family day out

Exploring Manchester with Kids

Discovering Manchester with your little ones in tow is an adventure waiting to happen. Our mission at LetsGoManchester.com is to guide you through these discoveries and to ensure that your family’s days out are packed with excitement and ease. We’ve navigated Manchester’s streets, parks, and hidden gems, all through the lens of family fun. Having left the coastal vibes of the south coast and moving up to the bustling urban landscape of Manchester it has been our quest to uncover the best kid-friendly experiences this city has to offer.

Deansgate, Manchester skyline at nightManchester, with its rich industrial heritage, sporting pedigree and contemporary cultural scene, might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a family outing. However, Manchester is teeming with activities that cater to curious young minds and adventurous spirits. From the historical intrigue of the National Trust properties to the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester is a playground for explorers of all ages.

Why Is Manchester Great for Kids?

Manchester’s commitment to being a family-friendly destination is evident in its array of parks, museums, and dining spots designed to welcome families.

Whether you’re local, new to the city, or just passing through, there’s always something new to discover.

Parks and Playgrounds: Nature’s Classroom

Manchester’s green spaces are perfect for letting your kids run free. Heaton Park, the city’s largest park, offers not just open space but also an animal centre, playgrounds, and even a tram museum. It’s a fantastic spot for a family picnic or a leisurely boat ride on the lake.

For a more tranquil setting, Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens and also Poynton Park provide picturesque backdrops for a family stroll. For those looking for fishing opportunities, there is Alexandra Park, where the reservoir is a popular place for anglers and home to a diverse array of wildlife.

Quarry Bank Mill and House

Historical Adventures: Learning Outside the Classroom

The city’s rich history is accessible through engaging, child-friendly venues like the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill, Dunham Massey and Tatton Park.

These sites offer a glimpse into Manchester’s industrial past, with plenty of green space for children to explore. They’re not just educational; they’re a chance for some fresh air and fun outside the city centre.

Culture for Kids: More Than Just Museums

Manchester’s cultural offerings don’t stop at museums. The Lowry in Salford Quays presents family-friendly performances ranging from The Gruffalo (with the Lowry also hosting a multi-month Julia Donaldson exhibition from July-2023 to January-2024) to pop concerts ideal for older kids. It’s proof that Manchester’s arts scene values its younger audience members, providing diverse programming to spark their imagination.

Dining with Kids in Manchester

Our adventures have also taken us on a culinary journey through Manchester’s child-friendly restaurants. The city’s food scene is wonderfully inclusive. With menus designed to please every palate, from the fussiest eaters to the most adventurous foodies and with independents such as Spanish inspired ‘Juniper’ in Chorlton, to national chains in the Corn Exchange, Manchester ensures that dining out with kids is a pleasure, not a chore.

Gyoza and teriyaki made at Food Sorcery classesNot to mention that we have the national award winning cookery school ‘Food Sorcery’ offering parent and child cooking classes in both Deansgate and Didsbury. We recently tried out their Taste of Japan cookery class where we learnt how to make Gyoza and Teriyaki.

Falling in love with Manchester

Our experiences, from the laughter-filled playground visits to the serene walks in nature and the culinary delights in between, have shaped LetsGoManchester.com into a resource we wish we had when we first started exploring the city with our family. We’ve tasted, tested, and treasured each moment, sharing our genuine recommendations with you. So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and set off to discover Manchester through the eyes of a family that’s fallen in love with the city.

Welcome to Manchester, a city where family fun knows no bounds!

Rich from Lets Go Manchester

Rich blogs at letsgomanchester.com, blog about exploring Manchester with kids and writes days out and exploring Manchester with his family.

14 thoughts on “Exploring Manchester with Kids

  • ashleigh

    Lots of great fun things to do!

    Reply
  • Susan Robinson

    The museums and galleries in Manchester are amazing

    Reply
  • Charlotte P

    Great article; Manchester is such a fun city!

    Reply
  • Margaret Ms. Gallagher

    love living near Manchester so many fab things to do and see

    Reply
  • sandy ralph

    so much to do in Manchester , i have been a couple of times, i love the museums

    Reply
  • Charlotte isobelle

    I’ve never been with my boy but would love to.

    Reply
  • Debbie Skerten

    Thank you for a great post. It’s always difficult knowing what to do, when you haven’t visited a place before.

    Reply
  • julia Linsley

    Lots of ideas here
    The Manchester Museums have so much to offer

    Reply
  • adrian price

    my favourite city

    Reply
  • Pete Nickson

    plenty of things to do thanks

    Reply
  • Alison MacDonald

    Lovely clear ideas of things to do.

    Reply
  • Tee Simpson

    lots of lovely things to do. such a good and helpful guide

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.