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The Top 20 Indoor Playgrounds in Manchester for a Fun Time

| Last Updated: October 2024

Ah, kids. We love ‘em to bits, which is why most of us will make it a point to give them the best play experience at least once in a while.

Kids today prefer fun indoor playgrounds and activity centres over the concrete playgrounds we enjoyed back in the day. We love that, too, because less knee scrapes for the kids make happier parents and nannies, right? *wink wink*

If you’re a parent or guardian searching for a fun play spot in Manchester, join us as we list the best places to take your child. Let’s get started!

Be an Adventurer at Play Factore

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Website: https://www.playfactore.com/ 

Address: Trafford Quays Leisure Village, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA

Contact details: 0161 748 6851

Operating hours: Daily — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Play Factore is one of the biggest play centres in the UK, and you shouldn’t think twice about going there. If you’re near Trafford, ‘tis another place to check out for family-friendly places.

It’s great for kids aged 6 and up (and parents can have a great time, too)! Just be a soldier ready for adventure and some chaos if you come at peak times.

Kids will definitely get to enjoy the huge slides and play frames here. This playground stands out with its go-kart track and laser tag arena, making it unique compared to typical play places.

If your lot gets hungry, you can get coffee, pizza, burgers, and fries from the on-site restaurant. But a warning: do not attempt to bring your own food, as it’s not allowed on the premises.

Pro tip: Online booking is required. If you can, avoid going during peak season (holidays and weekends) to make the most of your visit.

Unleash Your Creativity at Happy Hour Workshop

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Website: https://happyhourworkshop.co.uk/ 

Address: Food Court, 1st Floor, The Lowry Outlet Mall, The Quays, Salford, England M50 3AG

Contact details: 0771 494 6691

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Playtime has never been this fun! Happy Hour Workshop offers you and your creative kid the best of both worlds. 

They have a cosy soft play and role play area where kids can play with their imagination. Who doesn’t love toys, kinetic sand, and great playmates?

Parents can also make core memories with their kids at Happy Hour Workshop. Paint cutesy figurines to take home, craft matching bracelets to wear daily, or put together a beautiful picture frame to hold your other precious family memories.

Happy Hour Workshop is also great for celebrating birthdays with the ones we love the most. With their help, customise your next party to make your kid’s special day one to remember forever.

Pro tip: Book online for the arts and crafts workshops. Slots are limited and fill up fast!

Play Montessori-style at Let Us Play Little Town

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Website: https://www.letusplaylittletown.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 1, Pattern House, Castle Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1NX

Contact details: 0161 511 4553

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday, Sunday – 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Monday and Saturday – Closed

Make your kid’s imagination run wild with Let Us Play’s little town. 

It has themed areas: market, salon, post office, cafe, and construction spots. Here, tiny tots can play and develop their sensory and motor skills with wooden toys, following the interactive, Montessori-style learning.

Furthermore, Let Us Play encourages parents to play with their kids and bond to recharge after a long week of “adulting.” If you’re less creative, getting your young tots into their interactive storytime sessions led by enthusiastic and captivating storytellers is an excellent choice, too.

By the way, Let Us Play also has a “real” cafe for your kid’s sweet tooth or your ritual coffee, erm, tea run. Guaranteed no crashes here!

Pro tip: Check out Let Us Play Little Town’s Calendar on their website so you don’t miss special and themed events!

Imagine at Little World for Scholars

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Website: https://www.littleworldforscholars.co.uk/ 

Address: 28 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ

Contact details: 0161 888 2225

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Way better than SpongeBob’s empty telly box, Little World for Scholars is a magical imaginarium where children can roam free and be whatever they want. 

This small Earth has rooms with different themes for your kid’s many stories, like a mini airport, a warm fairy house, and a bustling construction site! Toys are already provided in-house, but parents can buy additional playthings in Little World’s shop to up the role-play ante. 

Mum or dad can also hang around their coffee shop for a cuppa while the kids enjoy their fantasy wonderland. 90-minute play parties can also be booked, but Little World for Scholars can work with your ideas if you want something different.

Pro tip: Little World for Scholars will accommodate up to 5-year-olds, but you can give them a ring to check if your older kids can also come. Don’t forget to bring your socks!

Go out of Control (Nicely) at Head Over Heels Chorlton

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Website: https://www.headoverheelsplay.co.uk/chorlton 

Address: Unit 1A, Albany Trading Estate, Albany Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0AZ

Contact details: 0161 881 4433

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Let your little ones get out of control (in a good way) at Head Over Heels at Chorlton. Parents can also let loose and join the kids in the fun.

This indoor playground is HUGE, with soft play areas for babies and toddlers. 

