Budget-Friendly February Half-Term Fun in the North West

February half-term is just around the corner. We know it isn’t always easy to find family activities that everyone will enjoy and that won’t break the bank, so here’s our round-up of the best, budget-friendly February half-term fun in the North West.

February Half-Term Fun in Manchester

As usual, there’s plenty to do in Manchester this February half-term. Not least because the Super Duper Family Festival is taking over the city for four days between Wednesday the 18th and Saturday the 21st of February. There will be 8 free ‘Play Zones’ across Manchester, and all events and activities are completely free!

Whether you have a budding writer on your hands or a future interior designer, Elizabeth Gaskell House is the place to be this February half-term. With two new trails and fancy dress for all ages, it’s the perfect rainy day activity. Under 16s are free with a paying adult, and adult tickets cost just £9 and are valid for a full year, so you can visit as many times as you like.

The Whitworth is offering free, drop-in activities this half-term, including drumming and storytelling sessions, and an outdoor art club.

Meanwhile, just down the road, the Manchester Museum has a packed programme of events this February, including dinosaur hijinks and Lunar New Year celebrations! From their Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat exhibition and Dino Den to exciting performances and hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday the 17th of February this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse, and celebrations will be taking place throughout the city, including the famous Dragon Parade, which will be weaving through the streets between 10am and 3pm, finishing in Chinatown.

February Half-Term Fun in Liverpool

Liverpool is also celebrating Lunar New Year. Head to the Museum of Liverpool to take part in a Lion Dance Workshop that will teach you the skills needed to work the life-size puppet and explore the history behind this iconic tradition. Tickets cost just £3.50 per child.

Meanwhile, the World Museum is offering a Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour this February half-term. Suitable for families with children over the age of 6, tickets start from £4 per person.

Things are heating up over at the Royal Albert Docks this half term with the Fiesta of Fire, beginning three weekends of free, fire-based entertainment for the whole family to Liverpool’s waterside. While you’re there, you could pay Tate Liverpool a visit, and ‘make a splash’ with their free family-friendly creative activity programme, ‘Making Waves’.

February Half-Term Fun in Lancashire

Families in Lancashire have plenty of February half-term fun to choose from this year.

Feeling the winter chill? That might be because the Fylde Ice Festival is back for its fourth year! Taking place in the centre of Lytham, you can try your hand at carving on the ice wall, marvel at the incredible ice sculptures on the themed trail or watch a live carving demonstration. And the best bit? It’s all completely free!

Families in Southport can experience a taste of Ukrainian culture at The Atkinson this February half-term. The event celebrating Ukrainian Day 2026 will take place on Saturday the 21st of February, and will include performances from a Ukrainian choir and the chance to take part in traditional Ukrainian crafts. This is a free, drop-in event for the whole community

There’s no denying that February is a muddy month, so why not embrace the wet weather and head to WWT Martin Mere for Mudfest 2026? With everything from muddy obstacle courses to a ‘Muddy Bake Off’, plus the chance to take part in the North West Puddle Jumping Competition, it’s a great chance to get outside with the little ones, and there are handwashing and welly washing facilities to clean up before heading home!

February Half-Term Fun in Cheshire

Cheshire has plenty to offer in terms of February half-term fun in 2026.

Head to Tatton Park this half-term, and a family ticket will gain you access to Pancake Weekend at the Farm. This is a chance to learn more about where your pancake ingredients come from, including meeting the chickens that lay the eggs, exploring the Mill where the flour is made and visiting the shippon for fresh milk. There’ll even be taster sessions and a pancake flipping competition. Family tickets for the farm start from £17.10.

The Grosvenor Museum in Chester has a choice of free and low-cost family-friendly activities taking place over February half-term, including Museum Explorers: Amazing Archaeology for £5 per child, and free half-term crafts.

Jodrell Bank has a galactic line-up of events this February half-term, with daily science shows, space crafts and telescope talks, as well as a new site trail and a chance to get up close to the big dish itself - aka the iconic Lovell Telescope! This one’s a little pricier compared to the other events listed, at £45 for a family ticket for up to two adults and three children, but tickets are annual, so it might be a worthwhile investment if you have a budding space explorer and plan to visit again during the year.

February Half-Term Fun in Rossendale

For families in Rossendale, the Horse + Bamboo in Waterfoot is once again putting on free and low-cost activities and events this February half-term, including a crafternoon, a screening of School of Rock, and a Family Board Game Day.

Splash & Slide is also returning to Marl Pits for half-term, with tickets for the inflatable obstacle course priced at £5.50.

Head to Rawtenstall Family Hub & The Zone on Monday the 16th of February for a free family fun day for families with children aged 11 and under. Plus, for families with teens, Bacup Family Centre is now running its youth club The Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with separate sessions for teenagers in Year 7-9 and those in Year 10 and above.

Olive Branch Fostering

At Olive Branch Fostering, we know it isn’t always easy to keep the whole family entertained during the school holidays, especially on a budget. So if you’ve been searching for budget-friendly February half-term fun in the North West, we hope this round-up of events and activities has helped.

If you’re an Olive Branch carer, keep an eye on our News page and follow us on Facebook to be the first to hear about any upcoming events and activities for our Olive Branch families.

If you’re not already fostering with us, get in touch today to learn more about becoming a foster carer or transferring to Olive Branch.

We wish you all a fantastic February half-term whatever you get up to!