Fun Activities In Manchester For Big Kids

• Location: The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS
• Price: from £19.95 per person
• Why we recommend: this activity bar is packed full of quirky games and interactive challenges, perfect for groups of all sizes

Roll back the years at Gameface - a social gaming venue in the heart of Manchester designed for big kids. Across ten fast, fun and interactive challenges, you'll put your teamwork, coordination and sabotage skills to the test.

Don't worry if your attention span is not up to much. There's no lengthy briefings or complicated rules here - just round up your mates, grab a drink and get straight into the action.

• Location: Top floor, Castle Yard, Warren Street, Stockport, SK1 1UD
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Why we recommend: with so many different games on offer, as well as a relaxed bar space and a community vibe, it's difficult to get bored 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.

• Location: Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, M2 4WU
• Price: from £10 per person
• Why we recommend: not just your standard game of darts, the Flight Club experience promises digital minigames, fairground-inspired interiors and killer cocktails to boot

You can always rely on Flight Club if you're seeking things to do in Manchester for young adults. This fairground-inspired drinking den is complete with horses and stained glass windows, alongside offering a range of multiplayer social darts games.

Their electronic boards add up your scores for you, with screens displaying the results and recording all your best moments to play back. Plus, they offer voozy brunches on the weekends, where you'll enjoy an hour of gaming, two hours of unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco or four beers each.

• Location: 201 Deansgate, M3 3NW
• Price: from £10 per person
• Why we recommend: letting loose on the shuffleboard tables is a great way to unleash your competitive streak, and you don't even need to worry about adding up your own scores here

There's no better way to unleash your inner big kid than by getting competitive against your friends. Electric Shuffle provides just that, with interactive shuffleboard tables that add up your scores as you play fun, multiplayer games.

Their weekend boozy brunches are well worth checking out too, 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.

• Location: 20 Dale Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1EZ
• Price: from £7.50 per person
• Why we recommend: an activity bar that transitions into a party hotspot by night, Twenty Twenty Two promises affordable and competitive fun for groups of friends

A ping pong bar dedicated to the best-loved game you spent your childhood perfecting, Twenty Twenty Two offers a playground to showcase your skills. There are also dartboards and pool tables, all available to hire in 30 or 60-minute blocks.

If that's not your thing, dance along to RnB, disco and garage tunes every weekend, with a 3am closing time that ensures the party keeps on going.

• Location: Unit 2A, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: a brilliant choice for groups of friends or team building activities, Boom Battle Bar really has got something for everyone. Plus, the weekend DJ sets add more of a party atmosphere if that's what you're after

With games at the heart of Boom Battle Bar, this den is fit for those who want fun things to do in Manchester for families of adults. From augmented reality axe-throwing to shuffleboard and private karaoke rooms, this city centre haunt is sure to hit the spot. And on weekends? There are live DJ sets.

That's not all though, as their cocktails are also well worth sticking around for. When hunger strikes, dig into the likes of chicken tenders, halloumi sticks and barbecue cauliflower bites.

• Location: Urban Playground Manchester, Manchester Arndale, M4 3AB
• Price: from £42.50 per person
• Why we recommend: if you've ever wondered how you'd get on on a real-life gameshow, then put your money where your mouth is at this immersive The Cube experience

Ever wondered how you'd fare taking on challenges from the hot TV gameshow? Enjoy one and two-player games in your group of up to four people across a fun session, all of which are designed to test your judgement, speed, memory and more.

In this high-pressure situation, will you beat The Cube? Either way, end your visit with a trip to The Butcher, an on-site restaurant serving some seriously mouthwatering burgers.

• Location: Peter Street, M2 5QR
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: a graffiti-covered paradise for retro gamers, NQ64 is packed full of old-school entertainment. In between re-living your childhood, you can also try their Instagrammable, themed cocktails

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.

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. The bar is just as quirky, whipping up themed cocktails like the Powerstar Martini or an Aku Aku Fruit Punch.

• Location: 43A Brown Street, M2 2JJ
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: boasting multiple different interactive games, Black Cat Club is more than just a bar - and their food menu is not to be missed either

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.

