27 Things To Do in Manchester with Teenagers

Manchester has so much to offer for teenagers.

Whether it’s shopping, football, adrenaline filled activities, exploring museums, outdoor pursuits, art or music – there really is something for every teen.

Read on to find amazing attractions teenagers will love in Manchester.

National Football Museum

The 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

Check out the National Football Museum’s website for more info.

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).

Find our more at Chilli Factore

The Museum of Science and Industry

The museum 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.

Find out more at the Museum of Science and Industry website. 

Shop til you Drop

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.

The Arndale Centre

In the city centre, you’ll find the Arndale Centre. There are lots of high street shops in and around the Arndale Centre such as River Island, Zara, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

Afflecks Palace

Afflecks Palace is a 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 Palace 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.

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 in the entertainment such as bowling and a cinema

iFLY Skydiving

Near the Trafford Centre, you’ll also find the iFLY indoor skydiving attraction 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.

Find our more at Ifly Skydiving Manchester

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.

Find our more at Imperial War Museum North

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.

Find out more at The Lowry. 

Escape Room

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, which opened on 27th September in Manchester!

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

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.

Book your activity 

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

Open Bus Tour

Image credit : Manchester Sightseeing Tours

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.

Find out more. 

Embark on a 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’ so much fun to spend the day enjoying gaming classics and discovering new favourites.

Heaton Park

Image credit : Suchitra Photography / Flickr

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.

Find out more at Heaton Park

The People’s Museum

A great museum to educate 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.

Check out The People’s Museum

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.

Find out more at the Printworks

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.

Booking in advance is essential – book your ticket here.

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!

Check out Flip Out

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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