Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Louise
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.
Table of Contents
National Football Museum
Image credit : David in Lisburn / Flickr
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
Image : Chilli Factore / Facebook
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
Image Credit : HM Treasury / Flickr
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
Image Credit: Afflecks Palace – Mikey / Flickr
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
Image Credit – 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
BBC Tour at Media City UK
Image Credit : Stephen Gidley / Flickr
Salford Quays (less then 4 miles from Manchester City Centre) is where the BBC Media city is located. A visit to the media centre is an informative and engaging experience. Discover how TV classics such as Match of the Day, Blue Peter and BBC breakfast are produced. It’s also where Radio Five Live, CBBC, BBC sport and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra are located.
The tour is really interactive and teens can also make their own news and weather bulletin in the interactive studio.
Imperial War Museum North
Image credit : Dave McKelvey / Flickr
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
Image credit : Flickr
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
Image credit : Etihad Stadium Tour by Daniel / Flickr
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.
Crystal Maze Experience
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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