Home Things to do UK Manchester Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities: Things to Do with Kids in Manchester
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities: Things to Do with Kids in Manchester

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As a parent, finding things to do with your kids in Manchester can be a daunting task. You want activities that are not only fun but also educational and engaging. Luckily, Manchester has plenty of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. From museums and galleries to outdoor and indoor activities, parks and playgrounds, restaurants, festivals, and day trips, Manchester has it all.

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Introduction to Manchester and Family-Friendly Activities

Manchester, England
Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city located in the northwest of England. It is known for its rich cultural history, world-class museums, and galleries, music scene, and sports. The city has undergone significant transformations over the years, from its industrial revolution to its modern-day status as a creative and cultural hub.

Manchester is also a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or an outdoor adventure, Manchester has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share the top family-friendly activities in Manchester that your kids will love.

The History of Manchester and How It Shapes the City’s Attractions

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

Manchester has a rich history that has shaped the city’s attractions. One of the best ways to explore the city’s history is by visiting its museums and galleries. The Manchester Museum is a great place to start. It has a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, including dinosaur fossils, ancient Egyptian mummies, and natural history specimens.

Another museum that is worth visiting is the Science and Industry Museum. It showcases Manchester’s industrial heritage and has interactive exhibits that your kids will enjoy. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops that are designed to inspire and engage young minds.

Museums and Galleries for Kids in Manchester

National Football Museum building
National Football Museum

Apart from the Manchester Museum and Science and Industry Museum, there are other museums and galleries that cater to kids in Manchester. The National Football Museum is a must-visit for any football-loving family. It has interactive exhibits that allow kids to test their football skills and learn about the history of the beautiful game.

The People’s History Museum is another museum that is worth visiting. It tells the story of the working-class movement in Britain and has exhibits that showcase the struggles and achievements of ordinary people throughout history. The museum also hosts regular family-friendly events and workshops.

Outdoor Activities for Families in Manchester

Heaton Park, Manchester
Heaton Park

Manchester has plenty of outdoor activities that are perfect for families. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a bike ride along the Manchester Cycleway. The route is traffic-free and takes you through some of the city’s most beautiful parks and green spaces.

Another outdoor activity that your kids will enjoy is a trip to Heaton Park. It is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe and has plenty of activities, including a play area, a boating lake, and a farm. The park also hosts regular events and festivals throughout the year.

Indoor Activities for Families in Manchester

Family bonding at Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester
Legoland Discovery Centre

Manchester has plenty of indoor activities that are perfect for rainy days or when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the best places to visit is the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. It has interactive exhibits, rides, and workshops that are designed to inspire and engage young minds.

Another indoor activity that your kids will love is a trip to the Chill Factore. It is an indoor ski and snowboarding centre that has activities for all ages and abilities. The centre also has a snow park that is perfect for kids who want to play in the snow.

The Best Parks and Playgrounds in Manchester

Manchester has plenty of parks and playgrounds that are perfect for kids. One of the best parks to visit is Platt Fields Park. It has a large play area, a lake, and plenty of green spaces to explore. The park also hosts regular events and festivals throughout the year.

Another playground that your kids will love is the Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens. It has a play area, a pond, and plenty of beautiful gardens to explore. The gardens are also home to a range of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and squirrels.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester

Yard and Coop restaurant interior
Yard and Coop

Manchester has plenty of family-friendly restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. One of the best places to visit is the Home Sweet Home. It has a relaxed atmosphere and serves delicious comfort food that your kids will love. The restaurant also has a play area that will keep your little ones entertained while you enjoy your meal.

Another family-friendly restaurant that is worth visiting is the Yard and Coop. It serves delicious chicken dishes and has a play area that will keep your kids entertained. The restaurant also hosts regular events and activities, including face painting and balloon modelling.

Festivals and Events for Families in Manchester

Crowd at Manchester Children's Book Festival
Manchester Children’s Book Festival

Manchester has plenty of festivals and events that are perfect for families. One of the best events to visit is the Manchester International Festival. It is a biennial festival that showcases the best in contemporary arts and culture. The festival has plenty of family-friendly events, including workshops, exhibitions, and performances.

Another festival that your kids will love is the Manchester Children’s Book Festival. It is an annual festival that celebrates the joy of reading and storytelling. The festival has plenty of activities and events, including book signings, storytelling sessions, and workshops.

Day Trips from Manchester for Families

Aerial view of Peak District National Park
Peak District National Park

Manchester is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. There are plenty of day trips that are perfect for families. One of the best places to visit is the Peak District National Park. It is located just a short drive from Manchester and has plenty of activities, including hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.

Another day trip that your kids will love is a visit to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It is a theme park that has rides and attractions for all ages. The park also has a water park and a beach that is perfect for a day out in the sun.

Conclusion and Summary of Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Manchester

Manchester is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that cater to all ages. From museums and galleries to outdoor and indoor activities, parks and playgrounds, restaurants, festivals, and day trips, Manchester has it all. The top 10 family-friendly activities in Manchester include:

  • Manchester Museum
  • Science and Industry Museum
  • National Football Museum
  • People’s History Museum
  • Manchester Cycleway
  • Heaton Park
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
  • Chill Factore
  • Platt Fields Park
  • Home Sweet Home

Manchester has something for everyone, and these family-friendly activities are sure to keep your kids entertained and engaged. So why not plan your next family trip to Manchester today?

Written by
David Prior

David Prior is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and the editor of Big Family Breaks. He is also a father of five and an experienced traveller, especially with kids.

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