{"id":312360,"date":"2025-08-02T16:39:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T16:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/312360\/"},"modified":"2025-08-02T16:39:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T16:39:41","slug":"33-indoor-things-to-do-with-the-kids-in-and-around-manchester-this-school-holidays-summer-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/312360\/","title":{"rendered":"33 indoor things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school holidays summer 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rain can’t stop play when there’s so much indoor fun on the cardsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a>\"TheThe Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years is at Manchester Museum this summer(Image: Manchester Museum)<\/p>\n

It might well be the summer holidays, but we don’t always get the sunshine to go with it.<\/p>\n

That doesn’t mean the fun needs to stop though, as there are loads of indoor events and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained<\/a>.<\/p>\n

From museums and indoor beaches, to train rides and karting, there’s no end to the places you can visit to keep dry and have a good time.<\/p>\n

With families watching the pennies more than ever<\/a>, we’ve included plenty of free activities to make the most of too, as well as a list of places kids eat free or for \u00a31 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To make sure you’re always up-to-date with events, you can sign up to our Manchester Family newsletter<\/a> or join our FREE Manchester Family WhatsApp group by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here’s our full round-up of indoor events and things to do in and around Greater Manchester this summer…<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cat That Slept For a Thousand Years, Manchester Museum<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a giant 10-metre-long sleeping cat you can visit this summer at Manchester Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The world-first event is being billed as the museum’s ‘most imaginative exhibition yet’ and is open to the public now.<\/p>\n

Called The Cat That Slept For a Thousand Years, the huge robotic cat breathes, purrs and twitches its ears and tail in response to human touch.<\/p>\n

Bean bags are set up around the cat so that visitors can relax alongside it, or you can also get up close to the giant animal and rub his chin, tickle his belly and paws, and watch as his ears twitch. His purrs become more intense as they react to your presence.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years is at Manchester Museum this summer(Image: Manchester Museum)<\/p>\n

Younger visitors can also write the cat a letter at the end of the exhibition for when he eventually awakes from his slumber, as well as draw their own cat portraits and see a wall of real life cats sent in by members of the public.<\/p>\n

It’s free to enter, but visitors need to book a timed ticket online as museum bosses<\/a> are expecting a huge amount of people heading along to see the spectacular new addition to the venue on Oxford Road<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As part of the event there’s a free family programme at the Manchester Museum<\/a>, which will also see a huge interactive snail making its way to Manchester city centre this weekend<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Luma is a nine-metre-long, inflatable, robotic snail, brought to life by creative robotics studio Air Giants, who are also responsible for the giant cat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Like the cat, Luma uses air flow to move around, drawing inspiration from the extraordinary range of flexing and contorting motion found in bio-mechanics to create a beautiful range of movement.<\/p>\n

She will perform in St Ann\u2019s Square for two days on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August, from 10am until 4pm. It\u2019s a free experience that\u2019s open to all.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe giant snail is taking to the streets of Manchester this weekend(Image: Supplied)Angry Birds, Sea Life Manchester<\/strong><\/p>\n

Angry Birds are visiting Sea Life Manchester to host what promises to be ‘an energetic activity trail for the whole family’ this summer.<\/p>\n

The Angry Birds are, well\u2026 angry, at the way their fishy friends\u2019 world is being treated. So to help save it the only way they know how, the feathered frenzies are heading out into the big blue to teach visitors all about the incredible underwater world and the creatures that live within it.<\/p>\n

Between now and August 10, Angry Birds will be leading the way to educate children all about marine life threats, as well as the importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n

To find out more and book tickets, visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"AnAn Angry Birds event is on at Sea Life(Image: Sea Life)Summer of Fun, Printworks<\/p>\n

A whole Summer of Fun is taking place at Printworks, which is hosting a giant sandpit, deckchairs beneath Europe\u2019s largest digital ceiling and free interactive games running everyday throughout August.<\/p>\n

Promising ‘a city-centre escape that won\u2019t break the bank’ the giant glowing ceiling will beam out beach-themed content including animated visuals, quizzes, and a live leaderboard.<\/p>\n

An interactive crowd gaming experience, where up to 100 players at a time can take part in high-energy digital games using just their smartphones, is set to be the daily highlight, with visitors able to scan the on-screen QR code to join in.<\/p>\n

In addition to the daily beach-themed fun, every Thursday will feature a brand-new line-up of free, hands-on experiences for families, running from 10am to 4pm in the Pumpyard. From live DJs, World\u2019s Largest PAC-MAN, and giant games to creative challenges for kids, each Thursday promises a different reason to visit.<\/p>\n

\"SummerSummer of Fun is coming to Printworks(Image: Printworks)<\/p>\n

The Thursday schedule includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n