Manchester is packed with family-friendly attractions, from hands-on museums to adrenaline-fuelled go-karting. With countless options in and around the city centre, there’s something for every age and interest.
Whether you’re looking for free days out or indoor attractions with admission fees, this guide covers all the best things to do in Manchester with children.
Sea Life Manchester
- Recommended Ages: All ages
- Address: Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS.
If you’re searching for a family day out in Manchester, then why not enjoy a range of impressive sea life from sharks to turtles at Sea Life?
Its assortment of aquarium zones includes an ocean tunnel, a rocky hideout, a shark shipwreck, a sea ranger, and more. It’s an exciting outing, full of variety – including educational talks, VR experiences, feeding times and more (check their website for timings).
Accessible and enjoyable for all ages and those under two years old can enter for free.
Visit the official Sealife Manchester website.
PAC-MAN Live Experience
- Recommended Ages: Ages 8 and above
- Address: Studio 1, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4FP.
The timeless classic has become more immersive than ever with the PAC-MAN live experience – think Laser Quest meets augmented reality.
It’s a fun option for the whole family, with players aged eight years and above able to participate. There’s also a viewing platform for those who’d prefer to sit back and spectate.
Visit the official PAC-MAN Live Experience website.
Legoland® Discovery Centre
- Recommended Ages: 3–10 years
- Address: Trafford Palazzo, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS
Based in Stretford, Legoland® is a fantastic choice for those with little ones. It features a range of activities, including Ninjago City Adventure, Miniland, Lego Racers (Build and Test), The Great VR Experience, a 4D Cinema, and Merlin’s Apprentice Ride.
There’s something for all ages, with plenty to keep the kids occupied all day, including popular rides. We recently reviewed the best rides at Legoland, with The Dragon coming out on top.
Visit the official Legoland® website.
MoviESCAPE Stockport
- Recommended Ages: 12 years and above
- Address: Welkin Mill, Welkin Road, Stockport SK6 2BH
A cinematic twist on the traditional escape room, MoviESCAPE combines movie themes with escape rooms. Created by filmmakers, it is the perfect alternative for a family-friendly day out.
All are welcome at this escape room, but those aged under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit the official MoviESCAPE website.
Heaton Park
- Recommended Ages: All ages
- Address: Middleton Road, Manchester M25 2SW
Looking for a family-friendly outdoor day? Heaton Park is an ideal choice – offering plenty of play areas, cafes, an Animal Centre, Tram Museum, and much more.
Make the most of the good weather with a range of family-friendly walks or cycles, or enjoy activities like horse riding, boating on the lake, and more.
Visit the official Heaton Park website.
Crazy Golf in Manchester
- Recommended Ages: All ages
- Address: Treetop Golf, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS
Treetop Golf is one of many crazy golf courses in and around the area of Manchester. The accessible course offers something for all ages.
It’s accompanied by places to eat, including pizza and tropical bars, offering food and refreshments. Other options include Paradise Island Adventure Golf and Dino Falls Adventure Golf.
Visit the official Treetop Golf website.
The 100 Story Hotel
- Recommended Ages: All ages
- Address: Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme M15 5ZA
The 100 Story Hotel is an interactive storytelling experience perfect for the entire family. The colourful arts centre is based at Z-arts and allows you to walk through the building to discover various activities and themes.
You never know what story you’re about to embark on, with Dinosaurs, mermaids, Draw with Rob, and more.
Visit the official Z-arts website.
TeamSport Indoor Karting
- Recommended Ages: Ages 8 and above
- Address: Victoria Station, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M99 1ZW
Adrenaline seekers rejoice – there’s a go-karting track at Trafford Park that’s for ages eight and up.
Kids and family go-karting accommodates all experience levels with tracks for 8-12 years age (speeds limited to 25 mph).
Visit the official TeamSport Go-Karting website.
Football Stadium Tours
- Recommended Ages: All ages
Addresses:
- Manchester United: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA
- Manchester City: Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Road, Manchester M11 3FF
Whether you’re a blue or a red – there are options for stadium tours available. Visit either Manchester City’s ground or Manchester United’s stadium.
Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium have tours of their stadium, changing rooms and museums. Perfect for footie fanatics of all ages, offering a behind-the-scenes look at your favourite team.
Immersive Gamebox
- Recommended Ages: Ages 3 and above
- Address: Unit R3 Halle Place Arndale Centre, Market St, Manchester
Immersive Gamebox presents Squid Game, Floor is Lava and Escape AI – each game comes with its own set of rules and challenges.
Squid Game (ages 12+) is based on the Netflix show and is a digital adventure with a plethora of games. There are also other games, designed for kids with Floor is Lava and the option of a Junior Bundle.
What can I do in Manchester with kids for free?
Enjoying what’s on offer in the buzzing city of Manchester doesn’t have to be expensive. You can visit a number of attractions and fun things to do with kids for free.
Save your money and instead enjoy some of the following:
- Science and Industry Museum: There’s something for all ages at this museum, with hands-on science experiments, interactive galleries, and more.
- Manchester Museum: Located on Oxford Road, the free museum is easily accessible and has something for different ages, with various sections to the museum, including Egyptian history, Southeast Asia and fossils.
- RHS Garden Bridgewater: It’s only free for RHS members or those that live in Salford. The large park is pram-friendly and showcases beautiful horticulture in a variety of gardens. Ideal for families seeking kid-friendly parks.
- Hat Works Museum: See an array of hats in all shapes and sizes, and learn about the hat market, its history, and the impressive machinery behind it.
- National Football Museum: Learn more about the history of football with the chance to take a penalty and embrace the facts about not only Manchester’s clubs but other football teams and players.
- Manchester Street Art: Why not walk around the city centre? You could enjoy street art in the Northern quarter.
What is there to do with kids in Manchester city centre?
Most of the activities that we’ve listed are available either in the city centre or a short drive away. For those unable to drive, there’s plenty of transport from trains to trams.
Things to do with kids in Manchester city centre includes Legoland, PAC-MAN Live Experience, Immersive Gamebox, looking at street art and the National Football Museum.
Other Things to Do in Manchester
With so much to do in Manchester City it can be difficult to pick out the best options.
Here are some honourable mentions we didn’t want to leave out:
- Chaos Karts
- Manchester Wizard’s Spellbook Treasure Trail
- Manchester iFly
- Coronation Street Tour
- Manchester Street Art
- Hard Rock Cafe
- King Pins Bowling
- Rock Up Manchester
- Inflata Nation
- Manchester Museum
- Z-Escape: Library of Enchantment
