You can guarantee one thing about the summer holidays, they're expensive.
With days out, ice creams, picnics, it all adds up and by the end of the six weeks you can find that you've spent a small fortune.
Well don't worry, we're here to help with our list of FREE and cheap events to keep kids of all ages happy.
While some you may need to book in advance, we've included some drop-in activities you can just turn up for.
READ MORE: Things to do with the kids in Manchester this summer
Here's our full round-up of FREE events and things to do in and around Greater Manchester this summer...
Manchester
Heaton Park
The Lakeside Adventure Play Area added to the fun on offer at Heaton Park when it opened in 2019.
There's lots more to enjoy there too, including the lake, where you can hire boats if you do happen to have a bit of cash to splash.
Summer crafts and a bike track will be returning on selected dates and from July 30 to August 1, there'll be a climbing wall installed for kids to have a go at costing £2 each.
Even if you don't have money to spend, there's loads of space to kick a ball about, enjoy a walk or even track down a dinosaur or fairy using the Love Exploring app from developers Sprytar.
You use the map to find the fairies and answer their questions about the park, or search for the dinosaurs and test your dino knowledge in the quiz.
Providing a range of quiz trails and guided tours that are fun to do and free to use, you can use the app in Heaton Park, as well as Alexandra Park, Boggart Hole Clough, Phillips Park, Wythenshawe Park, Platt Fields Park, Debdale Park and Whitworth Park.
Science and Industry Museum
The museum has a full summer holiday programme including the chance to unpick the history of Manchester’s textiles heritage, or switch it up in a new gaming experience and play with computers and consoles from the last 50 years.
Whether it’s tinkering with moving machines, trying their hand at traditional weaving or producing unique fabric prints, visitors will have the opportunity to put their creative skills to the test during free daily drop-in activities and weekly workshops all themed around Manchester’s history as a hub of textiles manufacturing.
Free tickets to the museum are available now and can be booked in advance through the website here or by calling 033 0058 0058.
The Whitworth
It's all about the art of play at The Whitworth this summer.
There are loads of free sessions taking place, with everything from Scrap Studio and sketching stations to Minecraft and outdoor music.
Explore The Art of Play runs from August 2 to 31 and everything is free. See the Culturekidsmanchester Facebook page below for more details.
National Football Museum
With the focus firmly on women's football right now, there are plenty of ways to celebrate both female players and fans at the National Football Museum this summer.
The museum is free to those with a Manchester City Council postcode, otherwise it's £11 for adults and £6 for kids for an annual pass.
Three activities are running throughout the duration of the UEFA Women's EURO this summer, all around creating and collecting football stickers.
Between now and July 30, you can join a gallery trail, enjoy some football sticker making or join in one of the Sunday sticker swap sessions.
You can also visit the new exhibition, Crossing the Line: the story of women’s football, which chronicles the game’s early growth, the effects of the FA’s de facto 1921 ban, its survival and its resurgence in recent decades.
For specific dates and times, visit the website here.
Chorlton Water Park
Whether you want to go cycling with the kids down one of the many paths, or head into the woodlands, there's plenty to keep the kids busy here.
The picturesque Chorlton Water Park is a Local Nature Reserve comprising of a lake surrounded by grasslands and woodlands.
There is car park, a play area with wooden climbing frames and ropes, picnic benches and a large network of accessible paths.
The kids love the chance to get up close to all ducks and swans while you're there and if it's a sunny day you'll most likely find the ice cream van and coffee van there too.
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
There's a free family Garden Trail happening at the home of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s very own Literary house, this summer.
The trail promises to 'entertain families with fun facts, discoveries and things to do' as they make their way around the traditionally planted Victorian garden. QR codes along the trail will activate the different elements to be found in the garden and there will also be a paper version of the map available.
The trail also highlights facts about sustainability and shares take home ideas about reducing carbon emissions. To spread this message even further, families will also be able to take home a special pack of Elizabeth Gaskell House wildflower seeds - while stocks last.
Visitors can enjoy their own picnic on one of the lawned areas where there is also a selection of traditional Victorian garden games to play.
The Garden Trail is a free activity included in the entrance fee. Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm.
Entry is £6.50 for adults and free for children under 16, when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be booked online.
GMP Museum
The Greater Manchester Police Museum hosts open days in the school holidays.
This sessions are held every Tuesday between 10.30am and 4pm and there's no need to book.
The free events focus on different units within the police force from the North West Underwater Search and Recovery Unit to the Tactical Dog Unit and the North West Ambulance Service.
