1 / 20
🏛️People's History Museum
A national museum dedicated to the history of democracy and the fight for social justice in Britain. Families can explore interactive exhibits, including the 'Main Gallery' with banners, objects, and digital stories. Highlights for kids: a free family trail (ask at reception), dressing-up area, and hands-on activities in the 'Whistle Stop' gallery (ages 3-7). The museum offers a sensory backpack for children with additional needs and a baby changing area. Admission is free (suggested donation £5), and there is a café serving children’s meals. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and pushchair-friendly. Plan 1-2 hours for a visit.
Travel tips
Ask for the free family trail at reception
Request the family trail when you arrive – it's free and designed to guide children through the galleries with activities and questions to keep them engaged.
Plan 1-2 hours for your visit
Allow 1-2 hours to explore comfortably without rushing. This gives time for interactive activities and a café break if needed.
Use the Whistle Stop gallery for younger children
The Whistle Stop gallery (ages 3-7) has hands-on activities perfect for keeping younger children engaged and entertained.
Admission is free with optional donation
Entry is completely free, though the museum suggests a £5 donation. It's an affordable day out for families on any budget.
Baby changing facilities available
A baby changing area is provided, so you're well catered for if visiting with infants. Locate it near reception when you arrive.
Pushchair-friendly throughout
The museum is fully pushchair-friendly, so you can bring a buggy without concerns about accessibility or narrow spaces.
Fully wheelchair accessible
The museum is completely wheelchair accessible, making it easy to visit with mobility aids or accessible buggies.
Dressing-up area adds interactive fun
Children can try on costumes in the dressing-up area – bring a camera for memorable photos and check what sizes are available.
Sensory backpack available for additional needs
If your child has sensory sensitivities, ask about the sensory backpack at reception – it's designed to support different learning needs.
Café serves children's meals
The on-site café offers children's meals, so you can refuel during your visit without leaving the museum.
Interactive exhibits and digital stories throughout
Beyond the Whistle Stop gallery, the Main Gallery features banners, objects, and digital stories that engage older children and adults.
Ideal for rainy days
As a fully indoor museum, it's a great option when outdoor plans are rained off. Perfect for unpredictable British weather.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
Science and Industry Museum
0.2 miA hands-on museum in Manchester's Castlefield district, perfect for curious kids. Highlights include the Air and Space Hall with real planes and rockets, the Experiment! gallery full of interactive science puzzles, and the Textiles Gallery showing how cotton was made. Families can also explore the historic 1830 railway station and working machinery demos. - Free entry (some special exhibitions may have a fee) - Baby changing, buggy parking, and a relaxed family-friendly cafe - Recommended for ages 3–16, but toddlers enjoy sensory areas too - Book free timed tickets online in advance to guarantee entry - Allow at least 2–3 hours; the museum often runs holiday workshops and storytelling sessions
Z-arts
0.4 miZ-arts is Manchester's dedicated centre for children's arts and theatre, offering a vibrant programme of performances, workshops, and creative activities for families. Highlights include: - Theatre shows for ages 0-12, often interactive and sensory-friendly - Regular creative workshops (drama, art, music) during school holidays and weekends - A welcoming café with baby-changing facilities and highchairs - Accessible venue with step-free entry and wheelchair-friendly spaces Families love the relaxed, kid-focused atmosphere where little ones can explore and play before and after shows. The venue also hosts special events like baby raves and toddler sensory sessions. Practical tip: arrive early to enjoy the foyer play area and grab a snack.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
0.5 miLEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is an indoor LEGO-themed attraction designed for families with children aged 3-10. Highlights include: - MINILAND: detailed LEGO replicas of Manchester landmarks - Interactive rides: Kingdom Quest Laser Ride and Merlin's Apprentice - Build & Test zones, LEGO workshops, and a 4D cinema - Soft play area for younger kids Facilities: café, gift shop, baby changing, wheelchair access. Practical tip: book online in advance to secure a time slot. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit. Suitable for rainy days.
Manchester Art Gallery
0.7 miManchester Art Gallery offers a diverse collection of artworks from the 17th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Families with children will enjoy the interactive family trails, hands-on activities, and the Clore Interactive Gallery where kids can explore art through touch and play. The gallery regularly hosts family-friendly workshops and events during school holidays. Highlights include the Pre-Raphaelite collection and works by local artists. Facilities include baby changing, pushchair access, and a family-friendly café. Entry is free, making it an affordable day out for all ages.
