Damp weather has become as synonymous with the city as its old canal routes.
Luckily, Manchester is overflowing with indoor activities and fun things to do – whether you’re ducking from a little bit of drizzle or sheltering from a torrential downpour. Here are our favourite things to do on rainy days in Manchester, including location, prices and top tips for visiting.
The Snow Centre
Credit: Ross Woodhall
Swap the rain for snow and spend the day at The Snow Centre, home to the UK’s longest indoor ski slope. Experienced skiers can hone their skills on the blue run, complete with T-bar lift. Alternatively, you can take beginner and intermediate ski and snowboard lessons to see if that holiday is a good idea!
For a snowy day of family fun, check out the Snow Park where you can go sledging, fly down the ice slides and soar down the hill in donuts. After you’re all snowed out, head upstairs to the alpine themed lodge for a hot chocolate and to watch any last family stragglers through the viewing platform. No kit? No problem. You can rent everything you need inside.
Where? The Snow Centre, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Urmston, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA.
How much? One hour lift pass (adult) starts from £35.10, including equipment hire. 45-minute pass for the Snow Park starts from £19 per person, including helmets.
Find out more? thesnowcentre.com
K Craft Studio
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Unleash your creativity at K Craft studio with an interactive workshop and go home with a Japanese Shimenawa floral decoration, sparkly soap bubble bar or Korean moru doll. There’s no better way to spend your rainy day in Manchester than choosing doll-sized clothes for your new pipe cleaner buddy!
The studio owner will sit down with your group to talk you through the workshop from start to finish, supporting you with any fiddly bits and helping you get into your creative flow. All materials are included in the cost of your session, so you can turn up bedraggled from the rain and ready to get your craft on.
Where? K Craft Studio, Studio 6, Makers Quarter Kampus, 2/F, 28 Minshull Street, Manchester, M1 3EF.
How much? One hour Korean moru doll workshop is £25.
Find out more? kcraftstudio.com
Challenge Point
Credit: Challenge Point
See how you would fair on a gameshow at Challenge Point as you try to win as many points as possible in a series of interactive mini games. If The Cube and Limitless had a love child, it would be this! Battle it out in teams of two to six at supermarket beep, crazy charades and laser mazes, with each mini game lasting around five minutes.
Halfway through, you’ll spin a wheel to score extra points, play a quick game of higher or lower or win a self-dubbed ‘disappointing prize’! With new games every three months and enthusiastic staff members to make the experience even more fun, this is every gameshow enthusiast’s dream come true.
Where? Challenge Point, 87 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1EX.
How much? £26 per person.
Find out more? challengepointmanchester.com
The Deck 747
Credit: The Deck 747
Rainy days won’t ground this plane in Manchester as you get the chance to experience flying a real Boeing 747 on a built-in simulator that’s so realistic, you’ll feel dizzy in the cockpit. Learn about the history of the plane from former 747 pilots, before heading up to the Flight Deck to conduct a takeoff.
You can choose which airport you want to take off from and land at, with the option to fly under the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge or return to the more familiar runways of Manchester. After you’ve fulfilled your dream of being a pilot, head to the gift shop for more aviation-themed surprises.
Where? The Deck 747, Barton Aerodrome, Liverpool Road, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7SA.
How much? Flight experiences start from £74.95.
Find out more? thedeck747.com
Crystal Maze
Credit: The Crystal Maze Experience
Step back into the 90s with 75 minutes of frantic and silly puzzles and games. It’s so fun that even those too young to remember the show are guaranteed to enjoy! Dash between puzzling physical tasks and mind-boggling mental conundrums, scoring as many points as you can in your team of up to eight.
With an immersive set design and impressive game props, this is the closest recreation of The Crystal Dome in the 21st century. The staff are on hand to bring the game to life, remaining in character for the whole experience no matter how chaotic gameplay gets.
Where? Crystal Maze, St Johns, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4FP.
How much? From £36 per person.
Find out more? the-crystal-maze.com
Immersive Gamebox
Credit: Immersive Gamebox
Discover just how competitive you really are at Immersive Gamebox, an interactive gaming room with entertainment for all ages. This is one that’s as much for families with young children as it is for a group of mates in their forties looking for something a bit different.
Whether it’s Squid Game, human Tetris or Shaun the Sheep, all games are played with high-tech visors, allowing you to control your next move with your body, and each room fits up to six people. You can also pose for a free team gif before you finish to remember the day you all forgot your lefts and rights!
Where? Immersive Gamebox, Unit R3, Halle Place, Manchester Arndale, Market Street, Manchester, M4 3AQ.
How much? Prices depend on the game you play and its duration. Many games start from £15 per player for 30 minutes.
