100 things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this May half term

By
Christopher Cooper
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0
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May half term is almost upon us and with places reopening as restrictions ease, there’s no shortage of fun for the family.

With many indoor venues reopening this week, there will be plenty to do whatever the weather.

But with capacities reduced in line with Covid safety measures, many places will be advanced tickets only, with some getting booked up well ahead of the school break, so don’t hang around if there’s something in particular the kids want to do.

And if you want to just head out somewhere without needing to book – or you’ve just not had time to even look – we’ve included some activities you can just turn up for.

Here’s our full round-up of events and things to do in and around Greater Manchester this May half term…

Manchester

Manchester Museum

The museum will be back open for half term, with restricted opening times of 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

All the natural history galleries are open and free to visit, including Stan the T Rex and the Vivarium.

Admission is free but advance booking preferred via the website. Up to six tickets can be booked for groups of up to six people, including children, or two households.

Stan the T-Rex at Manchester Museum

The Printworks

There’s loads for families to do inside Manchester’s Printworks.

Treetop Adventure Golf is back open from May 19 with its two courses – Tropical Trail and Explorer – and you can grab some handmade pizza from the Pizza Cabana.

The early bird offer is running through half term, to play two courses for the price of one when teeing off before midday Monday to Friday.

Tenpin is open too if you fancy a game of bowling and the place also features table tennis tables, arcades games and more.

Escape Reality is offering half price escape rooms Monday to Friday until June 18 – using the code WEAREBACK50 at the checkout – and the Vue cinema is also back open with films costing from £2.99 for Mini mornings, running throughout the school holidays.

Treetop Adventure Golf at the Printworks

Electric Gamebox

Electric Gamebox, previously Electric Playbox, opened in Manchester Arndale last year.

The interactive gaming attraction is made up of 10 ‘Playbox’ rooms, where games are projected onto all four walls.

Players wear lightweight visors with trackers that allow them to interact with the game through motion sensor and touch screen technology.

There are five adventures to choose from, including a trip back to 1984 to outwit an alien race taking over the globe, or a voyage into the future to rescue a royal family. See the website for more details and to book.

Electric Gamebox

Science and Industry Museum

The museum is reopening in time for May half term and families can book free tickets online now.

It will be the first opportunity for visitors to see the attraction’s new £5m gallery space, which will launch with a spy-themed exhibition.

Top Secret: From ciphers to cyber security, explores communications intelligence and cyber security over the course of 100 years.

Find out more in our article and book tickets online here, choosing a time slot you wish to arrive.

Science and Industry Museum

Great Northern

There’s also lots for families to do at Great Northern. If the weather’s nice, you can take a pew outside where the warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has been turned into a giant sandpit again.

Enjoy a brew while the kids get some sand between their toes, making castles and digging ditches.

You can pick up a coffee or a sweet treat from Alex’s Bakery while you’re there.

If you fancy heading indoors and aiming for a strike this half term, a new bowling alley has opened up there too.

Lane7 has taken over the site left empty by All Star Lanes and as well as ten-pin bowling, it features ping-pong, karaoke, and arcade games.

See the website here for more details.

The beach outside the Great Northern

Manchester Art Gallery

There’s always something to keep the little people happy at Manchester Art Gallery.

Initially the venue will open 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

If you’re visiting the main gallery, you won’t need to book a ticket – you can just walk in. See the website for more details of what’s happening.

Manchester Art Gallery

National Football Museum

To coincide with the reopening on May 27, the National Football Museum is celebrating the legends of the game in its first ever dedicated Hall of Fame exhibition.

Opening in the Score Gallery, the exhibition focuses on those players and managers who have contributed significantly to the game of our lives: breaking records, winning trophies, and paving the way for future generations, on and off the field.

You can book tickets now.

National Football Museum

Kickair

The indoor freestyle park is back from May 17 with its inflatable-filled Air Zone, football-inspired Kick Zone and lots more.

You can book a slot for an individual zone, or buy a crossover pass giving access to both.

Visit the website for more details and to book.

Kickair

The Whitworth

Whitworth Park and the Art Garden are open for all to enjoy.

