The summer holidays are almost here which means 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 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 summer holiday
1. Be bowled over at the Trafford Centre’s bowling venue, 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. It also features two independent food concessions, a full-service bar and its very own dessert kiosk.
2. Visit The Lowry in Salford to watch Bluey’s Big Play
Wackadoo! For the first time ever, smash-hit theatre show Bluey’s Big Play is set to tour across the UK, for real life! The Olivier Award-nominated live theatre show, which opened in the UK in December 2023, is set to visit The Lowry, Salford this summer, meaning it’s the perfect activity for the school holidays. Audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and Mum and Dad Bandit and Chilli, as they’ve never seen them before, as Bluey and her family embark on their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, live actors, and iconic sets.
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. East Lancashire Railway will also be hosting a day out with some wacky wizards and a traditional luncheon.
6. Discover original props, costumes and vehicles from the Batman films at this exhibition
Take a trip to new exhibition Batman Unmasked located inside Manchester’s Depot Mayfield, which treats fans of the iconic DC superhero to a treasure trove of original props, costumes, vehicles, weapons and much more. You and the kids will be able to indulge in your love of all things Batman as you journey through themed rooms, channel your inner Bruce Wayne in the gaming area and even add to your collection with exclusive merchandise. Whilst the Batman films are mainly tailored towards an older audience, there are still plenty of opportunities for young fans to get involved in.
7. 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.
8. Test out your piloting skills as Flight Academy returns to Manchester Airport
Kids can try their hand at becoming a pilot this summer, as the popular Flight Academy returns to Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. From sitting in the cockpit to dressing the part and “taking control” of the flight deck, it’s the perfect activity for aspiring pilots. Kids can also head outside to have a look at Manchester Airport’s runways and watch the planes take off and land as well as take a tour of the park’s retired airliners, including the iconic Concorde.
9. See the city from a different perspective on a river cruise tour
Set sail with the family from Salford Quays for an epic 60-minute journey down Manchester’s iconic Ship Canal and River Irwell on a specially-designed Dutch sightseeing boat, starting from the heart of Manchester. You and the kids can witness the industrial heartland and historic monuments, including Stephenson’s railway bridge. You can also marvel at Manchester United’s stadium of Old Trafford and Imperial War Museum North from the water making sight-seeing that little more exciting.
10. Head to Knowsley Safari to meet The Gruffalo, dragons and dinosaurs
The much-loved mythical creature, The Gruffalo, is heading to Knowsley Safari on July 21 to meet and greet his fans. The Gruffalo, who has bright orange eyes, a black tongue and a wart on the end of his nose, will leave the deep dark woods for one day only to give families visiting the Safari a magical, never-to-be-forgotten experience. The Gruffalo’s appearance at Knowsley Safari is just one part of an action-packed summer schedule that also features dragons, giant bubbles, inflatable obstacle courses and everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey. The day after The Gruffalo departs the Safari, a unique dinosaur experience will arrive (July 22-26 and July 29-August 2) showcasing some of the most life-like dinosaurs you’ll ever see.
11. 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.
12. 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?
13. 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.
14. Step into the world of an Edwardian childhood at the Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Centre in Manchester is stepping to the world of an Edwardian Childhood for its summer family friendly activities. Each Thursday and Sunday from July 24 to September 1, visitors will be able to take part in the free activities during their visit to the birthplace of the suffragette movement. Through crafts, a museum trail and fun games, visitors will discover more about the Edwardian era through a child’s eyes and in Emmeline’s parlour there is also the chance for children to dress for the period with hats, shawls and suffragette sashes to choose from.
15. Make a splash at new aqua park Wild Shore Blackpool
Having made waves in Delamere for a while now, Wild Shore is hopping across the North West to grace Blackpool, once again making the Lancashire town a hotspot for watersports and fun. Wild Shore Blackpool is a brand new water-based adventure hub, offering a number of unique, dynamic and adrenaline-charged outdoor activities including the Aqua Park, Wakeboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Open Water Swimming. Open from May 29 at Ream Hills Holiday Park, Wild Shore is the perfect day out for friends and families.
16. 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 new 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).
17. 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.
18. Have a roarsome time at Dinosaurs in the Park
Greater Manchester’s largest park is hosting a roarsome event this summer, which will see prehistoric creatures take over the green space. Following the success of last year’s event, Dinosaurs in the Park will be returning to Heaton Park featuring dozens of moving and roaring dinosaurs. Visitors will encounter 40 realistic animatronic dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods at each twist and turn along the dinosaur trail.
19. Find Shaun the Sheep sculptures hidden inside RHS Garden Bridgewater
This summer holiday, RHS Garden Bridgewater has teamed up with Aardman allowing visitors to the gardens in Salford join Shaun the Sheep in The Great Garden Adventure. Between July 20 to September 1, RHS Garden Bridgewater will be running a range of indoor and outdoor activities daily. Families can help Shaun in his gardening escapades: try their hand at planting lamb’s lettuce to take home and watch grow, burn off some energy with the O’Lamb’pic games or get hands-on in creating a mini version of Shaun in the Claystation sessions. Young visitors can also track down the three Wild in Art Shaun the Sheep sculptures hidden around the 154-acre garden as well as exploring the ever-popular Woodland Play area.
20. 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 – plus, it won’t break the bank. Following the success of last year’s Summer Daze event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays under the new name Bright Lights, Big Fun and promises “even more excitement”. Open until September 1, Bright Lights, Big Fun will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall and more than 20 thrilling rides.
21. Go on a thrill-seeking adventure at Alton Towers
Calling all thrill-seekers, as Alton Towers is quite possible one of the best things to do with kids during the school holidays and it’s less than a two-hour drive from Manchester. Brace yourself for over 40 heart-pounding, hair-raising rides that will leave you screaming for more, plus jaw-dropping live shows and the spine-chilling Alton Towers Dungeons for you to discover. Or if you and the kids don’t fancy wild rollercoasters that test your limits, the world’s first Bluey-themed hotel room is now open for you to stay in.
22. 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.