What's On
Council organises thousands of FREE activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer
Something for everyone to get involved with.
Emily Sergeant -
7th July 2025 
Thousands of free activities are planned ready for local families to take part in this summer.
With it only being a couple of weeks to go until schools right across Greater Manchester break up for the summer holidays, many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for the six whole weeks before the new term starts – and even better if those ‘ways’ don’t break the bank too much, either.
Thankfully, Manchester City Council has relaunched its Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
If you’re unfamiliar with HAF’s long-term goal, it’s to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Manchester, aged between 5-16 years old, get the support they need when the school term is over.
Last year alone, the Council says it was able to support a whopping 29,224 local children in accessing nearly 4,000 holiday sessions.
Although HAF is usually reserved for those eligible for free school meals, an extensive range of these free or low-cost activities taking place in Manchester this summer open for everyone to join in with.
There are thousands of FREE places for children’s activities over the school holidays.
— Manchester Active (@MCRActive) June 25, 2025
PLUS each booked place will include a FREE meal during the day.
To find out whether your child is eligible to take part visit https://t.co/guALpeqHa9#ManchesterHAF @ManCityCouncil pic.twitter.com/naB9KVO6oh
For those families who are eligible and a part of the HAF programme, a free and nutritious meal will also be provided at these free events, ensuring that no child has to endure holiday hunger.
“We know the holidays can be a real pinch point for families, which is why schemes such as the HAF programme are so important,” commented Councillor Julie Reid, who is the Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People at Manchester City Council.
“Providing free activities can be a real boost for children of all ages throughout the holidays, allowing them to meet new friends and try out new things – both hugely significant in terms of their personal wellbeing and mental health.
Read more:
- Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month
- Science and Industry Museum unveils ‘summer of senses’ programme with dozens of free activities
- LEGO is back hosting more interactive workshops for kids in Manchester
“There’s lots of great events that will be running over the summer holidays with a free meal or snack included, so if you have not already been contacted to take part, I’d urge families to have a look at our Loads To Do website and see what they think their child would enjoy over the break.”
Check out all the free activities planned on the Loads To Do website here.
Featured Image – Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash)