Last admission is 3pm. See the website for more details.
Great Northern
Great Northern Warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and popular giant outdoor sandpit for families to keep little ones entertained.
Located in the heart of the city and all outdoors, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the warm weather and offers little ones hours of free entertainment.
With 50 tonnes of sand, some wooden logs to sit on and play with and buckets and spades to borrow, it’s the perfect place to stop off for a couple of hours.
Fairy Tales at Z-arts
The interactive experience based on some much-loved children's stories is running throughout the school holidays.
After a sell-out run at the Discover Children’s Story Centre in London, Fairy Tales arrived at Z-arts earlier this year.
An imaginative storytelling experience for children aged up to eight years old, it is designed to encourage role play and exploration, bringing to life some of the most loved traditional tales from around the world, including The Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk and the spider Anansi.
It's running Tuesday to Saturday throughout the holidays. For tickets - £8 per person and £3 for babes in arms - visit the website here, or call the box office on 0161 226 1912.
People's History Museum
There are lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy at People's History Museum over the summer.
A sculpture called The Manchester Argonaut, which features ‘bright colours, intricate patterns, statement tattoos and fantastical accessories' is the centrepiece of its newest family friendly exhibition.
Highlighting the struggle for disabled peoples’ rights in Manchester, it is also stood in the shape of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, according to artist Jason Wilsher-Mills.
Throughout the school summer holidays the museum will be open seven days a week, from Monday, July 25 until early September. Visit the website for more details.
Entry is free, with a suggested donation of £5.
Treetop Adventure Golf, Printworks
There's loads for families to do inside Manchester's Printworks, including Treetop Adventure Golf, which opens even earlier in the summer holidays.
It's open from 10am daily from July 25 until September 4, with its two courses Tropical Trail and Explorer.
Early Bird tickets are available every Monday to Friday, meaning if you tee off before midday, you can play two courses for the price of one.
Tickets cost £9.75, or £32 for a family of four. Under fives £4.75. See the website for more.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
If it's a picturesque walk you're after then the popular Botanical Gardens in Didsbury will do the trick.
Fletcher Moss has lots of wooded areas to explore and there's a nature trail and a pond to enjoy too.
You might not be out late enough to spot the bats flying along the river at dusk, but there are plenty of insects such as dragonflies and butterflies to find on your adventure.
The river offers an opportunity for that all important pebble throwing too.
More information about the Nature Trail can be found in the Visitor Centre in The Croft (off Millgate Lane).
Manchester Art Gallery
There's plenty for kids to get creative with at Manchester Art Gallery this summer.
Grab a Keep It Curious activity kit during opening hours for some inspiration.
The mini match box of activities includes a sketchbook, pencil, photography filter and prompt cards to help connect you to artworks and ideas as you explore the Gallery. Take it home with you and continue the journey.
On Wednesday and on alternate Saturdays and Sundays during the holidays The Lion's Den, otherwise known as Clore Art Studio, is hosting creative making sessions between 1pm and 3.30pm. There's no need to book so you can just turn up. See the full list of dates for the Creative Families sessions here.
Salford
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
There's lots to keep little ones entertained at Salford Museum and Art Gallery this summer.
A whole programme of family activities is planned, from arts and crafts to object handling and outdoor adventures.
Sessions are running between July 26 and August 25 and include ceramic tile decorating, Victorian toys, junk modelling, Victorian washday and more.
Most activities are free but there's a fee of £2 or £3 for others. For specific dates and times and to book, visit the website here.
City Airport (Manchester Barton)
Barton Beach Funpark comes to the airport daily from July 23 to September 4.
Children can get a wristband for all the rides, if booked in advance, for £7.99. Otherwise it's £2 per single ride ticket, or 10 for eight single ride tickets.
Sessions run 11am to 3pm and 1pm to 5pm.
Rides include a dragon roller coaster, balloons and dodgems and there's a large sandpit with deckchairs, inflatables, pedal boats, trampolines, donkey rides and more.
Themed days will also be running, with princesses, superheroes and dinosaurs.
While you're there the little ones can watch the planes taking off and, as well as a food court at the funfair, there's also the family-friendly Runway 26 cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating.
City Airport is just five miles from Manchester City Centre, close to Junction 11 of the M60 on the A57 Liverpool Road. See thr website here to book.
The Lowry
There's a new family exhibition at the theatre titled Picture This.
