The holidays are almost here which means an entire school-free week 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 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 the holidays pretty memorable and enjoyable for all.
The best things to do with kids in Manchester this half term
1. Take on the challenge of NERF Action Xperience
Gear up for the ultimate NERF adventure at NERF Action Xperience in Trafford Palazzo. You have an hour to explore various immersive zones, including a skill-testing Training Ground, a heart-pounding sports arena and thrilling, thematic blaster arenas – this huge indoor venue is a haven for NERF enthusiasts of all ages! Once you’ve finished showing off your skills in the Training Ground, and blasting and outwitting your family and friends in the arenas, you can take time to browse the local retail or grab a bite to eat at Archie’s.
2. Be bowled over at the Trafford Centre’s bowling venue, King Pins
Adding to the activity bar circuit in Manchester, but this time at the Trafford Centre, is King Pins with its flagship at Trafford Palazzo. 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. It also features two independent food concessions, a full-service bar and its very own dessert kiosk.
3. Escape to an 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. Jump around at this huge inflatable bounce park
Inflatable park Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton, Bolton is back for spring and summer 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.
5. 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 hosts 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 Peter Rabbit. East Lancashire Railway will also be hosting a day out with some wacky wizards and a traditional luncheon.
6. 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.
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 in 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 11 and above.
8. 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?
9. See majestic snow leopards for the first time ever at Chester Zoo
Adding to the adorable animal kingdom at Chester Zoo, the conversation charity has welcomed some new arrivals in the form of two majestic (and rather fluffy) snow leopards. Their arrival is also quite the milestone as in all of the zoo‘s 93 years, it’s the first time ever that its carnivore experts have ever cared for the highly-threatened big cats. The two snow leopards have arrived at Chester Zoo alongside a huge new Himalayan habitat for the species, making the holidays the perfect time to come and say hello.
10. 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.