Things to do in Manchester for young adults

Escape Hunt is based at the Corn Exchange and gives you a choice of challenging themed escape rooms and interesting trails that take you around the city. Challenges come with themes like the Wild West or vikings, with the escape rooms being purpose-built to create a fully immersive experience. It's a great activity for groups.

Manchester is home to a couple of Breakout locations where you can tackle thrilling escape rooms as a team. There are a range of immersive scenarios and your task is to solve puzzles and find clues to help you get out within a set time limit. There are a range of games suitable for different ages and levels.

Enjoy an adrenaline-filled activity based on the classic game show at The Crystal Maze Live Experience. Teams here move through a number of themed zones, taking on physical and mental challenges. Afterwards, you'll make your way to the infamous Crystal Dome for the finale. This activity is ideal for any kind of group, including friendship groups.

Head over to NQ64 if you enjoy gaming. These trendy black-lit venues are splattered with neon and house a wide range of retro games and consoles. It's fun for groups to play here, plus there are food and drinks options. Expect themed cocktails, beer, alcohol-free drinks, and tasty pizza at the Northern Quarter venue.

A modern destination for competitive socialising, Urban Playground is a popular choice for groups of young adults. Play fun rounds of mini-golf here or compete in a live version of The Cube. As well as the games, this trendy spot has bars and an on-site restaurant that serves gourmet burgers.

Young adults can enjoy a unique cocktail experience at Alcotraz. This prison-themed bar will see you wearing an orange jumpsuit, sitting in a cell, and sipping on bespoke cocktails. However, you'll have to smuggle in your own booze and take part in a variety of fun challenges whilst you're here.

A large entertainment complex in Deansgate, Electric Shuffle is a top venue for competitive socialising in Manchester; it's an ideal destination for groups. Play a modern electronic version of the classic game shuffleboard and enjoy food, drinks, and brunch packages. The buzzy venue has a lively vibe and shows off Art Deco design.

Young adults who are into gaming will find a haven in 1Up. This spacious contemporary bar celebrates gaming and geek culture, offering pinball machines, a D&D table, consoles, board games, beer pong, and ping pong. Asian dishes and a broad selection of drinks are served here too, plus special events are on regularly.

Immersive Gamebox offers exciting immersive games that use motion tracking, projection mapping, surround sound, and touchscreens to really bring the experience to life. Games are suitable for teams of between two and six, making it ideal for groups of young people. This modern venue provides games for all ages and levels.

An exciting venue in the city centre, Boom Battle Bar is a modern activity bar that offers lots of different things to do. There's a lively atmosphere. Here you can try out axe throwing, pool, darts, shuffleboard, and karaoke. The venue also serves a wide range of drinks and snacks such as fries and chicken wings.

Dog Bowl is a top destination for drinks, food, and fun. Suitable for all ages, this place houses five bowling lanes and a retro games arcade. Indulgent dishes like burgers, pizza, and loaded fries are served, plus drinks include cocktails and craft beer. The cavernous venue is vibrant and colourful.

Rock Over is the oldest climbing centre in the region and is sought-after by climbers of all ages and abilities. Everyone is encouraged to climb here, with a range of sessions available including introductions for newcomers and climbing socials. The centre also regularly plays host to major climbing festivals and competitions.

At Lucardo you can take on a variety of exciting escape room challenges, suitable for groups of between two and six. A range of different themed rooms are available - think ghost stories, murder mysteries, and spaceships. Teams need to solve puzzles and decipher clues to exit the room in the allotted time frame.

Young adults who enjoy cinema will love Indieflicks, a monthly film festival at Ducie Street Warehouse. This budget-friendly event screens short films from around the world, with the audience voting for their favourite at the end. Filmmakers and special guests are on hand to answer any questions, plus food and drinks are available.

Treetop Golf is a fun mini-golf experience for all ages, with discounts available for students. The attraction has two 18-hole courses with a tropical jungle theme and heaps of interactive elements. Tackle the mysterious 19th hole and you could win a free round of golf. There are on-theme eateries here as well.

Darts is a fun social activity at Flight Club. Guests get a semi-private playing area equipped with a state-of-the-art dartboard. Compete against your friends at this comfortable and cosy venue, whilst also enjoying food and drinks. Pizza, burgers, and cocktails are all available, plus the venue is particularly popular for its bottomless pizza brunch.

Have fun competing with a range of tech-enhanced cricket games at Sixes Social Cricket, reinventing the classic game into a social activity. Karaoke is also available at this sleek and modern venue, plus there's plenty of food and drink available. Street food and a broad range of alcoholic drinks are on offer.

Young adults can visit Junkyard Golf Club near Deansgate for some of the craziest mini-golf in Manchester. This vibrant and lively venue offers three nine-hole courses that are packed with tricks and surprises. Play with friends in a fun atmosphere, sample original cocktails, and try indulgent food like nachos and pizza.

Lane7 offers lots of entertainment in a trendy environment. The space is decorated with graffiti and neon. Visit this place to try out a variety of activities including bowling, darts, pool, and arcade games. If you're hungry, try a burger here. There are lots of drinks too, from cocktails and hard shakes to draft beer.

Try something new at Point Blank, the first simulation shooting range in the UK. This cool destination gives you access to your own range and a dedicated host who'll help you get to grips with shooting. A variety of drinks are on offer and there's food like nachos and hot dogs. The venue runs happy hours and bottomless brunches.

Explore VR gaming at DNA VR. This modern gaming centre has a big library of games for one or more players, with something to appeal to every interest. Options range from zombie shoot-outs and laser-tag to musical instrument and job simulators. You can book a booth or opt for a premium free-roaming experience.

Chaos Karts will provide loads of entertainment for young adults in Manchester. This place combines go-karting with a digitally-projected world that places you in locations like London, Nevada, and outer space. Add in loads of different weapons and power-ups to enhance your game and you're guaranteed a unique go-karting experience.

Have fun in a unique way with combat archery at The Archertype. Sitting somewhere between archery and dodgeball, the game is just like tag but involves arrow with safe foam tips. A variety of different types of booking are on here, including private sessions and open sessions that are a great way to meet new people.

Manchester is home to a couple of King Pins locations. These modern venues are ideal for any age range and for groups of all sizes. There are state-of-the-art bowling lanes and loads of extra activities like arcade games and batting cages. Guests also get a choice of food menus and a bar serving a comprehensive range of drinks.

At Virtual Hideout you can try hundreds of different VR games with varying themes - there's something to suit everyone. Games at this modern destination are for between one and four people, using futuristic technology for an unforgettable experience. There are games suitable for beginners as well as more advanced options.

iFly lets you experience the thrill of indoor skydiving, using a unique wind tunnel that'll have you soaring in the air. The venue is wheelchair accessible and can support all ages and levels of experience. Spectators are welcome to come along as well, and you can buy gift vouchers for experiences here.

Enjoy a fun and energetic night out with Bingo Balls. This is Manchester's adult ball pit that lets you frolic like you're a kid again, accompanied by music from DJs and local entertainers. There's bingo on Friday nights too. This on-trend contemporary venue at Printworks also serves delicious food and cocktails.

The award-winning The Laughięnda Comedy Club is a great option for young adults. You're promised a great laugh and it's free of charge. Watch comics test new material and see up-and-coming new talent on the stage here. It's a simple and straightforward setting that offers a new line-up of acts each week.