Bigger kids will enjoy the many slides, playpens, swings, sports court, infinity floor, LED disco (!), and other interactive spaces here. Let’s not forget the play frame with tunnels and rope climbs for fun physical activity.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out the Sky Terrace and have tea or coffee for some downtime.

Adults can also reserve a space for kids’ events like birthdays. Make it extra special by booking the Cloud Suite for privacy or the Super Star Studio for more open events. 

Pro tip: Head Over Heels offers many party packages! Check the official website for details and seasonal deals.

Feel Happiness at Boomerang Multi Sensory Play Centre

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Website: https://www.boomerangcentre.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 2 Woodhill Street, Bury, BL8 1AT

Contact details: 0161 764 4842

Operating hours: Varies, please call in before going

Boomerang is a haven for normal kids and those with sensory and mobility needs. This is one place to try out if you have a special or differently abled tot.

True to its name, Boomerang’s Sensory Room will hit you hard (in a good way). It features projector lighting, a sensory bed, an infinity panel, and fibre optic curtains to keep your child calm and happy.

Boomerang also offers exclusive play sessions for children with special education needs (SEN). Enjoy a calmer playtime in a safe and supportive environment tailored to ensure children can play comfortably.

Oh, and if you happen to know adults in the spectrum, we’re glad to have found out that they’re also very welcome here! Boomerang makes it a point to give everyone, regardless of age or ability, an enjoyable experience.

Pro tip: Boomerang’s hours change due to events, so check their Facebook page or call to confirm availability before you go.

Discover at the Hideaway Partington

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Website: https://www.thehideawaypartington.com/ 

Address: Partington Shopping Centre, Central Road, Partington, Manchester, M31 4EL

Contact details: 0161 660 0299

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Hideaway might be an ironic name for a place where kids go out to play and meet others their age, but we love what it offers.

The Hideaway’s best feature is its wide range of events for kids and adults. They have activities for little gardeners, Minecraft players, science geeks, LEGO lovers, and parents. 

In addition to social groups, The Hideaway has a typical indoor playground with toy-filled play zones, a bouncy castle, and a sensory room for children with special needs. There’s also a cafe for snacks if anyone gets hungry.

Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, The Hideaway has a “Pay What You Can” policy. They also support parents and children in need with a Hope Pantry, a pre-loved clothing store, and a book exchange. Check their website for donation details.

Get the Rush Doing Extreme Plays at KICKair

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Website: https://kickair.co.uk/ 

Address: 61 Great Ducie St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1RR

Contact details: 0161 696 9991

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Having kids older than five years shouldn’t be a reason for shying away from an indoor playground. Bring them to KICKair, which offers fun sports facilities for this demographic.

They also have a soft play area for toddlers! Overall, KICKair is for your entire family if you guys love being active. 

You and the kids can enjoy trampolines, test your skills on the ninja course, play dodgeball, kick some goals on the football pitch, and more.

There’s also a cafe for quick bites. They have great pizza, among other snacks and drinks.

Pro tip: You’re required to buy socks from KICKair for use in the facilities, so keep this in mind for your budget. The good thing is you’ll only need to purchase once since they’re reusable (unless you lose or forget them for next time).

Ride Mini-karts at Fun Valley Bolton

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Website: https://funvalley.co.uk/fun-valley-bolton/ 

Address: Unit 3, 224 Blackburn Rd, Bolton BL1 8DT

Contact details: 0120 439 7665

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Fun Valley’s Bolton branch isn’t one to miss if you have a kid who loves indoor playgrounds. This place is very big, with a mini-kart section for thrill-seekers and a padded play frame for little ones.

A cafe is near the play areas, so you’ll easily chaperone while unwinding after a long day or week. It offers an ample variety of cakes, hot food, and other snacks and refreshments.

Since the place has a great atmosphere, many kids have birthday parties here. A typical Fun Valley party package includes playtime, a private party zone, and tasty food (just don’t forget to book your parties in advance)!

Pro tip: You can just walk in and enjoy the usual 2-hour stay. There is no need to call or book in advance for the usual soft play.

Get Your Crate of Fun at The Fun Depot

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Website: http://www.thefundepot.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 7B, Albion Trading Estate, Mossley Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne. OL6 6NQ

Contact details: 0161 343 5507

Operating hours: 

  • Monday and Friday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Thursday – CLOSED

The Fun Depot is a typical indoor playground with play frames, slides, crawl tubes, and toys. It has a central area for kids over four and a toddler area for kids under two, so children of all ages can enjoy it.

Mums and dads will greatly appreciate how great the staff keeps the place clean and sanitised because the nose WILL tell. 

When anyone in the group gets hungry, they can quickly drop by the on-site cafe for delicious, kid-friendly snacks or a cup of tea. 

Before going home, remember to check out The Depot Deli, which is in-house and offers unique souvenir options for mum and dad. The play centre’s owner and crew personally curate these selections from locally-produced products. 

