Discover our top five of the best hands on activities & DIY activity spots in Manchester to keep the kids busy this Spring…
When the rain starts to fall and the kids start to get restless, you could spend endless hours searching for something to keep them occupied. Put down that Frozen DVD and sling away that Nintendo Switch. We’ve rounded up five of Manchester’s best hands-on places to visit that will let your child’s creative juices flow as their imagination runs wild.
Create It
37 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle, Stockport, SK8 1DR
Nestled in the heart of Cheadle sits ‘Create It’, a cheery craft cafe for children of all ages. Whether you want to unleash your inner artist and paint some pottery or fancy a little bit of Decopatch, gluing and sticking to your heart's content, there is something for everyone to get artsy with. The team also specialise in 'Love Imprints' - clay imprints and silver imprint jewellery - giving you the opportunity to create priceless, personalised memories and gifts that you'll treasure forever. That’s not just finger or foot prints - the paws of your canine and feline friends can also be cast.
Manchester Wizard’s Spellbook Treasure Hunt
The Albert Memorial, Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5DB
This is an activity that will test the brains of both adults and children alike. The Manchester Wizard’s Spellbook Treasure Hunt is a self-guided treasure hunt bringing magic to exploring Manchester’s city scape.
The wicked witch Abby Cadabra has put a horrible curse over Manchester, dooming the city to years of never ending rain. Sadly, famous adventurer, Hugo First ran at the first sign of peril and now it’s down to you and your bunch of treasure hunters to put your heads together, solve the clues and discover the location of the magical spellbook that will bring sunshine back! Discover Manchester in a whole new light with this spellbinding self-guided tour. Tours start at just £9.99 so what are you waiting for? Wands at the ready!
The wicked Abby Cadabra has put a horrible curse over Manchester, dooming the City to years of never-ending rain. It's up to you and your bunch of treasure hunters to put your heads together, solve the clues and discover the location of the magical spellbook that will bring the sunshine back. Discover Manchester in a whole new light with this spellbinding self-guided tour.
Legoland Discovery Centre
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester, Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS
Legoland has been a staple of countless people’s childhood and Manchester’s Legoland Discovery Centre brings the famous toy set to life. From exploring Mini-Land (with over 1.5 millions lego bricks!), to immersing yourself in VR racing, 4D cinema experiences, rides and of course, getting hands on and building your own Lego creations- you’ll find a whole afternoon has passed by in the blink of an eye.
The Legoland Discovery Centre also hosts regular events that you can check out here. Tickets start from just £15.
Science and Industry Museum
Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP
The mention of a museum may result in a groans and moans but this will all be forgotten the minute you walk in. The Science and Industry Museum is just one of Manchester’s many museums, packed full of interactive exhibits and activities giving kids the opportunity to play and learn hand in hand, their earlier grumbles a mere memory! The ‘Experiment’ Gallery is a must visit; stare into the mirror of infinity, create your own tornado or even watch your very own skeleton ride a bicycle. They won’t be able to believe their eyes! Entry to the museum is free, however they do accept donations. You can check out what’s on over the coming weeks here.
Total Ninja
Tenax Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1JT
Fancy finding a spot where you can get stuck in too? Total Ninja Manchester is the UK’s first ninja park and is perfect for ‘adrenaline monkeys’! Unleash your inner warrior at this 40,000 square foot obstacle course packed with 11 different ninja runs for people of ages 5 and above and all abilities.
From rolling logs, spider walls, ring sliders, jump towers and many more it’s time to get stuck in and show yourself what you can do! There’s on-course professionals to guide you through your obstacles (should you need it) and a Ninja-Fit training gym facility to improve your strength and conditioning.
Tickets start from £16.50. Book yours here.