30+ fun things to do with the kids in Manchester this school holidays summer 2026 - Manchester Evening News

30+ fun things to do with the kids in Manchester this school holidays summer 2026From fairs and outdoor theatre shows to dinosaurs and Lego trails, there are so many activities and events to keep kids happy this summerCommentsWhat's OnEmma Gill Parents editor15:37, 17 Jul 2026Updated 10:31, 20 Jul 2026View 36 ImagesThe new splash park has arrived at the Summer Fair outside the Trafford Centre(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)The summer holidays are almost here which means you'll probably be on the lookout for things to do with the kids.‌Whether you're off work for a few weeks, or just a few days, there are loads of things happening to keep children of all ages entertained.‌With families watching the pennies more than ever, we've included a mixture of free and paid for activities so there's something to suit every budget.‌To make sure you're always up-to-date with events, you can sign up to our Manchester Family newsletter or join our FREE Manchester Family WhatsApp group by clicking here.Here's our full round-up of events and things to do in and around Greater Manchester this summer...Trafford Centre Summer FairThe popular Summer Fair is making a return to the Trafford Centre this school holidays with a beach area and £2.75 splash pool.‌The attraction has been a big hit with families over previous school holidays and will feature a host of fairground rides for kids of all ages.It will open on Saturday, July 18 and run throughout the school break until the end of August.Open daily from 12pm to 8pm, the fair has become one of Greater Manchester's favourite school holiday attractions, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.‌View 36 ImagesThe splash park and fair is back for summer(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)With one entry fee - £2.75 if you book online - you can enjoy the beach area and splash pool for as long as you like. Rides are then paid for with either tokens or wristbands which are purchased in advance.And there's lots more happening at the Trafford Centre too over the summer holidays.‌Promising its 'biggest programme of summer entertainment yet', it will host a new Cosmic Carnival Show - a spectacular programme of free live performances taking over the Orient Main Stage area twice a week throughout August. Find out more here.To book tickets to the Summer Fair, visit the website here. Entry on the day is £3.50.View 36 ImagesThe new splash park at the Trafford Centre(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)‌Wild Things at the LowryA new exhibition is coming to the Lowry in Salford this summer focusing on classic children's books about animals.Wild Things will launch at the venue on Saturday, July 18 and run throughout the summer holidays and into autumn.The free event will celebrate animals in children’s books and promises to take 'young children and their families on a fun‑filled animal adventure through some of the most loved stories of all time'.‌From beloved classics including Elmer, Dear Zoo, Owl Babies, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to new favourites, including Time for Bed, Fred!, The Steves, and The Great Unicorn Rescue, the exhibition brings together stories that generations of families love.Almost 100 original illustrations by Axel Scheffler, Nick Sharratt, Helen Oxenbury, Rod Campbell and many others will feature throughout the exhibition, alongside stories by Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Yasmeen Ismail, Lizzy Stewart and many more.View 36 ImagesThe new Wild Things exhibition at the Lowry(Image: Lowry / Phil Tragen)‌Designed to support reading, play and imagination, the Wild Things exhibition will also include lots of fun, screen‑free interactives and games designed especially for under sevens, including the Bee Calm Spa, Vera’s Veggie Delights Stall, and The Furry Wardrobe - which will be packed with animal dress‑up costumes.Wild Things is expected to be a big hit with families this summer, many of whom will already have booked tickets to see the Dear Zoo production which is running on the Quays Theatre stage from August 11 to 16. Every young visitor will receive a free specially designed notebook, so they can write and draw their own animal stories inspired by the exhibition. There'll be other free, interactive activities taking place across the building throughout the holidays too.Wild Things opens in the Andrew Law Galleries at Lowry on Saturday, July 18 and runs until Sunday, November 1. It will open 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm at weekends. The venue is closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays.‌Free tickets can be booked on the website here.View 36 ImagesThe exhibition is free and open all summer(Image: Lowry / Phil Tragen)Brick Explorers at RHS Garden BridgewaterGiant Lego sculptures are arriving at RHS Garden Bridgewater this summer as part of a family-friendly trail.‌The wildlife-inspired brick creations, each individually designed and hand crafted by the team at Iconic Bricks, will be woven throughout the gardens.Brick Explorers trails are taking place at all five RHS Gardens and Bridgewater's line-up includes a heron, badger, bee, butterfly and kestrel.Visitors can follow a family trail to uncover 10 ‘wildlife superheroes’, learning about the unique abilities and behaviours that help different species survive and thrive. Using an accompanying activity booklet, there is the chance to collect superhero ‘superpowers’ whilst exploring the gardens, discovering how plants, fungi, and animals are connected within natural ecosystems.‌Alongside the trail, each RHS Garden will host brick building activities throughout the summer, giving visitors the chance to create their own nature-inspired builds and imaginative green spaces.The trail will run at Salford's RHS Bridgwater from July 18 to August 31, 10am to 6pm. The Brick Explorers build station opens daily from July 18 to 24 in the marquee and then every Tuesday and Friday between July 28 and August 28 inside the Learning Studios.A theatre experience is also available on the weekend of July 25 and 26 and then August 3, 10, 17 and 24, with 20-minute shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.‌Discover the magical world of Buzz, 'an enchanting interactive theatre experience' from Colour the Clouds Theatre Company. Join Betty the Beekeeper on an immersive storytelling adventure and learn how biodiversity helps nature thrive, inspiring the whole family to care for the world around them.All activities are included with normal garden admission prices. Children aged 5-16 start from £5.25, adults start from £13.75. Visitors travelling car-free can save even more, with 30% off garden admission.View 36 ImagesBrick Explorers trail coming to RHS Garden Bridgewater(Image: RHS Garden Bridgewater)‌Open Air Bounce, BoltonBolton's giant outdoor inflatable bounce park is back this summer and open daily across the school holidays - with 25% off tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with the code Summer26.Billed as 'the biggest inflatable park in the UK', Open Air Bounce offers the perfect setting for children to play outside and keep active.Based on Umberton Farm, in Over Hulton, Bolton, the attraction is packed with 15 huge inflatables including bouncy castles, slides and obstacle courses. There are also fairground rides for youngsters to enjoy, a sandpit 'beach' area and picnic benches for families to sit at and enjoy food and drink from various on-site concessions.‌Since opening in 2023, it's been a huge hit with families, including those who attend the dedicated SEN sessions which are also returning this year.Tickets include free parking to the site - which can be seen from the nearby M61 and is close to Salford and Wigan - and give access for two-and-a-half hours play time, with sessions bookable for either 11am or 2.30pm.Prices will remain the same as last year, with tickets costing £12.95 for ages four and above, and £9.95 for ages one to three. Under 12 months go free with access to the three years and under area and adult non-bounce admission is £2.50.‌Extras include food and drink, with a number of traders selling refreshments such as brews and breakfast rolls, and there are some small fairground rides, which you pay for with tokens or unlimited ride wristbands.The attraction is open daily from July 18 to August 30. Visit the website for more details or follow Open Air Bounce on Facebook.View 36 ImagesOpen Air Bounce(Image: Open Air Bounce)‌Jungle Book, The Victoria Hall, BoltonThe summer pantomime is back at The Victoria Hall in Bolton and this year the production is The Jungle Book.'A fun-filled, laugh-out-loud family show packed with music, mischief and jungle excitement' is promised in the 'enchanting new musical comedy adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic'.The show runs from August 15 to 23 and tickets, costing from £6, can be booked on the website here.‌There are other shows on at the venue too this summer including The Miss Rachel Experience on August 17, the K-Pop Universe - Ultimate K-Pop Tribute Show on August 20, and Totally Taylor - The Ultimate Tribute Show on August 21.View 36 ImagesThe Jungle Book is on at The Victoria Hall(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden, BentsGiant dinosaurs have arrived at Bents for a new summer trail.‌Set within unique surroundings, the trail promises 'a prehistoric journey filled with discovery, exploration and surprises around every corner'. The 'exciting new and unforgettable outdoor activity' is running throughout the long summer holidays, finishing on September 6.Visitors are invited to follow the trail through the gardens, where they will encounter life-sized dinosaurs nestled within the landscape, 'creating the feeling of stepping into a lost world hidden in plain sight'.These towering prehistoric creatures are brought to life with realistic movements and sounds, promising 'a truly immersive experience and an exciting adventure for children and adults alike'.‌Interactive activity tents will be located along the way, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the dinosaurs they encounter on their journey.Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden runs from July 1 to September 6. Tickets cost from £6.95 for children and from £7.95 for ages 16 plus. Under twos and carers go free. Visit the website to book.There are lots of other activities on offer at the garden centre this summer including a Summer Paper Lantern Workshop on July 28 and a Children's Print Making Workshop on August 4. Sessions can be booked online.‌View 36 ImagesA new Jurassic adventure has launched at Bents(Image: Bents Garden and Home)Forest Tubing, Heaton ParkYou don't really need an excuse to visit Heaton Park in the school holidays, but now there's more reason to visit thanks to the addition of a new tubing experience.The UK's longest outdoor tubing slide opened at the park's Zip World attraction in May, letting visitors soar along two slides measuring 77 metres and 88 metres in length.‌The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure lets people ride solo or together, winding through the woodland of what is the largest municipal park in Europe inside a donut ring.Forest Tubing will be suitable for children aged four and above, with adventurers allowed unlimited rides during an hour-long session.It promises 'sweeping bends' to 'send you spinning, swooping and soaring down the slide' and there'll be 'mini bumps' to 'give you a quick lift, adding a little airtime as you fly down the slide'.‌It adds to Zip World Manchester’s existing woodland adventures, which includes a range of treetop net and ropes courses suitable for all the family.Tubing tickets start at £20 per person. Children must be a minimum 1m tall to take part and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at the site. Children aged 4 - 17 require one participating adult for every three children.For visitors looking to make a full day of it, Zip World’s saver bundles also allow guests to book multiple adventures at a discounted rate. Other experiences include Treetop Nets, Treetot Nets for younger children and Tree Hoppers. Bookings are now available.‌View 36 ImagesForest Tubing at Zip World, Heaton Park(Image: Zip World)Beach and outdoor theatre, TamesideA packed school holiday programme has launched in Tameside featuring a pop-up beach, theatre in the park and a host of family-friendly events.Free and low cost activities and events have been planned by Tameside Council to keep children entertained all summer long.‌Theatre in the Park brings classic theatre shows with a twist, to parks across the borough. Families are told to 'expect hilarious performances' based on popular titles such as Old McDonald, as well as new shows such as The Circus Runaways.Theatre in the Park events are as follows (performances 11am and 2pm): tickets available here.July 29 - Victoria Park, Denton. Clown, circus and showmanship are rolled together in this 30min family friendly performance from The Circus House.August 5 - Dukinfield Park. Caspian's Storm by LAStheatre - filled with adventure and storytelling magic, this family-friendly performance promises to capture hearts and spark imaginations.August 19 - Ryecroft Hall Park, Audenshaw. Old McDonald and the Three Pigs Plus... by Booster Cushion Theatre - expect laughter, music and plenty of farmyard fun when Booster Cushion Theatre brings Old McDonald and the Three Pigs Plus... to Audenshaw.August 26 - Cheethams Park, Stalybridge. Reynard the Fox by The Fabularium - round off the summer with Reynard the Fox, a captivating outdoor adventure from The Fabularium. Inspired by folklore and fable, this enchanting production promises storytelling, music and mischief in a magical parkland setting.‌There's more outdoor theatre at a Family Arts Jam full day event on August 12, from 11am to 4pm in Hyde Park. Promising 'something to spark creativity and imagination in visitors of all ages' it will feature live outdoor performances, alongside a mix of hands-on arts and craft workshops.Other events taking place across the holidays include Our Museum Day at Portland Basin Museum on July 30, 11am to 3pm, which is a free, family-friendly event day, 'packed full of fun activities relating to Tameside’s local heritage' and an Outdoor Arts programme with three events across the borough including Woods & Water at Castle Clough in Stalybridge on August 7, Doodle Dance Day at Lees Park in Droylsden on August 18 and BioBlitz at Rocher Vale on August 28. All events run 11am to 2pm.The Pop-up Beach is back in Victoria Market Hall, Stalybridge, from August 18 to 22 and a circus-themed Super Saturday will be returning to Ashton town centre on August 15, offering colourful entertainment including stilt walkers, jugglers, and interactive circus workshops.‌This is alongside the usual calendar including Stalybridge Street Fests, Mossley Farmers Markets and Artisan Markets.View 36 ImagesThe Pop-up Beach is returning to Victoria Market Hall in Stalybridge this summer(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Pokemon, National TrustNational Trust and Pokémon have teamed up to offer families a new experience this year.‌Exclusively designed for the National Trust, Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are running throughout the school break at 14 National Trust sites including Quarry Bank in Cheshire, Sizergh in Cumbria and Speke Hall on Merseyside.Families will search for 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon across 10 trail points, with each trail point featuring a simple physical or creative challenge inspired by different Mega Evolution Pokémon.From showing courage and curiosity with Darkness-type Mega Gengar ex, to unleashing energy and imagination inspired by the powerful Fire‑type Mega Charizard Y ex, the trails 'blend imaginative play with gentle activity'.‌A trail sheet will help young trainers keep track of their discoveries and at the end of the trail, explorers can celebrate their achievement together with a photo opportunity at a Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail backdrop.Trails are included with standard National Trust admission (free for NT members). Find out more on the website here.View 36 ImagesPokemon Mega Evolution Trails are at selected National Trust sites(Image: ©National Trust Images/James Do)‌Outdoor Theatre/ Tudor fun, Ordsall HallThere's more outdoor theatre at Ordsall Hall this summer, which has announced its programme in partnership with some of the UK’s most popular touring companies.Performances include As You Like It on July 21, Wind in the Willows on July 26, Macbeth on August 2, The (almost) Complete History of Britain on August 13 and Midsummer Night's Dream on August 26. Tickets are priced from £5 and can be booked online.There are loads more activities and workshops at the hall too, including a Rhyme and Sound Trail running throughout the school holidays.‌Inspired by the theme of this year's Summer Reading Challenge in Salford, Read to the Beat, as you follow the trail, you’ll discover percussion instruments/sound experiences placed around the grounds – feel free to play them and create your own rhythms!Each stop features a nursery rhyme linked to the sounds or instruments you find along the way.The trail will be available during the Hall’s opening hours the throughout school summer holidays - Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm and Sundays 11.30am to 4pm. Closed Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays.‌The trail is aimed at 0-7 year olds and costs £2 per child.Other events include bug hunting, storytelling and craft, wild crown making and Tudor outdoor fun and games. There's a range of Meet the Servant events including Tudor writing, making soap balls, spice grinding and beeswax candle making and on August 13 the venue is hosting its Teddy Bear's Picnic event which is free and drop-in so no tickets required. See the full schedule of events online.View 36 ImagesWind in the Willows is at Ordsall Hall(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)‌Partridge Lakes, CulchethA new lakeside walk with a sandy beach and pedalos launched at the attraction earlier this year and is open across the summer holidays.After playing host to a Springland event with live characters over the Easter holidays, Partridge Lakes Cafe and Park in Culcheth, Warrington, is welcoming visitors to its new lakeside walk.There's a café on site and the new dog-friendly Partridge Park Walk - which is pram and wheelchair accessible - has opened with extra food and drink huts and character pedalos such as a unicorn, flamingo and dragon. Dogs can also have a swim when it's quiet.‌The pedalos cost £15 for a 20-minute session - available on selected dates - and you can book online and pick the pedalo of your choice.The walk itself takes people on 'a stunning lakeside trail through the natural world', with many points of interest along the way as well as exciting diversions like giant games of Connect 4 and Kerplunk.Visitors can relax in the sun on the sandy beach or enjoy the view from the benches and picnic benches which are scattered along the route.‌As well as new refreshment outlets - selling pizzas, coffees and more - there's a bar serving alcohol and a new lakeside outdoor seating area.The attraction is next to Partridge Lakes Fishery, set over 70 acres with 394 pegs across 15 waters.Partridge Park Walk is open daily from 7.30am to 5pm, with refreshment huts open on selected dates. The main cafe is open daily, including bank holidays, from 7.30am to 4.30pm, with last hot food served at 3pm.‌View 36 ImagesPartridge Lakes(Image: Partridge Lakes)Wild Shore Delamere / BlackpoolThe warm weather we've been enjoying makes it the perfect time to enjoy some water sports fun at Wild Shore parks in Delamere and Blackpool.Both sites are fully open for the summer season with high-energy Aqua Parks, Ringo Rides, stand-up paddleboarding and more.‌This season they're debuting a completely revamped wakeboarding programme designed to get more people on the water than ever before - with a range of sessions designed to welcome first-timers, develop regular riders and bring the wakeboarding community closer together.View 36 ImagesThe Aqua Chimp floating obstacle course at Wild Shore Delamere (Image: Wild Shore Delamere)There'll be offering even more sessions too, with Thursday Twilight Sessions in Blackpool and a series of ‘jam nights’ and ‘kids jam nights’ on Thursday evenings at Delamere.‌Wild Shore Blackpool is based at the former Blackpool Wake Park and is home to an aqua park described as 'a giant floating playground of adventure' with Ninja Warrior-style features including Tire Run, Ninja-Jump and Eagles Nest.Wild Shore Delamere also has its own aqua park, as well as an Aqua Chimp floating obstacle course, featuring everything from zip wires and rope swings to climbing walls and rope bridges. And just last week it opened a new sauna and cold plunge experience.To find out more about Wild Shore Blackpool, visit here. For Delamere, see the website here.‌Haigh Woodland Park, WiganThere's lots of fun planned at the popular Haigh Woodland Park, which has a packed programme of events this summer.A family fun fair is running with rides including hot air balloons and a pirate ship, costing £2.50 a go.‌There's outdoor theatre with All In Mouse's Night from Goofus Theatre on August 19 and 20 and then on August 21 and 22, the park is hosting Roarsome Days with walkabout dinosaurs including Cory the Talking Dinosaur and his prehistoric friends.Young explorers can also take part in exciting Dinosaur Ranger Training and learn what it takes to become a dino expert.Tickets are needed for both events and can be booked online here.‌View 36 Images(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Passport to the Solar System, Science and Industry MuseumIt's all about space at the Science and Industry Museum this summer.As part of its Passport to the Solar System event, Rocket Wednesdays will give visitors the chance to get up close to a real life-size rocket.‌Youngsters can gaze at the 30-foot-tall rocket ship Skybolt 2, hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company Starchaser, and meet the team behind it.Designed to reach speeds of up to 32,00mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing.There's loads more space-themed fun planned too, including a packed daily programme of free activities 'designed to ignite imaginations and inspire future space explorers'.‌View 36 ImagesFamilies can see the 30-foot Skybolt 2 at the Science and Industry Museum this summer(Image: Science and Industry Museum)The blockbuster space exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, is also running, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £8.70 for kids (family discount available and under-threes go free).Based on the hit CBBC series, the exhibition delivers 'rocket-loads of silly and surprising science during an epic space adventure'. It sees explorers blasted into the Solar System where hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, mischievous storytelling, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await.‌Passport to the Solar System runs from July 18 to September 1. General admission tickets for the Science and Industry Museum are free and can be booked online. Tickets for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos are also available to book here.Another popular activity running at the museum this summer is Power Up, which gives families the chance to explore five decades of play.Billed as 'the ultimate gaming experience', visitors can discover how far computer games have come. From retro favourites like Pac-Man and Street Fighter to virtual reality, there's something for all the family with over 100 consoles to experience.‌A day pass costs £8 for adults or £7 for kids. Three and under go free. See the website here for more.View 36 ImagesThe blockbuster space exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, is running at the museum this summer(Image: BBC)Camp Knowsley, Knowsley SafariFamilies can learn all about nature and survival at Knowsley Safari this summer.‌Camp Knowsley is back with both daytime trips and also Safari Sleepovers, where visitors can spend the night under the stars in the attraction's safari tents.Bushcraft activities are available daily from July 20 to August 31 when young and old alike can get hands on with the Bushtucker Challenge, including survival tasks and crafts including paracord survival bracelet making, stone age tools pendant making, fire-lighting, first aid – and even bug eating!Visitors can also immerse themselves in woodland activities including nature trails, den building, pancake making and marshmallow toasting on a real campfire, as well as learning how to purify water.‌Camp Knowsley is included in the regular admission price with reduced rates for the whole summer, from £20.19 for kids and from £22.38 for adults. There's also a Great British Summer Pass costing £45.50 per adult and £41.13 per child which lets you enjoy unlimited visits all summer long.For the ultimate thrill-seekers’ adventure the Safari Sleepover will provide a unique Safari escape, including all the Camp Knowsley bushcraft activities, with the added wow factor of sleeping under canvas surrounded by over 500 Safari animals, including Southern white rhino, Amur tigers, giraffes, zebra and Andean bears.The Safari Sleepover experience includes songs around the campfire, a VIP Safari Tour, cooking breakfast on the campfire and exclusive use of an explorer-style bell tent, complete with beds and cosy blankets.‌Safari Sleepovers will take place on three different Saturdays in August - 8, 15 and 22. Eight safari tents are available on each of the designated sleepover nights, with each tent accommodating up to four people.Safari Sleepovers cost £600 per tent. For further information and to book visit the website here.View 36 ImagesCamp Knowsley is back at Knowsley Safari(Image: Knowsley Safari)‌Holiday At Home Fun Park, Heaton ParkThere's always lots to keep kids entertained at Heaton Park including the Holiday At Home Fun Park which is back.Running from July 18 to August 31, the funfair promises rides for all ages, as well as inflatables, bungee trampolines and more.Entry is free and it costs £25 for 25 tokens, or every Tuesday and Wednesday you can get a wristband for unlimited rides for £13.99 for a three-hour session either noon to 3pm, 2pm to 5pm, or 4pm to 7pm.‌View 36 ImagesThe funfair is back at Heaton Park(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)SEN Thursdays will also be running, offering a calmer, more relaxed environment between 12pm and 3pm. Find out more on the Facebook page.Boat hire is also available at the park with a range to choose from including swan pedalos and rowing boats. The cheapest option is the four-seater rowing boat, which costs £18 for 25 minutes.‌For more details, visit the website here.View 36 ImagesBoats for hire at Heaton Park(Image: Manchester Evening News)Arcade ArenaThe home of Manchester's live action video games has levelled up just in time for the school holidays.‌Arcade Arena Manchester, the city's 'ultimate immersive gaming destination', is home to Chaos Karts and Pac-Man Live, which let you play as though you're inside the games.Chaos Karts combines real-life racing with augmented reality and makes it feel as if you're inside a game of Mario Kart, with each player sitting inside their own kart and racing around different tracks which are projected onto the floor along with the rest of the landscape on the surrounding walls.Players can use the buttons on their dashboard to fire forwards or backwards, dodging virtual obstacles like splattered eggs as they go.‌The Pac-Man Live Experience is a full-scale recreation of the iconic arcade classic. Again an interactive, immersive experience, it lets players take on the identity of Pac-Man himself and drops them into a real-life video game where they are chased by ghosts.Where previously both games were played on the same floor, with experiences having to alternate, now the place has had an expansion with a brand-new mezzanine floor, meaning more space for playing and more availability each day for each game.‌Launching just in time for the summer holidays, when tickets have also been reduced by up to 27%, the expanded venue features 'enhanced gaming areas, improved guest spaces and an even more immersive atmosphere'.In Chaos Karts, drivers have to be a minimum age of 11 and be at least 5ft tall (1.5m) to take part. Tickets, costing £18.50 for children aged 11 to 15 and £21 for ages 16 plus, can be booked online on the website. Guests who aren't playing can book a free companion ticket online.Pac-Man Live is suitable for anyone aged eight and above. It is a physical experience so you are on your feet for the duration. Tickets, costing £22.50 for ages 8 to 15 and £27 for 16 plus can be booked here. You can also get family tickets and multi-play tickets giving access to both games.‌View 36 ImagesChaos Karts inside Arcade Arena (Image: Arcade Arena)Pet Pals workshops, Pets at HomeIf you've got a little animal lover or two then you might want to check out the free Pet Pals workshops at Pets at Home stores which are running over the summer.‌Children can enjoy a variety of free activities, including getting hands-on with animals and learning how to spot if animals are feeling happy , comfy or a little stressed.Kicking off at 2pm, each 45-minute session is packed with hands-on fun, giving children the chance to learn how to create the perfect home for different pet types - from small animals and fish, to reptiles and bigger pets like cats and dogs.Children can also put their knowledge to the test with a sticker activity sheet, using the stickers to create the perfect pet homes and learn what different animals need to feel safe and cared for. Each child will take home a Pet Pals activity pack, including brand new Pet Pals characters, a certificate and stickers, all completely free.‌Aimed at children aged four to 10, workshops are running from July 17 to August 28. Spaces are limited to one adult per child. To book one near you visit the website here.View 36 ImagesPet Pals workshops are returning to Pets at Home stores this summer(Image: Pets at Home)Three Cheers for Pooh! Tatton ParkTatton Park is marking Winne-the-Pooh's 100th birthday with some very special events this summer. The Cheshire attraction is hosting a special farm exhibition and an immersive garden story trail celebrating 100 years of Pooh and his friends, created in collaboration with HarperCollins.‌Welcoming families into 'the enchanting world' of A.A. Milne’s and E.H. Shepard’s beloved character, the event kicks off on July 18 and will run until September 6.Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who 'treasures the gentle magic of the Hundred Acre Wood', the 'heartwarming' event brings these classic stories to life.A Three Cheers for Pooh! garden story trail will bring together favourite excerpts from A.A. Milne’s tales with E.H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations, creating a family-friendly garden trail that highlights some of Pooh’s most memorable adventures. Find out more about the events here.‌There's lots more to enjoy at the park this summer and it's also brought back its money-saving park and play summer pass allowing families vehicle parkland entry all summer for £20. (attraction entry rules apply). The Park and Play pass is available to purchase online only before July 31.A Totally Tatton ticket is also available which saves you 40% on entry to the gardens, mansion and farm and is valid for 12 months if you don't get to do them all on the same day. For more details visit the website here.View 36 ImagesA Three Cheers for Pooh! garden story trail is launching at Tatton Park(Image: Tatton Park)‌WWT Martin Mere Wetland CentreIf you don't mind a drive out then there's lots of fun to be had at Martin Mere, where the longest stretch of continuous stepping stones in Europe has opened just in time for the holidays.The wetland centre - home to fascinating wetland wildlife such as flamingos and otters - is always a big hit with families and now the new stepping stones, spanning 68 metres across one of the centre’s lakes, with 143 steps, promises visitors 'a unique and immersive way to connect with wetland nature'.The new attraction forms part of Martin Mere’s ‘Wet Meadow and Self-Guided Bug Hunting’ area, an interactive space set within a natural environment which opened in summer 2025.‌Beginning at the end of the recently introduced sunken walkway, the stepping stones will guide guests on a journey across the water.Families can already 'explore winding paths through vibrant wildflower meadows, swish through the sunken walkway, and pick up identification charts to discover the rich variety of miniature wildlife hiding among logs, plants, and purpose-built pond'.Set to become a standout feature of the centre, the stepping stones are expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience and included as part of visitor's admission tickets or WWT membership.‌The attraction launches in time for the centre’s Dragonfly Festival this summer, offering a line-up of fun family activities such as outdoor competitive games, science shows, and dragonfly discos.Further details, including an official opening date, will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the website for more information.View 36 ImagesMartin Mere Wetland Centre has installed what it believes to be the longest stretch of continuous stepping stones in Europe(Image: Martin Mere Wetland Centre)‌Blackpool Pleasure BeachKids love a trip to Blackpool, especially if you throw in a trip to the Pleasure Beach.There's a new ride to try there too this summer following the opening of Aviktas, a towering 138ft gyro swing, which sees 40 riders at a time swing 120 degrees skywards, over epic views of the coastline.