Running from July 23 until the end of October, it features six popular children’s books that have a strong visual identity and have also been vividly brought to life on stage, including Room on the Broom, Floella Benjamin’s Coming to England, You Choose and Alice in Wonderland.
Each section of the free family exhibition will include illustrations and artwork from the books, alongside filmed extracts from stage productions, with a variety of props, costumes, designs and posters.
Throughout there will be interactive opportunities for visitors to draw, write, perform, read and play and even devise their own production ideas. At the heart of the exhibition will be a stage, featuring daily readings of the featured books and many other titles, as well as performance, music-making and artist-led workshops.
For more details, visit the website here.
Salford Literacy Trail
A family ‘BookBench’ trail has arrived in Salford this summer - with 20 uniquely decorated benches celebrating the magic of reading.
Each bench making up the Salford Literacy Trail kicks has been designed by local schoolchildren and artists and individually sponsored by local businesses to raise funds for the National Literacy Trust.
With the aim of encouraging children to read, they've been dotted around locations across Salford, including the Blue Peter Garden at MediaCity and Salford Cathedral.
The 20 benches - with names such as The Raven and The Children who Drew Dragons - will be situated around The Quays, central Salford, Eccles and Worsley until September 9.
The BookBenches have been created by Wild in Art, a specialist organisation behind many other successful trails, such as Bee in the City, Elmer’s Great North Parade, and Walking with The Snowman.
For more information, including a downloadable trail map, click here.
Walkden Town Centre
There's lots of free fun on the cards at Walkden Town Centre over the holidays.
Activities include an assault course and mini golf and there will be special appearances from the Minions and a Space Ranger.
See the Facebook page here for updates.
Ordsall Hall
A programme of outdoor theatre is planned in the grounds of the Grade I listed Tudor manor house.
Family theatre shows include Alice in Wonderland on August 16 and Rapunzel on August 22.
Tickets, costing from £10 per child, can be booked online here.
There's lots more going on at the hall too, with everything from den building and wand making, to Tudor playtime and the chance to Meet the Servants.
Most activities are free but there's a fee of £1.50 or £2 for others. For specific dates and times and to book, visit the website here.
Worsley Woods
Generations of families have descended on Worsley Woods and there's more reason to visit following last year's refurb of the popular play trail.
It might be hidden away but it actually covers 30 hectres in all and can be reached from Salford's network of looplines or the historical Bridgewater Canal.
There's a lake there too, with a jetty to walk along and see the ducks and swans and there are lots of steps and winding paths to explore on your adventure through the woods.
Clifton Country Park
The country park and nature reserve is part of the Irwell Valley and offers a vast expanse of beautiful countryside on the edge of Salford.
As well as the children's play area, with climbing frames and wooden play equipment, there's a large climbing boulder for kids to tackle.
You can then enjoy a lakeside walk - venturing round the entire lake if those little legs can make it round - and you can cross a green bridge to reach a stream lined with pebbles for that all important stone skimming.
Trafford
Trafford Watersports Centre
Boat hire starts from £10 at Trafford Watersports Centre.
Family and mini adventures are also available - where you can choose from kayaking, canoeing, kata kanuing or stand up paddleboarding and you get a one-hour instructed session.
Family adventures - for up to five people - cost £100 and mini adventures £40. Boat hire starts from £10.
See the website here to book.
Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park
A new plane-shaped climbing frame is drawing even more visitors to Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park.
The play frame, along with some new swings, has proved a welcome addition to the attraction, which gives families a view of the aircraft as they take off and land.
The park is also home to a variety of retired planes, including the spectacular supersonic airliner, Concorde G-BOAC; and former RAF military spy plane, Nimrod and runs Junior Flight Academy sessions throughout the holidays.
The children's playground is available to use daily from 8am to 8pm. Car parking costs £5 for up to two hours, £10 for two to four hours, or £12 for all stays over four hours.
A number of special events are planned over the summer, including an Family Days on August 28 and 29. Visit the website here for more details.
Dino Falls Adventure Golf
Dino Falls Adventure Golf near the Trafford Centre features a Rapids course and a Volcano course, with a six-metre walk-through spouting volcano.
It's the biggest adventure golf attraction outside of London and features everything from a Tyrannosaurus Rex and baby Triceratops to Velociraptors and a Diplodocus.
The site is open 7am to 10.30pm daily, with tickets costing £9 for adults, £7 for under 16s, or £28 for a family of two adults and two children. Additional children £5 each. Book online.
Namco Funscape Trafford Centre
Visitors can bowl for £5 per person with Namco Funscape's Summer Lovin' Fun offer.
