5 Free Family Days Out in the North West

With the Summer holidays looming, we’re all searching for ideas for a free family day out. Here follows some ideas which won’t cost a penny. So make up a picnic and get ready for some adventure!

1. Dove stone Reservoir

My children love walking around the idyllic, peaceful Dove Stone reservoir in the summer months. The views are absolutely spectacular.

We spend many a family day out here looking for wildlife. We have seen an array of birds, squirrels, and even a deer! Now in the care of RSPB, this charity often offers wildlife activities for eager nature detectives which makes the 2.5-mile walk around the reservoir all the more enjoyable. There are multiple walkways which veer off the main path, ideal for the children to run around and play. Or steeper paths for the more experienced walker. We have spent whole days in this beautiful location enjoying a picnic and paddling in the cool waters on a hot summer day. Best of all, it’s a full free family day out exploring the great outdoors!

2. Manchester Museum – Manchester

The Manchester Museum is always on our Summer holidays to-do list. Whenever we visit, we always spend a full day at this amazing museum. Some of the exhibitions are changed regularly, so there is always something new to see here. There are so many displays, artefacts and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We bring our own packed lunch and snacks and we are set for a free family day out! Read all about our adventures Exploring Manchester Museum.

3. Heaton Park – Manchester

Heaton Park lies on the outskirts of Manchester and offers the ideal free family day out. A newly refurbished playground, with its iconic UFO themed slide, is a beacon for children of all ages. There is plenty of equipment on this park to keep the children entertained for hours. A firm family favourite of ours is the animal centre.

Farmyard animals include goats, pigs, donkeys, peacocks and alpacas. The farmyard is free! The park also includes a boating lake and two excellent cafes. Visitors can ride the land train or visit the well-stocked garden centre. The park hosts fairground attractions throughout the year as well as numerous other events. There is plenty of open space to play ball games and let the kids run around.

4. Moss Bank Park – Bolton

One of my favourite parks in the area is undoubtedly Moss Bank Park. The playground is much loved by my daughter who can spend hours here playing in the huge sand pit. The equipment is also excellent with numerous slides, swings as well as other pieces for the kids to climb on. The park includes a lovely cafe which serves hot and cold meals. There are plenty of areas for children to run around and play ball games. There are some lovely little walks too.

5. Museum of Science and Industry – Manchester

Perfect for those rainy summer days is the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.  

I enjoyed many a school trip at this fabulous museum. There are so many things to see and do here, if you’ve never visited the museum before, you’re in for a treat! The galleries include air and space, a steam engine exhibition as well displays which explore the Industrial Revolution. We haven’t visited this particular museum with my 4-year-old, so we will certainly be making a trip this summer! This is another ideal location for a perfect, fun-filled free family day!