‌And on Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays, there's even more time to enjoy the park as it's staying open until 8pm.All you can ride Pleasure Beach tickets cost from £31.50 and can be booked online. Tickets for Nickelodeon Land cost £25.View 36 ImagesThe new Aviktas ride at the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool‌The Hot Ice XC show is also back for its 90th year this summer with this year's cast made up of more than 31 world class skaters. Performances run throughout the summer until September 10 with tickets priced from £5 and available on the website here.If you are thinking of heading to Blackpool then you could also pay a visit to the Sandcastle Waterpark which recently underwent a £500k makeover.To visit both attractions, you can also save money with a Wave Rider ticket this summer, which gives access to the Pleasure Beach and waterpark for £43.75. You don't have to do both attractions in the same day as the ticket lasts for 90 days from your first trip. Book on the website here.‌View 36 ImagesA Wave Rider ticket gives access to the Sandcastle Waterpark and the Pleasure BeachScotman's Flash, WiganWatersports are also on offer at Scotman's Flash this summer, which has also recently launched open water swimming sessions.Just five minutes from Wigan town centre visitors can try their hand at the likes of paddle boarding, kayaking and rafted canoeing.‌Described as one of the borough's 'hidden gems', you can book on individual sessions, group trips, corporate parties and birthdays - with all the equipment you need provided for you and wetsuit hire for £3 (or free for group bookings).Paddle boarding and kayaking costs from £13.50 for a 1.5hr session, with rafted canoe hire costing £17. If you have your own SUP or kayak, it costs £8.The supervised morning open water swim sessions are for older children and adults and cost £6.50. Juniors aged 14 to 16 can swim with an adult.‌Scotman’s Flash is one of three sites that make up Wigan Council’s outdoor adventure brand Be Well Outdoors, along with Haigh High Ropes and Adventure at Haigh Woodland Park, and Low Bank Ground in the Lake District.Children must be a minimum age of 10 for paddle boarding and for kayaks they can go alone from the age of 10, or age eight if with an adult who is also hiring. All under 16s must have a supervising adult remaining on site while they take part in the activities.Rafted canoes seat up to six people and must have a minimum of four, two of whom must be adults. Minimum age for these is four. For more details and to book, visit the website here.‌View 36 ImagesScotman's Flash(Image: Manchester Evening News)Parktastic, Manchester parksFree activities are running at parks and play areas across Manchester all summer long.Parks and play areas in every ward run by Manchester City Council are hosting events, with sessions taking place at set times on specific days.‌Aimed at children aged six to 12, the Parktastic sessions include everything from sports, games and arts and crafts, to dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.Sessions are free and no booking is required. Children can simply turn up and join in and healthy snacks are also provided.Delivered by Manchester-based youthwork charity N-Gage, sessions will take place rain or shine and it's recommended that younger children are accompanied by a parent or carer.‌Details of all the activities across north parks, central parks and south parks can be found here.View 36 ImagesThe activities are drop in so there's no need to book(Image: Darren Robinson Photography)Summer Safari at PrintworksA six-week Summer Safari event is taking place at the Printworks over the school break.‌The experience will see the place transformed into a safari adventure with interactive digital safari trails beneath Europe's largest digital ceiling, themed play zones, a sand pit, a wheelchair-accessible safari jeep and plenty of free activities.A special event will take place on July 23 to launch the activities, led by CBeebies favourite Andy Day.The star of Andy's Adventures will host three interactive safari-themed workshops, where young explorers can discover animal sounds, join an energetic safari dance party and enjoy a special storytime session with Andy. Throughout the workshops Andy will be dipping into his musical back catalogue with fan favourite songs.‌Throughout the day there will be performances from a giant roaming elephant puppet.View 36 ImagesA Summer Safari event is taking place at the Printworks (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Superhero Summer at Merseyway, StockportA Superhero Summer is planned at Merseyway in Stockport.‌The popular Merseybay beach will once again bring free family fun to the heart of Stockport, running from July 25 to August 30.Located outside Primark, the beach will be transformed with a superhero theme, complete with sand, deckchairs and plenty of space for children to play and explore.Throughout the summer holidays, families are promised exciting superhero-themed events and activities, with more details to be announced soon. Alongside the free beach, favourite attractions and refreshments will also return.‌View 36 ImagesMerseybay, a free beach opening this summer in Stockport (Image: Matthew Nichol Photography)Bubble Planet ExperienceIf you've not had chance to visit the The Bubble Planet Experience in Manchester then you've still got time to catch it until the end of August.The immersive bubble experience arrived at Depot Mayfield in Manchester city centre earlier this year and invites visitors to 'step into a joyful, dreamlike world where bubbles take centre stage'.‌Described as 'a bubbly universe where colours, lights, textures and illusions blend seamlessly', the event features 10 themed rooms, with each space offering something new.There's giant balloons, floating soap bubbles and even a giant Bubble Bath - effectively a huge ball pit that you climb down into and play and hide among the thousands upon thousands of balls.During the holidays, tickets for ages three to 12 cost £13.90 and for 13+ they cost £18.90. All tickets have a £2 booking fee. Students, senior citizens and those with a disability cost £17.90, while children two and under go free.