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If you’re part of a toddler’s support team, planning is your friend. so we’re pleased to present you with our guide of things to do with toddlers in Manchester. Of course, no matter how well-prepared you are there are no guarantees that your outing will go smoothly, but it’s a wonderful city for young children to explore. A compact size and flat terrain make it easy for kids to navigate under their own steam, and you’re never too far from somewhere to stop for a play.
If you want more things to do with the kids, check out our regularly updated families guide which picks out the best cultural adventures for families in Manchester and the North.
Here are our picks
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1. Waterstones Manchester Deansgate
Waterstones Manchester Deansgate, 91 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now
Add Waterstone’s to your internal map. The two city centre branches are reliable refuges for the littlest explorers. The Deansgate branch has a dedicated children’s area, but the branch inside the Arndale Centre is the better of the pair: it has a Costa Coffee right next to a lovely play area in the children’s section. This comes with a few well-loved toys, soft cushions and a big table that’s always equipped with paper and crayons. Your child’s art might even be used to decorate the shop (though mind they don’t decorate any books).
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2. Science and Industry Museum
Jonty Wilde Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now
With it’s great (and free) hands-on Experiment! Gallery, MSI is top for toddlers, and it has two cafes and an indoor picnic area where you can eat a packed lunch. If they still have some energy left, the kids might enjoy playing on the grass in nearby St. John’s Gardens, or you could take a picnic to the canal and watch the narrowboats.
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3. People’s History Museum
Image courtesy of the People's History Museum. -
4. Manchester Art Gallery
Andrew Brooks Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3JL - Visit now
Manchester Art Gallery has the children’s Clore Interactive Gallery to explore and they frequently run workshops throughout half term and the summer holidays. The cafe has a pay-as-you-feel deal for children too.
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5. Manchester Craft & Design Centre
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6. Dough Pizza Kitchen
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7. Piccadilly Gardens
By Dave Morton (23 Piccadilly Gardens) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 3BG
And on hot days, the fountain at nearby Piccadilly Gardens is irresistible for water play (the nearby Pret has baby-changing facilities). Bring a change of clothes!
Manchester Visitor Guides
Free family things to do in Manchester
The world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
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Art Galleries in Manchester & Salford
Away from the buzz of London, Manchester and Salford arguably have one of the highest concentrations of fantastic art galleries in England. Here’s our pick.
Libraries in Manchester
Bibliophiles, rejoice: we have rounded up the best libraries in Manchester for your perusal.
Restaurants in Manchester
The very best restaurants in Manchester’s city centre, including ones you know, and future favourites.
Places to go / stay / shop / eat / drink
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