Summer is here which means an entire six, school-free weeks for the kids, but the big question is how to keep them entertained? If you’re stuck for ideas or in need of fresh inspiration for things to do with the kids in Manchester during the summer holidays, we’ve made things a little easier. We’ve rounded up some of the best things happening in Manchester which are suitable for kids and families, including some indoor activities in case the weather doesn’t deliver. So, without further ado here are the most thrilling things to do in Manchester with kids which are bound to make this summer pretty memorable and enjoyable for all.
1. Visit Yayoi Kusama‘s largest exhibition ‘You, Me and the Balloons’
Yayoi Kusama has stunned hundreds if not millions of visitors with her amazing, jaw-dropping art show over the years, however the much-loved artist is hosting an exhibition in Manchester this summer, known as ‘You, Me and the Balloons‘. Bringing her largest ever immersive environment to Manchester’s Factory International, the exhibition will feature works that are over ten metres tall – including giant dolls, spectacular tendrilled landscapes and a vast constellation of polka-dot spheres. Children and adults alike will be mesmerised by Kusama’s surreal world of dots and pumpkins amongst other artistic motifs.
2. Be bowled over at the Trafford Centre’s new bowling venue, King Pins
This summer welcomes a new addition to the activity bar circuit in Manchester, but this time at the Trafford Centre, with King Pins opening its flagship at Trafford Palazzo. The ‘crown jewels of bowling’ will have 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. It will also feature two independent food concessions, a full-service bar and its very own dessert kiosk.
3. Escape to a new and immersive world at 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.
4. Get on board the East Lancashire Railway for a fun-filled train ride
See the nearby countryside in style by hopping on board on a East Lancashire Railway steam train, which runs from Bury to Rawtenstall. Over the summer holidays the railway will be hosting a number of fun events and experiences to keep all of the family entertained. For the little ones who are taking a break from school there are visits from famous characters like Thomas the Tank Engine, Duggee and Peppa. East Lancashire Railway will also be hosting magical adventures in Wonderland, a day out with some wacky wizards and an expedition with a herd of baby dinosaurs.
5. See adorable donkeys up close at The Donkey Sanctuary
In search of free things to do with the kids in Manchester? Look no further than The Donkey Sanctuary in Abbey Hey. Both a great cause and a chance to see cute donkeys up close, it’s great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and interact with animals. Visitors will have the chance to see the different areas in which the donkeys live, learn about how we care for them, discover the dynamics of the herd and get answers to all questions that they may have about our donkeys. The Donkey Sanctuary is free and can be booked online, however donations are welcomed.
6. Be immersed in the gorgeously vibrant Colors Festival
The family friendly experience is a delight for all and takes over a giant repurposed space that spans 800m² and is filled with larger than life artwork. Taking over Regent Retail Park in Salford, Colors Festival showcases the works of 30 established and local artists on a huge scale. If you’re after things to do with the kids in Manchester when it’s drizzling outside, strolling through brightly coloured immersive rooms is sure to brighten everyone’s day and mood. You’ll be treated to art across a range of mediums including photography, street art, paintings and more, leaving you mesmerised.
7. Get behind the wheel at the UK’s first live action go-karting video game experience
Offering a new way to hit the pedal to the metal is Chaos Karts, an all new attraction which combines real-life racing with augmented reality, and it’s coming soon to Manchester. And this is definitely one of the top things to do in Manchester if you’re looking to squeeze something in before the kids go back to school. The UK’s first live action video game experience throws players into a virtual world, living inside a real-life video game to race-battle their friends, family and rivals. With no physical obstacles on the track and anti-collision technology, helmets and driving suits are not required to create a fun-fuelled experience for everyone aged nine and above.
8. Explore this free exhibition featuring book characters like the Gruffalo
This summer, popular children’s books The Gruffalo, Zog, Stick Man and Room on the Broom will all be brought together for a new, free exhibition opening at The Lowry in Salford. Known as Julia and Axel – Thirty Years of Favourite Stories, the exhibition will bring to life some of the world’s best loved characters in contemporary children’s fiction. Throughout the exhibition there will be lots of fun opportunities for children to be creative themselves as they are guided to write their own stories, draw pictures, dress up, and play fun games inspired by the books.
