Fun Activities For Big Kids In Manchester

Sometimes it's nice to think back to the good ol' days when we didn't have to worry about paying rent and could just spend our time goofing around without a care in the world. Luckily, this city has plenty of games to channel that pent-up energy. From giant ball pits to VR zombie-fighting experiences, we have put together a list of fun activities for big kids in Manchester. 

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 26th March 2025



Bunny's Karaoke

Taking Bookings

Experience the dive bar karaoke scene at Bunny's Karaoke, brimming with the same infectious energy as Bunny Jackson's and Junior Jackson's. Indulge in their famous 25p wings, free open mic karaoke, and American beers. There's also a pool table and a private karaoke room for just £50 to rent.

Escape Hunt Manchester

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.

Trax Social

Head down to Trax Social in the Printworks for a fun night out, complete with all sorts of entertainment. They've got cutting-edge racing simulators where you and your friends can compete on virtual tracks, as well as private karaoke rooms that you can hire out for up to ten people at a time - complete with over 100,000 songs.

That's not all though, as they also host unique immersive music quizzes. Expect all the usual trivia rounds brought to you in a lively way, as well as quick-fire questions, musical challenges and more. This costs just £9 each to enter, and afterwards you can enjoy tasty eats like marinated pulled pork burgers, barbecue beef brisket tacos and halloumi skewers.

Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist - Manchester

@ I'm Puzzled on Various dates from Sunday 30th March 2025

Time to unleash your inner big kid with the Manchester Bank Heist Scavenger Hunt. This exciting adventure lets you and your friends step into the shoes of master thieves (in the best, legal way possible).

Armed with a mobile app, you'll explore Manchester's buzzing streets, unlock hidden clues, and crack security systems, all while plotting the perfect heist. Perfect for those who want to channel their inner action hero, this scavenger hunt offers a couple of hours of fun, laughter, and teamwork. 

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Sunday 30th March 2025

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.

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Taking Bookings

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

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.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2025

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 19th September 2025 and 2 other dates

Get ready for a weekend of fun, thrills and big kid energy at Manchester Wing Fest 2025 with tickets starting from £19.50 per person. Not only will you be eating your weight in wings, but you can take on axe throwing, arcade games, and live music to keep the excitement going.

Whether you're going for the Lava Wing Challenge or the Wing Eating Contest, there's plenty of action for those looking to spice things up and test their limits.

Courts Club

Taking Bookings

Happy Hour - Everyday - 5pm - 8pm

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.

Black Cat Club Manchester

Taking Bookings

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.

NQ64 Manchester Peter Street

Taking Bookings

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.

1UP

Taking Bookings

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.

Immersive Gamebox

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.

DNA VR Manchester

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.