Whats On In July In Manchester For Kids and Families
Looking for things to do in July in Manchester with kids?
July is a brilliant mix of end-of-term excitement and the start of summer fun. With warmer weather and the school holidays just around the corner, it’s a great month for outdoor adventures, seasonal events and family days out.
This guide rounds up the best family-friendly events happening across Manchester in July, from creative workshops and exhibitions to trails, farm visits and live shows.
As the summer holidays begin, even more is happening for families. We’ve created a dedicated Summer Holidays guide with a full day-by-day round-up of school holiday activities – perfect if you’re planning full days out.
Below, you’ll find our July highlights to help you make the most of the month.
Indoor Things To Do This July In Manchester
Although we will all be hoping that July will continue with the warmer spring weather, we all know that by living in Manchester, there will be a good chance of rain.
Here are some great indoor events to entertain the kids whilst staying dry!
Power Up, Museum Of Science And Industry
Ongoing
Kids and adults who love gaming can enjoy the ultimate experience this summer
Gaming fans will be in their element with the chance to play the most popular games from the past 40 years.
Expect vintage games such as Pong and Pac-Man, Streetfighter, and modern-day favourites Mario and Minecraft, along with the latest VR experiences.
Tickets are required and cost £8.00 for adults and £7.00 for children.
Book and Read More >>> Power Up Gaming Event at Science and Industry
The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-Arts, Hulme
Ongoing
Z-arts is giving you the chance to enjoy a fun family escape room over the summer holidays.
Aimed at children over 6 years and their adults, the escape room will feature clues, puzzles and challenges with the aim of trying to escape the room within the hour.
Booking is required, and places are filling up quickly.
Discover >>> Review of The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts
Read more and how to book >>> The Library Of Enchantment Escape Room, Z-arts
Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools
Weekends Throughout July
A trip to the swimming pool makes a great treat, and Tameside pools have some extra fun in store.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy fun sessions with toys, inflatable and even slides at their Swim, Slides and Waves at Hyde Leisure.
Times and More >>> Slides, Inflatables and Fun Swimming Sessions at Tameside Pools
July Outdoor Events In Manchester
If we are treated to dry and bright summer days over July, there are lots of fun events for all the family to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
Summer Fun at RHS Bridgewater Gardens
To be confirmed
RHS Bridgewater Gardens has lots of fun in-store over July. Here is what they have in store:
- Guess How Much I Love You – A Garden Adventure, Ongoing to 31st December 2025
- Summer Escape Hunt, Daily from 23rd July 2025
- Habitat Trail, Daily from 23rd July 2025
- Tremendous Trees Trail, Daily from 23rd July 2025
- Sunflower Planting, 23rd and 28th July 2025
- Wild Wings: Birds of Prey Encounters, 24th and 29th July 2025
- Dreamcatcher Crafts, 25th July 2025
- Tree Climbing, 30th July 2025
- Little Explorers: Wildlife Spotting Walk, 30th July 2025
More >>> Summer Activities at RHS Bridgewater
Summer of Play at Dunham Massey
To be connfired
Dunham Massey is always a popular day out during the summer.
For 2025, visitors can also enjoy lots of family events.
You can enjoy their Summer of Play events such as sensory trail, mindfulness, storytelling and more.
Plus, there will be lots of natural play each day, or you can enjoy a fun Here To There Trail at Dunham Massey house.
Discover More >>> Summer Holiday Events at Dunham Massey
Open Air Bounce, Urmston Farm, Bolton
To be confirmed
Open Air Bounce will be opening up for the Summer holidays.
You expect 15 different inflatables, including bouncy castles, slides, obstacles and assault courses.
The course will be open daily with sessions at 11.00 am and 2.30 pm
Tickets cost £9.95 for under 3s and £12.95 for adults and children, and £2.50 for non-bouncing adults.
More >>> Summer Open Air Bounce, Urmstom Farm, Bolton
Summer of Play, Quarry Bank
To be confirmed
Summer of Play is back at National Trust’s Quarry Bank and will start in July.
There will be crafts, storytelling, den building, trails and even the chance to meet some amazing exotic animals.
Read More >>> Summer of Play, Quarry Bank
Free and Cheap July Events In Manchester
You don’t have to spend a fortune to entertain the kids this Spring, there are lots of fun events that are free or for a small amount, suitable for the whole family.
