Is your child’s birthday looming? If you’re stuck for ideas, looking to up the celebrations from last year or simply change things up from previous parties at home (because not all of us want loads of screaming kids rampaging around the house), then we’ve got you covered. From inflatable assault courses and virtual reality experience to rollerblading and climbing, check out some of the best kids birthday party venues in Manchester that are sure to put a smile on the little ones’ faces, whatever their age. Plus, you may gain some cool parent points, too.
1. Archie’s Atomic
Introducing a new American-style diner complete with the Manchester-born brand’s iconic food and pink décor, with a roller rink and arcade, Archie’s launched a brand new experience last year. Known as Archie’s Atomic and found at Trafford Palazzo, it’s the first of its kind leisure concept by Archie’s and features a neon pink 5,000 sq ft roller rink (the largest in the North West), a family arcade area, and an Archie’s milkshake bar.
With private party rooms available to hire for birthdays for groups of up to 8-120 people alongside special VIP food and drink packages, it’s one of the most ideal Manchester venues for birthday parties and social events of 12 to 30 people, for both kids and adults. So go on, get your skates on!
📍Archie’s Atomic, Unit C1, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford City, M17 8AS.
🎟️ Party packages are available for 8+ people, starting from £25 per person for children aged 6-14 and £30 per person for those aged 14+. The amusement arcade, packed with games, will operate on pre-loaded cards, available for purchase online or in-venue starting at £10. Book here.
2. Rock Up
Get ready to elevate your kids birthday party with Rock Up at Trafford City, which offers a thrilling experience for all ages, featuring a whopping 27 climbing walls, an exhilarating high ropes course, a vibrant soft play area, and a café. Rock Up Manchester is a top choice for kids birthday party venues not only for its safety with the use of auto-belays (the safest way to climb) but it offers soft play parties for babies and toddlers, climbing parties, a mix of climbing and soft play for those aged 5 and under, or even the option of exclusive hire of the entire venue.
You can add on food options such as pizza, sandwiches and ice cream to finish as well as free Vertical Drop Slide/Leap of Faith for the birthday child worth £3.50 and free coffee/hot drink for the organising parent(s).
📍Rock Up, Chill Factore, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, M41 7JA.
🎟️ Standard off-peak party costs £19.95 per guest, ultimate off-peak party costs £24.95 per guest, standard peak party costs £24.95 per guest and ultimate peak party guest costs £29.95 per guest. Book a party here.
3. Inflata Nation
If you’re after a place where the kids can bounce around without having to worry about the weather then head to Inflata Nation. With loads of jaw dropping features and fun activities including the epic double tipping slide, kids can expect plenty of entertainment. Inflata Nation Manchester offers kids and adults alike unrivalled bouncing fun, and can be enjoyed by just about anyone, of any age, shape and physical ability.
The inflatable park also has a variety of classes including Disability Friendly sessions and Inflata Tots sessions (just for pre-schoolers). Inflata Nation offers a range of kids party packages with choices for food, drinks and desserts plus extra options to make their party even more special including goody bags, helium balloons, and free return bounce vouchers.
📍Inflata Nation Manchester, Textilose Road, Trafford Park, M17 1WA.
🎟️ Party packages start from £16.50 per person (off-peak), which includes bouncing session, pizzas, ice cream and unlimited squash. Book a party here.
4. DNA VR
Providing a unique entertainment experience, DNA VR allows visitors to dive into unimaginable virtual worlds spanning horror, fantasy and music. From surviving a zombie apocalypse, to traveling to the pyramids in Egypt or fighting off dragons, DNA VR has a game for everyone whether it be one from their arcade or free-roam sessions. At DNA VR in Manchester visitors can solve an escape room, explore the depths of the deep blue ocean or even save the Earth from an intergalactic disaster.
Arcade sessions are suitable for kids over seven and free-roam sessions are available for kids over 12 years old. Sweet and savoury snacks, soft drinks and party bags are available to pre-order.
📍DNA VR, St James Court, 30 Brown St, M2 1DH.
🎟️ Prices start from £33 and can be booked here.
5. King Pins
Adding to the activity bar circuit in Manchester, is King Pins with its flagship at Trafford Palazzo and now also in the Arndale. The ‘crown jewels of bowling’ has a plethora of activities on offer, including 15 lanes of Ten Pin bowling and four lanes of Duck Pin bowling (a shorter-laned, faster game of bowling, new to the UK), shuffleboard, ice-free curling, air hockey, karaoke booths, and arcade games galore for guests of all ages.
Kids parties include one game of Duck Pin or Ten Pin Bowling, a choice of tasty pizza, chicken, and fries, and squash, with the option to add on a private party room with karaoke, doughnuts, and premium drinks like slushies and fizzy pop.
📍King Pins, Trafford Palazzo, Barton Dock Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8AS | Manchester Arndale, Market Street, New Cannon Street Mall, M4 3AQ.
🎟️ Party packages start from £15 per person and can be booked here.
6. Spartacus Bubble Soccer
If you’re after a birthday party that offers plenty of laughs, then bubble football should be your next birthday party event in Manchester. The hilarious and chaotic twist on the beautiful game involves your child and their mates will each be strapped into a giant inflatable bubble, ready to take on a five-a-side match.
Barge, bounce, and bump your way through the game, all whilst trying to keep the laughter at bay. A referee will also be on hand to run through the rules and keep things in order – after all, it can get a bit competitive (and giggly) on the field.
📍Spartacus Bubble Soccer, 20 Union St, Manchester, M12 4JD.
🎟️ One group ticket for up to 15 people for a one-hour session costs £375 and can be booked here.
7. Manchester Aquatics Centre
Swimming is always a splashing time and the pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre is definitely one of the most fun kids birthday party venues. Choose from a Fun and Floats Party with floats and toys or an Aqua Splash Party with an inflatable assault course suited for more competent swimmers aged 8 years and above.
Up to 30 people can attend, and the birthday party packages include one hour of swimming followed by one hour in the party food area, with the option to bring your own food, or opt for a catering party package from the on-site cafe. It’s also worth checking out other leisure centres in Manchester, which boast options to suit every budget and sport preferenc,e including soft play, football, squash, tennis, athletics, BMX, paddle boarding and more.
📍Manchester Aquatics Centre, 2 Booth Street East, Ardwick, M13 9SS.
🎟️ A Fun and Floats Party at Manchester Aquatics Centre costs £175 and Aqua Splash Party costs £250. You can book your swimming party here.