Fun Activities For Big Kids In Manchester

Thanks to full-length ten-pin bowling lanes and arcade games, Dog Bowl will bring you back to the carefree days. Compete with your friends, all before checking out the late-night menu that's served 'til 1am, which includes pizzas, burgers and hotdogs. 

Paying homage to gaming history with portal infinity mirrors and a Tetris-inspired beer garden, 1UP is a haunt worth visiting. On top of the decorations, including an eight-foot Donkey Kong, there are Pokémon cards, ping pong, consoles and a Warhammer figure painting room.

Found in the Northern Quarter, Shack Bar & Grill is home to all sorts of fun and games. In the basement, you can find ping pong, pool tables interactive and standard darts, as well as TV screens showing all the big games. Swing by on weekends for resident DJs 'til 4am, or nab a delicious burger and a signature cocktail anytime. 

Seeking fun things to do in Manchester for adults? Sixes Cricket has it all. Whether you're in the mood to channel your inner Jimmy Anderson or fancy kicking a football around, there are lots of interactive activities at this hotspot.

Fancy cracking escape room-style puzzles, solving riddles built into statues, landmarks or buildings, and more? CityDays Manchester is the fun group event that's sure to hit the spot. Not only that, but there are plenty of drink stops along this quirky activity's route.

There's no better way to unleash your inner big kid than by getting competitive against your friends. The boozy brunches on offer at Electric Shuffle provide just that, with the first half of the two-hour session spent battling it out on the shuffleboard table. You'll finish up in their stylish bar, and you can enjoy unlimited pizza paddles throughout - alongside an entire bottle of prosecco each.

Searching for fun things to do in Manchester with a teenager and older? Escape Hunt has you covered with themed rooms that give you a time-limit on completing the puzzles and clues. Expect to choose between Doctor Who, pirate and Viking themes, alongside plenty more besides.

After fun activities for adults in Manchester who are big kids? 7 Sins have just what you need. Step inside this playground, where you'll get to play shuffleboard, pool, arcade games, darts, beer pong and much more. If you're thirsty, check out the 2 for 1 cocktail menu.

The Black Cat Club is a competitive social bar that combines fun, relaxation, and top-tier entertainment, offering interactive darts with a variety of game modes and tech-powered shuffleboard - no arguments over scores here, thanks to automatic tallying. But it isn't just about games; it also brings you the ultimate sports viewing experience.

Enjoy every moment of the match with personal table service, luxe seating, and a stylish ambience inspired by Manchester's vibrant music scene. The food, crafted by the renowned chefs of El Gato Negro, offers delicious small plates, pizza, burgers, and more. Top it all off with a carefully curated drinks menu and signature cocktails that will keep you coming back from day to night.

Release your inner big kid at NQ64 on Peter Street or at its sister site over in Manchester's Northern Quarter. As you enter you'll be met with walls covered in neon graffiti, 28 arcade games and two pinball machines as well as a vibrant bar slinging out themed cocktails. Exchange money for tokens then go wild in this playground of fun with the likes of Guitar Hero, Taken5 and Dance Stage 2 Euro Mix.

At Treetop Adventure Golf, you'll get to play wacky 18-hole courses, with themes from Tropical Trail to Ancient Explorer. Venture inside to showcase your putting skills and drink cocktails. The best bit? On the 19th hole, you get the chance to win a free game.

Touting a library of games to choose from, such as Squid Game, Paw Patrol and Alien Aptitude tests, Immersive Gamebox is a kid-ult-friendly zone. How it all works? Expect touchscreen technology, projection mapping, surround sound and drinks delivered to your own private area.

Test your orienteering skills with one of our favourite adventure activities in Manchester for big kids. Not only will you have to explore the city's famous landmarks while uncovering clues at the Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt, but there's also a prize for those who find the X.

You can always rely on Flight Club if you're seeking things to do in Manchester for young adults. This fairground-inspired drinking den is complete with horses and stained glass windows, alongside offering a range of multiplayer social darts games or bottomless brunches.

Point Blank Shooting is a simulation range that's perfect for testing your accuracy. There's also a happy hour that includes two for £12 cocktails and bottomless brunches every Sunday, making it a great choice for those in need of fun indoor activities in Manchester for big kids.

With games at the heart of Boom Battle Bar, this den is fit for those who want fun things to do in Manchester for families of adults. From augmented reality axe throwing to shuffleboard and private karaoke rooms, this city centre haunt is sure to hit the spot. And on weekends? There's live DJ sets.

Who knew getting locked up could be so much fun? Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four will immerse you in the inmate underworld at its prison-themed cocktail experience. Don your orange jumpsuits and prepare for a night of liquor smuggling and drink sipping.

Located in Good Yard Park, Courts Club is a quirky activity bar where you can eat, drink and play sports all in one. They've got both basketball and tennis courts here, perfect for a little friendly competition with your friends, and there's a well-stocked bar and restaurant for afterwards. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, you can tuck into everything from breakfast baguettes to pasta salad or crispy halloumi gyros here, paired with cocktails or draught beer.

Ever wondered how you'd fair taking on challenges from the hot TV gameshow? Enjoy one and two-player games in your group of up to four people across a fun session, all of which are designed to test your judgement, speed, memory and more. In this high-pressure situation, will you beat The Cube?

In the mood to explore fun things to do in Manchester for couples? Roxy Ball Room Manchester Arndale is at the top of our list. Together you'll get stuck into a plethora of activities, from the likes of arcade games to ice-free curling and basketball. 

Who said gaming was just for kids? Certainly not us. You'll get to put on high-tech headgear and be immersed in a world of zombie battles or boat racing with DNA VR, all while being guided by an expert who will help you through the experience.

A ping pong bar dedicated to the best-loved game you spent your childhood perfecting, Twenty Twenty Two offers a playground to showcase your skills. If that's not your thing, dance along to RnB, disco and garage tunes every weekend.