The summer holidays are right around the corner and luckily Manchester’s biggest shopping centre has just the thing to keep the kids entertained. The Trafford Centre is bringing back its giant beach, splash park and fair this summer along with a brand new activity zone – plus, it won’t break the bank.
Following the success of last year’s event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays and will be kicking off from July 19 and running until August 31. The summer fair at the Trafford Centre will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall, which is described as “perfect for building sandcastles and soaking up the Manchester sun”, so fingers crossed the weather delivers over the long break.
What to expect at the Trafford Centre summer fair
As well as providing Manchester with a beach, the Trafford Centre will also be home to a giant splash park where visitors can cool off and it’s even equipped with multiple water jets for endless family fun. There will also be more than 20 thrilling rides for kids of all ages, from Water Balls and Bumper Boats for little ones, to Star Flyer and Sea Storm for thrill seekers. Plus there will also be a large inflatable area to play on.
And playing in the sunshine can be hungry and thirsty work so the Trafford Centre will also have a host of food trucks with vendors selling the likes of Cheshire ice cream, Belgian waffles, chocolate covered fruit & marshmallows, burgers, hotdogs and churros.
Trafford Centre Summer Activity Zone
Plus, new for 2025 is the Summer Activity Zone – an undercover tent area complete with free, hands-on crafting activities designed especially for kids. Each week brings a new theme packed with imagination, colour, and fun – rain or shine! Whether your little ones love painting, baking, building or experimenting, there’s something to inspire every young mind. See the full schedule below.
Kaleidoscope of Colour – July 21-23
- Monday 21st July, 12-4pm – Tag It
- Tuesday 22nd July, 12-4pm – T-Shirt Factory
- Wednesday 23rd July, 12-4pm – Water Pistol Painting
Treats, Glorious Treats! – July 28-30
- Monday 28th July, 12-4pm – Fizz Bang Brownie Bar
- Tuesday 29th July, 12-4pm – Donut Decorating Station
- Wednesday 30th July, 12-4pm – Cupcake Craze
My Sustainable Summer – August 4-6
- Monday 4th August, 12-4pm – Upcycled Art
- Tuesday 5th August, 12-4pm – Eco Explorers
- Wednesday 6th August, 12-4pm – The Sustainable Garden Shop
Mad Science – August 13-15
- Wednesday 13th August, 12-4pm – Build a Bot crafts and puzzles
- Thursday 14th August – Whacky Science Show – 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm + Slime Surprise Workshop
- Friday 15th August – Whacky Science Show – 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm + Brain Boggle Workshop
Brick & Build Studio – August 18-20
- Monday 18th August, 12-4pm – Race to Space
- Tuesday 19th August, 12-4pm – Charm Bracelet Booth
- Wednesday 20th August, 12-4pm – Block Bricks
Summer Camp – August 25-27
- Monday 25th August, 12-4pm – Camp Trafford
- Tuesday 26th August, 12-4pm – Rainforest Masks & Paper Origami Canoes
- Wednesday 27th August, 12-4pm – Paper Mosaics & Pizza Cookies
How to get tickets for the Trafford Centre summer fair
Summer Fair at the Trafford Centre runs from July 19 to August 31, and will be open daily from 12pm to 8pm. Entry costs £3 plus 30p booking fee per person, or £3.50 on the gate. Ride tokens are sold separately at £1 each. Pre-booking is recommended via the website here.
Alternatively, families who want to visit the fair all summer long can enter the fair and enjoy unlimited rides as much as they want for £120 per person. These exclusive wristbands can be purchased from Guest Services, located inside the centre next to M&S.
Adding to the summer excitement, families can also pick up a free ‘all inclusive’ wristband from Guest Services to unlock a range of exclusive treats and discounts from across the centre throughout the summer – including free ice creams, coffees and more. Full details can be found here.