Visiting Manchester with a toddler

[Wakehurst]

Hubby and I are visiting Manchester City Centre for a few days with our 18 month old. Having never been there before we are looking for advice on soft play areas and any toddler groups / other activities that are within walking distance of the city centre.
We will be there Thursday-Sunday.
I will be in and out of meetings so we are looking for things hubby can do with our son.
Thanks in advance

I know nothing about soft play or toddler groups - but if the weather’s nice they might both enjoy either a stroll along Salford Quays (the tram journey from the city centre is fun for children) or Whitworth Park (think it has a children’s area) and something to eat inside the gallery. Which always has areas for children. Manchester Art Gallery, in the city, also has a children’s play area.

Monolos Restaurant and Playhouse has a good soft play area with a dedicated toddler zone and children under 2 can play for free if their parent or guardian is dining there.
Once a month on Fridays there is a toddler session at the museum of science and industry. www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/experitots
There’s some soft play in the Discovery Zone at the national football museum www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/plan-your-visit/families/
There’s a dedicated toddler play area called Mini Moose Land at Chill Factore but it’s a little way out of the centre. www.chillfactore.com/snow-fun-and-climbing/snow-park/mini-moose-land/ Play Factore (soft play) is right next door.
Heaton Park and Wythenshawe Park have open farms you can visit.
And on hot days, the fountain at nearby Piccadilly Gardens is irresistible for water play (the nearby Pret has baby-changing facilities). Bring a change of clothes!