Budget-Friendly Family Days Out in the North West

When the school holidays are here, they're the perfect opportunity for foster families to bond and create lasting memories with the children in their care. But keeping everyone entertained on a budget can feel like a challenge. The good news is the North West is packed with incredible free and low-cost attractions that cater to all ages and interests.

Whether you're new to fostering or an experienced foster carer looking for fresh ideas, we've rounded up the best budget-friendly family days out across the region. From stunning natural landscapes to engaging museums and exciting events, there's something here for every family.

Perfect Parks and Picnic Spots

The North West boasts some of the UK's most spectacular countryside, and you're never far from a stunning outdoor space. Packing a picnic is one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy quality time together, and these locations won't cost you a penny to visit.

National Parks and Nature Reserves

Our region is home to two magnificent National Parks that offer endless opportunities for family bonding and outdoor adventures:

The Lake District National Park

Just north of the region, the Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring breathtaking scenery, gentle lakeside walks, and countless picnic spots. Popular family-friendly locations include Lake Windermere, Tarn Hows, and Buttermere. The National Trust manages many stunning sites throughout the Lake District that are free to explore.

The Peak District National Park

To the south, the Peak District offers dramatic landscapes and family-friendly trails. Don't miss Dovedale with its famous stepping stones, Lud's Church, and the stunning Mam Tor. The Peak District website has excellent resources for planning family visits.

 

Hidden Gems in Greater Manchester and Lancashire

Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve

Located just south of Wigan town centre, Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This former mining area has been transformed into peaceful lakes and woodlands, complete with bird hides for wildlife spotting and designated picnic areas. The Wildlife Trust provides helpful guides for identifying birds and other wildlife you might encounter. It's an ideal spot for helping children connect with nature, which can be particularly beneficial for young people who've experienced trauma.

Jumbles Country Park, Bolton

Jumbles Country Park offers a stunning reservoir, woodland trails, and plenty of space for children to explore. The Bolton Council website provides information about all the local country parks in the area.

Healey Dell Nature Reserve, Rochdale

This beautiful river valley features Healey Dell with its dramatic railway viaduct, woodland trails, and fascinating industrial heritage. The Friends of Healey Dell organize regular family events throughout the year.

 

West Yorkshire's Outdoor Treasures

Ilkley Moor

Just over the border in West Yorkshire, Ilkley Moor is iconic for a reason. The moorland offers spectacular views, fascinating rock formations like the Cow and Calf, and gentle walks suitable for families. Visit Bradford has more ideas for family days out in the area.

Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge

This National Trust property features stunning woodland walks, waterfalls, and a Victorian mill lodge. While there's a parking charge for non-National Trust members, entry to the estate is free.

 

Museums, Libraries and Cultural Attractions

The North West's cultural scene is second to none, and many venues offer free entry along with special programmes designed specifically for families. These indoor attractions are perfect for keeping children engaged on rainy days.

Manchester's Museum Mile

The Manchester Museum

Recently reopened after a £15 million transformation, The Manchester Museum on Oxford Road is more spectacular than ever. The museum features everything from ancient Egypt and fossils to live animals in the vivarium. Their dedicated families page lists free activities, trails, and drop-in sessions throughout the year. The museum is easily accessible via Transport for Greater Manchester services.

The Whitworth

Just a short walk from The Manchester Museum, The Whitworth combines art galleries with stunning parkland. The gallery regularly hosts free family activities including creative workshops and art trails.

Manchester Art Gallery

Located in the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery offers free entry to world-class art collections and runs excellent family programmes year-round.

Science and Industry Museum

Perfect for curious minds, the Science and Industry Museum is free to enter and explores Manchester's role as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Check their what's on page for special family events.

 

Liverpool's World-Class Museums

All of Liverpool's museums are free to enter, making the city an excellent budget-friendly destination:

World Museum

The World Museum is a must-visit with its planetarium, aquarium, and exhibits spanning everything from dinosaurs to ancient civilizations. Their families page lists regular free activities including bug hunts, craft sessions, and interactive trails.