Pro tip: Only walk-ins are allowed, but be sure to check their Facebook page for updates, as their hours may change with the weather.

Slide a Lot at Jungle J’s Play and Party Centre

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Website: https://www.junglejsplayandpartycentre.co.uk/ 

Address: Commercial Centre, 1, Melbourne, Watts St, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9LQ

Contact details: 0161 633 3747

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Jungle J’s is a paradise for thrill-seeking kids. It features a 12-foot slide within a three-level play facility, and packs exciting equipment like spinning poles, rope bridges, and ball pools.

There are dedicated soft play areas for younger children and babies! Meanwhile, parents can relax and enjoy refreshments at Jungle J’s cafe while keeping an eye on their little ones.

The indoor play centre is especially popular for its birthday party packages, which are typically held on a dedicated party floor and offer up to two hours of playtime for guests. For those looking to make their event even more special, renting the entire venue is possible.

Pro tip: Jungle J’s has high demand, especially on the weekends, so book beforehand for your spot to avoid disappointment.

Bounce All Over Inflata Nation

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Website: https://www.inflatanation.com/locations/manchester/ 

Address: Trafford Park, Textilose Road, Manchester M17 1WA

Contact details: 0161 710 2360

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Inflata Nation is for children who LOOOOOOOVE inflatables, slides, and ball pits. Children older than toddlers will enjoy this place the most. 

Still, there’s also a dedicated space for children under four, so even the youngest guests have a safe and fun experience. Special play sessions for differently abled kids allow them to join in the fun, making Inflata Nation an inclusive environment.

Get ready for attractions like the Double Tipping Slide, “Ballcano,” Blue Lagoon ball pit, “Obstaball” Course, and 11-foot slides, promising endless entertainment for your children.

Inflata Nation can host parties and adult-only bounce sessions, so check out their different packages. Their cafe serves fresh food and drinks, perfect for refuelling after burning all that energy.

Pro tip: Book online early and use the locker service for your coats and shoes. Safe and hassle-free!

Frolic at Adventure Forest Play Centre

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Website: https://adventureforestplay.co.uk/  

Address: Unit 16 Severnside, Textilose Road, Trafford Park, M17 1WA

Contact details: 0161 425 5020

Operating hours: Daily – 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM

Adventure Forest Play Centre isn’t actually in a forest. Still, it’s lush and full of activities for kids of all ages.

This indoor playground mainly features a three-tier, modern playframe with slides and swings, a mini quad track, and a unique “eye spy” digital fish-watching hole. Toddlers can enjoy the forest-themed soft play area designed to stimulate imagination and motor skills.

The play centre also caters to children with special educational needs (SEN), offering sessions for additional and autistic needs. Adults, on the other hand, can relax with a coffee or snack in the cafe next to the play frame. 

If you love the atmosphere, you can also book a party package, some of which include the appearance of Adventure Forest’s mascots, making any celebration more magical.

Pro tip: Catch one of the play centre’s furry friends, Bruno Bear, every Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM for the sing and dance session! 

Jump Away at Jumaprooz Inflatable Park – Ashton

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Website: https://www.jumparooz.co.uk/ 

Address: Berkeley Business Park, Turner St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8LB

Contact details: 0161 339 6284

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

If your kids love trampolines, take them to Jumparooz at Ashton. They’ll go crazy like a ‘Roo with the vast number of trampolines and the activities they can do while jumping around.

With the mandatory Jumparooz socks, you can jump, “swim” in foam pits, slide, or test your endurance in the Assault Course and Gladiator Battle Beams.

There’s also a cafe serving tasty snacks. It overlooks the whole jump arena, so you’ll also get a great view with your coffee while recharging after all the jumping.

There’s no age or time limit for jumping (as long as children have an adult with them). You can also pick Jumparooz to host your next birthday party or special event. 

Pro tip: Either booking online or walking in is fine. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your schedule to sort out admin stuff before the fun starts!

Run Wild at Jungle Mayhem

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Website: https://www.junglemayhem.co.uk/ 

Address: Eton Hill Rd, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 2ZT

Contact details: 0161 724 7402

Operating hours: Daily – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Children who love the zoo will love Jungle Mayhem in Radcliffe. It isn’t as grand as a theme park, but is still well-known in the area, thanks to being friendly to kids of all ages.

Jungle Mayhem features a tall, four-lane slide, a ball pool where tots can literally shower themselves with balls, and a spinning pole they call “spin a while, crocodile.” 

Adventurous kids can run wild, while younger ones can have cosy fun in the baby and toddler areas, which have many toys, a soft play activity ring, and shape wall puzzles.

Like other indoor playgrounds, Jungle Mayhem has a cafe with hot and cold refreshments. Parents can relax in the comfy seating area beside the cafe while watching over their kids.