It's running all day Monday to Friday from July 25 to September 2.
Bowling can be booked by the game or by the hour. Visit the website here.
Dunham Massey
A 'magical day out' is promised at Dunham Massey this summer as it hosts a fairy tale themed programme of summer events.
Families are invited to Minibeasts and Giants: a Fairy-tale Trail, running from July 25 to September 7.
As well as the self-led family trail 'of discovery and imagination' little ones can 'uncover moments of magic with storytelling, performance and crafts' in Midweek Magic sessions.
The event is free but usual admission fees apply - children £4, adults £8, family £20.
For more details see the programme here and look out for updates on Dunham Massey’s social media.
IWM North
Take a step back in time at the Imperial War Museum North this summer.
'Story Seekers' is back, this time focusing on 'Camouflage and Disguise' - giving families the chance to get up close with objects and dig deeper into the museum’s collections using the new, illustrated trail booklet as your guide.
Successfully complete your special mission by finding all of the Story Seekers: Camouflage & Disguise trail objects and receive a special Camouflage Unit badge to take home.
Sessions run daily between 10am and 3pm from July 26 to August 26.
For more details about what's going on at the museum over summer, including the chance to create your own camouflage design in the Dazzle Design Studio, or meet the IWM veterans at its We Were There Family Days, see here, or visit the website.
Inflata Nation
The attraction, packed full of inflatable fun, is open across the summer.
As well as drop slides, the wall-to-wall inflatable features a fun ‘shooting gallery’ - featuring air cannons that fire plastic balls at special targets, a 20ft tall ‘jump off’ platform - where guests can don a harness before taking a leap of faith to freefall to the floor below, and a gladiator podium.
There's also spinning dodgems, a tilting slide, an obstacle course and a huge ‘Inflata Bubbles’ section, designed so that visitors can achieve 'optimum bounce heights'. Tickets - £10.99 for ages four plus and £5.99 for under fours - can be booked online and you can use the code SUMMERMANC to get 15% off.
The venue is open even longer over the holidays too, from 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 7pm at weekends.
Longford Park
There's loads to keep the family happy at Longford Park.
As well as being a lovely park to take a brisk walk, there are well-equipped play areas suitable for all ages, Simply Cycling sessions on the athletic stadium track and a disc golf course - basically golf with frisbees.
Once you're all suitably worn out you can take a rest at the Longford Cafe.
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
There's some more indoor adventure golf inside the Trafford Centre's Paradise Island.
There are two 18-hole courses to complete - the Tiki Hut Trail, with wheelchair and push pram access, and Temple Ruins Adventure.
Tickets for one course cost £4.50 for under fives, £7.50 for ages five to 16, £9.50 for adults, or £30 for a family of four. For two course it's £6, £11.50, £14.50 and £42 respectively. Book online.
Bury
Arcade Club Bury
The summer holidays is the perfect time to check out the Arcade Club in Bury, especially on those inevitable rainy days and it's £8 for kids to play all day long.
The Ela Mill venue features hundreds of retro and modern machines and gamers have been flocking there since it opened in 2015.
Not only are opening hours extended over the school holidays - opening from 11am Thursdays and Fridays as well as the weekend - but the place has been extended too, with a new fourth floor full of even more games.
There's everything from Pac-Man and Space Invaders to Donkey Kong and Sega Rally and kids can play their modern favourites like Fortnite and Rocket League.
The £8 entry fee is for kids aged five to 15 to play all day long. If adults want to play too it's £16 per adult, or £40 for a family.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit the website here.
Bury Transport Museum
Across the road from ELR is Bury Transport Museum where the industrial heritage of the North West is brought to life.
Through stunningly restored vehicles, original artefacts and interactive exhibits, families can explore the lives and jobs of people in the early 20th Century.
There is plenty to keep both adults and children entertained, from discovering the horse drawn tram that was once a chip shop, learning about how 'Hilda' the steam roller almost met her end, meeting the bus with a history in movies or taking a look around the smallest museum inside of a museum in the UK.
It's open 10am to 4pm whenever services are running at the East Lancashire Railway. You can find the running days here.
Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children aged three to 17, or £13 for a family of two adults and up to three children. You only have to pay once and they are valid for 12 months.
Holcombe Hill
This walk on the outskirts of Ramsbottom boasts some of the most amazing panoramic views from the top.
It might be a hike up the 1,100 feet (335m) hill, but the route has a clear track leading up.
