1. Take a journey into the past at the National Football Museum

A new interactive exhibition has joined the National Football Museum this week. Batteries Not Included is a look into the history of football toys that is set to make you nostalgic while the children discover how their games came to be. With 17 different interactive activities as well as classic arcade video games, it is the perfect weekend trip for little football fans. Tickets start from £7.

2. Unlock the magic with this enchanting, family-friendly escape room

Until Tuesday 1 August, step inside a fairytale with Z-arts. The Library of Enchantment is an escape room designed for family fun. With one hour to solve different puzzles and challenges, the whole family can help capture Billi the bookworm before he causes any more chaos! Bring a group of up to 8 people and work as a team to escape this fantastical world. Prices start from £60 for 3 people.

3. Explore the past with the Festival of Archaeology

The Festival of Archaeology is back at Quarry Bank Mill for a week of discovery. Running until Sunday 30 July, it is one of the most exciting events in the archaeology calendar. This family-friendly experience will give you the opportunity to see what treasures you can dig up! With all equipment and training provided, it might inspire you and the younger generations with a new passion. Entry is included with the National Trust admission charge.

4. Celebrate 50 years of creativity with Contact Theatre

Contact Theatre are opening their doors this week for a weekend of fun. Between Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July, pop down and celebrate their 50th anniversary with The Big Banquet. In this series of events, you can join them for music workshops, their Supper Club, a morning rave and many other festivities! Workshops are free to attend, with other events starting from £10.

5. Experience a weekend of delectable food and drinks in Fallowfield

Fallowfield sees the return of Beers in the Garden between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 July. The exciting Platt Fields Park festival will showcase some of Manchester's best craft brewers, as well as highlighting some of the best eats the city has to offer such as Honest Crust, Siop Siop and many more. There will also be great musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Tickets start from £10 with all proceeds going to MUD CIC and the Platt Fields Market Garden.

6. New opening: The Old Fire Station

Opening earlier this month in what was Salford’s previously forgotten fire station, The Old Fire Station is a café and bakery during the day, selling artisan sourdough bread and sweet treats alongside its delicious lunch menu; then after 4pm the venue hosts independent food-vendors for an amazing evening menu. You can even go in and sit at the bar to enjoy a beer from Salford’s own, Lark Hill Brewery.