Looking for things to do with kids in Manchester? From indoor rainy-day activities to big weekend adventures, these family days out will keep everyone happy.
Manchester is packed with brilliant family-friendly days out, whether you’ve got toddlers in tow or hard-to-please teens. Think hands-on museums, farm animals and outdoor escapes, plus plenty of weather-proof ideas for when the rain hits. We’ve rounded up our favourite things to do with kids in Manchester, from quick two-hour activities to full day trips worth the drive.
Quick picks: Things to do with kids in Manchester
Explore ancient relics and natural wonders
Credit: Jody Hartley
Manchester Museum is one of the best family days out. Home to more than four million objects across four floors, it’s a treasure trove of discovery, taking you from the prehistoric era to modern times. There’s even a vivarium, where kids can come face to face with reptiles and amphibians.
But the highlight has to be Stan – a 13-foot T-Rex who’s estimated to be around 66 million years old. The second-most complete specimen of a T-Rex in the world, standing next to what used to be one of the world’s most terrifying predators is a real jaw-dropping experience.
Where? Manchester Museum, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL.
How much? Entry is free, but you need to pre-book for the main exhibition.
Find out more: museum.manchester.ac.uk
Discover an amazing underwater world
Credit: SEA LIFE Manchester
You might not expect to find an aquarium in a land-locked city, but Sea Life Manchester is here to subvert your expectations. Located at Trafford Palazzo, this captivating experience is sure to appeal to kids of all ages, from tiny tots through to hard-to-please teens.
There are five zones to explore, including the incredible walk-through ocean tunnel where you can gaze in awe as stingrays, guitarfish and even sharks swim above you. With interactive exhibits throughout, it’s equal parts fun and educational – and it’s great for adults too.
Where? Sea Life Manchester, Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity, Next to, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AS.
How much? Standard pre-booked entry costs from £16 for adults, £12.50 for children aged 2 to 17, and it’s free for under 2s.
Find out more: visitsealife.com
Marvel at curious creatures
Chester Zoo is a rite of passage for all northern kids. Home to 37,000 incredible animals, along with play areas and gorgeous gardens, it’s well worth the hour’s drive from Manchester. From playful penguins to majestic lions, which one will the little ones flock to first?
One of the zoo’s best bits has to be Fruit Bat Forest – an indoor walk-through experience where bats can fly right past your head! Visiting the zoo can be hungry work, so don’t forget to pack a picnic, or stop off at one of the many food and drink vendors on-site.
Where? Chester Zoo, Chester, CH2 1LE.
How much? Entry starts from £38 for adults, £28 for children aged 3 to 15, £37 for students, £2.50 for toddlers aged 1 and 2, and free for babies under 12 months – you must book online to secure these prices.
Find out more: chesterzoo.org
Aim for a hole in one
Credit: Matt Eachus
Nothing beats a round of mini golf, and Treetop Golf is a great choice for families. Situated inside The Printworks, it’s home to two 18-hole courses – Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer. With an exotic decor throughout, it’s a wonderfully immersive experience.
Whichever course you go for, you’ll find tricky-but-manageable holes, making it perfect for all ages. Once you reach the end, you’ll get to try your hand at the 19th hole – get it in and you’ll win a free round. Peckish? Stop off at Pizza Cabana for a well-earned feed before you leave.
Where? Treetop Golf, The Printworks, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS.
How much? Prices start from £6 for under-5s, £11.50 for adults and £10.70 for students, for 18 holes. Children aged six and over are £12.70.
Find out more: adventuregolf.com
Hit the slopes
Credit: Ross Woodhall
Home to the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, The Snow Centre Manchester is the perfect place to enjoy your favourite winter sports all year round. Kids can learn the ropes with skiing and snowboarding classes, with lessons available for ages four to 16. It’s the perfect way to introduce them to the slopes before your next trip.
But it’s way more than just skiing. Kids can sledge, slide and race down the slope in inflatable donuts over in the Snow Park – perfect if they’re not quite ready to tackle skis. With a Nando’s, Wetherspoons and Alpine Lodge on-site, there are plenty of ways to fill those hungry bellies afterwards.
Where? The Snow Centre Manchester, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Urmston, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA.
How much? An hour’s lift pass starts from £34, with equipment included. Ski and snowboarding lessons vary by age, with coaching and private classes available.
Find out more: thesnowcentre.com
Race around a light up track
You can take part in real life Mario Kart at Chaos Karts, an immersive karting experience that blends high-adrenaline go karting with augmented reality to create something totally unique. Suitable for ages 11 and up, it’s one of the best things to do with older kids in Manchester.
You’ll jump into a high-speed electric kart, racing your opponents around a colourful range of fully-immersive tracks. And just like in Mario Kart, you’ll have weapons and power-ups in your arsenal – watch out for bombs! Can you cross the finish line first?
Where? Chaos Karts, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4FP.
How much? Standard tickets start from £30, with family tickets available from £27 per person for groups of three or more, including at least one child under 16 and one adult over 18.
