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The 5 Best Theme Parks in Manchester

Attractions - We checked the rides and other exhibits in each theme park. 

Accessibility - We assessed how easy it would be for visitors to enjoy each theme park. Here, their location and operating hours were considered. 

Rates - The entry fee and cost for other attractions in each theme park were also checked and compared.

Customer Service - The attitude and responsiveness of the staff members were also considered as this affects the overall experience in the theme park. 

1. Inflata Nation

Inflata Nation's Homepage

Services: Inflata Wall, Inflata Duel, Inflata Race, Inflata Bubbles, Inflata Drop, Inflata Hoops

Website: https://www.inflatanation.com/locations/manchester/

Address: Inflata Nation Manchester, Trafford Park, Textilose Road, Manchester M17 1WA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 710 2360

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday | Saturday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  • Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM–7:00 PM
Google Reviews Score 4.2/5
Total Reviews4.2/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Attractions5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Location5/5
Operating Hours5/5
Rates (A higher score means more affordable rates)3/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has multiple inflatable attractions
  • Has area made specifically for children under four years old
  • Operational every day

Cons

  • Entrance fee is quite expensive

Inflata Nation features a double-decker arena with multiple inflatable attractions. We find it exciting that it houses various slides with high drops, bumps, and tips.

Furthermore, there is also an inflatable obstacle course, which is a great way to test one’s physical endurance. 

As for those who have a competitive spirit, we think that you will appreciate the Inflata Duel. Here, you can have a friendly duel in their gladiator arena equipped with safe inflatable weapons.

We believe that this is a great date idea if you want to give your special someone a unique experience.

Since some of the attractions can be quite intense, we are happy to share that they also have an Inflata Tots section. This is a special area where children under four years old can enjoy soft play.

We also appreciate that they are open every day. In fact, they even have extended hours on weekends — so we give them plus points for that.

Their rate starts at £5.99 for children and £10.99 for adults. This is a bit expensive since they charge per hour. 

There is also an option to add an hour to your access starting at £3 — which further adds to the cost.

Despite this, we believe that a visit here is still worth it because of its unique attraction — plus it gives its guests a nice workout!

2. Bounce Central

Bounce Central's Homepage

Services: Giant Bounce Area, Jurassic Jungle Softplay

Website: https://bouncecentraluk.co.uk/

Address: 4 Labtec St, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 8SE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 794 0677

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday | Saturday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM–9:45 PM
Google Reviews Score 4.5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Attractions4/5
Accessibility 5/5
Location5/5
Operating Hours5/5
Rates (A higher score means more affordable rates)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has commendable staff members
  • Has activities for both adults and children
  • Offers waived entrance fee for children under 12 months old

Cons

  • Requires special socks for certain attractions
  • Has instances where certain attractions were dirty

One of the best things about Bounce Central is their staff members. When we spoke to the people who visited the theme park, most of them appreciated the approachable and welcoming crew.

We were impressed that they have over 65 trampolines that make up a giant bounce area. This is ideal for energetic children or adults who are looking for a fun workout.

Speaking of workouts, they also offer fitness classes here. During their sessions, they make attendees bounce around interconnected trampolines to help build endurance and lose weight.

At £6 per hour, we think that this is a good investment. Just remember to prepare a few more pounds since you will be required to buy Bounce Central grip socks for safety purposes.

We also appreciate that they have a Toddler Time attraction for children under four years old. Here, they will have access to specialized trampolines for the little ones.

Furthermore, we also appreciate that they will also provide the children with free kids meals in their in-house cafe.

The entrance fee for babies under 12 months old is waived for as long as they are with a paying adult who would supervise them — which is great!

We were just a bit iffy as we have received reports where certain attractions were a bit dirty. However, this seems to be an isolated case as most visitors were satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre's Homepage

Services: LEGO Ninjago City Adventure, MINILAND, LEGO 4D Cinema, The Great LEGO Race VR Experience, Others

Website: https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/manchester/

Address: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity next to The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 749 2870

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday | Saturday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday | Friday: 10:30 AM–3:00 PM
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 10:30 AM–2:00 PM
Google Reviews Score 4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.6/5
Total Reviews3.8/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Attractions5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Location5/5
Operating Hours5/5
Rates (A higher score means more affordable rates)5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Has many attractions for adults and children
  • Has a gift shop that houses unique LEGO merchandise
  • Has affordable tickets

Cons

  • Pre-booking is required

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is one of the most popular destinations in Manchester…and we think that’s for good reason. This theme park is filled with many attractions that both children and adults will surely enjoy.

