Looking for FREE things to do with the kids across the North West? We’ve rounded up 25 brilliant family days out across Greater Manchester, Liverpool & Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and the Lake District.
Looking for FREE things to do with the kids across the North West ? Save this one. From huge adventure parks and farms to museums, waterfalls, galleries and plane spotting, we’ve rounded up 25 brilliant FREE family days out across Greater Manchester, Liverpool & Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and the Lake District . And these aren’t just places to fill an hour. Some of them are easily good enough for a full family day out without paying an entrance fee. Little Northerners tip: Entry to the places below is free, but some locations charge for parking, additional activities, exhibitions or special events, so always check before travelling. FREE family days out in Greater Manchester 1. 📍 Manchester Museum, Manchester One of our favourite FREE family days out in Manchester and a brilliant choice whatever the weather. Children can come face-to-face with dinosaurs, discover ancient artefacts, explore incredible objects from around the world and spot fascinating animals and creatures throughout the museum. Perfect for: Curious kids, little explorers and dinosaur fans. 2. 📍 Science and Industry Museum, Manchester If your children love pressing buttons, experimenting and discovering how things work, the Science and Industry Museum is one to add to your Manchester list. General admission is FREE and families can explore Manchester’s incredible history of science, industry and innovation. Some special exhibitions and activities are ticketed separately. Perfect for: Curious minds, school-age children and rainy days. 3. 📍 Power Hall, Science and Industry Museum The Power Hall deserves a mention of its own. Filled with huge historic engines and machinery, it brings Manchester’s industrial past to life and is particularly brilliant for children fascinated by trains, engineering and anything mechanical. Perfect for: Transport lovers and little engineers. 4. 📍 Manchester Art Gallery A city-centre gem that proves an art gallery can absolutely work as a family day out. Explore colourful collections together, encourage children to find their favourite artwork and keep an eye out for family activities running throughout the year. Perfect for: Creative kids and slower-paced days in the city. 5. 📍 Barton Aerodrome, Eccles Got a child who stops everything whenever a plane flies overhead? They’ll love this one. Head to Barton Aerodrome to watch aircraft movements up close. It’s such a simple idea for a day out, but little aviation fans could happily sit watching the action for ages. Perfect for: Plane spotting and little aviation fans. 6. 📍 Runway Visitor Park, Manchester Airport Another brilliant one for plane lovers. The Runway Visitor Park sits alongside Manchester Airport’s runways, giving families an incredible view of aircraft taking off, landing and taxiing. Perfect for: Transport fans and children who could watch planes all day. 7. 📍 Mayfield Park, Manchester Right in the middle of Manchester is a green space that feels completely removed from the busy city around it. Mayfield Park is brilliant for letting children burn off some energy, enjoying a picnic or simply adding some outdoor time to a Manchester city-centre day. Perfect for: Active kids, picnics and city-centre adventures. 8. 📍 Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Didsbury One of Manchester’s loveliest places when you want something calm and outdoorsy. Explore woodland paths, beautiful gardens and plenty of nature while little ones wander, investigate and enjoy being outside. Perfect for: Nature lovers, family walks and picnics. 9. 📍 Heaton Park, Manchester This is one of those places where you can easily fill a large chunk of the day without paying an entrance fee. There are huge open spaces, woodland walks, play areas, a lake and the popular FREE animal centre . Perfect for: Energetic kids, animal lovers and family picnics. 10. 📍 Wythenshawe Park, Manchester Another fantastic FREE option for younger families. There’s lots of room for scooters and running around, gardens a