These Greater Manchester parks will be transformed with free kid-friendly events this week

The summer holidays have finally arrived and while kids will be excited at the prospect of six weeks off school, it can be tricky for parents and guardians to keep them entertained and occupied. Fortunately there are a lot of family-friendly events and activities taking place in Greater Manchester - and many of them are free.

This week four parks in Rochdale will be ‘transformed into a spectacle’ of free theatre, puppetry, circus and more as part of the Feel Good Family Picnics. The events are being held from July 25 -28 at four parks in the borough.

Completely free, the events promise more than 20 different attractions each day and include live performances, music, sports and shows suitable for children of all ages. The events will take place at Falinge Park in Rochdale on July 25, Limefield Playing Fields in Middleton on July 26, Hare Hill Park in Littleborough on July 27 and Queen's Park in Heywood on July 28.

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At 1.45pm each day the Feel Good Picnic will take place and everyone is encouraged to bring their own supplies. During the picnic there will be a ‘stunning’ carnival procession which will travel around the park, led by the international carnival arts company Global Groves.

The procession will feature giant puppets, costumes, funky drum beats, flags and lots of dancing. All events run from 11am to 4pm. Find out more about the line-up on the website and follow the Facebook page for more details.

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