‌The event is running until August 27. To buy tickets, visit the website here.View 36 ImagesBubble Planet(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)‌National Football MuseumA new exhibition launched at the museum earlier this year offering an exploration of football through the body - movement, representation, science, and what it feels like to play.Head, Shoulders, Knees and Goals lets visitors explore the science behind movement, the stories that shape identity and the joy of football fandom through hands on play, sensory moments and incredible objects.Highlights of the exhibition include a large-scale replica of David Beckham's cast foot when he broke his metatarsal, a framed facemask worn by Harry Kane when playing for England in 2016 and a hijab and eye mask for Ayman Hafiz, the first Hijab wearing player on England Women's blind team.Keeping with the theme of movement, the museum is also playing host to a uniquely urban football experience. Yard Ball has transformed the Pitch Gallery into an all-action arena that will put your skills to the ultimate test.‌Packed with 'street football vibes and nostalgic fun', Yard Ball invites players of all abilities to take on challenges that will improve players’ balance, hone their accuracy and finesse their footwork.Usual admission fees apply - £9 for children and £15 for adults, which gives you access for 12 months. Under fives go free. Residents who pay their council tax to Manchester City Council can also visit for free.For more details of the activities taking place across the summer, visit the website here.‌View 36 ImagesThere's a full line-up of activities taking place at the National Football Museum this summer(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)Minecraft Meet the Mobs, Alton TowersAlton Towers is bringing Minecraft to life on-park with an exclusive event throughout the school summer holidays.The Minecraft Meet the Mobs pop-up event will feature a first of its kind Mob trail and visitors will be able to meet Minecraft Mobs in real life through in-park Minecraft costume character appearances.‌As part of the event, guests can also meet the all-new ‘baby Mobs’, carefully positioned in six Minecraft-inspired scenes around the park.Running from July 18 to August 28, families will be able to complete the trail, included in the usual ticket price, and stamp their game card to unlock a special digital surprise on completion.Costume characters will include Iron Golem, Chicken Jockey and Creeper, plus puppets including yellow axolotls, baby pandas, pigs, goats, chicks, wolf pups and more.‌There'll be themed snack stands serving Minecraft-inspired TNT popcorn and ice-lollies and exclusive new Minecraft merchandise available.Minecraft is a huge cultural phenomenon – with the game holding the title of best-selling video game of all time with 350 million copies sold.View 36 ImagesA new Minecraft trail has arrived at Alton Towers(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)‌Imperial War Museum NorthFree family activities are always on offer at the Imperial War Museum and there's lots happening this summer.Spy School runs from July 25 to August 31, where kids can explore the stories of real life spies and test their own spy skills by completing different interactive family activities to see if they can graduate from Spy School.It runs alongside the Spies, Lies and Deception Exhibition Trail, inviting families to pick up an activity sheet and visit the Mission Room to embark on a top-secret trail, piecing together information to find out if you have what it takes to succeed in the world of spies.‌Story Seekers also runs daily where, through objects, letters and stories, families can explore the story of John Cancellor, who worked in the Special Operations Executive as part of Force 136. As a trained Wireless Operator, he was responsible for communication behind enemy lines.We Were There Family Days run on Wednesdays throughout August, letting visitors meet real-life veterans and eyewitnesses to war, and on August 4 and 6 TV presenter Ben Shires will host a Spies Show at 11.30am and 12.30pm.In a 20 minute family friendly interactive show, explore the stories of real-life spies from the Second World War that feature within the Spies, Lies and Deception exhibition.‌Seats will be limited and are first come, first served for each live show. Find out more about what's happening on the website here.View 36 ImagesIt's all about spies at Imperial War Museum NorthLego Ninjago Experience, Legoland Discovery CentreLegoland inside Trafford Palazzo is is inviting families to step into the action and ‘go full ninja!’ with an all-new, limited-time experience, Lego Ninjago: The True Ninja Trials.‌Celebrating 15 years of Ninjago: Dragons Rising Series 4, the immersive event features interactive challenges, hands-on Lego building activities, and 'action-packed missions designed for aspiring ninjas of all ages'.Guests will journey into the mystical Whispering Woods, meet fan-favourite hero Kai, and take part in The True Ninja Trials, a series of adventures that test creativity, skill, and teamwork as participants battle elemental forces and work to restore balance to the world of Ninjago.View 36 ImagesLego Ninjago: The True Ninja Trials is on at Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)Article continues belowVisitors will complete a variety of themed challenges, including building and customising a Lego spinner before launching it into battle, creating a dragon to help defeat the Elemental Monsters, and spotting hidden ninja heroes placed throughout Miniland.The event runs from now until September 7 and tickets, costing from £14, can be booked online.