The best family parks in Greater Manchester

Every family loves a good park, but it's not always easy to find the best ones.

A good park can keep the kids happy all day providing it's got enough facilities and most people don't mind travelling to one that ticks all the boxes.

So whether it's a sand play area, a decent cafe, or crazy golf that you're looking for we've been asking parents to recommend their favourite parks in Greater Manchester. And it makes for an impressive list.

Here are some of the best, recommended by mums and dads.

And if you know of a park that should be on the list then don't forget to let us know in the comments, on our Manchester Family Facebook page, or email the details to emma.gill@reachplc.com.

Read more: 50 things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school holidays

We wouldn't have a complete list of parks without mentioning Manchester's beloved Heaton Park.

There are so many things to do inside the park, which hosts its own beach and funfair during the school holidays.

The lake has always been a popular spot for visitors and if you fancy taking to the water there are more options than ever, with swan shaped pedalos, rowing boats and - if you're wanting minimal effort - a motorboat.

The Lakeside Adventure Play Area, which opened in 2019, is a popular spot and features swings, slides, treehouses and more. And there's a further playground towards the north of the park with a 10-metre high tower slide among the attractions.

Set inside the old stables is the Animal Centre, which is home to common farmyard animals, such as chickens, goats, geese, pigs, turkeys, ducks and rabbits, as well as more exotic species such as alpacas.

Further round from the Animal Centre, something that will grab the attention of kids of all