Known as the rainy capital of the North, Manchester is not always blessed with sunshine and dry spells. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities to get stuck into when the weather isn’t great. Either for families or groups of friends, there are lots of options for everyone looking for something to do: 

1.Science and Industry Museum  

Explore 250 years of Mancuniaon-led history at the Science and Industry Museum. Journey through Manchester’s rich legacy of ideas and discoveries, from the ancestor of modern computing to the first Rolls-Royce motor cars. Explore how the city’s heritage is interwoven into the cotton industry in the Textiles gallery and the history of design, printing and finishing.  

There are several special exhibitions that come through the museum, including the ultimate gaming experience Power Up – play through 50 years of video game history by trying hundreds of different consoles, from Pacman to Minecraft. With plenty of children-led exhibitions too, like the interactive Operation Ouch! Which explores the roles of the digestive journey through games and challenges, bringing to life the hit BBC Children’s TV series to life. 

The Science and Industry Museum is free to visit and open daily, with a café inside serving a delicious selection of drinks and snacks. Some exhibitions require an entry fee. 

To see the latest exhibitions, visit here. 

2. LEGOLAND Discovery centre  

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids over a rainy weekend or inset day, LEGOLAND is the ultimate indoor playground. It offers an imaginative day out for the whole family, designed specifically for children between 3 to 10. With over two million Lego bricks under one roof, there are is so much to discover. Venture through Lego trolls, spider sand skeletons in the Kingdom Quest Ride to rescue the princess. Take a trip through MiniLand, an immersive and interactive display featuring some of Manchester’s most famous landmarks. 

Included in your trip to LEGOLAND, you can venture to the Lego 4D Cinema and enjoy the films coming to life in the fourth dimension as flurries of wind, rain, lightening and even snow bursts into the auditorium. The Ninjargo City Adventure Playground is a physical soft play area where your little ones can put their ninja skills to the test to save Ninjargo City. Other facilities like the Merlin Apprentice Ride, The Great LEGO Race VR Experience and much more.  

Visit their website to discover more. 

3. DNA VR 

Virtual Reality might be one of the best ways to spend a rainy day. DNA VR takes virtual realisty to the next dimension, bringing a new approach to multiplayer gaming. Grab up to 10 people and dive headfirst into the virtual space, with over 50 games to choose from across 4 experience types, there is something for everyone, regardless of their age or experience level. Whether you decide to explore the mysterious depths of the ocean, protect your village from hordes of zombies or fly around in an exhilarating game of anti-gravity laser tag.  

DNA VR welcomes anyone looking for a fun day out who wants to explore the virtual worlds that go beyond the realms of your imagination. With cutting-edge equipment, VR masters on hand to guide your journey and a thrilling range of games, it’s the perfect place for families and friends alike.  

Found just off Market Street in Manchester City Centre, with tickets starting from around £30 per person.  

To book your tickets, visit here. 

4. National Football Museum  

Sport fanatics and football lovers alike will love a day out to the National Football Museum, the place to share stories about the world’s favourite game. With four galleries to explore, six interactive games, plus an exciting programme of exhibitions, guided tours and workshops, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. With an opportunity to see the iconic league cups and trophies in the Pitch Gallery, see the original ‘laws of the game’ in the Match Gallery and test your skills with the interactive Football+ games in the Play Gallery. Best of all, visitors of all ages can get hands-on with a range of football toys and games taking you on an exciting exploration of play between the real and virtual worlds, with 17 interactive games and exhibits including Subbuteo and a variety of classic arcade video games. 

Manchester residents get free admission, but if you’re travelling to Manchester especially, it’s good to know that if you buy your ticket direct from the National Football Museum you can enjoy unlimited visits for a year! 

Looking to visit the National Football Museum? Visit here. 

5. The Crystal Maze 

In the 90’s, The Crystal Maze was one of the UK’s favourite television shows. Now it’s your turn to be the star of the show. Face the ultimate team challenge and put your skills to the test by crossing four adventure time zones: Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic. Each challenge you complete your team will earn a Crystal, the more Crystals you earn, the more time you have for the final challenge.  

Grab up to 8 friends with a variety of skills to take on the challenge of the Maze. In each zone, an individual team member will take on 2-3 minute long games that require either physical or mental skill to complete.  

Think you and your friends are ready to take on the Maze?  

Book you and your team in here. 

6. Sea Life Manchester  

At SEA LIFE Manchester, get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most impressive inhabitants, including octopus, jellyfish, sharks and even their resident sea turtles Ernie and Cammy. Explore the depths of the seabed in their iconic ocean tunnel. Interact with the Sealife directly and find out how it feels to touch starfish, cleaner shrimp and other creatures in their interactive rockpool experience.  

With fun walks, diving demonstrations, animal deeds and special events all year round, there is something for everyone at SEA LIFE Manchester.  

Located in The Trafford Centre with ticket prices ranging from £15.50 to £18.50.  

For more information visit SEALIFE 

7. Manchester Museum  

Having recently reopened with a modern extension and beautiful galleries, the Manchester Museum provides a home for curiosity and wonder. Featuring a new Exhibition Hall, Belonging Gallery, Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery and South Asia Gallery. Displays and exhibitions will showcase the best of the museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world.  

The museum has listened to advocates with lived experience, and inclusive spaces and features will be found throughout the building including a Changing Places toilet, picnic area, prayer room, quiet room and therapy room. 

Enjoy the historic and educational trip to the Manchester Museum for free.  

For more information on what you can find at Manchester Museum, visit here. 

8. Chill Factore 

Want to improve your skiing or snowboarding but don’t want to face the cold? Chill Factore specialises in providing guests with unforgettable experiences on snow, from lessons with friendly experts to sledging at the Snow Park, there is plenty to do regardless of your skill level. With four lanes to race down, the whole family can go head-to-head down the slopes.  

Suitable for adults and children aged 4 and over. 

To book your trip to the slopes, visit Chill Factore