Things to do in Manchester in the summer holidays 2026
The summer holidays are fast approaching so I’ve started putting together posts that will help you out over the 6 weeks. This one is filled with things to do in Manchester in the summer holidays 2026. I’ve rounded up the best family days out and events in Greater Manchester. Find more Things to do with kids in the North West summer 2026 here.
If you know of an event I’ve missed please do let me know at info@northwestforkids.co.uk. This guide will be updated up to and throughout the summer holidays.
Please check the event or attraction’s website or social media before visiting to make sure there are no changes or cancellations and to see if you need to book. I have done my best to ensure this page is correct and will update as often as I can but I can not be held responsible for changes.
Ad – This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Family days out and events
Pokémon joins summer of play at Dunham Massey
When – 10th July – 6th September 2026.
On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! Discover Pokémon zones in participating locations.
Expect the return of some of our favourite summer activities, with plenty of opportunities to play, explore and relax together.
North Park Play Hub – The main hub for Summer of Play is transformed with giant deckchairs, tiny tipis and plenty of space for adventure. Clamber over the log pile, challenge friends and family to giant games, or let imaginations run wild with nature as your playground.
Full details here – Summer of Play | National Trust
Find our guide to Visiting Dunham Massey NT with kids here.
Pokémon joins Lyme’s Summer of Play, Lyme Park
18th July – 6th September 2026
On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play at Lyme with 3 play hubs across site, you can discover an all new Pokémon zone. Get stuck into the Pokémon trading card game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! Discover more Pokémon zones and mega evolution trails in participating locations.
Full details here – Summer of Play at Lyme | National Trust
Summer holiday fun, RHS Bridgewater
When – 18th July – 31st August 2026.
Discover wildlife superhero sculptures made from hundreds of thousands of bricks, pick up an activity booklet packed with fun facts and challenges, follow the wildlife superhero trail and get creative at the interactive brick building station – all inspired by the plants, animals and fungi that call our gardens home.
Wildlife superheroes brick sculpture trail – daily
Brick Explorers build station, 18th – 24th July, Marquee, Every Tuesday – Friday from 28 July – 28 August, Learning Studios. Drop in 11am – 4pm
Buzz – a theatre experience – 25th and 26th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th August. 20-minute shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Full details here – Summer holiday fun | RHS Garden Bridgewater / RHS
Lego Ninjago: The true ninja trials, Legoland discovery centre Manchester
When – 11th July – 7th September 2026
Train with fellow Ninja as you battle the elemental monsters through hands on brick challenges:
- Master the art of Spinjitzu to defeat the elemental monsters
- Build a fearsome dragon to protect the Whispering Woods
- Work together to complete the elemental masters mosaic
- Meet the Master Model Builder in our Creative Workshop
- Catch the 4D movie: LEGO® NINJAGO® Masters of The 4th Dimension
- Learn epic moves with our hero to transform into dragon mode
Find out more here – Lego Ninjago: The true ninja trials
Farm Fest at Reddish Vale Farm
When – 1st – 31st August 2026.
There’ll be fairground rides, a children’s inflatable assault course, children’s entertainer, a beach area, 3pm foam party and popcorn. Of course, there’ll still be all the usual fun at the farm.
Cost – Adults £12.50, children £12.50
Book here – Farm Fest – Reddish Vale Farm
Dua Lipa Tribute Night, Reddish Vale Farm
When – 15th August 2026. 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Get ready for a high-energy, feel-good summer evening packed with dancefloor anthems, pop perfection, and nonstop vibes in the stunning setting of Reddish Vale Farm.
Book here – Dua Lipa Tribute night
K-Pop Demon Hunters Tribute Night, Reddish Vale Farm
When – 29th August 2026. 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Get ready for an electrifying, high-energy family-friendly / date night as we bring the fierce world of K-Pop Demon Hunter to life in the stunning setting of Reddish Vale Farm. Expect powerful performances, bold choreography, and unstoppable energy.
Book here – K-Pop Demon Hunters Tribute Night
Farmlife festival at Cockfields farm
When – 26th July – 31st August 2026.
Everything you expect from a trip to Cockfields Farm and a helter skelter, foam party, party tractor and traditional carousel.
