Things to do In Manchester City Centre for Families
Manchester city centre is packed with brilliant family-friendly things to do, making it a great destination for a day out with kids of all ages.
From world-class museums and interactive attractions to parks, cinemas and indoor activities, there’s plenty to keep little ones (and teens) entertained right in the heart of the city.
This guide focuses specifically on things to do in Manchester city centre for kids and families, including a mix of free and paid attractions that are easy to reach on foot or by public transport. Whether you’re visiting for the day, planning a weekend activity or looking for ideas during the school holidays, you’ll find lots of inspiration here.
If you’re looking for ideas beyond the city centre or want to stick to a budget, we’ve also got a separate guide covering free things to do across Greater Manchester.
Manchester City Centre Museums
A visit to a museum always makes a great day out and there are some great choices in Manchester City Centre for families.
Here are our top picks.
Science and Industry Museum Manchester
Liverpool Rd, Manchester, M3 4FP
The Science and Industry Museum makes a great day out for families and kids and best of all it’s free entry making it a cheap day out in Manchester.
Although some areas are currently under construction it is still well worth a visit.
The museum offers a great mix of both Manchester’s history and contributions to the industrial revolution and science.
Kids will love the interactive Experiment Floor.
Here they can get hands-on with science as they lift a car with just one hand, experience heat vision with a thermal camera, make music with their body and lots more.
The Textile Gallery is also fun to explore. Centred around how Manchester was the international centre of the world’s cotton industry, The gallery also features a fun trail featuring fun games and challenges teaching about the objects along the way.
Plus make sure you check out ‘Textile City” where little ones can build a textiles tower, try their hand at weaving or spin their body like a bobbin.
They also often run family-friendly events throughout the year – see below for those currently running and upcoming.
Science and Industry Museum Cost
Entry to the Science and Industry Museum is Free however booking is required
It is open 7 days a week .
Getting to the Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is located in the City Centre and less than a 20-minute walk away depending on your location
You can also grab the Free Shuttle Bus using Bus 1 which starts at Piccadilly Gardens, getting off at SpinningFields or The Blue Line or Purple Line Tram to Deansgate-Castlefield.
Read More >>> How to book and opening times of Science and Industry
Manchester Museum
University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
The newly refurbished Manchester Museum is another fun and free museum located in Manchester City Centre.
The museum features national history, human cultures, anthropology and archaeology collections and is great for children and families to explore.
Divided into different areas favourites include the Fossil Gallery where you will find Stan The T-Rex and a brand new interactive Dinosaur display where you can get hands-on along with meeting April the Tenontosaurus.
You will also find a Vivarium on the second floor with a live collection of live amphibians and reptiles, preserved animals and skeletons in Living Nature and a huge skeleton of a sperm whale.
There are also interactive activities throughout and they run events during weekends and school holidays. See below for upcoming events.
Read More >>> Top Tips and Review of Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum Costs and Booking
Entry to the Manchester Museum is Free and drop in but we would recommend getting there early as it can get busy at weekends and school holidays.
Booking is required for some exhibitions even when free, which you should do in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Museum is open every day except Mondays (although they do occasionally open on Mondays during busy periods)
Read More >>> Booking and Opening Times of Manchester Museum
Getting to the Science and Industry Museum
Manchester Museum is located just on the outskirts of the City Centre and less than a 25-minute walk away depending on your location
There are also lots of buses which pass by the museum see the link below.
Read More >>> Getting to Manchester Museum
National Football Museum
Manchester is known for its football teams, and whichever you support fans will love the National Football Museum.
Located right in the centre of Manchester City Centre National Football Museum is the home to the world’s largest collection of football memorabilia with around 2,500 items on show at any one time.
For kids and adults alike there are interactive objects, games and displays that will appeal to all ages. If the kids love a trail you can collect a sheet at the Welcome Wing or download it before your visit.
For children over 7 years, you will find interactive activities such as the Penalty Shootout.
They offer free tours, often run crafting activities and there are lots of interactive, objects games and displays idea for all ages.
