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Are you looking for some inspiration when it comes to the fun things to do in Manchester? Then you’ve come to the right place!
As someone who lives in Manchester and loves doing fun stuff, I had to put together this article.
â±ïž IN A RUSH? Here are the top 3 FUN Activities in Manchester
1ïžâŁ Axe Throwing at Whistle Punks
2ïžâŁ Playing Cricket at Sixes Social Cricket
3ïžâŁ Skating at Paradise Skate World
You will find below a selection of the best fun things to do in Manchester City Centre and around. This includes a selection of activities for adults, group of friends but also some family friendly ones.
1. Urban Axe Throwing Experience
đAddress: 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN, UK
Located in Deansgate, this urban axe throwing experience is truly unique and is one of the fun things to do in Manchester for adults.
Youâll be led by an experienced instructor who will take you through the safety and techniques of axe throwing. There are ten axe throwing lanes and two sizes of target to aim at.
You will be playing by teams of 10 (don’t worry if you are a small group, they will make the groups when you arrive) and play 3 rounds.
Afterwards you can enjoy some drinks at the on-site bar and order some pizzas.
2. Sixes Social Cricket
đAddress: The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR – Find on Google Maps
Sixes Social Cricket is located by the Cathedral and is part of the Corn exchange.
There are batting cages to play interactive cricket as well as karaoke pods.
It opens around lunch time but stays open well into the evening. So, head there in the day or go in the evening, grab a beer and practise your cricket skills.
If you are picturing cricket whites and a sleep crowd donât worry this experience is much more fun.
You and your friends can head to the batting nets where you can choose which level you want to play. I recommend starting with the lower level to get used to it. You can up the level every time.
You can get adult tickets for under ÂŁ15 and childrenâs tickets for around ÂŁ10. Itâs important that you arrive 15 minutes before your booking so you can start batting on time.
đĄ PRO TIP: If you book off-peak tickets they will be 50% cheaper.
3. Paradise Skate World
đAddress: Unit 5, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Youâll be taken to another universe at this indoor roller-skating venue. Youâll be skating surrounded by space and cosmos-themed dĂ©cor.
Everything from the lighting to the cocktails is space-themed and super fun.
Whether itâs your first-time skating or you are a bit of a pro at Paradise Skate World, you can glide along to your heads content listening to some fantastic tunes.
There are a variety of ticket options available.
Try the classic âIntergalactic Skate Sessionâ where you can skate for 60 minutes (including skate hire).
If you fancy an intergalactic cocktail, then opt for the âSkate & Cocktailâ. Tickets range from around ÂŁ8 to ÂŁ20 depending on which option you choose.
4. iFly Indoor Skydiving
đAddress: Leisure Village, 9 Trafford Way, Manchester M41 7JA
This iFly Indoor Skydiving experience provides you with two flights as well as a certificate.
This experience is about an hour and a half and is perfect for adrenaline junkies.
You can feel the rush of skydiving without the associated costs of jumping out of a plane. You can enjoy this experience for less than ÂŁ80.
You will be flying in a vertical wind tunnel whilst following an instructorâs guidance. All the equipment youâll need like suits, helmets and goggles will be provided for you.
Your sky dive will be the equivalent of a free-fall time of three times 12,000 ft skydives.
iFly Indoor Skydiving is located right next to one of the other fun Manchester activities on this list, Chill Factore, which is very convenient.
5. Chill Factore
đAddress: 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA
Located near Trafford Centre, Chill Factore is the perfect place for an epic day out.
Perhaps youâve always wanted to learn how to ski or maybe you just want to keep your eye in until the European ski season starts again. Whichever way, it will be fun!
Chill Factore is super popular because it has the longest indoor ski slope in the UK.
Standing tall at 180 metres youâll be sure to have some fun on the slopes.
You can choose to ski or snowboard, take lessons or an hourly lift pass.
If you are considering visiting with kids over the holidays, you could also enrol them in the kids ski and snowboard holiday camps.
Hourly lift passes are around ÂŁ33 to ÂŁ40 with junior prices being lower.
6. Treetop Adventure Golf
đAddress: The Printworks, Dantzic St, Manchester M4 2BS
Treetop Adventure Golf is a rainforest-themed mini golf in the Printworks.
With two trails, either the Ancient Explorer or the Tropical Trail you and your friends and family will have a lot of fun trying to navigate your way around the course.
A family of four can play the 18-hole course for less than ÂŁ40. Single, student, little explorer and senior tickets are also available at under ÂŁ15.
You really can play the Treetop Adventure Golf course at any time of day with opening hours between 10am and 11am and closing times from 10pm to 11pm.