Optional add on experiences (additional cost) giant slip and slide, zorbing and Alpaca walking experiences.
Book here – Farmlife festival
K-Pop Sunset Party, Cockfields Farm Park
When – 25th July 2026
An unforgettable evening with the incredible K-Pop Demon Hunters tribute act. It’s the perfect night out with friends, family, or just fellow Demon Hunters!
Book here – K-Pop Sunset Party
Taylor Swift Sunset Party, Cockfields Farm Park
When – 8th August 2026.
An unforgettable evening with an incredible Taylor Swift tribute act. It’s the perfect night out with friends, family, or fellow Swifties!
Book here – Taylor Swift Sunset Party
Alice in Wonderland, Z-Arts
When – selected dates all summer.
An enchanting play experience that invites children and families to explore Wonderland, using imagination to create their own fantastical adventure.
For children 1-8 years.
Book here – Adventures in Wonderland – Z-arts
Find out more about Z-Arts here.
Family escape rooms at Z-Arts
There is also a fantastic family escape room that you can enjoy this summer too.
Find my review here – Z-Arts family escape room
Book here – Family-friendly escape room – The Library of Enchantment – Z-arts
They also have a new Mission Mad Hatter family escape room too that can be booked here – Mission: Mad Hatter
Free Summer of stories, Z-Arts
When – 28th July – 23rd August 2026. (Tuesday – Saturday)
Free family activities including storytelling and arts and crafts. The theme changes each week. Advanced booking required.
Week 1, book here – Free Summer of stories – week 1
week 2, book here – Free Summer of Stories – Week 2
Week 3, book here – Summer of Stories – Week 3
Free National Play day, Z-Arts
When – 5th August 2026.
Join the Z-arts Creative Team in Hulme Park for a fun celebration of all things play! Get stuck into messy play, spark your imagination with creative play, get moving with sporty play, and take on the role with dress-up play.
It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s for everyone – come and play your way!
Full details here – National Play Day – Z-arts
Broad oak hearts trail, Fletcher Moss
When – 18th July – 4th September 2026
Pick up your trail sheet from Fletcher moss park cafe food truck for a small donation.
Full details – Broad oak hearts trail
Dinosaur Adventure, The Hive at Moss Bank Park
When – 28th July 2026.
Discover herbivores, carnivores, who lived where and who ate who. Help us with our Dino fossil dig, search for the Velociraptors lost eggs and much more dinosaur fun! So, grab your explorers’ hat and don’t go into the long grass!!
Tickets are £9 per child. Accompanying adults and children over 12 enter free, but please still book a ticket then we can keep track of numbers.
Book here – Dinosaur Adventure
National Playday at The Hive, Moss Bank
When – 5th August 2026.
Based within Bolton’s iconic Moss Bank Park, the Hive offers a unique space, made up of a series of gardens adorned with natural play equipment.
Designed with pre-schoolers and the under seven’s in mind, the Hive encourages young people to make lasting connections with nature through creative play.
Book here – National Playday at The Hive
Teddy Bears Picnic at The Hive
When – 18th August 2026.
On arrival, make sure to don your teddy bear ears and face paint ready for all the fun. Then get ready to prepare a mud pie feast in goldilocks’ café, help find the lost honey pot, and create a marvellous musical instrument for the teddy parade. Don’t forget to bring your scrumptious picnic and best teddy friend along for the party!
Tickets are £9 per child. Accompanying adults and children over 12 enter free.
Book here – Teddy Bears Picnic at The Hive
Trafford Centre Summer Fair
When – 18th July – 31st August 2026, Open daily from 12pm–8pm
The Summer Fair includes a beach and splash pool, fairground rides, family attractions and classic summer treats.
Ticket prices: £3.50 on the day or £2.50 pre book (rides extra)
Full details here – Trafford Centre summer fair
Free cosmic carnival shows, Trafford Centre
When – Every Wednesday and Thursday in August 2026.
Free live performances taking over the Orient Main Stage area twice a week throughout August.
Families can step into the magical world of the ‘Out of Time Circus’, with breathtaking aerial performances by larger-than-life characters and live vocals that transport them into the vibrant Cosmic Circus.
