Are you looking for exciting things to do in Manchester with kids? Take a look at our guide to have the best family days out in Manchester.
No matter if you’re a local or just exploring, this vibrant city offers a lot of options. From parks and interactive museums to indoor play centres and outdoor adventures, there is something for all age groups and interests.
This guide will help you explore the top fun things to do in Manchester with kids so that both you and your little ones can make your day memorable.
7 Fun Things to Do in Manchester with Kids
1. Visit The Science and Industry Museum
Overview: You can visit the Science and Industry Museum for an exciting and educational outing. Young children can immerse themselves in the rich history of transportation technology here.
This place is home to a replica of the Manchester Baby, the first electronic stored-program computer in the world, dating back to the 1940s.
Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences in places like the experiment gallery that is designed particularly for young minds, discover how engines work and explore massive locomotives.
Location: Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP, UK.
Fees: Free
Timing: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
2. Enjoy Sky High Adventure At Treetop Trek
Overview: For an adventurous experience, travel to Heaton Park and go wild at Treetop Trek. It is an aerial adventure park that provides exciting high rope courses through trees and includes swinging bridges and zip lines as well. You’ll also find slides, ballparks, and trampolines scattered here.
This place has many obstacles for children catering to different skill levels, so both you and your little ones can get an immersive experience.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Manchester that include excitement as well as fresh air, this one definitely ticks all the boxes.
Location: Heaton Park, St Margaret’s Road, Manchester, M25 2GT, UK
Fees: Between £5 to £20.
Timing: Mon -Sun, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Discover The Sea Life Manchester
Overview: Located at the Trafford Centre, The Sea Life Manchester is home to innumerable marine life, where you and your little ones can explore the underwater world.
Children can discover marine life up close with ocean tunnels and interactive displays, as well as feeding demonstrations.
You can enjoy interactive experiences where you may touch shrimp, starfish or other critters while enjoying the view of the sea floor and ocean tunnel. You can dress as a lovely mermaid or as a hip pirate and take pictures at the aquarium’s photo section.
Location: Trafford Palazzo in Trafford City, Next to The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS, United Kingdom.
Fees: £19.75 per person
Timing: Mon-Sun, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
4. Spend Time At Manchester Art Gallery
Overview: Located on Mosley St in the heart of Manchester City Centre, the Manchester Art Gallery is one of the best family-friendly museums in the United Kingdom. With 21 rooms spread across 3 Evans with a variety of art and design, this museum provides free entry.
Although only a few galleries are accessible currently, there are many things to do at Manchester Art Gallery with little ones in order to keep them engaged and entertained. You can witness established masterpieces and contemporary exhibits here.
Location: Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL, United Kingdom
Fees: Free
Timing: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. Have Fun at the Manchester Museum
Overview: Manchester Museum is all about natural history, archaeology and anthropology. It is a must-visit place in Manchester for kids.
Filled with dinosaur skeletons, the museum consists of more than a million preserved animal specimens, ancient stone tools, mummies, fascinating artefacts and other items.
There are interactive exhibits, activity trails and child-friendly interpretation throughout the museum. This place instils a spirit of sportsmanship among children.
If you’re seeking educational and exciting things to do in Manchester with kids, then this museum is a must-visit destination.
Location: University of Oxford, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
Fees: Free
Timing: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
6. Experience Fun Activities at Legoland Discovery Centre
Overview: Situated at the Trafford Centre, the Legoland Discovery Centre is a paradise for LEGO lovers who belong to the age group between 3 and 10 years. This discovery centre is made up of interactive elements that will take your children to an immersive world.
Children can build, explore and play in an imaginative and safe space while parents can relax in the cafe. It is one of the most fun things to do in Manchester with children, as kids enjoy nothing more than a rush of adrenaline.
Location: Trafford Palazzo in Trafford City next to The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS, United Kingdom
Fees: Free
Timing: Mon-Fri, 10.30 AM to 2:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9.30 AM to 5 PM.
7. Visit Chester Zoo to witness different animal species
Overview: Chester Zoo is home to more than 21,000 species since it spans 125 acres of grassland. It is one of the closest zoos to Manchester. Being one of the top zoos in the United Kingdom, Chester Zoo provides fun transportation options like monorail rides and slow riverboat rides.
The place holds a strong focus on education and conversation by explaining endangerment and extinction to its visitors.
The place is packed with child-friendly and interactive experiences like Nature Play Zones, the Heart of Africa, Monsoon Forest, Lazy Deeper Boat Rides, etc.
Location: Moston Rd, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU, United Kingdom
Fees: £24 per adult, £20 per kid.
Timing: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best outdoor places for children in Manchester?
Treetop Trek offers adventurous fun with zip lines and top courses. Similarly, Heaton Park is an ideal choice, as it has an animal centre, boats and playgrounds.
Are there any free things to do in Manchester with kids?
Yes absolutely! Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum provide free admission and have family-friendly exhibits.
Final thoughts
The City of Manchester is packed with fun things to do with kids, no matter if you’re looking for hands-on learning experiences, outdoor adventures or creative indoor activities.
From the educational wonders of the Science and Industry Museum and the imaginative world of Legoland Discovery Centre to many more, there’s something to suit children of every age, interest and budget.
And the best part? A lot of these places are free, so you can plan a quick family outing without much hassle.
Just grab some snacks and pick any one of these exciting options mentioned above. In a nutshell, there is no shortage of fun and engaging things to do in Manchester with kids. Now let the real adventure begin!
