As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for places that will entertain my daughters while also giving them a chance to learn, explore, and burn off a little energy. Living near Manchester (or visiting often), I’ve discovered that it’s a city packed with family-friendly attractions. From interactive museums to open green spaces, there’s so much here that sparks children’s imagination and keeps us parents engaged too.
Whenever friends ask me, “Where do you take your girls when you’re in Manchester?” I find myself reeling off a list that seems to get longer each time. So I thought I’d pull together some of our absolute favourites—the places that my daughters beg to go back to, and that I genuinely enjoy too.
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is always one of the first stops when we’re in Manchester. As soon as we step through the doors, my daughters’ eyes light up—there’s something about the mix of history, technology, and hands-on exhibits that feels exciting even before you’ve really started exploring.
For me, one of the highlights is how the museum brings Manchester’s industrial heritage to life. Walking around the huge old machinery and learning about how this city was once the beating heart of the industrial revolution always leaves me in awe. But while I’m reading about the cotton mills and steam engines, my girls are usually tugging at my sleeve, desperate to show me some interactive experiment they’ve discovered.
The Experiment gallery is always a hit with us. It’s a space designed for curious young minds to get stuck in—pushing buttons, pulling levers, and testing how things work. I love that it’s not just fun, but also quietly educational. My youngest once spent nearly twenty minutes trying to figure out how to build a stable bridge out of blocks, and when she finally cracked it, she beamed with pride.
Another family favourite is the Air and Space Hall (when open). Standing under those huge aeroplanes and talking about how humans managed to get from wooden contraptions to sleek jets is something we could do for hours. My daughters always end up asking questions that make me realise just how much they’re absorbing, even when I think they’re just racing around.
And I can’t forget the steam engine demonstrations. The noise, the smell, the movement—it’s one of those experiences that really sticks in a child’s memory. For me, it’s also a reminder that learning doesn’t have to mean sitting down with books; sometimes it’s about seeing, hearing, and feeling history right in front of you.
The Manchester Museum
If the Science and Industry Museum is about machines and experiments, the Manchester Museum is where our imaginations truly run wild. Whenever we visit, it feels like stepping into another world.
The museum’s collection is so vast that no matter how many times we go, we always stumble across something new. The dinosaur skeletons are, without doubt, the main attraction for my daughters. The first time we walked into the Fossils gallery, I’ll never forget the way their jaws literally dropped as they craned their necks to take in the size of the towering skeleton. They still talk about it months later, comparing every animal we see to “that big dinosaur in Manchester.”
But it’s not just dinosaurs that keep us coming back. The Egyptian collection is another favourite. There’s something about mummies, hieroglyphs, and ancient treasures that sparks endless questions from children. I’ve lost count of how many times my eldest has asked me whether we could ever travel back in time to see the pyramids being built. I love that these exhibits don’t just entertain—they ignite curiosity about history, cultures, and the wider world.
One of the things I really appreciate about the Manchester Museum is how family-friendly it feels. There are always little activities dotted around—things to draw, trails to follow, or objects to touch—that help keep younger children engaged. And on the days when their concentration starts to wane, there are plenty of cosy corners to sit down, have a snack, and regroup before diving back in.
Heaton Park
Of course, not every family day out needs to be about museums and exhibitions. Sometimes the best memories come from being outdoors, and Manchester has plenty of green spaces to choose from. Heaton Park is one of our absolute favourites.
At over 600 acres, it’s the biggest park in Manchester, and there’s just so much to do. We usually start with a long walk (or more accurately, the girls race ahead while I try to keep up), stopping at the playgrounds along the way. There’s a boating lake, animal centre, and even a tramway museum, but honestly, the simple joy of running around in the open air is what makes it special for us.
In summer, we often pack a picnic and spread out on the grass, watching the world go by. In autumn, it’s all about collecting conkers and kicking through piles of leaves. No matter the season, Heaton Park always gives us space to breathe and reset.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
When the weather turns (and let’s face it, in Manchester it often does), the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at the Trafford Centre is a brilliant indoor option. My daughters are obsessed with Lego, so walking into a space where everything is made from those little colourful bricks feels like heaven to them.
From the 4D cinema to the themed rides, it’s an experience that combines play with creativity. The highlight for us is always Miniland, where famous Manchester landmarks are recreated in Lego. The girls love spotting places they recognise, and I secretly get just as much enjoyment out of the clever details.
Sea Life Manchester
Right next door to LEGOLAND is Sea Life Manchester, and it’s often our second stop if we’re at the Trafford Centre for the day. Walking through the underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays never fails to impress, and it’s fascinating watching the girls’ reactions as they press their hands against the glass, wide-eyed at the creatures swimming by.
For children, there’s something magical about seeing sea turtles, seahorses, and jellyfish up close. For me, it’s the calm atmosphere that makes it such a lovely place to wander around after the more high-energy play at LEGOLAND.
People’s History Museum
Another spot we’ve grown to love is the People’s History Museum. At first, I wasn’t sure how much it would appeal to the kids, but it turned out to be a real surprise. The interactive exhibits make the story of democracy and workers’ rights accessible, and my daughters loved dressing up in historical costumes and pretending they were part of a march or rally.
It’s a museum that makes you think, but it does so in a way that children can engage with too. And I like the idea that they’re not just learning about science or history in the abstract, but about people and ideas that shaped the world we live in today.
Wrapping Up
Manchester really is a city full of treasures for families. From the Science and Industry Museum, where children can experiment and discover the marvels of invention, to the Manchester Museum, where dinosaurs and mummies spark imaginations, there’s no shortage of places to keep young minds busy. Add in the wide-open spaces of Heaton Park, the playful creativity of LEGOLAND, the wonder of Sea Life, and the thought-provoking exhibits at the People’s History Museum, and you’ve got a city that truly caters for all ages.
For me, the joy of these days out isn’t just about the attractions themselves—it’s about the conversations they spark on the way home, the excited retellings at bedtime, and the way my daughters’ eyes light up when they remember something they saw or did. Those moments are priceless.
So if you’re looking for family-friendly adventures in Manchester, these are the places I’d wholeheartedly recommend. And who knows—you might even find, like me, that you’re just as entertained and inspired as your kids are.
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