The weekend's almost upon us once again and there are loads of family events to keep the kids happy this Saturday and Sunday.
If it's a cheap weekend you're after (who isn't?) then you could always wrap up warm and enjoy a brisk walk with the kids.
We've created our own list of recommended places to take the whole family to here, and they involve a cafe stop along the way.
You could also try one of Manchester's best parks, or playgrounds, or if you're wanting to head indoors, then take a trip to one of the region's roller rinks, trampoline centres or kids' club cinemas, which offer cheap films at the weekend.
But if you want to join in the Chinese New Year celebrations - they're free too - then we have all you need to know.
Here's what's happening where and when this Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 ...
Chinese New Year, Manchester
Chinese New Year celebrations are taking place this weekend and there's loads of family fun happening to mark the Year of the Rat.
The three-day festivities run from Friday to Sunday and will include traditional celebrations in Chinatown along with contemporary art, performances, food and family activities across the city centre.
It culminates in the annual dragon parade on the Sunday, with a , and a spectacular fireworks finale.
This year the procession sets off from outside Manchester Central Library, departing at 12.30pm.
The 175ft dragon will be accompanied by lion and ribbon dancers, Chinese opera performers, giant Buddha dolls and the Chinese Scout parade as it weaves its way to Chinatown.
The new route takes it from St Peter’s Square, down Peter Street and Oxford Street, before turning on to Portland Street and then Princess Street and into the heart of Chinatown for 2pm.
Activities include free, family-friendly workshops and events at venues including Manchester Central Library, which hosts a special Sunday Funday from noon until 4pm.
The library is teaming up with the Confucius Institute of Manchester University and the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art to host arts and crafts activities and a tea ceremony workshop.
Over at Manchester Arndale's Exchange Court, the Confucius Institute will also be giving families the chance to learn about the Chinese zodiac animals and make their own paper rat on the Saturday, from 11am to 4pm.
On the Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, families can join Manchester’s Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA) and artist Joey Yu at the shopping centre to make their own paper dragons and mythical beasts.
And between 12pm and 4pm there'll be performances and workshops at Manchester Art Gallery.
More events can be found at visitmanchester.com/chinesenewyear.
Outdoor Art Club, The Whitworth
The popular Outdoor Art Club is back at The Whitworth this Saturday and there are activities taking place for all ages.
These are creative, play led, forest school inspired sessions for all the family and run every Saturday during term time in Whitworth Park from 10am until noon.
Sessions take place outdoors whatever the weather and include everything from mud painting and mud sculpting to water play or nature based crafts.
The outdoor art studio area is under cover and sheltered for those slightly wetter days but families are urged to go prepared with wellies and all-in-ones, plus an extra set of dry clothes for going home.
Sessions are free and there's no need to book so you can just pop along.
The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER.
Relaxed screening of Rio 2, HOME
An autism-friendly screening of the hit film Rio 2 is showing at HOME theatre in Manchester this weekend.
The relaxed event is designed for people with autism spectrum conditions and their families so they can enjoy the arts together in a stress-free environment.
These events are also suitable for people with sensory conditions or learning difficulties.
Noise and lighting will be lowered, there's a relaxed approach to movement and noises from guests and there's a separate chill out space for those needing some time out of the performance.
The film is showing at 11am on Saturday and tickets, from £5, can be booked online.
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN.
Upside Down House, Trafford Centre
There's still time to catch the Upside Down House at the Trafford Centre if you fancy getting topsy turvy this weekend.
The topsy-turvy attraction is outside The Orient and offers visitors 'a zero-gravity illusion experience in a safe and family friendly environment'.
The house is arranged over two storeys and fully furnished with a kitchen, bathroom, living room art and bedroom.
Visitors are invited to walk on the ceiling and 'lose themselves going downstairs to go up and letting their imagination run riot as they capture the perfect photo'.
On the day tickets cost £5 per person (under threes go free). Advance tickets can be booked online for £3.50 weekdays or £4.50 weekends.
The house is open from 10am daily and closes at 8pm weekdays and 9pm at weekends.
Trafford Centre, The Orient, Trafford, M17 8AA.
