Whether it’s the holidays or the weekend, the big question is how to keep the kids entertained? If you’re stuck for ideas or in need of fresh inspiration for things to do with the kids in Manchester, we’ve made things a little easier. We’ve rounded up some of the best things happening in Manchester during the summer holidays 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 the holidays pretty memorable and enjoyable for all.
The best things to do with kids in Manchester
1. Bounce and fly around at playzone Oxygen Activeplay at Salford Quays
Oxygen Activeplay at Quayside in Salford is a playzone promising to bring a whole new world of exploration, excitement, and fun. Little ones can bounce their way across 24 epic trampolines, dive into awesome inflatables, and challenge their friends in the super cool interactive strike arena. Older children can take to the sky and test their skills on the high ropes course, climbing and navigating obstacles as they conquer the heights of the Activeplay park. Plus, the indoor aerial Sky Rider is not to be missed, where you can forget about gravity and fly high above the Activeplay park giving you the ultimate birds eye view of the fun below. Oxygen at MediaCity has launched the Passport to Play, which gives kids unlimited access to over 280 sessions during the summer, making each visit cost just over 10p.
2. 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.
3. 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 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 to look forward to, including Thomas the Tank Engine. East Lancashire Railway will also be hosting The Dino Adventure, a day out with some wacky wizards and a traditional luncheon.
4. Be beside the seaside at the Trafford Centre’s giant beach
The Trafford Centre is bringing back its giant beach and splash park this summer along with its popular fairground and a new summer activity zone – plus, it won’t break the bank. Following the success of last year’s event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays under the name Summer Fair. Open until August 31, Summer Fair will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall and more than 20 thrilling rides.
5. Explore vibrant illustrations by Quentin Blake at this new exhibition at The Lowry
This summer, The Lowry in Salford invites families to step into the magical world of Quentin Blake, one of Britain’s most beloved illustrators and authors in a vibrant new exhibition. Curated by Lowry in collaboration with the artist and his studio, Quentin Blake and Me is free to visit from July 19 and will feature over 100 of Blake’s instantly recognizable works, a full-size sailing boat for children to hop-aboard inspired by Blake’s story A Sailing Boat in the Sky, the National (Monster) Portrait Gallery alongside Russell Hoban’s storybook, Monsters, and a fiendishly difficult magnetic marble puzzle inspired by John Yeoman’s retelling of the voyages of the intrepid Sinbad. As well as fun interactives, dressing-up, and opportunities for all young visitors to write and draw their own stories.
6. Tumble down the Rabbit Hole and into Wonderland at Z-arts
Families are invited to tumble down the Rabbit Hole and into Wonderland to enjoy an immersive play experience at Z-arts. Adventures in Wonderland has been created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and celebrates the 160th anniversary of one of the most loved children’s books of all time, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Tunnels to crawl through, mazes to get lost in, fairground mirrors to amuse and a ball pool to ‘splash’ into, plus a Mad Hatter’s tea party, interactive games and sensory areas, all bring Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world to life. There are lots of surprises along the way, great photo-opportunities and dress-up for the occasion is encouraged!
7. Bounce around at Inflata Nation Manchester
If you and the kids want to still bounce around but the weather isn’t looking the best then head to Inflata Nation. With loads of jaw dropping features and fun activities including the epic double tipping slide, it’s twice the fun but can you hang on? 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).
8. Attend an enchanting Candlelight concert
Experiencing timeless melodies in a candlelit setting is a fun plan for the whole family. If your kids are eight or older, you can bring them to a breathtaking Candlelight tribute. These performances recreate some of the best music ever written, including classical works by Vivaldi and iconic ABBA and Queen hits. Taking place at some of the city’s most charming and historic venues, your little ones can get introduced to musical legends or rediscover popular hits.
9. Go on a journey of emotions as you follow the SmileyWorld Art Trail in Stockport
Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant new art trail to the heart of Stockport this summer. Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons. Following huge success in Battersea, London and North Tyneside, the SmileyWorld Art Trail will be making its North West debut, guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays – and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
10. Watch family-favourites and sports at this free open-air cinema
Get ready for a summer of free open-air cinema at Screen on The Square, opening this weekend at New Jackson, Deansgate Square and offering a packed programme of films, sporting and cultural events on the big screen. Screen on the Square will run until Sunday 14th September, and guests can enjoy drinks from our licensed outdoor bar and a mini menu delivered straight to their deckchair by Medlock Canteen. During the opening weekend, visitors to Screen on The Square can watch the likes of Wall-E, Back to the Future, Big Hero 6 and Tron: Legacy.
11. 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.
12. Boggle your mind at the brand new Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions should definitely be on the cards for a mind-bending day out this summer, and you’re sure to leave rather mind-boggled. The brand new 10,700 sq ft space is filled with “fascinating holograms, mind-bending illusion rooms, and astonishing exhibits intended to trick the mind and puzzle perceptions”. In addition to the museum’s signature, most popular and photo-worthy exhibits, such as the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel, and Infinity Room, visitors will be treated to custom-made installations that celebrate Manchester’s unique culture and heritage. Plus, teachers can now get free tickets this summer, with kids under four also able to go free all day everyday.
13. Swing into action at Total Ninja Manchester
Families can kick boredom to the curb this summer, with some ninja fun at Total Ninja Manchester. Thrill-seekers can take on obstacles, climbing, leaping and swinging their way through over 25 challenges. Ninjas can find their inner calm on Balance Logs, sail through the Sea of Swings and reach new highs on the challenging Warped Wall, with challenges ranging to suit all ages and abilities.
14. Visit Chester Zoo’s new Heart of Africa zone
Ok, whilst Chester Zoo is not in Greater Manchester, it sure does make for a great day out during the school holidays. Chester Zoo has opened one of the biggest UK zoo habitats ever created, which will house 57 highly-threatened African species. The new Heart of Africa zone at the zoo, spanning more than 17 football pitches (22.5 acres), has been designed to recreate the grasslands of central Africa and features a vast open savannah where, for the very first time, visitors will encounter northern giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, roan antelopes and ostriches, all living together side-by-side.
15. Get stuck into interactive activities at the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum in Manchester is hosting a jam-packed programme of events for families over the holidays, designed to test your child’s creativity and thinking skills through interactive challenges, crafts, and activities. Kids can challenge their inner detective skills with ‘Goal Line Glow’, using LED lights and simple circuits to recreate iconic football moments and play a real-world version of ‘Spot the Ball’. Or why not design, build, and test their ultimate ball-kicking contraption with a variety of building materials?
16. Jump around at this huge inflatable outdoor bounce park
Inflatable park Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton, Bolton is back for the holidays and is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Packed full of bouncy castles, slides, obstacle and assault courses, the park has 15 different inflatables, aiming to provide kids of all ages with lots of opportunities to play, bounce and burn off some energy. The park is open to all ages but provides the option of a separate area for under fours as well as offering ‘Sen Sessions‘, and welcomes adults to join in on the fun alongside their kids.