Need rainy-day plans? From museums packed with fascinating artefacts to all-you-can-play arcades, there are loads of indoor activities for kids in Manchester.
When you’ve got a big day planned, there’s nothing worse than waking up to that trademark Mancunian drizzle. But here’s the good news – there are loads of things to do with kids indoors in Manchester, from high-energy trampoline parks to hands-on museums and immersive games that’ll keep them busy for hours.
Let the kids blow off steam at the best soft play centres in Manchester. Looking to refuel? Here’s our roundup of the family-friendly restaurants.
Quick picks: Indoor activities for kids in Manchester
Indoor adventures (the active stuff)
The Snow Centre
Credit: Ross Woodhall
There’s snow all year round at The Snow Centre (formerly Chill Factore) – the huge indoor snow centre that lets kids ski, snowboard or sled, whatever the weather. There are lessons for all ages and abilities, or you can grab a lift pass and do it your way. And don’t forget the Snow Park, where kids aged four and over can whizz down the slope on donuts and sledges, or take on the ice slide!
Where? The Snow Centre, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Urmston, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA.
When it’s open: 10am to 6pm Monday and Tuesday, 7:30am to 10pm on Wednesday, 10am to 10pm Thursday and Friday, and 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday.
Find out more: thesnowcentre.com
Flip Out
If you’re looking for high-energy things to do with the kids in Manchester, take a trip to Flip Out. This indoor trampoline and adventure park is chock-full of inflatables, ninja courses and climbing walls that you can whizz along and bounce off. With something for all ages, big kids can get the thrills they seek, while little ones will love the soft play.
Where? Flip Out, Corbett Street, Manchester, M11 4TA.
When it’s open: 11am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 8pm on Friday, 10am to 8pm on Saturday, and 10am to 7pm on Sunday. Closed Thursday. Opening times vary based on school holidays, so check the website before visiting.
Find out more: flipout.co.uk
Play Factore
Credit: Play Factore
Did you know that Manchester is home to the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena? Play Factore is a huge indoor play centre where fun is the main priority. There’s a giant slide, interactive trampolines, laser tag, a multi-level soft play and much, much more. Visiting with tots? They’ll find tunnels, slides and soft shapes in their very own toddler zone.
Where? Play Factore, Trafford Quays, Leisure Village, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA.
When it’s open: 10am to 6pm daily.
Find out more: playfactore.com
Hyde Leisure Pool
Credit: Darren Robinson Photography
When the weather turns, you can’t beat a day at the pool, and Hyde Leisure Pool is up there with the best in town. This splash-tastic paradise offers fun for water-loving kids, with a huge wave pool, wild water rapids, bubble beds and the epic Red Ripster slide. It gets busy on weekends and school holidays, so book in advance to avoid tantrums.
Where? Hyde Leisure Pool, Walker Lane, Hyde, SK14 5PL.
When it’s open: The pool is open daily but timetables vary, so check the website before visiting.
Find out more: activetameside.com
Museums & indoor learning
Science and Industry Museum
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Discover the amazing story of Manchester’s industrial past at the Science and Industry Museum. It’s wonderfully hands-on, from the fascinating Experiment gallery, to Brains, Bogies & You – an interactive adventure through the human body. Visit on weekends and you’ll even find a huge video arcade showcasing the very best games from the past five decades.
Where? Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JP.
When it’s open: 10am to 5pm daily.
Find out more: scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Manchester Museum
Credit: Jody Hartley
Looking for indoor activities where learning and fun go hand-in-hand? Look no further than the Manchester Museum. Step inside and you’ll find dinosaurs, mummies and natural wonders from across the globe – including 66-million-year-old Stan the T-Rex! Don’t miss the Vivarium, home to a collection of live amphibians and reptiles.
Where? Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL.
When it’s open: 10am to 5pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10am to 9pm on Wednesday, and 8am to 5pm on Saturday. Closed on Monday.
