Fun Stuff

Indoor Activities in Manchester You'll Actually Want to do

Looking for somewhere to spend the day avoiding the weather in Manchester? We read your mind... Here are our favourite things to do indoors in Manchester.

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Let’s be honest, you don’t always want to spend a day outside - whether it’s because of horrific weather (likely) or anything else, we won't ask.

So, we thought it was about time we shared our favourite indoor activites in Manchester.


Immersive experiences

It seems like immersive experiences are everywhere these days, but honestly, we’re not complaining. From historic interactive experiences like The Dungeons (with locations in Blackpool, Edinburgh, York and London) to anything involving VR, there’s tonnes to do.

We included it in our 2023 travel and days out trends blog – so let’s hope they stick around for a bit longer.

Immersive Gamebox (Yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds)

This immersive experience is one our favourites and it’s handily located at the Arndale centre - perfect if you're already about in the city centre.

There are loads of themed rooms (think Angry Birds and Squid Games) that’ll have you diving into gameplay with motion tracking, touch screens, surround sound and drinks delivered straight to you.


Something different

Instead of your usual concert, why not head out to a panto – or better yet, a candlelight concert. Trying something new and different is a great way to mix things up – they can really surprise you.

Candlelight Concerts

These concerts are a great way of seeing a tribute to an artist or band, while sitting in one of the most spectacular set ups you’ve ever seen. There are also various locations across the UK (including Birmingham and London), so don’t worry if you miss out on one in Manchester.


Family Time

Doing something the kids will really enjoy is a great way to spend a day out. Whether you decide to keep it simple with a SEA LIFE Manchester trip (everyone loves an aquarium) or head further afar to Chester Zoo (we're impartial to a zoo), you can guarantee the young’uns will love it.

But our personal favourite has to be...

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester

Just in case you were wondering, it definitely lives up to their coined name - ‘the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground’. There are loads of things for you little ones to do, including nine rides and attractions, as well as four immersive zones (and we can’t forget soft play for the toddlers).

All made better by the fact that it's completely indoors - we're all about days out where the rain can't get to you.


Shop Shop Shop

Manchester is a city with plenty of shops – and luckily a lot of indoor shopping centres, perfect for avoiding the rain if you ask us. This is a fab day out (especially around Christmas – though you’ll have to pop outside to visit the famous markets).

Trafford Centre

As if we could talk about Manchester shopping without mentioning the Trafford Centre, right? Well, the good news is that there’s loads of shops (and eateries) to keep you busy. And all with the excellence of not getting cold or damp – what more could you want?

If you get bored of shopping - been there, done that - head on over to SEA LIFE Manchester for a couple hours of aquarium bliss. Much more relaxing than shopping if you asked us.


Food & Drink

Who doesn’t love spending the day eating indoors? Practically no one.

Escape to Freight Island

While this venue has both indoor and outdoor seating - the outside is covered and has heating (aka you get all of the luxuries of the inside with the fresh air and views of the brand new Mayfield park). This venue is packed with food and drink vendors serving fried chicken, pho, pizzas and burgers – you really won’t be short of choice and you can order via the app so you hardly have to lift a finger. Plus there's a DJ, dancers and even fire performers in the evening so there's no chance of getting bored.

They also love a seasonal event, check out Escape to Winter island if you're into outdoor (heated) Christmas markets, roller rinks along with festive treats. Honestly, who wouldn't like that?


At Days Out, you can book the UK’s best attractions (y’know the proper FOMO inducing ones?) -- we know where’s perfect for you. Find your next adventure.