Where to go with kids when visiting Manchester
Manchester isn't just for the grown ups! There are limitless places to take the kids when you're in town. From football heaven to a Lego mini-land, there really is something on offer for children of all ages. Here are some of our favourites:
Old Trafford Stadium and museum
Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way,
Old Trafford,
Manchester, M16 0RA
Relive the excitement of football matches with a visit to one of the most famous stadiums in the world. A tour takes you from the seats in the stands, through the changing rooms and players' lounge to the tunnel leading into the stadium and the players' dugout. A new computer system allows visitors to find and replay the best goals scored at the ground, and to even have an interactive chat with a hologram of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club's manager from 1986-2013.
IMAX Manchester
The Printworks,
27 Withy Grove,
Manchester M4 2BS
With the increasing popularity of 3D films, IMAX cinemas are the place to go and see them. With super-sized screens, all of the 3D and 2D action is completely immersive. For film listings, please visit the IMAX website.
There is also an IMAX cinema at the Trafford Centre - click here for details.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
GMP Museum & Archives,
57a Newton Street,
Northern Quarter,
Manchester, M1 1ET,
Tel: 0161 8563287/4500.
Step back in time to the dark streets of Victorian Manchester - a hidden city of narrow streets, grotty slums and raucous pubs. Kids can see how times have changed and learn how the police kept order in the labyrinth of the industrialised city. Visitors can see old jail cells and the reality of life for both the police and the criminals.
Rock Over Climbing
Clarence Hatworks,
45 Julia Street,
Manchester M3 1LN,
Tel: +44 161 288 1218
The Rock Over Climbing Centre is particularly well suited to children, letting them experience the fun of climbing while also developing their physical ability. The centre provides day courses that introduce all the basic safety and climbing techniques, allowing children of almost any age to participate. The centre also has a play area for younger children.
Legoland Discovery Centre
The Trafford Centre,
Management Suite,
Manchester M17 8AA
Lego! The world's biggest toy retailer claims it has over 2 million Lego blocks under one roof at its Manchester Discovery Centre. Step into the biggest box of Lego imaginable and see all of Manchester's top attractions recreated out of the colourful bricks.
The centre also hosts birthday parties and features a Kingdom Quest laser ride and a 4D cinema. The fourth dimension is time, so we're not sure how they are going to project that onto a screen, but it sounds amazing.
National Football Museum
Cathedral Gardens,
Manchester, M4 3BG
Tel: +44 (0)161 907 9099
Housed in the iconic Urbis building is Manchester's national football museum. Children can explore the history of the game, and the role football has had in building and shaping modern society. Manchester is home to both the world's most popular club (United), and the richest (City), so it makes sense to house the museum in this footballing Mecca. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's 'Football Plus' stations, which allow you to test your footy skills in simulated conditions.
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