Make sure to also check out >>> Cheap and Free Things To Do In Manchester
Astley Sports Village Family Fun Day, Dukinfield
To be confirmed
Dukinfield Family Fun Day will return with lots of activities with children’s Inflatables throughout the day, local dance schools performing, free football sessions and family fitness classes.
Plus, there will be stalls and emergency services offering children and families an inside look at their vehicles and the work they do in the community.
It will run from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.
More >>> Astley Sports Village Family Fun Day, Dukinfield
Festival Oldham 2026
To be confirmed
Oldham’s annual outdoor arts festival, celebrating culture, community, is back for 2025.
Showcasing the very best of local, regional and national outdoor arts, street theatre, music, dance and visual arts, there will be a theme of Global Threads, a fusion of music, dance, fashion and art throughout the globe
You can expect a full afternoon of activity for all the family and it’s FREE.
More >>> Festival Oldham 2026
Winstanley Park Summer Fair
To be confirmed
Head to Winstanley Park for their summer fair.
There will be inflatables, donkey rides, adventure corner, fairground rides, character visits, stilt walkers and more.
Entry is £2.00 and it will run from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
More >>> Winstanley Park Summer Fair
Gately Festival 2026
To be confirmed
Gately Festival is back with lots of family fun in-store.
There will be a parade at 12.00 noon, live acts, stalls, food, fun fair and lots more.
More and parade route >>> Gately Festival 2025
StoryFest Oldham 2026
Saturday 12th July 2025
Head to Oldham Library to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at this year’s StoryFest.
Meet nine amazing children’s authors and illustrators. With fun activities and an amazing lineup, it’s a day not to be missed!
It will run from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, it’s free and drop-in.
More >>> StoryFest Oldham 2025
Summer Free Fun at The Whitworth, Manchester
To be confirmed
Free
The Whitworth in Manchester has lots of free fun in-store for all ages over July, including:
- Everyday Art School, Daily from Saturday 19th July 2025
- School Celebration Day, Saturday 19th July 2025
- Colour Studio, Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Read More >>> Summer at The Whitworth
Family Activities at The People’s History Museum, Manchester
To be confirmed
The People’s History Museum is lovely for families with lots of interactive exhibitions and activities. Plus, they will be running the following activities:
- Banner Bingo, Daily, Free, Daily – Go on a quest to find images featured in the banners in the galleries to match those on your bingo card. Get a line and shout BINGO, get a full card and shout HOUSE. Suitable for over 5’s.
- Playful Protest Free, Weekends In July – Enjoy family-friendly creative activities and games inspired by the museum’s collections. Suitable for 5 to 12-year-olds.
- Mini books, Big Stories, Free, Weekends In July – Enjoy a craft activity celebrating 90 years of Penguin Books – suitable for ages 5-12 (under 18s must have an accompanying adult).
- Music for the Senses Art Trail, Daily From 7th July – See Music is Hope –one of 50 guitars featured as part of the Music for the Senses art trail.
- Origami Peace Doves, Free, Daily –Enjoy a craft activity inspired by the popular symbol used by the peace movement and at the women-led protest at Greenham Common RAF base. Suitable for ages 5-12
The Museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
More >>> Families at People’s History Museum
Free Family Activities at Manchester Museum
To be confirmed
Manchester Museum have some great free family activities planned for July as follows:
- The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years, Manchester Museum, From 19th July – Meet a giant robotic cat at the museum
- The Cat Out Of The Bag, 19th July 2025
- Find the Kittens Trail, From 19th July 2025
- Cat Costumes, From 22nd July 2025
More >>> Free Family Activities at Manchester Museum
£2.00 Family Films, Cineworlds Across Manchester
Weekends In July
Enjoy a weekend trip to the cinema without breaking the bank with the £2.00 Faily at Cineworld’s across Manchester.
Films and tickets are usually released on Tuesday before.
Read More >>> £2.00 Family Films at Cineworld Manchester
Family Shows In July, Manchester
A trip to see a show or a concert is a great way to spend time with the family, and there are lots of great options available throughout March in Manchester.
Browse >>> What’s On Each Month in Manchester For Kids and Families
More >>> Things To Do In Manchester City Centre For Kids
Discover >>> Free and Cheap Days Out In Manchester
