Travelling with Children

Travel tips and handy airport services for a stress-free journey with your little ones

Welcome to the Parent Zone

Travelling with children can be an exciting adventure – but it can also be challenging! Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or this is your first family holiday, we’re here to help you have a smooth and stress-free journey through our airport. Read on for top travel tips, expert advice, and up-to-date information on our child-friendly airport services.

Travelling through Terminal 1?

Visit our Little Flyers Zone! Keep the kids entertained at our fun-filled play area. Head through World Duty Free, and the excitement awaits next to Jo Malone! Perfect for kids under 12, there’s plenty of seating for the whole family to chill out before your flight.

Top tips for travelling with children

PlayIconInage of two little boys walking through airport skylink, one boy pointing at something in distance

10 things to know before you travel

Navigating busy airports and flights with children might feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! We see millions of passengers flying with little ones each year, and our travel experts have rounded up all the essential advice, information and top tips you need for travelling with babies, toddlers or children. Learn about packing for the plane, travelling with prams, airport facilities, and much more, for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Family-friendly services

Image of two happy little girls walking through airport tunnel with suitcases, pointing at something in the distance

FastTrack

Speed through Security with priority access, saving time and stress when you're travelling with children.

Image of man feeding a baby a bottle of milk on a plane

Reserve baby milk

One less thing to pack in advance – pre-order baby milk before you travel, and collect it at Boots in the terminal.

Image of mum and dad with 3 little children, dad and son are celebrating with a high five

Easy parking

Our Meet & Greet service makes parking a breeze. Drive up, drop your car and head straight to check-in.

Child-friendly activities

WHSmith

Looking to keep the little ones entertained? Young travellers will love WHSmith, with a huge collection of books and magazines that will captivate their imaginations and keep them occupied for hours. Its exciting array of colouring and activity packs are perfect for travel downtime, and you’ll find plenty of drinks, snacks and sweets to choose from, too.

Opening times

Open daily: 03:00 - 23:00

Click here for full list of opening hours.

Hamleys

Experience the magic of Hamleys as you step into toy heaven. Find everything from cuddly teddy bears ready to be taken on an adventure, to action figures waiting to be launched into a parallel universe! Start the holiday off with some fun and enjoy the endless games, puzzles and activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained.

Opening times

Open daily: 04:00 - 20:30


Opening hours can be subject to change.

JD Sports

Shop the coolest holiday fits at JD Sports. From comfy tracksuits to chill out on the plane, to the trendiest swimwear to splash around in at the pool. The little ones will be sure to love the sporty outfits and trainers on offer. You’ll find the most iconic brands to get holiday-ready in no time.

Opening times

Open daily: 04:00 - 20:30

Opening hours can be subject to change.

Gaming Point

Step into a world of unparalleled adventure at Manchester Airport, where our cutting-edge VR Escape Room and Arcade will beckon not just the kids, but also the adults. Imagine putting on a VR headset and being whisked away to worlds beyond your wildest dreams, solving puzzles and escaping realities - all before your flight. Perfect for some family fun!

Opening times

Open daily: 04:00 - 20:00


Opening hours can be subject to change.

The Lion and Antelope

Tuck into great British classics at The Lion and Antelope. From fish fingers to beans on toast, there’s even delicious sweet treats like pancakes on offer.

Opening times

Monday: 03:00 - 22:30

Tuesday: 03:00 - 22:30

Wednesday: 03:00 - 22:00

Thursday: 03:00 - 23:15

Friday: 03:00 - 21:45

Saturday: 03:00 - 21:15

Sunday: 03:00 - 21:15

Opening hours can be subject to change.

Giraffe

The cool kids’ menu includes lots of options for little giraffes, including a build-your-own breakfast, fluffy pancakes, mini main meals, and an ice cream sundae with chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries.

Opening times

Open daily: 04:00 - 20:30

Monday: 03:30 - 22:00

Tuesday: 03:30 - 20:30

Wednesday: 03:30 - 21:00

Thursday: 03:00 - 20:30

Friday: 03:30 - 22:00

Saturday: 03:30 - 21:00

Sunday: 03:30 - 19:30

Opening hours can be subject to change.

The Evergreen Bar & Brasserie

Smart and traditional, The Evergreen Bar & Brasserie promises to bring families a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. Proudly sourcing artisan ingredients from local suppliers, there’s something for everyone on this classic menu – including your little ones. The Little Flyers menu includes a cute kids’ breakfast, spaghetti bolognaise, healthy crudités and dips, and two scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Opening times

Monday: 03:30 - 20:30
Tuesday: 03:30 - 18:30
Wednesday: 03:30 - 20:30
Thursday: 03:30 - 18:30
Friday: 03:30 - 20:30
Saturday: 03:30 - 16:30
Sunday: 03:30 - 20:30

Opening hours can be subject to change.

Costa

Costa almost needs no introduction! This global coffee shop chain is warm and welcoming, offering an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and cakes, with plenty for little ones to choose from.

Opening times

Monday: 03:00 - 16:30

Tuesday: 03:00 - 17:30

Wednesday: 03:00 - 17:30

Thursday: 03:00 - 17:30

Friday: 03:00 - 18:30

Saturday: 03:00 - 16:30

Sunday: 03:00 - 18:30

Monday: 03:00 - 22:30

Tuesday: 03:00 - 22:30

Wednesday: 03:00 - 22:00

Thursday: 03:00 - 23:15

Friday: 03:00 - 21:45

Saturday: 03:00 - 21:15

Sunday: 03:00 - 21:15

Opening hours can be subject to change.

The Little Flyers Club

Say hello to the Little Flyers Club! Inspired by all things aviation, it’s been expertly designed to keep your little ones entertained at the airport.

We can’t wait for you to meet our colourful crew of lost luggage friends – the suitcases and bags that come alive when they think no one is looking. It’s all fun and games with Porter, Carrie, Casey, Jet and Finn.

Look out for booklet giveaways and stickers in the terminal, as well as a super-cool selfie wall. And head to our Kid Zone page for a whole host of online activities and resources for little travellers. It’s time for some amazing airport adventures!

The Play Zone

Arts & Crafts

Airfield Spotting