Find out more: museum.manchester.ac.uk
National Football Museum
Credit: National Football Museum/Bill Wright Photography
If your kids love football, you’ll score big with a trip to the National Football Museum, where fans of all ages can test their skills and learn more about the beautiful game. From snapping selfies with the Premier League trophy to taking part in interactive penalty shoot-outs, there’s enough to keep you busy all day long.
Where? National Football Museum, Todd Street, Manchester, M4 3BG.
When it’s open: 10am to 5pm daily.
Find out more: nationalfootballmuseum.com
Games, arcades & immersive experiences
Treetop Adventure Golf
Credit: Matt Eachus
Take a trip through the rainforest without leaving Manchester at Treetop Adventure Golf. This indoor mini golf attraction has two 18-hole courses – one which takes you through the jungle and one themed around ancient temples. And don’t miss the bonus hole, which gives you the chance to win a free round. Afterwards, refuel with delicious handmade pizza.
Where? Treetop Adventure Golf, The Printworks, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS.
When it’s open: 11am to 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 11pm Thursday to Friday, 10am to 11pm on Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sunday. Opening times can vary, so check the website before visiting.
Find out more: adventuregolf.com
Urban Playground
If you’ve got older kids you want to entertain, head to Urban Playground in the Arndale. It’s home to The Cube Live Experience – a real-life version of the gripping game show. Suitable for ages nine and above, it’ll test your physical, mental and team building skills. There’s also Putters – crazy golf with a tech-twist, which the whole family can get involved with.
Where? Urban Playground, Upper Mall, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AB.
When it’s open: 12pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 10:30pm Friday, 10am to 11pm on Saturday and 11:30am to 7pm on Sunday.
Find out more: urbanplayground.co.uk
King Pins
King Pins is the newest name in bowling, and they’ve got two epic venues in Manchester, each packed with indoor activities. Alongside family-friendly bowling, there’s everything from shuffleboard to ice-free curling, mini golf and tasty street food. Aim for a strike on the colourful lanes, before exploring the arcade machines – it’s perfect for rainy day energy burning.
Where? King Pins, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ & Trafford Palazzo, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AS.
When it’s open: The Arndale King Pins is open from 11am to 10pm on Monday to Thursday, 11am to 10:30pm on Friday, 10am to 10:30pm on Saturday, and 10am to 9pm on Sunday. The Trafford Palazzo King Pins is open from 12pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 10:30pm on Friday, 10am to 10:30pm on Saturday and 10am to 9pm on Sunday.
Find out more: kingpins.co.uk
Arcade Club
© Copyright Manchester-List 2026
Step into retro gaming heaven at Arcade Club, one of the best things to do with the kids in Manchester. This sprawling three-floor arcade is lined with classic and modern video games, with everything from Pac-Man to Mario Kart. The best bit? It’s all free to play once you’ve paid the entry free, and there’s no time limit. Be warned – they might never want to leave!
Where? Arcade Club, Ela Mill, Cork Street, Bury, BL9 7BW.
When it’s open: 4pm to 11pm Thursday, 6pm to 12am Friday, 11am to 11pm Saturday and 11am to 8pm Sunday, closed Monday to Wednesday.
Find out more: arcadeclub.co.uk
Museum of Illusions
© Copyright Manchester-List 2026
Enter a world of mind-bending fun at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions. This interactive museum is all about hands-on exhibits, with optical tricks, rotating rooms and plenty of selfie opportunities. Try not to fall over in the Vortex Tunnel, explore an upside-down tram and even lose your head! It’s one of the best activities for grey days.
Where? Museum of Illusions, 58-66 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PW.
When it’s open: 10am to 6:30pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm Friday and Saturday. Opening times can vary, so check the website before visiting.
