Things to do with babies in Manchester

Creative Tourist

Bottle, bottle warmer, food, nappies, nappy cream, nappy bags, toys, change of clothes… got everything? Schlepping a baby, a buggy and all the accompanying gear around the city centre can sometimes feel like mounting an expedition into the rainforests of Borneo; add another child and the chaos multiplies by ten. With this in mind, we know how important it is to know of safe and welcoming baby-friendly havens to visit, which not only keep the older kids and adults entertained, but also make Mum’s life much easier.

Here is our guide of things to do with babies in Manchester.

If you want more things to do with the kids, check out our regularly updated families guide which picks out the best cultural adventures for families in Manchester and the North.

Our top picks

Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 21 December 2024, free entry - Visit now

Visit the Outdoor Art Club at the Whitworth Art Gallery, jam-packed with fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

Toddler standing on grass with a paintbrush in hand turning to the right to look at the camera. He is wearing a navy blue rainsuit with a burgundy and navy blue long sleeved tiop underneath. He is standing in front of large cream coloured sheets that have been strung up on a washing line. The sheets have mud marks making on.
Image courtesy of The Whitworth.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Manchester Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS - Visit now

Great for the kids big and little, LEGOLAND is a great day out for families. Children under 5 can enjoy the  DUPLO Farm, and then have a tumble and play in the soft play area, no big kids allowed!

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Heaton Park

Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M25 2SW - Visit now

No grumpy babies here! Head to Heaton Park and Farm with your littlest one in full ‘sling’ and enjoy an Animal Centre for cuddling and petting plus a really lovely stroll around the stunning green grounds. Granted, baby will probably sleep the whole way through, but parents can enjoy the animals while sleepy one catches up on much needed kip!

RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road (Off Leigh Road), Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2GU - Visit now

A great day out for kids and adults of all ages. Stroll through the grounds of the spectacular 154-acre RHS Bridgewater Garden, with play areas, plant factories and butterfly gardens for the bigger-little kids, and lots of fresh air, green spaces and top facilities for the babies too.

RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER
Image: Harris Bugg Studio

The East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station,, Bury,, Lancashire, BL9 0EY - Visit now

Babies will love a trip on the steam train at East Lancashire Railway. Choo Choo!

East Lancashire Railway

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now

Completing your hop around NQ, Manchester Craft & Design Centre offers a little respite from the hustle and bustle of city (and precious baby-changing).

Manchester Craft and Design Centre by Joel C Fildes.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre by Joel C Fildes.

Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale, Market Street , Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3AQ - Visit now

The Arndale is a bit of a godsend for families, as you can go shopping while also knowing its relatively easy with your little one. Featuring up-to-date facilities for parents: separate baby changing and feeding rooms, parent and child stalls in the women’s rooms, and parent and child toilets. If you’re on your own with a pram, attendants will open an accessible toilet for you. On site cafes such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee (in Waterstones) and Cafe Nero, are handy places for a feed and all come with highchairs as standard. Watch out for (very) long lift queues at busy times, though.

BW

National Football Museum

National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG - Visit now

The Football Museum has been designed for families of all ages but its Discovery Zone and Baby Moves sessions are aimed specifically at the under-5s. The entire building is pram friendly and there’s changing facilities too.

The National Football Museum Manchester
Image courtesy of National Football Museum

Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now

It’s worth having a look around all the museums in Manchester, but along with the National Football Museum, MSI feels especially family-friendly. There’s monthly activity sessions, soft play and quiet zone.

Image courtesy of Science and Industry Museum.

The Whitworth

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER - Visit now

Home to Art Baby, Music Baby and Welly Walks, it’s safe to say that the Whitworth wear their family-friendly heart of their sleeve. The Whitworth is an especially peaceful escape from the city but most art galleries in Manchester are perfect for running the buggy around.

The Whitworth
The Whitworth, Photo: Alan Williams

Where to go in Manchester

Manchester Factory international Festival - People enjoying Festival Square in the city centre
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Factory Square

Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.

Manchester
Shop
House of Books & Friends

Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Sett

Sett is an art café in West Didsbury, one of the areas many thriving independent businesses.

Stretford Foodhall
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Stretford Foodhall

A one-stop-shop, Stretford Foodhall is a place for those who like to eat, drink and shop with a guilt-free conscience. Whether you fancy visiting to sample some delicious street food or to top up your refillable containers, Stretford Foodhall is well worth a visit.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Offering a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

Hatch
Manchester
Event venue
Hatch

We check out the new festive changes to Hatch, Manchester’s favourite collection of small independents.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Bars in Manchester

The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.

Tasting Menus in The North

Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.

Photo of the Halle orchestra at Bridgewater
Music Venues in Manchester

Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.

Federal Cafe Bar
Breakfast in Manchester

Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Parks and Gardens in Manchester

There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.