Manchester is one of my favourite cities in the UK. You don’t have to head right into the city to have fun with the children though.

In and around the Intu Trafford Centre for example, you will be spoilt for choice.

Rocking up at the Trafford Centre on mass with children might seem like a terrible idea during the summer holidays but just stop for a second and consider what’s available.

They have a great little set up there to ensure the whole family can have a nice day out. There’s the aqua zorbing, the traditional carousel, the trampolines with the harness for a good bounce, a lovely little sandy beach especially for summer, complete with deckchairs for the parents.

Not just that though, Barton Square is home to both LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Sea Life Manchester. The summer holidays are a great time to visit either of these attractions.

Sea Life is currently celebrating the release of the Finding Dory movie by running a special trail of clues around the centre. Find the letters, re-arrange the word and collect your prize from a member of staff.

We love Sea Life because the children can all engage on a range of levels. Tiny tots just love to look at colours and shapes, toddlers love that so many things are at their level, including tunnels that they can walk through and having the sea creatures all around them. Older children love reading all the information and finding out facts about various creatures.

It’s a wonderfully sensory experience and you are allowed to touch star fish and crabs near the end of the attraction. The children especially love this.

For anyone not so keen on Sea Life or in need of somewhere to expel some energy there is a soft play area about half way around.

You can get around Sea life in about an hour so if you feel you would like to do something else, why not pop into LEGOLAND Discovery Centre which is just next door.

We spent much of our time at LEGOLAND Windsor the other week in queues but LEGOLAND Discovery just isn’t like that. It’s a great place if the weather isn’t too good as it’s all inside.

It’s a superb mix of rides, MINILAND displays, free play areas to just play with LEGO, creative areas and the 4D cinema. There’s something for everyone from toddlers to grown ups. It’s the perfect place for us, as all the children have something to enjoy. There is so much packed into a small place an it’s very thoughtfully designed.

This time all the children loved building their own cars and sending them out on the track, Olivia’s karaoke was good fun and much fun was had sitting in LEGO and building all sorts.

There is a cafe but it’s a bit basic and quite pricey.

There is so much to do down at Barton Square this summer it’s well worth a visit. You can get special priced tickets if you want to visit both attractions but also look out for deals and vouchers. At the moment the Cadbury’s giant buttons have a 2 for 1 entry on so they are well worth a purchase.