Find out more: moimanchester.com
The Crystal Maze Experience
Credit: The Crystal Maze Experience
Based on the cult TV show, The Crystal Maze Experience is a high-energy puzzle-solving adventure that’s suitable for kids aged nine and above. You’ll work together to take on the maze’s themed zones, from the Aztec to the Industrial Zone, before finishing up in the iconic crystal dome. It’s without a doubt one of the best indoor activities in Manchester.
Where? The Crystal Maze Experience, St Johns, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4FP.
When it’s open: 1pm to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm on Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sunday.
Find out more: the-crystal-maze.com
Archie’s Atomic
© Copyright Manchester-List 2026
More than just a burger bar, Archie’s Atomic is a neon pink paradise full of fun and games. Take a whirl around the roller rink, explore the retro arcade and then take on an immersive multi-player gaming experience in The Vault. It’s hungry work, but don’t worry – there are larger-than-life burgers and indulgent milkshakes to be had in the diner.
Where? Archie’s Atomic, Unit C1, Trafford Palazzo, Manchester, M17 8AS.
When it’s open: 10am to 10pm daily. Opening times can vary, so check the website before visiting.
Find out more: archiesatomic.co.uk
PAC-MAN Live Experience
Credit: PAC-MAN Live Experience
For a nostalgic activity that’s sure to tire the kids out, check out the PAC-MAN Live Experience. You’ll step inside a life-size version of the classic arcade game, with state-of-the-art projections forming a giant glowing maze. Your aim? It’s simple – chomp on power pellets, dodge the ghosts and chase those killer high scores. Wear comfy shoes, you’ll need them!
Where? PAC-MAN Live Experience, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4FP.
When it’s open: 10am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 11pm Friday to Sunday.
Find out more: pacmanlive.co.uk
Little kid favourites
Legoland Discovery Centre
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Kids can let their imaginations run wild at Legoland Discovery Centre. With over two million LEGO bricks all under one roof, they can build, play and even go on rides. Designed for kids aged 3-10, it’s a colourful world of creativity, home to a 4D cinema, themed building zones and a mini Manchester, made entirely from LEGO.
Where? Legoland Discovery Centre, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AS.
When it’s open: 10am to 3:50pm Monday to Sunday.
Find out more: legolanddiscoverycentre.com
Z-arts
Credit: Darren Robinson Photography
Z-arts is a dedicated family arts centre with immersive theatre, creative workshops and exhibitions for children. Their Adventures in Wonderland experience brings the classic book to life, where kids can follow the White Rabbit into a weird and wonderful world where nothing is as it seems! There’s even a family-friendly escape room, and a fantastic on-site cafe.
Where? Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA.
When it’s open: 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Find out more: z-arts.org
SEA LIFE
Credit: SEA LIFE Manchester
Explore the wonders of the deep sea at SEA LIFE Manchester. This indoor aquarium is full of fascinating marine life, from sharks and stingrays to playful sea turtles and colourful tropical fish. There’s loads for all ages to see and do, including feeding demos and hands-on rockpool experiences, along with the aquarium’s crown jewel – the 360-degree ocean tunnel.
Where? SEA LIFE Manchester, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AS
When it’s open: 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm on weekends.
Find out more: visitsealife.com/manchester
What to know about indoor activities before you go
What are the best indoor activities for toddlers in Manchester? For toddlers, look for calmer, sensory-friendly spots with plenty of space to explore – SEA LIFE, Play Factore’s toddler zone and Manchester Museum are great starting points.
What can you do with kids indoors in Manchester on a rainy day? If you need to burn energy, go for Flip Out, Play Factore or bowling at King Pins. For something more relaxed, try Science and Industry Museum or Z-arts.
Are there indoor activities for older kids and teens in Manchester? Yes – The Crystal Maze, PAC-MAN Live Experience, The Cube at Urban Playground and Arcade Club are ideal for ages 8–13+.
Do you need to book these indoor activities in advance? On weekends and school holidays, booking is a good idea — especially for Play Factore, Hyde Leisure Pool and any timed-entry experiences.
Cover image credit: SEA LIFE
