A Family-Friendly The Hundred Cricket Experience in Manchester: A Mum and Son Day Out
When Kimi and I were invited by Money Supermarket with Lancashire Cricket to watch The Hundred cricket match in Manchester, North West, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. At 10 years old, Kimi is a huge cricket fan who can happily sit through an entire match, immersed in the action. As a first-time spectator, I was excited to see how engaging the experience would be. I haven’t considered an afternoon at cricket as a family outing. I was worried that he would get bored and that it would be an exciting day out. It was a fantastic day, and I wanted to stay longer for the evening match.
I recommend it to any parent considering taking their child to a The Hundred match. There is so much for the kids to be engaged with, from the fun games and things happening to the high-energy games with the flames and music. It is just brilliant.
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What is The Hundred?
The Hundred: Each team gets 100 balls total instead of overs. This creates a faster-paced game with fewer strategic breaks. Making it a great fast paced game for the kids to watch.
Getting to the Match: Easy and Stress-Free
One of the best things about attending a The Hundred match in Manchester is its accessibility. Emirates Old Trafford is well-connected, and the official stadium website provides detailed travel guidance for visitors. We hopped on the tram from Manchester city centre. In no time, we arrived right outside Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket. The convenience of public transport means there’s no need to worry about parking, and for families, this makes the whole experience much more manageable. The station is well-signposted, and plenty of other cricket fans were heading in the same direction, adding to the excitement.
A Matchday Designed for Kids
If you’re wondering whether The Hundred match suits children, the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) actively promotes family-friendly cricket experiences with dedicated zones and entertainment to keep young fans engaged. The whole event is designed to keep kids engaged and entertained, even if they’re not die-hard cricket fans. When we stepped inside, it was clear that families were well catered for. There were interactive zones, activities, and games around the stadium. There was plenty to do if kids needed a break from watching the action.
Music plays a massive part in the atmosphere, and every big score is celebrated with flame throwers, music, and crowd cheers, making it an electrifying experience. Even for a first-timer like me, it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement!
Top Tips for Parents Attending The Hundred Match
If you’re planning a trip to The Hundred game with kids, here are a few things that made our experience even better:
Bring an empty water bottle. There are plenty of refill stations around the stadium, so you can stay hydrated if it’s hot without spending a fortune on drinks.
Pack Sunscreen and hat – You’ll need it on a sunny day. Many seats are in direct sunlight, and it’s easy to forget when you enjoy the game.
Take Advantage of the Family Zones – These areas are perfect for younger kids who might not want to sit through the match. They offer fun activities and a chance to stretch their legs.
Arrive Early – Getting there ahead of time means you can soak in the atmosphere, explore the stadium, and settle in without rushing. But at the same time, if you arrive a little later, it’s less crowded and easy to get in, so it is a win-win.
Be Ready for Excitement – The match isn’t just about cricket! The high-energy atmosphere includes music, fire effects, and crowd participation, making it an immersive experience for all ages. Although personally, I would look at 9 years plus, we took Eliza, who was 4yrs and ended up walking around and doing all the games and not watching cricket! Which is okay if you have two adults with you. When I returned with Kimi on his own, it was a very different experience, relaxing and a great bonding day.
A Fantastic First-Time Experience
For Kimi, the match was exactly what he had hoped for—fast-paced cricket, thrilling moments, and an electric atmosphere. He said, “I loved every second of it; when are we coming back! “
For me, it was an unexpected delight. The music, the crowd energy, and the sheer entertainment of The Hundred match made it much more than just a sporting event. I went in unsure of what to expect, but I left as a fan.
If you’re looking for an exciting, family-friendly activity in Manchester, a The Hundred cricket match at Emirates Old Trafford is well worth considering.
For the latest updates, you can check ticket availability and upcoming matches through the official Lancashire Cricket website. Whether you’re a seasoned cricket enthusiast or a complete beginner like me, the experience is designed to be engaging for all ages.
Kimi can’t wait to go again; honestly, neither can I!
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- Transport: Direct tram from Manchester city centre
- Tickets: Check the official website
- Family-friendly activities: Interactive zones, music, and entertainment throughout the match.
This experience proved that The Hundred cricket isn’t just for the die-hard fans—it’s an incredible day out for families looking for an exciting sporting event with a great safe family environment!