Our city guide to Manchester’s most-loved local classes, activities, parks, farms, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents
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So what is Manchester well known for?
Manchester is a city filled to the brim with rich history. It was the starting point of multiple revolutions (including the industrial revolution and the suffragette movement) is (and has) been a prime filming location for shows like Peaky Blinders & The Crown, and is the birthplace for tons of household names (including Ian Mckellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, and bandmembers of Oasis).
The area is rich with culture, and buzzing with life. Listed by comparethemarket as one of the UK’s best locations to raise a family, a lot of its population is made up of young families. When it comes to having fun in the Manchester area, the very youngest members of the population (and their carers) have their pick of things to do. So, after receiving many many many recommendations, we thought we’d hone in on some of the most-loved activities, destinations and services for little ones.
We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.
Manchester’s best… Soft Play & Cafe’s
When in doubt, go for a play center! Little ones can keep entertained for hours at these colourful venues, and all of the below have a cafe nearby for when you need your that well-needed tea break.
7 slides, a ball pit, our famous 5-a side football pitch, and (why it’s perfect for this list) a dedicated baby/toddler section! This is a great soft play center and came highly recommended by multiple local parents of Manchester.
Unit 26. Goyt Mill, Marple, Stockport, SK6 7HX
Charity run organization, The Hideaway run a “pay what you can” system. You’re spoilt for choice when places like The Hideaway offer a soft play station, roleplay station, sensory play room and more.
Partington Shopping Centre, Central Road, Partington, Manchester, M31 4EL
Boomerang is a great play centre for babies and toddlers. They include a soft play room, sensory play room, and a state of the art “interactive” room, where, “Ceiling-mounted projectors create a unique affect allowing children to interact with various games on the floor.”
Unit 2, Woodhill Street, Bury, BL8 1AT.
The largest soft play center on our list: Tumbles Play Place truly is the best place to bounce the energy right out of your little one!
Unit 2 Park Mill Industrial Estate, Manchester Road, Mossley, Lancashire, OL5 9BQ
Manchester’s best… Family Days Out
If you’re looking for a treat that could occupy the little ones as well as any big kids you might have (yes, this could include spouses), then these are some great day-trips out for you.
An insightful museum for car lovers that does two things: educates and excites! Find out all about the history of fire-engines. There’s also a Cafe on site for when your feet start to feel like they’re on fire open Thursday, Friday and Saturday (10am to 4pm).
Maclure Road, Rochdale, United Kingdom, OL11 1DN
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
Whilst Lego may not be age-friendly for all little ones, there’s a great “Duplo Farm” that’s great developmental fun for 0-5 year olds.
Trafford Palazzo, TraffordCity, Manchester, United Kingdom, M17 8AS
With a curiosity for the world, the Sea Life centre is a fantastic place to discover all creatures from the big blue. At the Manchester branch, there’s even a great opportunity to meet a mermaid!
Trafford Palazzo, TraffordCity, Manchester, United Kingdom, M17 8AS
Manchester’s best… Baby and Toddler Classes
Do you fancy sampling a class that gives your little one a new skill? Or is it maybe just for fun or relaxation? Try some of these!
Picks for babies and toddlers:
Pre-school classes with music and movement for babies, toddlers & children (3 months to 4 years). With music written and performed by professional musicians and performers, your baby can get the extra stimulation from experiencing something live.
(Multiple Venues)
Designed to stimulate, educate and provide precious memories during the all-important first year of life, baby sensory is an award-winning franchise both nationally and internationally. A familiar name that offers all the right stuff.
(Multiple Venues)
“Singing, Speech, Sensory”- this class has a great atmosphere to it that just looks so pretty! With engaging lights and lovely singing, this class is a great one to check out.
Ramsbottom: 24-26 Bolton St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9HX
Egerton: 11c Dunscar Business Park, Egerton, BL7 9PQ
Picks for parents and carers
Have you missed the feeling of getting a sweat on? Sweaty Mama is a franchise that is perfect for postnatal fitness -with classes that are baby friendly (and new-mum friendly). A super supportive group that holds 0 judgment for any of the wobbly bits you might have gained through pregnancy.
(Multiple venues)
For some mamas, the most fun way to get yourself moving is by having a bit of a boogie! This great dance-fitness baby-wearing toe-tapping class will get you moving, and send you home with a massive grin on your face.
(Multiple Venues)
The Playhouse Project may not be for those seeking a quiet place to put their feet up. Meant for the ex-party animals who are now parents, The Playhouse Project offers a family-friendly daytime rave that helps parents relive the good old days.
Check website events for venues and dates
Manchester’s best… Support and Charities
Organizations that are built for the sake of supporting others deserve more for what they do. We hold a warm place in our hearts for those who do it, and here’s just a few of the support networks that we were recommended in Manchester.
This project has a simple concept, but an effective one. They offer support sessions with a safe and mindful space for parents at any stage of parenthood.
Holding Her Space is a community-based prenatal, birth and postnatal doula service. They have a strong mission of improving outcomes for mums from African and Caribbean communities and offering them the support they need through early parenthood.
A parent-baby walking group that are all free to attend and open to all parents. They organise baby-carrying, pushchair and toddler walks all across the country.
Check out the Manchester-based Facebook Group here
Manchester’s best… Kids Shops
Want to shop locally? Say less. These are the kids’ shops that we were signposted to!
This useful charity shop has been created to tackle the issues in the baby fashion industry. They specialising in selling second-hand swag for for mums, babies and toddlers.
2 Hare Hill Road, OL15 8AB
An independent toyshop, offering a treasure trove of toys, books, games and gifts, this is sure to be a hit with little ones!
2 Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester. M20 6RF
Manchester’s best… Outdoor Spaces
The great outdoors is sometimes all you need to keep your kids entertained. And it does a world of good to breathe in that fresh green air.
Located in Manchester city centre, this park is in an easily accessible location, but still has a lot of ground to explore. There’s a playground, and always something going on in the area.
Boardman Gate Entrance, Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
If you’re on the hunt for something a lot more green, then this one might be best for you. Big green spaces and a pond for befriending a duck or two.
42 Stamford Park Rd, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9EP
Petting zoos, Seasonal Events, Indoor and outdoor play… Cockfields farm has a lot to offer! If you’re looking for getting outdoors and want something extra to do, then cockfields farm is perfect!
Lees Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
A great day out for all the family! Visitors are invited to meet, touch and feed the farm animals, and they have two play areas with swings, slides and ziplines dotted along a scenic Nature Walk.
Middleton Road West, Chadderton, Oldham OL1 2TG
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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