06 Aug Free things to do with the kids during the summer holidays

Knowing what to do with your kids during the summer holidays can be tricky and expensive. But did you know that there are loads of fun activities taking place in and around Manchester that won’t only impress your little ones but also your wallet?

1. Arts and crafts at the Disney Store. Taking place all over the UK, the Disney store will be putting on FREE workshops every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in August. Check your local store for a full list of events now.

2. Go to a museum. Interactive museums are a fantastic way to ensure your children have fun while learning a few fun facts. Manchester’s very own Football Museum, The Science Museum and Imperial War Museum are all FREE.

3. Learn how to love your pets. Pets at Home are holding nationwide events, teaching you how to take care of a number of animals. Meet furry friends, play lots of puzzles and discover some of the best animal facts. Booking is essential on their website.

4. Get active. Tennis For Free, the sports charity, is offering FREE two-hour tennis sessions at 38 locations in the UK and Prestwich is one of them! Children from three can take part in an activity and best of all, no booking is required.

5. Go to Heaton Park. We’re so lucky to have an incredible park on our doorstep so make the most of it! Take a picnic, play some family games or why not create your own nature bingo and head off on an adventure? This year Heaton Park even has its very own beach!

6. The Caribbean Carnival. Taking place from August 11-12 in Alexandra Park, this festival is a celebration of culture, colour and reggae food. With an exciting parade, fantastic dancing, and even better music, this event is one for the whole family.

7. Visit Salford Quays. Take your pick of FREE attractions at Manchester’s very own waterfront community. From the Imperial War Museum, Ordsall Hall and Lowry, there’s also a Piazza which hosts screenings and events. Plus, why not visit the Blue Peter garden?

8. A walking tour. The Manchester walking tour app is completely free to download and allows you to discover the city at your own pace. Uncover hidden gems, quaint streets and hear untold stories.

9. Prestwich Forest Park. Boasting a children’s play area, nature trail and 200 hectares of open space, this is a great place to burn off some energy.
10. Congleton Paddling Pool. The perfect place to cool down on a hot day, this pool is a FREE council activity and ideal for under 11’s. Open from 10-6, why not take a picnic and make a whole day of it?

11. GMP open day. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Greater Manchester Police Museum is hosting open days with fun activities focussing on different units within the police force.

12. There are loads of free activities for kids across north Manchester. Featuring a wide range of sports and activities, face painting, music, a climbing wall and more, all ages are welcome and there’s no need to book. The next dates and locations are: Wednesday, August 8 – FC United, Broadhurst Park, Lightbown Road, Moston, M40 0FJ, Wednesday, August 15 – Boggart Hole Clough, Charlestown Road, Charlestown, M9 7DF, Wednesday, August 22 – Crumpsall Park, Ash Tree Road, Crumpsall, M8 5RX, Wednesday, August 29 – Smedley Playing Fields, Smedley Lane, M8 8XG.

13. Summer art school. Manchester Art Gallery is hosting a free creative art school at the gallery for 14-19 year-olds. From Tuesday, August 28 to Thursday, August 30, there’s a mixture of events and lunch is also provided. To take part collect a sign-up form from the gallery information desk.

14. Terrific Tuesday By the Sea at Manchester Cathedral. Every Tuesday, Manchester’s stunning cathedral will be hosting free family activities with a seaside flavour. The venue is also home to 20 bees as part of Bee in the City Trail and there’s a free Explorer Trail.

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