Even if it’s raining you can download a free Welly Walks guide to enjoy a walk that’s been specially designed to support your toddler’s inquisitive nature.

It’s aimed at toddlers and their grown ups but there’s no age restriction – it’s all about getting muddy and discovering art and nature in the park.

The gallery is expected to reopen fully towards the end of May so keep an eye on the website for details of events.

Whitworth Park

Book trail, Alexandra Park

A half term family-friendly book trail and creative workshop is being hosted in Alexandra Park by Manchester Adult Education Family Learning.

Families will get to share a story, play games, make a craft clay stick creature and then go on a book trail, following clues around the park.

There are six free workshops taking place on June 1 and tickets (one for each family) must be booked online.

Treetop Trek and Nets

You could treat the kids to a trip to Treetop Trek and Nets inside Heaton Park.

It offers nets high in the trees, as well as a zip trek and mini trek, with slots available to book online.

Treetop Nets

The Crystal Maze Live Experience

Based on the popular 90s TV show, groups of up to six can book to take on the challenges of The Crystal Maze.

They’re all based inside four adventure zones – Medieval, Industrial, Aztec and Futuristic – and they’re all against the clock.

There are no mixed teams so you’ll only take part with those people you’ve booked with.

It’s open to anyone 13 or over, with a minimum height restriction of 1.2m. See the website for more.

Crystal Maze Live

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 new 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.

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 boating lake, where you can hire rowing boats or swan and dragon shaped pedal boats.

Even if you don’t have any 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.

In some of Manchester’s parks you can do a Dinosaur Safari or a Fairy Trail 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.

The lake at Heaton Park

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

There’s a free cat-themed trail happening at the home of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s very own Literary house.

In a nod to Elizabeth’s cat Cranford, the activity trail is packed full of jokes and activities for the kids – plus some cuddly cats to spot as you make your way around the house.

Explore at your own pace to find the feline friends and discover each cat adorned by an outfit made by the volunteers, who have all had fun creating their literary inspired ensembles.

The event is running from May 26 to June 6 and must be booked online.

A free cat-themed trail happening at the home of Elizabeth Gaskell

Junk Yard Golf

Junk Yard is home to three mashed up nine-hole crazy golf courses created from ‘pre-loved and reclaimed random shizzle’.

Groups can putt their way through all sorts of bizarre holes; think UV garage, scrapyard slides, circus freaks and jungle bathtubs.

It’s largely aimed at an older crowd, but children are allowed in Sunday to Thursday before 7pm.

You can book for groups of up to six on the website.

TeamSport Karting

TeamSport indoor karting is back in Manchester in time for half term.

The multi-level track is 550 metres long and is underneath the Manchester Arena car park.

The Manchester Victoria site opens from May 17, as does the track at Trafford Park.

Visit the website to book.

Go Karting

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).

Fletcher Moss Park

Salford

RHS Garden Bridgewater

The new RHS site is open from May 18.

The garden, at the former Worsley New Hall estate, is the first ever RHS Garden in an urban area and features a seven-acre Woodland Play area.

Designed to ‘promote adventure, creativity and a desire to explore nature’ it includes elements for all ages, from little ones to early teens.

Set in the heart of Middle Wood, it features zones for active play, from a low ropes course among the sycamores, a hide-and-seek trail around the rhododendrons and beech trees, to spider-web nets, basket swings and clambering frames.

Family events are planned at the site including a family fun weekend on May 22 and 23 and over half term the Get Up and Grow Festival takes place with everything from Greenshoots yoga sessions for children, to an interactive show all about bees from theatre company Pif-Paf.

See the website for more details.

Woodland Play at RHS Garden Bridgewater

City Airport (Manchester Barton)

Little ones can also watch the planes taking off and landing at the family-friendly Runway 26 cafe, based at City Airport in Barton, Salford.

Outdoor seating areas are available and the cafe is serving takeaway between 10am and 6pm.

The children’s play zone features its own pretend control tower with a climbing net, fireman’s pole and slide, and there are swings and an aeroplane ride-on.

City Airport is just five miles from Manchester City Centre, close to Junction 11 of the M60 on the A57 Liverpool Road.

