Manchester is a city brimming with excitement, vibrancy, culture and endless fun. It's a city that really is one of Family Days Out favourite places to visit!
So, because of this we can't wait to share with you our Manchester City Guide featuring our "Top 9 Family Attractions", which are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the really fun things to do in Manchester with kids!
So make sure you read all of what our Manchester City Guide has to offer from top to bottom, because we have proudly put it all together just for you, meaning you can plan your perfect family day out!
Main Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
In this fun Manchester City Guide, you'll find out what our top 9 things to do with kids in Manchester are, plus you can learn about some fun experiences for kids of all ages!
We know budgets are often a factor when travelling as a family, so also in this Manchester City Guide we share with you some FREE things to do which won't break that budget!
If you are visiting Manchester without a car, you can also find out some great tips on how to get around the city on public transport, AND we share some fun facts about Manchester you can impress your friends with!
If you want to explore a bit further outside the city, our Manchester City Guide also lists a fun day trip you can enjoy, plus you can learn about some famous faces born right in the city too!
So whether this is your first trip saying "Yes, take me to Manchester!" or perhaps you have lived in Manchester all your life yet you still wonder "What is there is to do near me in Manchester?", keep reading as we are excited to share our top 9 things to do in Manchester with kids...and so much more!
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Did you know that one thought is that the name "Manchester" actually originates from the Latin name 'Mamucium' (or its variant 'Mancunio')? What was once just a simple town in Lancaster grew into an important industrial mecca not just of the UK, but the world!
There is evidence that human activity in the Manchester area goes as far back as the Bronze Age, so just imagine what kinds of stories the land has to share.
The Romans invaded in AD 70, but prior to that the area was thought to be under the rule from the Celtic tribe Brigantes, or their subtribe the Setanii.
The city and the lands changed hands numerous times across the centuries that followed.
However, it was the 19th century that saw the biggest change in the city. The transformation thanks to the booming textile industry took not even 100 years. The city was the site of one of the first passenger railway stations in the entire world, and it was also the birthplace of a number of scientific achievements.
During the mid-20th century, Manchester saw a decline in this industrial importance, but over the next few decades the city is once again thriving thanks to gentrification, investment and rebranding, and today makes a wonderfull fun, vibrant and exciting city to visit as a family!
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
From the most fascinating museums, to amazing wildlife and nature, and even the coolest escape rooms and VR experiences for the family, Manchester has you covered with all your favourite attractions plus some that might just surprise you!
If you love museums, you won't have any problem filling your family day out. Explore the People's History Museum, or get hands on in the Science and Industry Museum, or even stop by The Manchester Museum!
Manchester is also a city of football lovers, so you know it makes sense to head on over to the National Football Museum, or even experience something truly unique at the Manchester United Museum and Tour or the Manchester City FC Experience!
If it's wildlife you love, you're also in luck! From SEA LIFE Manchester, to the charming Donkey Sanctuary, or the Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, there are WILD days out just waiting for you!
Make sure you allow Manchester to surprise you too, from the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, to DNA VR, there are some unforgettable attractions for the curious and adventurous families!
With so many fun things to do in Manchester with the family, you'll soon have that family day out itinerary filling up! So kids, what do you want to enjoy first?
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Getting around Manchester and the city's surrounding areas without a car is really easy thanks to the various fleets of buses, trams and trains. Not only that, the compact nature of Manchester's city centre also makes walking a great choice, plus with some great cycle routes, biking is something to consider!
One of the best options to get around Manchester without a car is the free bus (formerly Metroshuttle).
Within the city centre, you can enjoy a ‘hop on, hop off’ service that links the main rail stations, and shopping districts - all for free! There are also services which operate on circular routes.
If the free bus doesn't head to where you want to go, you can also take advantage of the commercial bus service that runs right across Greater Manchester.
Manchester also operates trams across the city thanks to the Metrolink network. In fact, this network is one of the most successful light railway systems in the whole of the UK! What's also great is that there are so many frequent services you don't have to even look at a timetable!
Metrolink also issue travelcards offering unlimited travel across the network which is perfect if you have a busy day of sightseeing. Just make sure you purchase a ticket from the on-stop ticket machines before boarding.
For more information on getting around Manchester without a car, check out Visit Manchester!
One of the highlights when visiting Manchester are definitely the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets! Families travel from all over the UK to visit their 220 plus stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre. The festive Christmas Markets always bring much-needed festive cheer to the city's streets and squares in the run-up to Christmas and kids can always have a great time exploring the various gift and food stalls!
The first ever Manchester Christmas Markets appeared back in 1998, the continue to attract visitors in their thousands as they enjoy all the various festivities including the Manchester Christmas lights trail! This popular event illuminates the city centre with its walk-through giant baubles, as well as a Manchester bee, and of course Santa Claus himself! Ho Ho Ho!