The most popular exhibit here is the LEGO Ninjago City Adventure which features a three-storey play area that emulates a ninja training camp. We like that it has an obstacle course that guests can take along Ninjago characters like Kai, Jay, Cole, and many more.

There is also a 4-D cinema where visitors can watch Lego Movies supercharged with special effects like wind, rain, snow, and many more — depending on the scene.

And of course, there is also a gift shop that offers unique LEGO merchandise — a great spot whether you’re a collector or you just want a souvenir. 

A Standard Ticket starts at £17.50, which is an affordable price since it would take almost the entire day to complete the tour. We also like that you can add about £10 to have access to SEA Life Manchester — which is a good deal if you ask us. 

The only downside is that pre-booking is required to secure a ticket. Therefore, this is definitely not a good place to go if you are looking for last-minute ideas.

4. meetspaceVR

meetspaceVR's Homepage

Services: VR Experiences, Zero Latency VR, VR Escape Rooms, VR Arcade, Immersive Play Zone

Website: https://meetspacevr.co.uk/

Address: North3, Unit 2 Brightgate Way, Manchester M32 0TB, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 800 088 6911

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Google Reviews Score 4.9/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.9/5
Total Reviews4.9/5
Score Consistency 4.9/5
Attractions5/5
Accessibility 4.5/5
Location5/5
Operating Hours4/5
Rates (A higher score means more affordable rates)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Great for parties and team-building activities
  • Has a wide range of virtual reality exhibits
  • Has accommodating and supportive staff members

Cons

  • Has limited operating days

MeetspaceVR is a great place to hold parties or team-building activities. We like that they offer a unique set of activities that involves technology.

The most popular exhibit here is their zero latency virtual reality experience. Here, up to eight people can play the same game to complete missions in the VR arena.

Since guests have the option to compete or cooperate, we believe that this is an ideal attraction for those who have a competitive spirit. 

Furthermore, there are also VR escape rooms available here. We recommend this to adrenaline junkies who want to experience immersive worlds minus the real-life danger. 

Ask for those who simply want to have fun, there is an immersive gaming area where guests can freely interact with various VR exhibits. 

According to those who have visited the theme park, the staff members here are reliable and accommodating — which is a great bonus. Since some of the games can be quite confusing, it’s great to know that you will get support from their team.

The only downside is that MeetspaceVR is only operational five times a week — unlike other theme parks in the area which are open every day.

Other than that, we think that this is an awesome place to explore if you want a unique experience.

5. Runway Visitor Park

Runway Visitor Park's Homepage

Services: Flight Simulator 360, Concorde Platinum Tour, Supersonic Short Tour, Nimrod Classic Tour, Others

Website: https://www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk/

Address: Runway Visitor Park, Sunbank Ln, Altrincham WA15 8XQ, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.3/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Attractions4/5
Accessibility 5/5
Location5/5
Operating Hours5/5
Rates (A higher score means more affordable rates)4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Good for aviation enthusiasts
  • Has unique rides and tours that center on aircrafts
  • Has in-house food establishments and a large picnic area

Cons

  • Can be challenging to explore when it’s raining

Runway Visitor Park is the perfect theme park for those who are interested in aviation. It is home to a variety of retired planes and other fun activities for every member of the family.

For only £12, two people can enjoy their famous Flight Simulator 360. This gives the riders a glimpse of what it’s like to be in control of a P-38 Lightning aircraft.

Guests can also make the most out of their visit with the Concorde Platinum Tour for £38. Although this is quite expensive, we believe that it is worth the price because visitors will get a full tour of the cabin and flight deck, along with a chance to walk under the wings of G-BOAC Concorde.

Additionally, this experience also comes with a complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice. We find it impressive that the tour will end with a viewing of the famous nose droop.

Since it would take about the entire day to fully explore the place, we like that they have food establishments within the compound. Furthermore, there is also a large picnic area where visitors can enjoy their meals.

The only downside is that a big part of the theme park is outdoors. With this, it may not be a suitable place to visit whenever it rains.

FAQs about Theme Parks in Manchester

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