Are you heading to Manchester with your family? If so, you may need some packing inspiration.
We’re a family of five (kids ages 4, 7, 10) and we’ve just returned from a weekend in Manchester. We spent two full days exploring the city, with plenty of time spent at Etihad Stadium and Etihad Campus. The days on either side were travel days, surprisingly long for being so close to where we traveled from (Tuscany, Italy).
Here’s my list of what we packed. We traveled with a carry-on bag for each of us, and we also each had a small bag (backpack, purse, etc.). I hope it helps you get ready for your trip to Manchester with your kids!
What to Bring on the Plane in Small Bags or Backpacks
Each of my kids had a backpack with:
- Fleece
- Snack (fruit snacks, clementines, gorp mix with peanuts/raisins/m&ms)
- Headphones
- Book
- Electronics (iPad or Nintendo Switch)
- Homework (two older boys)
- Cameras (two younger boys)
I usually bring a small backpack (North Face for bigger trips or small Fjällräven for shorter trips), but this trip I decided to bring a large tote-style purse. Inside I had:
- Hand sanitizer
- Wallet (Euros, ID card, residency card, medical cards for entire family)
- Pouch with passports
- Chapstick
- Baby wipes
- Plastic bag
- Phone and charger
- Notebook and pen
- External charger with cords
- Air pods
- Kindle
- UNO
Good To Know: I usually pack a change of clothing for my youngest in my small bag/backpack, but since we were carrying on his luggage, I didn’t need to on this trip.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On or Checked Luggage

Again, we carried on all of our bags, but you can also check luggage if you need to. We ended up checking one of our small roller bags so we could bring liquids with us (and purchase some to bring back).
Inside my boys’ carry-on bags:
- Warm fleeces/sweatshirts
- T-shirts
- Manchester City jerseys
- Pants/jeans
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Extra pair of sneakers (preferably warm and water-resistant)
Inside my carry-on roller bag:
- Two warm sweaters
- Tank tops for layering under sweaters
- Bras
- Underwear
- Socks
- Boots
- Beanies x 2
- Pajamas
- Facewash
- Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Razor
- Glasses
- Prescription medicine
- Makeup
- Travel brush
- Hair ties
- Extra contacts
- Travel first aid kit (with basics like pain/fever reducer, thermometer, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, Aquaphor, cough drops)
- Computer
- Apple watch charger
- Phone charger
- UK plug adapter
- Diapers (for my youngest at night)
Good To Know: I bought shampoo and conditioner in Manchester and used it while there. We used the hotel’s body wash. Our hotel had a gym but I decided not to bring workout gear. We didn’t pack many snacks because I knew my boys would love shopping for snacks in the UK. My two older boys had hats but preferred to wear their coat hoods instead.
We wore/carried onto the flight:
- Warm hats
- Scarves
- Gloves (just my husband)
Keepin’ It Real: We forgot my youngest son’s coat at home, so when we arrived in Manchester, I made a quick trip to Uniqlo. Oops.
Inside the carry-on bag we checked:
- My husband’s clothing (pants, sweaters, shirts, underwear, socks, boots, toiletries)
- Large liquids – contact solution, face wash, toothpaste
- Two umbrellas
Additional things we brought back with us from Manchester:
- Shampoo, conditioner, face washes
- Man City jerseys
- Snacks and treats from M&S
- Match day program from the Manchester City match
- Mini plasma ball from the Science & Industry Museum
- My son’s new coat from Uniqlo

And that’s it! It was a short trip, so we really tried to keep our bags light. The only thing we really ended up needing to purchase in Manchester was a warm coat for our youngest (since we forgot his at home). We didn’t use all of our clothing, and we never used the umbrellas. If we go back (hopefully we’ll be back to see another Man City match!), I’ll use this same list… but I’ll triple check we have everyone’s coats before we leave home!
Have an amazing time in the UK with your family!
You may also want to check out some of my other packing lists for more ideas!
Visiting the UK? Be sure to check out
Visiting London’s Tower Bridge with Kids
Harry Potter Studio Tour – Our Experience
Weekend in Manchester with Kids – Our Soccer-Focused Itinerary
Manchester City’s Tunnel Club Premier – Our Experience
Things to Do in Manchester with a 10-Year-Old
Family Packing List for a Winter Weekend in Manchester