Museum of Liverpool

Explore the city's fascinating history at the Museum of Liverpool on the waterfront. The museum regularly hosts free family events and features interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Discover Liverpool's maritime heritage at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the Titanic, emigration, and life at sea.

Walker Art Gallery

Known as the "National Gallery of the North," the Walker Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures spanning 600 years.

Strawberry Field, Liverpool

Whether you're a Beatles fan or not, Strawberry Field offers a unique experience. The garden hosts Get Back to Play sessions during school holidays - free, drop-in family activities with different themes each week.

 

Lancashire's Cultural Gems

The Whitaker, Rawtenstall

Set in beautiful parkland, The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and regularly hosts family events including craft sessions, film screenings, and outdoor activities.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

The stunning Harris Museum in Preston city centre offers free entry to its art collections and exhibitions. Their families programme includes storytelling sessions, craft activities, and interactive trails.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

Blackburn Museum houses fascinating collections including one of the finest collections of Japanese art in the North West. Check their events page for family activities.

 

Bradford's Heritage Sites

Bradford Industrial Museum

Based in what was once Moorside Mills, Bradford Industrial Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Yorkshire's industrial past with textile machinery, vintage vehicles, and working machinery demonstrations. The museum hosts regular family events throughout the year, making it perfect for educational days out.

The National Science and Media Museum

Free to enter, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford explores photography, film, television, and gaming. Their family activities include hands-on workshops and special screenings.

 

Your Local Library

Library membership is completely free, and there's no age minimum - even babies can have their own library card! Libraries are invaluable resources for foster families, offering quiet spaces, free books, and community connections.

Most libraries run extensive Summer Reading Challenge programmes, giving children the chance to discover new books, win prizes, and develop their reading skills. Many also host free events during school holidays, including:

• Storytelling sessions
• Craft activities
• Author visits
• Coding clubs
• Lego clubs
• Board game sessions

Find your local library service here:

• Blackburn with Darwen Libraries
• Blackpool Libraries
• Bolton Libraries
• Bradford Libraries
• Bury Libraries
• Calderdale Libraries
• Cheshire Libraries
• Cumbria Libraries
• Kirklees Libraries
• Lancashire Libraries
• Liverpool Libraries
• Manchester Libraries
• Oldham Libraries
• Rochdale Libraries
• Salford Libraries
• Sefton Libraries
• Stockport Libraries
• Tameside Libraries
• Trafford Libraries
• Warrington Libraries
• Wigan Libraries

Libraries Connected provides information about library services across the UK.

Beautiful Beaches

No summer is complete without a beach trip! The North West coastline offers stunning variety, from traditional seaside resorts to quiet nature reserves. The Beach Guide lists over 60 beaches in the region - here are some family favourites:

Lancashire Coast

Blackpool

The classic British seaside resort, Blackpool offers miles of sandy beaches backed by the famous promenade. While the attractions cost money, enjoying the beach itself is free. Don't miss the Comedy Carpet on the promenade.

St Annes and Lytham

For a quieter beach experience, Lytham St Annes offers golden sands, traditional beach huts, and a Victorian pier. The RSPB Ribble Discovery Centre nearby is worth a visit.

Morecambe

Morecambe has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Its promenade features the iconic Eric Morecambe statue, and the sunsets across Morecambe Bay are spectacular.

Merseyside Beaches

Formby

Formby Beach combines sandy beaches with coastal pine woods and sand dunes. It's one of the few places in England where you can spot native red squirrels. There's a car park charge, but National Trust members enter free.

Crosby Beach

Famous for Antony Gormley's Another Place installation, Crosby Beach features 100 cast-iron figures spread across three kilometers of foreshore. It's free to visit and genuinely spectacular.

New Brighton

The New Brighton seafront has been transformed, featuring beautiful sandy beaches, Fort Perch Rock, and the iconic Perch Rock Lighthouse. The promenade is perfect for cycling and walking.