National Football Museum
0.8 miHoused in the iconic Urbis building in Manchester's city centre, the National Football Museum is a must-visit for football-loving families. The museum features over 2,500 objects, including the 1966 World Cup final ball and the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy. Interactive exhibits allow kids to test their skills in penalty shootouts, take a team photo, and learn football history through touchscreens and games. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. - Highlights: The Penalty Shootout experience, the interactive Hall of Fame, and the 'Match of the Day' studio replica. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, but best for 3-18 year olds; children under 5 get free entry. - Facilities: Café (with kid-friendly options), gift shop, baby changing, and lift access. Buggy-friendly. Free lockers available. - Practical tips: Allow 1.5-2 hours. Tickets can be booked online to avoid queues. The museum is in central Manchester, close to Manchester Victoria station and the Arndale Centre. Great for a rainy day.
Manchester Museum
1.3 miThe Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is a family-friendly museum with natural history, archaeology, and anthropology collections. Highlights include the Fossil Gallery with a life-size T. rex skeleton, the Vivarium with live frogs, lizards, and snakes, and the Egyptology gallery featuring mummies. Interactive exhibits let kids handle real fossils and explore sensory tables. - Free entry (donations welcome) - Baby-changing facilities, nursing room, and family toilets - Lift access for buggies - Café and gift shop on site - Regular family workshops and holiday activities (check website) Best suited for ages 3–16, but younger children will enjoy the bright displays and live animals. Plan at least 2 hours. The museum can get busy on weekends; weekday mornings are quieter. All galleries are indoors, making it a great rainy-day destination.
Chill Factore
1.7 miChill Factore is the UK's longest real snow indoor ski slope, located in Manchester. It offers a range of snow sports and activities for families, including skiing, snowboarding, and a dedicated Snow Park for younger children. - **Snow Park**: A fun area with sledging, building snowmen, and playing in real snow, suitable for children aged 3 and up. - **Ski & Snowboard Lessons**: Professional instruction for beginners to advanced, with family-friendly sessions available. - **Other Activities**: The venue also features a cafe, viewing gallery, and a shop for equipment hire. Practical tips: Book lessons in advance, especially during school holidays. Wear warm layers (trousers and jackets can be hired). The centre is open year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of weather.
Chill Factore
1.7 miChill Factore is the UK's longest real snow indoor ski slope, located in Manchester. It offers a range of snow sports and activities for families, including skiing, snowboarding, and a dedicated Snow Park for younger children. - **Snow Park**: A fun area with sledging, building snowmen, and playing in real snow, suitable for children aged 3 and up. - **Ski & Snowboard Lessons**: Professional instruction for beginners to advanced, with family-friendly sessions available. - **Other Activities**: The venue also features a cafe, viewing gallery, and a shop for equipment hire. Practical tips: Book lessons in advance, especially during school holidays. Wear warm layers (trousers and jackets can be hired). The centre is open year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of weather.
The Whitworth
1.7 miThe Whitworth is an art gallery set within the beautiful Whitworth Park in Manchester. It offers a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including textiles, wallpapers, prints, and sculpture. Families will enjoy free admission, interactive children's trails, and regular family workshops. - Highlights: The Art Garden, a sensory outdoor space with sculptures and planting; the playful 'The Crate' installation; and family-friendly activities on weekends and school holidays. - Facilities: Baby-changing, buggy-friendly, a café with kids' menu, and a park playground nearby. - Tips: Pick up a free Family Explorer Backpack from reception. The gallery is stroller-friendly and has plenty of seating. Perfect for all ages, but best for preschoolers to early teens. Rainy days are no problem with spacious indoor galleries.
The Lowry
1.8 miThe Lowry is a vibrant theatre and arts centre located at Salford Quays, named after the painter L.S. Lowry. It features two theatres, a dramatic art gallery, and studio spaces, hosting a year-round programme of family-friendly shows, children's theatre, and interactive exhibitions. The Lowry's gallery offers free entry to view its collection of Lowry paintings and rotating contemporary exhibitions, often with hands-on activities for children. Facilities include baby-changing stations, buggy parking, and a café. With its mix of performance and visual arts, it's a great rainy-day destination for families. - Highlights: Family theatre shows (ages 3+), free gallery, creative workshops - Facilities: Baby changing, buggy park, accessible toilets, café - Tips: Book theatre tickets in advance; gallery is free and open daily