Cost of the National Football Museum
Tickets to the National Football Museum cost:
- £13.00 for Adults
- £7.00 for children
- Free for under 5’s
- £33 for a family of 4
Entry is free for Manchester residents who pay their council tax to Manchester City Council – see here to check your postcode.
Getting to the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is next to Victoria Station which is a stop on the tram’s Yellow line.
It is close to the main shopping area and less than a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Station.
For more information about the National Football Museum and to book tickets see here.
The Peoples History Museum
The People’s History Museum is great for kids and families! It features hands-on activities and digital interactives in every gallery, making it perfect for visitors of all ages.
Kids can explore the suffragette kitchen, play the Pank-a-Squith board game, and experience working at the Bryant & May match factory through an arcade-style game.
Plus you will also fun fun activities such as creating multi-ended stories and doodling in the Doodle Den. They often run family trails and additional events during the school holidays.
The museum has a dedicated family break area, perfect for younger children to take a rest. There is also an onsite cafe Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar which offers a sustainable, ethical, and delicious food experience with a variety of snacks and light lunches.
Opening Times and Entry
The Peoples History Museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Tuesdays when it is closed.
Getting To The Peoples History Museum
The Peoples History Museum is just around 20 minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station.
You can also get the Free Bus 1 from the station to Spinningfields which is just a 3 minutes walk away.
More >>> The Peoples History Museum
Greater Manchester Police Museum
The Greater Manchester Police Museum makes a great place to visit for families
Housed in the former police station that was operational from 1879 to 1979 it offers interactive displays, including a transport gallery and a uniform gallery.
Plus there is a chance to see inside cells, the courtroom, and even a crime room, giving them a real sense of what life was like for police officers in the past.
During the school holidays, they host special events and activities tailored for children, such as workshops and guided tours.
Entry Cost and Opening Times
The Greater Manchester Police Museum is free to enter.
It is open to visitors on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm with additional dates over the school holidays.
Read >>> Open Days At Greater Manchester Police Museum
Getting to the Greater Manchester Police Museum
The museum is located in the Northern Quarter, just around a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly railway station.
More >>> Greater Manchester Police Museum
Museum of Illusions Manchester
The Museum of Illusions is a truly unique indoor attraction right in Manchester city centre, where kids and families can dive into more than 60 mind-bending exhibits that play with perception, perspective and optical tricks.
From infinity rooms and vortex tunnels to walk-on ceilings and Manchester-themed illusions, there’s plenty to explore and hilarious photo opportunities around every corner.
This spot is great for a rainy-day activity or as part of a longer day out with the family, and whatever your age you can interact with the displays, learn about the science behind them and make magical memories together.
Many visitors spend around 1–2 hours inside, but you can stay longer if you’re having fun.
Cost
Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance online, with adults around £21 and children (ages 5–14) around £17.50; children under 5 go free (ticket still needed).
Walk-in prices are slightly higher. Advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends or school holidays.
Open times
Typically from around 10:00 am to 6:30 pm most days, with later opening until about 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday — but times can vary, so always check the official site before you go.
Getting to the Museum
It’s located on Market Street, making it easy to reach by tram, bus or on foot from Piccadilly, Victoria or other city centre stops — perfect for a family-friendly indoor experience.
More >>> Museum of Illusions Manchester
Parks and Playgrounds in Manchester City Centre
Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park is the first new park in Manchester city centre in over 100 years and is a great place for families.
It offers 6.5 acres of green space with a great children’s play area boasting six slides, huge climbing frames swings, and seesaws.
Plus you will also discover a quiet contemplation zone, a wildscape for biodiversity, multiple walkways and the River Medlock, which runs through the park. There is also a beautiful wildflower meadow that bursts with colour during the summer months.
There is an onsite coffee shop and ice cream van during weekends and school holidays.
Next to the park you will find Mayfield Depot the home of Escape To Frieght Island. Here you will find a whole host of places to eat or grab a drink.
The Park from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and is easily accessible from nearby tram stops.
Getting To Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park is located less than 5 minutes from Piccadilly Station.
