School Holidays in Manchester

Looking for things to do during the Christmas school holidays – then you’re in the right place. There are loads of fun activities, from sporty holiday camps to family-friendly festive events to keep all ages entertained. And with many of them free or low-cost, they won’t break the bank.

In Manchester, we also run a free holiday club programme for children on benefits-related free school meals. All of the sessions must be booked via our partner site Manchester Active. For information on what’s available near you, and how to book click here.

An up close image of the colourful lights on a Christmas tree.
Image credit: Pixabay/ Pexels

Top Picks

A close up of a wolf's head and shoulders.

Wild

The Manchester Museum, City Centre

5 June 2024 - 1 June 2025

Free
Runners racing a local 5K around a lake on a dirt path on a early summer evening.

Junior Park Run At Alexandra Park

Great for fitness and lots of fun, the Junior Park Run is suitable for ages 4-14 years.

Alexandra Park, Whalley Range Moss Side

19 February 2023 - 7 September 2025

9:00am - 10:15am

Free.
A pair of red boxing gloves

Levenshulme Amateur Boxing Club

There's a variety of weekly sessions for budding boxers happening at Cringle Park.

Cringle Park, Levenshulme

3 January 2022 - 1 September 2025

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Free
A young child walks across a grass field with a kite.

Welly Walk at The Whitworth

Get muddy and discover art and nature in the Whitworth Park. Pick up your free guide when you visit.

Whitworth Park, Ardwick Rusholme Moss Side

15 January 2023 - 6 July 2025

9:00am - 5:00pm

Free
Trees by a lake in Alexandra Park

Secret Mission

Alexandra Park, Whalley Range Moss Side

14 February 2023 - 16 February 2025

10:00am - 4:00pm

Free
Boy watching hands making shadow puppets on a screen

Light Lab

Science and Industry Museum, City Centre Castlefield

14 December 2024 - 4 January 2025

10:00am - 5:00pm

Free

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