7. Immersive Gamebox
đAddress: Manchester Arndale, Unit R3 Halle Place, Market St, Manchester M4 3AQ
Immersive Gamebox is located inside the Arndale and is a great activity for groups.
They use immersive technology to make you feel as if you are in a full-size video game.
The games you can play include Squid Game, Angry Birds and Shaun the Sheep to name a few.
You and your teammates will work together against other teams to beat the high scores and climb the leader board.
Go with a group of six and youâll have your game box to yourselves. You can play whilst you drink by ordering beers, cocktails or soft drinks right to your box.
8. Crystal Maze
đAddress: St Johns, Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
Like in the conic 1990âs Crystal Maze TV show, you and your team will need to solve a variety of puzzles and mysteries, compete in mental and physical challenges all with the solitary aim of winning crystals.
The more crystals you have the more time you will get in the classic crystal dome at the end of the game. Here youâll need to work hard to catch as many flying tokens as you can.
You can choose a variety of adventure zones at Crystal Maze Manchester including futuristic, industrial, mediaeval, and Aztec.
Crystal Maze Manchester caters for friends, families and large groups like hen and stag parties. Tickets range from ÂŁ30 to ÂŁ60.
9. Breakout Manchester
đAddress: 51 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD
Breakout Manchester is a live escape room experience in the Northern Quarter.
You need to be in teams of two to five people and will have 60 minutes to escape a locked room of your choosing. Find clues, solve puzzles, and think your way out of this locked room.
There are 17 uniquely themed rooms to choose from. You can see all the rooms here first before you decide which one to book.
From the Cursed Carnival to the Emporium of Magic to the scary and difficult Captured there is a room suitable for everyone.
For a group of five people tickets are less than ÂŁ90 but do vary. Generally speaking, the more players you have the cheaper the ticket is.
10. The Archertype
đAddress: Unit 10A, Universal Building, 37 – 49 Devonshire St N, Manchester M12 6JR
The Archertype is a cool activity to try near Piccadilly. It’s set in an old warehouse and offers archerty tag experience.
Archery tag is a bit like dodgeball but instead of balls, you are meant to shoot each other with foam-tipped arrows.
Work intelligently together as a team to outsmart your opponents.
There are a variety of ticket options but generally speaking, you can play for under ÂŁ30. The price becomes cheaper with more players in your team.
A trip to The Archertype is perfect for a group of friends or a corporate day out.
PRO TIP: There is free on-street parking on the street by the Universal Building after 6PM on weekdays and on weekends.
READ MORE: 15 Best Activity Bars in Manchester
11. Treetop Trek Manchester (Zip World)
đAddress: Heaton Park, St Margaret’s Rd, Manchester M25 2GT
Located in Heaton Park, Treetop Trek is one of the Zip World attractions in Manchester.
Here, you can escape to nature all whilst putting your fear of heights to the test by climbing on a high ropes course.
Once you have your harness on, throw away those fears and start navigating the 20 aerial challenges and 10 zip lines.
Hop from precarious floating log to precarious floating log, balance on ropes and make your way through netting. This is a super fun adventure for any age group.
There are a number of different ticket options including a two hour âfull trekâ, one hour âmini trekâ and thereâs also the âtree top netsâ where you can jump around on elevated nets throwing exercise balls at one another.
Tickets to Treetop Trek are within the range of ÂŁ15 to ÂŁ40.
12. Urban Playground
đAddress: Manchester Arndale, Urban Playground Upper Mall, Manchester M4 3AQ
Urban Playground is simply brimming with fun-filled activities the entire family can enjoy. It’s located in the Arndale which means it’s very easy to get to.
Some of the activities on offer at Urban Playground include the famous CUBE live experience. Just like youâve seen on TV you too can take your chance at the CUBE.
Thereâs also an epic crazy golf course.
Depending on the activity you choose tickets are in the range of ÂŁ7 to ÂŁ70 depending on the experience you choose.
13. SEALIFE Manchester
đAddress: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS
SEALIFE centres arenât just for kids. People of all ages will love discovering the wonderfully colourful fish, sharks, sting rays and more at Manchester SEALIFE centre.
For a hassle free trip, you can book your tickets here.
There is an interactive 3D Turtle Beach experience which allows you to learn more about the life cycle of the sea turtle.
Thereâs also an interactive rockpool experience where you can learn about starfish, crabs, shrimp and more.
Some of the amazing species on display include the Cow Nose Stingray, Moon Jellyfish and Humphead Napoleon Wrasse.
But the highlight is the epic ocean tunnel that really makes you feel like you are walking under water.
14. Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester
đAddress: Meeting point – 37 Exchange St, Manchester M4 3TR
This silent disco hits the streets of Manchester in broad daylight!
