Getting your family outdoors in the fresh air is a great way to make memories and save your sanity. A long drive to a beach or a day at a theme park aren’t ideal options on a budget, but there are still plenty of activities to do with your family – whatever their ages – in the great outdoors.
So, if the weather forecast is a good one, here are our suggestions for the 5 best outdoor family days out around Bolton and Manchester.
1. Park life
We’re so lucky to have parks, playgrounds and green spaces on our doorsteps. We’d recommend Jumbles Country Park, Moses Gate, Moss Bank, Black Leach Country Park and Haigh Woodland Park at Wigan too. All have car parking, a café or refreshment stop, a children’s playground and some even have opportunities for feeding the ducks!
And, of course, there’s lots of room to run off some energy, play ball games and generally have outdoor fun.
2. On the farm
Smithills Open Farm isn’t too far from us at Open Air Bounce and it’s a lovely spot, especially for primary school aged children. There’s lots to do and plenty to learn as well with over 100 animals – farm breeds and pets – and farm machinery including tractor rides.
3. Skater vibes
Bolton Skatepark has ramps and challenges for every age of skater boy (or girl) and it’s all free to use. There are few facilities on site but its neighbours include four major supermarkets and the nearest, Morrison’s has a café and toilets.
4. Rocky challenges
OK, this one’s a cheat as although it’s all about outdoor skills, it’s actually indoors. Rock Over Climbing is the second site for this big Manchester name and it’s just down the road from us at Lostock. If you’ve never tried climbing walls, this is a great place to start and there’s something for everyone. From big and high walls to what is known as bouldering. Kids of all ages love it and the place has lots of staff around to advise and help – although be warned, as they’ll try to get parents to have a go too!
If you or your kids catch the climbing bug, there are also climbing and bouldering centres in central Manchester, Preston and Lancaster. Of course, there’s plenty of outdoor centres and climbing guides offering tuition on real rock in the outdoors too.
5. Open Air Bounce
Of course, last but not least, we’d say we’re one of the 5 best outdoor activities for families in the Greater Manchester area too. With 14 different inflatables, all in the open air, plus refreshment stops, a beach area and toilet facilities, Open Air Bounce is a great place to spend part of your school holidays. We’ve done a few calculations too… and for a family of 4, only the parks and skatepark beat us on price!
If you have other recommendations from your own experience, please let us know or tag us on social media – we’re keen to make this blog as useful as possible and it would be great to share your recommendations.
On that note, for rainy days or just that guarantee of you may need for planning ahead, check out our 8 recommendations for the best indoor family days out around Bolton and Manchester.
