Great for the kids big and little, LEGOLAND is a great day out for families. Children under 5 can enjoy the  DUPLO Farm, and then have a tumble and play in the soft play area, no big kids allowed!

Perfect for children and animal enthusiasts alike, you’ll be able to dive into the unique stories of the oceans’ most fascinating residents, including clownfish, stingrays, sharks and sea turtles.

No grumpy babies here! Head to Heaton Park and Farm with your littlest one in full ‘sling’ and enjoy an Animal Centre for cuddling and petting plus a really lovely stroll around the stunning green grounds. Granted, baby will probably sleep the whole way through, but parents can enjoy the animals while sleepy one catches up on much needed kip!

A great day out for kids and adults of all ages. Stroll through the grounds of the spectacular 154-acre RHS Bridgewater Garden, with play areas, plant factories and butterfly gardens for the bigger-little kids, and lots of fresh air, green spaces and top facilities for the babies too.

Babies will love a trip on the steam train at East Lancashire Railway. Choo Choo!

Completing your hop around NQ, Manchester Craft & Design Centre offers a little respite from the hustle and bustle of city (and precious baby-changing).

The Arndale is a bit of a godsend for families, as you can go shopping while also knowing its relatively easy with your little one. Featuring up-to-date facilities for parents: separate baby changing and feeding rooms, parent and child stalls in the women’s rooms, and parent and child toilets. If you’re on your own with a pram, attendants will open an accessible toilet for you. On site cafes such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee (in Waterstones) and Cafe Nero, are handy places for a feed and all come with highchairs as standard. Watch out for (very) long lift queues at busy times, though.

It’s worth having a look around all the museums in Manchester, but along with the National Football Museum, MSI feels especially family-friendly. There’s monthly activity sessions, soft play and quiet zone.

Home to Art Baby, Music Baby and Welly Walks, it’s safe to say that the Whitworth wear their family-friendly heart of their sleeve. The Whitworth is an especially peaceful escape from the city but most art galleries in Manchester are perfect for running the buggy around.

There isn’t masses of green space in the city centre, though Castlefield is good for open space and a bit of green, while All Saint’s park (part of the MMU campus and just off Oxford Road) is a welcome retreat from the nearby thundering buses; a place to catch your breath if need be. Here are some of our preferred parks and gardens.