You will be provided with noise cancelling headphones and led on an hour-long tour of Manchester.
The enthusiastic and dancing guides will lead you past historic sites all whilst conducting some impressive choreography.
After youâve toured Manchester on this musically instructed adventure you can stop by the starting destination at Sixes Cricket Club where you can enjoy a discount on food.
When you arrive at the location youâll want to look out for the team in yellow. You can book tickets for this excursion for under ÂŁ30.
15. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
đAddress: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity next to The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS
The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre might sound like it’s instantly an attraction for kids but actually the whole family can enjoy this attraction.
LEGOLAND is right next to SEALIFE Manchester so itâs feasible to do both in the same day.
Attractions include a VR racing facility, a 4D LEGO cinema and an epic Miniland. Miniland is well worth a visit to see some of the UK and worldâs greatest landmarks, made of LEGO of course.
After youâve explored the centre’s attractions you can check out the LEGO shop and have a drink at the coffee shop.
Depending on your age and ticket option, entry ranges from around ÂŁ12 to ÂŁ35.
16. Manchester Food Tour
đAddress: Meeting point â outside Cask Bar at New Islington, Manchester M4 6BX
This Manchester food and drinks walking tour is the perfect activity for foodies.
The tour starts at the trendy area of Islington Marina before heading to Ancoats and Manchesterâs Northern Quarter.
You wonât only be sampling top food and drinks, but youâll be learning about Manchesterâs history, from the Industrial Revolution to the famous local musicians.
The tour will stop at six locally run food establishments with each dish telling a story about Manchester and the community.
You will also discover a lot of hidden gems.
READ MORE: 4+ Best Food Tours in Manchester to try in 2023
17. Base Bar
đAddress: 5 Millow St, Manchester M4 4DR
Another sporty activity and one of the fun things to do in Manchester for adults is going to Base Bar (yes that’s a baseball bar).
It can busy at peak times like on Friday nights and the weekend so it’s best to book a batting cage in advance.
There are several cages which are each suitable for a maximum of five people. Sessions are 30 minutes each.
PRO TIP: If you are more than 2 people, I highly recommend booking at least 1 hour.
The interior is decorated with neon lights and as night falls, youâll really feel like youâre in a bar rather than going to play baseball.
18. Manchester Treasure Hunt Adventure
đAddress: Starts from Piccadilly Station, Manchester, M1 2GH
This Manchester Treasure Hunt Adventure is an exciting way to spend a couple of hours exploring Manchester.
When you book your ticket, you will be given a unique link and that will be the start of your game.
Make sure your phone is charged as you will be taken from location to location with the aim of solving different clues. Along the way, you will get to learn about the city and see the best sites.
If you are struggling with some of the clues, you can ask Captain Bess (the treasure hunt character) on the app for some hints to make it easier.
The starting point for this treasure hunt is at Piccadilly Station.
19. Salsa and Bachata at Revs de Cuba
Revolucion de Cuba offers FREE salsa and bachata classes on Wednesdays.
It starts at 7PM with 1 hour of beginner salsa, then at 8PM there is the beginner bachata class and at 9PM the social dance.
The instructors, Diego and Ola, are fabulous. They explain so well and are so reassuring (as well as being funny).
You do not need a partner to go, you will be paired up with different people so don’t worry if nobody wants to come with you.
It’s so much fun, you will love it!
20. Arcade Club in Bury
đAddress: Ela Mill, Cork St, Bury BL9 7BW
This multi-level video arcade is a mixture of retro and modern games that gaming fans will go crazy over.
They have several floors of arcade games including Pac Land, BurgerTime, Dance Revolution and other Berzerk.
Theyâve got pinball machines, games consoles and more than 300 classic and modern games for every type of gamer to enjoy.
You simply need to pay the admission fee which is ÂŁ17 for an adult and then you can play as much as you want until they close.
This is such a good concept because arcade games can be quite expensive when you pay per game so having unlimited access is a huge plus.
đĄPRO TIP: They have a bar on the last floor and serve food like pizzas and burgers. The prices are very reasonable so I recommend eating there.
21. Pixel Bar
đAddress: 10 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1DH
Pixel Bar is best known for its games console booths. You can spend a night out drinking cocktails and playing your favourite PS5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox games.
Some of the games included at Pixel Bar are FIFA 23, Halo and Crash Team Racing to name a few.
You book a console booth rather than paying per person, so it works out much cheaper if you grab a bunch of friends to visit too.
It’s best to book a console booth in advance to avoid disappointment but booths are priced at around ÂŁ10.
There are a ton of food and drink options to keep you well fed and having fun whilst you play.
