Different things to do with the kids this summer

We've created a huge list full of different things you can do around the Greater Manchester area. You can go bug hunting, playing retro games from the past and even magnet racing. We've compiled all the best bits just for you!

FREE EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

Chethams Library, Manchester Explore the depths of one of the oldest Libraries in the country, you might have to call ahead to avoid disappointment however! They started acquiring books in 1665 and their collection has expanded ever since, so don’t delay today. MORE INFO

Manchester Galleries, Manchester Slap bang in the middle of Manchester this beautiful museum has a huge wealth of art to ponder and see. With family activities available throughout, including an Art studio and other facilities to make this a fun visit. With Workshops available throughout the month for all ages. MORE INFO

Central Library, Manchester Visit the Archives+ area, an interactive children’s area with a difference. It’s themed on the secret garden, filled to the brim with interactivity, designed to get both you and your children interested in the local area and even your family history. You can even curl up with your favourite book and enjoy some relaxed bonding time together. MORE INFO

Inclusive sports, Bolton

From 28th July Have a chance of trying some free inclusive sports that will be happening over the summer in and around Bolton. They’ll be lots of opportunity to try out some great sports, but also take your fill at some of the stalls that will be there. MORE INFO

Hall I’th’ Wood Bug Hunt, Bolton

From 4th August A bug hunt! You'll be trying to find lots of different bugs and insects, what will you find? Once you’ve had a look at them, you’ll let them go and leave them to their own devices. Suitable for 5+ and wear suitable clothing. Ring 01204 332377 for more info, and you have to book in advance!

Salford Museum, Salford Salford museum and art gallery was the UK’s ‘first free public library’. Take a step back in time and visit a Victorian street and spend an afternoon seeing the sights and experiencing the sights and learning about the local history of Salford. MORE INFO

Discover Salford Discover the city for yourself! Download one of these Heritage trails and discover Salford’s history for yourself. Go on one of these self-guided walks. There are three to choose from and each encompasses a different area of the city. MORE INFO

Imperial War Museum, Trafford Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits Discover the sights, sounds and smells of wartime Britain, in the IWM’s new interactive exhibition. The exhibition features more than 200 objects, photographs, art works, film clips and sound recordings and reveals the personal stories of the people who lived through the Blitz. Snoop through a 1940’s house, stumble through a blackout, hide in a cramped bomb shelter and milk a cow! It’s a fantastic exhibition. MORE INFO

Trafford Centre, Trafford. Explore the shopping paradise that is the Trafford Centre, with lots of events happening throughout the school holidays. Plus lots of shops to delve into, you can get well and truly lost in . MORE INFO

Touchstones, Rochdale This includes a ‘Hands on’ museum for all the family. With an Art Gallery etc, and events happening throughout the summer holidays. We spotted Pottery, and plaster casting. MORE INFO HERE + HERE

Oldham Gallery Explore a busy and exciting exhibitions within the Oldham Gallery, with vibrant and exiting art throughout the gallery. You'd be silly to miss out on this beautiful display. MORE INFO

PAID EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS MOSI - Play it!

From £4 per person Get your game face on and have a blast from the past. The Museum of Science and Industry are hosting a fantastic couple of weeks of nostalgia, with the opportunity to play some of the most popular games of the past 30 years. Enter multiplayer competitions, take on your friends or family and have some retro fun. MORE INFO

Coronation Street Tour

Prices vary If you want to experience behind the scenes at the world famous Quay Street set, this tour will be fantastic for you. Studio guides will guide you through 50 years of filming on this iconic set, pop online and grab some tickets, as the tour finishes at the end of December 2015. You may never have the chance again! MORE INFO

Explore Egypt - Wigan

£2.50 per child Travel back in time to the age of pyramids, hieroglyphs and mummies with fantastic family activities. Make your own mummy and even take it home. This great event is hosted by Wigan Council, and booking is required. MORE INFO

Steaming Sundays, Wigan

Prices vary Visit Trencherfield Mill on a Steaming Sunday to be in awe at this fantastic machine in action. Experience it working as it once did all those years ago. This beast of a machine played an instrumental role in Wigan’s industrial development. Check Steaming Sundays website for specific days. MORE INFO

'Eco' Crafting, Bury

£3 per child + need to be accompanied by an adult Calling all crafty 4 to 11 year olds! Make something ‘eco’ during your time off from school. With help from Dave Hollos. You have the chance to make CD Mosaic Frames (27th), Minions + ‘Frozen’ masks(28th), Clay Boggarts (29th), and Polythene bag kites (30th). All whilst being environmentally friendly! Located in Nuttall Park on the 27th July - 30th July from 9:30AM-11:00AM MORE INFO

Magnet Workshop, Bury Cost of standard museum admission plus £1 per child Keep your loved one’s mind active over the school holidays with the museum’s drop in craft workshops. On 5th august children can join in with the magical magnet fun. Design your own object, and race it against other children’s creations! @ Wed 5th August – 11AM – 3PM. MORE INFO

Manchester United Stadium Tour, Trafford

Prices vary Take a tour of this world renown stadium steeped in history. A great day out for a fan of the Red Devils, experience the history and much more whilst on this whistle-stop tour of the stadium. MORE INFO

If you've got some time on your own, we've popped together a list of things you could do solo over the summer holiday!

Model Making Workshop, Manchester An exhibition that celebrates 45 years of the B.15 model making workshop. Get involved and learmn more about model making workshops. MORE INFO

AFOL – Adult Friends of LEGO, Manchester Our Adult Friends of LEGO nights enable you to use the facilities of the centre and enjoy some creative play sessions. Admission is available to all adults and for people of all abilities. MORE INFO

Dig the City, Manchester Dig the city, Manchester’s summer garden festival. From King Street to the Cathedral, with gardens galore, street food and fashion. A week’s worth of pop-up picnics and much much more. This is Manchester’s summer garden festival, pop down by yourself, or bring the rest of the family too. MORE INFO

Manchester Pride, Manchester A fantastic celebration of LGBT+ pride, happening at the end of August. Bring the family for the parade for a very colourful and fun day! MORE INFO