If you’re after a fun-packed UK family getaway that ticks all the boxes—easy travel, brilliant attractions, and plenty to keep the kids busy—Manchester should be top of your list.
Bursting with culture, colour and child-friendly adventure, this northern gem makes a brilliant base for a weekend escape. Whether you’re after hotels with space for the whole gang, free parks, or rainy-day lifesavers, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay and the top things to do with kids in Manchester—so you can spend less time Googling and more time making memories.
Planning a Family Mini-Break in Manchester? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Best Family Friendly Hotel in Manchester
We stayed at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. The hotel has redefined four-star luxury in the city after an impressive multi-million-pound transformation and was the perfect base for our family mini break in Manchester. A short stroll from Piccadilly station stations it’s ideal if you’re by train and has a car park opposite if you’re driving. Having a central location meant that we visited everywhere on foot and with spacious family rooms and a breakfast buffet that catered for all tastes we couldn’t have asked for more.
Eating Out with Kids in Manchester
Freight Island
Eating out with kids at Freight Island is like dropping into a mini festival — minus the mud. DJs keep the buzz alive, the vibe is effortlessly cool (think edgy warehouse meets street party), and the food? A globe-trotting feast. From BBQ to South American, there’s something for even the pickiest pint-sized palate — and yes, chips are covered. It’s loud, lively, and brilliantly laid-back — the kind of place where grown-ups can sip and snack while the kids dance between bites.
The Butcher Burger Restaurant
The restaurant sits between The Cube game and Putters indoor crazy golf. The Butcher Manchester‘s menu is huge with twenty or so signature classics as well as burgers made with chicken or lamb, fish or even plant-based patties. There are luxurious ones with truffle glaze, as well as burgers inspired by various countries and cuisines. You can get wraps instead of buns, or even no buns at all for a lower carb option. They also cater for gluten free. There’s no kids menu as such.
More recommendations for eating out with kids in Manchester
Spinningfields is a great area to explore and we were recommended Bills as a friend’s favourite. The Corn Exchange is also packed with a great range of restaurants with from pizza to noodles.
Things to Do With Kids in Manchester
Manchester is packed with great family friendly attractions for all budgets and ages and just walking around the city too, there’s a great vibe.
Mayfield Park Playground
What an absolute GEM! Mayfield Manchester is hands down one of the coolest city playgrounds. Tucked away just behind Manchester Piccadilly (yep, right in the city!), this playground is a brilliant blend of urban cool and wild play vibes. Think towers, rope bridges and even giant chute slides and it’s free.
This immersive Manchester attraction transforms the classic arcade game into a real-life adventure, offering a unique experience for both kids and nostalgic adults. A high energy experience – make sure you have your comfy trainers on!
Adventures in Wonderland at Z-Arts
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland. An enchanting play experience which invites children and families to explore Wonderland, using imagination to create their own fantastical adventure. Follow the White Rabbit into scenes from the beloved book – splash into the pool of tears, make friends with the Cheshire Cat, have tea as the Mad Hatter, play croquet with flamingos, get lost in a card maze, and wake up back on the riverbank, just in time for tea.
Discover world-changing ideas from the Industrial Revolution to today’s scientific innovations. There really is something for everyone at the Science & Industry Museum. There are lots of free activities, great events over the school holidays and some special exhibitions too. Check out Operation Ouch for super sized science and brilliant biology or Power UP for a hands-on, interactive gaming experience.
Sealife is jam-packed with fascinating fish. While it isn’t the biggest Aquarium it still houses 15 discovery zones with a massive 5,000 amazing sea creatures. The displays are perfect for children, all at a good height so they can see through the glass and get really close to the fish on display. What you may not expect to find, is the “Sub Aqua” Soft Play half way round. Perfect to let the kids burn off some energy and the grown ups have a sit down! Sealife Manchester review.
Imagine a playground filled with Lego, where imagination knows no bounds. Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester is aimed at 3-12 year olds but could easily stretch to older if you have Lego fans. Packed with activities and of course plenty of Lego building fun, check out our full Legoland Discovery Centre review.
Legoland Discovery Centre is situated next to Sealife Manchester and you can buy tickets for both to get a 33% saving.
The Crystal Maze Experience
Ever fancied legging it through the Aztec zone while your kids shout “GRAB THE CRYSTAL!”? Well, The Crystal Maze Manchester is peak chaos and we absolutely loved it.
The Cube Live Experience
The biggest draw of Urban Playground in Manchester has got to be their live version of TV gameshow The Cube. You’ve seen it on TV, now it’s your chance to take on THE CUBE Live Experience yourself. It may look easy when you’re watching at home, but once you’re in the perspex box the pressure can make the tasks a lot trickier.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions has captivated audiences in cities like New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas and has now arrived in the UK, bringing its mind-boggling exhibits to the heart of Manchester.
The National Football Museum in Manchester, housed in the striking Urbis building, is a must-visit for football fans and curious visitors alike. Home to more than 140,000 objects – from legendary shirts and trophies to the original 1863 rules of the game – it mixes history with hands-on fun, including interactive games and exhibits for all ages.
King Pins Bowling & Mini Golf
Located right in the heart of Manchester Arndale, King Pins is vibrant, up beat and seriously huge, with plenty of lanes for everyone, so no one has to wait too long for their turn. King Pins isn’t just about bowling though. They also have a mini-golf course that’s a hit with both kids and adults. The fun, themed holes with bright colors and quirky designs kept her entertained and smiling.
Take a Walk Around Manchester
We really enjoyed just ambling around the streets of Manchester, a few of our highlights included
- Choosing a little gift each from a shop in China Town
- Checking out the Western Wall and remains of the Roman Granary
- Reflecting at the Glade of Light
- Posing with Paddington Bear in Spinningfields
- Checking out the cool street art graffiti
- Gawping at the very expensive cars parked outside Midland Hotel
- Meandering along the canal
Top Tips for a Smooth Manchester Mini-Break
- Plan ahead and don’t try to pack too much into the day so you have time to enjoy it
- Book tickets for popular attractions like Legoland Discovery Centre in advance especially for weekends and school holidays.
- Trams are a fun and easy way to get around
- Pack for all seasons – Manchester weather can be unpredictable
