Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the 2026 summer holidays without spending a fortune?
From free family festivals and hands-on history activities to holiday clubs, theatre shows and outdoor adventures, Salford is packed with things to do this summer. Better still, 2026 marks a very special milestone for the city.
Celebrate Salford 100 This Summer
This year, Salford is celebrating its centenary – 100 years since officially being granted city status.
To mark this historic occasion, museums, community organisations and local attractions have come together to create a fantastic programme of family-friendly events. From photography projects and creative workshops to heritage exhibitions and community celebrations, there’s never been a better time to explore the city and discover its stories.
Salford 100 Family Events
Your Salford 100 in Photographs
Ordsall Hall
14 June 2026 – 30 May 2027
Take a journey through a century of Salford life with this fascinating exhibition of photographs. Children can discover how families lived, played and worked throughout the decades while exploring one of Salford’s most iconic historic buildings.
Saz Media Free Salford Quays Photo Walk
Salford Quays Wednesday 15 July 2026 | 12pm
Perfect for budding photographers, young content creators, and families looking for free kids activities in Salford. Cameras are provided free of charge as participants help capture modern-day Salford stories. Selected photographs may even become part of a special Salford 100 community collage.
👉 Reserve your free place and be part of Salford’s centenary celebrations.
100 Years of Salford Exhibition
Salford Museum & Art Gallery Throughout the Summer
Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Salford over the last century through interactive displays and fascinating local stories.
👉 Learn more about the exhibition and opening times.
Salford 100 Writing Competition Workshops
Salford Museum & Art Gallery Wednesdays: 5, 12, 19 & 26 August 2026
Designed for aspiring young writers, these workshops help children develop storytelling skills while preparing entries for the city’s special centenary writing competition.
👉 Book a workshop place and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Our Park, Our Story – Peel Park’s 180th Anniversary
Peel Park 22 August 2026
Celebrate 180 years of one of Britain’s first public parks with family activities, storytelling sessions and community celebrations. Don’t forget your picnic blanket.
👉 Add this special community celebration to your summer calendar.
Free & Budget-Friendly Holiday Clubs
Need somewhere for the kids to burn off energy this summer? These local holiday programmes combine sports, creativity and social activities without stretching the family budget.
Salford Community Leisure x Oasis MediaCityUK Summer Camp
27 July – 20 August 2026 | 10am–3pm Oasis Academy MediaCityUK
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- Free multi-sports sessions
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- Dance and creative activities
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- Ages 8–16
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- Free lunch included
One of the best-value activities available for local families this summer.
👉 Register early to secure a place
Salford Youth Zone Holiday Club
Throughout the Summer Holidays
A packed programme featuring:
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- Sports
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- Creative arts
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- Media sessions
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- Cooking activities
Ideal for older children and teenagers.
👉 See the full programme and book your sessions.
Rio Ferdinand Foundation Summer Sessions
Dates TBC
Focused on confidence-building, sports coaching and creative opportunities for young people across Salford.
Creative, Nature & Science Activities
For children who love making, exploring and discovering, these activities combine fun with learning.
The Paper Party Takeover
Salford Museum & Art Gallery 18–19 July 2026
An imaginative weekend of giant paper sculptures, collaborative artwork, folding, creating and plenty of hands-on fun.
👉 Find out more about this unique family experience.
Toys Through Time
Salford Museum & Art Gallery 18 August 2026 | 11am–2pm
Discover what childhood looked like before smartphones and gaming consoles. A wonderful activity for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together.
👉 Learn more and plan your visit.
Summer Nature & Crafts at Ordsall Hall
Bug Hunt
23 July
Explore the grounds searching for insects and mini-beasts using magnifying glasses.
Wild Crown Making
30 July
Create beautiful nature-inspired crowns using materials gathered from the gardens.
Seedball Making
6 August
Help local wildlife by making wildflower seedballs for bees and pollinators.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
13 August
Bring your favourite teddy and enjoy games and outdoor activities.
Meet the Servant & Beeswax Candle Making
26 August
Step back into Tudor times and make your own traditional candle to take home.
👉 Book your place before spaces fill up.
Inspiring Communities Together Summer Activities
Dates to be announced
Another fantastic organisation making a real difference across Salford is Inspiring Communities Together (ICT). Their mission is to help people of all ages live healthier, happier lives while building stronger, more connected communities.
This summer, ICT will once again be running family-friendly activities across the city. While full details and dates are still to be confirmed, families can expect opportunities for children to stay active, make new friends, try new experiences and get involved in their local community.
Last year’s programme included a popular Summer Holiday Club and a Community Fun Day, bringing together local families for games, activities and community celebrations. If previous years are anything to go by, their 2026 activities will be well worth keeping an eye on.
Summer Fun at Salford Libraries
Don’t underestimate your local library this summer. Libraries across Salford are offering a fantastic programme of affordable activities designed to keep children learning, creating and having fun throughout the holidays.
From hands-on technology sessions to creative workshops and family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for every age group.
🤖 Lego Robotics Workshops
Children can build, design and program their own Lego creations while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.
🎬 Animation Workshops
Perfect for young creatives, these popular sessions introduce children to the world of animation and storytelling through hands-on activities.
