Keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays is one thing, but trying to not spend too much money is another – and with six school-free weeks over the summer it can be rather tricky. Luckily we’ve removed some of the hassle by rounding up the best free things to do in Manchester with kids, so all you need to do is round the children up and get them out of the door (and we know how hard that can be in itself). From indoor activities such as workshops and museum trips to fun adventures outside like walks and trying a new sport, you won’t have to spend a penny to keep them happy.
Free museums in Manchester for kids
Manchester Museum
A classic spot when it comes to entertaining and educating the whole family, Manchester Museum showcases works of archaeology, anthropology and natural history within the walls of the neo-Gothic buildings.
Science and Industry Museum
The museum takes visitors on a trip to the Industrial Revolution, since it is the home of the oldest railway station as well as boasting bright and immersive exhibitions where kids let their creativity and exploration run wild.
People’s History Museum
People’s History Museum tells stories through an eclectic and colourful, historic and contemporary collection that features banners, badges, posters, artwork, cartoons, placards, personal items and more, in order to explore democracy throughout the years.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
The museum explores how the force was founded, the evolution of the judicial system and even has opportunities to try on police gear of past and present.
Museum of Transport
Telling the story of Manchester’s transport history, kids can explore retro buses from the 1930’s onwards, trams from the early 1900s, vintage signs, furniture and even hop on board one of the museum’s heritage bus rides.
Free Manchester theatre shows and art for kids
The Whitworth
The gallery currently holds over 60,000 different works of art, which range from eclectic textiles, prints and wallpapers to historic fine art and more contemporary pieces too.
Manchester Art Gallery
The gallery boasts an impressive public collection of over 46,000 objects spanning fine art, crafts and more, as well as hosting a number of rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year.
HOME
A centre for contemporary art in Manchester, HOME also screens independent films from all over the globe and dance and theatre shows too.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Salford Museum and Art Gallery is dedicated to the history, Victorian art and architecture of Salford but is also home to Lark Hill Place – a reconstructed street which encapsulates the past living conditions in Salford.
The Lowry
Named after the early 20th-century painter L. S. Lowry, The Lowry houses two theatres, art galleries, a studio space and a permanent exhibition of 400 of Lowry’s works – the largest collection in the world.
Free parks and gardens in Manchester to explore with kids
Haigh Woodland Park
The grounds expand over 250 acres, boasting a huge Adventure Play Zone, wonderful woodland, walled gardens and a miniature railway.
Heaton Park
The largest park in Greater Manchester has lots of free things on offer to keep the kids entertained including tennis courts, football pitches, a boating lake, grand hall, adventure playgrounds, cafés, a farm, a garden centre and even a treetop adventure trek with zip lines and obstacles along the way.
Prestwich Forest Park
Prestwich Forest Park offers 494 acres of woodland and open space consisting of Philips Park, Drinkwater Park, Waterdale and Prestwich Clough, where you’ll find lots of nature and wildlife to discover, a children’s play area and a mountain bike trail.
Mayfield Park
Manchester city centre’s first new public park in more than 100 years features space for everyone to use, including play areas, space for sports, an urban square and meadows.
Free attractions in Greater Manchester for kids
The Garden House
The Garden House in Marple, Stockport is home to a variety of animals including; pigs, alpacas, rabbits, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys and guinea pigs and also boasts a tranquil sensory garden and riverside walk to enjoy nature.
The Pankhurst Museum
The Pankhurst Museum is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s fight for the right to vote, where kids learn all about the suffragettes, look around the Edwardian garden and even dress up as a suffragette.
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary in Abbey Hey offers both a great cause and a chance to see cute donkeys up close, making it a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and interact with animals.
Manchester Central Library
The library boasts hosts rolling exhibitions spanning art, history and politics, plus the public are free to use computers and Wi-Fi, and there’s even a specific children’s library.
Great Northern Warehouse
Great Northern is an absolute hub for free things to do with kids as they can play in assortment of ways – whether it be in the outdoor sandpit, a game of ping pong or in the free play space for pre-schoolers.
Free days out of Manchester with kids
Smithills Hall
Smithills Hall is one of the oldest and best preserved manor houses in the North West, featuring Tudor and Victorian wings, a Medieval hall, a private chapel and a tearoom.
Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park
Kids can head outside to have a look at Manchester Airport’s runways and watch the planes take off and land, as well as take a tour of the park’s retired airliners, including the iconic Concorde. Free admission to the Runway Visitor Park for visitors arriving by public transport, on foot or by bicycle.
Lancashire Mining Museum
Located in Astley Green, the museum explores the legacy of coal mining in Lancashire with a collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits, as well as an impressive winding engine and quaint miner’s cottages to visit.
Free Manchester landmarks to visit with kids
Manchester Cathedral
Besides being a church, the Grade I-listed landmark that has Gothic features, stained glass windows and gold detailing also hosts various music programmes and events.
Chetham’s Library
Looking straight out of a Harry Potter film, Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years and is one of the most richly cultural libraries Manchester has to offer.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
This house and museum celebrates the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers, boasting historic period rooms, a Victorian-style garden, expert guides and changing exhibitions.
Victoria Baths
The Grade II-listed Edwardian swimming pool and Turkish bath complex, gives plenty of Wes Anderson vibes and offers guided tours.
