Manchester News – Parktastic events across Manchester parks

Get ready for a summer of active fun as Parktastic comes to a park near you.

Manchester City Council is putting on a summer-long celebration of play sessions popping up across Manchester parks for children of all ages. Fifty-five park sites will host Parktastic activities with at least one session a week in each place for the duration of the six weeks holidays. It’s all about giving children the chance to get involved in free, drop-in fun right on their doorstep.

Games, outdoor crafts, physical activities, messy play and a chance to make and meet new friends in the parks will all add to the entertainment and it’s a great way for families to make the most of their local green spaces.  The sessions will be delivered by a local youth and play organisation in the area. 

Parktastic is part of the Summer of Play planned over the summer holidays and includes a wide range of events including on National Play Day Wednesday 6 August. See Loads to do near you in Manchester for more information.

Play is recognised under the UN Convention of the Rights of the child, and as Manchester work towards becoming a UNICEF UK Child Friendly City, it is more important than ever to make sure children have the right to play and the council is committed to developing more play opportunities as part of this ambition.

Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “We know that play is vital for the health and wellbeing of children of all ages and we are delighted to bring them this fantastic schedule of activities. Play is an important part of children and young people’s experience growing up and helps them to form good social relationships, build skills as well as keeping active so we hope to see lots of you there this summer.”

Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “We want children and their families to get out and about and enjoy our parks and green spaces during the summer holidays and what better way to encourage children outside meeting friends, making new ones and socialising than with these drop-in, free, fun sessions.  They will take place in every part of the city so there’s no excuse just come along and join others in making the most of the summer in your local park.” 

The Parktastic sessions will launch in Crowcroft Park on 21 July 5pm – 7pm. 

The final session will be held in Ancoats Green Park on Friday 29 August 4-6pm.