What could be better than taking your family to explore many things to do in Manchester with kids? This wonderful city offers endless attractions and places to visit in Manchester with kids. From participating in interactive play centres to exploring outdoors in its stunning parks and museums.
Even though Manchester is famous for its football culture, there’s so much more to this vibrant city. No matter who you are or what you’re interested in, Manchester has something for everyone to enjoy, especially your kids.
Without doubt, Manchester is a kid-friendly city. It provides a variety of activities in Manchester for families and children of all ages. Imagine taking your kids on an exciting holiday to Manchester, where they will have the best time.
This post will help you find more suggestions of what Manchester things to do with kids.
Park and Nature: Things to do in Manchester with Kids Outdoor
Manchester is full of beautiful parks. Here are some of the parks and gardens. What’s inside? And are they some of the best activities in Manchester for families?
Heaton Park
There are many things to do in Manchester with kids, especially if you come to Heaton Park. This place offers free things to do with kids in Manchester, such as a free-entry animal centre. Heaton Park also has some sports facilities to try. You can play golf, football, bowling, and running or walking with family and friends.
RHS Garden Bridgewater
RHS Garden Bridgewater is a beautiful space with multiple garden rooms inside. There are many children’s activities in Manchester, especially in RHS Garden Bridgewater. Kids can learn about gardening and explore nature. A play zone can be used for kids who like outdoor activities. At RHS Graden Bridgewater, you are allowed to have picnics and bring your own food.
Dunham Massey
Thinking of fun family things to do in Manchester, let’s come to Dunham Massey. Dunham Massey is a huge garden with its beauty, no matter the season. Once you arrive, the Waterbirds and the view of the Georgia house will welcome your visit. Here, you can visit the spacious and historic deer park. This place is also known for its Christmas light trail. Visiting Dunham Massey with your kids, friends, or family is a must-do in Manchester.
Fletcher Moss
Fletcher Moss is a botanical garden named after the person who donated the park to Manchester City Council. It is popular for the walks that lead from its edges. There are many family things to do in Manchester at Fletcher Moss Garden. It’s part garden and part wildlife habitat that offers some recreational facilities as well.
Manchester River Cruises
Manchester River Cruises is a boat tour that invites you to sail through its canals. This tour will make you fall in love with the city again. You can see its iconic views from different angles. Discover the history of Manchester and its charms from this cruise. It’s a good option for a children’s day out in Manchester.
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth
Exploring Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth is one of the most creative children’s activities in Manchester, UK. This place is designed to encourage kids to explore nature and play outdoors. Numerous activities for kids are available within a safe and colourful space. Parents and kids can have quality time together in creative and messy play here.
Museums: Must Visit Children's Attractions in Manchester
There are many amazing kid-friendly museums in Manchester that provide engaging displays, practical education, and an abundance of enjoyment. If you are looking for children’s attractions in Manchester, here are the museums you must visit:
The Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum displays work of archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. Of course, this is a fascinating place to visit in Manchester with kids. This museum offers an educational experience with its extensive collection of around 4.5 million spectacular objects. One of the main attractions is the life-size skeleton of Stan the T-Rex in the Dinosaur Gallery. This museum visit is one of the free things to do with kids in Manchester, because the entry ticket is free to everyone.
The National Football Museum
Football is almost everyone’s favourite sport. A visit to the National Football Museum will delight kids for sure. This museum displays important collections of football memorabilia. There are four galleries to explore, six interactive games, and an exciting schedule of exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours. Kids can participate in penalty shootouts to test their talents.
Museum of Science & Industry
The Science and Industry Museum is a great option for a fun children’s day out in Manchester. This museum focused on over 200 innovations developed in Manchester that have contributed to the world. Visiting this museum can be your option for free things to do with kids in Manchester.
People's History Museum
The People’s History Museum displays the history of working people in the UK. This museum tells the story of workers right and the development of democracy in the UK. What makes it interesting is that this museum shows history from the viewpoint of ordinary people, not just famous leaders.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
The Greater Manchester Police Museum was formerly a police station. Let the kids experience what life was like to be a police officer. Here, kids will see how policing has evolved as the times have changed.
Things to do in Manchester with Kids for Summer Holiday
If you plan to visit Manchester during this Summer holiday, here are great places and things you can do.
Chill Factore
As summer holiday is coming, it will be nice to come to a cool place. Chill factore is a snow park where you can ski and snowboard with 180m of downhill. This place is the longest indoor real snow slope in UK. Other than skiing and snowboarding, there is also a snow park with sledging, an ice slide, and inflatable rings. Chill factore is surely a perfect family activities Manchester.
Kickair
Thinking of a place for childrens day out Manchester during summer holidays, let’s have a look at Kickair. This is an indoor freestyle park that filled with giant trampolines, foam pits, inflatable slides and more. Kickair allows adults just as children to play and have fun together. It becomes a nice place for family things to do in Manchester during Summer holidays.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is an exciting children’s attraction in Manchester. This is the UK’s biggest theme park and has over 40 rides and attractions. Alton Towers is perfect for adrenaline-seeking kids and making summer holiday unforgettable.
