Manchester Family Photography - Fun Things to Do with Kids in and Around South Manchester This Summer.

Free Things to Do with Kids in Manchester.

You don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy a fun-filled day with the kids. These free things to do in Manchester are perfect for getting outdoors, exploring nature, and making memories together. If you're searching for pram-friendly walks in Manchester, many of these beautiful spots offer easy paths and open spaces ideal for buggies, scooters, and little legs alike.

• Wythenshawe Park – A local favourite! This is the kind of place you can pack up a picnic and stay for the whole day, with open fields, a horticultural centre, a bike track, and a small animal farm. There are so many free activities to do here with kids.

Check out this relaxed family photography session I had the pleasure of capturing in Wythenshawe Park this Spring. See it HERE.

• Hulme Garden Centre – A hidden gem with plants, nature play areas, and a great community vibe. Be sure to follow them on social media to see all their free events and celebrations the whole family can enjoy.

  
  

• Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens – A beautiful, peaceful place to wander, with space for kids to run and explore. Why not grab a coffee and an ice cream at the Alpine Tea Room to enjoy as you walk the beautiful gardens?

Check out this beautiful, relaxed, Summer, outdoor, family photoshoot in Fletcher Moss, Didsbury. See it HERE.

• Chorlton Water Park – A beautiful local nature reserve with a peaceful lake at its heart. It’s a lovely spot to let the kids run free, feed the ducks, or enjoy a scoot along the flat, pram-friendly paths. There’s a small playground to keep little ones entertained, picnic benches for snack breaks, and plenty of space to throw down a blanket and relax.

Check out this gorgeous newborn session I recently had the pleasure of photographing in Chorlton. See it HERE.

• River Mersey Walks – Endless options for riverside strolls, especially around Didsbury, Chorlton, and Sale. Living in Northenden, it is easy to hop onto the river path either down to Chorlton Water Park or Fletcher Moss. For the most part, the River Mersey path is accessible for prams and bikes.

Cheap Days Out for Kids in Manchester.

Looking for low-cost fun? Here are some budget-friendly spots that still pack in loads of excitement:

• Simple Cycling Wythenshawe – Four times a week, Wythenshawe Athletics Track opens its gates to Simple Cycling, a fun and unique family activity perfect for little ones who love to ride. Suitable for all abilities, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute slot on the track with access to a brilliant selection of bikes, from go-karts to four-seaters and everything in between. It’s just £3.50 per rider, making it a budget-friendly way to burn off some energy and share a few laughs together.

• Into the Wild Bush Craft – For little explorers who love being outdoors, this nature-based play area is a real hidden gem. It’s only accessible on foot, around a 15-minute walk through woodlands and open fields. We usually park at WA14 3NJ and enjoy the scenic route in. While the path can be a bit tricky with a pram, it’s definitely doable (though an off-road buggy would help!). Make sure to book your play slot online in advance, current prices can be found here. Your ticket also includes entry to their cosy family film night, which starts daily at 4:45 pm.

• Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park – Pack a picnic and spend the day plane spotting at the Airport Runway Visitor Park. Situated right next to Manchester Airport, this family-friendly spot has a raised viewing platform where you can watch planes take off and land up close. Kids will love seeing the retired aircraft on display, including a Concorde! Parking starts from £5, and it’s well worth a visit for an unforgettable day out.

• Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm – Just a short stroll from the National Trust estate, you’ll find the charming Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm, a hidden gem loved by locals. All the ice cream is homemade on-site by the lovely Dianne, and trust me, it’s absolutely delicious. There’s also a cosy café serving hot and cold food, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for families to relax. Little ones will love the seasonal trails, where they can run around and hunt for clues. It’s a lovely, low-cost day out that’s perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.

Indoor Activities for Kids in Manchester (For Those Rainy Manchester Days).

Let’s face it, it’s Manchester. So it’s always good to have a few indoor activities up your sleeve for when the heavens inevitably open.

• Manchester Museum –Newly revamped and bursting with dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on exhibits, this spot is packed with fun for curious kids. Best of all? Entry is completely free, with just a small fee for a few select exhibitions. With an on-site cafe and a picnic area, you can easily make a day of it. There's so much to see, touch, and explore, it's a must for families. Bonus tip: hop on public transport to get there. If your kids are anything like mine, a bus ride just adds to the adventure!

  
  

• Science and Industry Museum – Another family favourite, this free museum is packed with hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits for curious minds. The entire fourth floor is designed just for kids, with everything from lifting a real car to making your own shadow puppets, there's no shortage of fun. Even more to look forward to: the iconic Power Hall, home to incredible old steam engines, is set to reopen in Summer 2025.

  
  

• Z-arts – "The UK's only dedicated art centre for kids and families". Z-arts in Hulme is a brilliant spot for creative kids. From colourful theatre shows and hands-on arts workshops, to dance, music and even an escape room adventure (The Library of Enchantment, great for 5+ years), there's always something fun going on. With a theatre, studios, gallery space and a cosy cafe, it is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon. You'll find it just a short hop from the city centre on Stretford Road. Be sure to check out their website for current goings-on.

  
  

• Stockport Museum & Play Area – Another museum? Yep, and this one's a hidden gem! Stockport Museum is a brilliant place to learn all about local history, with some really fascinating displays (honestly, some of my favourites). It's completely free to visit, and the top-floor play zone is a total winner with the kids. Think mini care, shop and a craft corner perfect for little imaginations. Bonus tip: Team your Stockport museum visit up with a visit to Stockport Makers Market. This falls on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Make sure you buy some delicious homemade treats from one of the amazing vendors.

  
  

• The Whitworth Art Gallery – If you've ever wondered whether art galleries can be fun for kids, the Whitworth is your answer. Tucked right next to Whitworth Park, it's full of bright, open spaces and loads of kid-friendly vibes. There's always something going on for families, from play days to art clubs and even gentle baby sessions. It's the kind of place where kids are encouraged to explore, get creative and just enjoy being around art. Definitely one to add to your rainy day (or sunny day!) list.

Want to Capture Some Summer Magic with a family photoshoot in Manchester?

If you're making memories with your little ones this summer, why not capture them beautifully? My outdoor family photoshoots are about connection, laughter, and the moments that matter most. Whether it’s a golden-hour sunset session in your favourite local park or an early morning adventure to the beach, let's get together and create some magic you really can treasure forever!

Are you Interested in booking your Family photoshoot? Follow the link below to read more about my family sessions and get in touch!

FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS.