Smashing summer holiday activities in Manchester for the whole family
- By Emily Oldfield
- Updated 6 days ago
School’s out for summer, as Alice Cooper once said. That means six weeks to, ahem, enjoy with the kids.
So we’ve put together a handy guide to keep the kids entertained without having to lock them in a room.
If you’re worried about running out of ideas for things for kids to do before the end of the first week, we have a line-up of some of the best, and (mainly) free, family-friendly events in and around Manchester to keep them entertained.
Summer fun at Trafford Centre
There’s plenty to keep the kids happy at Trafford Centre over the school holidays.
Why not head down to Summer Daze @ Trafford Centre from 22 July – 4 September.
Summer Daze is an ace day out featuring live music, an outdoor cinema, sport event live streams, a summer-themed funfair, a new outdoor food & entertainment hub, a beach, AND a splash park!
Entry to Summer Daze is on a first come first served basis. The only element of the outdoor event which is available to pre-book is the fairground.
And don’t forget there’s a huge ten-pin bowling alley, Namco Funscape, Laser Quest, The Rock and Odeon IMAX cinema to keep them happy too.
Shauvot Felt Flower Making at Manchester Jewish Museum
Join Manchester Jewish Museum for some felt flower-making fun, inspired by the Jewish Holiday of Shavuot!
190 Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, United Kingdom
Cost: From £4
We Invented The Weekend @ MediaCity
We Invented the Weekend is a bold and unmissable FREE festival taking place at MediaCity and Salford Quays on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June.
The weekend was invented in Greater Manchester in 1843, when Salford workers’ rights activist, Robert Lowes (also Sir Ian McKellen’s Great Grandfather) campaigned to win workers the right to leisure time on Saturday afternoons.
We Invented the Weekend will honour this, in true style, with 200+ free activities celebrating and sharing all the things people love about the weekend covering live music, sport, dancing, performances, gardening, talks and creative workshops… there really is something for everyone!
MediaCity 101-110 Broadway, Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Cost: Free
Experitots at the Science and Industry Museum
During these relaxed sessions, toddlers and their adults are encouraged to play, explore and experiment together. Their team of friendly explainers are on hand to support young explorers throughout the morning.
Will you make light move?
Can you find the heat in your body? How tall a tower can you build?
Discover the wonder and delight of science at work whilst making memories with your favourite tiny people.
From April to July 2023, Experitots will take place in Experiment, our family-friendly interactive gallery.
Tickets are priced £3 per person and are on sale now.
From September 2023 to May 2024, our monthly sessions will alternate between Experiment and our Special Exhibitions Gallery, where you can enjoy a playful adventure through Operation Ouch! exhibition.
Tickets for Experitots sessions within Operation Ouch! are free for ages 3 and under, £9 for children ages 4 and older and £10 for adults.
Science and Industry Museum Liverpool Road, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
University Community Festival 2023
A free, fun-filled day of activities for the whole family to enjoy
Ever fancied hunting for the stars, tickling a robot or fighting killer fungus?
Ever wondered how strong chocolate is, and how the nervous system works or wanted to share your Manchester memories?
The University of Manchester’s Community Festival returns for a free, fun-filled day of activities for the whole family to enjoy on Saturday 10 June 2023 from 11am till 4pm.
The free Community Festival is jam-packed with fun activities for all the family. Whether you want to get hands-on or just want to listen to some fascinating stories and watch live performances, we’ve got it covered. We’re showcasing some world-changing discoveries across the sciences, medicine and the arts and adding in a healthy dose of play – and you get to be a part of it!
Cost: Free
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