14 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Manchester (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking for a fun and free day out then check out these things to do with the kids in Manchester. Whether it's letting off steam at Mayfield Park, or enjoying some hands on learning at the Science and Industry Museum, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
A 330 metre long viaduct, built in 1892. It's now been transformed into a freely accessible green space 'High Line'. Book your free ticket in advance.
Highlights include 'The Golden Mummies of Egypt', the skeleton of a sperm whale and a vivarium. There's self led trails, dino activities. Check out the holiday activities including craft activities, meet the keeper, and the big weekender.
A celebration of 250 years of innovations and ideas that came from Manchester. There's lots for the whole family to enjoy including demonstrations, and the Experiment gallery with lots of fun hands on learning. Make sure you book before you visit.
Learn about the history of local policing, including visiting the Victorian police cells, and the courtroom. Try on some riot gear, and read about past crimes. Check out holiday activities, including attending a mock court session.
Find it near to Manchester airport with a brilliant viewing area of planes going past. There's retired planes including Concorde and former RAF military spy plane, Nimrod. There's also a playground and a cafe. You can pay for a tour of concorde, Nimrod and a simulator ride.
A huge park, with 2 playgrounds, multiple trails, and an animal centre home to many animals including chickens, goats, geese, pigs, turkeys, alpacas and Sulcata tortoise, and Highland cattle. Observe bees in the observation hive, and visit the Tramway Museum (entry charges apply).
A fun historic house, with lots to keep the kids happy. Dress up as a Tudor, try on some chainmail, pretend you're having a feast in the Great Hall. Check out all the holiday activities.
Explore the largest public art scheme in England with over 70 artworks over 33 miles. It links up with museums and other attractions. Check out the visitor guide to see what stretch you want to explore.
See where the Donkeys live, how they are cared for and the dynamics of the herd. Donkeys are free to roam and interact with visitors Check the website for open days. Tickets are free, but you need to book ahead.
Learn some history from WW1 until the present day, including a field gun that fired in the trenches, to twisted steelwork found in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Check out the home learning hub including the family missions.
A museum dedicated to the past, present and future of democracy in Britain. Check out what's on, including disabled people's activism, and family friendly galleries.
One that's better suited to teens rather than younger kids, learn all about Manchester's top attractions, as well as hidden gems. It's tips based, and no need to book in advance.
A museum dedicated to the fight for women's suffrage, and the continuing need for activism today, in the house where Emmeline Pankhurst lived, and where some their first meeting took place. Download the Emmeline Pankhurst Fact File. Book tickets in advance.
A park with an incredible playground, filled with awesome slides and climbing opportunity, there's also walkways and grassy banks for picnics.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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