Pro tip: Always book your play session here in advance. Walk-ins could get turned away if they’re full house.

Have Fun at Funtastic Children’s Play Centre

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Website: https://funtastic.org.uk/  

Address: Kenyon St, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 1NF

Contact details: 0161 425 8248

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Another great indoor playground in Radcliffe that you and the kids can check out is Funtastic Children’s Play Centre. As its name suggests, the premises’ vibrant colours and warm ambiance fit “fun” and “fantastic”.

They accept children up to 11 years of age for the three separate play areas: one with sensory toys for babies until age three, one with a small play frame for toddlers below four, and another with a large play frame for kids until age eleven. 

Parents can assist their children in the play frames. Still, if you’re not up to it, you can always relax in the provided seats nearby and grab a coffee or a light snack from Funtastic’s cafe.

Given its neighbourhood vibe, Funtastic is also popular for children’s birthday parties. Book at least two months in advance to have your kid’s party here.

Pro tip: Height matters! Only kids up to 148 cm are allowed on the large play frame.

Party All Day at The Funhouse

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Website: http://the-funhouse.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 1 Little Moss Ln, Swinton, Manchester M27 6HA

Contact details: 0161 727 8222

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 Am to 5:00 PM
  • Monday – CLOSED

The Funhouse at Swinton is a great play centre for kids of all ages. It features a soft play area for babies and toddlers and a large play frame for older kids.

Unique amenities include a bike track with mini-motorbikes safe for children above toddler age. There’s also a sensory room for children with special education needs, equipped with projector lighting, fibre optic curtains, and an infinity panel for calming entertainment.

Parents and nannies can relax at the cafe serving delicious drinks and snacks. The cafe is conveniently located next to the play frames, allowing adults to keep an eye on their kids while enjoying refreshments.

The Funhouse offers various birthday party packages, including standard, disco, and laser-themed options. Parties are held in a private room; you can hire mascots for extra fun!

Pro tip: The toddler sessions every Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM are great for your little tots to enjoy and make new friends. Don’t miss it! 

Connect at Cheeky Cherubs Soft Play and Youth Centre

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Website: https://www.cheekycherubsurmston.org/ 

Address: 1, Victoria Parade, Higher Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9BP

Contact details: 0161 971 6692

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM, 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Sunday – CLOSED

The Urmston community-owned Cheeky Cherubs play centre is unique and a great choice if you’re looking for a warm and friendly indoor playground.

Aside from the typical play centre fare of toys, play frames, and slides, it’s also a great venue for community events. Party packages, meeting rooms, youth clubs, SEN and other educational sessions are available for all ages.

On a normal play day, let the younger kids play in Happy Land, their role-playing area, to tickle their imaginations. Let your nine- to 14-year-olds join the Higher Road Youth Club for play, crafts, karaoke, and kiddie cafe job experiences.

Families can also participate in Funtastic Friday evenings to connect and bond with other kids and families.

Pro tip: Peak time at Cheeky Cherubs is every Saturday, so don’t forget to book in advance online for that coveted spot!

Celebrate Good Times at Playkidds

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Website: https://www.playkidds.co.uk/ 

Address: 345 Moorside Rd, Wardley, Swinton, Worsley, Manchester M27 9HH

Contact details: 0161 728 1671

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED

Playkidds is one of the biggest indoor play centres for kids in Swinton, with lots of toys and interactive games in its play areas. They also have regular and special events, like Happy Hours every Wednesday and Thursday and storytime Sundays focused on a special character. 

If your family likes the place so much, you can get a Playkidds membership. This will give you a discount on play sessions and other promotions.

Playkidds is also great for kids’ parties. They have a handful of party packages, like the neon-themed celebration package, that you should try sometime.

Pro tip: Ask more about the Playkidds Wrap Around School Club, which offers childcare at schools around the Swinton area. Very handy for parents needing a hand on work days!

Role Play at Little Play Town Heywood

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Website: https://littleplaytownheywood.co.uk/ 

Address: 30 Market Pl, Heywood OL10 4NL

Contact details: 0170 662 7134

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Bring your kids to Little Play Town Heywood for a day of playing with just the imagination. This play centre has two floors full of child-size yet realistic-themed areas for endless roleplay.

Little tots (ideally from ages one to eight years) can play and pretend to be a theatre actor, a caring nurse, a brave police officer, or Bob the Builder’s next protege. 

Refreshments are available in the in-house cafe. However, the cafe closes along with the rest of the play centre after every play session for cleaning and tidying up.

Little Play Town can also be booked for private parties. They can provide party food in-house, or you can hire a caterer from outside.

Pro tip: Be a dear to the play centre’s superstar staff and arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your play session schedule. The 5 minutes are their time to tidy up in between sessions!
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