'I took my Hot Wheels obsessed five-year-old to an experience he won’t forget'

Spending quality time with your children doesn't have to break the bank. Here in Manchester there's no shortage of free activities to keep families entertained, not to mention parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy together. But once in a while, an experience comes along that’s so special, you just know it will bring an extra wide smile to their little faces - and that, too, is priceless.

For my five-year-old, anything Hot Wheels related sends him into absolute overdrive. So, when we had the chance to visit the Hot Wheels Experience at the BEC Arena , I knew it would be a hit. But was it worth the cost? READ MORE: Inside huge new Hot Wheels City Experience in Manchester with toy cars, gamer zones and vintage motors There’s no denying that days out like these can be expensive.

As a family of five the ticket price alone is comparable to a weekly food shop. However, as the name suggests, it is an ‘experience’ and thankfully tickets offer a full day's worth of fun - not just an hour or two. It's the first time the Hot Wheels City Experience has been in Europe (Image: MEN) We spent most of our time in the Hot Wheels Shark Frenzy zone.

Ironically, it’s the least Hot Wheels-themed area, but it’s also where kids can burn off the most energy bouncing around. Great news for bedtime! Unlike those trampolines at fairs where your money seems to disappear, here kids can jump until their heart's content. During busier times, the event organisers may limit play to 10 minutes, but ther.