There’s a free beach you can visit in Greater Manchester during the school holidays

The first week of the summer holidays is well underway. Although the long break is an exciting time for kids, it can be tricky for parents and guardians coming up with ideas to keep kids occupied.

Many families will be sticking to a budget this summer and looking to keep costs down. But there are activities taking place across Greater Manchester this summer which won’t break the bank.

One free thing you can do is take them to the beach - and you won’t even need to leave Greater Manchester. A free beach will open at Merseyway in Stockport this weekend, offering bucket-loads of seaside fun without having to travel far.

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Located just outside Primark, Merseybay is an outdoor beach where you can relax on a deckchair or get stuck in with a bucket and spade. There will also be food huts and fun rides, including a helter skelter.

The beach officially opens on July 20 with a pink-themed event featuring an array of doll activities to celebrate the opening of the brand-new Barbie movie in cinemas.

Hosted in collaboration with The Light Cinema Stockport, little ones are encouraged to visit Stockport town centre dressed as their favourite dolls for the 'ultimate pink celebration', featuring workshops, crafts, family games and photo opportunities on every corner, including a pink Cadillac at Redrock, a pink jeep for toddlers at Merseyway and doll boxes, ready for visitors to show off their best poses.

Merseyway will also be hosting Activity Wednesdays each week at Merseybay, where children can enjoy a themed event on the beach from 12pm to 3pm. These will include a dinosaur event, a pirate party, a prince and princess party and a