If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in the North West this February, this guide brings together events, shows, trails and activities happening across Manchester & Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire.

Whether you’re planning around school holidays, half term, or just looking for weekend ideas, this round-up is designed to be easy to skim and simple to plan from, with direct links to venues and booking pages.

Manchester & Greater Manchester Family Events – February 2026

Theatre, Shows & Live Performances

• Alice in Wonderland – Z-Arts
  From 5 April 2025
  Book here
• A-lad-in-Salford – Z-Arts
  5–7 February 2026
  Book here
• Meet the Hatter – Z-Arts
  14–15 February 2026
  Book here
• The Gruffalo’s Child – Z-Arts
  27 February – 1 March 2026
  Book here
• Groove onto the Moon – The Lowry
  1 February 2026
  Book here
• Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – The Lowry
  6–8 February 2026
  Book here
• Pinocchio – The Lowry
  17–22 February 2026
  Book here
• Chevalier: Hobbyhorse Circus – The Lowry
  18–19 February 2026
  Book here
• Horrible Histories: The Concert – Palace Theatre Manchester
  6–8 February 2026
  Book here
• There’s a Monster in Your Show – Albert Halls, Bolton
  Book here:
  Book here

Museums, Science & Learning

• Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat – Manchester Museum (free)
  25 October 2025 – 22 February 2026
  Book here
• Dino Den – Manchester Museum
  17–20 February 2026
  Book here
• Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos – Science and Industry Museum
  13 February 2026 – 3 January 2027
  Book here
• Free February Half Term Activities – Science and Industry Museum
  14–22 February 2026
  Book here
• Code Your Own LED Light Show – Stockport Museum
  1 February 2026
  Book here
• MadLab Sessions – Stockport Museum
  14–22 February 2026
  Book here

Free Events

• Chinese New Year Family Drawing Trail – Manchester Art Gallery
  14–15 February 2026
  here
• Chinatown Celebrations – Manchester City Centre
  14–15 February 2026
  Here
• Super Duper Family Festival (free)
  18–21 February 2026
  Here
• Heaton Park Fun Fair
  14–22 February 2026
  Here
• Many of these events are free or low cost, and I’ve listed even more budget-friendly North West family days out here.
  

Cheshire Family Events – February 2026

Trails, Gardens & Outdoor Fun

• Winter Family Trail with Speechly the Pineapple – Dunham Massey
  Until 8 March 2026
  Here
• February Half Term at Dunham Massey
  14–22 February 2026
  Here
• February Half Term at Lyme Park
  14–22 February 2026
  Here
• Mini Off Rovers – Tatton Park
  17–22 February 2026
  Here
• Sports Day Scarecrow Festival – Tatton Park
  14 February – 1 March 2026
  Here

Several of the events and trails this month are at National Trust sites, and if you’re unsure whether winter visits are worthwhile, I’ve shared our honest thoughts on whether National Trust places are worth visiting in winter.

Family Attractions

• Buy One Get One Free – BeWILDerwood
  14–22 February 2026
  Here
• Early Season Special – Gulliver’s World, Warrington
  14 February – 8 March 2026
  Here

Lancashire Family Events – February 2026

Museums, Shows & Experiences

• Mudfest – WWT Martin Mere
  14–22 February 2026
  Here
• Winter Diesel Day – East Lancashire Railway
  7 February 2026
  Here
• Travel to Wonderland – East Lancashire Railway
  18 February 2026
  Here
• The Wizarding Adventure – East Lancashire Railway
  19 February 2026
  Here
• Ukrainian Day – Southport
  Full details and booking information:
  Here
• Time at Blackburn Cathedral (Luxmuralis light show)
  Full details:
  Here

Family Shows & Activities

• Hocus Pocus – Samlesbury Hall
  15–22 February 2026
  Here
• Unicorn Live – Blackburn Empire Theatre
  19 February 2026
  Here
• Circus Spectacular – The Muni
  19 February 2026
  Here
• Justin Live: Justin Time to Rock – Winter Gardens, Blackpool
  Booking and venue details:
  Here
• Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain
  – Lancaster Grand Theatre
  Booking and performance details:
  Here

Planning Tips for February

• Check age guidance carefully, especially for workshops and theatre shows
• Book ahead during school holidays and half term
• Double-check opening times and dates before travelling
• Many museums and National Trust sites offer free or low-cost activities

If you’re trying to keep costs down this February, I’ve also put together a guide to free and cheap days out with kids across the North West, with ideas that work all year round and not just during school holidays.