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a wonderful place for children to be immersed in art, culture, and theatrical performances for all ages! In fact, since 1976 this amazing company have opened their doors to the imaginations of theatre makers from all around the UK and beyond!
It's not just stage productions that you can enjoy at the Royal Exchange Theatre. They also host art installations but also run workshops across summer which are great for kids to get hands on with their own creativity!
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Experience the next dimension of technology at DNA VR with an amazing approach to gaming, whilst offering a chance for kids over 7 years and their families to enjoy working as a team as you explore the incredible virtual world together!
DNA VR offer over 50 games to choose from across 4 experience types, so there really is something for everyone. You might want to defend your town against zombies, or explore the mysterious depths of the ocean! With cutting-edge equipment and VR Masters to guide you, get ready to discover the ultimate virtual reality gaming experience!
Image Credit: DNA VR
If you're a football fan, then the National Football Museum is the place for you! There is something for everyone spanning their four floors filled with exhibits and interactive exhibits and games.
Kids can learn more about this iconic game through various football objects including FA Cup silverware, and even the FA's replica of the Jules Rimet! For those in the family looking to test those football skills just head to the penalty shootout area where you can try and beat the virtual keeper from twelve yards, test your passing range and learn some new tricks as you work on your goalkeeping reflexes. You can even try your skills at commentating! So much football fun perfect for any football fan!
Image Credit: National Football Museum
LEGOLAND Discovery Centreis the ideal family day out for all lego enthusiasts! You'll be able to spend the day surrounded with LEGO bricks galore, and even head to a LEGO 4D cinema and build some pretty epic creations!
Kids can enjoy exploring LEGO Ninjago City Adventure which is a three storey play area, offering the perfect space where kids can practice their ninja moves and tackle the obstacle course challenges alongside their favourite Ninjago characters! Also fun is the miniland interactive city featuring famous landmarks of the North West. LEGO-tastic fun for all!
Image Credit: LEGOLAND
It's bounce-tastic fun in Manchester with Inflata Nation! Kids and parents alike can enjoy two huge levels of bouncy exhilirating fun in their brand new double decker arena oozing activities perfect for those active and energy filled kids!
Inflata Nationhas lots of awesome new features and fun activities including multiple super slides with jaw dropping vertical drops, crazy bumpy slides and the strength testing tipping slide, how long can you hang on?
There's also an extended inflatable obstacle course, gladiator podium and a new inflata bubble section thats great for leaping, jumping and tumbling.
Image Credit: Inflata Nation Manchester
All aboard! From historic buses, to coaches, and trams, embark on a journey through the evolution of transportation. This particular museum focuses on road passengers transportion, so vehicles enthusiasts and history enthusiasts alike will have a brilliant time especially given the museum is located within a 1930s bus garage!
The museum is home to over seventy buses and other vehicles, many of which are still in full working order, providing a realistic setting for your educational journey. Kids can look inside the vehicles but be careful as they can be fragile. If you do want to take a peak, just ask one of the staff members to help! So much fun for the whole family!
Image Credit: Museum of Transport
You're in Manchester, so a visit to Old Trafford is a must for any football fan! Visit the Museum & Stadium Tour and walk in the footsteps of greatness! You never know kids, YOUR photo might be on the walls soon!
During the to you'll see the players' tunnel, be able to walk next to the world famous pitch, as well as visit the dugouts all before getting the view from the Ability Platform! Don't worry, there will be plenty of time for pictures, too! If you want to make the most of your experience, you can combine your Museum & Stadium Tour with a meal in the Red Café.
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Based on that iconic 90s TV series hosted by the legendary Richard O'Brien, the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience follows the same premise of the show which YOU can enjoy in person, spending 75 minutes of unadulterated fun and games through those iconic zones, trying to collect the crystals of your very own!
Perfect for anyone over 9 years, teams of up to 8 people take on 1 person physical, skill, mental or mystery challenges. It is the ultimate escape room, and so much fun to enjoy as a family!
Image Credit: Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Get ready for an underwater adventure for the whole family at SEA LIFE Manchester, where you can come face to fin with over 2,000 beautiful, weird and wonderful creatures who call our waters home!
Kids can see the graceful sharks swim, curious turtles play, and marvel at the way the colourful jellyfish move! There are so many things to see and do including experiencing animal feeds and talks, as well as VIP experiences such as snorkelling with sharks, and even fun events throughout the year including after dark with mermaids! Underwater adventure has never been more splash-tastic!
Image Credit: SEA LIFE
Famous Mancunians!
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher is a singer, songwriter & musician who shot to fame in the band Oasis alongside his brother Liam.
Oasis are considered one of the most successful British bands in musical history with hits including Wonderwall.
Image Credit: Drew de F Fawkes (cropped)
Barry Gibb
Barry Gibbs is a singer, songwriter and record producer, most famous as a member of the Bee Gees.
One of the most commercially successful musical groups of all time with hits including How Deep Is Your Love and Stayin' Alive.
