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Want to have fun and looking for the best activity bars in Manchester? Perfect! There are plenty of them in town and we are just about to discover them.
Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or just want to find something fun to do, Manchester has plenty of options.
From traditional pubs and clubs to more modern activities bars, there’s something for everyone in this bustling northern city.
This includes baseball bars, cricket, ping pong and a lot more!
Here are 10 of the best activity bars in Manchester that offer an array of exciting experiences!
1. Flight Club
Loved by visitors and locals alike, Flight Club is the ultimate spot for a fun and interactive afternoon or night out.
Located on King Street, Flight Club is a dart-themed bar in Manchester.
It was incredibly well decorated and has become of the most Instagramable bars in the city.
FUN FACT: Even Steven Bartlett said it in Dragon’s Den!
You will find there a bar and sets of tables with a dart board. If you just want to get a drink from the bar, you don’t necessarily need to book however, if you are planning on playing darts (which is the point) you should definitely book in advance since it sells out all the time.
Each dart board is interactive. When you get there, you will be asked to enter the name of each player on a tablet and can then choose the game you want to play.
All the games are played with darts but have different rules. Everything will be explained on the screen.
You can also order food (tapas style) and drinks.
2. Basebar
If you’re looking for a sports bar full of fun activities and great drinks, then Basebar is the spot for you.
Located in Green Quarter, this unique Manchester activity bar has several baseball cages at the back.
The entrance of the bar is located just by the Red Bank bridge. As you enter, you will find the bar and some cosy table spots for drinks. If you walk a bit further in, you will find the baseball cages.
You can book online or directly in the bar. Prices are set per slots of 30 minutes.
Once you paid, you get access to the cage and will be given a bat and helmet. A machine will then throw the balls one by one.
The goal is to hit the balls (of course) and touch the highest numbers on the wall in front of you.
3. Roxy Ball Room
Roxy Ball Room offers a variety of fun and friendly games to enjoy with friends and family. There’s a pool, beer pong, arcade games, and shuffleboard.
Rocky Ball Room is a chain activity bar with locations across the U.K.
There are two Manchester locations: Deansgate and Arndale.
This over-18 playground is a super fun way to enjoy a weekend or evening.
Roxy Ball Room has created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere where laughter and chatter is the number one thing you hear.
Sit down before or after game time for a bite to eat and a drink or two.
They have a range of classic and signature cocktails, as well as a variety of shots.
4. Sixes Social Cricket
Located right next to the National Football Museum, Sixes Social Cricket is one of the super fun activity bars in Manchester.
Sixes combines the traditional game of cricket with a simulator and a laid-back, yet competitive atmosphere.
This is the perfect place to go for an afternoon or evening of socialising with friends.
Simply book your net, order your food and drinks, and estimate your cricket skills by picking your game level.
You can compete as an individual or as a team with the aim of hitting multiple targets.
Drinks on offer include the Sixes signature cocktails, as well as classic and experimental cocktails.
As well as cocktails they have a range of draughts, bottles, and cans.
Whether you love cricket or have never played before this is one of the fun bars in Manchester to enjoy.
If you don’t find yourself with enough time in Manchester Sixes Cricket has around 10 other locations around the U.K.
5. NQ64
Another of these fantastic activity bars in the Northern Quarter is NQ64.
This bar became so popular they branched out and now have another joint on Peter Street.
They offer an exciting space where you can play all your favourite retro games.
They’ve got Mortal Kombat, Pac-Man, Tekken, Street Fighter, and more. For new classics strum your heart out at Guitar Hero.
There are also console games like Super Nintendo and the original PlayStation.
For drinks, they serve up a ton of fun and game-inspired drinks, like Pac-A-Punch, a beautiful combination of pink gin, peach, apple, and lemon soda.
As well as inventive cocktails they also have beers and soft drinks too.
Enjoy the vibe of 90s hip hop and the screams of competitive gamers whilst you sip on cocktails and try and beat your highest scores.
6. BOX Deansgate
Head to Deansgate and you will find the activity bar BOX.
This isn’t so much a hands-on games bar, more of a classic sports bar vibe.
BOX Deansgate shows all the top sporting events across Sky, BT, and Box Office all on HD widescreen TVs.
You can enjoy the Premier League, boxing, rugby, and more.
BOX is known for its 2-4-1 cocktails which run all day Sunday right through till Wednesday.
Enjoy the bar’s signature cocktails as well as the classics.
Of course, If you are a committed sports fan and want to secure a seat watching your team it’s best to book a table as this place gets really busy.
7. Twenty Twenty Two
Another of the best Manchester activity bars is Twenty Twenty Two.
Head down an unassuming alley, down some stairs, and a whole apparently hidden underground ping pong scene awaits you.
There’s quite the atmosphere at Twenty Twenty Two.
Table tennis is usually played in eerie silence … that’s not the case at this Manchester bar.
A rowdy crowd will watch your games and if you are having a seemingly challenging match watch as the revellers surround, each picking their best bet.
Visit on a Friday or Saturday night and it will be packed. A place of ping pong naturally leads to many games of beer pong, but they also serve cocktails.
There are a few amazing activity bars in the northern quarter and Twenty Twenty Two is well worth a visit.
It’s also an independent bar so it’s only in Manchester where you can get this unique experience.
8. Urban Playground
Head to the Arndale shopping centre for another of the fun bars in Manchester.
Urban Playground is a place where adults can feel like kids again by kicking back and just having fun.
You’ve all probably heard of the TV show THE CUBE.
Head to Manchester and you can try out this high-energy game for yourself. In teams of up to four people, you can take on THE CUBE by choosing seven of the show’s iconic games.
There’s also The Putters, a tech-infused crazy golf course.
