Give the spooks the swerve this October half term with our family-friendly round up
The October half-term is all about scares - from fright nights to the truly horrible amount of sugar inhaled by keen trick-or-treaters. Our Ellie-Jo has dug deep into the weirder bits of the collective unconscious (aka Halloween) with an extensive list of all the spectral delights you could wish for.
But if you are maxed-out on Freddo Frogs and over pumpkin-flavoured everything, not to mention feeling a bit sensitive about ghouls and ghosts, then we have half-term activities that take in books, theatre, science, nature, football and more.
As always we recommend checking the details with the organisers as some events may change times and/or locations.
Read on for 10 alternative family-friendly activities in and around Manchester that are low on scares, high on fun.
Storytime Sessions | Central Library | Monday 24 October
HOME has paired up with Manchester Libraries to run three family-friendly workshops this October half-term. These free drop-in sessions will focus on storytelling and story-making and will encourage young children to develop their own stories. Alternative dates are available at the Powerhouse Library and Longsight Library.
St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD
Manchester Science Festival | Science and Industry Museum |Friday 21 – Sunday 30 October
Something for every day of half term and then some at the Manchester Science Festival. We love the look of Giant Leaps, an interactive space-inspired installation by acclaimed choreographer Corey Baker. Or what about heading to the Arndale for popping and locking with some Rhythmic Robots? The headline exhibition is Turn It Up: The Power of Music which promises to be a fascinating exploration of the science of music. There are some adult only events but in the main the festival is aimed at learners of all ages and there is plenty to explore.
Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP
Children's Football Writing Festival | National Museum of Football | 27 October
Fan favourite Matt Oldfield, writer of Unbelievable Football and co-author of the Ultimate Football Heroes series, will be running a high-energy creative workshop focusing on the upcoming World Cup. The activity lasts for one hour, after which Matt will sign copies of his books.
Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG
Autumn Fun Day | Manchester Craft and Design Centre | 26 October
The Northern Quarter might not be your first port of call for entertaining the kids but the Manchester Craft and Design Centre are running a family fun day to change the perception that it's an adult-only playground. Inside the centre there will be a leaf printing workshop with Victoria Glover, a winter sunshine workshop with Claire Norcross and a book swap, plus you’ll find the map collection point for a treasure hunt spread across the quarter.
Further afield, Manchester Community Bike Kitchen will be selling discounted bikes and The Canal and River Trust will be leading a walk, plus more activities to be announced. Combine with a trip to Fred Aldous and one of our top ten restaurants for kids and you have a perfect Northern Quarter family day out.
17 Oak Street, Manchester M4 5JD
Picture This | The Lowry | Until 30 October
Each section of this free family exhibition includes illustrations and artwork from children's books that have been adapted for the stage – which range from much-loved modern works to iconic classics. Alongside, will be filmed extracts from stage productions, with a variety of props, costumes, designs and posters. Fancy something more theatrical? Showings of The Tiger Who Come to Tea and The Black Blues Brothers are on over half term, while Little Creatives has a storytelling session for younger ones.
Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Dazzle Design Studio | IWM North | 22 – 30 October 2022
Inspired by the work of artist Norman Wilkinson (and not the OMD album), experimental camouflage involving bold designs and shapes made it possible to hide something the size of a battleship. Craft activities explore the illusions that make it all possible. Plus look out for two family days over half term, where children will have a chance to talk to veterans about their experiences of war.
Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ
The Chronicles of Atom and Luna | Z-Arts | Saturday 22 October
This beautiful, fairytale-inspired play follows twins Atom and Luna as they adventure into the deep, dark wood to find Old Mother Redbeard. This is also a chance to explore the site's brand new Children's Library. Manchester Libraries have worked with Z-arts to help them re-imagine a space in their beautiful Edwardian building that was previously unloved and unused, and turn it into a tribute to the magical power of reading. We can't wait to check it out
335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers | Waterside Arts | 28 October
JK who? Roald Dahl is still one of our favourite slightly controversial children's authors (Enid B to the back of the queue please). This play, based on the famously dark imagination of Dahl, is an immersive and interactive performance involving games and imaginative play. There are lots of other lovely productions on at the Waterside this half term, including I Spy With My Little Eye for little ones, so have a good look through the programme if Roald isn't your cup of frobscottle.
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Deadliest Plants and Bugs | RHS Bridgewater | 22 - 30 October
Get a dose of vitamin N at RHS Bridgewater with this collection of events themed around the spikier side of nature. There will be storytelling for little ones, a miniature puppet show, bug-themed hands-on crafts, mushroom talks and a deadly plants trail. The fairy walk will nod to the ethereal side of the garden without being over-the-top scary.
Occupation Road, Worsley, Salford M28 2LJ
Simply Cycling | Various locations | weekly
This regular cycling session is a great way to get a blast of fresh air and try out bikes you never thought you needed in your life - tricycle passenger bike anyone? Fun times, but will also help instil confidence in those who don't get to cycle too often. Sessions run at Longford Park in Stretford/Chorlton, Wythenshawe and Boggart Hole Clough. For more sporty ideas that are free or cheap we recommend a browse through the MCR Active site.
Read next: Top things to do in and around Manchester: October 2022
Read again: The ten best restaurants for kids (and you) in Manchester City Centre
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