Manchester is a diverse and vibrant city that draws millions of visitors every single year thanks to its jam-packed roster of attractions.
With scores of amazing museums, galleries, landmarks and cultural hotspots, there is so much to see while in the city.
But there's also so much to do, too, with a growing number of hands-on and immersive experiences that both visitors and locals can get involved in.
From learning new skills to taking part in an energetic group game, there's loads on offer that's not only in the heart of the city, but also a great sociable adventure too.
So, whether you're a native or a tourist, a solo traveller or part of a group, take a look at some of the great things you can physically do while in Manchester.
Escape into a Virtual Reality experience
In the heart of the city lies Virtual Hideout, a virtual reality gaming centre that offers room-scale VR with over 100 different games and experiences.
The hosts will tailor the sessions to each group and cater for both lone adventurers and teams of up to four.
Genres include horror games, shoot 'em ups, Sci-Fi, escape rooms and a number of family orientated VR experiences.
Each one-hour booking includes a game host and all the equipment you need - including a headset.
For more information and to book visit https://virtualhideoutmanchester.com/
Try your hand at urban axe throwing
If you're wandering what exactly makes this axe throwing session 'urban', they've basically taken the activity out of the woodland and into the city.
It's hosted in a vibrant venue by experts - and even has a decent soundtrack in the background.
Each session starts with a briefing and demonstration before guests get to have their own turn, with an instructor on hand to get you going slinging your own axe.
After a bit of practice it's tournament time and each lane has a tournament with players competing against each other to be crowned axe-throwing champion.
Each session is 70 minutes long and each lane can accommodate 10 players. You can even wear fancy dress if you like.
For more information and to book visit https://www.whistlepunks.com/
Make your own piece of jewellery
Design and create your very own bespoke jewellery piece in this crafty session in the contemporary Whitworth Locke hotel.
The workshop is led by CAST, an award-winning jewellery making duo, and provides everything you need to create your own jewellery pieces from scratch - no previous experience required.
Guests will also receive a bottle of house Prosecco (per couple), or a non-alcoholic option from the Whitworth Locke bar.
For more information and to book visit https://www.experiencecast.com/categories/tickets/manchester/
Make a Manchester Bee mosaic
A tour and creative experience rolled into one, where participants can make their own version of a Manchester worker bee mosaic.
Meet at Manchester Art Gallery to spot a number of the iconic bees while learning about the significance of the Manchester bees, the Industrial Revolution and Cottonopolis - the former nickname of the city.
The experience will then lead through Manchester taking in some of the city's famous architecture and landmarks - perfect for those wanting to take photos.
The tour will end at Foundation Coffee House in the Northern Quarter where the workshop will take place.
Each participant will receive a bag containing all the materials needed to make their own hexagon bee mosaic.
Full instructions and tips on how to create a mosaic will be provided by artist Amanda, along with drinks.
For more information and to book visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/258312
Learn how to make Chinese Dumplings
Head to Salford and learn how to make authentic Chinese dumplings.
The class includes all of the ingredients, materials, equipment and instruction you need to create this delicious delicacy.
The class takes place in an open kitchen on the waterfront at Salford Quays, and soft drinks are provided during the two-hour session.
A full recipe sheet is also included to take away so guests can have a go at making the dumplings at home.
For more information and to book visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/1207335
Make your own Sunday Brunch
The organiser says this is a two-hour course with a mix of demonstration, a little doing, and lots of tasting.
Those taking part will spend the morning preparing classic brunch dishes along with some science-based techniques, including how to make perfect poached eggs.
The class will cover three or four different dishes, which will include the perfect eggs benedict -and is always finished with a session creating some classic blueberry pancakes - all washed down with Mimosa’s and Bloody Marys.
The experience is delivered by Peter from TheFoodLab - a chef who combines science and cookery to create delicious food.
For more information and to book visit https://thefoodlabmanchester.co.uk/bookings/sunday-brunch/
Solve a murder mystery
Murder Inc is a completely improvised murder mystery show which the audience helps to solve. Each of the shows are set in a different location every month using suggestions from audience members.
Each 2 -3 hour live-action experience is described as a 'lethally funny' experience, guests are invited to arrive hungry, as there's always pizza at half time.
For more information and to book visit https://www.murderincimprov.com/
Learn how to make latte art
Organisers of this class say the workshop will take guests from never touching an espresso machine to being comfortable making an espresso shot and steaming barista quality milk in just a few short hours.
The session covers how to grind your espresso, how to tamp an espresso into the portafilter using the correct technique and will show you how to dose perfectly each time.
Participants are then shown how to identify a good shot of espresso and along with tips on how to make corrections for yourself once you leave the experience.
Finally, they show you how to hold a milk pitcher correctly, get you steaming milk using the whirlpool technique, get you to pour in a comfortable controlled manner, guiding you through the techniques necessary to draw rosettas, hearts and tulips.
The two-hour workshop is hosted by a Speciality Trainer for the Speciality Coffee Association and includes all the hot drinks you can handle.
For more information and to book visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/648613
Discover Manchester's Craft Beers
This expert beer tour will help you to discover Manchester’s hidden gems and native ales.
