Last Updated on 15 April 2024 by Colette
This post features gifted experiences
Our kids have been too big for soft play for a long time now – and whilst we mostly love to just get outside, sometimes the weather doesn’t allow and you need an indoor activity that will let them burn off a bit of energy! Inflata Nation Manchester offered us just that when we visited on a typically wet Saturday morning in early February!
Inflata Nation Manchester is described as an “inflatable theme park” – essentially an enormous arena filled with inflatable activities (think bouncy castles on steroids) to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages!
We had pre-booked our tickets for Inflata Nation online, and whilst this is probably the most convenient way of doing things (especially as it means you can have all your waivers sorted before you get there) you can also just pay on arrival. Of course there is the risk that Inflatanation could be full when you arrive so if you are able to plan ahead and book online, I would recommend it.
Once we’d signed in and been given our wristbands (these are colour coded so that when your hour long session has finished, it is easy for staff to see who should and shouldn’t be allowed back in the arena), we went straight up to spectator area to find a “base” for Dave and I – we wanted the kids to know where we would be sat in case they needed us. The lockers at Inflata Nation Manchester are currently out of service so I kept everyone’s shoes and coats with me in the spectator area. There are small cubby holes near the entrance for storing shoes but you are advised not to take anything of value into Inflata Nation with you as you don’t want anything in your pockets if you’re bouncing.
Dave and the kids went back down to the main arena where they were given a quick safety talk – all the usual stuff; empty pockets, no flips, fold your arms across your chest when you’re going down slides, feet first – you know the drill! (Having just been to the osteopath two days before, we decided that it would be fairly foolish of me to go bouncing around on inflatables so Dave took the role of camera man for me and went for a jump about with the kids!)
Within the Inflata Nation Manchester arena, there’s a whole range of different activities and challenges – including Inflata Tots for the under 4s, a range of fantastic slides including two that are a near vertical drop (and very fast!) and one that inflates as you sit on it, challenging you to hold on before you slide from the top! The Inflata Duel – a wobbly gladiator style duel platform was a big hit with our three along with the Inflata Bubbles which reminded us a bit of Ninja Warrior.
There are two cafe areas – one downstairs (which was open and serving a range of drinks and snacks) and one upstairs – this one wasn’t open but we preferred to sit upstairs as the raised viewing platform meant we had a pretty good view of what the kids were up to most the time. Whilst there is plenty of seating upstairs, we found most parents preferred to stand at the barriers so they could watch the fun!
By the time our hour long session was up, I had three tired and sweaty children – which to be honest is exactly what I was hoping for! They had a great time and are keen to revisit during February half term!
If you’re planning a trip to Inflata Nation – I’ve popped the answers to a few frequently asked questions below but if there’s anything else you think I should have covered let me know and I’ll add it in!
When is Inflata Nation Manchester open?
Inflata Nation is open pretty much every day bar Christmas day! There are peak / off peak opening hours though so do check before turning up!
How long are the sessions at Infla Nation?
Your initial booking is for an hour long session – this is priced at £10.99 per person but this can be extended with additional hours charged at a reduced rate of £7.50 per person.
Where is Inflata Nation Manchester?
Inflata Nation Manchester, Textilose Road, Trafford Park Manchester, M17 1WA (not too far from the Trafford Centre!)
There is a small car park around the back of Inflata Nation and the road directly outside has double yellow lines.
What should you wear for Inflata Nation?
If you’re going to be bouncing you’ll need long sleeves and covered legs and normal socks (not trampoline / grip socks). If you’re just going to be watch I suggest layers as, in my experience, being a spectator in any sort of play arena can be quite cold – especially if you go first thing in the morning!
What age is Inflata Nation for?
We saw children of all ages and plenty of adults on the inflatables – there is an under 4s area for more cautious little ones but they are allowed in the main area too – I would just suggest careful supervision! I would say the majority of children were of primary school age however there were plenty of teens having fun with their siblings too. Inflata Nation definitely feels like it holds appeal for older kids too as there’s plenty of challenge for them!
If you’re looking for more things to do in the Manchester area:
Things to do this February half term in Manchester
Summit Up Climbing Centre – Oldham
TreeTop Trek – alternative to Go Ape in Manchester
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This looks like so much fun, especially for older kids. My youngest really loved soft play but now she’s too old. Inflata Nation would be her dream! It looks like everyone had a great time x
It seemed to be a nice alternative for slightly older kids!
It looks fab! We’ve still not been since it switched from trampolines. I’m not sure Sam would manage this though.