• Location: 57 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW
• Price: from £9.50 per person
• Why we recommend: an affordable activity that will have you bowling on Miami-themed lanes, this activity hotspot is great for date night or a little competitive fun with friends. Plus, their cocktails are excelletnt

Thanks to full-length ten-pin bowling lanes and arcade games, Wynwood Lanes will bring you back to the carefree days. You can have a game here for less than a tenner, all in colourful, Miami-inspired surroundings.

Compete with your friends, all before checking out the late-night menu that's served 'til 1am, which includes pizzas, burgers and hotdogs. On the drinks front, expect cocktails like the Banana-Colada or a Kool-Aid-infused Florida Man, as well as their booze-free dirty sodas.

• Location: The Great Northern, Unit 3, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN
• Price: from £11 per person
• Why we recommend: offering much more than just bowling, Lane7 is the neon-splattered spot that draws you in with games and keeps you hooked with cocktails and pizza

Unleash your inner child at Lane7 Manchester Deansgate, one of the very best activity bars in the city. While surrounded by the neon graffiti that's splattered across the walls, try your hand at bowling, augmented reality darts, karaoke or pool.

There's also a selection of arcade games if you want something more relaxed, and plenty of cocktails to enjoy while you play. And the best part? They also serve a menu of pizzas and hot dogs.

• Location: Manchester Arndale, Unit R3, Withy Grove, M4 3AQ
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: a great choice for dates or spicing up a night out with mates, Roxy Ball Room has got seemingly endless games to keep you entertained

In the mood to explore fun things to do in Manchester for couples? Roxy Ball Room in Manchester Arndale is at the top of our list. Together you'll get stuck into a plethora of activities, from the likes of arcade games to ice-free curling and basketball.

You can also catch sports screenings here, while enjoying pints or cocktails. Hungry? Chow down on the likes of honey-glazed chorizo, hand-stretched focaccia pizzas and crispy chicken burgers.

• Location: Manchester Arndale, Unit R3 Halle Place, Market Street, M4 3AQ
• Price: from £13 per person
• Why we recommend: this place takes cray golf to a new level, with all sorts of obstacles along the way, and you can even get pizzas and cocktails on-site

At Treetop Adventure Golf, you'll get to play wacky 18-hole courses, with themes from Tropical Trail to Ancient Explorer. You'll be working your way round crumbling temples, overgrown trails and lots of interactive elements.

Venture inside to showcase your putting skills, devour tasty pizzas and drink cocktails, served at The Market. The best bit? On the 19th hole, you get the chance to win a free game.

• Location: 69 High Street, M4 1FS
• Price: from £15 per person
• Why we recommend: boasting two floors of fun, Shack Bar & Grill offers everything from ping pong to pool, darts and DJs on the entertainment front

Found in the Northern Quarter, Shack Bar & Grill is home to all sorts of fun and games. In the basement, you can find ping pong, pool tables interactive and standard darts, as well as TV screens showing all the big games.

Swing by on weekends for resident DJs 'til 4am, or nab a signature cocktail anytime. Hungry? They also serve a menu of juicy burgers, loaded nachos, creamy pastas and much more.

• Location: Manchester Arndale, Unit R3 Halle Place, Market Street, M4 3AQ
• Price: from £13 per person
• Why we recommend: you can lose yourself in a whole new world here, and they've got all kinds of quirky experiences to choose from in your private booking

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. Each box can fit between two and six people, and bookings are totally private so you'll never have to play with strangers.

How it all works? Expect touchscreen technology, projection mapping, surround sound and drinks delivered to your own exclusive area.

• Location: 1A Watson Street, M3 4EE
• Price: from £44 per person
• Why we recommend: a totally unique night out where you'll be sent to a cell and tasked with liquor smuggling, Alcotraz adds in a whole load of fun to a night of sipping inventive cocktails

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.

You'll be tasked with bringing in your own bottle of spirits, avoiding the sheriff, and delivering it to the inmate bartenders - who will whip up four personalised cocktails for you.

• Location: 2 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury, M20 2WS
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: Taskmaster is one of the UK's most popular shows, and if you've ever felt like having a go yourself, this entertaining pub night might just be the next best thing

Craving some playtime? Get down to Taskmaster at The Metropolitan for bizarre games and ridiculous challenges.

At this epic night inspired by the hit TV show, you'll battle it out to bag a prize that money totally can buy - a bar tab. Every member of your team will need a ticket to join the action. But fret not, they're absolutely free.