Participants will visit five different bars, each with different environments, and sample a beer in each of these establishments.
This will be accompanied by a discussion about the history of beer and how it has influenced the local area and the world beyond.
Visitors will also get to experience a wide range of beer styles and get a closer look at the brewing process and the history of brewing in the city.
The organiser says the tour is perfect for people who have an interest in beer and want to discover more, or are interested in trying new beers and seeing some interesting and quirky places frequented by locals.
Just remember to bring your ID.
For more information and to book visit https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/1052238
Go to the cat cafe
If you're in Manchester, a visit to the Cat Café is a must.
Offering a relaxing sanctuary behind a number of secure doors, this café is home to a large number of resident cats that just need to be petted.
They also have an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks and comfy settees - and there's no limit to how long you are welcome to stay.
They even run a number of special events including film nights and Cat Yoga sessions.
The cats are never caged and there are always staff on duty to give the cats as much attention as they want or need.
All of the resident cats and kittens come from registered GCCF breeders who abide by the rules of ethical breeding, and they only ever take in cats that will be happy in the café and are struggling to find homes elsewhere.
For more information and to book visit https://catcafe.co.uk/
Go skydiving indoors
Indoor skydiving is the simulation of true free-fall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel where you can experience the feeling of plummeting on a smooth cushion of air - with no parachute, no jumping and no restraints.
Every flyer is paired with an instructor for flight training, before equipping with the required helmet, flight suit and goggles.
They then lead participants to the flight chamber where the action happens. After the freefall experience, every flyer receives their own flight certificate and there's the chance to buy pictures and videos.
For more information and to book visit https://www.iflyworld.co.uk/locations/manchester/
Take a cocktail-making masterclass
Learn how to make cocktails like a pro with a masterclass with a dedicated mixologist at The Alchemist.
This fully interactive workshop takes each participant step-by-step through the history of cocktail making and guide through each recipe carefully.
A peaches and cream cocktail will be available on arrival, before guests grab a shaker and get ready to make some delicious cocktails with all ingredients and equipment included.
Upgrade your package and you'll also get a social platter to share plus plenty of bar snacks.
For more information and to book visit https://thealchemist.uk.com/masterclass/mediacityuk-manchester-masterclass/
Play Archery Tag
Channel your inner Katniss with a game of Archery Tag, right in the city centre.
The game itself is a bit like dodgeball - you run from the centre line to grab your arrow and then fight your opponents.
Using foam tipped arrows and a bow, you’ll have to strategically decide to shoot players or spot targets.
Obstacles appear on either side of the arena and teams must work together to fulfil their victory condition.
Players can be revived through fellow teammates catching an arrow or knocking out one of the spot targets.
It's a fast-paced and skilled game based on team work - and the group with the most points at the end of the session wins.
And don't worry, full training and briefing is provided before you enter the arena.
For more information and to book visit https://www.thearchertype.co.uk/
Feed some stingrays
The VIP Experience at Sea Life Manchester allows two people to assist the animal care team in a very hands-on feeding session of the resident cow-nose stingrays.
This takes place at the top of the ocean tank, an area not usually open to the public, which offers amazing views of the creatures who live in it.
To feed the rays, a board will be lowered into the water, which allows the stingrays to be fed their food in a way that is easy for them.
Guests will need to lower their hand with the food inside, down the board and into the mouth of a ray, who will gentle suck it off your hand.
A member of the animal care team will be at hand to assist, and then teach all about the rays, their habitats, diet and the conservation work in place.
The experience also includes entry into the main aquarium before and after feeding the rays.
For more information and to book visit https://www.visitsealife.com/manchester/discover/vip-experiences/vip-ray-feeding-experience/
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Complete the Crystal Maze
Jump into The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience - a hands-on game based on the iconic 90s show.
This immersive adventure is a combination of teamwork and problem-solving in a series of interactive mental and physical challenges which is an accurate representation of what happens during the gameshow.
There's four adventure zones – Medieval, Industrial, Aztec and Futuristic - all with challenges that you must complete against the clock.
And the more challenges you complete, the more crystals you win and the more time you'll get inside the famous Crystal Dome.
For more information and to book visit https://the-crystal-maze.com/manchester/the-experience/
Have a go at making your own chocolates
If you get in touch with Manchester and Salford based R&M Fine Chocolate, they run a wide range of chocolatey activities on site.
From workshops to chocolate courses and activities suitable for all ages, they'll get you crafting your own sweet treats in no time.
All of the activities are run by a master chocolatier and can be conducted using milk chocolate, or vegan pareve chocolate.
For more information and to book visit http://www.rmfchoco.com/workshop/
Go on a zombie scavenger hunt across the city
This huge multiplayer game uses the city centre as a landscape for a zombie apocalypse.
It leads participants through Manchester with 60 minutes on the clock to collect survival items for a fictional colony of survivors.
Hunters will use their smartphone to scour the local area of food, supplies and shelter - while completing challenges and trivia along the way.
The goal is to score at least 4000 points in the one hour time slot in order to survive the apocalypse.
For more information and to book visit https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/one-game-of-zombie-scavengers-of-manchester-uk.a583686.activity-details