City Airport

MediaCityUK

The Box on the Docks are back at the Quays which families can hire as a private dining pod.

The 30 brightly coloured sheds and greenhouses have been revamped to give them a summer vibe and are set within MediaCityUK’s award winning gardens.

The Blue Peter garden is there for little ones to enjoy and there’s also a free family art trail to take part in.

Based on the best-selling picture book Luna Loves Art, written by Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Fiona Lumbers, families are tasked with finding six artworks created by Fiona whilst enjoying the public spaces around MediaCityUK.

Each piece of art is inspired by pieces from the original book and can be found at The Open Centre, through the Gardens and into Quayside MediaCityUK. More information, and trail maps are available online or you can pick up a map from The Open Centre or Quayside MediaCityUK Customer Services.

The Luna Loves Art trail

Ordsall Hall

A Grade I listed Tudor manor house dating back 750 years, Ordsall Hall is a stone’s throw from the Quays and popular place to take the kids for a few hours, especially if the weather is warm enough to enjoy the gardens too.

The venue is reopening in time for May half term and will open Monday and Tuesday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm.

The museum shop and café and formal gardens are free entry for walk up visitors, but you’ll need to pre-book to visit the Hall’s heritage spaces and museum galleries. See online for more details.

Ordsall Hall

Worsley Woods

Generations of families have descended on Worsley Woods and there’s more reason to visit now that the play trail has had a refurb.

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.

Worsley 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.

Swipe right through the gallery below to see more photos from Clifton Country Park

Bounce Central

Trampoline centre Bounce Central is now taking bookings.

As well as trampolines and a giant air bag, it also features a Jurassic jungle soft play area for younger ones.

See the website to book.

Jungle soft play at Bounce Central

Trafford

Dino Falls Adventure Golf

Dino Falls Adventure Golf near the Trafford Centre features a Rapids course and a Volcano course, featuring a six-metre walk-through spouting volcano.

Bookings must be made online in advance of your visit and you can book for a group of up to six from the same household or bubble.

Courses are open from 7am until 9.25pm.

Dino Falls Adventure Golf

Namco Funscape Trafford Centre

Another place you can try and get that all-important strike is at the bowling alley inside the Trafford Centre.

Groups of six or two households can book a lane. There’s an arcade to enjoy too, as well as dodgems.

Book online.

Bowling at the Trafford Centre

Trafford Treetop Adventures

Enjoy a trek through the trees at Trafford Treetop Adventures.

The courses are in the grounds of intu Trafford Centre, near the Regent Crescent car park.

They feature more than 20 challenges and obstacles, finishing off with a zipline at the end.

The minimum age is six years old and participants under 1.4m must be accompanied by an adult.

Book online here and if you want to be in with a chance of winning a family pass for four, see the competition on our Manchester Family Facebook page here.

Trafford Treetop Adventures

Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park

It’s planes, trains and bouncy castles at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park this half term.

As well as the play area, which features swings and a play frame, the attraction is hosting a funfair, including bouncy castles, spinning teacups and rides on its very own Express Train.

There might not be as many planes as usual, but there’s still plenty of chances to see aircraft taking off and landing – with a viewing platform making it easier for the little ones to see.

The fair is open 10am to 3pm, with rides costing £2.50 each.

There’s a cafe available and picnic tables spread across the site.

Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park

Play Factore

It’s soft play on a mammoth scale at Play Factore, which houses the largest play frame in the UK along with other attractions including a full indoor laser tag arena, four Valojump trampolines, a zip wire and VR.

Bookings are now being taken online.

Play Factore

Trafford Watersports Centre

Groups of up to five people can book on one of the Family Adventures at Trafford Watersports Centre.

You can choose from kayaking, canoeing, kata kanuing or stand up paddleboarding and you get a one-hour instructed session.

See the website here to book.

Chill Factore

The Snow Park is back open at Chill Factore for families to enjoy everything from thrill filled sledging to Downhill Donuts.

Children must be aged four to enjoy the activities, with the Ice Slide limited to ages six and above.

Sessions can be booked here.