They have 2 for ÂŁ10 cocktails for happy hour until 9pm every day. Youâll enjoy the gaming inspired cocktail menu!
22. Manchester Cheese Crawl
đAddress: Starts – Richard Cobden Statue at 2-437 St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7LG, UK Ends – Tib Street, Manchester M4 1NB, UK
The Manchester cheese crawl is the ultimate activity for cheese lovers in Manchester.
Youâll be taken around town by a professional cheesy tour guide to all the best places to sample cheese.
Youâll learn some interesting facts about cheese, take part in games, meet cheesemongers, and of course sample rather a lot of cheese.
As you pass from cheese to cheese, youâll also be in for a treat when you get to try an incredible crumbly Lancashire cheese made by a local celebrity.
23. Taxi Tour with Afternoon Tea
đAddress: Pick up at a location convenient for you
If you are searching for fun places in Manchester, why not travel around them all in this afternoon tea taxi tour.
This afternoon tea taxi tour is led by John, a local cabby.
He offers a three-hour tour of Manchester complete with afternoon tea in an iconic British black cab. Black cabs arenât just for London but Manchester too.
The afternoon teas are provided by Slattery PĂątissier & Chocolatier and feature scones, pastries, tea, and coffee.
You can book your tour with John here, and heâll organise a convenient pick up location.
One of the best things about this tour is John’s passion and knowledge.
You can even request the tour to feature certain spots and even include family history. John will cover it all and investigate fully to provide you with a really informative tour.
24. Rock Over Climbing
đAddress: Park Garage, Cheviot St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1LW
Rock Over Climbing Manchester is a bouldering and climbing centre near Victoria Station. There are 300 bouldering problems and 10 auto belays.
Whether youâve climbed before or not, Rock Over Climbing can cater for you. Start out with a few lessons and then head to the bouldering zone to try out your skills.
Helpful and experienced staff are on hand to give you advice on belaying and how to perfect your technique.
You can climb for the day for around ÂŁ20, this includes harness hire and climbing shoes.
25. Dog Bowl
đAddress: 57 Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5WW
Dog Bowl is a vibrantly modern bowling venue that also has a cocktail bar and arcade games.
This is one of the fun things to do in Manchester for adults as you can bowl late in the evening and then enjoy some of the bar’s excellent cocktails.
Dog Bowl is in collaboration with NQ64, the retro arcade bar which means you can also play games.
From Tuesday to Friday, you can enjoy their excellent âBeer, Burger and Bowlâ for under ÂŁ20. You cannot miss out on their sensational chicken burgers which are utterly moreish.
Lane prices vary depending on whether you book off peak or not, but adults can bowl for less than ÂŁ15.
đ¶ Dog Bowl is dog friendly so don’t hesitate to bring your pup!
26. Aerial Fitness
Have you ever thought about trying aerial hoop, silks or yoga? Well, there is no time like the present!
We have a few amazing aerial studios in Manchester including Cloud Aerial (NQ and Piccadilly), GFF Studio (Victoria) and Asteria Studio (Radcliffe).
They all offer various aerial classes including hoop, silks, lollipop and more.
Here is basically how it works. The aerial equipment is safely installed and the teacher will show you different exercises and poses that you can do.
There is something very fun about being in the air and having your head upside down so if you want to try something new, this is for you!
Please note that each studio has different classes and timetables varies so make sure to check out their website to find what is the most suitable for you.
They also all offer pole fitness classes.
27. Fly360 flight simulator
đAddress: Runway Visitor Park, Sunbank Ln, Altrincham WA15 8XQ
Located at the Runway Visitor Park in Manchester airport, the Fly360 flight simulator is one of the best things to do in Manchester for young adults.
It’s a lot of fun and is also quite cheap (so perfect if you ask me!).
Basically, you will be sitting in a machine that simulates the flight of a P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. You will have a joystick to control your aircraft and can do what you want with it.
It’s even possible to invert the plane! How cool and fun is that?
If that’s something you’re interested in, you can easily book online and go enjoy the experience.
Make sure to also spend some time at the park since there are other attractions and you can watch the airplanes landing and taking off too.
28. Chaos Kart
đAddress: Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
Located in Spinningfields, Chaos Kart is a bit of a real-life Mario Kart experience in Manchester.
They have immersive themed race circuits on which you can drive karts and race your friends.
There are 6 courses. They change after each race which means you always do something different.
While it may sound like a normal kart experience, it’s actually much more interactive since you can pick up weapons as you drive and throw them on the others.
It’s a lot of fun and the setting is absolutely stunning. It’s all in the dark with loads of light. It’s very pretty.
You can book your tickets online on their website.
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