Find out more? immersivegamebox.com
Whistle Punks
Credit: Whistle Punks
Release any pent up anger at the bad weather with axe throwing at Whistle Punks. Depending on the size of your group, you’ll either get a lane to yourself or be mixed with another small team of keen throwers. After learning how to throw your axe without causing immediate danger, it’s time to step up.
Time flies as fast as the axes and after a few practice shots, you’ll compete in a fun tournament against the others in your lane. Once you’ve finished throwing, sip on a cold crisp beer or enjoy a slice of gooey pizza – rule is, the winner gets the round in!
Where? Whistle Punks, Great Northern Warehouse, Unit 20, Atrium level, 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN.
How much? From £22 per person.
Find out more? whistlepunks.com
Manchester Museum
Credit: Jody Hartley
As indoor activities go, we’re always surprised when people forget about the Manchester Museum. With 4.5 million objects from natural sciences and human life, fascinating exhibitions spanning time and cultures and Stan the gigantic Tyrannosaurus rex, this is a cracker of a rainy day out.
All history buffs are catered for with in-depth collections taking you from Ancient Egypt and Chinese heritage to fossils and taxidermy. There’s also live reptiles and an arts and crafts section for those who like their museum a little more interactive. Once you’ve got your fill, grab a slice of cake at the museum cafe.
Where? Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL.
How much? Free.
Find out more? manchester.ac.uk
Treetop Golf
Credit: Matt Eachus
Wait for the rain to stop with a game of mini golf at Treetop Golf. Both the tropical trail and ancient explorer course are guaranteed to distract from the miserable weather outside. Immersive elements like howling monkeys and cryptic carvings will keep you entertained right until the final hole.
After testing your luck at the bonus 19th hole to win a free game, head to the in-house watering spot. Here you can sip on a clubhouse Caipirinha or non-alcoholic Jungle Cooler served in quirky glasses and scoff down cheesy hand-stretched pizza, with gluten free dough and vegan toppings available.
Where? Treetop Golf, The Printworks, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS.
How much? Play one course for £11.60 each.
Find out more? adventuregolf.com
Science and Industry Museum
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Get a glimpse at the world’s first passenger railway station and see a working replica of a cotton mill at the Science and Industry Museum. If you’re interested in discovering Manchester’s part in the industrial revolution (and the cool things we made along the way), this is the best way to spend your rainy day.
With interactive displays and hands-on activities, this museum will keep you entertained. Both kids and parents alike will enjoy getting up close and personal with steam engines and an early computer! It’s free to enter but expect an additional charge for special exhibitions – which is always well worth paying.
Where? Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JP.
How much? Free.
Find out more? scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Total Ninja
Whether you’ve got kids looking to blow off steam or friends who have always wanted to test their strength Total-Wipeout style, the two assault courses at Total Ninja are just the ticket. After you’ve purchased your grip socks (an additional £1.50 but they’re yours to keep), make your way around the first ninja course, swinging over monkey bars and running up a vertical wall.
Switch over to the inflatable course and spend the rest of your session flying across the bounce zones and into the air. There’s a cafe upstairs with a slushy machine and chips where parents can sit for free if they’re just watching their kids play. Be warned, weekends here are birthday party central!
Where? Total Ninja, Tenax Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1JT.
How much? One hour session costs £13.
Find out more? totalninja.co.uk
Escape Hunt
Distract yourself from the rain by using your brain to figure your way out of an escape room. With an impressive variety of game options including Aladdin and the Magic Vault, Blackbeard’s Treasure and our favourite, the Eye of the Sun God, this is an easy win if you’re looking to pass an hour or so.
But it’s the game masters at Escape Hunt that really make it fun. They’ll be on hand to ensure you don’t waste time looking for false clues while providing helpful hints when you’re really stuck. They’ll even put on a Southern accent for the entirety of your game if you’re escaping from the wild wild west!
Where? Escape Hunt Manchester, Unit 19, Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR.
How much? Games start at £27 per person.
Find out more? escapehunt.com
National Football Museum
Credit: National Football Museum/Bill Wright Photography
Explore four floors of football memorabilia, including an interactive penalty shootout and footy skills challenges, at the National Football Museum. With regular guided tours included in the price of your ticket, learn more about the history of the nation’s favourite sport, including the brilliant women’s game.
The third floor is dedicated to interactive games, making this more like a football-themed park of attractions. There’s even the chance to feast your eyes on the World Cup trophy England won in 1966! Finish your visit with a trip to the gift store, filled with unique footy gifts and signed memorabilia.
Where? National Football Museum, Todd Street, Manchester, M4 3BG.
How much? From £14 and free for those who live in Manchester (with proof of residence).