Chill Factore

Legoland

The ‘ultimate indoor Lego playground’ is back open for half term featuring the Lego Ninjago City Adventure, Miniland, a Lego 4D cinema and more.

There’s a special treat in store for Manchester City fans after the attraction commemorated The Blues’ Premier League win with a huge Lego sculpture of the Etihad stadium and the title trophy.

Capacity is limited and tickets must be pre-booked online here.

A huge Lego sculpture of the Etihad stadium and the title trophy

SeaLife

From sharks to clownfish you can see them all at Sea Life Manchester.

In fact you watch the sharks swimming over your head as you walk through the ocean tunnel.

Tickets are available to pre-book online.

SeaLife

Dunham Massey

The National Trust sites including Dunham Massey are open but tickets are hard to come by as visitor numbers are being restricted.

The website currently has tickets up to May 23, so dates after that are expected to be released soon.

You’ll be given a time slot at which to arrive, but once you’re in you can stay as long as you like.

Check the National Trust website here to book.

Dunham Massey

IWM North

Take a step back in time at the Imperial War Museum North.

Explore the timeline from the First World War to the present day in the Main Exhibition Space, or immerse yourself in the Big Picture Show, a series of 360 surround sound projections, including footage from Peter Jackson’s They Shall Not Grow Old.

Discover the forgotten histories of service personnel and civilians who came to Britain during the Second World War in Mixing It: The Changing Faces of Wartime Britain, or see conflict through the eyes of artists in Reactions.

The attraction is reopening from May 19 – Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm – with tickets available here.

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.

Longford Park

Inflata Nation

The attraction, packed full of inflatable fun will reopen on Saturday, May 22 – with extra health and safety measures in place.

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 can be booked online.

Inflata Nation

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

The home of indoor skydiving, participants are suspended in a column of air which reproduces the feeling of freefall.

Soar like a bird in the first 14ft (4.3m) diameter iFLY wind tunnel to be built in the UK. Book online here.

Total Ninja

There are more inflatables to enjoy at Total Ninja.

As well as a Ninja Academy area to tackle, there’s also a Ninja Inflatable Course, for ages four plus, with a smaller soft play area for threes and under.

Sessions can now be booked online.

Total Ninja

Paradise Island Adventure Golf

Adventure golf is back inside the Trafford Centre as Paradise Island reopens.

There are two 18-hole courses to complete – the Tiki Hut Trail, with wheelchair and push pram access, and Temple Ruins Adventure.

Bookings can be made for six people but only four people are allowed on at once so you may have to play in separate groups.

Bury

Bury Transport Museum

Free tickets can be booked online for the popular 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.

Tickets can be booked online for half term and are valid for one hour.

Bury Transport Museum

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.

Burrs Country Park

Bury Art Museum

The art museum is back open with holiday workshops running over half term.

Themed craft sessions for children aged 4-11 are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10.30am til noon throughout the school holidays. £3 per child and siblings under 4 are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The museum’s tea room is family-friendly and all floors of the building are accessible via a lift.

Bury Art Museum

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Bolton

Smithills Open Farm

The popular Smithills Open Farm is back open with online tickets only.

All the animal barns are fully open now and the popular Petting Corner is back indoors. Milking the cows demonstrations will continue as usual.

Children get the chance to feed the lambs and there are plenty of other hands on opportunities with snakes and chicks.

The venue also offers tractor rides, on toy ones as well as the real thing, and donkey rides too.

Visit the website to book.

Smithills Open Farm

Go Ape Rivington

There are more treetop challenges to have a go at if you visit Go Ape Rivington this half term.

With 13-metre-high platforms and ‘a brilliant free-falling Tarzan Swing’, it’s the only Go Ape location in the UK to feature a zip wire over water.

Tickets can be booked online here.

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.

Rivington Pike

Amazonia

Amazonia is an indoor play centre which features climbing frames, The Lost Valley Adventure Golf and its very own Jungle Express train.

Hidden away in The Vaults at Bolton’s Market Place, there’s also a cafe there selling ice cream, drinks and more.

It’s back open now with tickets available online.

Amazonia at The Vaults, Bolton Market Place

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.

Bolton’s Egypt exhibition is always popular with kids of all ages, especially if they’ve been learning the subject at school.

