Affordable Fun in Manchester: Budget-Friendly Activities
Manchester is a great city for students who want to kick-back and have some fun without spending a lot of money. So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Manchester, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a short guide to some of the best affordable activities that will help you take a break from studying and spend time with your mates, without breaking the bank.
8 Budget-friendly Fun Activities in Manchester
1. Roxy Ball Room
What: The Roxy Ball Room, which has two sites, one on Deansgate and one next to the Arndale is a paradise for people who love gaming. From ten-pin bowling and American pool to shuffleboard and crazy golf, there’s something for everyone.
Offers: Students can enjoy the following offers Sunday – Thursday:
- £5 per game of Ten Pin Bowling
- £5 per game of Roxy Golf or Crazy Pool
- £5 per hour for Tech Darts or Karaoke
- £10 per hour for Pool or Ping Pong
- £10 per hour for Shuffleboard
To get these student offers, you will need to sign up to the Roxy Ball Room student membership.
Where: 76-78 Deansgate, M3 2FN or Unit R3, Withy Grove, M4 3AQ
2. Tree Top Adventure Golf
What: Tree Top Adventure Golf is where mini golf meets an immersive jungle setting. You can explore and play two 18-hole courses – the Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer. So, grab your course mates or flat mates and head down to the Arndale to test your putting skills.
Offers: Play one course for £9.80 or both courses for £13.80 from Sunday at 5pm to Friday at 5pm.
Where: The Printworks, Dantzic St, Manchester M4 2BS
3. Immersive Gamebox
What: The Immersive Gamebox offers an interactive cinema adventure that is fun for everyone. From old-school games like Tetris to tv-inspired games including Squid Games and Black Mirror, you can tailor your experience to what you love.
Offers: Students get discounted tickets Monday – Wednesday on 60-minute experiences only. There are also deals on drinks and food.
Where: Unit R3, Halle Place, Manchester Arndale
4. Chaos Karts
What: Chaos Karts is a real-life Mario Kart-inspired experience that combines the excitement of go-karting with augmented reality. Basically, it’s like driving through a real-life video game!
Offers: Students save 20% off their tickets Monday-Wednesday when you book online with Student Beans.
Where: Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
5. Sixes Social Cricket
What: Sixes Social Cricket brings cricket to a social setting, combining tech-enhanced batting nets with a lively atmosphere. Plus, you don’t need to have any batting experience – this is purely for fun.
Offers: Sign up to get 20% off cricket net experiences and food and drinks deals during their happy hour.
Where: The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, M4 3TR
6. Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing
What: Whistle Punks gives you the experience of being a lumberjack without having to step foot into the wild! Try your hand at throwing axes in a safe, fun, and social setting.
Offers: 20% off for students who are Student Beans members
Where: Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN
7. Dog Bowl x NQ64
What: Dog Bowl offers the ideal hang out spot after a day in lectures or studying in the Library. It’s a fun mix of retro arcade vibes and bowling, which offers a fun and laid-back vibe.
Offers: Half price bowling with your student card (£6.50 a game) all day Sunday – Thursday and Friday before 5pm.
Where: 2 Tib St, M4 1SH
8. Home Cinema
What: Home Cinema offers a unique cinema and theatre experience. They show everything from independent films and mainstream movies to contemporary art and plays. Plus, it’s not far from campus!
Offers: Students with a valid Student ID card can get concessionary prices or cinema tickets. Standard theatre tickets prices start at £10
Where: 2 Tony Wilson Pl, M15 4FN
Looking to spend a little less?
Check out The Union’s what’s on page for cheap (and free) things to do on campus. Or see if anything on the 106 free things to do in Manchester takes your fancy.