🎧 Silent Discos
Get ready to dance! These family-friendly silent discos are a fun way for children and parents to enjoy music together.
🎨 Creative Craft Sessions
A range of arts and crafts activities designed to inspire imagination and creativity throughout the summer holidays.
📚 Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Children can join the national Summer Reading Challenge for free, helping to keep reading fun during the school break while earning rewards along the way.
💻 Digital & Technology Activities
Selected libraries will also be hosting technology-themed workshops, coding activities and interactive learning sessions.
Libraries continue to be one of the best-value family resources in Salford, offering a mix of free and low-cost activities in friendly, welcoming spaces.
Family Shows at The Lowry
Looking for a special day out? The Lowry’s summer programme is packed with family-friendly entertainment.
In the Night Garden Live
5–9 August 2026
A magical live adventure featuring Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and friends.
👉 Get your tickets before performances sell out.
Dear Zoo Live
11–16 August 2026
Rod Campbell’s classic children’s story comes to life on stage.
👉 Book tickets for the family.
High School Musical
22 August – 19 September 2026
An energetic musical perfect for older children, tweens and teens.
Bobby Seagull’s Escape from Ancient Egypt
28 August 2026
A fun, puzzle-filled adventure combining maths, history and audience participation.
👉 Find out more and book tickets
CBeebies House Party Live
29–30 August 2026
An action-packed live show featuring favourite CBeebies characters and presenters.
Great Family Days Out Beyond Salford
Fancy exploring further afield? Here are some of the region’s best family attractions this summer.
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Enjoy the Brick Explorers LEGO Trail, Wind in the Willows trail and more.
👉 See what’s on during your visit.
Tatton Park
Winnie the Pooh Trail and Summer of Adventure activities.
Chester Zoo Afterglow
Experience the zoo after hours from 31 July–16 August.
👉 Book early for this popular summer event.
Farm Fest at Reddish Vale Farm
Funfair rides, inflatables and animal encounters throughout August.
👉 Discover everything included with your ticket.
Bugtastic at Manchester Museum
Interactive bug-themed activities and workshops.
Food Festivals & Community Events
Looking for a family day out packed with great food, entertainment and community spirit? These festivals and events across Greater Manchester and beyond offer something for all ages, from street performers and live music to delicious food and family-friendly activities.
Manchester Day
📅 26 July 2026
One of the region’s biggest free family events, Manchester Day transforms the city centre into a huge celebration with live performances, interactive activities, cultural showcases and entertainment throughout the streets.
👉 Check out the full programme and plan your day in the city.
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival
📅 1–2 August 2026
Enjoy a fantastic weekend of street food, artisan producers, live music and family entertainment. With plenty of activities for children, it’s much more than just a food festival.
👉 See what’s happening and book your tickets.
Festa Italiana
📅 22–24 August 2026
Experience a taste of Italy right in the heart of Manchester. Expect authentic Italian food, live music, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere.
👉 Discover the full festival line-up and event details.
Wigan Family Fun Day
📅 30 August 2026
A traditional community fun day featuring inflatables, games, entertainment and activities designed to bring families together before the summer holidays come to an end.
👉 Find out what’s planned and get ready for a fun-filled day.
Nantwich Food Festival
📅 4–6 September 2026
Round off the summer with one of the UK’s biggest food festivals. Alongside fantastic food and drink, families can enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities.
Create Your Own Summer Bucket List
Not every great summer memory has to come from a ticketed event. Some of the best family moments happen during simple adventures close to home.
Why not create your own family Summer Bucket List and see how many you can tick off before September?
Visit a different park every week
Have a picnic in three different locations
Try a new ice cream shop
Complete a nature scavenger hunt
Explore a local walking trail you’ve never visited before
Visit a museum for the first time
Join the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library
Take your own “Salford 100” family photograph
Plant some wildflowers for local wildlife
Hop on the tram and spend a day exploring a new part of Greater Manchester
Taking on our Summer Bucket List this year?
We’d love to see your adventures. Whether you’re exploring a new park, enjoying a family picnic, discovering a museum or capturing your own Salford 100 moment, share your photos with us on Instagram. 👉 Tag @Salford_IF and use #SIFSummerBucketList
The challenge isn’t about spending lots of money—it’s about creating memories together and making the most of everything Salford and the surrounding area has to offer this summer.
Rainy Day Ideas
Not every summer day is sunshine and picnics.
Emergency Services Day
Trafford Centre 6 August 2026
Meet local emergency services and explore real fire engines, police vehicles and rescue equipment completely free.
👉 Find out more before you visit.
Odeon Kids
Every Weekend Throughout the Holidays
Selected family films from just £1 per ticket, making it one of the cheapest rainy-day activities around.
👉 Check your local cinema listings and book ahead.
Make This a Summer to Remember
With Salford celebrating its centenary year, summer 2026 offers an incredible mix of free events, holiday clubs, theatre shows, community celebrations and family days out.
Whether you’re exploring local history, watching a live show, discovering a new park or attending a community festival, there are plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories together.
Sarah Taylor
Customer Experience Assistant
