27 Things To Do in Manchester with Teenagers

Manchester is one of the UK’s most exciting cities for teens. From football stadium tours and interactive museums to adrenaline-filled activities, shopping districts, and immersive gaming experiences, there’s something here to keep even the hardest-to-impress teenager entertained.

Whether your teen is into football, shopping, gaming, music, science or outdoor adventures, Manchester has plenty of attractions to keep the whole family happy.

Here are 27 brilliant Manchester attractions teenagers will love.

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum’ is great place for football mad teenagers to have fun and learn more about the game.

Discover how football became the the popular game it is today. Unearth the game’s origins, relive the FA Cup fairy tales and explore why the game is such an integral part of our culture and society.

Throughout the museum there are interactive objects, games and displays which include penalty-taking, shot-stopping and match commentary. 

Chill Factore

Chill Factore is a massive indoor snow centre with skiing, snowboarding, ringos, a climbing wall, an inflatable luge run, a snow fun area and more! 

It’s opposite the Trafford Centre (a short tram ride out of the city).

The Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is huge, with something for all ages. It’s free but to ensure entry you need to book your free tickets on the website in advance.

There’s always lots on and if you look on the website before you go, you can search by what’s on for ages 14 and over.

Shopping in Manchester with Teenagers

If your teen loves shopping, there are lots of places to shop in Manchester. They will be spoiled for choice. Check out some of the hot shopping spots below.

Manchester Arndale

Right in the city centre, this huge shopping centre features popular high street shops such as River Island, Zara, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

Afflecks 

Afflecks is an iconic Manchester insitution. This three storey building of independent shops selling alternative fashions, second hand clothes and loads of musical stuff. It’s a great place to mooch for a couple of hours.

The Northern Quarter

On the edge of Afflecks is the Northern Quarter which again has loads of arty and independent shops selling unusual but cool clothes and stuff. This area also has the best independent cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s a good place to get a good coffee and a casual lunch in a non chain venue.

The Trafford Centre

If you’re staying in the city centre you can get the tram out to the Trafford Centre for shopping (It’s about a 25 minute train ride). As well as shopping it has a lot of fun activities for teens including  bowling and a cinema

iFLY Skydiving

Near the Trafford Centre, you’ll also find the Ifly Skydiving Manchester which is an exciting experience for teenagers.

Soar like a bird in the first 14ft (4.3m) diameter iFLY wind tunnel to be built in the UK.

A round of crazy golf is the perfect indoor activity for a mixed aged group, even teens love a go! 

Why not try Treetop adventure golf? There’s two 18 hole golf courses to choose from, the tropical trail or the ancient explorer. 

Plus every player get a shot at the 19th bonus hole, where you get a chance to win another go at 18 holes. 

Other crazy golf venues are available in the city. Junkyard golf allows under 18s with an adult between Sundays and Thursday before 7pm. 

Imperial War Museum North

Also at Salford Quays is the Imperial War Museum North which is free.

It is a very interesting and educational experience for teenagers who can discover the impact of war through the exhibits.

Read the last letter a soldier wrote home, explore a First World War trench, find out what life was like for an evacuee, escape from a prisoner of war camp through a tunnel, and more.

You can also climb the 180 steps of the iconic AirShard and stand almost 100ft (30.48m!) in the air and enjoy amazing views of the Manchester skyline for only a small extra cost.

The Lowry

The Lowry is a fantastic arts centre and theatre on Salford Quays.

Check out what’s on in terms of shows and musicals when you are in Manchester as there may be something your teenager would like to watch.

If they are interested in art, the galleries are open Tues to Friday at the time of writing (11am to 5pm). Again check the website to see what exhibitions they have on during your visit.

Escape Rooms in Manchester

Like many cities, Manchester is now home to a few Escape Rooms that are perfect for teenagers. Ones to try out in Manchester include Breakout Manchester, Lucardo and Escape Hunt Manchester.

Take A Football Stadium Tour

Manchester is a teenage football fan’s dream because not only is there the National Football Museum, you can embark on not just one but two premier league stadium tours.

At Manchester City you have access to all areas including the players dressing room. Also get to walk down the players tunnels and question virtual Pep Guardiola in the Press Conference.

At Manchester United visit the museum and enjoy the stadium Tour. see the players’ tunnel, walk next to the world famous pitch, and visit the dugouts, before experiencing the view from the Ability Platform.

Both tours allow you to take lots of pics. They’re very informative and lots of fun.

Step into the extraordinary at the Museum of Illusions

This unusual experience offers mind-bending fun with its vortex tunnel, walk-in kaleidoscope, and an interactive Metrolink tram exhibit.

Perfectly blending entertainment with education, the museum introduces the concept of “edutainment”. It challenges your perception of reality while kick-startingi conversations and inspiring interest in the science behind the exhibits.

Go Karting at Trafford Park

Teens who like an adrenaline filled experience will love the thrill of go-karting at Manchester Trafford Park, just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Race around 450-metre track  featuring exhilarating straights and a thrilling flyover.

Whether your teen is a seasoned karter or a beginner, the fleet of Biz Evo3 karts will have them racing like a pro.

Suitable for children aged 8 and up, it’s  ideal for family days out. For those not racing, there’s a licensed bar and café to relax in, along with free parking and Wi-Fi.

