Manchester is a vibrant city teeming with energy, culture and family-friendly fun. From the
interactive exhibits at the National Football Museum to the thrilling races at Chaos Karts,
Manchester offers something for everyone.
To help you plan your time in this fabulous city, we've highlighted the ten best things to do in
Manchester with kids. Get ready for big smiles, memorable experiences and (hopefully)
exhausted little ones by the end of the day!
If your kids love hands-on activities (and who doesn’t?), the Science and Industry Museum is a
must-visit. Kids will have a blast exploring the Experiment Gallery, where they can play while
learning about the wonders of science. Oh, and don’t miss out on the family shows and live
demonstrations that run throughout the day. Trust us– they’ll leave buzzing with curiosity!
Location: Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP
Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm
Cost: Free (some paid exhibitions and activities)
The ultimate playground for LEGO lovers, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers hours of
entertainment for kids (and kids at heart). Explore the MINILAND, featuring iconic Manchester
landmarks built entirely from LEGO, take a spin on interactive rides or watch a blockbuster in
the impressive 4D cinema. Don’t forget to create your own masterpiece in the free play zones.
There’s also a host of themed events throughout the year, so check the calendar for extra
surprises!
Location: Trafford Palazzo, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS
Opening times: Times vary by day and season
Cost: Adults from £15.50, kids (2-17 years) from £13, free for under 2s
One for the older kids (the minimum age is 11 and you must be at least 1.5m in height to play),
Chaos Karts is like stepping into a real-life video game. Race through immersive, themed
circuits filled with virtual obstacles and power-ups that will have you feeling like you're in a
futuristic world. The state-of-the-art projection technology transforms the track into a vibrant,
interactive playground where you can play against friends and family. So, strap in and get ready
to get competitive!
Location: Lower Byrom St, Manchester, M3 4FP
Opening times: Mon-Wed: 10am-9pm, Thurs-Fri: 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm
Cost: From £27 per person
What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? Manchester Museum features a life-sized T-Rex skeleton,
fascinating mummies and an impressive collection of artefacts from around the world. Kids can
wander through history, and there’s always something new to discover with rotating exhibitions
and workshops.
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
Opening times: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun: 10am-5pm, Weds: 10am-9pm, Sat: 8am-5pm (closed Mondays)
Cost: Free (some paid exhibitions and events)
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Manchester, look no further than the Play Factore,
the UK’s largest indoor play area. With zip lines, go-karts and the tallest indoor slide in Europe,
it’s great for high-energy little ones. Their toddler zone ensures even the smallest family
members will have a blast. With a fab on-site café serving tasty meals and snacks, you can
easily spend the whole day here.
Location: Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Trafford Way, Manchester, M41 7JA
Opening times: Daily: 10am-6pm
Cost: Varies by peak/off-peak times. Adults from £4.95, kids from £2.95, under 6
months free
Step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems at the Museum of Illusions in Manchester!
This fascinating attraction is perfect for a family day out, offering a blend of education and
entertainment that will captivate kids and adults alike. With a variety of mind-bending optical
illusions, interactive exhibits and puzzling installations, this museum challenges your
perception and sparks curiosity. Kids will love the hands-on activities and the chance to take
some truly unique photos.
Location: 58-66 Market St., Manchester, M1 1PW
Opening times: Sun-Weds: 10am-8pm, Thurs: 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat:10am-10pm
Cost: £21 for adults, £17.50 for kids (5-15 years), free for under 4s
For a high-tech, interactive adventure with the kids, Immersive Gamebox in Manchester’s
Arndale Centre is a fantastic choice! This unique attraction offers a selection of games that
blend cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling. With games suitable for kids as
young as three years old, there are experiences on offer to keep the whole family entertained.
With motion tracking, projection mapping and touch screens, you'll feel like you're inside a
video game.
Location: Unit R3, Halle Place, Arndale Centre, Market St, Manchester, M4 3AQ
Opening times: Mon-Thurs:11am-8pm, Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat: 10am-10pm, Sun:
11:45am-6pm
Cost: Dependant on chosen game
Located in The Printworks, Treetop Golf is a jungle-themed mini-golf adventure that welcomes
kids of all ages. With two different courses to choose from, the Tropical Trail and the Ancient
Explorer, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Once you've finished your game, take a break
and recharge at the lively market area. Enjoy mouth-watering handmade pizzas from Pizza
Cabana, sip on refreshing beverages at The Thirsty Toucan bar and indulge in delightful snacks
from the Jungle Buzz Café.
Location: The Printworks, Dantzic St, Manchester, M4 2BS
Opening times: Mon- Thurs: 12pm-7pm, Fri: 12pm-8pm, Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm
Cost: Adults and kids (6+ years) from £11.60, under 5s from £5.50 (only pay to play)
Dive into an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Manchester. One of the best activities for kids in
Manchester, your family will love coming face-to-face with turtles, sharks and stingrays in the
360-degree ocean tunnel. The interactive rock pool experience is a particular hit with little ones,
as they can touch starfish and crabs while learning about marine life from friendly experts. With
engaging exhibits and educational talks, SEA LIFE Manchester offers a fun and informative
experience that will leave the whole family in awe of the ocean's wonders.
Location: Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester, M17 8AS
Opening times: Times vary by day and season
Cost: Adults from £15.95, kids (2-17 years) from £12.50, free for under 2s
Located in the heart of the city, the National Football Museum is a treasure trove of football
history and interactive exhibits that will captivate young and old alike. Kids can test their skills in
the Penalty Shootout Challenge, explore the Hall of Fame and even get up close to iconic
trophies and memorabilia. It's not just about the beautiful game; it's about the stories, the
heroes and the moments that have shaped football into the sport we all love today.
Location: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG
Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm
Cost: Adults from £14, kids (5-15 years) from £8, under 5s and Manchester residents
free
With so many things to do in Manchester for families, you’ll be spoilt for choice. So if
something on our list has tickled your fancy, book your train to Manchester today.
For more ideas on how to spend your time in this buzzing city, check out our guides on the
best attractions in Manchester, or if you’re looking to head out of the city, explore what we
believe are the best day trips from Manchester.
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