8 min read1. Go Sky Diving
For a truly unforgettable experience this half term, take to the sky at iFly Indoor Skydiving. With a ‘Great Flight Guarantee’, you'll receive a full pre-flight briefing and the support of a 1-1 instructor to ensure you get the maximum enjoyment as you live the thrill of true free-fall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. Your entire flight will be captured on high-definition cameras so you can relive your flight time and time again!
2. Tour one of Manchester's iconic football stadiums
The Manchester City FC Stadium Tour allows you to explore what is far more than a football ground – the Etihad is a seriously impressive complex and resembles a small town, as well as a spectacular sporting venue. From the opportunity to view the lavish Chairman's Club, to learning about the youth development approach of the club, to participating in a simulated press conference, the tour provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience packed full of variety. Regardless of if you're a City fan or even a football fan, the tour is a fascinating insight into the world of top-class sport.
3. Enjoy the ultimate Scaletrix racing experience
Stoneridge Race Way is a unique attraction featuring intricately detailed, custom-built Scaletrix tracks – enjoy the thrills and spills of scaled-down racing as you get hands-on with the meticulously crafted vehicles, tracks and scenery. If your need for speed isn’t satisfied by that, literally jump into the driving seat and try out the incredible full-size Formula One simulator to test your skills in a realistic race environment.
4. Enjoy some winter sports
There really are so many thrilling, fun-packed activities to participate in at Chill Factore! As well as the opportunity to get straight to the slopes for those with skiing and snowboarding experience, there is just as much on offer for novices too. Lessons are available with highly qualified instructors to ease you into the excitement of winter sports or, if you’re after thrills without the skills, slip, slide and speed your way to a magnificent time in the Extreme Snow facility. If the snow isn’t for you, Chill Factore also offers a great climbing facility, including lessons, the chance to have a quick go and fun Mini Moose rescue missions!
5. Try out Go-Karting
Experience the adrenaline rush of racing up to 40 mph as you navigate 15 bends on this 550-metre indoor track. Whether pushing your kart to the limit as you speed along the octane straights or skilfully mastering the variety of twists and turns, TeamSport Go-Karting is bound to set your half-term alight! Constructed on multiple levels, this experience offers you the chance to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and race your way to go-karting glory!
6. Learn all about space!
How did the universe begin? What is a black hole? Explore the wonders of space with a memorable day-out this half term at the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Hosting a hugely interactive, exciting experience, you’ll enjoy learning about our place in the universe and beyond! With games and activities galore, science has never been more fun – learn how scientists use radio telescopes to learn more about distant objects, listen to the sound of the Big Bang and ask the experts any questions you’ve ever had about space. An absolute must for anyone who has ever looked to the stars and wondered what on earth is up there!
7. Step into the Immersive Gamebox
Ever find your teenager lost in a game? Well at Immersive Gamebox you can truly immerse yourself in a totally unique experience. With motion tracking, projection mapping, surround sound and touch screens, you’ll feel transported into a digital world. Located in the Arndale, Immersive Gamebox is the perfect activity for families and has even been named in Tripadvisor’s Top 10% of worldwide attractions. With games based on the hit Netflix series Squid Game, video game phenomenon Angry Birds and incredible unique challenges, there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained.
8. Take on the I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge
Get ready for an epic adventure like no other. The I’m a Celebrity Jungle Challenge in Salford Quays will put your nerve to the test. The action-packed adventure, inspired by I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, gives a series of physical and mental challenges as you compete to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle. Scale over 8m of vertical rock, glide above the trees, balance on beams and race around the jungle run in just some of the bush tucker trials that will push your mental ability and physical agility to the limit.
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9. Embrace Virtual Reality
Stockport’s X-GenVR will take you on a series of journeys you’ll never forget. Whether you fly through the skies like Iron Man, get on board a virtual rollercoaster or face dinosaurs, there’s no better way to be transported to another world. VR has changed the way we experience gaming and the new X-GenVR arcade in Stockport will take you right inside your favourite games. If you're looking to give your teenager a break from the real world, there are tons of virtual spaces to explore without leaving Stockport.
10. Climb to new heights
Oldham’s Summit Up Climbing Centre is a great way to entertain teenagers, push them to their limits and let them burn off some of that pent-up energy. There is fun for the whole family ’clip n climb’, the world’s first interactive game platform for climbing walls ‘ValoClimb’ as well as bouldering and roped climbing for all abilities. Summit Up opened in 2021 and is a community-minded business supporting The Stroller Charitable Trust which supports Oldham’s young people. It’s a space designed to inspire and motivate individuals of all ages to be active, ambitious and reach their full potential.
11. Play a round of golf
Who doesn’t love a round of adventure golf? It doesn’t matter how old you are, a few holes on a mini golf course is sure to bring out anyone’s competitive streak. Step into the rainforest at Treetop Adventure Golf and discover hidden temples and ancient spirits waiting to give you some tricky challenges. With two18-hole courses to choose from you could take on a Tropical Trail or become an Ancient Explorer. Plus, there’s the chance to take on the bonus 19th hole and win a free round. Will you be the champion?
12. Escape to Freight Island
If you’re looking for a foodie activity with your teenagers, it doesn’t get much cooler than Escape to Freight Island. With a selection of incredible street food vendors that will have their mouths watering and the coolest surroundings. Burgers, tacos, chicken, pizza and kebabs, what more could teenagers want?
Plus, Escape to Freight Island is also home to Good Life Skates roller rink. Inspired by underground Berlin and the sidewalks of Brooklyn and LA, this new generation of roller skating is a great time for all. Grab a pair of skates and take to the floor of this 8,000-square-foot rollerskating rink in the sky. It’s a safe space for all, no matter what your ability as there are chaperones on hand to help. Experience the good life and get your skates on.
13. Visit an inflatable theme park
Inflata Nation promises to be fun for all the family. Based on Trafford Park, the UK's first inflatable theme park has proven to be a firm favourite with adults, teenagers and children across Greater Manchester. Gone are the days of bouncy castles in the back garden, Inflata Nation is bursting with activities that all the family can enjoy. There is a huge 3 sided inflatable climbing wall, a two-lane assault course, ending with a slide across the finish line, Inflata Race; Inflata Duel, the latest in gladiator duels and two extreme drop slides, as well as many more challenges. So jump in and get ready for some fun.
14. Bounce around
Flip Out is the UK’s leading trampoline and adventure park. Originating in Australia in 2012, Flip Out now has 85 parks across the UK including one in Manchester and Rochdale. It offers a huge trampoline zone, laser maze, Ninja Obstacle Course and so much more, so it’s not just about bouncing. Head to the action-packed arena for a whole load of fun, plus there are after-dark sessions your teenagers will love.
15. Visit a Museum
A museum may not sound like the most exciting day out to your teenagers but trust us, with Greater Manchester’s selection they’ll be surprised. The Science and Industry Museum, for example, is undergoing a huge refurb and has incredible interactive exhibitions which explore video games, music and more. The National Football Museum is a must for any young football fans, with interactive games and a chance to explore the history of the game. Take young art lovers to be inspired at Manchester Art Gallery or The Whitworth Art Gallery, or, take a deep dive into political history at the People’s History Museum. Whatever their interests, there will be a museum in Manchester to capture their imaginations and teach them a thing or two.
Not your age group? See our round-ups for toddlers.
