Blog
Show me
Stay In The Know
Sign up to our newsletter
XMAS IRL: Our FREE Festive Event!
Explore
Christmas Markets & Magical Lights Arrive in Arndale
Explore
MCR Student Social is Back for 2025
Explore
What We’re Loving This Month
Explore
The Beauty In You at Manchester Arndale
Explore
Sephora FAQs Answered!
ExploreVisitor Information
Getting here is easy. Plan your journey with our help.
Pride Weekender! Drag, Dance & Free Fun 🌈✨
Explore
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest Returns for 2025!
Explore
Opening Soon: Sephora!
ExploreOffers
Super Duper Family Festival is back at Manchester Arndale!
We’re excited to be getting involved in the Super Duper Family Festival once again, bringing even more free, family fun to everyone here at Manchester Arndale this February half term.
From Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February, Manchester city centre transforms into a giant playground packed with creativity, imagination and playful surprises for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages. And this year, we’re turning story time into a full-blown adventure with our very own Nursery Rhyme Trail.
What is the Super Duper Family Festival?
The Super Duper Family Festival is a free, city-wide celebration of play, taking over iconic venues across Manchester with hands-on activities, performances, workshops and interactive zones designed especially for families during February half term.
Across the four days, families can explore everything from storytelling and crafting to sports, science, music, film and gaming. Venues across the city are hosting their own unique experiences, including libraries, museums, cultural spaces and entertainment hubs – all working together to create one big, brilliant festival.
The Nursery Rhyme Trail
We’re proud to be hosting The Nursery Rhyme Trail, an energetic, imaginative experience that brings classic nursery rhymes to life in a way your little ones won’t forget.
Humpty Dumpty is the star of the show and families are invited to help save the day. The adventure begins at the Dippy Training School, where children will meet the Queen and her delightfully daft egg soldiers, Private Yolk and Private Scramble. Here, little recruits can warm up with silly drills, sing-alongs and playful games.
Families will tackle riddles, complete challenges, meet pop-up performers and take part in creative tasks as a team, including collecting pieces of Humpty. Once Humpty is put back together again, young graduates will complete their training and receive a chocolate reward for their efforts.
It’s lively, interactive and perfect for children aged 3–11 and best of all, it’s completely free!
When & where to join the fun
While many Super Duper activities take place outdoors across the city, everything at Manchester Arndale is indoors, making it a perfect stop for families looking to stay warm, dry and entertained whatever the forecast. You can dip in and out around shopping, grab food on-site, or make a full day of it right in the heart of Manchester.
📍 Location: Manchester Arndale, Exchange Court (Near Next)
📅 Dates: Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st February
⏰ Time: 10am – 5pm daily
🆓 Cost: Free to attend
🎫 Tickets: No booking required – just turn up
It’s the ideal half-term activity: easy, free, flexible and weather-proof.