School Holidays
Create and play together all year-round with our free school holiday programme that's suitable for all ages.
February Half-Term
Under the Sea with Yuki Kihara
Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 February, 10:30am–1:30pm
Free, drop-in
In partnership with Afrocats*
Dive into creativity this February half-term with joyful, hands-on activities inspired by artist Yuki Kihara’s colourful exhibition, Darwin in Paradise Camp. Come together to create under-the-sea collages, enjoy lively drumming and storytelling sessions, and dress up to celebrate ocean life and island culture.
Outdoor Art Club
Out in our Garden and Park children and their grown-ups are invited to explore, play and connect with nature. With mud painting studio, potion stations and water play.
Saturday 21 February, 10:30am-1:30pm
Free, drop in
Easter Holidays
Festival of Belonging
Wednesdays 8 & 15 April, 1pm-4pm
Free, drop-in
This Easter, join us for a vibrant celebration of colour, creativity and community inspired by artist Delaine Le Bas' exhibition, Un-Fair-Ground. Taking inspiration from her monumental mural created for the Glastonbury Festival, we invite families to make their mark through a joyful collaborative painting project outdoors, and stitch together shared stories and symbols in a co-created textile artworks inside. Together we’ll explore themes of identity, belonging and the power of collective creativity.
May Half-Term
The Joy of Colour
Thursday 28 & Friday 29 May, 10:30am-1:30pm
Free, drop-in
In partnership with Afrocats*
This May half term celebrate the joy of colour through playful dance and making activities inspired by the pattern-filled worlds in Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s exhibition. Led by Afrocats artists, families can move together through African and Caribbean-inspired dance and rhythm and create their own vibrant artworks inspired by nature.
PLAYTIME
Wednesday 22 July - Friday 28 August
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 1pm-4pm
This summer, PLAYTIME takes inspiration from the Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven exhibition. With playful weaving and embroidery interventions popping up throughout our galleries and outdoor spaces, this year will be a hands-on, creative celebration of texture, pattern, and play for all ages.
Want to stay in the know?
Be sure to follow Whitworth Families on Instagram (@whitworthfamilies) for regular updates on family activities at the gallery.
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*About Afrocats and the partnership
Afrocats is an award-winning charity supportsing people who face social exclusion, including refugees, asylum seekers and families from diverse backgrounds. Through creative activities like art, music, dance and community events, Afrocats helps people build confidence, make connections and feel welcome in the city.
The Afrocats × Whitworth partnership brings Afrocats’ creative energy into the Whitworth’s gallery spaces, making the gallery more welcoming, inclusive and accessible for families who may not usually visit. Together, Afrocats and the Whitworth offer free and culturally rich activities where visitors can play, make art, dance, drum and explore together. This partnership is built on removing barriers to participation - from offering travel support to creating spaces that feel safe and supportive for everyone.
Follow Afrocats on Instagram (@afrocats.mcr) for regular updates.
Image Credit: Ray Chan