Summer is almost here, and before we know it, the school holidays will be upon us, so now is the time to start planning those family activities to keep the kids amused. Here, we have come up with four ideas for great family days out that will not cost the earth and will appeal to parents as much as the kids.
Best of all, each one is within easy reach of Manchester City Centre. Why not make it a day out for everyone, and have a real family adventure by going by bus or taxi in Manchester as it has one of the best public transport infrastructures in the UK, so leave the car at home and enjoy some great days out together.
Manchester museum
If your kids think a trip to the museum means being bored to death by one ancient artefact after another, then they have a great surprise ahead of them! The Living Worlds exhibition provides a fascinating view of the world around us, and the vivarium even features live frogs and reptiles in their natural habitat.
There will also be a wide variety of different live events throughout the holiday period, check out their website for full details of what’s happening when.
Entry is free, so after a full tour, why not treat yourselves to a meal in their excellent café?
Sea Life Manchester
Located in the Trafford Centre, Sea Life Manchester is a fascinating place to visit for young and old alike.
At the last count, it was home to more than 5,000 aquatic creatures, ranging from sharks to jellyfish, and just about everything imaginable in between!
You really couldn’t get any closer without putting on a wetsuit, and it is an incredible experience to feel a part of this underwater world for a short while. However, it is not all about watching, there are plenty of interactive events that go on throughout the day too, where kids can learn more about the creatures they are seeing and can even touch and hold crabs and starfish.
After the tour, there is a soft play area where the children can burn off energy, while their parents enjoy a well-earned coffee.
Legoland Discovery Centre
Just round the corner from Sea Life Manchester, Legoland Discovery Centre is the perfect indoor attraction for a fun afternoon out, particularly on a day when the English weather forgets it is supposed to be summer. Based around the iconic Lego bricks with which we are all familiar, it offers a fun experience that includes a 4-D cinema and an interactive Lego ride.
The Miniland area provides a remarkable depiction of global landmarks that adults will appreciate as much as the children, so it makes for an afternoon out that you can all enjoy.
Go Air
Looking for something that will really wear them out? Then look no further than this trampoline park, situated in the Eastlands area of Manchester. It consists of some 200 interconnected trampolines, as well as areas for playing dodgeball, bounce basketball and more.
With a dedicated arena for children under six, a soft play area for those under three and a whole range of special events and fitness classes for people of all ages, there really is something for everyone, so there’s no excuse for sitting on the sidelines. Have fun!