Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Suzy McCullough
This post covers all the fun things to do with kids across the three areas of Trafford Centre, Trafford Park and Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. My son and I actually had a mid-week holiday here, yes, a holiday, and stayed nearby so that we could visit most of the places on this list. We were really impressed by the Trafford Centre. Before we went, I had no clue how amazing it actually looks. It was like visiting Italy! We stayed really close by at the Premier Inn, Trafford. This was also near to to Dino Falls adventure golf, which we played a couple of times. This hotel is well-rated on TripAdvisor.
It’s worth just wandering around the Trafford Centre and Palazzo with kids, as they will be amazed at all the Greco-Roman-esque things to see. The whole place has a grand, palace-style feel, with sweeping marble-effect columns, gold detailing and ornate entrances that look like they belong on a Roman villa. Statues are everywhere, hundreds of them, mostly classical goddesses and mythological figures, with the occasional male statue. The Great Hall is the real showstopper, crowned with a huge dome decorated with 33 murals that show scenes from Roman life, from winemaking to trading, alongside gods like Jupiter and Venus. Even the main entrance nods to ancient history with a crest featuring a Roman Centurion, a griffin and a unicorn, tying the classical design to local heritage.
Below, I will cover the three different areas of Trafford Park and what there is to do at each, starting with the main shopping area of the Trafford Centre.
Trafford Centre
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
The two courses are full of quirky exotic theming, colourful obstacles and just the right mix of challenge and silliness. You can choose between the Tiki Hut Trail or Temple Ruins adventure. We decided to play both which took quite a while as they both have 18 holes. Offers can often be found online. Find Out More
Laser Quest
This was the first time both of us have played Laser Quest and we loved it. It’s pretty intense and you certainly get a lot of exercise running around. There are two teams and you play against each other as a team so there was a lot of plotting along the way. I had booked two games with a gap in between each one which was needed for a rest and a drink. We were in the winning team for both games and I actually came second over all in the second game. Find out More
ODEON Cinema
Just so that our week had a relaxing element to it we did pay the ODEON Cinema a visit. It’s located across the way from Laser Quest and the seats inside were certainly comfy, although we did upgrade to their premier seats. Â There are 20 screens that show movies in great quality 2D and also RealD 3D. They use state-of-the-art technology including Dolby Digital Sound. This cinema has a monster IMAX screen that will immerse you right in the entertainment. Find Out More
NAMCO Funscape
Located near the huge food court is NAMCO Funscape. This is a large gaming area with arcade machines, dodgems, pool and bowling. We were going on the dodgems but it looked far too manic for us. This is quite a load and busy environment that we found a bit too crazy. The ten-pin bowling alley has 18 lanes, and even little ones can join in thanks to ramps, gutter guards and lighter balls. The arcade is huge with more than 150 video and arcade games, so everyone can find something they enjoy. We visited to try out their Super Mario VR experience. I’m not sure if it’s still there though. Find Out More
Trafford Palazzo
SEA Life Manchester
This is ideally located next door to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre so it’s perfect to combine a visit to both places. There are lots of different aquarium zones to wander through. Your visit starts at Turtle Beach, a 3D projection show that takes you through the life cycle of a sea turtle. Rocky Hideout has little caves and tanks where you can get up close to some of the more unusual species. The ocean tunnel is a highlight, with sharks, rays, tangs and the impressive sea turtles. You’ll also come across Jellyfish Seas, Shark Shipwreck and colourful coral reefs, plus an ocean window to stop and watch the fish. Little ones can burn off some energy in the sub-aqua soft play too. Find Out More
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
My son certainly got our money’s worth out of this place. We were in there so long I ended up sitting with a drink at the cafe while he got stuck in. It feels small inside but there is SO much for little LEGO enthusiasts to do. There’s a fun 4D experience, a couple of rides, a fun play area for younger children, LEGO displays and plenty of LEGO-themed activities. The creative areas were where my son spent the most of his time. For budding Ninjas, there is also a LEGO Ninjago City adventure with 3 storeys of play with a number of obstacles along the way. You can also add on VR experience (additional charge). Find Out More
Trafford Park
Outside of the indoor shopping areas there are a few attractions located close to each other. We will cover each of these below.