At the top you'll find the famous Peel Tower. Built in 1852, the landmark monument was erected in tribute to Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the police force and former Prime Minister who hailed from Bury. It stands 128ft high and when you reach it, you'll discover unparalleled views over Manchester, Cheshire and across to North Wales.
Burrs Country Park
Whether walking or bird watching there are plenty of reasons for families to take a trip to Burrs Country Park.
The park has different trails to walk around near the River Irwell, you can feed the ducks and there's an exercise trail for kids.
There are plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic or you could try out the park's café The Lamppost, which prides itself on 'the best coffee and cake in town', as well as muffins they bake for dogs.
Bury Art Museum
Families can drop into the art museum during the holidays.
Craft activities for five to 11 year olds will take place in the temporary exhibition galleries every Tuesday and Thursday during school holidays, between 10.30am and 12pm.
The first session will take place on Tuesday, July 26 and run every Tuesday and Thursday until the last session on Tuesday, August 20.
Sessions cost £3 per child and you can book at the front desk in the main foyer.
The museum's tea room is family-friendly and all floors of the building are accessible via a lift.
Bolton
Tribal Survival, The Hive at Moss Bank Park
A new event has come to the park this July.
After transforming into warriors with face paint and camo vests, families will head out on an adventure trail where you will learn about foraging, there will be a fire lighting masterclass, and a memorable den building experience. Special tribal crafts will also be on offer along with 'unforgettable campfire games'.
Sessions are running on July 23, 24, 30 and 31, with limited tickets available. For children it's £7.50 and for adults £3. Visit the website here to book.
The Octagon
The Octagon Theatre has announced a whole host of fun family activities to keep youngsters entertained this summer - with outdoor theatre performances and a free family festival.
There Be Monsters, from acclaimed outdoor performers The Fabularium, is billed as 'an outdoor heroic romp-around' and will visit four venues - Moss Bank Park (July 22), Queens Park (July 23 and 24), Atherton Laburnum Rovers (July 25) and Bradshaw Cricket Club (July 27).
Join the hapless but noble knight Don Quixote and his long suffering, fortune seeking side-kick Sancha Panza on their epic quest to revive chivalry, confront monsters and seek to right what is wrong or accidentally wrong what is right.
As you meet these two iconic characters, you are promised 'a journey like no other', with 'live original music, catchy songs, and plenty of audience participation that will deliver a fun yet thought provoking outdoor theatrical experience for all'.
There'll be performances at 1pm and 3.30pm each day. Tickets from just £7 for adults and £5 for children and can be booked online.
Later in the summer family fun comes to the Octagon’s town centre building with the free Octagon Family Festival.
Taking place alongside Bolton’s Food and Drink Festival (August 26 to 28) and sponsored by Carrs Pasties, the Octagon will create a varied programme of events for children and their families including craft making, storytelling, live performances, refreshments and more.
All activities will be free, with bookable timeslots for some activities available across the weekend. Visit the website here to book.
Smithills Open Farm
Smithills Open Farm is a popular day out for the whole family and tickets have already been selling fast for the summer.
The family-run business, set within 70 acres of rolling countryside, is home to everything from cows and pig to llamas and alpacas.
Pets Corner is the most popular activity where you get to meet the animals close up, feeding baby lambs and goats and meeting any newborns.
Daily at 1pm you can watch the cows being milked and at 12pm it's calf feeding.
The venue also offers tractor rides - on toy ones as well as the real thing - donkey rides and there's a new play area that opened earlier this year.
Tickets cost £9 for adults, £8 for children (under twos free), or £30 for a family of four. Visit the website to book.
Alice in Wonderland, The Victoria Hall
Alice in Wonderland is coming to The Victoria Hall this summer.
With the aim of offering 'affordable family theatrical shows' to all, tickets for the production, which is running at Bolton's Victoria Hall, cost just £5 per person.
The Bolton Panto will feature 26 performances running over 11 dates, from July 29 to August 9, and tickets are already being snapped up.
It features Hannah Dale as Alice, who, after falling down the Rabbit Hole, finds herself in the bonkers yet magical world of Wonderland.
Performances will take place in the main hall of The Victoria Hall, with shows starting from 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 5pm, 6pm and 6.30pm, depending on the date. Visit the website here to book.
Rivington Pike
If you want to make even more of your time at Rivington then you could head even higher to Rivington Pike.
It's long been a popular choice for families wanting to head out for some fresh air.
Start at the Great House Barn car park, which is free, for the best route up and after burning off all that energy you can call in the tearoom when you're finished.
