Your one-stop guide to family-friendly activities in and around Manchester this summer
From special exhibitions to crazy golf and live sport, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy in the city
All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this article.
As the summer holidays approach, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for things to do with the kids and ways to keep them active and entertained.
Luckily, Manchester is a hub of activity with an incredible range of activities and events happening all over the city. Whether you’re looking for outdoor forest adventures, the chance to deep dive into history and science, or get competitive with a game of footy and crazy golf, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Check out our round-up of places to visit and activities to try this summer - perfect for the whole family to enjoy...
Footy fun at the National Football Museum
This summer, step into the story of football at the National Football Museum with its blockbuster exhibition, ‘From Pitch to Page: The Magic of Football Annuals’. Explore four zones filled with iconic moments, interactive quizzes, and nostalgic editions.
After visiting the exhibition, join the Creative Kickabout. Available throughout the school holidays, from July 21, enjoy an array of exciting, hands-on activities that celebrate football through a mixture of art, play and performance. Get ready for a summer of football and creativity!
And don’t forget - the museum is free entry to City of Manchester residents, and all tickets are valid for 12 months, with unlimited visits.
Find out more: Visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
Free ‘Quentin Blake and Me’ exhibition at Lowry
This summer, Lowry is celebrating the work of one of the UK’s most popular and successful writers and illustrators of children’s books, Quentin Blake, in a vibrant and lively family exhibition.
Quentin has written or illustrated over 500 books, including for famous authors like Roald Dahl, David Walliams, and Michael Morpurgo.
Starting July 19, the free exhibition will feature collections of Quentin’s work, fun interactives, games, and plenty of opportunities for young visitors and their families to write and draw their own stories.
It's a fantastic chance to join the magical world of Quentin Blake in a fun-filled outing for the whole family.
Find out more: Visit thelowry.com
Outdoor adventures with BeWILDerwood
Looking for a day out that the whole family will remember? Get outdoors and visit BeWILDerwood this summer for an adventure filled with fun, imagination, and muddy knees.
Whoosh through the trees on the zip wires, brave the highest slides, and create memories together as you master the towering treetop mazes.
Follow the Pongy Potions stink trail and watch the new show ‘Minty and the Big Stink’, inspired by the brand-new BeWILDerwood book of the same name.
So, for a summer of fun for the whole family, get outside and into magical adventures! The woods are open from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Find out more: Book your tickets online today at bewilderwood.co.uk
Out-of-this-world experiences at Jodrell Bank
Take a summer holiday to outer space at Jodrell Bank, home to the UK’s largest radio telescope.
Blast off in the new Rocket Lab, where budding rocket scientists can try stomp and air-powered rockets and be wowed by exciting ‘whoosh bottle’ demonstrations.
You can also enjoy weekly screenings of ‘Ted’s Space Adventure’ in the immersive Space Dome, perfect for introducing little space explorers to the wonders of the Solar System.
To round things off, the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition will be on tour at Jodrell for the final weekend of August with interactive activities, talks, and films.
All tickets are now annual - book online to save 10% (terms and conditions may apply).
Find out more: Visit www.jodrellbank.net/events/summer-at-jodrell
Get creative at HOME's family festival
This August, ‘Little HOME’ is returning to HOME and inviting families along to enjoy a fun-filled weekend of creativity and entertainment.
On August 2 and 3, visitors can discover an exciting programme of free activities for all ages, including performances by Skylight Circus Arts, lively dance sessions, and craft workshops.
And don’t miss Mama G’s storytelling, some campfire tales, a Bhangra and Dhol drumming workshop, and a magical theatre performance of The Big Bad Wolf.
With family-friendly films and surprises around every corner, it’s the perfect summer celebration. Save the dates - full programme coming soon!
Find out more: Visit the website here
Games and entertainment galore at Trafford Centre
Discover endless fun for the whole family at Trafford Centre this summer, thanks to its unique blend of family entertainment.
Challenge the kids to a round of golf at Paradise Island Adventure Golf, level up at NAMCO Funscape, test your aim at Laser Quest, or catch a new blockbuster at Odeon.