The fun continues with the Zero-Gravity Disco, an energetic celebration packed with chart hits, incredible dance routines, and audience participation.
After every show, children can take part in free interactive workshops, learning dance routines and trying circus-inspired skills with the performers.
Full details here – Cosmic Carnival show
Sea Creature Rescue Squad, Sea Life Manchester
When – 11th July – 31st August 2026.
Join the Sea Creature Rescue Squad at SEA LIFE Manchester and become an Ocean Hero. Take on fun interactive challenges and discover how small actions can help protect our oceans.
Book here – Sea Life Manchester
Free giant sandpit at Great Northern Warehouses 2026
Great Northern Warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and ever popular giant sandpit for families to enjoy throughout the summer. With 50 tonnes of sand, some wooden logs to sit on and play with and buckets and spades to borrow, it’s the perfect place to stop off.
Free emergency services day at the Trafford Centre
When – 6th August 2026
Visitors can get up close to around 100 emergency service vehicles, enjoy live demonstrations and explore interactive displays that show exactly what it takes to keep our region safe every day.
Taking place on car parks 10 & 11 outside The Great Hall, the event will see teams from over 50 organisations coming together.
Full details here – Emergency Services Day – Trafford Centre
Free Manchester Day, Manchester City Centre
When – 26th July 2026.
Event includes:
- Manchester Day Parade (1pm) – eye‑catching costumes, giant creations and show‑stopping performances
- Pop‑up performances and walkabout acts
- Live music and dance
- Surprising moments
- Free, family‑friendly activities for all ages
Full details here – Manchester Day
Free Parktastic events
Parktastic is a summer-long celebration of play, popping up in parks across North, Central and South Manchester.
Run by Manchester City Council as part of the Child Friendly Manchester programme, it’s all about giving kids the chance to get stuck into FREE, drop-in fun right on their doorstep. With games, crafts and outdoor activities on offer, it’s a great way for families to make the most of their local green spaces.
These sessions are open access and children are free to leave at any time – age group suitability may vary but activities are most suited to children aged 8+. Parents and carers will need to attend with their children if they are under 8 or need additional supervision.
There are too many to list individually here so find out all the parks taking part and which days they have events here – Parktastic
Trafford Palazzo, free summer events – 2025 details
When – from 19th July 2025
Find loads of free craft and sport kids activities this summer. Many require pre-booking.
Full events here – TP Palazzo Games – Trafford Palazzo
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Step into the legendary 90s gameshow! Work as a team to complete mental and physical challenges across four themed zones before taking on the iconic Crystal Dome.
Suitable for kids aged 9+
50% off family tickets available this summer!
Book here – The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience in London & Manchester
Chaos Karts
A real-life Mario Kart-style experience with no physical track, just you, your kart, and a high-tech, game-like digital world. Power-ups, weapons and immersive projection bring racing to life.
Ages 11+, Ideal for tweens, teens and gaming fans
Book here – The Ultimate Go-Karting Experience | Chaos Karts
The PAC-MAN LIVE Experience
Race through a life-sized PAC-MAN maze wearing high-tech vests, collect power pellets, and avoid ghosts in this exciting, interactive game world.
50% off family tickets available this summer holidays.
Book here – The PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE
Sixes Social Cricket
Cricket like you’ve never played before! Test your reflexes and throwing skills with an immersive fielding challenge. Pair it with amazing Indian street food for a full day out.
Book here – Sixes Social Cricket | Let’s Play | Nets & Simulator
Race across the World, Manchester
This would be a great activity for families with older children this summer.
You can have 2-8 players per team. Solve riddles, challenges & physical puzzles. Experience 3 checkpoints where surprises await.
Book here – Race across the world Manchester
Bubble Planet, Depot Mayfield
Until 28th August 2026.
Bubble Planet is an incredible adventure that immerses you in the magical world of bubbles. Explore a crazy planet that pushes the limits of your imagination, featuring virtual reality, themed rooms, and breathtaking landscapes. Travel from one fascinating space to another and engage all your senses!
Book here – Bubble Planet
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City, Transmission House
When – Until 31st July 2026.
