Day out in Manchester area - 4 kids ages 4-12 any suggestions?? (this week...)

[JellyQuivvers]

We're heading just south of Manchester tomorrow for a few days with the kids (aged between 4 and 12) and plan to do Alton Towers a day (we've done Blackpool to death over the past few years!) but are unsure what else to do/where to go - don't mind paying for entrance for a good activity/day out, but not Alton Towers prices!! Any/all suggestions welcome!

Blue Reef Aquarium
Manchester Snow Dome, can't remember exact name.
Chester be a Roman thing (exact name escapes me!)
Water park in Stafford

LOL at DrSeuss,

That would be;
Blue planet aquarium
Chill Factore nr the Trafford Centre
Dewa (Roman thing in Chester)
Waterworld in Stoke

Could also try Conkers which is down in Moira, Derbyshire.
Tatton Park (NT) good play area and farm.
Manley Mere for sailing and very wild/mad activity trail.
Crockytrail for even madder (read OMG how did it ever pass health and safety) activity trail.
Spookyworld (just off M57 nr Warrington)llivers World
Gullivers world (nr Warrington,but might be boring for 12yr old).
Pop over to Hope/Castleton in Derbyshire on the train and explore the caves and little shops.

Waterworld and Chill factore would be my kids choice though

Oh and Knowsley safari park and Chester Zoo!

and Silverblades at Altrincham. Ice skating.

If you are going into the centre of Manchester, mine always loved the Museum of Science and Industry which is really interactive

Down t'road in Halifax (about 40 mins ish driving / accessible I am sure by train!) is Eureka which is FAB!

I know, I am actually a Cestrian but have lived in the North East since 1994! Haven't even been "home" since we sold my late parents' house in 2009. Just Chester would be my choice but probably not for kids. The Cathedral, being sure to see the Cobweb Picture, the Puppy and the Elephant, Brown's for lunch, shopping on the Rows, tea at Blossoms if you're feeling flush. Sigh!

OK, read the bit about South M'cr!

Old Trafford tour / museum?

Thanks so much to all the posts here..... in the end we took the kids to Museum of Science and Industry and they all LOVED it - cheap day out and very good, interactive exhibits for all ages would thoroughly recommend to others!! Had a great time all in all (although can't BELIEVE the changes in the city centre over the past few years) and look forward to out next visit to the NW!!!

Manchester museum went 33 years ago! when i was 7

These sites might help

Official Visit Manchester

or this Manchester Guide

or this Lonely Planet

I tend to find the set of guides for the 2nd link useful as an overview to areas - and its easier to navigate than the other linkss for a website numpty like me.