Don’t want to spend Black Friday trawling the internet for great deals? Tesco Mobile brings the bargains to you, so all you have to decide on is what to do with the family instead. Now, we know planning a family outing can get complicated when everyone has different interests and ideas of what’s fun – that’s why we’re working with Tesco Mobile to share our curated list of the best family-friendly experiences in and around Manchester. From hidden gems to the old faithfuls, there’s something to please everyone in this list of family-friendly fun!
You might have to come to a consensus on what to do at the weekend, but Tesco Mobile really does understand that everyone is different. Their Family Perks benefit allows each member to choose their own free monthly reward—from extra data to Tesco Clubcard points—so the whole family can save while staying connected on their days out, thanks to Tesco Mobile’s 99% network coverage across the UK.
Plan your next family outing in Manchester.
1. Go ice skating at Cathedral Gardens
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Cathedral Gardens. Each skating session is 45 minutes, so everyone will have plenty of time to brush up on their skills. If you work up an appetite after your session, be sure to check out the Christmas Market next door.
The rink is open to the public from 11am to 9pm between October 25, 2025 until January 4, 2026, excluding Christmas day.
📍Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG
2. Join the Golden SIM Hunt to unlock mystery prizes
Tesco Mobile x Secret Media are teaming up to give families the brightest Black Friday deals, with none of the usual price hunting. In an exciting activation, Golden SIM Cards will be hidden around Manchester, with clues dropping on Tesco Mobile’s and Secret Manchester’s Instagram. You’ll also be able to find the clues on the Golden SIM Hunt site, which is launching on November 17. Get the family together to see who can find one first and scan the QR codes to win big! Each Golden SIM card will unlock mystery prizes, from Fever experiences to the latest phones and tech gadgets.
📍Up to you to uncover!
3. Visit Dunham Massey’s after-dark illuminated trail
Christmas at Dunham Massey returns for 2025, continuing its reputation as a much-loved winter tradition for all ages. This after-dark event is created by award-winning light trail producers, seamlessly blending glowing displays and immersive seasonal sounds.
Installation highlights include ‘Field of Stars,’ filled with colour-changing stars extending five metres high, and ‘Pixel Trees,’ a collection of contemporary Christmas trees made from thousands of LEDs, promising an unforgettable light show.
📍Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
4. Be dazzled by Twilight Tales at Freight Island
New to Manchester, Twilight Tales at Freight Island is the perfect family outing this winter. Guests will travel through a series of whimsical walkthroughs, illuminated tunnels and fantastical adventure zones.
With fun for the whole family, Twilight Tales has everything from marshmallow roasting and face painting, to an interactive playground and photo-ops.
📍Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ
5. Bring out your inner child at Oxygen
From a high ropes course to 24 trampolines, Manchester’s indoor activity park, Oxygen, is the epitome of family fun. The entire facility was constructed with a £2.5 million investment, 20 weeks and 6,000 hours of hard work.
So whether you’re with the kids or reconnecting with your own inner child, go for a whirl on the Sky Rider or join in on an epic dance party.
📍Store St, Manchester M1 2FU
6. Play a game of Pac Man IRL
The PAC-MAN Live Experience drops visitors right into the nostalgic arcade game. Players must make their way through a life-sized glowing maze, whilst avoiding the ghostly pursuers and collecting POWER PELLETS.
You’ll be amazed as advanced projection mapping and tracking technology bring the iconic PAC-DOT, POWER PELLET and ghosts to life.
📍Arcade Arena, Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
7. Have dinner at Waku Waku 2D cafe
The UK’s first 2D restaurant is serving up incredible illusions and delicious Japanese fare. Every part of the restaurant is hand-drawn, giving off a comic book effect that the kids are sure to love.
Waku Waku’s design was inspired by Japanese anime, creating an unmissable dining experience unlike anything else.
📍54 Portland St, Manchester M1 4QU