Whitworth Park
Another fun park worth a visit is Whitworth Park, just on the outskirts of the city centre.
Over 100 years old, it offers a vibrant green space with a great adventure play area with lots to climb and over and under, and is sure to keep the kids busy for a good period of time.
It’s also next to the Whitworth Gallery, which has a cafe and offers activities during the school holidays and weekends.
Getting To Whitworth Park
Whitworth Park is around a 30-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station.
You can also get the 147 bus from the train station, getting off at St Mary’s stop.
Best Indoor Activities in Manchester City Centre
If you are looking for an indoor activity to keep the kids entertained, there are lots of choices within the city centre. From gaming and escape rooms to crazy golf and lots more, there is something for all budgets and interests.
The Cube Live, Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale
Upper Mall Level, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AD
Based on the TV game show, The Cube Live gives you the chance to attempt to what seem to be simple tasks inside the high-pressure of the iconic Perspex box.
It features many of the favourite games from the TV show, as in teams of up to four you aim to complete seven games There are single and two-player options where you can go head to head.
The experience lasts for 2 hours
They have a minimum age of 9 years old and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
How much is The Cube Live in Manchester?
The Cube Live Costs: £69.99 for 2 people.
Getting to The Cube Live Manchester.
Putters Urban Playground is located in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre which is located in the middle of Manchester City Centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located 5 minutes from Victoria Station.
More information and to book The Cube Live in Manchester here.
Chaos Karts, Manchester City Centre
Ongoing
Kids over 11 years can enjoy the ultimate immersive go-karting experience at Chaos Karts.
Take to the tracks, complete with state-of-the-art technology, thrilling track designs and cutting-edge projection mapping.
This fun experience will take the gaming world to the next level, players can fully immerse themselves in digitally projected worlds and up the challenge on the tracks with weapons and power-ups.
Tickets cost from £22.50 and must be booked in advance.
To book >>> Chaos Karts, Manchester City Centre
Sixes Social Cricket, Manchester City Centre
Keep the kids busy this summer at Sixes with the UK’s first immersive cricket fielding experience.
With five challenger modes from Beginner to World Class, the new game will test guests’ reflexes, catching skills and throwing accuracy under pressure. Plus, you can challenge yourself by diving to catch a flying ball, then throwing it to strike lit-up targets.
Once you have worked up an appetite, you can eat onsite at Kricket. One of the UK’s most celebrated Indian restaurant groups will be offering an all-new Indian street food menu.
More >>> Sixes Social Cricket, Manchester City Centre
The Crystal Maze, Manchester
St Johns, Lower Bryrom St, Manchester, M3 4FP
Introduce the kids to the joys of 90’s tv game show at The Crystal Maze Experience.
Adults and kids over 9 years old (an adult needs to be present) can enjoy approximately 75 minutes of fun challenges and games.
Following the same premise of the show, the aim of the game is to win Crystals which you convert into time in the Crystal Maze Dome. But be careful you may get locked in.
How Much is The Crystal Maze, Manchester?
Tickets to The Crystal Maze Manchester cost from :
- £37.00 per person
- £33 per person when playing as a family with at least one adult and 2 children under 18.
However, they often offer discounts during school holidays.
Booking online in advance is required.
Getting to The Crystal Maze, Manchester.
The Crystal Maze is located less than a 25-minute walk away depending on your location.
You can also grab the Blue Line or Purple Line Tram to Deansgate-Castlefield which is just less than a 10-minute walk from the attraction.
Alternatively, catch a train from Piccadilly Station to Deansgate Station.
To book tickets and more information about The Crystal Maze Manchester here.
Pac-Man Live Experience, Manchester City Centre
Step into a life-sized, interactive PAC-MAN maze, blending physical activity with augmented reality in a state-of-the-art, multi-sensory adventure.
Players wear high-tech PAC-Vests with advanced tracking technology while collecting POWER PELLETS and evading the iconic ghosts.
Hosting throughout the game is your PAC-MASTER, who provides commentary and mid-game feedback to fully immerse participants in the action.
Tickets cost from £18.00 when booking as a family.
