This summer holidays may feel a little different. We may find ourselves at home more than usual, maybe even unfortunately have holidays cancelled. With lots of indoor places still closed, maybe you’re heading outdoors more than ever. My family and I love the great outdoors and can usually be found someone exploring whatever the weather.
I’ve put together a list of some fantastic places to visit or things to take part in this summer. Some places have made changes to the way they book or even to their attraction due to social distancing. I have divided the list into BOOKING ESSENTIAL and NO BOOKING REQUIRED.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL-
Cockfields Farm-
You guys know how much my family and I love a trip to Cockfields Farm, Christmas especially wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing Santa there. A trip to the farm during half term wouldn’t be right too. I headed down to the farm this week to see what changes are in place due to social distancing, check out my review now. They are taking online bookings only so don’t just turn up, it’s reduced capacity also.
Not visited before? You can read all about Cockfields Farm here plus check out my review here. The Cockfields Christmas Experience is one of a kind and after visiting for the last three years, I can highly recommend.
Totally Roarsome-
Totally new to Greater Manchester, Totally Roarsome is a socially distanced walk through some woodland. But be prepared, your not alone! Find out all the information here to book and for prices.
We recently visited on Joshua’s 8th birthday and had a fab morning, you can read my full review here.
NO BOOKING ESSENTIAL-
Free Park Trails with Oldham Library-
This summer, Oldham Libraries are bringing their treasure trails outside. Get out and about and have a go at their Silly Squad Treasure Trails. Use the trail sheet (here) to find the six clues hidden in each of the participating Oldham parks- Ladhill Park (Greenfield), Holland Close Park (Delph), Stoneleigh Park and Alexandra Park.
Dinosaur Hunt in Alkrington Woods-
Completely free of charge, head out into the woods in Middleton and hunt some dinosaurs. There are 10 dinosaurs hidden in the woods, can you find them? This looks lots of fun, we’re actually off to Alkrington woods this week so we’ll let you know what we think. For more information see here.
Fairytale Walk at Clifton Country Park-
We love Clifton Country Park and the Fairytale trail. There’s also a fab playground with a caterpillar swing that my children love. The toilet and cafe are now open, there’s also a large free car park.
To take part in the fairytale trail, head to the lake past the playground and follow the fairytale trail arrow. On your walk (approximately a mile around the lake) your children can spot wooden animals and other characters from fairytales. A must for any gruffalo fans!
Tree Trail at Longford Park-
Longford Park in Cholton is a lovely park. I spent some lovely days out there as a child as my grandparents lived in Cholton. Until recently I’d never been with my own children, that was until I read about the Tree Trail.
Collect a tree trail map from the cafe and follow the route to find the 18 different types of trees. Don’t forget to search the tree for a fairy door!
As well as the tree trail there’s two great playgrounds including a zip wire, cafe, toilets and plenty of green fields to kick a ball. Longford park is also fab for scooters for little ones.
Walton’s Hall and Gardens Children’s Zoo-
Not exactly near Oldham (took me 47 minutes from my house) but somewhere I’ve been recently and thought it’s worth mentioning. Approximately £4 to park for the day. Walton Hall and Gardens is a great day out. Another great playground with plenty for younger or older children. Toilets and cafe open.
The children’s zoo (which is free to enter) is also now open. There’s barriers put up and a place to queue as they are limiting the amount of people going in at once. There’s also a one way system and hand sanitiser. We had a great time and we’ll be back.
Out and about mummy 