Southport

Southport Beach is vast and sandy, backed by a traditional Victorian promenade. The nearby Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve is excellent for wildlife spotting.

 

Animal Encounters

Meeting animals can be particularly beneficial for children in care, helping build confidence and empathy. These free animal attractions offer wonderful opportunities to connect with nature:

Farms and Wildlife Centers

Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington

Walton Hall and Gardens offers free entry to beautiful parkland and a children's zoo featuring alpacas, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, and birds. The zoo is open daily, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for picnics.

Rice Lane City Farm, Liverpool

Established over 40 years ago, Rice Lane City Farm spans 24 acres and is completely free to visit. Meet friendly farmyard animals, explore woodland walks, and enjoy nature trails. The farm also runs educational programmes and seasonal events.

Cuerden Valley Park, Preston

Cuerden Valley Park is a 650-acre country park with nature trails, woodlands, and a visitor center. While exploring the park is free, check their events page for special family activities.

Whitworth Community Park, Darley Dale

Just outside the region in Darbyshire, Whitworth Park features a small zoo with exotic birds, farm animals, and reptiles - all free to visit.

 

Nature Reserves

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

Brockholes is Lancashire Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserve offering 250 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Entry is free (though there's a parking charge), and the visitor center features a café and interactive exhibits. Check their events calendar for seasonal activities including the popular Xplorer Challenge.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

While there's normally an entry fee, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust's Martin Mere sometimes offers free entry days - follow them on social media for announcements. When you can visit for free, it's an incredible opportunity to see thousands of birds.

RSPB Leighton Moss, Carnforth

RSPB Leighton Moss is one of the UK's most important wetland nature reserves. While there's usually a parking charge, many trails are accessible free of charge, and you might spot otters, bitterns, and marsh harriers.

 

Free Events and Festivals

The North West hosts hundreds of free family events throughout the year. Here are some annual highlights, though always check event websites for current dates and details:

Greater Manchester Events

Manchester Day

Usually held in summer, Manchester Day is a spectacular free parade and celebration featuring giant puppets, performers, and community groups. The city center transforms into a carnival atmosphere with activities for all ages.

Parklife in Parks

Manchester City Council organizes free summer activities across the city's parks, including sports sessions, arts and crafts, and family fun days. Check the MCR Active website for schedules.

Heaton Park Events

Throughout the year, Heaton Park - one of Europe's largest municipal parks - hosts free events including outdoor theater, guided walks, and seasonal celebrations.

 

Lancashire Festivals

Darwen Festival

The Darwen Festival typically takes place in summer with free family activities, entertainment, and community celebrations.

Burnley Canal Festival

The Burnley Canal Festival is a free annual event featuring boat trips, towpath activities, entertainment, and heritage walks along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Lancaster Maritime Festival

Usually held in autumn, the Lancaster Maritime Festival celebrates the city's maritime heritage with free activities along the quayside.

Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On

The famous Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On marks the start of the illuminations season with a free evening of entertainment on Blackpool promenade. Once switched on, viewing the illuminations themselves is also free.

 

Liverpool Events

Liverpool International Music Festival

LIMF is a free multi-day music festival usually held in summer at Sefton Park, featuring live music, food stalls, and family activities.

River Festival

The Liverpool River Festival celebrates the city's waterfront with tall ships, water sports, and free entertainment.

Chinese New Year

Liverpool has Europe's oldest Chinese community, and the city's Chinese New Year celebrations are among the largest in the UK, featuring dragon parades, performances, and cultural activities.

 

Bradford Events

Bradford Literature Festival

The Bradford Literature Festival offers many free events including children's author sessions, storytelling, and workshops.

Bradford Mela

One of the largest South Asian festivals in Europe, Bradford Mela is a free celebration of music, dance, food, and culture.

Check Local Event Listings

For the most up-to-date information on free family events:

• Visit Manchester Events
• Visit Lancashire Events
• Visit Liverpool Events
• Visit Bradford Events
• Visit Cheshire Events
• Cumbria Tourism Events

 

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

Many councils run HAF programmes during school holidays, offering free activities and meals for children receiving benefits-related free school meals. Some councils extend eligibility to other families too.

