Families at the National Football Museum

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
families at the national history museum
National Football Museum

Families at the National Football Museum at National Football Museum, Manchester 1 January 2021 — 1 December 2022 Entrance is free — Visit now

Activities for families at the National Football Museum are all based inside, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a fun, indoor experience on a rainy day. The activities start on entry to the building, where you can pick up a family-friendly trail map to assist you in finding some of football’s top treasures, as you explore the exhibitions and galleries.

You will be captivated in the Incredible Stories and Objects exhibition, exploring the history of football in a way that’s accessible for the whole family. The exhibition showcases the world’s finest, shiniest collection of football objects. The Score Gallery exhibition is another area to explore. This section highlights the inspirational football players and managers who have contributed significantly to football, or perhaps been a voice and advocate for young people.

Do you dream of lifting a trophy one day? You and your family can have individual or group photos taken with the museum’s dazzling premier league trophy, and if you want to take a trophy home, there are replicas available in the shop.

It’s not just about exploring though, there’s room for football practice too. Have a shot at being the next top-penalty scorer in the Penalty Shootout experience. Can you get the ball past the talented virtual goalkeeper?!

After the penalties, you can have a go at other activities in the Play Gallery, all designed to brush up your football skills.

And with practice comes play. Under-5s can play, learn and explore in the Discovery Area, with activities such as dressing up, a story corner and soft play.

Activities for families at the National Football Museum are available all year round.

Families at the National Football Museum at National Football Museum, Manchester 1 January 2021 — 1 December 2022 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Families at the National Football Museum

 Patrick, SpongeBob and Squidward at the UK's only Nickelodeon Land.
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Nickelodeon Land

Combine the thrill of an amusement park with the colourful world of Nickelodeon at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Leeds
Restaurant
Archive

Archive serving up speciality coffee and bespoke events to the people of Kirkstall, including craft fairs, vintage pop ups and exhibitions.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Flat Iron Leeds
Manchester
Restaurant
Flat Iron Manchester

Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.

hotel2
Hotel
Hilton Liverpool

The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.

hotel
Baltic Triangle
Hotel
Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

hotel4
Liverpool
Hotel
The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
Shop
Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

cafe
Lark Lane
Café or Coffee Shop
Press Bros

Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.

What's on: Families

Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

free entry
The Dragon Parade, Chinatown Celebrations and Fireworks
FamiliesChinatown
The Dragon Parade

The dazzling 175-foot dragon is back for Manchester’s 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, joined by Chinese Opera performers, 12 Zodiac animals and ancient army characters.

free entry

Culture Guides

Olaf Falafel
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.