Summer has finally hit Manchester − someone tell the weather − and that comes with extra time off, and generally more need to entertain, whether it be the little or big kids. If you’re looking for something to do in lieu of a gorgeous holiday, we’ve got you covered, whatever the weather. Obviously our weather is pretty changeable in Manchester, so whether it decides to chuck it down, or we’re surprised with an unusual sunny day, here’s our guide of things to do this summer in Manchester, most of which won’t break the bank.
Things to do with family this summer in Manchester
1. Jump around at this huge inflatable bounce park
Inflatable park Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton, Bolton is back for spring and summer and is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Packed full of bouncy castles, slides, obstacle and assault courses, the park has 15 different inflatables, aiming to provide kids of all ages with lots of opportunities to play, bounce and burn off some energy. The park is open to all ages but provides the option of a separate area for under fours as well as offering ‘Sen Sessions‘, and welcomes adults to join in on the fun alongside their kids.
2. Discover original props, costumes and vehicles from the Batman films at this exhibition
Take a trip to new exhibition Batman Unmasked located inside Manchester’s Depot Mayfield, which treats fans of the iconic DC superhero to a treasure trove of original props, costumes, vehicles, weapons and much more. You and the kids will be able to indulge in your love of all things Batman as you journey through themed rooms, channel your inner Bruce Wayne in the gaming area and even add to your collection with exclusive merchandise. Whilst the Batman films are mainly tailored towards an older audience, there are still plenty of opportunities for young fans to get involved in.
3. Head to Knowsley Safari to meet dragons and dinosaurs
Knowsley Safari is embarking on an action-packed summer schedule that features dragons, giant bubbles, inflatable obstacle courses and everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey. The day after A unique dinosaur experience has arrived at Knowsley (July 22-26 and July 29-August 2) showcasing some of the most life-like dinosaurs you’ll ever see.
Dino fans can also catch some of the huge creatures at Heaton Park until August 4, with 40 realistic animatronic dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods along the trail, as well as visit the ‘Dino Dig Pit‘ and palaeontologist tent.
4. Make a splash at new aqua park Wild Shore Blackpool
Having made waves in Delamere for a while now, Wild Shore is hopping across the North West to grace Blackpool, once again making the Lancashire town a hotspot for watersports and fun. Wild Shore Blackpool is a brand new water-based adventure hub, offering a number of unique, dynamic and adrenaline-charged outdoor activities including the Aqua Park, Wakeboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Open Water Swimming. Now open at Ream Hills Holiday Park, Wild Shore is the perfect day out for friends and families.
Outdoor things to do in Manchester this summer
5 Be beside the seaside at the Trafford Centre’s giant beach
The Trafford Centre is bringing back its giant beach and splash park this summer along with its popular fairground – plus, it won’t break the bank. Following the success of last year’s Summer Daze event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays under the new name Bright Lights, Big Fun and promises “even more excitement”. Open until September 1, Bright Lights, Big Fun will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall and more than 20 thrilling rides.
6. Head to this eco-friendly farm in Stockport for an epic weekend of live music
Moovin is one of the most sustainable music festivals in Manchester, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. They say: “For the last few years, zero waste from the festival has gone to landfill, it goes to the tip, gets sorted into recycling as much as possible by a machine, and then the rest gets taken to a place where it is incinerated to produce energy and electricity.” Of course, it’s first and foremost a music festival, and the growing list of local and acclaimed artists is pretty impressive for the little farm.
7. Be bowled over by all the action with The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford
The brand new sports competition The Hundred is heading to Manchester this August, bringing with it four weeks of spectacular entertainment and intense cricket action at the height of the summer. With two matches being held in August, the competition promises high octane men’s and women’s sporting action, live music, and a host of family-friendly entertainment. Emirates Old Trafford will host fixtures on August 6 and 11, with the Manchester Originals men’s and women’s teams taking on the likes of Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers.
8. Immerse yourself in yummy Italian grub at Festa Italiana
Big fan of Italian grub? Celebrate the beloved cuisine at this August Bank Holiday’s free Festa Italiana festival, which will see a number of local Italian traders take to Cathedral Gardens, serving up delicious grub, tasty aperitifs and insightful masterclasses.
9. Visit one of our closest theme parks for a thrill
When summer comes around, there’s nothing we Brits love more than a good theme park − aside from a crisp pint or an ice cream, of course. Whether it’s Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers or something more niche, big and little kids will stay entertained all day long, and the biggest thrills are just a stone’s throw from Manchester. PLUS, throughout summer, many theme parks have offers for groups and couples, to see what deals you can get!
10. Catch the Olympics at Manchester’s official fanzone
There’s set to be plenty in store for those celebrating the Olympics from back home − including the chance to celebrate alongside the athletes themselves. Fanzones across the UK are set to host appearances from Team GB stars past and present throughout the Games, alongside screening all the action over a period of almost two months.
The Manchester Olympics Fanzone will be located at The Lawn Club in Spinningfields, an airy urban oasis amidst the lush greenery of Hardman Square. It boasts a large, raised outdoor deck with ample seating, perfect for watching all the action on the big screen. Here, you can enjoy an all-day food and drinks menu featuring everything from sharing boards and burgers to craft beers and cocktails.
Indoor things to do in Manchester this summer
11. Try your hand at padel as the first indoor city centre padel club opens
The racquet sport padel is really having a moment, however this club from Pure Padel sets itself apart from others by being indoors – perfect for those rainy days in Manchester. Due to open this August in a former goods and distribution warehouse, Pure Padel Manchester will be based at Dutton Street in Cheetham Hill. The venue will offer six panoramic padel courts, a pro-padel shop, a bistro-style café and bar, fully equipped changing rooms with showers, plus a raised mezzanine viewing platform overlooking a show court.
12. Grab a spot at the Palace Theatre to watch 101 Dalmations
A new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians will embark on a UK tour, coming to the Palace Theatre Manchester from July 30 – August 10. When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups. This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies – yes, real puppies! The production promises drama, action and a little bit of wholesome humour thrown in, on top of so much cuteness, of course.
13. Check out the huge new Oxfam superstore in Manchester
The new 10,000 sq ft Oxfam superstore opened its doors for the first time in Manchester Fort Shopping Park in Cheetham this July, with two floors full of preloved clothing, accessories, books, homewares and music, as well a café housed in an Oxfam water tank. Inside the superstore also features Oxfam’s unique Sourced by Oxfam range of ethically-sourced and sustainable new products – as well as showcasing products such as MioMojo handbags, which are recycled, biodegradable or bio-based bags created from foods such as apples and cactuses.
14. Plunge yourself into new immersive experience ‘Sweet Dreams‘
Factory International and award-winning art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) set out to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and cinema in the world premiere of ‘Sweet Dreams’ at Aviva Studios, a surreal, immersive journey through appetite, human desire and the evolving landscape of food.
Featuring a cast of satirical on-screen animated cartoon characters, voiced by leading international actors and comedians and illustrated by renowned French artist McBess (Matthieu Bessudo), the narrative centres around a fast-food empire in decline.
15. Pull your own pints at this new bar in Manchester
Fancy putting your pint-pulling skills to the test? Well, craft beer lovers can soon do exactly that as a huge, new self-service bar, known as The Tap House, where you pull your own pint has opened in Manchester. Established in Nottingham as one of the top places to go for craft beer in the city, The Tap House has now set its sights on Manchester to launch their self-service concept.
Located in Circle Square, The Tap House spans across two floors and boasts plenty of outside space as well as offering a huge 24 lines of beer to choose from, with a beer wall ranging in lagers, pale ales, PAs and stouts, as well as specialising in local breweries and hard to source brews.