There are other options to eat nearby too, including the Rivington Village Green Tea Room, in Sheep House Lane, Rivington Village, which sells meals and lighter snacks.
Bolton Library and Museum
The Museum and Library are a big hit with families, especially the free aquarium where you can meet exotic fish, creatures and wildlife from all over the world, including flesh eating piranhas from South America.
There's lots to enjoy there this summer, with free activities running from 11am to 3pm from July 23 to September 4.
There'll be a different theme every week with a range of craft activities, handling tables, films, trails, stories and much more.
Plus, there’ll be fish feeds in the aquarium on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1pm, and on Sundays there'll be self led activities.
Lookout at your local library for activities taking place over the holidays and see the website for more details.
Air Vault
Air Vault is not just trampolines - there are inflatables too, with an obstacle course, slides and more.
You can get a Summer Jump Pass, which lets you visit five times for £29, or Family Sessions, at 9.30am Monday to Saturday, cost £6.50 per person.
Otherwise sessions cost £9.95 for an hour's jump and bounce. Book online.
Bolton Steam Museum
The visitor attraction displays the largest collection of working mill engines in Europe.
Entirely volunteer run the museum has been developed over 20 years and showcases many of the manufacturers that powered the North.
It's open for visits every Wednesday and Sunday between 11am and 3pm.
The popular Steam Days are also returning this August bank holiday weekend - on Sunday, August 28 and Monday, August 29.
There is no charge for admission but a donation is always gratefully received. Keep an eye on the website for more details.
Oldham
Oldham Summer Beach
The Oldham Summer Beach is back at Alexandra Park this summer and promises to be bigger than ever.
There'll be a sandpit, inflatables, magic shows and a whole lot more at the event, which runs from July 23 to September 4.
Each weekend there'll be special guest appearances from princesses, superheroes, dinosaurs and more.
Entry is £1 (£2 on special event weekends) and wristbands cost from £9.60. Visit the website to book.
Daisy Nook Country Park
Daisy Nook country park is very popular with families.
With woodlands, canals, and picnic areas across the 40 hectare site, there’s something for everyone - including two play areas, a cafe, and a garden centre.
A towpath along the canal is accessible for both wheelchair users and prams, making it easier to get the whole family out for a stroll.
Gallery Oldham
The gallery is open 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and has lots of free activities running over the school holidays.
From slime making to painting robots, there promises to be something for everyone.
It's free to take part, but you need to book online to make sure there are enough supplies to go around.
See the website for more details.
Little Owl Farm
As the name would suggest there are owls to meet at Little Owl Farm but there are other animals too, including rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep and donkeys.
It's also home to Cindy's Cafe serving food and drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
The place is only open at weekends - from 10am to 4.30pm - and tickets cost £5, or £18.50 for a family of four. Under twos free.
See the Facebook page for details of events.
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
Visitors are invited to meet, touch and feed a range of animals from horses and sheep to rabbits, chickens and more.
The attraction is open daily throughout the school holidays, between 9.30am and 4pm from July 22 to September 4.
There are play areas with swings, slides and mini ziplines dotted along a scenic nature walk.
There's also a caterpillar ride to enjoy for £2 a go, driven by one of the farmers and there's Digger Corner, where kids can operate their own digger for £1.
You can take your own picnic to eat at the picnic benches.
Tickets cost from £6 per person and can be booked online or bought on the day - cash only.
Tandle Hill Country Park
A mix of woodland and open grassland, with a gorgeous view of the countryside, makes Tandle Hill a very popular spot to visit.
A great place for walking and cycling, the war memorial - standing at the park's highest point - has a view over to the Welsh mountains on a clear day.
Dove Stone Reservoir
Dove Stone Reservoir is part of the Peak District National Park and another great place to take in some scenery.
There’s the main walk plus a sailing club, Chew Brook, where you can explore rocks and paddle in the stream, picnic areas, an RSPB spot where you can look through telescopes to see the peregrine falcons
The path around the reservoir is accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchairs and if you want to grab a bite to eat there's a burger van and an ice cream van there.
There are two public car parks, both of which are pay and display.
Stockport
Bear Trail, Bramall Hall
There's even more fun to be had at Bramall Hall, as it hosts the Nevill Bear Trail this summer.
'An exciting adventure' is promised inside the hall, as families are invited to follow the clues to find Nevill Bear's hiding place.