To book >>>Pac-Man Live Experience Manchester
Immersive Gamebox, Manchester Arndale
Upper Mall Level, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AD
Kids and families can enjoy interactive gaming at the Immersive Gamebox located at Manchester Arndale.
A fun immersive experience which lets you play a whole host of games with motion tracking, projection mapping, touch screens and surround sound.
There are lots of games to choose from for all ages from age 3 years and over, to teens and adults to suit all tastes.
How Much is Immersive Gamebox at Manchester Arndale?
Electric Gamebox Costs from:
- £10.00 for Juniors for 30 minutes
- £15.00 for adults for 30 minutes
- £16.00 for Juniors for 60 minutes
- £26.00 for adults for 60 minutes
- From £40.00 for 90 minutes
Booking online required.
Getting to Immersive Gamebox at Manchester Arndale
Immersive Gamebox is located in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre which is located in the middle of Manchester City Centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located 5 minutes from Victoria Station.
More information at Immersive Gamebox at Manchester Arndale here.
Rock Over Climbing, Climbing Walls Manchester
Located not far from Victoria Station, Rock Over Climbing has lots to offer for kids.
They have belay climbing walls and boulders great for burning off some energy.
If the kids have never climbed before and just want to try it out they run taster sessions and family inductions at the weekends and school holidays.
All equipment is provided. For ages 7 years and over.
Read More >>> Review of Rock Over Climbing Manchester Kids Tasters Sessions
How Much is Climbing at Rock Over Climbing Manchester?
The Rock Over Climbing Taster Sessions for kids cost £10.00 for a one-hour session
The Rock Over Climbing Family inductions cost £11.50 per person for a one-hour session.
Getting to Rock Over Climbing in Manchester
Rock Over Climbing is situated just on the edge of the city centre and is up to a 20-minute walk depending on your location.
More details and to book Rock Over Climbing see here.
Putters Tech Crazy Golf, Urban Playground Manchester
Upper Mall Level, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AD
Enjoy a fun crazy golf course in the heart of Manchester at Putters.
Located in Manchester Arndale, groups of up to 6 players can have fun with a tech-infused putting course on three different themed nine-hole challenges.
There are live scoreboards showing each player’s points plus on-screen animations and audio brings each of the holes to life.
You can compare scores not just with your team but again with other high scores of the day and find out if you are the best crazy golf player in Manchester.
They have a minimum age of 5 years old and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
How much is Crazy Golf at Putters in Manchester?
Crazy Golf at Putters costs:
- £10 for adults for 9 holes
- £7 for kids for 9 holes
- £17.50 for adults for 18 holes
- £12.00 for kids for 18 holes
Getting to Putters Urban Playground Manchester
Putters Urban Playground is located in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre which is located in the middle of Manchester City Centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located 5 minutes from Victoria Station.
More information and to book a round of Crazy Golf at Putters in Manchester here.
Treetop Adventure Golf, The Printworks
The Printworks, Dantzic St, Manchester, M4 2BS
Treetop Adventure Golf is a fun themed mini golf course located right in the middle of Manchester City Centre.
It features 36 holes over two courses and a bonus hole great for the whole family.
Choose from the Tropical Trail or Ancient Explorer courses, plus you can brave the bonus 19th hole for the chance to win a free round.
Plus you also get a souvenir photo from their free photobooth.
Cost of Treetop Adventure Golf in Manchester
Treetop Adventure Golf Costs:
- £11.00 for adults
- £5.50 for children
- £32.50 for a family of four (must include at least one child under 12 years)
Getting to Treetop Adventure Golf, Manchester
Treetop Adventure Golf is located in Printworks which is next to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located next door to Victoria Station.
Discover more information and how to book Treetop Adventure Golf Manchester here.
Bowling at Tenpin Manchester Printworks
The Printworks, Dantzic St, Manchester, M4 2BS
Bowling is always a fun family activity and Tenpin has interactive bowling lanes, arcade games, table tennis and American Pool.
Plus they serve hot food and drinks.
Under 18’s are only allowed to play up to 9pm.
