14 Things To Do in Manchester With a Teenager (That Everyone Will Enjoy)

Did you know that Race Across The World: The Experience is now available in Manchester?

Race Across The World: The Experience is the official live experience of the award-winning hit TV show, brought to life in a high-stakes adventure across Manchester.

Important Info: You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. The experience is designed to be accessible and inclusive. See FAQs for details.

Explore hidden corners of Manchester while cracking clues and learning quirky facts in these self-guided scavenger hunts. 

After all, you never know what’s lurking beyond your back garden, and there’s no better way to find out than recruit the rest of the family to track them down. 

No, we can’t pretend your teen will jump for joy if you suggest going to the library…but hold your horses a sec. 

This iconic library is way more than just a place to borrow books. You’ll find a whole range of events scheduled into the library’s calendar including gigs, film nights, performances, open-mic nights and more. 

Head over to the website to find something that appeals to you (and more importantly, your teen!).

Looking for things to do in Manchester with a teenager that can’t stop reading historical romance novels? This is where to go. 

Step back into the Victorian era at this beautifully preserved home of one of Manchester’s most famous authors, Elizabeth Gaskell.

If you really want to get out of the house and still have fun, take a look at the schedule for local board games meetups.

More than anything, it’s a chance to meet new people and discover fun, strategy-filled board games (beyond the ones you have at home with a dozen pieces missing). 

The role-playing games are also a lot of fun and there’s no pressure to have played the games before.

If there’s something teens enjoy, it’s tucking into the latest trendy food of whatever from wherever. And if you have an adventurous palette, it’s a win-win.

Grub is our go-to spot for getting our hands on excellent global street food in Manchester with everything from loaded fries to bao buns.

Breakfast never appealed to me as a teen and if your teenagers don’t surface before at least 9am, you’re probably better off scheduling a brunch. 

Federal is a really chill Aussie-style cafe with great brunch and killer coffee (which we all need, when trying to keep the whole family entertained).

Looking for things to do in Manchester with teenagers that involve a bit of culture? Head over to The Royal Exchange Theatre to catch a play or a youth-friendly performance.

This stunning, in-the-round space makes every seat feel close to the action, perfect for teenagers experiencing live theatre for the first time (or the hundredth, if your teen is into their drama).

Looking for high-energy fun things to do in Manchester with teenagers? Trampoline parks are the perfect option and there’s no shortage of them around here. 

Ideal for burning off energy and enjoying an action-filled day indoors (perfect if it’s a rainy day), head here to allow your teen to bounce, flip, and take on challenges on ninja courses, foam pits, and freestyle zones.

• Kick Air
• Jump Ninja (Salford)
• Flip Out (Clayton)

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to leave the country to find somewhere to ski or snowboard. In fact, you don’t even need to leave Greater Manchester. 

Chill Factore is the UK’s longest indoor slope, and even if you’re…well, not very coordinated (yet), it’s a great laugh for all ages!

Some activities are classic for a reason, and surely mini golf is up there with one of the most family-friendly things to do with a teenager. 

Go head-to-head in a tropical-themed mini golf course that’s perfect for some friendly competition, and then allow the winner some family bragging rights!

Clue’s in the name with this one, really. One of the most exciting and fun things to do in Manchester with teenagers has got to be going to Total Ninja, the UK’s largest ninja park. 

Teens can take on climbing walls, warped ramps and obstacle courses designed to test their speed, strength and agility instead of your patience for once (joking, obviously!).

Are you one of those nostalgic parents who wishes their kids could play the same games you did growing up? They can!

Perfect for gaming enthusiasts, Arcade Club is Europe’s biggest video arcade. It has hundreds of retro and modern games spread across multiple floors (so yes, mum and dad, your teens will definitely beat you at some of these) teenagers can enjoy unlimited play without the need for coins.

For a more relaxed day out, head to Sale Water Park.

We could all use a bit more fresh air and it’s never a bad thing to squeeze in some extra exercise where possible, and if you ask us, this is one of the best places in Manchester to do it. 

Bikes are available for hire here so you can cycle scenic trails without the hassle of bringing your own bikes, or you can just enjoy a picnic by the lake or watersports if you fancy.