70 Things To Do In The Summer Holidays In Cheshire
Keep the kids entertained this year with our guide to things to do in the summer holidays for kids in Cheshire 2024.
The school holidays are on the way, and that means six whole weeks to entertain the kids.
If you are looking for inspiration to keep the kids busy, there is always lots going on around Cheshire and Summer 2024 will see a whole of exciting events for children and families.
From huge funfairs and beaches to fun trails, family festivals, outdoor and indoor activities and even what’s on for free and lots more, you will find something for all ages and budgets.
To help you out we have put together a full list of fun things to do in the Summer holidays in Manchester for families for 2024.
Please note some links in this article may be affiliate links
What’s On In Cheshire in the Summer Holidays?
The summer holidays always bring lots of fun family events across Cheshire and 2024 is no different with lots of things to do for all ages.
With the weather never guaranteed you will be pleased to hear that there are lots of indoor and outdoor options.
So if you are looking for what’s on in Cheshire during the summer holidays read on for our full list.
If we do get some great weather makes sure you check out our list of the best family beaches Northwest. You can also check out our top picks of Splash Parks and Outdoor Pools around Cheshire.
Outdoor Summer Holiday Events in Cheshire
Fingers crossed the sun will be shining throughout the summer holidays and we will all be able to enjoy the outdoors.
For the days we do get some nice weather some great outdoor family events are going on throughout the summer ideal for a fun day out.
Here are our top picks for outdoor events in Cheshire over the summer holiday.
Plus you can discover a some great free outdoor events further down in our guide.
The Gruffalo Birthday Trail, Delamere Forest, Northwich
Ongoing to Monday 16th September 2024
The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th Birthday and he is inviting everyone to go on a fun trail.
Help give the Gruffalo a party to remember as you find everything you need for a party such as balloons, pine cones, apples and even the Gruffalo himself.
This interactive family trail features party-themed activities and games, rubbings and fun facts about life in the forest.
The trail pack costs £4.00 and includes a kraft bag to colour in, a party headband, an activity trail leaflet, stickers, a pencil, crayon and sew on Gruffalo patch.
You will also need to pay for parking at the forest.
Read More >>> Gruffalo Birthday Trail Delamere Forest
Summer Holidays at Dunham Massey
Saturday 20th July to Sunday 8th September 2024
Dunham Massey is always a popular day out during the summer holidays.
For 2024, visitors can also enjoy lots of family events.
You can enjoy their Summer of Play events such with classical music to crafts and circus skills. Plus there will be lots of natural play each day. Or enjoy a fun trail around the Dunham Massey house.
Discover More >>> Summer Holiday Events at Dunham Massey
Summer of Play, Quarry Bank
Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September 2024
This summer it’s all about new ways to play at National Trust’s Quarry Bank.
There will be a mini obstacle course, hay bale maze , the chance to build creations, dress up and more.
Plus you can go on the Apprentice House Tours, enjoy wildlife and nature walks plus enjoy their outdoor theatre sessions.
Read More >>> Summer of Play, Quarry Bank
12 Summer Family Events at Tatton Park
Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September 2024
Tatton Park has lots of family events on throughout the summer.
Go on an Adventure On The Farm meet the newest members, meet Little Grey Fergie the Tractor, storytelling sessions and event a Maize Maze.
Step back in time at The Old Hall during the family open days or experience life as a Viking and discover all about the stone age in fun workshops.
Plus lots more fun around the grounds.
Read More >>> Family Summer Events at Tatton Park
Six Summer Adventures at Knowsley Safari Park
Saturday 20th July to Saturday 31st August 2024
Knowsley Safari Park has lots of fun planned over the summer holidays.
From the chance to meet the Gruffalo and Bluey, bubbles galore at Bubblefest, the kids can challenge themselves on the Realm and step back in time with life-sized Dragons and Dinosaurs.
Read More >>> Six Summer Adventures at Knowsley Safari Park
Animal Experiences at Walton Hall and Gardens
Saturday 20th July to Wednesday 28th August 2024
Walton Hall and Gardens have fun experiences planned for over the summer with their Zoo Keeper and Walk An Alpaca Experiences.
The Zoo Keeper Experience is for Children over 5 years who can enjoy learning all about the resident animals.
Those 8 to 14 years can enjoy walking an alpaca around the park with lots of photo opportunities.
Read More >>> Walton Hall and Gardens
Summer of Play at Lyme Park
Wednesday 24th July to Tuesday 3rd September 2024
National Trust Lyme Park will also be offering a summer of play.