Find out more: chaoskarts.com
Try to escape the room
Do you have little problem-solvers in your brood? Escape Hunt is the place to go. Let the kids take charge as you complete high-pressure missions, working against the clock to escape the room. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the puzzles – think you’ve got what it takes?
There are seven different rooms to choose from, taking you from Aladdin’s Cave all the way through to the Wild West. Kids need to be aged eight and above to take part, with adults accompanying under 16s, so it’s one to leave the littl’uns at home for.
Where? Escape Hunt, Unit 19, Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR.
How much? Tickets start from £30pp for two players, with discounts available for larger group bookings.
Find out more: escapehunt.com
Get creative at a dedicated arts centre
Hulme’s Z-Arts is an arts centre and theatre designed to spark creativity in children and families. There’s a huge range of hands-on workshops, with something for all ages. Educational and accessible, kids can learn everything from dance moves to how to create their own podcast.
Fancy seeing a show? A packed lineup of family-friendly shows is sure to captivate even the wriggliest of viewers. And that’s not all – you can test your puzzle-solving skills at the Library of Enchantment escape room, before grabbing a sarnie and a cuppa at the Z-Cafe.
Where? Z-Arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA.
How much? Entry is free, but select events and workshops require a paid ticket.
Find out more: z-arts.org
Reach new heights
Credit: Rock Up
Rock Up is a climbing centre with a difference – it’s fully accessible for all abilities and you don’t need to take any equipment with you. All you need to do is book a session, rock up in your trainers and you’ll get a full safety briefing, then it’s time for the fun part – scaling those walls.
There are climbing lessons for kids from walkers to age four, along with a two-storey soft play for the toddlers to enjoy while the older kids climb. Feeling brave? Take on the ropes course, which runs around the perimeter of the arena, or the vertigo-inducing Stairway to Heaven.
Where? Rock Up, Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA.
How much? Climbing sessions start from £18.95, or you can get a family climb for four people for £69.95.
Find out more: rock-up.co.uk
Pose with the Premier League trophy
Credit: National Football Museum/Bill Wright Photography
If you’ve got footy-loving kids, a trip to the National Football Museum is an absolute must. This interactive museum is dedicated to the beautiful game, packed with relics like Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt, an original turnstile from Wembley Stadium and more.
There are plenty of selfie opps – be sure to grab a photo with the Premier League trophy – along with loads of ways to show off your skills in the Play Gallery. After you’ve tackled all four storeys, it’s time to head to The Dugout for a well-earned post-match scran.
Where? National Football Museum, Todd Street, Manchester, M4 3BG.
How much? Entry for Manchester residents get free entry with proof of residence. Family tickets start from £39 when booked online. Concessions start from £12–£13. Walk-up prices are slightly higher.
Find out more: nationalfootballmuseum.com
Discover Manchester’s industrial history
©: Copyright Manchester-List 2024
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is a great day out for families, offering an exciting mix of hands-on exhibits and machinery. Housed in a historic railway station, the museum celebrates Manchester’s importance during the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
The highlight has to be the Interactive Gallery, home to over 25 activities where kids can learn about electricity, magnets and more via fun experiments. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday during term time and kids can try their hand at over 150 consoles, playing everything from Pacman to Guitar Hero.
Where? Science & Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JP.
How much? Entry to the museum is free.
Find out more: scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Ride on a steam train
If your kids love trains, boy do we have a day out for you. The East Lancashire Railway is a heritage railway line running between Heywood and Rawtenstall, where you can ride vintage steam trains whilst peering out on the scenic North Manchester landscape.
They even run themed days, combining a host of children’s favourites with all the thrill of the railway. Kids can enrol in wizard school, pet a dinosaur or travel to Wonderland, making for a day to remember. A trip to Bury Transport Museum is the perfect way to round off the day.
Where? East Lancashire Railway, 23A Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY.
How much? Full Line Return tickets are available online in advance from £18.50 for adults and £10.50 for children (ages 3–15), with discounted family tickets also available. Children under three go free.
Find out more: eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Check out Manchester’s vehicles of the past
Take a trip back in time at the Museum of Transport, a fascinating glimpse into Manchester vehicles across the years. With over 70 buses and other vehicles on display and the chance to take a peek inside many of them, it’s an interactive experience for the whole family.
Marvel at a Victorian horse bus and a tram that’s over 100 years old, comparing it to an early prototype of the Metrolink from 1990. Elsewhere, a 1946 brewery lorry showcases how people used to transport ale around the city. Keep an eye out for heritage bus tours, which take place through the year.
Where? Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8UW.
How much? Tickets start from £10.50 for children aged three to 15 when booked online, with adult tickets from £18.50 online. Family tickets are available from £31 online, with unlimited day rover options from £41 for families. Prices are higher on the day and vary by ticket type and date.