Families can see the ‘Land and People’ gallery, which is the largest and brightest gallery space there, and offers ‘a vivid celebration of life in Ancient Egypt’.

Five large glass archways are filled with artefacts relating to the everyday lives of Ancient Egyptian people.

See the website for more details on opening times.

Bolton’s Egypt exhibition

Air Vault

Greater Manchester’s first combined inflatable and trampoline park features a new airbag and jump tower, an obstacle course, slides, ninja run and climbing wall.

There’s a new entrance and one-way system to minimise contact and a refurbished mezzanine with cafe area.

Bookings – including Toddler Time sessions – can be made online.

Air Vault

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.

Its popular Steam Days are returning this May bank holiday – for Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31 – for the first time since August last year.

There is no charge for admission but a donation is always gratefully received. Keep an eye on the website for more details.

Bolton Steam Museum

Jump Xtreme and That Fun Place

There are two venues in one at Jump Xtreme as it also houses That Fun Place inside it.

Jump Xtreme has stunt air bags, tumble tracks and more than 118 trampolines. There’s also a dodgeball court and slam dunk hoops.

That Fun Place is for younger ones – primarily toddlers through to 12-year-olds – and is an adventure play zone featuring three levels of activities including swinging donuts, a spiral slide, a rope course and more.

Tickets for both can now be booked online.

That Fun Place

Oldham

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.

Daisy Nook Country Park

Gallery Oldham

The gallery is welcoming visitors back from May 18 with new opening times of 10am to 5pm Thursday to Saturday.

Super Saturday events aren’t yet back in person but there are activities to join in with online here.

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.

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 back open with a limited capacity and tickets must be booked in advance online.

There are play areas with swings, slides and mini ziplines dotted along a scenic nature walk.

You can take your own picnic to eat at the picnic benches.

Lancaster Park and Animal Farm

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.

Dovestone Reservoir

Dove Stone Reservoir

Inflatables

Inflatable Fun events are running at two venues this half term.

The bouncy castles and slides will be in Alexandra Park, Glodwick, from May 19 to 31 and in Royton Park from June 1 to 6.

See the Facebook page for details.

Stockport

The Garden House

The Garden House in Stockport is back up and running with plenty of animals to see.

It’s completely free to visit but donations are welcome and opening hours are 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Visitors can have a picnic and children can enjoy the junior assault course with scramble nets and balancing logs.

The animals on the site, which is operating a one-way system, include alpacas, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese.

The Riverside Cafe is open from 11am to 3pm serving drinks and snacks, including cakes and ice cream.

No booking is required so you can simply turn up.

The Garden House, Marple

Reddish Vale Farm

Another popular place for children to meet and handle animals is Reddish Vale Farm.

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.

Tickets can be booked online.

Reddish Vale Farm

Lyme Park

If the kids have got their walking shoes on, there are 1,400 acres to explore at the park and you can download one of the recommended walks online.

Or you can spend some time in Crow Wood, where the kids can let off steam on the giant slide, badger den and rope walks – aimed at ages five to 12.

There is also a high level walkway, sandpit and a treehouse with a fireman’s pole. Crow Wood is open from 8am during spring and summer, until 6pm each day.

Lyme also has a 50 garden trail that kids are encouraged to try – featuring everything from kite flying on the top lawn and playing pooh sticks or climbing trees in the Vicary Gibbs play area.

The website currently has tickets up to May 23, so dates after that are expected to be released soon.

You’ll be given a time slot at which to arrive, but once you’re in you can stay as long as you like.

Check the National Trust website here to book.

Lyme Park

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.

Bruntwood Park, Cheadle

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.

Etherow Country Park

Etherow Country Park

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Tameside

Cockfields Farm

The farm is now back open inside and out and it’s expanded with a new giant sandpit so that kids can play whatever the weather.

On the border of Oldham and Tameside, there are lots of animals for children to meet and feed including sheep, reindeer, Gloria the pig and the new baby goats.

Outside they can play in the outdoor beach area, explore the duck pond walk and meet the donkeys and pony, bounce on the giant jumping pillow and enjoy rides on the fairground carousel.