Along the way you may meet some other famous bear friends and learn a few facts about bears too. If you find Nevill you will be awarded an exclusive 'Bear Finder' badge.
Tickets, costing £3 for children and £6.50 for adults, can be booked online, or on arrival at the hall.
The Garden House
There's plenty to see and do at The Garden House in Stockport.
Usual opening hours are 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday and the place is free to visit, although a donation of £3 per person is suggested.
The animals on the site include alpacas, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese.
Visitors can have a picnic and children can enjoy the junior assault course with scramble nets and balancing logs.
The Riverside Cafe is open from 11am to 3pm serving drinks and snacks, including bacon barms, crumpets and sandwiches, as well as cakes and ice cream.
No booking is required so you can simply turn up. Visit the website for more details.
Jump Heaven / Golf Heaven
Jump Heaven is not just a trampoline park, but has now been expanded to include adventure golf too.
The adventure park has two giant inflatable airbags, a Ninja Warrior Course filled with monkey bars, foam pits and climbing walls. The park also has a huge indoor trampoline park and children’s activity frame, filled with different activities for all ages to try their hand at plus a zipline.
Golf Heaven opened in April - it is open to children aged three and up, and you don’t need any previous experiences to join in.
Visitors can enjoy the 18-hole adventure golf course, which has a pirate theme throughout. Each hole offers a new challenge, and has an array of pirate themed characters and props that will make an appearance throughout the game.
Jump Heaven costs £10 for an hour, golf is £5 per person. See the website here to book.
Reddish Vale Farm
Another popular place for children to meet and handle animals is Reddish Vale Farm and there's loads happening this summer.
You can feed all the outdoor animals, cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs and take a tractor ride around the nature trail stopping off to feed the pigs on the way.
As well as the large outdoor adventure play, there's an indoor play area including bouncy castles, quad bikes and sand diggers.
Farm Fest makes a return from August 20 to 29, with fairground rides, a beach area and lots more.
Tickets, £10.50 for adults and £15 for children, can be booked online. Usual admission for July and August is £9.50 for adults and children.
Lyme Park
There's loads of fun on the cards at Lyme Park over the holidays.
From a daily activity trails to kite flying and the chance to get creative with a summer activity pack (£2), there's something for kids of all ages.
Events are running from July 23 to September 4. Usual admission fees apply - children £3, adults £6, family £15. See the website for more details.
Bruntwood Park, Cheadle
There's a wide range of play equipment including a zip wire, rope pyramid, tyre swing and a pirate ship situated in a ‘sea’ of sand.
A popular park for families, there's also a Pitch and Putt and a BMX race track.
Because it's so close to Manchester Airport kids love the chance to see the planes fly over while you're there.
Etherow Country Park, Romiley
The popular park lies at the heart of the Etherow/Goyt Valley, was one of Britain's first country parks and features an impressive waterfall.
The Nature Trail path will take you alongside the Keg Pool, home to wildfowl and many different aquatic plants and animals.
When you've worked up an appetite you could always try out the Etherow Park Café too.
When the weather's nice there's an ice cream kiosk set up outside.
Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs, Stockport's intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s.
The tunnels, which date back to the Second World War, once held thousands of people as they sheltered from Nazi bombs.
You can learn about the experiences from the displays in the tunnels and from the state of the art audio-guides. You can also to find mementos of the 1940s in the shop.
The shelters are open 1pm to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. They cost £5.50 for adults, £4 concessions and under 16s go free. See the website here for more details.
Tameside
Portland Basin Museum
The museum is a popular attraction for families and it's free to enter.
You can step back in time on the 1920s street, as the sights and sounds of bygone Tameside are brought to life. Take a look in the kitchen and parlour to find out how people used to live.
Visitors can also explore the area's industrial heritage and discover what life was like down the mines, or on the farm. Find out more about local crafts and industries and marvel at the historic machines. For younger ones there's the 'Nuts and Bolts' educational play area, suitable for children under five.
The museum opens 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday and there's no need to book.
Wigan
Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh is a firm favourite with families across Manchester and further afield.
As well as having a huge array of free play equipment for kids of all ages, the venue is also home to an adventure golf course, a smaller crazy golf course for just £1 per person and climbing ropes.
There's also a model railway where you can hop on one of the steam or diesel engines. Rides are free but donations welcome.
Outdoor theatre is back this year too, with an 'open air walkabout production' of Alice... Through the looking glass and into Wanderland.
Performed by The Stolen Thread Theatre Company, it's running from August 16 to 21. Tickets, from £5.98, can be ordered online.
