Summer Holiday Activities Salford Manchester | Family Days Out
Summer is here, and if you’re wondering how to keep the kids (and yourself) busy, we’ve got you covered. From free days out to exciting paid activities, there’s plenty happening right on our doorstep.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do this summer around Salford and Manchester, plus a special spotlight on Salford Youth Zone, one of the Salford’s newest and most inspiring spaces for young people.
🎯Our Top Picks: Summer Holiday Activities in Salford & Manchester
👉 Here are some of our favourite activities this summer if you’re looking for inspiration. The Mosaic Masterpiece Workshop at Salford Museum is such a fun way to get creative and try something new, while the Playtime Drop-In at The Whitworth in Manchester is perfect for little ones to explore, play, and make a mess without worrying about the clean-up! I also love Crack the Code at the Imperial War Museum Manchester – it’s interactive, challenging, and keeps older kids engaged. And if you want something a bit different, the Emergency Services Day at the Trafford Centre is a brilliant day out for the whole family, with loads to see and do. These are definitely on my must-do list this summer.
🧡Salford Youth Zone
This incredible new facility offers:
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- 💥 Sports and fitness: football, boxing, basketball, gym sessions
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- 🎨 Creative spaces: music, art, media, dance studios
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- 💡 Youth mentoring & support programmes
Their summer holiday programme is packed with activities for young people aged 8–19 (or up to 25 with additional needs), offering fun, learning, and confidence-building in a safe, welcoming space.
Salford Youth Zone is an incredible new space dedicated to young people aged 8–19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs), offering them somewhere safe, supportive, and fun to spend their time. From sports like football, boxing, and basketball to creative activities in their music, art, and media studios, there’s something for every interest and passion. The Youth Zone is all about helping young people build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others in their community. We’re especially proud to see their journey, as their amazing team used our offices while their centre was being built and now, seeing their impact in Salford is truly inspiring.
The community they’re building will make a massive difference to Salford. Giving young people a place to belong, grow, and be themselves will ripple out into their families, schools, and our city as a whole. It’s spaces like this that create real change by supporting the next generation to dream bigger and know that they matter.
🔗https://salfordyouthzone.org/
🤝 Inspiring Communities Together
Another brilliant organisation making a real difference this summer is Inspiring Communities Together. They’re all about supporting people of all ages to live healthier, happier lives and build stronger communities. This summer, they’re running a Summer Holiday Club packed with fun activities for children and families – a great way for kids to stay active, social, and engaged during the holidays.
They’re also hosting a Community Fun Day on 20th August at Yogurt Pots, Salford Sports Village, with lots of activities, games, and stalls for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect chance to get out, meet new people, and celebrate summer together.
✨ Check out everything they’re offering this summer on their website here.
Free Summer Holiday Activities in Salford & Manchester
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Adventures
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- Buile Hill Park – Spacious green areas, playgrounds, café, tennis courts.
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- Peel Park – Ideal for picnics, walks, and letting off steam.
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- Worsley Woods & Clifton Country Park – Beautiful woodland trails, lakes, and play areas.
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- Philips Park & Debdale Park (Manchester) – Playgrounds, sports courts, skate park, and nature walks.
🖼️ Museums & Galleries
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- Salford Museum & Art Gallery – Free entry with Victorian-themed fun, exhibitions, and object handling sessions.
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- Ordsall Hall – Free Tudor crafts, bug hunts, and Teddy Bear picnics throughout summer.
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- Manchester Museum – Free entry plus themed trails like A Purr-fect Summer.
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- Science and Industry Museum – Free general entry with interactive exhibits.
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- Whitworth Gallery – Free drop-in creative activities for all ages.
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- Imperial War Museum North – Thought-provoking exhibits with free entry.
⚽ Community & Sports Activities
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- Active Communities Holiday Activities – Free multi-sport, dance, craft and swimming sessions for 5–16 yr olds (booking required).
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- Foundation 92 & Kellogg’s Football Camps – Free holiday camps offering sports and creative fun across Salford.
🚓 Special Events
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- Trafford Centre Emergency Services Day (1 August) – Meet emergency crews and explore their vehicles for free.
Paid Summer Activities for Families in Salford & Manchester
🎨 Creative Workshops
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- Salford Museum & Art Gallery –
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- Make Your Mark (giant painting): £1
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- Worry Dolls: £1.50
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- Printing, mosaics, kaleidoscopes, water colour workshops: £3–£4
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- Design a tote bag £4
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- Salford Museum & Art Gallery –
🏰 Outdoor Fun
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- Open Air Bounce (Bolton) – Giant inflatable adventure park, £9.95–£12.95 per child.
🧪 Science & Learning
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- Science & Industry Museum: Operation Ouch! – Hearts, Brains & Bogies exhibit, £10 per ticket.
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- MAPAS Summer School (Music & Performing Arts) – 4-day advanced creative course for 8–16 yr olds (£30/day or £100 total).
🎟️ Cultural & Sporting Events
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- FRAMELESS: Stories – Brought to Life – Immersive digital exhibition at MediaCity until 31 August.
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- Women’s Rugby World Cup Matches – Salford Community Stadium, from £5 children / £10 adults (23 & 30 August).
⭐ Your Summer, Your Way
Whether you’re after a free day out to stretch your legs, a creative workshop to spark imaginations, or an inspiring place for young people to connect like Salford Youth Zone, there’s something for everyone this summer.