Skate Manchester is offering free skating for children on Tuesdays between 4pm and 6pm during the festive season, with one child admitted free for every adult who skates.
The rink at Cathedral Gardens opened alongside Manchester Christmas Markets on Friday, November 6, and the offer is designed to make the attraction more affordable for families. The free child place applies to midweek visits, which tend to be quieter than weekends.
Additional Discounts at the Rink
Other offers at the rink include £5 skate sessions for school groups and community groups, 20% off for Blue Light workers, and 20% off on Mondays and Tuesdays for local residents until December 18 using the code LCLOVE2026. Students can skate for £10 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Parent & Mini Skater sessions run on weekdays between 2pm and 3pm, costing £15 for both parent and child. Children aged three and over can use the rink, with skating aids available for £5 for those under 130cm. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over on the ice.
Equipment Options for Younger Skaters
Children up to shoe size 1 can use bob-skates, which are double-bladed and considered a safer option for those above 130cm. Snowman skating aids are also available for older children and teenagers. All offers run between November 6 and December 18.
Rob Derry, director at Tamarisk Events, which coordinates Skate Manchester, said: "We want Skate Manchester to be an affordable experience for families across the city, and our Kids Skate for Free offer is a great way for parents and guardians to enjoy some quality time on the ice at an expensive time of the year."
"The offer gives families the chance to enjoy a quintessential Mancunian festive activity in the heart of Manchester but, it's also a great opportunity for younger skaters to give ice skating a go for the first time," he added. "With the Christmas Markets right on our doorstep, we hope the offer encourages even more local families to come along, make memories together and enjoy a little festive magic at an affordable price this season."
The rink launched on the same day Manchester Christmas Markets opened across 10 city centre locations, including a new hub in Albert Square where the giant zippy Santa has returned. Skaters get 45 minutes on the ice, and it is recommended to arrive 30-40 minutes in advance to get skates on and store belongings in the cloakroom.
Child tickets cost from £13.75 plus booking fee, while a family ticket for either one adult and three children or two adults and two children starts from £44.