There are three different 9-hole challenges you can take on in groups of up to six people.
It’s not just crazy golf, there are even on-screen animations and audio guiding you through the game.
Enjoy the onsite bar after, during, or before you play. They have a vast array of beers, spirits, wines, and cocktails.
9. Pong & Puck
Pong & Puck in Deansgate is a vibrant activity bar where you can enjoy beer pong (and prosecco pong), shuffleboard, table tennis, and pool.
Your evening of gaming fun will be soundtracked by hit tunes of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
You should book a slot before heading to Pong & Puck to ensure there’s a game space for you.
Their menu consists of wine bubbly, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, shots, and beers.
If you want to grab a bite to eat whilst you play, they also have a small food and snack menu.
10. Pixel Bar
Pixel Bar is one of the newest game bars in Manchester with another location in Leeds.
This modern gaming and arcade bar focuses on the popular modern games like FIFA, Rocket League, and Mario Kart.
You should book before you go to Pixel Bar. For the PS5, XBOX, or Switch consoles and tables a minimum of four people is required so grab your closest friends.
Top-tier music makes for an enjoyable vibe and the bar’s fun and witty named cocktail menu is incredible.
Try cocktails like Princess Peach or Who’s That Pokémon?
11. Point Blank
Point Blank is the UK’s first simulation shooting range. Head to the range and you will be challenged to hit a variety of targets.
This alternative watering hole is becoming one of the fun bars in Manchester.
A combination of shooting and enjoying incredible signature cocktails is what’s on offer at Point Blank. They have a wide range of beers, shots, and a couple of wine options too.
During peak times you are advised to book to avoid disappointment.
You will enjoy a minimum range time of one hour or longer if you are in a group of more than 5 people.
This is the perfect activity for stag dos, hen parties, and birthday celebrations. With around 200 shooting scenarios to work through so you can stay there all day!
12. Boom Battle Bar
Located in the Printworks, Boom Battle Bar is the perfect spot if you are looking for fun bars in Manchester.
They have all sorts of games available such as shuffleboard, beer pong, axe throwing, darts, pool and more!
Unlike most darts and axe throwing places, Boom Battle Bar has augmented reality darts and axe throwing booths which is quite different to everything else you can find in Manchester.
They also have a very nice bar where they serve cocktails and classic drinks. If you want to grab some food, you can as well, they have a full menu with bites such as chicken wings available.
13. Salt Dog Slim’s Manchester
Salt Dog Slim’s is another of the best activity bars in Manchester.
Having first opened in Liverpool in 2012 this bar brings the taste and culture of America to Manchester’s Bow Lane.
Slim’s has an awesome cocktail menu with impressive signature cocktails and the classic favourites. They also have a bunch of bottled, canned, and tap beers.
Instead of heading to the busy bar, you can also buy a drink from their vending machine.
There are pool tables and an interesting graffiti wall which you’re allowed to tag.
You can’t miss out on eating a few of America’s classic favourites like the chili dog!
14. Manchester Bierkeller
This activity bar is located inside The Printworks at Withy Grove.
As the name may suggest this bar offers some of the best German beers around and the ultimate Bavarian experience.
Inside this joint, there’s a shooter’s sports bar, more than 20 TVs for watching sports, pool tables, and two full-sized shuffleboards.
They also host a number of shows and events throughout the year.
A lively atmosphere will greet you at Bierkeller, one where the beer is flowing, and the laughter is loud.
15. Whistle Punks
Looking for a fun games bar in Manchester Deansgate? This is the one for you!
Whistle Punks is located in the Great Northern Warehouse and offers the ultimate axe throwing experience in Manchester.
If that’s something you are interested in, you will need to book your slot in advance here.
Once you get to Whistle Punks, you’ll check in with the reception and can head to the bar before starting your activity.
You will be placed on a lane with other players (unless you are a group of 10, in which case you will get a private lane).
The instructor will explain how to throw the axe and organise a little tournament. Altogether you will get to throw the axe 4 times (but 3 axes each time).
Once you are done, you can enjoy the bar and even order some food if you want to. They have amazing pizza and even offer a bottomless brunch at the weekend.
16. 7 Sins
Another one of the popular activity bars in the Northern Quarter is 7 Sins. 7 Sins is the place to go to for all the classic games.
There are shuffleboard, pinball, pool tables, and grabby-claw machines. The atmosphere inside 7 Sins is aided by the graffiti-covered walls and dive bar ambiance.
It is suggested that you come with an appetite as the food at 7 Sins is top-notch.
From decadent burgers and wraps to mac & cheese balls and veggie options they’ve got the lot. And don’t forget their wonderful circus-themed cocktails and booze-infused slushies.
17. GoodTime Games
Located in Didsbury, GoodTime Games is a laid-back café style games bar.
Think of a board game and they’ve probably got it. From Monopoly to Bananagrams this is your go-to place for board game fun.
Simply book a table and play to your heart’s content.
They pride themselves on their vegan and vegetarian ethos, so their food and drinks menu has many of these options.
If you want to drink alcoholic drinks, then it’s a BYOB situation.
This is a super affordable and fun way to spend the day or evening in Manchester.
18. Northern Social
Located in Whitefield, only 5 minutes walk from the MetroLink station, Northern Social is a great place for those looking for Manchester drinking activities.
This fun bar in Northern Manchester offers various types of games such as shuffleboard and beer pong.
The bar is stocked with all sorts of drinks and you can also order pizza.
They offer New York style pizzas which are absolutely amazing.
This bar is quite similar to the ones in town but is a great option if you live in North Manchester and don’t want to go all the way down to the city centre.
Now that you know everything about the best games bars in Manchester, it’s time to have fun!
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