Free Activities for Under 12s this Summer!

Free Activities for Under 12s this Summer!

The summer holidays are here, and we are all wondering “What shall we do with the kids?” and “How much is this going to cost?” This blog will give some answers to that question for the under 12s. Almost all of the activities here are free, although I have included a few paid activities as well, just for variety. And remember, September isn’t far away….

Go To the Park

Parks are always a winner if it’s not raining. Free, and you can extend your time there by taking a picnic, although you may have to stump up for an ice-cream. There are loads of really good parks all over Manchester, so listed here are some of the best ones in South Manchester with dedicated playgrounds

• Didsbury  park: Wilmslow Road Didsbury, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5LS
• Bruntwood park: 6 Bruntwood Ln, Cheadle SK8
• Fog Lane park: 139 Fog Ln, Parkville Rd, Park, Manchester M20 4UP
• Chorlton park, Barlow Moor Road M21 7SH
• Alexandra park:  180 Russell St, Manchester M16 7JL
• Ladybarn park: Burnage Ln, Withington, Manchester M20 4XA
• Cringle Park: Crossley Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 2QP
• Platt Fields Park: Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LA
• Longford Park: Ryebank Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Stretford, Manchester M21 9TA
• Wythenshawe Park: Wythenshawe Road, M23 0AB

Swimming

Swimming is great for tiring the kids out, and is also free in a number of pools if you are registered. It’s also a life-saving skill so it’s always good to keep your kids swimming. 

Here is what MCC has to say:

If you’re 16 or under then you can enjoy free swimming during all school holidays, in general swim sessions. You can swim at any pool operated by the Council including Abraham Moss, North City, Manchester Aquatics Centre, East Manchester, Arcadia, Moss Side, Hough End and Wythenshawe Forum.

To register visit a pool that offers ‘free swimming’ and ask staff to help.

When you register you will need: 

proof of age (bus pass, driving license, passport, birth certificate): and

proof of where you live (utility bill, such as your council tax bill, gas bill etc).

Get Creative

Little HOME, at Home, Manchester, a family festival packed with free and ticketed events, between Fri 2 – Sun 4 Aug and Sat 10 – Sun 11 Aug 2024.

• There will be interactive performances, hands-on workshops, and fun for all ages. Discover the magic of storytelling with immersive theatre performances, spectacular circus acts; arts and crafts at HOME’s Creativity Corner.
• Most activities are free although a few require some payment.

https://homemcr.org/event/little-home/

Z Arts, 335 Stretford Rd, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA

All sorts of incredible arts and performances for small people. Regular classes available go check out their website for more information about this wonderful community resource, but small charges are made.

https://www.z-arts.org/

Manchester Art Gallery

There is all sorts of stuff going on at the Summer of Creativitey from July 2cnd -10th Sept. It is all free. Find more at:

https://manchesterartgallery.org/learn/families/

Go Cycling

Another great free activity is cycling. Good for the health, good for the pocket, and there are some great cycle paths that you can get your kids out on including:

1. Fallowfield Loop – This 4.5 mile long route is mostly traffic-free and great for a cycle through the city of Manchester. Since you’ll be road riding for this cycling route, make sure your pedal bike is easy to carry.
2. Manchester Airport Orbital Cycleway – If you’re looking for an easy route then this is perfect for you and your family.
3. Chorlton Water Park – This water park is situated in a nature reserve making it great for kids on a summer’s day out. The perfect bike here is lightweight.
4. Manchester Cycleway – This off-road cycle track is great for teaching kids about road safety without them actually being on the road!
5. Ashton Trail – A trail with new cyclist traffic lights specifically for bike users, great for helping kids learn about the rules of the road.
6. Medlock Valley Project – This route is great if you’re looking for a path through beautiful fields with scenery for miles. Try out mountain bikes here to make cycling along the fields easier.
7. Stalybridge Country Park – In this park you’ll find traffic-free tarmac filled roads surrounded by hills and beautiful views. The tarmacked roads make this route perfect for your child’s balance bike.

Outdoor Activities

There are lots of outdoor activities if you have some money to spend, including:

Tree tops in heaton park

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/treetop-nets-manchester

Venture Out holiday club

Based in the grounds of BRFC Venture Out Canoeing and Kayaking offers a summer club for years 3-7. YOu can find more information here: https://www.venture-out.co.uk/outdoor-holiday-club

Visit a Museum

Manchester boasts a wealth of family-friendly museums, all of which are free. If you have someone football mad then the football museum is worth a visit, but my favourites are:

The Manchester Museum:

 Always a win with mummies and dinosaur exhibits. There is also the vivarium upstairs where you can look at snakes and poison dart frogs. There are usually family friendly activities during the summer. Check their website at: 

https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/

The Science and Industry Museum 

Lots of interactive exhibitions all year round. Check out what might interest your young ones at:

https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Beyond the City Centre:

Having saved up all that money doing free things, you might want to splash out on something further afield. For the occasional more expensive adventure here are a couple of things that might be worth considering. 

Tatton Park Farm: 

Kids do love to get up close to animals. Escape the city for a day trip to Tatton Park. NOt only are there great gardens and a huge playground, but there is a working farm. Take the land train to the farm. YOu can prebook tickets at the link below.

• https://www.tattonpark.org.uk/what_to_see_and_do/farm/farm.aspx

Chester Zoo

• Always a great day out, but there are other things they offer too. There is a holiday club, see below alongside some of the other great experiences they offer.

• https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/junior-rangers-holiday-club/