Fun Activities For Big Kids In Manchester

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By Kiera Chapman Junior Editor Expert in food and drink, with 5 years in editorial, including bylines in Marie Claire. Last updated on 9th February 2026

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. 




Electric Shuffle Manchester

Happy Hour and 2 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.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ GFFDamian Dance Studio on Saturday 28th March 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Tuesday 24th March 2026

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.

Immersive Gamebox

Touting a library of games to choose from, such as Squid Game, Paw Patrol and Alien Aptitude tests, Immersive Gamebox is a kid-ult-friendly zone. How it all works? Expect touchscreen technology, projection mapping, surround sound and drinks delivered to your own private area.

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

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Tuesday 24th March 2026

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.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2026

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 18th September 2026 and 2 other dates

Manchester Wing Fest 2026 is what happens when someone turns your favourite messy finger food into a playground for grown-ups. Taking over the stunning Victoria Baths for three days this September, the world's biggest chicken wing showdown brings together top wing slingers battling it out for the crown across Buffalo, BBQ and anything-goes 'Wild Wing' categories, and you get to vote for the winner.

Between rounds of sauce-splattered taste testing (wings are just £1.50 each), expect axe throwing, live music, beer and cocktail bars, plus the chaotic glory of wing-eating competitions and the Lava Wing Challenge - the UK's hottest wing test. Every ticket also scores you a signature Wing Fest trucker hat, so you can look the part while getting stuck in.

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.

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.

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.