It promises to be jam-packed with ways to play together with more than enough space to try it all.
There will be weeks of chock-full of games and activities to try.
Read more >>> Summer of Play at Lyme Park
Medieval Life at Beeston Castle, Beeston
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2024
Head to Beeston Castle as their medieval history is brought to life as we step back in time!
You will be able to soak up the sights, smells and sounds of a medieval encampment as food is cooked on open fires, and the past is brought to life as medieval folk go about their daily lives.
Meet Tom Fool, the castle jester, who will be on hand throughout the day to entertain the whole family and listen to musicians playing tunes from the 13th century.
The event will run from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
The event is free but you will need to pay the entry price which costs from £10.00 for adults, £5.90 for children and £25.90 for family tickets. It is free if you have English Heritage membership.
Read More >>> Medieval Life at Beeston Castle
Just So Festival 2024
16th to 18th August 2024
The Just Festival is back for the summer holidays 2024.
It offers a full weekend of magical fun for the whole family.
Think campfires in the forest, theatre showings in the woods, circus shows and skills, live music, amazing food and lots more.
They offer both all-weekend and day tickets.
Read More >>> Just So Festival 2024
Discover >>> Review of Just So Festival
Clash of Knights at Beeston Castle, Beeston
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August 2024
Head to Beeston Castle to experience an all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory in a gruelling test of strength and skill.
Between the breathtaking bouts, you can soak up the gentler atmosphere in the medieval encampment. Smell food cooking over an open fire, see colourful banners flutter in the wind and listen to musicians playing tunes from the Middle Ages.
Kids can unleash their inner knight at sword school and have-a-go activities.
The event will run from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
There is an extra charge for the event above the usual entry fee. Tickets cost entry price which costs from £15.00 for adults, £9.00 for children and from £24.00 for family tickets.
Read More >>> Clash of Knights at Beeston Castle
Indoor Summer Holiday Events in Cheshire
Whether we have a summer of hot days or the odd bit of rain it is always good to have some indoor options for places to go.
This summer holidays there are some great indoor events and activities going on throughout Cheshire
Here are our top picks for indoor family events this summer in Cheshire.
Family Events at Catalyst Science and Discovery Museum, Widnes
Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September 2024
Catalyst Science and Discovery Museum in Widnes always makes a great family day out.
Plus over the summer they have some extra fun in-store with the below events:
- Making Scents of Smells – 20th July to 2nd August 2024 – a family workshop with hands-on activities to celebrate all things smelly: test your own sense of smell, make a fragrant solid perfume and sniff a scent from space – Tickets required and cost £2.50 per person – plus entry fee.
- Elements In Action – 27th July to 9th August 2024 – a hands-on workshop celebrating elements from the periodic table. See some demonstrations and have a go at a range of experiments in this fun, family workshop. Tickets required and cost £2.50 per person – plus entry fee.
- Danny Takeover Day – 1st August 2024 – the museum will be taking over the Daniel Adamson Steamship Day with a full of activities for the whole family. Have a go at bug hunting on our biodiversity mat, learn how to make your own plant pots from newspapers and more. Admission is free.
- The Planet Awakens – 3rd to the 16th August 2024 – join in the workshop and take part in hands-on activities including bug hunting, making a simple air monitor and investigating the effects of ocean acidification on shells. Tickets required and cost £2.50 per person – plus entry fee.
- Bee Discovery – 10th to 23rd August 2024 – learn about one of nature’s best scientists – the honeybee. Experiment with stings, learn about bee-hives and make a buzzer so you can buzz like a bee! Tickets required and cost £2.50 per person – plus entry fee.
- Bubble Troubles – 17th August to 1st September 2024 – learn how to make super-sized bubbles, square bubbles and even try to get a person. Tickets required and cost £2.50 per person – plus entry fee.
- Sensational Senses – 24th August to 1st September 2024 – head to an interactive show to investigate our senses – do we have five, or are there more? Join us for lots of fun with optical illusions, experiments with sound and much more!
Normal admission which costs £9.95 for adults, £7.95 for children, under 3’s for free and family tickets are available.
To Book and Read More >>> Family Events Catalyst Science and Discovery Museum
Characters Meet and Greets at Castaway Play, Congleton
Castaway Play will be hosting lots of different character meet and greets throughout the May Half Term holidays.
From favourite Disney characters from Encanto and Toy Story, Bluey and Bingo, Dinosaurs, Peppa Pig and more.
You will need to book in advance.
Read More >>> Castaway Play Congleton
Summer Family Fun at National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Sunday 28th July to Sunday 11th August 2024
The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port has some fun-themed family events planned over the summer holidays.
