If you are looking for things to do in Manchester for kids and require some inspirational ideas check out the definitive list of suggestions below. The city is a great location for a family break so parents will struggle to accommodate all of these ideas in a single visit.
What you choose depends upon the ages of your children but no matter how old you are not short of things to do in Manchester for kids.
Museum of Science and Industry Manchester
MOSI is a great day out. The massive selection of exhibits includes a real live steam locomotive, aeroplanes and an ever-changing list of temporary exhibitions that ensures there is always something to see. This is very child friendly with easy parking, great public transport access and the choice of a restaurant and café bar.
Manchester Museum
From Mummies to Dinosaurs there is something to excite visitors of all ages to the acclaimed Manchester Museum.
The attraction boasts rooms devoted to different periods from our history and the exhibits contain interactive displays and workshops to keep kids entertained.
With great food, facilities and transport links this is somewhere to enjoy and one Manchester’s hidden gems. This is a one of the highly recommended things to do in Manchester for kids.
Trafford Centre Manchester
As well as being a shoppers paradise The Trafford Centre Manchester contains lots to keep kids entertained. Younger visitors can enjoy the crèche and play centre. There is also Laserquest and Paradise Island Adventure Golf centre for older children. The Trafford Centre has all the big name restaurants plus award winning loos and unbeatable transport access. The ChillFactore Ski Centre, ODEON Cinema, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Namco arcade make this a great destination for a rainy day as there are lots of things to do in Manchester for kids at The Trafford Centre.
Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park
There is more to do than just watch aeroplanes take off and land at Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park. Visitors can go on-board exhibits such as Concorde, a Comet Airliner and a Nimrod jet to experience some of the most iconic airliners in history. The attraction is free to get in (you just pay for parking) but trips on the exhibits are extra. There is a regular bus service plus adequate toilet facilities and a restaurant plus café serving family friendly food and refreshments.
Old Trafford Manchester
A visit to Manchester is not complete without experiencing the rich history of Manchester United. The Old Trafford home of the Red Devils is open for regular stadium tours where visitors can experience the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ from a players perspective by entering the famous arena from the players tunnel and even sitting in the iconic dug out used by Sir Alex Ferguson and his backroom staff. The Red Cafe serves good food and refreshments in lovely surroundings. Old Trafford Manchester has great transport links including the Manchester Metrolink tram system.
Chill Factore
Manchester boasts its very own indoor ski centre with real snow and a toboggan run that has made the attraction a real hit with kids of all ages. There aren’t any more active things to do in Manchester for kids than skiing or snowboarding. Group lessons, equipment hire and one-to-one tuition are available. The Chill Factore caters for all abilities from beginners to expert skiers and snow boarders looking to sharpen up their skills before setting for on the slopes. The toboggan run is a hit with younger visitors as is a great old-fashioned snowball fight! The Chill Factore has a number of shops, restaurants and great facilities. Situated adjacent to the Trafford Centre this is easy to find next to junction 9 of the M60.
Other things to do in Manchester for kids
National Football Museum – The nations repository of artifacts realting to the worlds greatest game.
Urbis –
Museum of Transport
Lowry
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Bolton Steam Museum
The Peoples History Museum
Manchester Aquatics Centre
Manchester City FC Experience
Staircase House
Silver Blades Ice Rink
Manchester Climbing Centre
Vertical Chill Ice Wall Manchester
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
Namco Funscape Manchester
Daytona Karting
Manchester Spy Treasure Trail
Wythenshawe Park Farm
East Lancashire Railway
Opera House and Palace Theatre
Legoland Discovery Centre
Please contribute your rieviews and opinions on things to do in Manchester for kids.