Where to Find HAF Programmes

Greater Manchester:

• Bolton HAF
• Bury HAF
• Manchester HAF
• Oldham HAF
• Rochdale HAF
• Salford HAF
• Stockport HAF
• Tameside HAF
• Trafford HAF
• Wigan HAF

Lancashire:

• Lancashire HAF
• Blackburn with Darwen HAF
• Blackpool HAF

Merseyside:

• Liverpool HAF
• Sefton HAF
• Wirral HAF
• Knowsley HAF
• St Helens HAF

Yorkshire:

• Bradford HAF - notably offers 12 free family fun days in parks open to ALL children aged 5-14
• Calderdale HAF
• Kirklees HAF

HAF programmes can be particularly valuable for foster families as they provide structured activities in a supportive environment.

 

Additional Money-Saving Tips for Foster Families

Free Parking and Transport Savings

• National Trust and English Heritage memberships offer free parking at hundreds of sites
• Many city parks offer free parking or reduced rates
• Consider Railcard discounts for family train travel
• Stagecoach and First Bus offer family tickets and day savers

Eating Out Savings

• Check if restaurants offer Kids Eat Free deals
• Many chains have free kids' meal promotions during school holidays
• Pack picnics and snacks to avoid impulse purchases

Discount Schemes for Foster Carers

As foster carers, you may be eligible for:

• Blue Light Card - offering discounts for some local authority foster carers
• Local authority-specific discount schemes
• Ask your fostering agency about what's available
  
  

Making Memories with Olive Branch 

At Olive Branch, we understand that school holidays can present unique challenges for foster families. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive support to our foster carers all year round, not just during term time.

Our Foster Family Events

We regularly organize free events exclusively for our foster families, including:

• Summer activity days
• Seasonal celebrations
• Educational workshops
• Social gatherings for carers and children
• Support group meetings

These events provide opportunities for the children in your care to build friendships with other young people in similar situations, while you connect with fellow foster carers who understand your journey.

Year-Round Support

Beyond organized events, Olive Branch Fostering offers:

• 24/7 support line for emergencies and advice
• Dedicated social workers
• Regular supervision and training
• Financial support including generous allowances
• Access to therapeutic services
• Educational support for the children in your care
• Respite care arrangements when needed

Getting Involved

If you're already part of the Olive Branch family, stay connected with us to hear about upcoming events:

• Follow us on Facebook
• Check your email for event invitations
• Contact your supervising social worker
• Join our foster carer WhatsApp groups

Thinking About Fostering?

If this article has inspired you and you're considering becoming a foster carer, we'd love to hear from you. The North West desperately needs more foster families to provide loving, stable homes for vulnerable children and young people. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and circumstances. Check out who can foster to see if you're eligible. 

Learn more about:

• Different types of fostering - from short-term to long-term care
• Who can foster - eligibility requirements
• The assessment process - what to expect
• Financial information - allowances and fees
• Training and support - how we help you succeed

Contact us today to start your fostering journey.

 

Final Thoughts

The North West offers countless opportunities for creating special memories without breaking the bank. From breathtaking natural landscapes to world-class museums, vibrant beaches to intimate animal encounters, there's something to suit every family's interests and energy levels.

Remember, what matters most isn't how much you spend but the quality time you invest in the children in your care. Many of the most treasured memories come from simple pleasures: feeding ducks at the local park, building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, or discovering a new trail together.

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable summer full of adventures, laughter, and bonding moments. The children and young people in foster care deserve these precious experiences, and with some creativity and local knowledge, they're entirely within reach.

Have a wonderful time exploring all the North West has to offer, and don't forget to share your adventures with us on social media - we love seeing what our foster families get up to!

For more tips, advice, and inspiration, explore our news and advice section, where we regularly share resources to support foster families throughout the year.

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Last updated: 2025. Please check individual attraction websites for current opening times, booking requirements, and any changes to admission policies.