A giant sandpit and playhouse is coming to Manchester this summer

Free, family friendly spaces can sometimes be tricky to find in the city centre.

But now, the Great Northern Warehouse’s amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and ever popular giant sandpit for families to enjoy throughout the summer. 

Now home schooling is out of the way, the outdoor space is dedicated to providing a fun space for kids to play and let their imagination run wild while parents and guardians relax.

Completely outdoors and with safety measures in place, the playhouse is Covid-safe for children – however, the books and small toys have been removed for the time being to prevent unnecessary contact.

Bringing a new pop of colour to the outdoor space, the playhouse has been totally redecorated by Manchester street artist, Moze, with colourful flowers brightening up even the dullest of days. 

Also making a return for the summer, the Great Northern’s popular giant sandpit is open for children to play in and enjoy.

Again, to keep you safe, the sand toys are not being put out, but families are welcome to bring their own to guarantee hours of free entertainment for little ones in the heart of Manchester.

There are colourful picnic benches in the amphitheatre so that families can sit and enjoy an afternoon together in the sun.

Or if you book in advance, you can visit one of the recently reopened cafes or restaurants at Great Northern, including Almost Famous, All Star Lanes and Evuna.

As with all public spaces, safety measures are in place across the site, including one way systems and cashless payments for many brands.

“We are proud to provide an outdoor space in the community for families to enjoy,” says centre director Mark Schofield.

“You can never count on the weather here in Manchester, but when it is sunny we know that young families count on free spaces like this for children to play in.

“It’s been a tough few months for everybody having to stay indoors, but now that summer is here we hope that visitors will be able to make the most of our sandpit and playhouse, as well as visit some of our amazing bars and restaurants which also recently reopened.”