How much is bowling at Tenpin Manchester?
Bowling at Tenpin Manchester Costs:
- £13.00 for adults
- £13.00 for juniors
Getting to Tenpin Manchester?
Tenpin Manchester is located in The Printworks, which is next to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located next door to Victoria Station.
To book a lane at Tenpin Manchester see here.
King Pins Manchester (Bowling & Games)
King Pins in Manchester is a big-fun indoor entertainment hub right in the heart of the city in Manchester Arndale.
Here, families can enjoy bowling, arcade games, mini golf and more under one roof. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a day out with older kids and teens, this high-energy spot offers a mix of classic and modern activities that keep everyone entertained.
You can enjoy bowling, put your skills to the test in the arcade, or enjoy a round of indoor mini golf. There are also shuffleboard, ice-free curling, tech darts, batting cages and karaoke booths — so there’s something for all moods and ages.
Cost & Booking Tips
Bowling games typically start from around £8 per adult and £6 per child, with duck-pin bowling and other games from similar prices; mini golf is around £4 per child per game.
Some activities, such as karaoke and batting cages, are priced slightly higher.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Open Times
King Pins at Manchester Arndale is usually open daily from around 10:00 am until late evening (hours can vary by day and activity, and later weekend times are common).
This spot is ideal for a multi-activity family outing where kids and teens can pick their favourite games, and adults can join in or relax with food and drink nearby when they need a break.
Karaoke Booth, Tenpin Manchester Printworks
What’s better fun than singing your heart out to your favourite tunes with the kids.
Tenpin offers the chance to choose from thousands of songs great for kids of all ages.
Under 18’s are only allowed in the booths up to 9 pm.
How much are the Karaoke Booths at Tenpin Manchester?
Karaoke Booths at Tenpin Manchester cost just £20 per 30 minutes for up to 8 people.
Getting to Tenpin Manchester?
Tenpin Manchester is located in The Printworks which is next to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located next door to Victoria Station.
To book a Karaoke Booth at Tenpin in Manchester see here.
Cinemas In Manchester City Centre
Need a couple of hours to chill with the kids, a trip the cinema makes a perfect trip.
You don’t need to travel outside Manchester City Centre to catch the latest film with the following cinemas all located around the main areas of Manchester.
Vue Manchester Cinema, The Printworks
Located in the heart of Manchester City Centre, the Vue Cinema at The Printworks features 19 screens and is a great choice.
Along with standard 2D screenings, they also offer Digital 3D and IMAX showings. Plus, all screens feature Digital Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.
Best of all, every seat (except IMAX) is a recliner seat.
How much are the Cinema Tickets at Vue Manchester Printworks?
Cinema tickets at the VUE Printworks Manchester cost between £7.99 and £9.99, depending on the seat location for 2D screenings.
They also run Mini Mornings, where they show kids’ films in the mornings during the weekends and school holidays. Tickets cost £2.49 plus booking fees.
Getting to VUE Cinema Manchester?
is located in The Printworks, which is next to the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
It is around a 20-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station and is located next door to Victoria Station.
Read more details and how to book tickets >>> VUE Cinema Manchester
ODEON Cinema, Great Northern Manchester
Inside the Great Northern, the ODEON features 16 screens showing the latest films.
Along with the standard 2D, they also offer RealD 3D showings.
How much are the Cinema Tickets at the ODEON Great Northern
Tickets cost just £5.00 for any time, any seat for standard 2d showings when booked online.
There is a £1.00 booking fee, and you need to be a member of myODEON (which is free to join)
For non-members or booking in the theatre, tickets cost from:
- £8.50 for adults
- £6.00 for children
Getting to ODEON Great Northern Manchester?
The Great Northern is around a 20-minute walk, depending on your location in the city centre
You can also get the Purple Line or Blue Line MetroLink from the station or Green or Navy Line from Piccadilly Gardens to Deansgate Castlefield, which is just a 6-minute walk away.
More information and to book tickets for the ODEON Manchester here.
Please note all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may have changed.
Read >>> Best Parks In Manchester