The Snow Centre Manchester
Formerly Chill Factore this centre is home to the UK’s longest real snow ski slope with a variety of activities on offer. You can purchase a ski pass and ski or snowboard for different lengths of time. Or you can book lessons for either activity. This isn’t our thing so I booked us a couple of passes to the snow park. It’s worth noting that all participants have to wear gloves so bring your own as you can’t hire them and they’re not cheap in the shop. We did hire the warm clothes though. Activities include an ice slide, downhill donuts and sledging. They were all great fun! Find Out More
I-Fly Indoor Skydiving
I still can’t believe we did this! It was certainly the most expensive activity and although fun I’m not sure I’d do it again. I wasn’t quite prepared for how much the air forces your face into such a strange position. You get three goes inside and you visit as a group so you take turns each time. Your instructor holds you pretty much most of the time as it is really very hard! The kids were definitely better than the adults. Find Out More
Play Factore
This place is huge. It’s certainly the biggest soft play my son has been in. It is the UK’s largest play centre at over 26,000 sq ft of space for children aged between 0 to 12 years. The massive red slides are incredible and super fast. It has a few extra fun elements that most other soft plays don’t have. With a full indoor laser tag arena, interactive ValoJump trampolines, an epic zip wire and a virtual reality environment. The play frame is packed with fun tunnels and big obstacles like bubble balls, spider nets and rollers, plus there’s a built-in football pitch and basketball court. The gated toddler area is just for under-5s and has its own tunnels, three little slides, trikes and plenty to keep them busy. Find Out More
Rock up Manchester
This and the next two places we didn’t actually visit. Rock Up Manchester is an indoor climbing centre, with more than 25 colourful climbing walls ranging from beginner-friendly to seriously challenging, so everyone can have a go. There’s also a high-ropes style Adventure Walls section for extra thrills, and a great soft play area for younger children who aren’t ready for climbing yet. Find Out More
Inflata Nation Manchester
This is a huge indoor inflatable theme park in Trafford Park where kids and families can bounce, climb and race through a massive arena packed with giant slides, obstacle courses, ball pits and more. You’ll find everything from inflatable climbing walls and multi-lane assault courses to big drop slides that end in sprawling ball pits. Plus a dedicated under-4s area so younger children have space to play safely. Find Out More
Total Ninja Manchester
This is a huge indoor ninja activity and inflatable park where kids aged 4+ can test their skills on exciting obstacle courses inspired by Ninja Warrior. With a mix of fixed ninja challenges like warped walls, spider walls, balance beams and jump towers, plus a giant inflatable course full of slides and climbing obstacles, there’s plenty to keep everyone moving and having fun. Younger children can still join in the fun in the soft play area designed for under-4s. Find Out More
Dino Falls Adventure Golf
As mentioned above this place was really close to our hotel so we went here a couple of times. It’s a bit noisy as it’s right by the motorway but the holes are great fun. There are two outdoor 18 hole mini-golf courses which are just as fun by night as by day. There are many large life-like dinosaurs around the course including a T-Rex, Allosaurus, baby Triceratops, Velociraptors and many more. Also on-site is a golf driving range. Find Out More
Nearby places we went to
We did actually drive into Manchester and visit I’m a Celebrity get me out of here. This place was so much fun so I was sad that it shut down. Another place I drove to during our stay is the place below. My son was old enough and tall enough to take part but it was quite full on. Think men driving with no mercy, despite the fact there’s young kids taking part. We have been reluctant to go karting ever since! This could be a good alternative for families with younger children. It’s not always open but it looks good.
Team Sport Karting
We visited this high-octane indoor karting centre where kids (from around age 8 with an adult) and grown-ups can race on a multi-level track with hairpin bends, fast straights and overtaking opportunities. With electric karts that deliver smooth but thrilling performance. Find Out More
