Science and Industry Museum
Working steam engines, the story of Cottonopolis, and hands-on galleries in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station. Free, and the live demonstrations are the bit kids actually remember.
Wacky Warehouse at Barlow Croft
Manchester, Greater Manchester
This is the Wacky Warehouse attached to the Barlow Croft pub in the Parrs Wood leisure complex at the far end of Didsbury. A climbing frame with slides, tunnels, swings, bounce areas and ball pools, plus a separate corner for tots. Nothing fancy, and that is rather the point.
The maths is kind. £6 per child, adults free, babies under a year free, parking free on site. The cafe side sells coffee and food for children and grown-ups, and the hot drink and cake deal is £4.99. Opening is 11am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 11am to 6pm Friday to Sunday, with last admission an hour before close. Tots Club runs in term time at £4.50 a child, which makes it a handy weekday morning for a toddler with energy to burn.
What it costs: £6 per child general admission. Tots Club £4.50 per child, term time only. Adults free, babies under 12 months free. Hot drink and a slice of cake £4.99. Last admission one hour before closing.
Know before you go
- Last entry is an hour before closing, which is 5pm Monday to Thursday and 6pm Friday to Sunday.
- Tots Club at £4.50 is the cheapest way in for under-5s, but it is term time only.
- Grown-ups go free, so bring the grandparents and let them buy the cake.
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What visitors say
★★★★★ 3.6 across 496 Google reviews.
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