When you think of Chinatown in Manchester, you might imagine delicious food and vibrant festivals. But did you know it’s also a fantastic place to explore with kids? Chinatown offers a mix of culture, fun activities, and tasty treats that make it a great spot for a family day out. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a local looking for new things to do, Chinatown has something for everyone, including some unexpected surprises like crazy golf!
Let’s dive into five cool things to do with kids in Chinatown, Manchester, that will make your next family outing an exciting one.
1. Discover the Iconic Chinatown Archway
Start your adventure with one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks: the Chinatown Archway. This stunning, ornate structure is one of the largest Chinese archways in Europe and is a must-see for families exploring the area. Kids will love the bright colours, intricate carvings, and the dragons that seem to guard the entrance.
Make it fun by challenging the little ones to count how many dragons they can spot on the archway. It’s a great way to get them interested in the details of the artwork while learning a bit about Chinese culture. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for a family photo – a great memento of your day out!
Top Tip: If you visit during Chinese New Year, the archway comes alive with decorations and lights, and you might even catch a lion dance performance.
2. Play a Round of Crazy Golf at Paradise Island Adventure Golf
Who knew you could find crazy golf right near Chinatown? Just a short walk away is Paradise Island Adventure Golf, a fun-filled indoor mini-golf course that’s perfect for kids of all ages. This isn’t your typical mini-golf – the course is designed with exciting themes, including tropical islands and ancient ruins, making it an adventure in itself.
The courses are filled with challenging holes, tricky ramps, and colourful props that will have the whole family laughing (and maybe a bit competitive!). Kids will love the themed obstacles and the chance to show off their putting skills, while adults can join in the fun or enjoy watching the kids tackle the course.
Family Bonus: After your game, treat the kids to a snack at the café. They offer plenty of kid-friendly options, and it’s a great way to relax and talk about your best shots (or funniest misses!).
3. Try New Flavours at a Chinese Bakery
One of the best parts of visiting Chinatown is the food, and Chinese bakeries are a big hit with kids. Pop into one of the local bakeries, such as Wong Wong Bakery or Ho’s Bakery, where you’ll find an array of sweet and savoury treats. Kids love exploring the colourful displays filled with pastries, buns, and cakes that are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
If your little ones are feeling adventurous, encourage them to try something new, like a custard tart (dan tat) or a pineapple bun (which doesn’t actually contain pineapple but is topped with a sweet, crunchy crust). It’s a great way to introduce them to different flavours, and you can grab a coffee or tea for yourself while they enjoy their treats.
Top Tip: Most bakeries offer take-away options, so pick up a selection of goodies to enjoy later or have a picnic in a nearby park.
4. Explore the Chinese Arts Centre (Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art)
For a bit of culture and creativity, head to the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA). This gallery is a wonderful place for families, offering exhibitions that showcase modern Chinese art in a way that’s accessible and engaging for kids. The exhibits often include interactive elements that kids can touch, watch, or even create with.
CFCCA frequently hosts family workshops and activities, where kids can try their hand at arts and crafts inspired by Chinese traditions or contemporary themes. It’s a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you have little ones who love getting creative.
Insider’s Advice: Check the centre’s website before you visit to see what exhibitions and activities are on. Many of the workshops are free but may require booking in advance.
5. Go on a Chinatown Food Tasting Tour
Why settle for just one dish when you can try a bit of everything? A food tasting tour around Chinatown is a fun and delicious way for the whole family to experience new flavours. Pick a few different places to try snacks and dishes, like dumplings, bubble tea, and spring rolls.
Kids will love exploring the different textures and tastes, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to Chinese cuisine in a way that’s both fun and educational. You can even make it a game by letting each family member choose one item to try – who can find the most unusual dish?
Pro Tip: Bubble tea is a big hit with kids, thanks to its sweet flavours and the chewy tapioca pearls. It’s a fun treat to end your food tour, but make sure to choose a kid-friendly flavour, as some can be quite strong.
Chinatown in Manchester might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a day out with kids, but it’s packed with hidden gems and family-friendly activities. From the impressive archway and crazy golf to delicious snacks and creative workshops, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained while giving them a taste of Chinese culture.
So next time you’re looking for a fun family adventure, head to Chinatown. It’s a fantastic area to explore, filled with vibrant colours, exciting flavours, and plenty of things to see and do that both kids and adults will enjoy.
