Free and cheap things to do with the kids in Manchester this school holidays summer 2023

The school holidays are here and perhaps sending parents into a blind panic over how they're going to keep the kids entertained for the next six weeks.

Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, many families are finding that money is tighter than ever right now, so lots of people will be wondering how to do the holidays on the cheap.

Well fear not, as there's lots of stuff happening that won't break the bank.

In fact there's a huge list of activities and events that are either free or cheap for families to enjoy. Some require tickets though, so don't hang around. Take a look at our round-up here....

A free new exhibition celebrating children's author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler is coming to The Lowry this summer.

The exhibition, entitled Julia and Axel - Thirty Years of Favourite Stories - will celebrate their work, which includes popular tales Stick Man and Room on the Broom.

It will feature a special 'Storybook room', snippets from the animated versions of the likes of The Gruffalo, Zog and Snail and the Whale, as well as an exploration of how Julia and Axel have worked together to create their iconic works.

The Lowry has worked in collaboration with publishers Macmillan Children’s Books and Scholastic on the 'landmark' exhibition, which opens on Saturday, July 22 and runs right through to January 1, 2024.

Throughout the exhibition there will be lots of fun opportunities for children to be creative themselves as they are guided to write their own stories, draw pictures, dress up, and play fun games inspired by the books.

It'll be open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 5pm, weekends 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays, except bank holidays.

There's even more fun for Donaldson fans when Zog roars onto the