Then, refuel at one of the family-friendly restaurants, with many offering ‘kids eat free’ deals (terms and conditions may apply).
Come rain or shine, Trafford Centre is the ultimate summer destination.
Find out more: Visit traffordcentre.co.uk
Dive into the Titanic Exhibition
The immersive Titanic Exhibition is coming to Manchester’s Exchange Hall this summer.
Open from July 31 to August 24, the exhibition tells the story of the famous ship, from its design and construction in Belfast to its maiden voyage and tragic sinking, alongside its impact on film and television.
A rare collection of artefacts from the Titanic will be on display, including a surviving fragment of the grand staircase and several relics retrieved from the sea.
Letters and personal belongings of passengers and crew will tell individual stories, such as sheet music from Lancashire-born Wallace Hartley, the ship’s band leader.
You can also experience the story of the Titanic through striking visuals, recreations, and sound and video.
Find out more: Book your tickets at www.titanicmanchester.com
Free events at Manchester International Festival
Manchester International Festival is back this summer - along with the heart of it all, Festival Square.
With free live music, family fun, and late-night takeovers with a party vibe, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There is also a space-themed party, a silent disco, and a giant bubble show alongside more family takeovers.
While you're at Aviva Studios, don’t miss the big summer exhibition: ‘Football City, Art United’. Walk through the players’ tunnel, step onto the pitch, and explore powerful sculptures, moving animations, and even have a kick-about yourself. It’s football like you’ve never seen it before – full of creativity, colour and play.
Best of all, kids go free (terms and conditions may apply)!
Find out more: Visit the website here
Enjoy a story with live music by Chetham’s School of Music
This August, families are invited to enjoy 'The Story of Babar the Little Elephant', told by pianist Neil Rutman through gorgeous piano music, which was created by French composer Poulenc especially for this beloved tale.
Taking place at Stoller Hall on Saturday, August 16, from 1.45pm to 2.30pm, join Babar the elephant as he journeys to the big city and back - and learns all about the ways of the human world!
The perfect introduction to live music for ages 5 and up, the show is part of Chetham's International Piano Summer School, featuring 10 days of concerts and more from professional musicians.
Tickets are just £5.50 for adults and free for under-18s with an accompanying adult.
Find out more: Book tickets here now
Tee off at Dino Falls Adventure Golf
Looking for a roarsome day out this summer? Head to Dino Falls Adventure Golf for a prehistoric adventure the whole family will love - for less than £35 for a family of four*!
With two epic 18-hole courses, life-sized dinosaurs, an erupting volcano, and a new on-course radio show hosted by DJ Willi Hookit, it’s the ultimate summer holiday activity.
Open daily from 7am to 10.30pm, come rain or shine - you can book online or just turn up and play.
Located at Trafford Golf Centre, with free parking and the Clubhouse Bar & Kitchen for post-game treats, let the adventure begin!
Find out more: Visit dinofalls.co.uk
*Terms and conditions may apply.
The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford
Manchester Originals are returning to Emirates Old Trafford this August, bringing another unmissable summer of cricket and entertainment.
The Hundred boasts a formidable reputation for providing audiences of all ages with an exhilarating day out - fusing quality cricket with blockbuster entertainment from up-and-coming music acts to create an electric atmosphere.
Players like Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone will return, and each game will feature a live performance from some of BBC Introducing’s most exciting music acts.
Tickets are selling fast - and are only £5 for under 16s, while adult tickets start at £20, making it an affordable family day out this summer.
Find out more: Visit thehundred.com/tickets
Kitesurf and wingfoil with Northern Kites
Premier watersports centre Northern Kites offers kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and pumpfoiling lessons for varying abilities, from beginners to advanced learners.
The school is BKSA and RYA certified, ensuring quality instruction from experienced coaches.
Located on The Wirral at West Kirby Marine Lake and Wallasey Beach, the centre provides optimal conditions for learning with flat waters and constant winds.
Students range from ages 16 to 70, and lessons are tailored to individual goals, with all gear and a wetsuit included.
This summer, try your hand at some amazing watersports with Northern Kites. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
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