! Visit the magical woods for a half term full of family fun and WILD adventure. Explore the woods in the daytime for the all-new event, BeWILDerbats Carving Contest, including a new story at the Storytelling Stage, Halloween craft and face paint – all included in your day ticket. Plus, the famous Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade light extravaganza is back! Visit the park after dusk for this special sparkly event from the 15th – 31st October. Tickets are £12.50 and must be booked in advance. T: 01829 830730 W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk
SPECIAL OFFER FOR EARLY BIRDS AT DINO FALLS ADVENTURE GOLF THIS HALF TERM
Dino Falls Adventure Golf at TraffordCity is Manchester’s biggest, and best, adventure golf course featuring 36 holes of prehistoric fun for all the family! From 23rd – 31st October, kids can get a FREE Slush drink on completion of the round of adventure golf if you book and tee off before 10am during the half term holidays. What a perfect way to start the day! W: www.dinofalls.co.uk
A WHOLE CAULDRON OF GHOULISH GLOOP AND TASTY TREATS AT BENTS
The team at Bents are throwing lots of gory ingredients into the mix to stir up a spooktacular spell for the half term holidays. There’ll be gloop galore at Halloween Messy Play on Tuesday 25th October or for a bewitching performance for the whole family, Bents’ spooktacular Afternoon Teas are full of spells, slime, singing and tasty treats for little ones and grown-ups to enjoy together. Visit them online for further details on all half term activities and information on how to book. W: www.bents.co.uk
WARM UP FOR THE WINTER WORLD CUP AT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM
Get stuck into the new Pitch Gallery exhibition with No Score Draws. Take inspiration from wonky drawings of World Cup heroes, sketch your own stickers and add them to the museum’s massive ‘sticker book’ wall for everyone to see! Ultimate Football Heroes author Matt Oldfield will be dropping in on Tuesday 27th October for another Children’s Football Writing Festival session, putting junior playmakers through their paces, and the ever-popular Make-Your-Own Armband activity returns just in time for the tournament. See the full fixture list online. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/whats-on-nfm
Autumn adventures
TraffordCity is the perfect place for some Autumn half term fun with an amazing choice of indoor and outdoor activities from snow fun and indoor skydiving to golfing fun and high ropes adventure courses.
Get ready for some adventure-filled activities with Trafford Centre bringing a new Pokémon art experience to the centre. And Trafford Palazzo will be filled with drama at their ‘Night at the Theatre’ event.
And when your little adventurers have worked up a thirst, there’s a free slush drink waiting for them at Dino Falls Adventure Golf!
The Trafford Centre
Pokémon: Art Through the Ages
Calling all artists! You are invited to join us for a very special event; Pokémon: Art Through the Ages. Discover at Trafford Centre from 17th October to 13th November.
A Night at the Theatre!
Trafford Palazzo will be hosting ‘A Night at the Theatre’ on 28th/29th October showcasing classic theatre shows alongside family favourite musicals. A selection of drama workshops will also be taking place. traffordcity.co.uk/traffordpalazzo
Dino Falls Adventure Golf
From 23rd - 31st October, kids can enjoy a FREE Slush drink at Dino Falls Adventure Golf following a round if you book and tee off before 10am.
traffordcity.co.uk/dinofalls
Trafford Golf Centre
Trafford Golf Centre is Europe’s premiere golf practice facility, complete with Junior Academy taught by PGA professionals. 53 bays with Toptracer technology, Starbucks Café and Bar and the best American Golf shop.
traffordcity.co.uk/tgc
Chill Factore
For an action-packed day out this half-term, bring your family to Chill Factore. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with donut slides and sledging. Or, why not learn to Ski or Snowboard or even rediscover your snow legs with a lift pass on our real snow slope.
Thinking of planning a half term break? The family friendly Holiday Inn Express, TraffordCity offers rooms from £89 which include a complimentary buffet breakfast for all the family - the ideal base to start your family adventure. To make a reservation call 0161 359 5757. traffordcity.co.uk/holidayinn
Visit the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena this half term! With the biggest play frame & slide in the UK, laser tag, zip wire, gaming trampolines, coffee shop and restaurant – there’s something for all the family to enjoy!
traffordcity.co.uk/playfactore
Trafford Treetop Adventures
Experience an exhilarating treetop adventure like no other for just £14.97pp, with special Halloween sessions available. Take on the challenge at the top of the trees and make lifelong memories.