Image Credit: Public Domain
5 Fun Manchester Facts
Impress your friends with your amazing Manchester knowledge!
- If you visit The Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road, you'll be visiting the largest concentration of south-asian resturants outside Asia!
- Love the show "Peaky Blinders"? Whilst the show is set in Birmingham, it's actually filmed in Manchester (and Liverpool)!
- A man named Ernest Rutherford famously first split the atom at Manchester University in 1917!
- Manchester is the birthplace of the Rolls Royce. In fact, it was at the Midland Hotel where Charles Rolls (who was a car salesman) and Henry Royce (who was an engineer) began their legacy!
- The famous Suffragette movement began in Manchester in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst, when she founded the Women’s Social and Political Union
Free Things To do Manchester
Manchester Museum
The fascinating exhibits atManchester Museum features over 4.5 million objects from human cultures and natural sciences, making it one of the UK's largest university museums AND with free admission, why wouldn't you visit?
Kids can learn all about other cultures through the Egyptian and Sudanese objects, including a collection of gilded mummy masks! Come face to face with over 100,000 fossils including animals from the Ice Age, and it's always fun to check out a real life sperm whale skeleton, and one of the rarest frogs in the world! No matter what your interests, at the Manchester Museum you'll find something for everyone!
Image Credit: Manchester Museum
Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens
Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens offers a beautiful nature-filled day out for the whole family. The first port of call should be the Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the history of the park, plus find fun activities for kids.
There are plenty of opportunities for kids to ride bikes, play, climb, and even a toddler-friendly area (dog free), as well as tennis courts and yes kids, there is a cafe that sells ice-cream! Lots of fun for the whole family, so why not take a picnic and enjoy what Mother Nature created!
Image Credit: Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens
People's History Museum
The People's History Museum is a very family friendly museum telling the story of the development of democracy within Britain, throughout the past, present as well as the future. Filled with hands-on activities and digital interactives, kids for all ages can learn history through play! They can visit a suffragette kitchen, as well as play the Pank-a-Squith board game AND see how fast they can work at the Bryant and May match factory! They can even enjoy playing their favourite sonds on a vintage jukebox!
This fascinating museum cares and collects a number of objects for families to explore, from electic and colourful banners, to badges, artwork and even personal items - telling the stories of those ideas worth fighting for.
Image Credit: People's History Museum
Manchester Art Gallery
Located in a building over 200 years old, Manchester Art Gallery offers free admission to their incredible collection so all families can enjoy the wonders of art! Kids can explore the museum collection featuring over 46,000 objects of fine art, as well as decorative art and costume, spanning over 200 years and still growing!
The museum's costume collection also includes over 21,000 items exploring the history of dress from 1600 to the present day, plus over 13,000 objects within craft and design AND don't miss the collection of world-famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings, including British and European art too!
Image Credit: Marketing Manchester
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum opens up a whole world of fun for kids, offering interactive exhibits that also educate at the same time as they play! Kids can explore and delve into ideas that changed the world as they take on the Revolution Manchester gallery. They can make their way into the Textiles Gallery and experience thunderous machines and learn about cotton's continuous legacy. They can also BE the scientists themselves in the Experiment exhibition!
Don't miss the museum's world-first, multi-sensory exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music, and during weekends and school holidays the family can enjoy a gaming experience too! With free admission, there is no reason all children shouldn't experience this Manchester favourite!
Image Credit: Science and Industry Museum
Manchester Cheap Eats under £7: Arndale Market
One of the most beautiful cities in the UK is just a short drive from Manchester and is a place all families should visit at least once when in the UK. We of course are talking about Chester.
Chester city centre features the beautiful and iconic Tudor architecture, with the famous double levelled shopping "Rows". Situated on the beautiful River Dee, Chester oozes history and still today the original Roman city walls can be found. At only an hours drive away, Chester is a great day trip from Manchester for families!
Photo by Rachel Hannah Photo on Unsplash
Chester has so much history (nearly two millennia in fact), it's hard to know where to start! This beautiful British city began life as a fort, originally named Deva by the Romans back in AD 79.
Chester saw its fair share of battles, with the warring Saxon and Welsh kingdoms freqently in conflict throughout the post-Roman years until the Saxons were the ones to strengthened the fort against the raiding Danes.
In 1066 following the Norman Conquest, the city was ruled by the Earl of Chester and even found its place as an important trading port until Liverpool took over.
What's beautiful about Chester today is that you can feel the influence of the various rulers and inhabitants that called the city home. From the Roman walls, to the Tudor buildings, there is history everywhere you look.
Here’s our top 4 Chester things to do:
- Stroll along the River Dee
- Experience Romans at the amphitheatre
- Walk along the City Walls
- Swim at Northgate Arena
We hope you found this content useful! Please share with your friends, and if you have any comments, or want to let us know what we can do to further help you find fun days out with the family, then just email our team at [email protected]!
Let's get the family adventure started!
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Lisa
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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