Manchester Mums. What can I do with a 6yr DD and 2yr DS in town and no car?

[corblimeycharlie]

DH will be in work in Preston and taking car all day. We are tagging along to see DH's family for our annual(blush) visit, but it will be just me and the kids all day. I lived in Manchester for years but sans kids and don't know what I can do with them that doesn't involve shopping. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.
TIA

Science Museum is good, Art gallery often has family days.

when I have been into manchester town centre in the summer the kids were all having a fab time running about in the fountains in picadilly gardens. Take them to victoria station to look at the trains. And the printworks has an imax cinema in it, google it to see whats on.
And the museum of science and industry, I can't wait to take my 2 and 1 yo ds's there one day.
You can get the train from Manchester to Preston late afternoon to meet dh and save hanging around for him to come and pick you all up?

science museum

Agree with Science Museum. A short tram ride away is Imperial War Museum and Lowry. Imperial War Museum has an exhibition on about Animals and War that might have some appeal to youngsters. It's quite an interesting tram ride as it's through Salford Quays,and there's water and bridges when you get off.

As well as Flibs' excellent suggestions, Heaton Park is just a tram-ride away and there's loads to do there...loads of space, little train to ride on, boating lake etc etc

Family Friendly Manchester

Brilliant site

WOW at that website - we are deffo going into town for a ride on the steam train, and at £1 each and under fives free - has to be the cheapest thing to do this summer!!
And the Art Car parade, DP will surely disappear for a day with both of them to attend this!!

bumping this so everyone can see all the fab things to do in manchester this summer with kids

Thanks for the recommendations. Had planned to go to Manchester Museum but it has to be the MoSI now we can see Darleks and ride the train!
Sorry I didn't reply before now. Mad time at work.

just thought I would update for anyone who may be looking in the archive.
We had a great day at the Museum of science and industry. No sign of the Train running on a weekday during the school hols but didn't look into it any further (didn't really want to highlight what the kids might be missing out on iyswim?). Dr Who exhibition had an admission fee so DH took DD and DS in while I took in the cotton mill exhibit. They reported a good time (took them about 45 mins to get around it.) I think it cost about £16 for an adult and child admission (ds under 3 went in free). Cotton mill exhibit was excellent and really brings to life the people and customs of the time. The museum has some really excellent areas and some that are either not working or are empty. On the 2nd floor there is a great sciencey children's exhibit with touch, pull and smell type stuff. You can look out of the windows in that room and see them filming the outdoors scenes at Coronation Street. However the 1830's warehouse was completely empty and baffling. Especially as it was a bit of a trek away from the main buildings. In Summary a great day out for children of all ages. The cafe while a little bit expensive served good quality food and there are designated picnic areas. The toilets are plentiful and clean. Didn't see the baby changing facilities.