Free family things to do in Manchester

Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now

Following almost 18 months of closure, Manchester Museum reopens from Saturday 18 February 2023 with lots of brand-new exhibition spaces to explore. There’s a stunning new Exhibition Hall and the UK’s first permanent South Asia Gallery to check out – and don’t worry, all your favourites are back too – including Stan the T-Rex.

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road (Off Leigh Road), Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2GU - Visit now

Are you looking for a family day out in Manchester where you can be at one with nature? Head to the spectacular 154-acre RHS Bridgewater Garden in Salford, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now

Open all year round, the Science and Industry Museum is free entry and inspires visitors of all ages through exploring revolutionary, world-changing ideas and fun, interactive exhibitions.

Greater Manchester Police Museum, 57a Newton Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1ET - Visit now

Open every Tuesday and for special days in school holidays, this gem of a museum will have you all on your best behaviour as you stand in the dock, explore life behind bars and try the feel of a wooden pillow.

Hat Works Museum, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK3 0EU - Visit now

Top Hats, bowlers, trilbies …. who doesn’t love some fine headgear? Visit the UK’s only collection devoted to hats which celebrates Stockport’s role in the hatting industry and showcases hats from across the world.

Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now

Discover how war shapes lives in this award-winning Daniel Libeskind building representing a globe changed by conflict. See objects which have changed the course of history such as the Field Gun which fired the first shell of the First World War and a large section of twisted and rusted steelwork from the collapsed World Trade Center. Don’t miss regular object handling sessions and the 360 degree Big Picture Show experience.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3JL - Visit now

Grab a free toolbelt activity kit and adventure around this Grade I-listed gallery which makes art headlines around the world for all the right reasons.  Don’t miss the Clore Arts Studio and pay-as-you-feel menu for children from award-winning chef Mary-Ellen McTague and Real Junk Food Manchester.

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER - Visit now

Manchester’s multi award-winning gallery-in-a-park with regular free creative events for babies and toddlers as well as ongoing welly walks, art picnics and crafty activities galore.

National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG - Visit now

Learn all about the history of the beautiful game in the world’s largest football museum with optional Football Plus experiences to put your penalty shootout skills to the test. The clever folk at the museum even help pocket money budgets go further with free weekly Match Attax swopsies sessions.

Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 3AN - Visit now

A beautifully preserved Tudor mansion and museum with resident ghost and expansive lawns.

People’s History Museum (PHM), Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now

Recent winner of the national “Kids In Museums” award, visit this national museum of democracy for interactive family galleries and regularly changing creative events. It’s never to early to learn about past struggles and ‘there have always been ideas worth fighting for’.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum, 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, OL12 0NU - Visit now

The Rochdale Pioneers Museum – once a shop – is widely considered to be the birthplace of the co-operative movement. See the historic first food counter, cashier point and become Mini Pioneers on an interactive trail.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WU - Visit now

A family friendly city museum that stakes a claim as the UK’s first free public library. Explore the historic Lark Hill Place street installation then let loose in Peel Park.

John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now

Regularly named one of the finest libraries in the world, make like you are in Hogwarts together and be wowed by this incredible place with regular free family trails and creative sessions.