The summer holidays are almost here, which means it’s time to entertain the kids and create some memories that last a lifetime. Across Greater Manchester there are plenty of free events taking place this summer that can help you to entertain the whole family whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for activity inspiration, these events could help make summer 2023 one to remember.

Kids go free with Transport for Wales

This summer, children under 16 can travel for free on Transport for Wales trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Each adult can take up to two children for free, under 11’s on all services and under 16’s on off-peak services. This means that your family can explore the beauty of Wales and all of its landmarks for a hugely discounted price this summer. Whether it’s a day trip or you’re hoping to stay overnight, a train journey to Wales is the secret to stunning scenery, amazing attractions and the perfect summer getaway. Learn more.

The Lowry Exhibition: Julia and Axel 30 Years of Favourite Stories

This Summer Salford’s The Lowry is working in collaboration with publishers Macmillan Children’s Books and Scholastic to host an exhibition celebrating the wonderful works of beloved authors Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Starting on Saturday 22 July, this free family-friendly exhibition will feature notebooks, illustrations, sketches and fun opportunities for kids to be creative. See how all of their favourite stories including The Gruffalo, Room and the Broom and Zog came to life. Learn more.

Feel Good Family Picnic

The organisers behind Rochdale’s Feel Good Festival are back with a day full of fun activities, performances, music, sports and shows for children of all ages. Bring your picnic and get ready for a day of free family fun. Staged in four Rochdale parks over the school holidays, The Feel Good Family Picnic will take place in Falinge Park (Rochdale) on Tuesday 25 July, and then Limefield Playing Fields (Middleton) on Wednesday 26 July before moving to Harehill Park (Littleborough) on Thursday 27 July. The final stop will be Queen’s Park (Heywood) on Friday 28 July. Events will run from 11am to 4pm. Learn more.

Z-arts are running some FREE and fabulous summer activities to entertain the whole family.

Each week from Tuesday – Friday they’re holding several clubs and activities in the Z-arts building. Join them for LEGO Club from 12.30 – 2.30pm, where we’ll be getting all our LEGO out for you to play with and build whatever you like! Or why not catch a movie with Film Club from 2.30 – 4.30pm. If you fancy a snack and something crafty, head to Z-café from 1.00 – 3.00pm for Colouring in the Café. There’s lots to do at Z-arts this summer, especially when the weather isn’t the best! Check out the timetable here.

Visit a museum 

Come rain or shine, Manchester’s museums prove a hit with children and parents time and time again. If you’re at a loss for something to do this summer, a day out at one of Manchester’s museums and galleries could be the perfect answer, to intrigue little minds without breaking the bank.

The Manchester Museum 

If you haven’t been yet, the newly refurbished Manchester Museum is a must-visit this summer, lose yourselves in the new South Asian Gallery and of course visit Stan the T-Rex. With around 4.5 million objects from natural sciences and human cultures, the Manchester Museum is one of the UK’s largest university museums and will have something to inspire almost everyone. Plus, every weekday over the school summer holidays, you’ll find creative hands-on activities for kids inspired by the stories and objects behind the objects and exhibitions in the museum all for free.

The Science and Industry Museum

The Science and Industry Museum has interactive exhibitions that kids love and they’re also running a free holiday programme for children of all ages. The permanent galleries and displays are always family favourites, giving your kids the chance to see science come to life and learn more about why Manchester is named the world’s first industrial city.

 The summer programme of activities is all based around the museum’s blockbuster exhibition “Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You”, so kids can learn more about how our bodies work and how to take care of them with expert explainers and a teddy hospital all for free. However, please be aware that entry to Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You exhibition is charged at £10 for adults and £9 for children, kids aged 3 and under get to go in for free and family discounts are available. The rest of the museum is free to explore and the summer activities are available to all so it makes for a great day out.

Manchester Art Gallery

A visit to Manchester Art Gallery is a great way to unleash little ones' creative side and it’s completely free. The family gallery The Lion’s Den provides a free and welcoming space for families all year round, running a varied programme of events and activities like making sessions. There are even baby sensory sessions for tiny tots to get involved in the action. Plus, there is lots of stunning art that will captivate their minds and perhaps inspire them to create their own when they get home. Families can explore the craft and design, fashion or costume galleries as well as over 2,000 oil paintings, so prepare them for a treat for the eyes.

The Whitworth

Sticking to the theme of Art Galleries, creative kids will also enjoy the free family activities at The Whitworth Gallery. These regular activities include an Outdoor Art Club complete with a mud painting studio, potions stations and more, The Feel Good Arts Club for 6 – 12-year-olds offering a fun, expressive art and mindfulness session in the Whitworth’s Art Garden and Quiet Mornings, a multi-sensory play session for families with additional needs.

The People’s History Museum

Recent winner of the national “Kids in Museums” award, the People’s History Museum is always a great way to inspire little minds and show ideas have always been worth fighting for. The People's history is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain and the brilliant people that fought for it. Every Wednesday in the school holidays the museum will be hosting creative activities, bring your own tote bag or t-shirt to personalise using screen-printing, stamps, pens and more. Kids can also play banner bingo while they explore the museum looking out for different images on the vast array of protest and political banners featured in the main two galleries.

Get outdoors

There’s no better free activity than stepping into the great outdoors and Manchester has plenty of green spaces to explore this summer. From the new Mayfield Park in the heart of the city to Heaton Park in the North of the city, Manchester has plenty of parks and green spaces ideal for walks, play and fun. More adventurous walkers could even attempt some of the GM Ringway this summer, a walking trail that explores all 10 boroughs of the region.

When it comes to free activities, the great outdoors knows no limits and there’s no better way to entertain little ones, as long as the weather plays ball. Take in the beauty of the natural world around you and enjoy some family time in the sunshine with Manchester’s many parks and public gardens. Here are some roundups of the best green spaces and outdoor walking routes to inspire you this summer.

To find out about more events taking place across the region, visit our What’s on Page or look through our ideas and inspiration. 

To find more activities and days out to fill the summer holidays, check out our Things to Do page or our other Summer Holiday blogs.