All activities are included in the admission price and bookings must be made online in advance.

Cockfields Farm

Portland Basin Museum

The museum is reopening from May 19 with slightly reduced hours of 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday.

This half term it is launching the museum’s first ‘Make, Do and Play’ activity bag that will contain everything needed to make a nature inspired craft activity, as well as walking booklets and activity sheet.

You can book your visit to Portland Basin Museum and get your craft bag via the website here.

Wild Art

Two outdoor events are taking place this half term, also based around the theme of nature.

Children can make some twiggy sculptures, design and make a decorated ‘bio ball’ or use the woodland floor as a canvas for artwork. Lots of ‘Wild Art’ activities for the whole family.

The first event runs at Hyde Park from 11am to 3pm on Thursday, May 27. The second is at the same time but at Cheetham Park on Tuesday, June 1. Find out more on the website.

Wild Art

Adventure Medlock

Clip n Climb and high ropes are returning to Adventure Medlock from May 22 for weekends only.

For Clip n Climb there’s a maximum of 20 spaces per time slot, with eight allowed on the high ropes.

Sessions must be booked in advance online.

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 and climbing ropes.

The park was done up as part of a £12m revamp of the site a couple of years ago and since then it’s seen a huge rise in visitor numbers.

Kids can exploring the 250 acres of woodland surrounding Haigh Hall. For more details, or to book visit www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk.

Adventure golf at Haigh Woodland Park

Velocity Wigan

There’s another Clip n Climb at Velocity Trampoline Park, as well as a new inflatable section.

Children can enjoy the assault course, jump tower and an interactive slide as part of their jump session.

If they want to do it all then you can book an hour’s jump session and an hour’s Clip n Climb for £18.

Visit the website to book in advance.

Clip n Climb at Velocity

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.

Lancashire Mining Museum

There’s lots to see and explore in the 14 acres of woodland and open areas of the site and its new addition is its very own train – part of which has been modified for wheelchairs.

The passenger carrying railway is being officially launched on May 30 and will also run on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31. The timetable for half term is still to be confirmed.

For details of how to book train tickets, see the Facebook post here.

The new train at Lancashire Mining Museum

Atherton Gun Range

Children from the age of eight can have a go at shooting at Atherton Gun Range, which boats the largest public indoor air gun range in the UK.

Rifles can be hired and there’s full tuition to make sure that novice shooters know what they’re doing.

During lockdown bosses installed fully electric, interactive, robotic recall targets, which means people can send their targets to the distance of their choice, whenever they like, all at the touch of a button on their phone.

Visit the website to book.

Atherton Gun Range

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.

Applecast

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.

The play area is also back open, featuring play frames and its own tractor, and there are picnic benches now dotted around it.

You can now order a box of homemade and artisan picnic goodies and included in your booking is the use of a picnic bench overlooking the fruit fields.

There’s also a cafe selling food and drinks and it also stocks Cheshire Farm ice cream.

See the website for details.

Kenyon Hall Farm

Bents Garden and Home

Again on the border with Warrington, Bents is another place that pulls in the families.

There’s an outdoor play area the kids can enjoy and you could also tie in your visit with a trip to the Bents’ Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course, which has its own cafe and outdoor seating too.

Players make their way around the 18-hole course surrounded by life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Just book a slot at the site when you arrive.

See the website for details.

Bents’ Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course

Scotman’s Flash

Watersports are back at Scotmans Flash this half term.

Among them is a two-day sailing course open to kids from the age of eight.

See the website here for details of what’s on offer.

Scotman’s Flash

Ninja Warrior

If you fancy a challenge then you can put your stamina to the test at Ninja Warrior UK Adventure.

Based on the concept of ITV’s prime time show, children and adults can tackle the ninja obstacles, take on the gladiator or enjoy the huge inflatable zone, which features foam pits, slides, a ball pool and climbing walls.

It features two ninja runs for children aged five to 14 and two for over 14s. The big inflatable zone is for ages five and over.

For under fours there’s a smaller inflatable area as well as a soft play frame.

Swipe right through the gallery below to see more images of Ninja Warrior UK Adventure

To find out more, or book a session, visit the website here.