9. Travel like a poo through the digestive system at this Manchester museum
This summer, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester welcomes the world premiere of immersive exhibition Food, Poo and You, from the brains behind CBBC hit Operation Ouch!. The exhibition, which runs from July 21 to September 3, is truly for the whole family, providing interactive education on the digestive system and human biology. It promises plenty of giggle-worthy grossness, from exploring a set of super-sized gnashers, to slipping down the oesophagus and investigating the innerworkings of the intestines.
10. Sit back with a film and enjoy the Miami Beach experience at Backyard Cinema
Head to the rooftop of Depot Mayfield for Backyard Cinema where you’ll be transported to an 80’s beach oasis in the sky and ultimate film screening space. As well as the immersive sets and unique venue, there’s a lineup of special nights to look forward to over the summer. Those partial to singing their heart out can enjoy one of the singalong nights (Grease, Mamma Mia and The Greatest Showman are all on the agenda). Plus, for the school holidays there’ll be special matinee shows for all the family to enjoy beachy bliss – there are even mocktails and snack packs for the kids so they won’t miss out on the authentic Miami vibes.
11. Go on a journey back in time to the prehistoric era with Dinosaurs in the Park
Taking place at Heaton Park this summer, kids can meet a different life-sized dinosaur at each twist and turn along the Dinosaur trail and help the Palaeontologist find his tools and solve the puzzles along the way. At Dinosaurs in the Park you’ll find 40 life-sized, realistic animatronic dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods, which move their heads, jaws, and claws and hiss, snarl, and growl, to provide an exhilarating and immersive experience. Quiet sessions for noise sensitive visitors are also available.
12. Visit the retro beach and fairground located outside the Trafford Centre
Manchester finally has a beach! Opening just outside of The Orient quarter at the Trafford Centre, Summer Daze boasts a fantastic, family-friendly 600 sqm beach – promising plenty to see and do over the summer and suitable for Mancs of all ages. Experience the sand between your toes right here in Costa Del Manchester, with deck chair seating, tons of live music and entertainment in store, sports, fun pop-ups and even a retro fairground. Children and grown-ups alike are invited to enjoy the nostalgic array of rides on-site and better still you can cool off at not one but two splash parks which boast multiple water jets.
13. Discover the spookiest parts of the city with this ghost exploration tour
I ain’t afraid of no ghost! If you’re looking for a touch of the heebie-jeebies then this Manchester ghost tour is for you. Mixing a fictional storyline with real elements of folklore and local history, this outdoor game and walking tour will take you on unique and unusual adventures where you’re guaranteed to see Manchester in a whole new light. You will be guided to some of the most frightful places in the city, following step-by-step instructions in order to solve clues. Dare you go on this tour?
14. Take a trip to the theatre to watch musical renditions of childhood classics
The theatre is not just for Christmas pantomimes- oh no it isn’t! Proving exactly that, a host of musicals and plays are being performed on the Manchester stage during the summer holidays which are sure to keep the kids entertained. From everyone’s favourite green ogre with Shrek the Musical to the sweet-filled adventures in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical, these Manchester performances are possibly one of the best things to do to introduce children to a bit of culture and the arts, too. Plus, little ones will also love a musical adaptation of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House.
15. Get creative in the HOME Bar and Kitchen with their free pizza making masterclass
HOME Bar and Kitchen at HOME are kicking off the summer holidays in style, as kids will be able to eat any main dish and a scoop of ice cream completely free in the restaurant throughout the whole of August when dining with any paying adult. The kids main menu, which has been cleverly designed to be transformed into a paper aeroplane, includes classic dishes such as tomato pasta, a mini burger, chicken nuggets, and battered fish. HOME Bar and Kitchen’s free Kids Pizza Masterclass is also back, returning on Sunday 6th August, where parents can sit back and unwind with a coffee (or get involved if their little one needs help) whilst the kids get busy with the pizza dough and toppings.
16. Reach for the stars at one of Manchester’s many rock climbing walls
If you and the kids are looking for a challenge right here in Manchester, then rock climbing or bouldering is one of the top things to do. Push yourself to new heights (quite literally) as Manchester has plenty of indoor climbing and bouldering spots, whether you’re a rock climbing rookie or a seasoned climber. From Stretford to Stockport, Bolton to Oldham, there are many venues which are suitable for kids and some even have cafes offering light refreshments or a place to watch the youngsters scale some walls from afar.