Here is what they have instore:
- Living History: World War I – Sunday 28th July 2024 – Discover how soldiers were cared for, chat to a soilder Tommy and watch a display of different weapons through the ages.
- Viking Day – Sunday 4th August 2024 – See how your ancestors lived and immerse yourself in the Viking Age! There will be interactive activities, combat displays and more.
- Canal Town and Horse Boating – Sunday 11th August 2024 – watch a LIVE horse boating display when Flower pulls Gifford, an historic narrowboat through a 200-year-old lock at the special Canal Town event.
Entry to the museum costs £12.95 for adults and £9.50 for children aged 6 to 15 years.
Read More >>> National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Northwich Explorers, Lion Salt Works and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Friday 2nd August to Wednesday 28th August 2024
Kids can enjoy Nature, Art, Science and Technology-based Activities at Northwich Explorers events.
The sessions will be running at Northwich Museums Lion Salt Works and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse.
Here is what they have in-store:
Lion Salt Works:
- 2nd August – Make a Salty Bathbomb
- 16th August – Slime
- 23rd August – Electrical Circuits
Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse:
- 7th August – Investigate Acids and Alkali
- 14th August – Electrical Circuits
- 21st August – Lava Lamps
- 28th August – Make A Clay Character
All the sessions run for an hour, cost £5.00 and need to be booked in advance.
Book >>> Northwich Explorers at Lion Salt Works or Northwich Explorers at Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Family Experiences, The Silk Museum, Macclesfield
Friday 9th August to Friday 30th August 2024
Join the museum for fun family experiences over the summer holidays, suitable for everyone ages 6 and over.
The Egyptian Family Experience will offer a morning of Ancient Egyptian fun. Tour of the Egyptian gallery with Marianne Brocklehurst and translate the hieroglyphs on the mummy case. Plus have a go at creating your your own Anubis Mask.
The sessions will run from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm on Friday 9th and 30th August and Wednesday 21st August 2024.
The Family Silk Experience offers a tour of the recently reopened Paradise Mill where you will check out the working conditions for Victorian people in Macclesfield. Then there will be a weaving activity in the classroom.
They will run Saturdays 10th August and Saturday 17th August 2024 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Booking is required.
Read More >>> Family Experiences, The Silk Museum, Macclesfield
James Richards Circus, Blakemere Village
Wednesday 21st to Monday 26th August 2024
Join James Richards Circus for a fun family circus show.
Expect some of their very own blend of comedy, thrills, spills and glamour under their amazing Big Top
Tickets cost from £8.00 to £12.00 depending on the date.
To Book >>> James Richards Circus, Blakemere Village
Cheap and Free Things To Do In Cheshire Over The Summer Holidays
Trying to entertain the kids over the summer holidays can prove expensive.
However, there are some great free and cheap events on over the summer across Cheshire.
Here are our top picks:
Summer Holiday Activities at The Silk Museum, Macclesfield
Saturday 27th July to Saturday 24th August 2024
Free to £3.50
The Silk Museum in Macclesfield has lots going on over the summer holidays for families most of which is free and drop-in.
Here is what they have in-store:
- Do Something Summer Clothes – Saturday 27th July
- Do Something Summer Football – Thursday 1st August and Saturday 3rd August
- Watercolour Painting Family Workshop – Friday 2nd August
- Do Something Summer Victorian Toys – Thursday 8th August and Saturday 10th August
- Do Something Summer Printing – Thursday 15th August and Saturday 17th August
- Do Something Summer Weaving – Thursday 22nd August and Saturday 24th August
- Treacle Tots – Sunday 25th August
- Do Something Summer Ancient Egypt – Saturday 24th August
Read More >>> Summer Holiday Activities, The Silk Museum, Macclesfield
Family Fun at Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, Northwich
Monday 29th July to Friday 30th August 2024
Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse is offering to help keep the kids busy over the summer with the following fun craft events:
- Family Crafts Run By Libraries – 29th, 30th July, 5th, 6th 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th August.
- Sunflower Crafts – 1st and 2nd August
- Pack Your Suitcase – 8th and 9th August
- Iron Age Roundhouses – 15th and 16th August
- Sundials – 22nd and 23rd August
- Victorian Parlour – 30th August
All the activities are free and drop-in and will run from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Read More >>> Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Free Family Activities at Grosvenor Museum Chester
Tuesday 30th July to Thursday 29th August 2024
The Grosvenor Museum has the following fun family workshops on to keep the kids busy over the summer
- Greyscale Landscapes, 30th, 31st July and 1st August -Make a beautiful monochrome collage inspired by your favourite landscapes. You can also add a pop of colour, too?
