Fun Day Out At The Museum of Illusions, Manchester

Looking for something different to do in Manchester with the kids? Something fun, interactive and perfect for a rainy day? The Museum of Illusions ticked all the boxes for us. You’ll find it in the city centre at Unit 1, St. John’s, Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP, and you can book your tickets here: museumofillusions.co.uk/manchester.

We went for 11am and spent a solid hour there – the kids were buzzing from the minute we walked into the minute we left. It was one big adventure of “Mum, look at this!” moments.

This place is packed with jaw-dropping illusions and fun spaces to explore. Think rooms that shrink and stretch you, upside-down madness, spinning tunnels and more. The blue revolving tunnel nearly finished me off – it genuinely made you feel like you were going upside down. It is so surreal; it properly turns your stomach and its hard to tell your body its not real!

This place is packed with jaw-dropping illusions and fun spaces to explore. Think rooms that shrink and stretch you, upside-down madness, spinning tunnels and more.

The blue revolving tunnel nearly finished me off – it genuinely made you feel like you were going upside down. It is so surreal; it properly turns your stomach in that fun, giggly way!

Eliza (4) absolutely loved the Kaleidoscope room and couldn’t get enough of the Head on a Plate illusion – so many squeals and laughs. Kimi (11) got really into figuring out how it all worked. He was obsessed with the Ames Room – watching each other grow and shrink just by switching sides had him in full detective mode.

It’s a Photo Heaven (With a Bit of Learning Too)

Everywhere you look, there’s something cool to snap. The staff were fab and even offered to take pics for us – always a win when you want that rare full family photo! Mirrors, angles, perspective tricks… it’s basically made for Instagram, but it’s also secretly getting their brains working, too. Loads of fun and some science snuck in without them even noticing!

Absolutely. It’s not a full-day thing, but it’s a fantastic add-on or standalone hour of fun. For us, it was totally worth the money. The kids were engaged, laughing and learning the whole way through.

It’s rare to find something that works so well for different ages, but both Kimmy and Eliza loved it. Plus, it’s central, easy to access and one of those activities that’ll leave them chatting all the way home.