Branded Content
Keeping the ideas fresh for half-term activities is not always easy, especially in the colder months. With a week’s worth of days to fill, why not mix things up by planning a fun day trip? There are so many fantastic family-friendly half-term activities and attractions to visit just a short drive outside of Manchester. So we’ve partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to give you inspo on some of the best ones for you to try this February half term.
With over 400 branches in the UK, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is such a convenient option for planning a spontaneous road trip. From economy cars to people carriers, you can find the perfect vehicle to suit your family, and you can save 10% on any rental until March 31.
Find your Enterprise Rent-A-Car now!
1. Dunham Massey Deer Park
This sprawling medieval deer park is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon among nature and truly switch off. The surroundings might be blissfully peaceful, but the kids will be more than entertained by the abundance of wildlife that can be found throughout the grounds. As you meander through ancient trees you can see anything from roaming fallow deer to owls, bats, buzzards, woodpeckers, and more. In fact, last time they checked, Dunham Massey’s deer park was home to over 227 different species, including the UK’s rarest species of beetle! Lunch can be enjoyed at the café or North Park picnic area where there’s also a Log Pile natural play area.
🚗 approximately 40 minutes drive from Manchester
2. Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre
If it’s one of those days where the weather is simply not cooperating, The Flower Bowl Entertainment centre is home to a vast array of fun activities, delicious food outlets, and more to keep the entire family happy all day long. The luxurious three-screen cinema offers VIP movie experiences if you fancy a cosy film day, with both old classic and new releases available for viewing. But if something a little more active is in order, you can do anything from curling and bowling to crazy golf.
🚗 approximately 1 hour 10 minutes drive from Manchester
3. Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Winter is a time that we associate with hibernation (for animals and humans alike!), but at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the colder months are when the wildlife action really seems to hot up. Across 600 acres of wetland scenery, you can see a variety of wildfowl, including but not limited to, whooper swans, starlings, brambling, and willow tits. Until March 31, visitors can even join the wardens and watch as hundreds of whooper swans and wild birds gather to be fed. The Quentin Blake Drawn to Water wintry art activities will also run until February 29 for any kids who love to get creative.
🚗 approximately 1 hour 10 minutes drive from Manchester
4. Farmer Parrs Animal World
With everything from an outdoor animal farm and play area to an indoor bouncy castle barn, jumping pillow, and indoor barns, Farmer Parrs Animal World is one of the ultimate ‘whatever the weather’ February half-term activities. Kids can meet a fantastic family of animals, including alpacas, donkeys, goats and so much more. And in addition to your own independent exploring, you can get involved in tractor rides, pony rides and grooming, animal feed and petting, and egg collecting.
🚗 approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Manchester