Manchester Airport Guide For Families
As a continuing part of the Airport Guides, to help your journey start smoothly, I have now included Manchester Airport. Flying with little ones can obviously raise the stress levels, and it is great to see that some airports are raising the bar when it comes to family travel. Family only security lines are becoming more commonplace and several larger airports even have soft play areas.
What facilities does Manchester airport have?
- Airport Hotels For Families
- Parking
- Baby change
- Restaurants
- Shops – including Boots
- Fast Track Security
- Hidden Disability Provision
- Play Area
Airport hotels for families close to Manchester Airport
If you have an early start and a bit of a drive before, staying overnight at a hotel close to Manchester Airport may appeal, especially with small children. There are several hotels to choose from. Below are the closest hotels to Manchester Airport.
- Radisson Blu is a 5-10 minute walk to terminal T1 and T2 although a free shuttle is also available. This 4 star hotel has an indoor pool, free wifi throughout the hotel and suites available. It is directly connected to the airport.
- Clayton Hotel is 15 minutes walk from Terminals 1 and 3, and is also serviced by a 24-hour complementary shuttle bus. Family rooms are available and they often have family packages available.
- Hilton 5-10 minute walk and free hotel shuttle is also available. This 4 star hotel has an indoor pool plus rooms available with two double beds for a family.
- Crowne Plaza – 15 minute walk or a complimentary shuttle service can get you there in a few minutes. Due to ongoing roadworks, the shuttle is the best option at the moment. It operates regularly between the airport terminal and hotel, as well as the Manchester Airport Rail station for transportation to the city centre. This 4 star hotel has family rooms available and full breakfast and dining services available throughout the day. The Grill restaurant opens for dinner from 17.30 and has a kids menu.
For more hotel choices close to Manchester Airport see here.
There are also plenty of options for Manchester Airport with hotel and parking packages too.
Onsite Car Parking at Manchester Airport
Shops which sell baby products, last minute necessities and stuff for kids
Zoodle – children’s books, toys and activities for the flight. Available at T1 and T2.
Boots – pharmacy and toiletries
Next – Clothes
Pre-ordering baby milk and other items from Boots Manchester Airport
If you need baby milk or nappies, suntan lotion or almost anything from the Boots website (no sharp items etc), you can pre-order from Boots and collect after security in the Departure Lounge shop.
Which Boots store should I select?
Boots Manchester Airport – Available Airside at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Also available landslide at Terminal 1. Repeat prescriptions can be collected from the branch in Terminal 3 after security. For more information on how to use this service, read my step by step guide here.
Child friendly restaurants
There are a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering kids’ meals and kids’ packs including Giraffe and Joe’s.
Feeding and Changing areas
There are plenty of changing areas in the airport.
Play Areas
There is a soft play area in the Departures Lounge in Terminal 2. Located next to Caffe Nero, the soft play area has a section suitable for children under three years old and an adventure play area for ages three to eight years of age.
Art desks are available throughout the airport. They are located at most eating areas and provide colour in books and crayons.
Airport Lounges
The only lounge available for children under 16 is the Aspire Lounge, located in all 3 terminals.
Quiet areas to sleep or rest during transit
Terminal 1 has armrest-free seating and benches. The arrivals level of terminal 2 has plenty of benches.
Fast Track Security
Other child-friendly services that the airport offers include a free fast lane through security if you have a child in a pushchair. There are no complimentary strollers for use at the airport.
Hidden Disabilities
To pick up a lanyard at Manchester, please go to one of the Assistance Reception areas. These are available within our Check-in halls in Terminal 1 A and B, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. They will be happy to give you a lanyard, even if you haven’t requested or need special assistance.
- This post may contain some affiliate links.
