With the cost of living going up having fun doesn't have to break the bank.
The school holidays are here which means you're likely to have some little people around you who need entertaining.
It can be costly though and, while we have some great playgrounds to visit across Greater Manchester, there are only so many times you can head to the park.
That's why we've been taking a look at some of the free and cheap events happening across the area this summer.
From town centre beaches that have been set up, to museums and picnic events, there's all sorts of free fun to be had.
Plus, we've included places where tickets cost no more than a tenner, or a tiny bit more if we feel it's value for money, like Dinosaurs In The Park, which has just arrived at Heaton Park, offering a full day out with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a palaeontologist's tent, a Dino Dig Pit and more.
We've also included places that have reduced their tickets for the school holidays, or are offering any sort of discounts, such as half price kids' tickets to Sea Life Manchester and Legoland Discovery Centre inside Trafford Palazzo. Dinosaurs in the Park, Heaton Park
Dozens of moving and roaring dinos have taken over Heaton Park as Dinosaurs in the Park returns for the school holidays.
Billed as a 'spectacular outdoor exhibition that will bring the prehistoric world to life', visitors of all ages are invited to step back in time and walk among the giants of the Jurassic era.
The park has been transformed into a prehistoric landscape, complete with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and educational activities that promise to excite and inspire.
Visitors can encounter 40 of the dinosaurs, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, the towering Brachiosaurus, and the fierce Velociraptor, all 'designed with meticulous attention to detail'.
There's a palaeontologist's tent for guests to learn about dinosaur behaviour, habitats, and the fascinating process of fossilization.
A Dino Dig Pit will give young explorers a chance to unearth ancient fossils at an interactive dig site and there's a Dinosaur Dentist section, where kids can have a go at brushing the teeth of a T-Rex and help the dentist with an extraction.
The Fun Zone features lots of free attractions and some paid-for fairground rides and there's a Food Zone, where you can either buy refreshments from the food court, or use the space for a picnic.
Dinosaurs in the Park will run from July 19 to August 4 and once inside you can stay as long as you like. Tickets cost £12 per person, under threes free, or you can get a group ticket for four for £46. Anyone booking after 3pm gets 20% off and on the gate tickets are also 20% off for entry after that time. Last entry is at 4pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends and bank holidays. It closes at 6pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends and bank holidays. Tickets can be booked online. Bright Lights, Big Fun at The Trafford Centre
A giant beach and splash park are returning to The Trafford Centre this summer along with its popular fairground.
The rides will cost you extra, with tokens sold separately if you choose to go on them, but entry to the beach area and splash park is £2.50, plus booking fee.
Bright Lights, Big Fun features a massive 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall, a giant splash park equipped with multiple water jets and fairground rides for kids of all ages.
It runs from July 26 to September 1, opening daily from 12pm to 8pm. Entry costs £2.50 plus booking fees, or £3.50 on the gate. Ride tokens are sold separately at £1 each. Pre-booking is recommended via the website here. Picnic In The Pool, Victoria Baths
Manchester's Grade II-listed Victoria Baths is hosting a rather unusual event this summer in the form of a Picnic In The Pool.
Taking place on Wednesday, 14 August from 12 noon until 3pm, the bath's stunning Gala Pool will provide the backdrop for the event, which has become an annual highlight on the Victoria Baths’ calendar, with picnickers filling the space with their own colourful blankets and cushions.
There will be a range of traditional lawn games, a craft area, building trail and 'Little Zone', a dedicated area for smaller adventurers to play with toys, books, and mini-kitchen.
Families are encouraged to take their own food along, or there are snacks also available to purchase from the tea room. There will be guided tours taking place at 1pm for those who want to spend time exploring the historic building and hear about some of its fascinating stories.
Entry is £1 and booking is recommended, although there will be a limited number of tickets on the day. Kenyon Hall Farm
The farm, on the border of Wigan and Warrington, has no end of activities for kids over the holidays.
There's fruit picking, from just £2.50; a maize maze opening from the end of July with a brand new theme, and a sunflower trail, which returns in August.
Tickets will soon be released for the maze, where visitors get to navigate the towering maize crop to find the hidden characters. It's billed as 'a fun, affordable activity loved by children of all ages'. Keep an eye on the website here for more details.
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