Inspired by the 90s TV show, teens are going to love running around, having fun and trying to solve the problems and challenges.

Find out more at the Crystal Maze Manchester

Sale Water Park

In the summer take the tram to Sale Water Park for some watersports. Trafford Watersports Centre is located at Sale Water Park. They offer various watersports from canoeing and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding. If getting in the water isn’t what you fancy they also have many different land-based activities to choose from.

Axe Throwing

Slinging axes at targets, show me a teen that isn’t going to love that. No experience is necessary, the experience coaches will show you what to do.

Visit Whistlepunks Axe Throwing, Manchester

Manchester Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Why not take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to see the city’s significant landmarks? Stops include the National Football Museum, Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester Cathedral, the Museum of Science of Industry, the Imperial War Museum and more. Get on and off unlimited times and discover Manchester in your own time.

You can listen to the audio commentary as you tour the sights. Other notable attractions on route include MediaCity, Picadilly Gardens and the Town Hall.

It’s a fun and easy way to get around the city.

Embark on a Manchester River Cruise

There are a number of river cruises. Take a sightseeing river cruise with interesting commentary about the history of Manchester. If you’re going to watch Manchester United play, take an Old Trafford river cruise and avoid the traffic on the way there.

Find out more at Manchester River Cruises

Bury Arcade, Europe’s largest arcade, offers an unforgettable gaming experience with over 400 classic and modern games spread across four floors.

Housed in a refurbished old English mill just outside of Manchester, this massive arcade is perfect for families with teen gamers.

Whether you’re a fan of retro arcade machines, pinball, or the latest gaming consoles, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, once inside, all the games are free to play!

With sensibly priced food and drink available, it’s so much fun to spend the day enjoying gaming classics and discovering new favourites.

Heaton Park

A short tram ride from the city centre, Heaton Park is huge. In fact, it’s Europe’s biggest public green space, spanning a massive 600 acres. There is a boating lake where you can hire a rowing boat or a pedalo. There’s also a high ropes adventure course. It’s also just nice for walking and picnics. They often have events and exhibitions so it’s worth checking the website to see what’s on while you’re there.

The People’s Museum

The People’s Museum educates teens about the importance of democracy. It’s focus is on democracy in Britain and it educates about the right to vote, time to rest, fair pay – what has led to the freedoms we have today and what still needs to be done for a better future.

If teens are interested in history and politics, they will enjoy it. Otherwise it may not be for them.

Escape to Freight Island, located on Baring Street in the heart of Depot Mayfield’s vibrant regeneration, is an urban market and festival space.

Home to a variety of bars, restaurants and food trucks, it’s a great place to take your foodie obsessed teen. Check out all the food and drink available here.

It’s definintely worth checking out their events and entertainment program as there are themed events throughout the year including halloween trails, fireworks and the North’s largest indoor and outdoor winter festival.

Printworks

For a one stop entertainment hub take your teen to Printworks. As well as lots of eateries, find a big IMAX and tree top golf and Vue cinema.

If your teenager enjoyed the TV series, the Race Across the World Experience in Manchester is not to be missed!

You have to be 18 to purchase tickets, but under 18s can enjoy the experience with a paying adult.

Planning a teenager birthday party?

Consider the Archertype? Experience Archery Tag (also known as Combat Archery) in Manchester at a purpose-built venue complete with a training range and armoury. This exciting activity combines elements of dodgeball and archery, offering a fun, family-friendly alternative to paintball.

The minimum age for games is aged 10 and above. 

Coronation Street Experience

If you have a teenage Corrie fan, the Coronation Street Experience is not to be missed.

Step into the world of Coronation Street with a 90-minute guided tour of the famous Weatherfield set in Manchester.

Guided by expert tour guides, explore iconic locations like the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls.  Wander down the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the history and drama of the show.

After the guided tour, enjoy a 25-minute free roam period to capture photos and selfies outside famous spots like Street Cars and Prima Doner.

The tour also includes a visit to the brand-new Coronation Street Exhibition, where you can explore replica sets and see costumes and props, including Deirdre Barlow’s glasses. 

Police museum

The police museum might not be for everybody, but if your teenager has an interest in history or the law, it’s a great little museum. Book online in advance, they have free open days on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays.

The museum is a 1879 Police Station, complete with original cells & charge office.

Challengepoint is such a fun activity. Perfect to do with a family with teens.

Families or friends can take part in an interactive gameshow experience where teams of 2–6 go head-to-head in a series of mini games, all designed to rack up as many points as possible.

From brain-teasing trivia to hilarious skill challenges, teams will face a whirlwind of trials in pursuit of victory. The top scorers will move on to the grand finale – The Point!

Walking Tours

There are some great Manchester walking tours including music tours and foodie tours. Check out some amazing walking tours here. 

Also, check out Free Manchester walking tours where you can go on adventure on foot for free.

Flip Out

At Flip Out you’ll find trampolines, cyber towers, laser maze, ninja obstacle course, wipeout zone, stunt box arena, 20ft ninja slide & lots more.

Perfect for young teens who are super energetic!

DNA VR Manchester

Head down to DNA VR Manchester for VR gaming experiences like a zombie apocalypse, dancing to the beat and deep sea exploration. 

There’s 50 VR adventures to choose from with packages suitable for first-timers of all ages, large groups, families, and solo adventurers.

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