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 this October half term which are suitable for kids and families, including some indoor activities in case the weather doesn’t deliver as well as some spooky-themed ones to celebrate Halloween. 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. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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?
8. 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.
9. Hunt down the giant monsters that have popped up around Manchester
If you embark on a walk through Manchester city centre anytime during Halloween week and half term you’ll likely spy a giant inflatable monster or two. The menagerie of oddly-endearing creatures have been invading the city for the past five years and are set to do it once more. Hide-and-seek doesn’t seem to be their strong suit though, as these pop-up Halloween monsters are often spotted hunkering down behind Printworks or peering over Piccadilly Place. Adding to the Halloween-themed things to do with kids in Manchester, there will also be a Monsters Rock Procession, Halloween in the City Fancy Dress Challenge and Monsters Rock! Music Festival this half term.
10. 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).
11. 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.
12. Get your carve on at one of these pumpkin patches near Manchester
Get outdoors and take a wander through these pumpkin patches in order to hunt down your perfect pumpkin to take home to celebrate Halloween. A host of patches in and around Greater Manchester are offering plenty of things to do for kids including carving workshops, costume competitions, haunted houses, mazes and more. You’ll find a huge variety of pumpkins ranging in colours, sizes and price for you to choose from whichever patch you opt to visit.
13. 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.
14. Get on a board a Halloween ghost train
The ultimate Halloween event is not-to-be-missed in 2024, with new twists and surprises throughout the popular event, as the East Lancashire Railway launches the ‘Year of The Pumpkin‘. With extravagant decorations and lighting all setting the scene, this year will see the Pumpkin King and his motley crew of spooky scarecrows leave the fields of the Irwell Valley and descend on the railway encouraging visitors to solve eerie mysteries.
The pumpkin themed haunted house walkthrough and the ghoulishly decorated footbridge will see creepy characters including Zombie Bob and his Monster Squad roaming throughout, ready to help investigate with those who dare, alongside Veronica the Witch and Vampire Brian, all before the 60 minute long interactive “scream” train ride through the Irwell Valley.
15. 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.
16. Experiment with fluorescent colours at a family-friendly art session
Both kids and parents alike can enjoy these fun-filled, fluorescent workshops, where creativity shines in a whole new light—literally. Led by an experienced artist, you can experiment with neon paints to create everything from abstract portraits to glowing galaxies. Neon Brush Kids in Manchester is perfect for high-energy kids that need a creative outlet, or that are little adventurers at heart and want to explore new worlds of limitless imagination.
17. Celebrate spooky season at this magical Halloween trail
The creators of the Manchester’s acclaimed Twilight Trail will unveil The Halloween Trail, a spooktacular Halloween themed light show at Trafford Centre. Running from Thursday 17 October until Sunday 3 November, the immersive experience promises to captivate visitors of all ages this spooky season.
Featuring over 100,000 lights, the mesmerising trail is filled with captivating installations that centre around a Skeleton Village theme. Conveniently located at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, the venue offers easy access via trains, trams, and buses and benefits from the shopping centre’s free parking.
18. Spook your mind at the brand new Museum of Illusions
New to the city, Museum of Illusions should definitely be on the cards for a mind-bending day out this half term, and you’re sure to leave at least a little spooked. 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.
19. Take the family along this spooktacular lakeside trail
The Halloween Lakeside Trail has returned to Partridge Lakes in Culcheth, Warrington and will run until October 31. Located within a 70-acre site in the idyllic Cheshire countryside, the Halloween Lakeside Trail is an enchanted walk where you can immerse yourself in a wickedly fun family-friendly experience. As dusk falls, embark on a magical quest through the mystical forest where you will wander through Skeletons’ Hollow, dance with friendly ghosts and journey through the woodland spider’s tunnel to the magical witches’ lair.
20. Visit the Paddington bear statue in Spinningfields
A trail of Paddington Bear statues, known as Paddington Visits, are currently touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru in cinemas. As part of the trail, Paddington fans will be able to spot the statue at Hardman Square, Spinningfields. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!
21. Explore the Halloween Pumpkin Animal Trail at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is launching a spooky trail after the success of last year’s. As part of its biggest ever Halloween celebrations, Chester Zoo is set to be transformed into a spine-tingling ‘Super-Natural’ spectacle this spooky season with a bigger and better Halloween trail. Visitors will come face-to-face with giant animal sculptures made with pumpkins, including dragons, bats and wolves – all before encountering untamed creatures found inside the zoo’s brand new BEASTS experience.
22. Visit Trafford Palazzo for a glossy Yummiland takeover
If you have a doll-obsessed little one who loves all things sweet, scented and glossy, then look no further than Yummiland who will be hosting an event this half term. For one day only on November 2, Trafford Palazzo will be taken over by Yummiland, a new brand which combines DIY lip gloss making, collectability and superpowers. Children will be greeted by real-life Yummiland character, Bianca Bubblegum, have the chance to win a Yummiland prize bundle as well as get Instagrammable picture opportunities with cut out characters and a giant lip gloss truck.
23. Discover spooky happenings at the Pankhurst Centre with ‘Nightmare on Nelson Street 2’
With a tongue in cheek nod to what is considered to be the greatest ever Halloween film franchise, Nightmare on Nelson Street 2 returns to the Pankhurst Museum for its suffragette inspired sequel …. Emmeline’s Revenge. In this case it’s all about seasonal fun, with a walking tour of the area around the Pankhurst Museum on Thursday 24 October (6.30pm to 8.30pm), followed by spooky suffragette stories shared over hot drinks.
There will be a glimpse into a bygone world and the history of some other local landmarks, including Manchester Royal Infirmary, St Mary’s Hospital and Manchester University. There will also be stories that raise some ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, with tales of bodysnatching, disorderly houses and an unexpected link between suffragettes and werewolves to be revealed.