Fun things to do with kids in Manchester

Located on the historic waterfront of The Quays, IWM North offers a great day out for families who enjoy learning together. The museum explores how war impacts our lives in innovative and accessible ways through the Imperial War Museums' major collections. From the First World War to today, journey through the global history of war in their main exhibition space and experience an immersive installation that tells stories of how conflict changes lives. This summer, kids can transform into spies on a special trail to accompany the museum's free, family-friendly exhibition about deception and espionage. Grab an activity sheet and visit the 'Mission Room' to get started.

Got a little bookworm in your life? Step through literary history at Elizabeth Gaskell's House, where the celebrated Victorian novelist once lived. At this self-described family-friendly historic house and museum, kids are encouraged to explore freely, as many of the objects on display are allowed to be touched. There are also dressing-up stations, activity baskets and fun trails guided by Cranford the Cat. During the summer holidays, there are creative activities for crafty kids and traditional Victorian games on the lawn. Families are welcome to bring their own picnics too.

Build a bridge strong enough to survive an earthquake, make music using your body or try out some glow-in-the-dark art at Experiment, one of the Science and Industry Museum’s free interactive galleries. Also here are live demos of looms in the Textiles gallery, construction packs for budding mechanics and a raft of other free activities, including story time for early years and special programmes during the holidays.

From pram-friendly paths and roaming deer in the medieval park to a Book Nook in the Orangery, this National Trust property is a magical visit for people of all ages, little ones included. Reconnect with nature by spotting birds, keeping an eye out for unusual bugs or building a temporary den. Do check ahead for special events, including their Summer of Play and a Pokémon trail.

Manchester Museum’s recent redevelopment has made it an even better day out for families – and seen it become European Museum of the Year 2025. There’s a new picnic area and revamped café, as well as a fabulous ground-floor shop. Look out for blockbuster exhibitions in the new temporary exhibition space, and fascinating artefacts in the Living Worlds gallery. The vivarium includes several critically endangered species, while Stan the T-Rex can still be found in the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery. This summer, take part in their Summer Superbugs Trail and learn all about the power of arthropods.

All entirely free, family activities at the Whitworth extend out from the beautiful galleries and into the surrounds of Whitworth Park. Inside, there are sensory play sessions for babies, PLAY Days for under fives and Quiet Mornings for families with additional needs. During summer, kids can get stuck into a range of hands-on activities inspired by the traditions of weaving and embroidery.

A must-visit for fans of the beautiful game, the National Football Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of football objects and archives – with historic artefacts and interactive displays across three levels. See the original rules of the game, lift a replica trophy or have a go at Match of the Day commentary. Refuel ‘post-match’ in the museum’s café and drop by the shop for unique, football-related gifts. This summer, you can also explore Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Goals, a special exhibition exploring the relationship between football and the human body.

Lyme Park's epic expanses have been made even more accessible to explore with buggy-friendly walks around the deer sanctuary, garden and woods. The Crow Wood play area is close to the café, shop and toilets – and if the weather’s not on your side, you can head for the house. Visit the dressing up room, explore using a free Truelove trail that imagines what it was like to be a servant in the Edwardian golden age, or, if you're ready to brave the great outdoors, pick up a wildlife wander trail to learn about the changing seasons.

The Lion’s Den is at the heart of the gallery’s family offer, named after the huge lion painting hanging on the wall. Designed with and for children, there are black and white artworks to stimulate babies’ sight, giant colourful cushions for den building and a hexagonal table tennis table. It’s also the spot for free workshops and holiday programming, Open Doors sessions for autistic children, and artist-led activities. Check ahead for the gallery's family-friendly activities over the summer holidays – including artist-led creative sessions and hands-on textile workshops.

There are hands-on activities and interactive exhibits throughout the People’s History Museum, including a suffragette kitchen, Co-op shop and vintage jukebox. Bringing the history of democracy to life, there’s plenty to inspire history lovers and young radicals – as well as an ethical café, and shop perfect for spending pocket money.