3 Inexpensive Days Out in Manchester

I previously gave you a few ideas on free things to do in Manchester in the summer holidays. 

Now, if you don't mind parting with a few quid, but maybe want to spread your summer budget over a few different activities rather than blowing it on an expensive outing all at once, here are a few options for you.

• Go plane spotting at the Runway Visitor Park

This one is technically free to enter, but there's a car park charge: £5 for up to 2 hours, £10 for up to 4 hours, or £12 for the whole day. 

Adjacent to Manchester Airport's busy runway, the park is a perfect spot for plane enthusiasts big and small. Their Facebook page is frequently updated with information on special events and flight times that might be of special interest, like the Emirates' Airbus A380.

In addition to the perfect view of the runway, the park also offers a playground, café, and gift shop. 

If you're interested in more than just watching planes land and take off, you can also book one of the paid tours, like the Flight Academy for the kids or a Concorde Tour.

For more information visit https://www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk/

• Let the kids burn some energy at Play FactorE

We all know to expect rainy days over the holidays, and a couple of hours at a soft play centre is always a great idea for one of those. Claiming to be the UK's largest indoor family entertainment arena, it has something for all ages. There's a separate toddler area for the under-5s, and the main frame is full of activities for all the older ones - swings, slides, tunnels... Even a small football pitch. Those brave enough can enjoy the big red slide - even the grown-ups if you have enough stamina to climb through the maze! 

Those aged 5-16 can also enjoy the ValoJump, the cool interactive trampoline that makes you a part of a video game as you jump.

Other activities include Laser Tag, a VR experience, an arcade, and a zip wire - charged extra. 

For the adults not taking part in the play there's a large seating area and a rather reasonably priced café.

Why do I include it as "inexpensive", you might ask? It's because it's pretty much constantly available on Groupon at about half the regular price, and even if you go to Play FactorE's own website, the first pop-up you get is the Groupon deal, where for instance a family of 2+2 can go in for just £28.

For more information visit https://www.playfactore.com/

• Visit the Museum of Transport

Located just 1.25 miles north of the Manchester city centre, and based in one of Greater Manchester's oldest bus garages, the Museum of Transport highlights the city's transport heritage as part of the industrial revolution. It was here that the UK's first bus service started in 1824, and in 1830 they had the world's first passenger-carrying railway! 

Admission costs only £6 adult and kids under 16 go free (must be accompanied by an adult). On certain days (listed on the website) you can jump on the free Heritage Bus on a circular route with stops near the Northern Quarter.

For more information visit https://motgm.uk/