Things to do in Manchester in the summer holidays
The summer holidays are upon us. This means that parents up and down the country are desperately thinking of activities they can do to keep their kids entertained for the next six weeks. But panic over! We know a thing or two when it comes to ideas for summer holiday activities, so we have put together a list of things that all the family can enjoy.
Whether you’re based in the North West, or you are happy to have a little road trip with your kids to keep the fun flowing, Manchester is the place to be. Often referred to as the ‘London of the North,’ Manchester is full of activities and things to enjoy.
From the range of museums the city has to offer to the chance to learn a new skill, such as snowboarding with us at Chill Factore, there is something for everyone. Read on to find some of the best things to do in Manchester during the summer holidays.
Ideas for summer holiday activities
With six long weeks to keep your kids entertained, you must have an array of activities to choose from. From outdoor activities that include exploring somewhere new to indoor things to do that are perfect for Manchester weather, here are a few ideas for summer holiday activities that you and your family are sure to love.
Science and Industry Museum
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city and attracts many families over the summer holidays. The museum traces the development of technology, science, and industry over the years and looks specifically at the achievements of Manchester in this space.
There are a range of different exhibitions throughout the year, all of which focus on a certain aspect of Manchester’s 250 years of innovations that have gone on to change the world. The latest special exhibition running until June 2024 is ‘Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You which offers an interactive exploration into the digestive system. This is a great way for your kids to have fun and learn this summer.
Palace Theatre
The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity for a family trip to the theatre. So, of course, when in Manchester where else would you head to see a breathtaking show than the Palace Theatre? The theatre’s doors have been open since 1891 and has been home to some of the most popular shows from around the country.
If you’re keen to take your kids to see a show this summer, then you’ll be glad to know that Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is showing at the Palace Theatre and offers a sweet treat for kids and adults!
SEA LIFE Manchester
Experience life under the sea by visiting the SEA LIFE centre near the Trafford Centre in Manchester. This is one of the best ideas for summer holiday activities, as kids of all ages will love it. You can discover the amazing life under the water with interactive zones and habitats that will keep the kids amused for hours.
There are various underwater creatures to be seen at SEA LIFE, including sharks, clownfish, turtles, rays, seahorses, and jellyfish. You can even get up close and personal by experiencing the turtle feeding experience available at SEA LIFE Manchester until next year. You can see the magnificent giant green sea turtles for a lunch date to remember.
National Football Museum
If you’ve got any football fans in the family, then this suggestion is sure to be a back-of-the-net goal for Mum and Dad! The museum offers a fun-packed visit for families that want to learn more about the country’s favourite game. There are four different galleries to explore, including interactive games, an exciting programme of exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops. No matter how much of a football fanatic you are, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Also if you’re a Manchester City resident then you can even visit the museum for free.
Visit Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey Hall is an English country house near Altrincham in Greater Manchester with beautiful gardens to visit and an ancient deer park that attracts visitors from all over. Dunham Massey is home to a herd of fallow deer who roam across the parkland and also has gardens for different seasons. From the summer Rose Garden to one of the biggest winter gardens in the UK, there is always something to explore.
Also if you’re a National Trust member, then entry into Dunham Massey is free when a membership card is shown, and under 5s are free of charge.
Legoland Discovery Centre
Do you have any Lego fans in the family? You can build the best day ever with everything that the Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester, has to offer. With millions (and we mean millions) of LEGO bricks inside, you can explore the 9+ popular attractions.
From taking flight on Merlin’s Apprentice to the Kingdom Quest ride adventure, kids (and adults) of all ages will love a day out at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.
Learn to ski and snowboard at Chill Factore
Of course, the great thing about the summer holidays is that they give you time to explore something new and maybe even learn a new skill as a family. Well, there’s snow better fun than learning to ski and snowboard together at Chill Factore.
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn yourself or are keen for your kids to learn, here at Chill Factore, we offer a range of adult, junior, and family skiing lessons so that everyone can get involved. You can even learn together as a family with the range of private ski lessons we can offer here at Chill Factore. We also offer Private snowboarding lessons that are sure to accelerate your learning and help the whole family build on their skills and confidence.
If you’ve skied before and just want to refresh your knowledge, or you’re looking for beginner ski lessons, we’ve got you covered. With our guided professionals, you’ll be hitting the slopes before you know it.
For more information on what ideas for summer holiday activities we can offer here at Chill Factore, get in touch!