Accessible half-term things to do in Manchester (October half-term 2026)
Manchester City Council says most schools close for October half-term on Friday 23 October 2026 and reopen on Monday 2 November 2026. This guide covers the week and the weekends either side, across Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Stockport, with one relaxed morning at Jodrell Bank just over the Cheshire border. You will find quiet and relaxed sessions, autism-friendly cinema, BSL and audio described theatre, a SEND karaoke afternoon and free museum activities. Details can change, so please check with the organiser before you set off.
Top picks
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Quiet at the Aquarium
10am to 12pm · SEA LIFE Manchester, Trafford · From £18.50 adult, £15.50 child
- Quiet session
- Ear defenders available
Runs every Wednesday morning. Music, hand dryers and TVs are switched off, ear defenders are available on request, and visitors with sensory needs are offered an emotions sticker sheet. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
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Bandaoke: karaoke with a live band
1.30pm to 3.30pm · 53two Theatre, Watson Street, Manchester · Free · 16 to 25
For disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 16 to 25, and families are welcome. Halloween costumes are optional. Book through the Small Sparks form, email info@billyandandy.co.uk with your songs, or call 07429 826053 to talk about support needs.
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Relaxed Hours at IWM North
10am to 12pm · IWM North, Trafford Wharf, Trafford · Free
- Relaxed session
- Quiet session
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilet
- Ear defenders available
- Disabled parking
Held on the first Sunday of every month, so 1 November fits the pattern; check the booking page to confirm. Quiet rooms, a breakout space, and Big Picture Shows at 11am and 12pm with dimmed lights and lower volume. Book free tickets in advance (up to 6 per group).
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Relaxed visit at Jodrell Bank
10am to 11am · Jodrell Bank, near Macclesfield, Cheshire · Included in admission
- Relaxed session
- Quiet session
Reduced sound and lighting in the exhibitions, a quiet space, sensory provisions and a relaxed showing of the free film at 10.15am. Please book only if someone in your group will benefit. A familiarisation guide is on the website, and there are local roadworks, so allow extra time.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar, BSL interpreted performance
11am · Lowry, Salford Quays · See the venue's website · 1+
- BSL interpreted
The show runs all half-term week, with this performance interpreted in British Sign Language. To book access tickets, email access@thelowry.com or call 0161 876 2183.
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On all week
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Free half-term space programme at the Science and Industry Museum
Every day from 24 October to 1 November · 10am to 5pm · Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Manchester · Free
Make your own alien, build a spacecraft, try stop-motion animation (ages 7 and up, limited places) and watch family sci-fi films at 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30. Book free museum admission tickets online. The museum has an accessibility page with more detail.
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Story Seekers trail and family activity hub at IWM North
Trail every day from 24 October to 1 November; activity hub 26 to 30 October · 10am to 4pm · IWM North, Trafford Wharf, Trafford · Free · 5+
A drop-in trail around the main exhibition space, plus a making hub in the Libeskind Room from Monday to Friday. No booking needed. Activities can vary, so check at the information desk.
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Find the Familiars trail at Ordsall Hall
25 to 29 October and 1 November · 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 11.30am to 4pm Sundays · Ordsall Hall, Salford · £2 per child
A Halloween trail inside the hall and out in the gardens, suitable for all ages. Buy the trail at reception on arrival, no booking needed. Dress for the weather, and see the hall's accessibility page before you go.
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Half-term family fun at Manchester Museum
Every day from 27 to 31 October · 10am to 5pm · Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester · Free
Drop-in making, nature stalls and Billie Bee Story Time for ages 2 to 7 (Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 October, sign up on the day). The museum is closed on Mondays. For access questions, call 0161 275 2648.
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Day by day
Sunday 25 October
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Relaxed screening: Monster Mia (U)
11.50am · The Light Cinema, Stockport · See the venue's website
- Relaxed session
- Autism-friendly
Sound is turned down, lights are dimmed rather than off, and there are no adverts or trailers. You can move around or change seats during the film.
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Monday 26 October
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Relaxed Toddler Time: We're Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came to Tea
10am · The Light Cinema, Stockport · See the venue's website · Pre-school children and their carers
- Relaxed session
- Autism-friendly
A relaxed double bill for little ones. Lower sound, dimmed lights, no adverts, and freedom to move about.
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Tuesday 27 October
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Relaxed screening: Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U)
4.20pm · The Light Cinema, Stockport · See the venue's website
- Relaxed session
- Autism-friendly
Lower sound, dimmed lights and no adverts or trailers. You can get up and move around if you need to.
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Spooky Storytime and Haunted House Craft
2pm to 3pm · Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Salford · Free
A gentle Halloween story and craft for all ages. No booking needed. The museum's accessibility page has details on getting around.
