Runway Visitor Park | Altrincham
A brilliant place to watch planes as they take-off and land!
Parks & Walks
Free Events and Attractions in Manchester
Free Things to Do with Kids in Manchester
Looking for free things to do in Manchester with kids? Whether you’re planning a fun day out for the whole family or trying to keep the children entertained without spending money, there are plenty of great options across Manchester and the surrounding areas.
From parks and playgrounds to museums and community events, Manchester is packed with free family-friendly activities. Whether you’ve got toddlers, primary school children, or teens, you’ll find something to suit every age and interest.
Explore our guide to the best free days out, helping families enjoy more of Manchester for less.
The Whitworth Art Gallery
A welcoming cultural experience for all ages
Places to Visit
Wythenshawe Park Bee Club
Open Saturdays with free entry
Places to Visit
Walton Park
Large park with miniature railway in Sale
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Sale Water Park
Lakeside walks, water sports, and wildlife areas
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Wythenshawe Park
Community farm, play area and green spaces
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Manchester Museum
Hands on discovery for all ages!
Places to Visit
People's History Museum
open every day except Tuesday
Places to Visit
Science and Industry Museum
Discover something new... for FREE!
Places to Visit
National Football Museum
The world's largest football museum!
Places to Visit
The Lowry Salford
Offering world-class theatre, galleries, and experiences
Places to Visit
Organic Gardening Workshops
at Ryder Brow Community Allotment Society
Events
Moss Side Powerhouse Library
Community library and youth space
Places to Visit
Family Jam at Z-arts
(1 other dates)Free monthly family live music event
Events
Woodville Family Hub
One-stop shop for a range of services
Places to Visit
Fentons Farm Foods
Farm shop, a variety of animals to meet and a play area
Places to Visit
Glebe Farm Astbury
Animals to meet, independent shops, a café, a farm shop and a butcher
Places to Visit
Heaton Park
Playgrounds, animal centre, boating lake and more
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Chadderton Hall Park
Play areas and green spaces in Oldham
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Didsbury Park
Community park in Didsbury Village
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Mayfield Park
Riverside walks, play area and green spaces in the city centre
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Tandle Hill
Large park in Oldham with playground
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Philips Park
Historic Park in East Manchester
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Chorlton Water Park
Lakeside walks, wildlife and open green space
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Buile Hill Park
Sports facilities, heritage features and open parkland in Salford
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Clifton Country Park
48 hectares of open woodland, meadows and lakeside walks
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Queens Park
Open parkland, sports facilities and a children's play area
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Haigh Woodland Park
Large public woodland park on the outskirts of Wigan
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Alkrington Woods
Nature reserve north of Manchester
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Castlefield Viaduct
Victorian viaduct transformed into a 'garden in the sky'
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Hollingworth Lake Country Park
118-acre lake with lakeside walking and picnic spots
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Bruntwood Park
100-acre recreational park in Cheadle
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Stamford Park
Large park in Stalybridge
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Walkden Gardens
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Cathedral Gardens
Open space in the Medieval Quarter
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Marie Louise Gardens
Much loved green space in Didsbury
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Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Free exhibitions and studios
Places to Visit
Manchester Cathedral
Magnificent Grade I listed medieval building
Places to Visit
Manchester Library Trail
Network of little free libraries
Places to Visit
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Telling the story of policing, open Tuesdays
Places to Visit
Imperial War Museum North
Places to Visit
Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens
Award-winning gardens and riverside walks
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Wild Things at The Lowry
(38 other dates)Events
Circle Square Flea Market
(1 other dates)hosted by ReMarket
Events
Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green
Places to Visit
Peel Park
Green spaces and play park in Salford
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Platt Fields Park
Lots of activities and large green spaces
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Whitworth Park
Children's play area and Art Gallery nearby
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Looking for a something different? Visit our home page to browse more ideas!
Free activities in Manchester are a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together without the cost. From outdoor adventures and walks to free events and cultural attractions, there’s always something happening to keep kids entertained.
We update this guide regularly with the latest free things to do in Manchester, including seasonal events and school holiday activities. Be sure to check back often so you never miss out.
If you would like to add a listing to this page, you can submit your details here.