Game-On: Manchester’s Best Interactive Venues

Looking for a night out in Manchester that’s more than just drinks and a DJ? Manchester is packed with venues that put you right in the game. From escape rooms and life-sized maze challenges to crazy golf, shuffleboard, arcade bars, axe throwing, karaoke, darts, and VR adventures, Manchester has turned nightlife into a playground. These spots bring together competition, laughter, and a touch of mischief.

Ready to level up your visit to Manchester? Here’s your ultimate guide to Manchester’s best interactive venues.

Printworks: Manchester’s Entertainment Hub

Located in the heart of Manchester, Printworks is a lively entertainment complex where dining, games, and nightlife come together under one roof. Whether you’re planning a full day out or a fun night with friends, there’s something for everyone.

Boom Battle Bar

If variety is your thing, Boom Battle Bar is a must-visit. With axe throwing, AR darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, beer pong, and an arcade vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out. Add cocktails, street food, and a buzzing atmosphere, and you’ve got one of Manchester’s most energetic group hangouts.

More to Explore

The Printworks isn’t short on options.

• You can catch a movie at Vue Cinema, which has 21 screens including one of the UK’s biggest IMAX screens.
• Try Treetop Golf, with two neon-lit, jungle-themed 18-hole courses.
• Or head to Tenpin Bowling, featuring 12 lanes, an arcade, karaoke, pool, beer pong, shuffleboard, and a diner.

With so much packed under one roof, The Printworks is the perfect place for a full day (or night) of interactive fun.

St John’s: Manchester’s Creative Playground

Nestled between Deansgate and Spinningfields, St John’s is Manchester’s cultural quarter, blending cutting-edge design with rich industrial heritage. Once home to the iconic Granada Studios, this area has transformed into a hub for immersive experiences, creative spaces, and social venues. 

Everyman Cinema

Located in the ABC Building on Quay Street, Everyman Manchester offers a luxurious cinema experience with three boutique screens featuring plush sofas and armchairs. Guests can enjoy in-seat waiter service from the Spielburger kitchen, serving gourmet food and drinks. The venue also boasts a retro-style bar with velvet seating, creating a cosy and stylish atmosphere for moviegoers. Everyman Manchester hosts a variety of screenings, including new releases, indie films, and special events. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed evening out with friends or a special date night.

Courts Club

Courts Club blends laidback LA vibes with Manchester's creative spirit. This venue offers a range of activities, including tennis, basketball, and more. With relaxed seating, an open-air terrace, and a line up of special events such as fitness classes, sports screenings, music events, and quiz nights, Courts Club is the ultimate summer hangout. 

Chaos Karts

Chaos Karts offers an immersive go-karting experience that combines the thrill of racing with the excitement of video games. Located at Arcade Arena on Lower Byrom Street, just next door to the Science and Industry Museum, participants race real electric karts around a track while navigating virtual obstacles and collecting power-ups. The experience combines real-life karting with gaming elements, making it a unique and exhilarating activity for all ages. 

Pac-Man Live Experience

Step into a life-sized version of the iconic arcade game at the Pac-Man Live Experience, located in the Arcade Arena on Lower Byrom Street. Players wear digital tabards and navigate a dark maze, collecting fruit and evading ghosts, similar to the original game. The immersive attraction offers short, high-energy rounds with breaks, making it a fun and nostalgic experience for groups and families. 

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

For fans of the classic 90s TV show, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience offers an immersive team challenge in the heart of Manchester. Located between the Museum of Science and Industry and the Bonded Warehouse on the St John's Development, participants tackle challenges across four themed zones, aiming to collect crystals and earn time in the Crystal Dome. The experience is open to everyone aged 9 and over, making it a great activity for friends, families, and team-building events.

The Science and Industry Museum 

Level up your fun at the Science and Industry Museum’s Power Up! Play your way through 50 years of gaming history with more than 150 consoles in the ultimate hands-on experience. From classics like Sonic and Street Fighter to favourites like Mario and Minecraft—plus games created right here in Manchester. Challenge friends and family in epic multiplayer battles and rediscover your childhood favourites. Ready? Game on!

Aviva Studios, home of Factory International

At Aviva Studios, culture comes alive for the whole family with tactile exhibitions that encourage curiosity and play—making it a perfect day out with the kids. With plenty of space to explore and activities designed to engage minds, Aviva Studios makes world-class culture accessible to all. 