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Wednesday 28 October
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Quiet at the Aquarium
10am to 12pm · SEA LIFE Manchester, Trafford · From £18.50 adult, £15.50 child
- Quiet session
- Ear defenders available
Runs every Wednesday morning. Music, hand dryers and TVs are switched off, ear defenders are available on request, and visitors with sensory needs are offered an emotions sticker sheet. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
Add to calendar (Quiet at the Aquarium) Google Calendar
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-
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, BSL interpreted performance
11am · Lowry, Salford Quays · See the venue's website · 1+
- BSL interpreted
The show runs all half-term week, with this performance interpreted in British Sign Language. To book access tickets, email access@thelowry.com or call 0161 876 2183.
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Friday 30 October
-
Bandaoke: karaoke with a live band
1.30pm to 3.30pm · 53two Theatre, Watson Street, Manchester · Free · 16 to 25
For disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 16 to 25, and families are welcome. Halloween costumes are optional. Book through the Small Sparks form, email info@billyandandy.co.uk with your songs, or call 07429 826053 to talk about support needs.
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Saturday 31 October
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar, audio described performance
10am · Lowry, Salford Quays · See the venue's website · 1+
An audio described performance, with a touch tour listed at 9am. Book access tickets by emailing access@thelowry.com or calling 0161 876 2183.
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Free cycling for young people with SEND
11am to 3pm · Proctor Learning Centre, Hulme, Manchester · Free · 11 to 16
- SEND session
Runs every Saturday for young people with SEND or emotional and mental health needs. Riders need to be confident on a bike and attend an induction first. Contact MANCCYCLES on info@manccycles.co.uk or 07970 922132.
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Sibs Halloween art sessions for young siblings (online)
See the organiser's website · Online, materials posted to your home · Free
Free online art sessions for brothers and sisters of disabled children, with a box of materials sent to you. The 4 to 10 session was almost full in September, with places left on the 11+ session. Book through the Sibs website.
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Sunday 1 November
-
Relaxed Hours at IWM North
10am to 12pm · IWM North, Trafford Wharf, Trafford · Free
- Relaxed session
- Quiet session
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilet
- Ear defenders available
- Disabled parking
Held on the first Sunday of every month, so 1 November fits the pattern; check the booking page to confirm. Quiet rooms, a breakout space, and Big Picture Shows at 11am and 12pm with dimmed lights and lower volume. Book free tickets in advance (up to 6 per group).
Add to calendar (Relaxed Hours at IWM North) Google Calendar
Been to this? Tell other families
-
Relaxed visit at Jodrell Bank
10am to 11am · Jodrell Bank, near Macclesfield, Cheshire · Included in admission
- Relaxed session
- Quiet session
Reduced sound and lighting in the exhibitions, a quiet space, sensory provisions and a relaxed showing of the free film at 10.15am. Please book only if someone in your group will benefit. A familiarisation guide is on the website, and there are local roadworks, so allow extra time.
Add to calendar (Relaxed visit at Jodrell Bank) Google Calendar
Been to this? Tell other families
Tips for a calmer half-term in Greater Manchester
- Read the Manchester Local Offer newsletter. Manchester's SEND Local Offer sends a regular bulletin of free and low-cost SEND activities. Stockport, Salford and Trafford each have their own Local Offer pages too.
- Check the trams before you travel. The Science and Industry Museum warns that tram services will be restricted during October half-term because of improvement works. Plan your route on the TfGM website.
- Book free tickets early. IWM North Relaxed Hours and the Science and Industry Museum both ask you to book free tickets in advance, and SEA LIFE quiet sessions must be booked online.
- Ask venues for visual guides. Jodrell Bank has a familiarisation guide, and the Lowry access team can help with access bookings on 0161 876 2183.
- Bring or borrow ear defenders. SEA LIFE Manchester and IWM North both offer ear defenders on request, first come, first served at IWM North.
Running an accessible event?
If you run a relaxed, sensory-friendly or SEND event, list it on Buzzbo for free and it appears in this guide automatically. Gold members are featured at the top.
Frequently asked questions
When is October half-term 2026 in Manchester?
Manchester City Council says most schools close on Friday 23 October 2026 and reopen on Monday 2 November 2026. Some academies and faith schools may differ, so check with your child's school.
Are there autism-friendly cinema screenings in Greater Manchester this half-term?
Yes. The Light Cinema in Stockport lists relaxed screenings on 25, 26 and 27 October 2026, with lower sound, dimmed lights and no adverts.
Are there quiet or relaxed museum sessions?
SEA LIFE Manchester runs Quiet at the Aquarium every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm. IWM North holds free Relaxed Hours on the first Sunday of each month, and Jodrell Bank has a relaxed visit on Sunday 1 November 2026.
Is there a HAF holiday scheme in Manchester this October?
Manchester's HAF 2026 guidance says Easter, summer and Christmas are funded, and half-term provision depends on limited funding. Contact haf@mcractive.com or your school to ask what is running.
Are there BSL theatre performances this half-term?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Lowry has a BSL interpreted performance on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11am and an audio described show on Saturday 31 October at 10am.