Outdoor Family Activities in Manchester This Summer!

2024's summer in Manchester is slowly making its way to the city. 

While it's relatively early to say what summer will hold in Manchester, we can assure everyone reading this post that families often go to the city (or anywhere in Greater Manchester) to spend their time in the sun.

Keep your eyes on this post as we'll continuously update 

What Happened In Summer 2023?

In 2023, we looked at a variety of events during summer to give you a taste of what Manchester is like during the sunny season.

Below are what was highlighted. Please keep in mind that these events were on during 2023 and are likely no longer open. 

Meet the animals at Reddish Vale Farm Park

Families and children got to meet the animals at Reddish Vale Farm Park, which consisted of a fun, educating experience that had goers look after animals. An interactive event, the park also hosted a variety of events including a Dino Farm, Cirque Du Vale and the Farm Fest. 

While this was highlighted as an ideal family event during summer, Reddish Vale Farm Park is still open in 2024. So take a look when you get the chance.

Snorkel with Sharks at Sea Life Manchester

Snorkle in the Ocean Tunnel at SEA LIFE Manchester and get up close to some of the most wonderful and scary creatures in the sea! In the snorkel cage, you’ll be able to see majestic stingrays and spine-tingling sharks, as well as say a big underwater hello to Cammy and Ernie, the giant green sea turtles. Along with this, there will be over a thousand more creatures for you to meet!

The experience lasts for 60 minutes, and all equipment is provided – you just need to bring your own swimwear and a towel. More information and book here.

Tennis Coaching for Juniors & Adults

We Do Tennis hosts coaching sessions for both juniors and adults interested in tennis. These sessions are split into diverse categories depending on your (or your child’s) experience with tennis. It’s a great way to build confidence and a fantastic time to improve your tennis skills.

We Do Tennis delivers quality tennis coaching in numerous parks across Manchester.

Zorbing Football Experience - Bubble Footie

Take part in this action-packed experience! Bubble Footie is a hilarious and competitive event that will have you and your friends or family bounce around in laughter. 

Available to hire for children's parties, adult parties and other events, Bubble Footie is a recommended event to try this summer if you feel like doing something outdoors.

Book with Bubble Footie today!

The Great Northern Giant Summer Sandpit

Housed in the basin of the amphitheatre, Manchester’s Great Northern is bringing the beach to the city with a huge summer sandpit. Free, family-friendly spaces in the city centre are hard to come by, but the giant sandpit will have plenty of buckets and spades for your little ones to explore and let their imagination run wild with building sandcastles and making sand angels!

Stop by this city centre sandpit this summer – more information about the summer sandpit here.

Trafford Treetop Adventures

Bask in the sun while you swing, climb and traverse through this high ropes course at the Trafford Centre. Trafford's Treetop Adventures is providing a unique adventure course with over 20 challenges and obstacles to overcome. 

This is a great experience for families that enjoy adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. 

Tickets for Trafford Treetops are available here!

Manchester Wizard's Spellbook Treasure Trail -

Discover the wonderful world of wizardry with this Spellbook Treasure Trail! Take this magical self-guided treasure hunt walking trail in Manchester! This treasure hunt will have you spellbound by its fantastical landmarks. 

Work your magic and search for clues around the otherworldly trail. 

Learn more about the Wizard's Spellbook Trail here.

Photo by Treasure Trails

Planting Stories

Discover hidden stories of Liverpool Road Station's bustling community. Planting stories paints a picture of Manchester's industrial past, creating vibrant gardens in the historical Lower and Upper Yards since 2020 to visualise the colours of Manchester's past. 

This area is a great way to educate the younger generation of Manchester's rich history,

Plan your visit with Planting Stories and explore the expansive past of the UK's greatest northern city.

Family Fun on the East Lancashire Railway

Throughout the summer holidays, the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has plenty going on to keep the kids entertained! The Wizarding Adventure on, where students aged 5-12 can enrol at the Wizard Academy and take broomstick lessons, practice their potion-making, and talk with a tawny owl.

There will be a Pepper Pig and Friends Fun Day from August 31st to the 1st of September at the Bury Transport Museum. As well as meeting Peppa, George, Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig, there will be an activity trail, fun fair, balloon modellers, face painters, and even a petting zoo!

The East Lancashire Railway is a fantastic experience, especially with the summer events happening this year.