Explore More of What St. John’s Has to Offer:

Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is so much more than just shopping – it’s a full-on leisure destination! From cinemas and crazy golf to laser quests and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s perfect for families, kids (and big kids too), with endless ways to have fun. When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find one-of-a-kind dining experiences at a huge range of food vendors. And the best part? Everything is conveniently under one roof.

ODEON Cinema 

Movie night gets a serious upgrade at the ODEON Trafford Centre. This is the cinema where you can catch the latest blockbusters in style, with state-of-the-art screens and ultimate comfort.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf 

Take your best shot at Paradise Island Adventure Golf, where the fun never stops and every turn brings a new challenge. Explore two epic 18-hole courses, packed with twists, turns, and tropical theming that will transport you straight to paradise. Navigate tricky obstacles, test your putting skills, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way. 

Laser Quest 

Step into another world at Laser Quest, where adrenaline and strategy collide in a high-energy battle for victory. Enter the neon-lit arena, suit up with your laser pack, and prepare to test your reflexes and tactics as you duck, dodge, and chase down your opponents. With music pumping and your heart racing, it’s a thrilling adventure that brings out the competitive streak in everyone. 

Namco Funscape 

Get ready to unleash your inner gamer at Namco Funscape. From classic arcade machines and high-tech video games to ten-pin bowling and family-friendly amusements, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Great Northern

Great Northern is perfectly positioned in the centre of Manchester as the ideal place to eat, drink, meet and play. The Grade II* listed Warehouse, Public Square, and the longest Victorian Terrace in Europe all fit together to create a must-visit destination in the city centre. What's better, you don't have to travel far for food and drink options as some of Manchester's best spot are conveniently located nearby.

Lane7

Lane7 is where serious fun meets unbeatable variety. Packed with activities for every mood, this is the go-to spot if you’re looking to mix up your night out. Think ten-pin bowling, ping pong, pool, darts, beer pong, karaoke, and even shooting pods.

ODEON Manchester Great Northern

The ODEON at Great Northern is a 16-screen multiplex, bringing the biggest blockbusters, family favourites, and indie gems to life on the big screen. With spacious screens, surround sound, and plenty of choice, it’s the perfect place to kick back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of film.

Pong & Puck

Pong & Puck is the ultimate playground for party vibes and friendly competition. Here you’ll find everything from classic beer pong and prosecco pong to shuffleboard and table tennis – all designed to keep the energy high and the laughs coming. 

More of Manchester's Interactive Venues

Breakout Manchester

Manchester’s most famous escape room franchise, Breakout, has two city-centre venues. Each offers themed rooms ranging from detective murder mysteries to apocalyptic survival stories and spy missions. You’ll get 60 minutes to escape, with the option to race another team for an added competitive twist. Great for groups of 2–5 players.

Electric Shuffle – Deansgate

Shuffleboard gets an upgrade at Electric Shuffle. With digital scoring, cocktails, and sharing plates, this bar puts a social spin on the classic pub game. The real highlight? Their bottomless brunch - unlimited pizza, prosecco, and a DJ set every weekend. With space for groups from 2 to 32 (or venue hire for 450), it’s one of Manchester’s most versatile gaming bars.

Here's Some Other Top Picks:

• Flight Club: An upscale social darts bar with interactive scoreboards, cocktails, and sharing plates. Perfect for date nights and group socials.
• Junkyard Golf: Crazy golf with a twist-three neon courses packed with junkyard obstacles, pumping music, and cocktails.
• NQ64: Step back into the arcade era with retro consoles, pinball, and classic games, all paired with craft beers and themed cocktails.
• Urban Playground: A futuristic venue with VR, interactive challenges, and group-based gaming experiences.
• Twenty Twenty Two: A hidden gem bar with ping pong tables, darts, graffiti walls, and DJ nights.
• Karaoke Bars: Don’t forget Manchester’s karaoke scene - spots like Lucky Voice or K2 Karaoke in Chinatown add another layer of interactive fun.
• Roxy Ball Room: Roxy brings the playground to the bar, with a huge variety of games, like bowling and pool, all under one roof.
• Sixes: The World's first immersive cricket experience combined with exceptional dining and hospitality.
• Pixel Bar: Battle your friends on popular titles on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. 
• Immersive Gamebox - Step into a digital group gaming pod with touchscreens and motion sensors. Play games like “The Floor Is Lava” or a Squid Game-style challenge.

Manchester Nights, Levelled Up

From life-sized TV show recreations and escape room mysteries to VR pods, axe throwing, social darts, and shuffleboard brunches, Manchester is redefining nightlife with interactive entertainment.

So grab your friends, pick your challenge, and get ready: Game on, Manchester.