Find out more: motgm.uk
Explore a real life air raid shelter
Credit: Mark Waugh
Discover what life was like in wartime Britain with a wander around Stockport Air Raid Shelters. Part of the mile-long tunnel network has been authentically re-equipped to mimic the sights and sounds of Britain’s Home Front, resulting in an experience that’s equal parts educational and moving.
With no stone left unturned, you’ll find out how people used to sleep, eat and go to the toilet during the Blitz, before finishing your visit in the gift shop. The best bit? Under 16s go free with a paying adult, making it an affordable visit for families.
Where? Stockport Air Raid Shelters, 65 Chestergate, Stockport, SK1 1NP.
How much? Children under 16 go free with a paying adult, while adult entry is £5.50. Discounts available for Leisure Key holders.
Find out more: stockport.gov.uk
Meet cuddly critters at the farm
A trip to the farm is always a great family day out, and Cockfield’s Farm is a great choice. Situated half an hour from Manchester city centre, it’s home to a host of resident animals that the kids can get up close and personal with, along with indoor and outdoor play areas.
Grab a bag of food and you’ll be talk of the farm – who will you feed first? Take your pick from llamas, donkeys, goats and more. Before you go, be sure to take a trip to the petting zoo, where kids can learn how to handle rabbits, owls and sometimes even baby chicks and ducklings. Cute!
Where? Cockfield’s Farm, Lees New Road, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AR.
How much? Standard entry starts at £12.95 for adults and children and from £2.95 for babies under one.
Find out more: cockfields.co.uk
Get competitive at the arcade
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Did you know that Manchester is home to Europe’s largest arcade? Arcade Club is a sprawling gaming heaven, set across four floors and packed with over 400 different games. It’s just £10 for kids to enter, and then once you’re in, everything’s free to play.
You can show the kids the ropes on retro games like Street Fighter and House of the Dead, before exploring new worlds with VR consoles. They serve a very affordable food menu too, so you can order up pizza, burgers, hot dogs and more when you get hungry.
Where? Arcade Club, Ela Mill, Cork St, Bury, BL9 7BW.
How much? Entry costs £18 for adults, £10 for children or £46 for a family ticket (two adults and two children. Monthly passes available.
Find out more: arcadeclub.co.uk
Test your bravery in the tree tops
Credit: Zip World
Heaton Park is one of the best family days out in Manchester, and it’s also home to Zip World, a high ropes experience that’ll see you climbing, balancing and swinging through the trees. Suitable for ages seven and above, it’s sure to test both kids and grown-ups alike.
Suspended 18 metres above the ground, it’s truly exhilarating – but don’t worry, it’s completely safe. You’ll receive a full safety briefing while you kit-up, where the staff will show you how to clip and unclip, and you’ll tackle the mini trek course before moving onto the real thing.
Where? Zip World, Heaton Park, St Margaret’s Rd, Manchester, M25 2GT.
How much? Full treks start from £35, with other activities available for less.
Find out more: zipworld.co.uk
Enter an immersive gaming world
Credit: Immersive Gamebox
For a futuristic gaming experience, head to Immersive Gamebox in the Arndale. You and the kids will enter an interactive gaming room, donning motion-sensor visors which allow your body movements to control the game. Once you’re kitted up, the fun will begin.
There are 15 games to choose from, including hit Netflix show The Floor is Lava. Work with your group to tackle this fast-paced obstacle course, jumping from platform to platform to avoid falling into the lava below you. It’s tense, chaotic and hilarious – the kids will love it!
Where? Immersive Gamebox, Unit R3 Halle Place, Arndale Centre, Market St, Manchester, M4 3AQ.
How much? Prices start from £28 for adults, £18 for children aged three to 11 and £16 for students.
Find out more: immersivegamebox.com
Learn all about outer space
While Jodrell Bank isn’t technically in Manchester, it’s too good to leave off the list. Home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines awe-inspiring space exploration with fun, educational experiences.
Explore interactive exhibits at the First Light Pavilion, experiment with sound waves at the Whispering Dishes and wander the Space Walk trail, before enjoying a picnic surrounded by beautiful Cheshire countryside.
Where? Jodrell Bank, Bomish Lane, Cheshire, Macclesfield, SK11 9DW.
How much? Adult tickets start from £14.85 and tickets for children aged four to 17 start from £10.80, when booked online. Under-4s and carers go free, and family tickets are available from £36.
Find out more: jodrellbank.net
Unleash their inner Picasso
If your kids have an artistic flair, they’ll love Lindsey’s Art Classes. Led by professional artist Lindsey Baldwin, classes take place weekly, with children learning everything from fundamental drawing and painting skills, to colour theory and art history.
Courses run throughout term-time, generally lasting 6-7 weeks. But if you’d rather get a taste before committing to the full thing, Lindsey runs holiday clubs where kids can take part in bitesized two-hour sessions, producing two take-home masterpieces.
Where? Classes take place at Centre Point, Bramhall, 23 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AL & Bramhall Scouts, Bramley Way, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 2DT.
How much? Face to face classes start from £12 per child, per class.
Find out more: lindseysartclasses.co.uk