• Location: 58-66 Market Street, M1 1PW
• Price: from £25.50 per adult, and £21.50 per child, under fours go free
• Why we recommend: we love how mind-boggling the illusions are and how they'll have you feeling like a big kid in no time, tapping into your creative and playful sides 

Who says museums are just for quiet contemplation? The Museum of Illusions is a bright, noisy, and interactive playground designed for the young at heart. For adults looking to escape the daily grind, it offers an hour or two of pure, unadulterated play where touching the exhibits is mandatory.

Unleash your competitive streak in the Brain Gym, a dedicated area packed with tactical, mind-bending puzzles that will test even the sharpest wits. After posing for hilarious photos swinging upside down on a tram, you can visit the Smart Shop to take a pocketful of brain-teasers home with you.

• Location: 220 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5LE
• Price: £15 per adult and £10 per child (with discounts available)
• Why we recommend: who doesn't want to spend their afternoon hanging out with pugs? It's a great way to relax, and you're supporting their rescue efforts too

One of the best ways to unwind, CuppaPug is a fun dog cafe where you can hang out with their resident pugs. Supporting rescue and rehoming work, these guys create a safe environment for the animals, giving you the chance to cuddle, play together and feed them treats.

There'll be treats of your own to enjoy, from their tasty toasties and pizzas, to signature hot chocolates or milkshakes. If you're coming as a group, they also offer puppy socials in an intimate session for up to 12 people.

• Location: GFFDamian Dance Studio, 109 - 113 Corporation Street, M4 4DX
• Price: from £36.63 per person
• Why we recommend: there's pretty much nithing more relaxing tha hanging out with some cats for an hour, but when paired with yoga, it's basically impossible not to leave feeling rejuvenated

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.

• Location: 100-102 High Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HP
• Price: £50 all-in for the hour
• Why we recommend: an affordable karaoke venue that also comes with a pool table, Bunny's puts a quirky twist on any night out

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, costing the same price no matter your group size. Sing your heart out late into the night, thanks to their 3am closing time.

• Location: Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, M4 3TR
• Price: from £20 per person
• Why we recommend: a great shout for indoor activities, Escape Hunt will put your problem-solving skills to the test in a series of themed rooms that you won't find elsewhere

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, Alice in Wonderland, pirate and Viking themes, alongside plenty more besides. There's also an on-site bar, so you can stick around afterwards to celebrate your success.

• Location: Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, M13 0FE
• Price: from £21.45 per person
• Why we recommend: if you're a big fan of chicken, there's pretty much nowhere better to be than this. You'll get to try so many different wings, while being entertained by live music, axe throwing and more

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.

• Location: Courts Club, Good Yard Street, M3 3BG
• Price: from £15 per person
• Why we recommend: we all need a good way to get active, and Courts Club will have you experiencing the great outdoors while enjoying some competition at the same time - before relaxing with a drink or two

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 mates, 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.

• Location: multiple locations
• Price: from £18.15 per group
• Why we recommend: suitable for all ages, this outdoor activity combines all the best parts of an escape room and a scavenger hunt, and it's entirely self-guided

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 £18.15 for the whole team, and you can set off at any time of day.

• Location: Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly, M1 1AF
• Price: from £21.98 per group
• Why we recommend: not only will you get to explore the city with this activity, but you'll also put your plotting skills to the test as you plan the perfect heist

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. 

• Location: St Anns Square, M2 7HD
• Price: from £15 per person
• Why we recommend: taking you on a scenic walk around Manchester, CityDays will have you solving challenges and cracking clues, and all you need to guide you is your phone

Fancy cracking escape room-style puzzles, solving riddles built into statues, landmarks or buildings, and more? CityDays Manchester is the fun group event that's sure to hit the spot.

Using just your phone to guide you, you'll be sent a series of challenges to lead you on your adventure, seeing all the city's sights as you go. Not only that, but there are plenty of drink stops along this quirky activity's route.

• Location: Manchester Piccadilly Train Station, Picadilly, M60 7RA
• Price: from £19.99 per team
• Why we recommend: this is a great way to get outdoors and see more of the city, as well as exploring a new pub, of course. You can go at your own pace, and everything you need is provided in their handy packs

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.

Expect puzzles, riddles, codes and orienteering thrown at you, on an adventure that's entirely self-guided using a map, compass and clues. You'll finish up in the pub, where you receive 20% off your bill.