Top 10 Free Family Days Out in Greater Manchester This Summer

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy over the summer holidays without spending a fortune? Greater Manchester is packed with fantastic free days out and activities for families. From hands-on museum experiences to giant sandpits in the city and stunning outdoor spaces, there's no shortage of things to do. So, pack up a picnic, slap on the sun cream and enjoy these top free family days out and activities across Greater Manchester this summer.

1. Explore Manchester's Free & Family-Friendly Museums

Looking for a fun and educational day out that won’t cost a thing? Manchester is packed with amazing museums that are free to enter and perfect for families. With hands-on exhibits, creative spaces, and inspiring collections, there’s something for every age and interest.

Science and Industry Museum

Right in the city centre, this museum brings Manchester’s industrial past to life. Journey through Manchester’s rich legacy of ideas and discoveries in the Revolution Manchester Gallery, from the ancestor of modern computing to one of the first Rolls-Royce motorcars. Find out how the city's heritage is interwoven with the cotton industry in the Textiles Gallery. Follow the textiles story through innovations in design, printing and finishing, and find out how ‘Cottonopolis’ changed the world we all live in today. Entry is free and booking is recommended during holidays. Some exhibitions may have a fee.

Manchester Museum

Home to a dinosaur gallery, ancient artefacts, and a giant whale skeleton, this museum is a firm family favourite. It also runs regular free workshops and activity trails for children. There’s a café and picnic space on-site, so it’s easy to make a day of it.

People’s History Museum (PHM)

Celebrate the people who fought for change at the UK’s national museum of democracy. Expect bright, engaging displays and plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved through family-friendly exhibitions and craft sessions.

The Whitworth

Part gallery, part green space, The Whitworth blends art, nature, and play. Kids can explore indoor exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and take part in creative family activities. It’s a calm, inspiring space for all ages.

Manchester Central Library

More than just books, this beautiful landmark offers story times, digital activities, and a brilliant children’s library. A great rainy-day stop with free events and workshops throughout the year.

2. Family-Friendly Parks in Greater Manchester

There’s no better way to enjoy a sunny day than heading to one of Greater Manchester’s outstanding parks. Here are four of some of the best family parks worth visiting this summer:

Heaton Park, Manchester

One of the largest municipal parks in Europe, Heaton Park offers everything from a boating lake and adventure playgrounds to an animal centre and tram museum. There's plenty of open space for football and picnics, plus events running throughout the summer. And you can get up close with some really cute highland cattle!

Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury

Tucked away in south Manchester, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens is a peaceful escape with beautifully maintained gardens, woodland trails and river walks. Ideal for families who enjoy nature spotting and gentle strolls. There’s also a café and toilets nearby. It’s ideal for exploring nature with children, and great for picnic stops in a scenic setting.

Peel Park, Salford

Located near The Crescent, Peel Park is one of Salford’s most historic parks. It’s been completely renovated in recent years and offers a brilliant play area, sports courts and riverside walks. It’s a gem just minutes from the city centre.

Northern Roots, Oldham

A newer addition, Northern Roots is the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park in development. With 160 acres of green space, woodland trails, bike paths, and outdoor learning areas, it’s perfect for adventurous families.

3. Celebrate Manchester Day

Manchester Day returns on Saturday 26 July 2025, promising a full day of fun, culture, and community spirit. Inspired by the city’s vibrant music scene, this year’s event will bring live performances, pop-up dance shows, street theatre and family activities to the city centre. It's a brilliant opportunity to enjoy Manchester’s creativity and diversity with kids of all ages.

Keep an eye out for the full programme and event map closer to the date.

4. Catch THE HERDS

One of the most unique events taking place this summer, THE HERDS is a powerful public art installation featuring life-sized puppet animals journeying across Greater Manchester. Part of a global climate storytelling initiative and Manchester International Festival, these giant creatures will pass through city centres including Wigan and Rochdale. The project is supported by Factory International and local councils, and includes performances by the Manchester Camerata and other artists, blending music, storytelling and urgent environmental themes.

Workshops exploring themes of wildlife, sustainability and co-existence will also take place across Greater Manchester at Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Wigan Museum, Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Museum.

5. Family Pride MCR

Family Pride is all about celebrating the diversity of families across Manchester, from LGBTQ+ households to adoptive, foster, and single-parent families. Organised in partnership with Proud 2 b Parents and Manchester Pride, this summer event offers a welcoming environment for families to come together through creative workshops, storytelling, and fun activities. It’s designed specifically with children in mind, offering safe spaces to connect and celebrate what makes every family special.

7. Sand and Play at Great Northern Warehouse

The Great Northern Warehouse in Deansgate has transformed its outdoor amphitheatre into a summer sand haven for city families. With a giant sandpit made of 50 tonnes of sand, a wooden playhouse, and free buckets and spades to borrow, it’s a rare treat in the city centre. It’s a perfect quick stop during a day in town or a longer chill-out session while the kids play and adults relax with a coffee.

8. Visit MediaCity

Quentin Blake and Me – Family Exhibition at The Lowry

Running from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August 2025, Quentin Blake and Me is a colourful and creative exhibition celebrating the life and work of the legendary children’s illustrator. Hosted at Lowry in Salford Quays, it includes original illustrations, interactive storytelling zones, and hands-on activities where kids can create their own characters. It’s a brilliant way to encourage creativity while introducing children to the magic of storytelling and illustration.

Screen on the Docks

The waterside screen is back and better than ever! This summer, MediaCity are showing film classics like family favourites including Wicked and Moana 2, plus popular sports including Wimbledon and the Women’s Euros - all completely free throughout the summer.

9. Snap a Selfie with Paddington

Manchester's very own Paddington statue has arrived in Spinningfields as part of the Paddington Visits trail, a thrilling addition to neighbourhood and the only one in the city. Dressed in his signature blue duffle coat, red hat and complete with a marmalade sandwich in paw, this statue is one of only 23 statues across the UK. Fans of all ages can have the chance to experience the magic of Paddington, capture a photo and create lasting memories with this beloved national treasure.

10. SmileyWorld® Art Trail

Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant Wild in Art trail to the heart of Stockport this summer. From 4 July to 15 September 2025, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld® icons. Each icon features a unique artwork on its reverse side, produced by creatives who were tasked with interpreting and responding to the range of emoticons. Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite you to connect and smile – or not! – as you explore Stockport town centre’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles and doodles for kids, which will be available to download once the trail begins. Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.

Getting Around Manchester

The Bee Network weekend family tram travelcard gives you unlimited travel from 6pm on Fridays through to the last tram on Sunday across all the Metrolink zones – for only £9.50! The travel card is for one to three children (aged under 16) accompanied by one or two adults. Available to buy on the Bee Network app.

Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Summer in Greater Manchester

There’s no need to spend a fortune to make magical summer memories. Whether you’re looking to get hands-on with science, lose yourself in storytelling, or simply relax outdoors with the kids, Greater Manchester is packed with free family days out.