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.

Boomers and Swingers

Pennington Flash, Wigan

If it’s a relaxing walk you’re after – well, as relaxing as it gets when you mix kids and mud – then you can’t do much better than a trip to 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.

Pennington Flash

Rochdale

Springfield Park

You could use half term to check out the new pirate-themed play area at Rochdale’s biggest park.

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.

Springfield Park

Puttstars

There’s mini golf and an amusement area to enjoy at Puttstars at Rochdale Riverside.

Puttstars promises customers ‘mini golf with a unique and modern twist, thanks to three interactive and fun filled nine-hole courses’.

Gone are the days of pencil and paper scoring. Instead, scores are digitally calculated using high-tech screens at each hole and totted up as players make their way around.

There’s a bar and diner at the venue selling food and drinks including pizzas, hot dogs and shakes.

Visit the website to book.

Puttstars

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.

Hollingworth Lake

Flip Out Rochdale

Rochdale’s biggest indoor trampoline and adventure park is back open with a ninja warrior course, laser maze and lots more.

There’s a viewing gallery and cafe upstairs, so parents can watch and admire as their kids are perfecting their flipping skills – unless you want to show them how it’s done that is!

Visit the website to book online. Or see the Manchester Flip Out here.

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.

Healey Dell

Cheshire and elsewhere

Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield

Space craft activities are being planned at Jodrell Bank over half term.

Simply drop by the new giant tipi and have a go at some family craft activities on offer.

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition features many different types of objects which can be found in space.

Youngsters are invited to find out more about some of these objects and set their creativity to work by making their very own space craft to take home.

Sessions run from May 29 to June 6. See the website for more details.

The Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank

Chester Zoo

Always a popular half term trip, tickets need to be booked in advance for Chester Zoo, which like most places is limiting visitor numbers.

From May 17 the indoor animal houses and dining areas have been allowed open too so there are even more animals to see.

Tickets can be booked online.

Chester Zoo

Knowsley Safari

The safari is another hit with families and tickets are already selling fast for half term week.

Visitors will be able to see two Grevy’s Zebra, the largest and most endangered Zebra species, who arrived at the attraction just before Easter.

You’ll also be able to see Knowsley’s fascinating bush dogs enjoying their new upgraded enclosure after the area was recently landscaped and redeveloped, allowing for additional viewing areas along the Foot Safari.

Visit the website to book.

Knowsley Safari

Tatton Park, Knutsford

There are lots of reasons to visit Tatton this half term.

The Percy The Park Keeper and friends outdoor family trail is still running, ending June 13.

Inspired by Nick Butterworth’s book, The Secret Path, you can pick up your trail sheet, explore secret paths and enjoy having a play in the spring gardens.

Visit the website here to book tickets.

The farm is also open at the site Tuesday to Sunday, there is a sheep shearing event running on May 29 and 30 and a Scarecrow Trail runs throughout half term from May 29 until June 6.

This year’s event ‘is a celebration of people who have helped us through the coronavirus pandemic’ so will feature local lockdown heroes and inspiring individuals from 2020 / 2021. Visit the website to book.

The Scarecrow Festival is back at Tatton Park

Wild Shore Delamere

A floating obstacle course is back open near Delamere Forest.

Aqua Chimp features everything from zip wires and rope swings to climbing walls and rope bridges.

Around 40 minutes from Manchester, it’s at Wild Shore Delamere, based at Delamere Lake Sailing and Holiday Park in Northwich.

The place is also home to a huge inflatable Aqua Park, which hosts a number of Ninja Warrior-style features including Tire Run, Ninja-Jump and Monkey Bars along with a 3.8m inflatable tower Mount Rainier.

You can try out stand-up paddle boarding too, where you hire all the kit you need for two hours.

Picnic pods have been added to the site for families to take their own lunch along and they’re under cover too so you won’t get another soaking if it rains.

Visit the website here for more details.

Wild Shore Delamere

Manley Mere, Frodsham

It’s well known for its inflatable aquapark, but there’s a lot more for families to enjoy on a day out at Manley Mere.

As well as the massive floating assault course, Manley Mere also has an Adventure Trail, and offers paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing.

