The good news – keeping the kids entertained on Manchester short breaks doesn’t have to break the bank. The great news – we’ve rounded up some of the top free family attractions in Manchester to keep you #InnTheKnow about family activities to enjoy for free throughout your stay. Whether they’re making mind-blowing discoveries at the Science and Industry Museum or running wild at the Lakeside Adventure Play Area, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to free things to do with the kids in Manchester.
Free things to do with the kids in Manchester
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery
Culture-lovers won’t want to miss visiting this exciting attraction on weekend breaks in Manchester.
As well as exhibitions showcasing historical artefacts and impressive installations, the Manchester Art Gallery also hosts all kinds of art clubs and events for families in Manchester to keep the little ones entertained, too!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Portland Street) hotel.
Ordsall Hall
Ordsall Hall
Looking for free things to do in Manchester with the kids? Get you culture fix by exploring historic Ordsall Hall.
Located just a 10-minute drive away from Old Trafford stadium, this huge manor house in Salford is open for visitors to explore its historic rooms, scenic gardens and artefact exhibitions. You might even spot one of the resident ghosts during your trip!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford hotel.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
Visiting John Rylands Research Institute and Library will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a Gothic castle – or the Grand Hall from Hogwarts!
Whether you’re exploring its vast and incredible library or experiencing its latest events and exhibitions with the kids, this landmark building in Deansgate is ideal when you’re searching for free attractions in Manchester.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre West hotel.
Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum
It’s easy to see why the Science and Industry Museum is one of the top family attractions in Manchester.
Learn all about the city’s industrial past and dive into some incredible scientific discoveries in the Experiment section. Best of all, admission is free, so it’s perfect when you’re looking for free places to visit in Manchester with the kids.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel.
National Football Museum
National Football Museum
For lovers of the beautiful game on Manchester holidays, the National Football Museum is an unmissable attraction.
From vast collections of classic football memorabilia to exciting exhibitions like the English Football Hall of Fame, visiting this museum is one of the best family activities in Manchester. Entry is free for kids and local residents but visiting adults will have to pay an entry fee.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Arena/Printworks) hotel.
Chorlton Water Park
Chorlton Water Park
Enjoy laid-back days out with the kids in Manchester at the Chorlton Water Park. It’s a simple, scenic spot where you can relax on a picnic bench and watch local wildlife around the lake, or why not go for a wander around the woodlands?
This local nature reserve is a great place to escape to for some peace and quiet with the kids when you’re looking for free activities in Manchester.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester West Didsbury hotel.
Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh Woodland Park
It’s easy to see why little ones love visiting Haigh Woodland Park.
This family attraction in Manchester is bursting with fun things to do – some activities like the high ropes and adventure golf course are payable, but the exciting kids adventure play area and peaceful Walker Garden are free, so don’t miss out on enjoying this popular park.
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Wigan Town Centre hotel.
People's History Museum
People's History Museum
The People's History Museum is a great place to visit if you’re stuck for fun, free things to do in Manchester this weekend.
You’ll find it just a short walk away from Salford Central station, and this popular attraction is home to collections, galleries and exhibitions all focusing on democracy in Britain. Kids can enjoy games and fun activities throughout the museum too!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel.
Lakeside Adventure Play Area at Heaton Park
Lakeside Adventure Play Area at Heaton Park
Whether you’re going there to enjoy a picnic or soak up the great outdoors with a stroll, visiting scenic Heaton Park is a must on family breaks in Manchester. The Lakeside Adventure Play Area is set inside the grounds of this picturesque park, and younger kids will love climbing, sliding and exploring all around this exciting spot. Afterwards, the family can watch the boating lake nearby!
Thinking of booking Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester (Heaton Park) hotel.
So whether you’re looking for fun things to do with toddlers or teens, you’ll find all kinds of free family attractions in Manchester to enjoy all year round.