The summer holidays are over and you've visited more parks than you can shake a stick at, but what is there to do now the days are shorter and the weather is cooler? Here are five suggestions for indoor days out for the family, in and around Manchester this autumn.
Chill Factore
We haven't had a great deal of snow over the last couple of years, so if you like getting a sledge out at the first sign of a flurry, you're probably going to like Chill Factore. There are activities on offer for everyone aged two and over including a snow park for children under four. Children aged four and over can use the ice luge, sledges and donuts as well as the newly-opened snow luge. There are taster sessions for skiing and snowboarding as well as lessons, party packages and general ski and snowboarding passes.
Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Trafford Way.
Rock Over Climbing
If you're feeling adventurous try Rock Over Climbing just outside the city centre. With equipment suitable for beginners and experts, it's a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with the family – everyone can have a go regardless of ability. Rock Over Climbing offers lessons, parties, ladies-only sessions and holiday clubs, which incorporate an assortment of other activities too. Attendees can work towards various award certificates such as the National Indoor Bouldering Scheme and the Discovery Award.
Rock Over Climbing, Clarence Hat Works, 45 Julia Street.
Sea Life Manchester
Manchester may not have a beach, but you can still see creatures that dwell in the ocean at Sea Life Manchester. Learn about thousands of creatures living under the sea, including Ernie the sea turtle. Children complete a stamp book on their journey around the centre and can collect their reward once it's full. For older children and adults, try a Seatrek where you get to walk around the inside of the huge tanks, surrounded by small sharks, vibrantly-coloured fish and Ernie himself for an experience you won't forget.
Sea Life Manchester, Barton Square, Trafford Centre.
Karen Hannah
Museum of Science and Industry
For a completely free day out, there aren't many better places to go than the Museum of Science and Industry. Learn about Manchester's cotton industry, environmental issues (and how to tackle them), what life was like for people in times gone by and a lot more. See real aeroplanes, cars and motorbikes in the transport section and don't forget to take a look at the trains before heading to the picnic area for lunch. There is a 4D cinema (fee payable) which is worth a look too.
Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road.
The Manchester Museum
For a really interesting, free and thoroughly educational day out, The Manchester Museum will not disappoint. Displays cover almost everything you can think of from the natural world from insects, dinosaurs, reptiles and frogs to fossils, minerals and rocks. The Manchester Museum also holds events throughout the year, including sessions for pre-walking babies and pre-schoolers during term time and school-aged children in the holidays.
Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Oxford Road.
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.