Keeping the kids busy over the summer holidays can get expensive. Luckily, there are still plenty of things to see and do across Oldham without spending a penny.
With the summer holidays coming to an end, we’ve rounded up 20 free things you can still enjoy across the borough.
1. Explore Gallery Oldham
Discover the wildlife and nature found across our borough in the new Our Beautiful Oldham gallery. See fish, read a book inside a tree and try virtual pond dipping.
While you’re there, don’t miss Waterfall of Kites, made up of 100 colourful kites and on display until Saturday 29th August.
Where: Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL
Find out more: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/
2. Trek back through Oldham’s history
Follow the 12-stop Oldham Time Trek around the town centre. Meet animated characters, solve puzzles and discover the stories behind some of Oldham’s best-known buildings.
Where: Oldham town centre
Start the trail: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/homepage/1221/oldham_town_centre_trail_-_intro
3. Discover Oldham Archives
Take a look through old photographs, maps and newspapers or start tracing your family history. You might even spot your school, your street or someone you know.
Where: Oldham Archives, Spindles, Oldham town centre
Find out more: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/oldham-archives/
4. Take on the Summer Reading Challenge
Children can set their own reading goal, collect stickers and earn a medal and certificate. Under-fives can join the Mini Challenge too.
The challenge runs until Saturday 12th September.
Where: Libraries across Oldham
Find out more: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/whats-on/children-families/
5. Get creative at your local library
Free summer craft sessions are taking place at libraries across Oldham until Friday 28th August.
Check what’s happening at your local library before you visit.
See what’s on: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/events/category/children-families/
6. Sing and share stories
Bounce and Rhyme sessions bring stories to life through songs, music and movement at libraries across Oldham.
There’s also a Little Reads session at Oldham Library on Friday 28th August at 10am.
See library events: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/events/category/children-families/
7. Build something brilliant with Lego
Children aged five and over can build, create and play at free drop-in Lego clubs at Northmoor and Limehurst libraries.
Children under eight need to attend with an adult.
See library events: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/events/category/children-families/
8. Enjoy a Stay and Play session
Younger children can enjoy free toys, games and activities at Best Start Family Hubs across Oldham. Some sessions need to be booked in advance.
Find your nearest Family Hub and see what’s on: https://familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk/family-hubs/
9. Get free digital help
Need a hand with your phone, tablet or getting online? Free Inclusive Bytes drop-ins are available at Lees Library on Mondays, Oldham Library on Wednesdays and Failsworth Library on Thursdays.
Find times and more information: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/201199/cost_of_living_-_we_can_help/2782/help_to_get_online
10. Play tennis for free
Free park tennis courts are available across the borough, including Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, Dunwood Park, Foxdenton Park, High Crompton Park, Lower Memorial Park, Royton Park, Waterhead Park and Werneth Park.
Book a court: https://www.lta.org.uk/book/
11. Try an outdoor gym
Get moving for free using outdoor strength, balance and cardio equipment.
You’ll find outdoor gym equipment at parks including Bullcote Park, Foxdenton Park, High Crompton Park, Waterhead Park and Werneth Park.
12. Crack the Alexandra Park trail
Follow the free family trail around Alexandra Park, starting at Emma the Flower Girl.
Solve clues and discover 12 landmarks around the park, including the Lion’s Den, bandstand and Observatory. The full trail takes up to two hours.
Find out more: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/alex_park_trail
13. Join a parkrun
Walk, jog or run a free weekly 5k at Alexandra Park or Chadderton Hall Park every Saturday at 9am.
Junior parkruns for children aged four to 14 also take place at Alexandra Park and Uppermill every Sunday at 9am.
Register for free before your first visit.
Register and find out more: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
14. Climb Tandle Hill
Walk through the woodland to the monument at the top of Oldham’s oldest country park and enjoy views across Greater Manchester.
Where: Tandle Hill Country Park, Royton
15. Follow the river at Chadderton Hall Park
Walk through woodland beside the River Irk, visit the gardens and play area or enjoy a game on the free tennis courts.
Where: Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton
16. Walk beside the canal in Saddleworth
Follow a stretch of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through Saddleworth and watch the boats pass through the locks.
Start in Uppermill or Greenfield, bring some snacks and simply turn back when little legs have had enough.
17. Walk around Strinesdale Reservoir
Take a short walk around the lower reservoir or continue through the woodland and alongside the River Medlock for a longer route.
Where: Strinesdale, Waterhead
18. Take a stroll around Dunwood Park
Follow the short woodland walking route, visit the play area or enjoy a game on one of the park’s three tennis courts.
Where: Dunwood Park, Shaw
19. Discover Foxdenton Park
Look for ducks around the pond, explore the sensory garden and woodland or visit the play area, tennis courts and outdoor gym.
Where: Foxdenton Park, Chadderton
20. Explore Brownhill Nature Garden
Look for plants, insects and birds in this quiet spot beside the canal and beneath the railway viaduct.
The garden also has a ramped walkway, tactile path markers and raised planters, making it accessible to more visitors.
Where: Brownhill Nature Garden, Dobcross and Uppermill
What will you try first?
Whether you fancy exploring a park, discovering Oldham’s history, getting creative or simply finding somewhere new for a walk, there’s plenty to do without spending a penny.
Find more events and activities across Oldham: https://whatson.oldham.gov.uk/