Itineraries for Your Trip to Manchester
3 Days in Manchester for Families
What I like best about Manchester is the diversity of its offerings. If you want to eat food from all over the world, you can. If you want to shop, you’ve come to the right place. And, if you want to learn about the culture and history of the north of England—good on you—Manchester is the place.
Children can find cities overwhelming, but the neighborhood-style layout of Manchester makes it easy to handle. It’s an easy city to navigate even with young children, so here’s what I’d do in Manchester over three days with children in tow.
It’s going to rain! I’m not psychic—it just does that a lot.
If you only have time for one thing, go to the Science and Industry Museum.
Start your visit to Manchester on an audio or app-based walking tour that you can follow at your leisure. These tours are perfect for finding your way around while avoiding the crowds, and they give excellent tips for things to do with the kids. For a more active way to get around the city, get involved with a silent disco tour—ideal for energetic children and adults alike.
The National Football Museum is a must-visit for soccer fans of any age. Get an up-close and personal experience of the beautiful game at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City football club. Alternatively, head to the interactive Science and Industry Museum.
Get out and about in more areas of Manchester than you’d explore on your own with a fun-for-all scavenger hunt. These app-based games are actually tours in disguise, and they’ll help you discover Manchester’s heritage through following clues to reach iconic local monuments and locations.
Older kids and teenagers might enjoy a food tour, taking in some of Manchester’s famous street food hot spots in the coolest, trendiest neighborhoods. For more creative families, how about a photography tour? Explore the city and learn how to take professional-level photos as you see Manchester’s landmarks.
Take the kids out for a meal. Save money by booking in advance—there are quite a few deals around. Then head off to explore the street art of the Northern Quarter, and see where TV shows like "Peaky Blinders" and films like Captain America: The First Avenger were shot.
For your last evening, take a musical cruise on a boat ride through the city with views of the lit-up Manchester skyline. Children can sing along to their favorite musicals performed live on board, and you can enjoy the snacks—and perhaps a drink or two.