- Gorgeous Georgian Pockets and Purses, 7th and 8th August – Decorate your own pocket or purse with embroidery just like the Georgians did.
- The Wonderful Wizard Tree – 13th, 14th and 15th August – Help beautify the Wonderful Wizard Tree with decorations inspired by the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
- Sarmatian Dragon Standards – 20th, 21st and 22nd August – Make your own scary ‘dragon’ standard to help terrify your enemies in battle just like the Sarmatians did.
- The Power of Print – 27th, 28th and 29th August – Printing is a centuries-old craft and you can create your own print to take home in a fun workshop.
All the sessions will run from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm are free and drop in. Donations are welcome.
Read More >>> Grosvenor Museum Chester
Free Summer Activities at Lion Salt Works, Northwich
Wednesday 31st July to Thursday 29th August 2024
Lion Salt Works in Northwich are running free family craft activities over the summer holidays with the following themes.
- Hot Air Balloon – 31st July and 1st August
- Mini Beach Diorama – 7th and 8th August
- Dream Catches – 14th and 15th August
- Ducks – 21st and 22nd August
- Pirate Ship – 28th and 29th August
All the activities are free and drop in and will run from 10.30 to 3.30 pm.
Read More >>> Lion Salt Works, Northwich
Free Fun at Blakemere Village
Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August 2024.
Free
Head to Blakemere Village for some free family fun.
On Sunday 25th August, there will be a free circus workshop from Circus Sensible.
Then on Monday 26th August you can enjoy a giant bubble display.
Both events are free and drop-in and will run from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Read More >>> Blakemere Village
Kids Entry for a £1.00 at Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester
Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September 2024
Blue Planet Aquarium is offering £1.00 entry for kids over the summer holidays
The aquarium in Chester boasts Sand Tiger Sharks, stingrays, clownfish, Pelicans, Poison Dart Frogs and lots more.
Plus over the half term, they will be running a fun Ocean Explorers event.
The offer of £1 junior ticket applies when you buy one full-price standard adult ticket. Juniors are classed as over 90cm & up to age 12. Toddlers under 90cm are free.
Offer valid when booked before 4.00 pm on Friday 19th July 2024 however, tickets are valid until Sunday 1st September.
Read more and book >>> Blue Planet Aquarium Offer
Summer Holiday Theater and Shows
Secret Garden Outdoor Theatre Show, Quarry Bank
16th August 2023
After Mary Lennox is sent to her uncle’s house in the countryside, she goes on a quest to get inside the mysterious Secret Garden.
You can enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike in the great outdoors.
The showing is suitable for children over 5 years and booking is required.
Read more >>> Secret Garden Outdoor Theatre Show at Quarry Bank
Kids Eat Free Offers Around Cheshire
Did you know that lots of restaurants and cafes offer the chance for kids to eat for free or for just £1 over the summer?
From amazing homemade buttermilk chicken to lovely pasta, sushi, breakfasts and lots more choices on offer.
Check out all the Kids Eat Offers around Manchester in our guide here.
Things To Do in Manchester City Centre with the Kids
If you looking for a day out but are not sure where to go Manchester City has lots of things to do for kids.
From child-friendly activities, playgrounds, adventure activities, gaming and lots more there is something for all budgets and ages.
Read More >>> Best Things To Do With Kids in Manchester City Centre
Cheap and Free Days Out
We all know that summer holidays can be expensive, but being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Did you know that there are lots of free places to go and cheap days out for families across Manchester?
There are options for all ages and tastes to occupy the kids for full days or for a couple of hours.
Read More >>> Best cheap and free days out in Manchester for Families .
Closest Beaches to Cheshire
A trip to the beach always makes a lovely summer holiday day out, weather permitting of course.
Whether you fancy a lively seaside with lots of attractions or prefer a quieter day watching the tide, you will find a choice for all tastes not to far from Cheshire
Read More >>> Best Beaches Near Manchester
Splash Zones and Outdoor Swimming Pools
Fingers crossed summer will bring the sun. However, if it does get too hot an outdoor pool or splash area will make an ideal day out.
There are some great play fountains, splash zones, paddling pools and even full-on outdoor swimming pools around the Northwest.
Most of these great summer days out cost nothing or very little to enter, but lots do require booking.
Discover >>> Splash Zones and Outdoor Pools
Read >>> Things To Do In The Summer Holidays In Manchester