Find out more? nationalfootballmuseum.com
The Archertype
Perfect your aim with a game of archery tag at The Archertype. Think a more family-friendly version of paintball using bows and foam-tipped arrows! If you’ve never played, you’re in safe hands – there’s instructors to go through the rules and take a ton of action shots for you to look back on.
All your equipment is provided and you can make the game easier or harder with different modes and the choice of a heavier bow. Whichever way you switch it up, time will fly by thanks to the various mini games and chance to end the session with an equally exceptional interactive quiz show.
Where? The Archertype, Unit 10A, Universal Building, 37 – 49 Devonshire Street North, Manchester, M12 6JR.
How much? Games cost £25 per person for four to five players and get cheaper the bigger your group.
Find out more? thearchertype.co.uk
Archie’s Roller Rink
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Head over to Archie’s Roller Rink for some retro-style rainy day fun and see if those childhood days of rollerskating come in handy. As you glide around the the largest rink in the North West, sing along to 80s, 90s, and 00s bangers under the giant disco ball and classic Archie’s bright pink neon decor.
Once your legs have turned to jelly, hop off the rink and over to the retro arcade to try your skills on the dance machines, driving simulators and basketball hoops. You can then replenish your energy by scoffing down a legendary Archie’s Superstar smash burger and Vimto served on tap.
Where? Archie’s Atomic, Unit C1, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford City, Manchester, M17 8AS.
How much? Roller-rink passes start from £8.50.
Find out more? archiesatomic.co.uk
TeamSport Indoor Go Karting
Get your adrenaline pumping with a race around the TeamSport indoor go karting track. With tight hairpin turns, downhill ramps for maximum speed and long straightways where you can overtake competitors, test your finest F1 driving skills while still feeling safe with state-of-the-art karts.
There’s chill out spaces for those who don’t fancy getting behind the wheel but still want to watch the action unfold – just remember to bring a camera to grab some snaps! While your driving suit and helmet is included in the cost, make sure to bring an extra fiver for a balaclava and gloves.
Where? TeamSport Go Karting Manchester, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M99 1ZW and 4, Wharfside Way, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1NF.
How much? From £44 per person.
Find out more? team-sport.co.uk
Palace Theatre
Credit: Manc Wanderer
Escape from the rain by catching a matinee performance at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre. Host to a variety of West End shows and world-class musicals, it’s well worth a visit for the plush scarlet seating and golden grandeur architecture alone.
The jam-packed theatre schedule makes it easy to catch a last minute matinee performance. But book ahead if you want to sit on rows C to H of each section and catch the best view. You can order refreshments from the many bars and kiosks online straight to your seat or use the interval to stretch your legs – highly recommended since there’s not tons of leg room.
Where? Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT.
How much? Ticket prices depend on the show and choice of seats.
Find out more? visitmanchester.com
Spirit of Manchester Distillery tour
Credit: Lucas Smith Photography
See how the city’s famous Manchester Gin is made with a distillery tour and gin tasting session. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable gin-loving guide who will talk you through how the company achieved its legendary status and help you understand the different flavour profiles.
The distillery is hidden in Three Little Words cocktail bar, nestled under the gorgeous Grade-II listed railway arches in Deansgate. After your tour, stay at the bar for a couple of cocktails made with your new favourite flavours and a plate of high-end scran crafted especially to balance your palate.
Where? The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, 10-15 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP.
How much? Tours cost £30 per person and start from 12:30pm.
Find out more? spiritofmanchester.co.uk
Museum of Illusions
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Duck off a sodden Market Street and into the Museum of Illusions where you can spend a rainy afternoon in Manchester bending reality with over 65 immersive optical illusions. Hang upside down from the city’s iconic yellow trams, get lost in the infinity disco room and serve up your head on a platter!
All interactive illusions are family sized, meaning everyone can get involved. There’s also helpful photo spots that tell you where to get the best snap to show excited friends and grandparents. At the end of your mind-boggling loop around the museum, the gift shop offers some mini optical tricks to take away.
Where? Museum of Illusions, 58-66 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PW.
How much? All day entry for adults start from £21.
Find out more? moimanchester.com
Pottery Corner
Put on your creative hat at Pottery Corner and cheer yourself up by painting a colourful ceramic masterpiece. Whether you choose to decorate a dish, pimp up a plate or give a mug a makeover, this is a great way to wile away a few hours when it’s drizzling outside.
The price of your session includes everything you need to get your Picasso on, including every colour paint under the rainbow and a professional fire and finish. You can collect your creation within nine days – but make sure you do because ceramics left for months on end get sold at their charity pottery sale!
Where? Pottery Corner, 34 Beech Road, Manchester, M21 9EL.
How much? Prices start from £18.
Find out more? potterycorner.co.uk