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City transports you back 450 years ago to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality. You’ll climb the breathtaking peaks of the Andes, wander through the Temple of the Sun, walk the famed terraces, and uncover the secrets of this awe-inspiring citadel. Five years in the making, this groundbreaking recreation by the world’s top 3D modelling specialists lets you explore this Seventh Wonder like never before!
Book here – Machu Picchu
WoodGruff and The Free Spirits, Haigh Woodland Park
When – 22nd July – 2nd August 2026.
The powerful Sershal is destroying our connection with the natural world and something must be done! Guided by WoodGruff and his woodland companions, audiences will journey through the forest in search of mysterious artefacts to try to put things back in their natural order.
Filled with fantastical sprites, original songs and music, laughter, storytelling and discovery, this magical adventure invites families to become part of the tale.
Blending live theatre, music, playing in the woods and interactive storytelling, WoodGruff & The Free Spirits is a truly immersive experience that celebrates imagination and nature.
For those who would prefer not to venture into the woodland trails, the adventure doesn’t stop at the stage. A specially created woodland gathering will continue nearby, where audiences can enjoy songs, stories and magical encounters with Woodgruff’s friends, ensuring everyone can take part in the fun and remain at the heart of the experience.
Book here – WoodGruff and The Free Spirits
Manchester museums and art galleries for families
Free Summer at Science and Industry Museum
When – 18th July – 1st September 2026.
Spend your summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum. Prepare for lift-off with free activities for all ages:
- Journey beyond Earth and discover the science behind space travel, and what it really takes to get a rocket to blast off with our brand-new daily live science demonstrations.
- Meet friendly Martians who need your help. Follow their trail around the museum in an intergalactic treasure hunt.
- Come face-to-face with a real rocket. See 30-foot-tall, life-size space rocket, Skybolt 2, as part of the weekly turbo charged Rocket Wednesdays.
- Celebrate the solar eclipse with a special programme of activities on Wednesday 12 August.
Plus, look out for pop-up activities throughout the summer. Channel your inner engineer and experiment with forces in rocket-themed activities with our expert Explainers.
Full details here – Summer holidays| Science and Industry Museum
Find our guide to the Science and Industry museum Manchester here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, Science and Industry Museum
When – 13th February 2026 – 3rd January 2027.
Blast off into the Solar System and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series.
Walk in the shoes of astronauts and discover far-off worlds, dance on an alien disco planet and journey through the depths of space to uncover the secrets of our universe.
Book here – Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Summer at Manchester Museum
When – 18th July – 30th August 2026
The Manchester Museum is a great free place to visit with kids this summer.
The Summer Superbugs Trail – 18th July – 30th August 2026.
Join the trail to discover how brilliant and powerful our arthropod friends are. See how many ladybirds you can find and Build-A-Stag-Beetle as you enjoy adventures around our galleries.
Full details here – The Summer Superbugs Trail
Bugtastic! – 21st July – 28th August 2026. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Free, just drop in.
Dive into a summer of creativity, discovery and hands-on fun with Bugtastic!
Each week explores a different artform, from animation and comic creation to printing, through family-friendly drop-in activities inspired by the fascinating world of bugs. Come along to explore, create and play as you discover the remarkable superpowers of these tiny creatures.
Sessions run weekdays from Tuesday 21 July to Friday 28 August, except Monday 27 July as the Museum will be closed. They’re at 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.
Full details here – Bugtastic!
Billie Bee Story Time – 3rd, 10th, 17th August 2026. 11.30am and 1pm.
Interactive storytelling inspired by the new book Bille Bee and the secret glue that holds Manchester together.
Hear the story brought to life, join us in the bee waggle dance and find out more about some of the beautiful bees within the collections the Museum cares for.
Full details here – Billie Bee Story Time
Play day – 5th August 2026.
National Play Day is a celebration of children’s right to play, and the vital benefits of play for children’s health, happiness and creativity.
Join us for a medley of playful activities popping up around the Museum.
Full details here – Play day
Family Collection Bites are interactive sessions that invite children and their adults to find out fascinating facts, hear surprising stories, and learn more about the museum’s collections together. They’re suitable for children aged 7+ accompanied by an adult.
Family Collection Bites: Gotta Match ‘Em All – 5th August 2026.
