Fun Activities For Big Kids In Manchester

Sometimes it's nice to think back to the good ol' days when we didn't have to worry about paying rent and could just spend our time goofing around without a care in the world. Luckily, this city has plenty of games to channel that pent-up energy. From giant ball pits to VR zombie-fighting experiences, we have put together a list of fun activities for big kids in Manchester. 

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 2nd December 2025




Black Cat Club Manchester

The Black Cat Club is a competitive social bar that combines fun, relaxation, and top-tier entertainment, offering interactive darts with a variety of game modes and tech-powered shuffleboard - no arguments over scores here, thanks to automatic tallying. But it isn't just about games; it also brings you the ultimate sports viewing experience.

Enjoy every moment of the match with personal table service, luxe seating, and a stylish ambience inspired by Manchester's vibrant music scene. The food, crafted by the renowned chefs of El Gato Negro, offers delicious small plates, pizza, burgers, and more. Top it all off with a carefully curated drinks menu and signature cocktails that will keep you coming back from day to night.

Courts Club

Located in Good Yard Park, Courts Club is a quirky activity bar where you can eat, drink and play sports all in one. They've got both basketball and tennis courts here, perfect for a little friendly competition with your friends, and there's a well-stocked bar and restaurant for afterwards. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, you can tuck into everything from breakfast baguettes to pasta salad or crispy halloumi gyros here, paired with cocktails or draught beer.

StreetHunt Games

Looking for a unique outdoor activity that allows you to explore more of the city? Then check out StreetHunt Games, a quirky escape room and scavenger hunt experience rolled into one - and it's entirely self-guided.

Use your phone to guide you, working in groups of two to six people to solve clues and track down wills or murder suspects. Tickets start from just £16.50 for the whole team, and you can set off at any time of day.

What's On At Loft Social

A modern social club that's designed to bring people together, Loft Social can be found in Stockport. Friendly competition is encouraged here, promising a relaxed space where friends, colleagues, dates and more can come to play all sorts of fun games.

They offer everything from archery to shuffleboard, petanque and disco curling, with prices starting from £15 per lane. That's not all though, as this plant-filled venue features a fully stocked bar too.

NQ64 Manchester Peter Street

Release your inner big kid at NQ64 on Peter Street or at its sister site over in Manchester's Northern Quarter. As you enter you'll be met with walls covered in neon graffiti, 28 arcade games and two pinball machines as well as a vibrant bar slinging out themed cocktails. Exchange money for tokens then go wild in this playground of fun with the likes of Guitar Hero, Taken5 and Dance Stage 2 Euro Mix.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ The Life Centre on Saturday 6th December 2025 and 3 other dates

Looking for a fun, quirky activity this weekend? Try Kitty Yoga at one of Manchester's coolest events. This one-hour experience includes forty minutes of relaxing vinyasa yoga with playful kittens roaming around the room.

You'll end with twenty minutes of pure kitten playtime, so you can stretch, breathe, and cuddle all at once. It's a unique blend of mindfulness, fun, and furry friends - the perfect way to start your weekend.

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Happy Hour and 3 other offers

There's no better way to unleash your inner big kid than by getting competitive against your friends. The boozy brunches on offer at Electric Shuffle provide just that, with the first half of the two-hour session spent battling it out on the shuffleboard table. You'll finish up in their stylish bar, and you can enjoy unlimited pizza paddles throughout - alongside an entire bottle of prosecco each.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Who knew getting locked up could be so much fun? Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four will immerse you in the inmate underworld at its prison-themed cocktail experience. Don your orange jumpsuits and prepare for a night of liquor smuggling and drink sipping.

Bunny's Karaoke

Experience the dive bar karaoke scene at Bunny's Karaoke, brimming with the same infectious energy as Bunny Jackson's and Junior Jackson's. Indulge in their famous 25p wings, free open mic karaoke, and American beers. There's also a pool table and a private karaoke room for just £50 to rent.

Point Blank Shooting Manchester

For big kids looking to level up their night out, Point Blank Shooting Manchester hits the bullseye. Combining top-shelf cocktails, loaded snack trays, and the UK's first replica shooting range, this immersive experience is part video game, part action movie, and all-out fun. Settle into your own private shooting booth - a plush cocktail lounge meets high-tech target range - and go head-to-head with friends across adrenaline-pumping missions powered by hyper-accurate laser tech.

Whether you're testing your aim solo, teaming up for a two-player zombie apocalypse, or chasing leaderboard glory with a drink in hand, Point Blank is anything but ordinary. With sessions starting from £10 and options like bottomless brunch or midweek deals, it's a high-energy, no-holds-barred blast for grown-ups who want their playtime served with a twist of competition and a side of cocktails.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Test your orienteering skills with one of our favourite adventure activities in Manchester for big kids. Not only will you have to explore the city's famous landmarks while uncovering clues at the Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt, but there's also a prize for those who find the X.

Escape Hunt Manchester

Searching for fun things to do in Manchester with a teenager and older? Escape Hunt has you covered with themed rooms that give you a time-limit on completing the puzzles and clues. Expect to choose between Doctor Who, pirate and Viking themes, alongside plenty more besides.

Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist - Manchester

@ I'm Puzzled on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Time to unleash your inner big kid with the Manchester Bank Heist Scavenger Hunt. This exciting adventure lets you and your friends step into the shoes of master thieves (in the best, legal way possible).

Armed with a mobile app, you'll explore Manchester's buzzing streets, unlock hidden clues, and crack security systems, all while plotting the perfect heist. Perfect for those who want to channel their inner action hero, this scavenger hunt offers a couple of hours of fun, laughter, and teamwork. 

Grit Studios

Ready to unleash your inner child with a splash of creativity? At Grit Studios, you'll dive into a lively Sip & Paint session led by the talented abstract artist Joe. No experience? No problem. You just bring your enthusiasm, and Joe will guide you through creating your own masterpiece.

Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or refreshing mocktails, nibble on a delicious British charcuterie board, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere where fun and creativity collide. It's the perfect place for big kids at heart who want to laugh, paint, and party all at once.

Trax Social

Head down to Trax Social in the Printworks for a fun night out, complete with all sorts of entertainment. They've got cutting-edge racing simulators where you and your friends can compete on virtual tracks, as well as private karaoke rooms that you can hire out for up to ten people at a time - complete with over 100,000 songs.

That's not all though, as they also host unique immersive music quizzes. Expect all the usual trivia rounds brought to you in a lively way, as well as quick-fire questions, musical challenges and more. This costs just £9 each to enter, and afterwards you can enjoy tasty eats like marinated pulled pork burgers, barbecue beef brisket tacos and halloumi skewers.

DNA VR Manchester

Who said gaming was just for kids? Certainly not us. You'll get to put on high-tech headgear and be immersed in a world of zombie battles or boat racing with DNA VR, all while being guided by an expert who will help you through the experience.

1UP

Paying homage to gaming history with portal infinity mirrors and a Tetris-inspired beer garden, 1UP is a haunt worth visiting. On top of the decorations, including an eight-foot Donkey Kong, there are Pokémon cards, ping pong, consoles and a Warhammer figure painting room.