Manchester is a brilliant city for families, offering a rich blend of culture, green spaces, entertainment and hands-on learning. With its compact city centre, excellent transport links, and wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions, it’s easy to plan a day out that suits all ages and interests.
From interactive museums to massive parks, and from cutting-edge sports venues to imaginative play zones, Manchester caters to both locals and visitors looking for engaging, child-friendly experiences. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens or a mix of ages, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone happy in and around the city.
Science and Industry Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.5/5
Formerly known as MOSI, this free museum explores over 250 years of innovation in transport, textiles, power, computing, and communications. It includes immersive galleries like Experiment! and Moving Manchester. Although a major refurbishment (including the Power Hall) is underway, much of the museum remains open with interactive exhibits.
Read our review: MOSI, Manchester – visit by Kids Days Out Reviews
Heaton Park
TripAdvisor rating: 4.6/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
One of Europe’s largest municipal parks, Heaton Park covers over 600 acres and features playgrounds, an animal centre, boating lake, woodland trails, a heritage tram, golf course, and historic Heaton Hall. It benefited from a Lottery-funded restoration and remains a popular spot for family picnics and outdoor fun.
SEA LIFE Manchester & LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
TripAdvisor ratings: SEA LIFE 4.3/5, LEGOLAND 4.0/5; Google ratings similar
Situated side-by-side at the Trafford Centre, SEA LIFE features rock pools, sharks, and turtles, while LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers build zones, rides, and a 4D cinema geared towards younger children. Both attractions are well-reviewed for their educational and family-focused entertainment.
Read our SEA LIFE review: Review of SEA LIFE Manchester by Kids Days Out Reviews
Read our LEGOLAND Discovery Centre review: Review of LEGOLAND Discover Centre, Manchester by Kids Days Out Reviews
Chill Factore
TripAdvisor rating: 4.3/5
Google rating: 4.4/5
Home to the UK’s longest indoor real-snow slope, Chill Factore offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledging, plus a snow play area and lessons for all ages. It’s a unique, year-round winter sports experience that’s reliably fun and well-maintained.
Read our Santa grotto & snow play review: Meeting Santa at Chill Factore, Manchester
Treetop Adventure Golf (Printworks)
TripAdvisor rating: ~4.5/5
Google rating: 4.5/5
This indoor mini-golf course at The Printworks features immersive jungle and rainforest-themed holes. It’s a fun, low-pressure activity that’s perfect for a short family outing in the city centre.
National Football Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5
Google rating: 4.4/5
Located in the heart of Manchester, the National Football Museum celebrates all things football with exhibitions, interactive games, and a fascinating look at the game’s cultural and historical impact. It’s a great choice for football-loving families and offers enough hands-on activities to keep younger visitors entertained.
From interactive science museums and grand green spaces to snowy indoor slopes, sporting history and creative play, Manchester offers an impressive range of family days out that work well all year round. Each attraction is family-tested, open, and well reviewed. Have you visited any of these? Tell us your favourites, or let us know about other must-visit places in Manchester for families—we’d love to hear your suggestions!