Graystone Action Sports
Graystone is a place where you can practise and play action sports like skateboarding, BMX biking, and many more. Even though you play high-adrenaline sports, Graystone is set for a safe and friendly environment for all ages. So, if your kids are thrilling new sports this summer, Graystone Action Sports is worth a try.
Cockfield Farm Park
Cockfield Farm Park is a wonderful place to take your kids to have fun and learn about farm life. Kids will experience some activities like petting animals, going on tractor rides and more. Here, kids can see pigs, hens, sheeps, cows, or even ponies. There are also some other animals like rabbits and tortoises. Cockfield Farm offers perfect activities and things to do in Manchester with a 12 year old kid.
Interactive Play Centres: Children's Activities in Manchester
Manchester has everything for everyone. If you want to have a playful experience, we give recommendations for your next adventures here!
Inflata Nation
Inflata Nation is an indoor theme park that is perfect for hyperactive kids. This place offers both kids and adults alike unrivalled bouncing fun. Inflata Nation can be enjoyed by anyone, of any age, making it the perfect place for things to do in Manchester with kids or families.
Legoland Discovery Centre
Building and creating blocks is all kids’ favourite activity. Therefore, visiting Legoland Discovery Centre is one of the most fun things to do in Manchester with kids. This Legoland is a mix of a Lego construction activities and theme park. There are many attractions that kids will be entertained by.
Treetop Trek Manchester
At Treetop Trek Manchester, enjoy the experience where you can swing, climb, and hop all in one place. Walk and climb around 15m high from the ground with a scenic tree canopy. Don’t worry; there are also mini treks that are 5m high for younger kids. This place is really suitable for active and adrenaline junkie kids who love adventure.
Go Ape
Fun outdoor activities are great for creating core memories for kids. Go Ape Manchester is the best choice, The UK number one outdoor adventure company offers best outdoor activities designed to challenge you physically and mentally. They got High ropes courses, Forest segways, Nets adventures, Zip trek adventures, and many more. The staff are always friendly and ready to help, ensuring your adventurous experience is both fun and safe. Sounds exciting?
Immersive Gamebox
Thinking of ideal things to do in Manchester with kids who love gaming? Then Immersive Gamebox Manchester is worth a visit. There are a variety of immersive digital games to play, such as Squid Game, Temple of Coins, and many more. What makes it interesting is the use of the technology that brings the game to life. They have games that are suitable for families or young children of five years and older.
DNA VR
If you want to experience exciting things in Manchester with kids, come to DNA VR. DNA VR is the largest virtual reality arcade in the city. It offers numerous thrilling and adventurous gaming experiences that suit kids aged 7+ and adults. The most exciting thing is DNA VR provides both single and multiplayer VR experiences for up to 10 players. Dive into stunning virtual worlds as things to do in Manchester with kids.
Animal Attractions in Manchester with Children
Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family at animal attractions in Manchester. Take your kids to explore the beauty of the natural world and wildlife.
Sea Life Manchester
If you want to find children’s activities in Manchester that keep them entertained, then you can visit Sea Life Manchester. This is the only city’s aquarium where kids can watch sharks, stingrays and sea turtles swimming overhead in the Ocean Tunnel. Kids can explore several themed zones and learn more about thousands of creatures of the underwater world.
Knowsley Safari
Knowsley Safari is an exciting place if your kids are animal lovers. This safari park is home to more than 750 animals that you can see from your car. Kids can see many wild animals, such as white rhinos, antelopes, camels, baboons, and many more.
Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
Lancaster Park is a farm where kids could pet the giant rabbits, feed horses, donkeys, sheeps and more. This place has superb family things to do in Manchester. The prices are very reasonable and there is lots to do. There are play areas, Caterpillar ride, Digger island, and Rooster rally racer for kids getting fun and wild.
Where to Live for Days Out with the Kids in Manchester?
After deciding what things to do in Manchester with kids, choosing the right accommodation is also important. Meet uhomes.com, a platform that will help you find a family-friendly room close to the city centre and those children’s attractions in Manchester. If you plan a summer camp or academy journey for your children, we also provide the best deals for short-term student accommodation in Manchester with all bills included. Diverse student home options are available, including room types like student apartments, houses, studio flats, single rooms, and shared rentals. Let uhomes.com worry about your places to live while you enjoy your precious holiday in Manchester.
Final Words
There are endless things to do in Manchester with kids or family. Children’s attractions Manchester from historical places to interactive play centres, Manchester has something for everyone. It has a diverse range of activities for children’s day out that are perfect for any season.
FAQs About Things to Do in Manchester With Kids
In spring 2022, Manchester was recognized as one of the top 10 cheapest cities to live in UK during the cost of living crisis. Additionally, it has been named The Economist’s most livable city in the UK for several consecutive years.
Peter Street Kitchen, awarded ‘Best Luxury Restaurant’ in the UK at the British Restaurant Awards 2019, is a popular spot for footballers. Located in the heart of Manchester, it serves contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates alongside signature cocktails and fine wines.
From interactive museums to lively parks, Manchester is a fantastic destination for families with kids. Explore engaging activities designed specifically for young ones, from hands-on exhibits to outdoor adventures.