There’s no set route but the trail is around a mile-and-a-half long and meanders through woodland, alongside a stream and features obstacles and challenges on the way.

Manley Mere

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

If you’ve missed the thrills of roller coasters during lockdown, you can get your fix again now that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is back open.

As well as rides like Icon and the Big One for older children, there are lots of tamer rides and coasters for younger ones in Nickelodeon Land.

Tickets, from £30, can be booked online.

The ICON rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool

Another popular attraction in Blackpool is the waterpark and sessions can be booked online for half term week.

It features the Master Blaster, the world’s longest Indoor Roller Coaster waterslide, Aztec Falls, Sidewinder and more.

Families and younger guests can enjoy the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool, Treetops water chutes, the Caribbean Storm Treehouse and Fort Riptide.

Visit the website to book.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Gulliver’s World, Warrington

There are plenty more rides for the family at Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

The attraction houses 30 rides in six themed areas and the website lets you quickly see how many your child will get on according to their height.

There’s everything from the Adventure Canyon water ride and Billy Bob’s Bi Planes, to dinosaur rides in The Lost World and Tree Top Swings.

Visit the website to book.

One of the rides at Gulliver’s World

Walton Gardens, Warrington

Also in Warrington is the popular Walton Gardens.

As well as being home to a free children’s zoo – housing everything from donkeys, alpacas, sheep and African Pygmy goats to ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits and a colourful array of birds – there’s a huge children’s playground, which is separated into zones for different age groups and an adventure golf course.

It recently welcomed the new treetop adventure Jungle Parc too, featuring rocket zips, Tarzan swings, wobbly bridges and an aerial skateboard.

The Adventurer Course has over 60 different activities and has six different levels of difficulty – with each one getting slightly higher.

Sessions can be booked online.

Jungle Parc

Martin Mere, Burscough

There’s loads for families to see and do at the popular Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

From having fun in the muddy meadow and play area, to taking a boat ride or trying your hand at canoeing, you can easily fill a day with the activities on offer.

Depending on the season you can spot everything from ducklings to migrating swans and there’s flamingos, otters, geese and more.

All the hides are now open with the exception of Gladstone hide and you can now hand feed the birds by purchasing your bag of grain from the Admissions desk when you arrive.

For more details visit the WWT website.

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

There is so much for families to explore at Brockholes Nature Reserve so it’s well worth making the drive from Manchester.

Get there early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your day exploring the nature reserve which is home to a free adventure playground.

Children aged seven plus can enjoy the climbing forest and the play area features everything from a zip wire and balance blocks to a miniature gravel quarry for scooping and digging.

You can visit as one household at the moment, or no more than six individuals from separate households.

See the website for more details.

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Quarry Bank, Wilmslow

The mill is open from May 17 with 25 people being admitted every 15 minutes and a one-way route in place.

While your ticket allows you to explore the gardens and estate as much as you like on the day you visit, they can’t guarantee everyone will be able to visit the mill, particularly on very busy days.

The Apprentice House is back open too from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can discover where Quarry Bank’s child workers lived, ate and slept, or explore the gardens they tended after long shifts in the mill.

There will be a limited number of daily tours, so ask at Visitor Reception on arrival if you’d like to visit the Apprentice House.

The Apprentice House is back open at Quarry Bank

The Crocky Trail, Chester

The Crocky Trail is currently open Friday afternoons and at weekends, but will open daily across half term.

Families can enjoy a mile long adventure of adrenaline drenched fun running along the famous trail, scrambling through trees, climbing over crooked bridges and swinging over the Crocky stream.

Tickets can be booked in advance online.

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre, Preston

Situated next to the Barton Grange Garden Centre, The Flower Bowl houses everything from crazy golf and bowling to curling sessions and a cinema – on sofa style seating.

It’s perfect for a rainy day as everything is inside.

Crazy golf is in the Secret Garden, which is outdoors yet still under cover and takes you round flower-filled borders, water features and garden statues.

There’s eight lanes of bowling open during the same hours and on certain days you can book on an hour-long Try Curling session, for which the minimum age is 11.

Visit the website for more details.

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