Zip World Manchester
Treetop nets, high ropes and forest tubing in the woods of Heaton Park, and it is outdoors, not indoors. The cheap one is Treetot Nets: an hour bouncing on nets in the trees for ages 1 to 5, from £5, with a grown-up joining in.
National Cycling Centre
- Cost
- Price not listed; holiday sessions £6 to £37
- Ages
- 2 to 14
- Where
- Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Weather
- Works in the rain
- Booking
- Book sessions in the Better UK app or online
The velodrome and BMX arena at the Etihad Campus are not just for elite riders: children can have a go. Coached BMX starts with balance bike sessions from age 2 and Mini BMXer for 3 and 4 year olds who can pedal, and Limitless BMX is an inclusive session for 7 and over with physical or learning disabilities, with bike, full face helmet, pads and gloves included. Older riders can progress to the velodrome track.
The easiest way in is a school holiday session. In October half term 2026 there are balance bike and trybike sessions for 2 to 6s at £6, track sessions for 9 and over at £16.30, a 9 to 2 BMX camp for 7 plus at £37, and Learn to Ride slots at £8.20 for Manchester residents. Riders on the track and BMX sessions must already ride confidently.
It is on Stuart Street at the Etihad Campus with its own tram stop, Velopark. Outside, the Clayton Vale trails give you 12km of graded mountain bike routes, including an easy one along the river.
What it costs: October half term 2026 sessions: balance bikes and trybikes (2 to 6) £6; track cycling (9+) £16.30 a session; BMX camp 9am to 2pm (7+) £37 a day; Learn to Ride £8.20 a session for Manchester residents (ages 6 to 12 on 27 and 30 October, 3 to 5 on 28 October). Regular weekly session prices sit in the Better booking app and are not published on the page.
Know before you go
- The Velopark Metrolink stop is the centre's own stop, so the tram is the easiest way in; there is no spectator parking on major event days.
- Balance bike sessions (ages 2 to 5) let parents help on the flat until the child is confident, which makes them a gentle first go.
- The Clayton Vale mountain bike trails next door have an easy family route along the River Medlock if you bring your own bikes.
- The velodrome track and track centre timetable has temporary changes from 9 to 18 October 2026, so check before booking in that window.
Worth knowing: Balance bike sessions from age 2. Track sessions 9+ and BMX camp 7+, and riders must ride confidently.
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