Video games are full of creatures inspired by real animals, but can you work out which is which? Using taxidermy specimens from the Museum’s collections, test your observation skills to spot similarities as you compare real animals and match them with familiar game-inspired characters.
Book here – Family Collection Bites: Gotta Match ‘Em All
Family Collection Bites: Egg Detectives – 12th August 2026.
Grab your magnifying glasses and get cracking with Egg Detectives this summer! Take a closer look at some of the Museum’s taxidermy specimens and learn about the wonderful shapes and sizes of animals and their eggs.
Book here – Family Collection Bites: Egg Detectives
Family Collection Bites: Zoo Do You Think You Are? – 19th August 2026.
Using taxidermy specimens from the Museum’s collections, you will get to meet some familiar animals close up and use your skills of deduction to decide who their closest relatives are. But be careful: looks can be deceiving!
Book here – Family Collection Bites: Zoo Do You Think You Are?
Family Collection Bites Archaeologist for the Day! – 26th August 2026.
Get hands-on with ancient Egyptian objects from the Museum’s collections. You will learn how to handle artefacts and find out how archaeologists care for objects and use clues and evidence to describe them and uncover their stories.
Book here – Family Collection Bites Archaeologist for the Day!
Playtime at The Whitworth
When – 22nd July – 28th August 2026 (Wed – Fri only).
This summer, PLAYTIME takes inspiration from the Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven exhibition. With playful weaving and embroidery interventions popping up throughout our galleries and outdoor spaces, this year will be a hands-on, creative celebration of texture, pattern, and play for all ages.
Find out more here – PLAYTIME
Salford museum
There are loads (too many to list here) of Victorian-themed workshops all summer and some creative ones too. They are all free or low cost but often need booking in advance.
Activities include paper mosaics, make your mark, collages, Victorian Washday and more.
Full details here – Summer Holidays at Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Ordsall Hall
There are loads of free and low cost Tudor and creative workshops this summer. Many need pre-booking.
Activities include a story garden, outdoor fun, making soap balls and more.
Full details here – Summer Holidays at Ordsall Hall
Spies, Lies and Deception, IWM North
When – until 31st August 2026
Young recruits can visit the “Mission Room” to embark on a top-secret exhibition trail, piecing together information to find out if they have what it takes to succeed in the world of spies. The reading age for Spies, Lies and Deception is 8+, but the exhibition is also suitable for younger children to explore with their parents and carers. This exhibition will take between 45 and 60 minutes to enjoy as part of your visit to IWM North.
Full details here – Spies, Lies and Deception| Imperial War Museums
People’s History Museum – Build a bot
When – 18th July – 31st August 2026
Inspired by the idea that a carboard box can be transformed into a robot changemaker, you are invited to power up your imagination and build your own mini robot from a simple sheet of paper!
Choose from two robot designs – one simple and one more complex, each with step by step instructions. Activate your creativity to design, colour, and construct your own 3D bot.
Take your new robo-friend home or add it to the imaginary picket line!
Family Friendly, suitable for ages 5-12 (under 12s must have an accompanying adult).
Free, drop in activity. All materials provided.
Full details here – build a bot – People’s History Museum
Puffins, Penguins and Ladybirds: Summer Family Fun. at Elizabeth Gaskell House
When – 22nd July – 30th August 2026.
Families can squawk, waddle and scuttle through Elizabeth Gaskell’s House on the hunt for creatures on our new trail, Puffins, Penguins and Ladybirds. With easy, medium and hard levels, it’s fun for all ages.
After collecting your critters, families can stop by the Exhibition Room, where there is a cosy and colourful reading corner. Complete with free book swap, so bring along all your aged-out and over-read books and exchange them for something more inspiring.
Before finally, you can head down to the cool Servants’ Hall, where you can transform into a puffin with our beak-making craft. Or try using oil pastels to create your own classic book cover.
The trail and craft are free and children under-16 are free with a paying adult.
Adults are £9 per person and tickets are valid for 12 months, so you can return as many times as you want within the year.
Booking is required.
Full detail here – Puffins, Penguins and Ladybirds: Summer Family Fun
Family theatre in Manchester
There are loads of great children’s theatre shows to choose from this summer.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, Palace Theatre
When – 14th – 15th August 2026
Duration – Not clear
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
Book here – Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
In the night garden, The Lowry
when – 5th – 9th August 2026
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
Book here – In the night garden
Dear Zoo, The Lowry
When – 11th – 16th August 2026
See our characters write to the Zoo. Who will be delivered? A cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy.
Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.
Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982. And has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Book here – Dear Zoo
CBeebies House Party Live! The Lowry,
When – 29th – 30th August 2026
A family fun-packed stage show with sensational songs, stupendous surprises and mega moments.
Join the superstars of CBeebies – Mister Maker, Rebecca Keatley, Dodge, George Webster and Duggee – as they throw an epic party just for YOU!
Book here – CBeebies House Party Live!
Anastasia, Z-arts
When – 15th – 18th July 2026
A dazzling show transporting you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Book here – Anastasia
The Clockmaker’s City, Z-arts
When – 31st July – 2nd August 2026
Mainspring is a city run precisely to the tick and tock of the Clock. The Clock controls time itself, and as it ticks along, the townsfolk go about their business entirely synchronised to it. But time is about to be pushed to its limits as more minutes are squeezed into each hour and mystery surrounds the Central Horologium and its gently glowing Meridicore, the source of The Clock’s power.
Book here – The Clockmaker’s City
Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel, Stockport Plaza
When – 19th July 2026
Fun For Kids. Fun For Parents! The UK’s Premier tribute to Global Phenomenon… ‘Ms Rachel’. Bringing her character to life in a fun LIVE show!
With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube ‘Ms Rachel’ is the biggest viral sensational to hit our children’s screens since ‘Baby Shark!’
Book here – Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel,
Fireman Sam Live! Stockport Plaza,
When – 1st August 2026
Brand new for 2026. Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! Live Show Ahoy!
Book here – Fireman Sam Live!
The Jungle Book, Victoria Hall, Bolton
When – 15th – 23rd August 2026.
Swing into the jungle this summer and join Mowgli and friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, a gang of mischievous monkeys lead by King Louie in this enchanting new musical comedy adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic.
Book here – The Jungle Book at The Victoria Hall
The Miss Rachel experience, Victoria Hall, Bolton
When – 17th August 2026.
Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special! This interactive show will have your little ones singing, dancing and smiling from the very start.
Get ready to hop like a bunny, clap along, and dance to all your favourite songs in a bright, beachy adventure!
Book here – Theatre Events at The Victoria Hall
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.
Outdoor family theatre Manchester
Free outdoor family theatre Tameside – no details yet for 2026
Find out more and book your free tickets here – Theatre in the Park
Outdoor cinema Manchester
There are loads of outdoor cinema screenings this summer. You can find full details of them all here – Outdoor Cinema Manchester. The ones in Manchester seem to be mainly suited to teens and adults so far.
Visit your local library and join the summer reading challenge
The reading agency’s Summer reading challenge is back and launches officially on the 20th June 2026. Find out more about this great initiative here.
Find your nearest library here.
Go to the park
Parks make great days out in the summer. Find the best parks in Manchester here.
Go for a walk
If you have a young child, still in a pushchair then you need my post filled with pram-friendly walks Manchester. I haven’t got a post specifically for older children but They’ll still enjoy many of the ones listed in this post. Many also have fantastic playgrounds.
If you do go walking this summer you might need these ideas for things to do on a walk with kids.
Pick your own strawberries and other fruit
I haven’t found any farms in Greater Manchester so far but there are loads in Cheshire if you’re happy to travel a little. Find them all here – Pick your own farms in Cheshire
Play crazy golf
Crazy golf is always great fun. There are loads of places to crazy golf in Manchester.
Enjoy an ice cream Manchester
Find loads of Ice cream parlours Manchester here.
More free things to do in Manchester with kids
The long summer holidays can get expensive but it doesn’t need to. Find loads more free things to do in Manchester with kids here.
Where to next?
If you still need more ideas, find 49 Things to do in Manchester for teenagers here.
If your children are under 5 then this post might be useful – Free things to do in Manchester with toddlers.
There are loads more things to do not far away in Cheshire, find them here – Things to do in Cheshire summer holidays
Find more family days out across the North West here – Family days out North West England
Find out where Kids eat free in the North West this summer.
