It’s nearly the summer holidays! Yay!
However, it can be hard to entertain the kids all summer, and can be expensive to find things to do!
Check out the below FREE out in or around Greater Manchester. All the below are things I am planning to do with my own children and thought I would share with you guys.
FYI, in this guide, I am classing National Trust days as free days out as we have a NT membership meaning apart from at Tatton Park where parking charges still apply, we don’t pay anything on the day we visit a National Trust property. If you aren’t NT members (well worth it), I believe you can get a free NT pass for a family to use over the summer- just google it and check it out.
Explore Oldham Time Trek Trail – Intro
July 8, 2025 – August 31, 2025
The Oldham Time Trek is a free, family adventure that brings Oldham’s rich history to life!
Explore 12 special locations around the town centre, each with its own unique story and interactive fun. Use your smartphone and scan the QR code at each location. There’s a map and list of locations via the website below.
You’ll meet amazing animated Augmented Reality (AR) characters and charming illustrated figures who will guide you through Oldham’s past with fascinating facts, exciting mini-activities (like puzzles and challenges), and a special clue for a trail-wide puzzle.
It’s a fantastic way for the whole family to discover the town’s amazing heritage together, any time!
For more info check out their website https://www.oldham.gov.uk/timetrek
SmileyWorld Art Trail- Stockport
4th July- 25th September
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld® icons.
the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety and lots more.
Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured at Merseyway Shopping Centre, Market Place, Redrock Stockport, Stockport Underbanks, Stockport Exchange, Viaduct Park, Mersey Square, Prince’s Street, Stockport Retail Park and Tesco Portwood.
Download a map via their website https://totallystockport.co.uk/event/smileyworld-art-trail-stockport/
Music For the Senses trail
7th July-31st august
brand new art trail, Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city.
The trail features 48 guitar artworks, 9 musician-donated guitars, 4 brand new murals, 2 show-stopping installations and lots more that all celebrate the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene.
You can download an map via https://musicforthesenses.co.uk/art-trail/ or even download the app
Tatton Park Bear Hunt
19th July-7th September
Follow the trail of 10 bright and colourful bears (8 in the garden and 2 in the farm)
Garden free for NT members- offers online for 10% savings and info on play pass
Trail sheets free at garden entrance
Car park charges apply. https://www.tattonpark.org.uk/events_at_tatton_park/event-listings/2025/july/were-going-on-a-bear-hunt.aspx
Broad Oak Hearts Trail- Fletcher Moss Didsbury
19th July- 3rd September
Heart trail around Fletcher Moss- can you find all the colourful wooden hearts around the park? Pick up your trail map from the cafe in the park.
Free trail- donations for local school
Family Fun in The Park
Free family fun in the park!
Activities include:
Xplorer Orienteering, Dr Bike, Sports activities, Smoothie bike, gardening activities, toddler messy play, arts and crafts, ability wheels, skateboarding and much more!
For more information and which events on certain dates, check out Fullcircle nw CIC Facebook page.
Alexandra Park- 26th august 11-1pm
Chadderton Hall Park- 8th august 11-1pm
Coalshaw Green Park- 15th august 11-1pm
Dunwood Park- 29th august 11-1pm
Foxdenton Park- 1st august 11-1pm
Wernerth Park- 22nd august 11-1pm
Feel Good Family Picnic
Free entry, fun activities, performances, music, sports and shows.
Http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/FamilyPicnic
4 days of free family entertainment in Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton and Rochdale this summer. 12-4pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square 29th July
Middleton Limefield Playing Fields 30th July
Littleborough Hare Hill Park 31st July
Heywood Queen’s Park 1st August
Settle Flowerpot Festival
12th July-7th September
We have visited the Settle Flowerpot Festival for the last couple of years and we love it! Yo
You can wonder around the gorgeous town and see the flowerpot displays for free or pick up a trail sheet (£3) from the tourist information centre or Watershed Mill (this is also where we park).
Out and about mummy 