Every place in Manchester

National Trust - Formby

Liverpool

Sand dunes, pinewoods and two beach trails to explore, with sand wheelchairs on loan and no fires allowed to keep the wildlife happy.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBlue badge parking+11 more

Naturegarden Nursery & Forest School

Lymm · ages 2-11

A registered nursery and forest school where kids build with natural materials, paint and explore outdoors most of the day, not a drop-in session.

Booking requiredOutdoor play

New dawn pottery

Manchester · adults only (18+)

An adults-only pottery studio in Manchester, strictly no under-18s, so this is one for a childfree afternoon rather than a family outing.

Booking required

Newbridge Fishing Lakes

Liverpool · adults only (18+)

Day ticket coarse fishing for carp, tench, bream and chub, open 7am to 7pm, but under 18s aren't admitted without an adult.

CaféToilets

Night & Day Cafe

Manchester

A gig venue and gallery on Oldham Street with live bands, DJ sets and art on the walls, and a fair few free-entry nights.

Food on site

Nixon's Farm Shop

Cheadle · up to age 10

Heald Green farm shop with animals, play barn and tea room - book play sessions at weekends.

ParkingToiletsCaféBaby change+5 more

Northenden Players Theatre Club

Manchester

A local am-dram theatre club putting on shows, with non-members paying £5 a ticket.

Northwest Rollersports CIC

Atherton, Manchester · ages 3-99

A no-frills rink where kids skate proper family sessions, learn from marshalls, and cheap admission beats most soft play.

Accessible toiletAllergy awareBirthday partiesCafé+11 more

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Runcorn · ages 0-16

A medieval priory museum with woodland walks, a Georgian walled garden and a St Christopher statue that starred in a children's novel.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+7 more

Nottingham Beach

Nottingham

A free pop-up beach with sand, a pool and paid rides in the middle of the city, open all summer.

Card onlyCash onlyToilets

O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester

Manchester

A big industrial gig venue in Manchester where you book a specific show rather than just turning up.

Accessible toiletPublic transport nearbyToiletsWheelchair accessible

Old Queen's Head

Sheffield

A Grade II listed Tudor building in Sheffield with a courtyard to explore and pub food to fill you up after.

Food on siteRestaurant

Oldham Library

Oldham

Free sessions for babies, toddlers and Lego fans, plus theatre shows that run from £5 to £10.

Accessible toiletBaby changeParkingSensory friendly+3 more

Open Air Bounce

Bolton · ages 0-16

A field full of giant bouncy castles, slides and a fairground carousel, but only during school holidays and only when it's dry.

Accessible toiletBaby changeFirst aidFood on site+3 more

Ordsall Hall

Salford

A free Tudor manor where kids can try climbing a replica string and hay bed and lay the table in the Great Hall.

Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingCaféGift shop+8 more

Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Preston · ages 2+

Daily flight displays and up-close meet-the-birds sessions with owls and hawks, no booking needed, just turn up.

Group bookingsParty roomsSchool visits

Paint Away Events

Manchester · ages 11+

Guided painting sessions on canvas, candles or wine glasses, led step by step by an artist, with private parties for older kids.

Free parkingIndoor seatingFood on site

Paint Splat

Manchester · ages 3+

An hour with splatter guns and brushes at a splat station, ending with a canvas to take home.

Birthday partiesFree parkingGroup bookingsPram storage+3 more

Paradise Island Adventure Golf Trafford Centre

Manchester

Two indoor 18-hole adventure golf courses at the Trafford Centre - book ahead at weekends.

Birthday partiesWheelchair accessibleToiletsParking

Partington Theatre

Glossop · ages 6+

Pantomime, cinema screenings and youth drama classes on one stage, with tickets from £6.

Indoor play

Party and Play Funhouse

Westhoughton, Bolton · ages 0-12

Westhoughton soft play with indoor and outdoor zones for 0-12s, cafe and free parking - book for a table.

Indoor playCaféBirthday partiesParty rooms+5 more

Pavilion Gardens

Buxton

Free Victorian gardens with outdoor play parks, then hop the miniature train or boats when you fancy a paid treat.

ToiletsParkingCaféRestaurant+6 more

Peak Cavern

Castleton

Walk a guided showcave under the gorge with a rope-makers story - chilly low section, from £13.75 online for children.

Booking required

Peak Wildlife Park

Leek · ages 0+

Walk with lemurs and penguins, meet polar bears Nanook and Noori, then burn energy on outdoor play and indoor jungle soft play.

Free parkingParkingToiletsAccessible toilet+14 more