For more details about the park, or to book one of the attractions, visit www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk.
Lancashire Mining Museum
Lancashire Mining Museum occupies some 15 acres of the Astley Green Colliery site and its 98ft high lattice steel headgear can be seen for miles around.
The place was thrust into the spotlight a few years back when it was chosen as the location for an episode of Peaky Blinders, series four.
There's lots to see and explore in the 14 acres of woodland and open areas of the site and it now has its very own train - part of which has been modified for wheelchairs.
For more details, see the Facebook page here.
Applecast
Another place families can see and feed some animals is the little known Applecast on the outskirts of Wigan.
The venue is home to goats, pigs, sheep, horses, alpacas and a whole lot more. There are smaller ones too, including rabbits and guinea pigs, and there are owls and other birds including some baby rheas, which you might confuse with ostriches.
For more information about the attraction, visit the website here.
Kenyon Hall Farm
It's only just in Wigan, on the border with Warrington, but it's well worth taking a trip to Kenyon Hall Farm.
There's a play area, featuring play frames and its own tractor, and there are picnic benches now dotted around it.
Fruit picking is available across the summer - book in advance for strawberry picking - and the attraction has just launched this summer's 'magical themed' Enchanted Maize Maze, inviting families to 'navigate the winding paths through the maize plants, finding the wizard, unicorn and other magical characters along the way'.
The maze takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete and costs £3.50 per person. You can book tickets three weeks in advance on the website here.
There's a cafe selling food and drinks and it also stocks Cheshire Farm ice cream.
Boomers and Swingers
You can try your aim at actual army tanks on the field at Boomers and Swingers, based at Astley Golf Driving Range.
Billed as 'the Best Ball Whacking Field in Manchester', everyone is welcome - whether you're a seasoned golfer or just wanting to hit balls at tanks.
You basically pay per basket of balls, starting from £5 for a basket of 50.
Footgolf is also on offer, just take your own ball along. See the website for more details.
Pennington Flash, Wigan
Another favourite for a family walk is Pennington Flash.
Part of an impressive country park, the lake and surrounding marshland are home to a diverse group of mammals, birds and insects.
You can enjoy a walk around the lake, feed the swans and little ones can have a go on the play area.
If you're feeling peckish then there are always food and ice cream vans at the site so don't forget to take some cash along.
Rochdale
Fireground
Families have been flocking to Fireground since its official launch in January.
The attraction replaced the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale's old fire station last year.
As well as fully restored fire engines, historic horse-drawn fire carriages and manual hand-operated pumps, there's an immersive Victorian street scene and a scene from the blitz, complete with lighting and sound effects.
But perhaps the best bit for little ones is the many interactive display elements, including a play area with a fireman's pole to slide down.
It's open every Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and tickets for under-fours are free, with children and concessions £5, adults £7, or family tickets for £20.
On Saturday, August 20, it's hosting a Family Fun Day with fire engines, a bouncy castle, train ride, amusements and more. The event is running from 10am to 4pm. Entry to the yard is free. Museum entrance fees apply and there'll be individual fees for games and amusements. Visit the Facebook page for more details.
Springfield Park
You could use half term to check out the pirate-themed play area at Rochdale's biggest park which opened last year.
The focal point is the multi-play ship with accessible stairs, curly slide and space for wheelchair users.
There are also two sets of swings for toddlers and older children; an inclusive roundabout, a four-child seesaw and a seagull springer.
Covering 42 acres, the popular park, which sits between Heywood and Rochdale, is the largest park in the borough. It boasts a large lake; sports facilities, an 18-hole golf course and a miniature steam railway.
Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake is a popular spot for walkers and families with kids.
As well as being a great place just to take a stroll - it's buggy friendly too - there are loads of activities to enjoy on the water, from pedalos and paddle boards to electric boats, kayaks and rowing boats.
To find out more visit the website here. Bookings are only taken three days in advance in line with the weather forecast.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Healey Dell is a beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary, two miles from Rochdale town centre on the way to Whitworth and Bacup.
The River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands down thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls which once powered corn, wool and cotton mills.
The Healey Dell Heritage Centre promises 'a unique experience' with its Victorian themed tea rooms with English cream teas served in vintage bone-china.
As well as the chance to spot some horses along their route, a highlight for little ones is a Fairy Grotto where children can meet the 'Healey Dell Fairy Godmother'.
Car parking is available at Broadley Wood Lodge, off Station Road and at the Heritage Centre.
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