Last Updated on 9 February 2026 by Colette
This list features things to do with kids in Oldham all year round, and one or two seasonal activities too so do make sure you check with individual venues before setting off out on an adventure!
I’ve included things you to do in the town of Oldham itself and also things to do in the wider borough of Oldham. As always, if you think I’ve missed something off this list, give me a shout and I’ll add it in!
What is there to do in Oldham with kids?
Illuminate Oldham – Saturday 21st February 2026
Illuminate Oldham returns for it’s 9th year. This free light festival brings larger than life light installations to Oldham town centre on Saturday 21st February.
Explore from Gallery Oldham to Parliament Square, Oldham Parish Church, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall and see Oldham in a new light.
You can read more about Illuminate Oldham here:
Illuminate Oldham – tips for attending!
Summit Up, Egerton St, Oldham OL1 3SE
Top of my list of things to do in Oldham with kid is to pay a visit to Summit Up. This purpose built climbing centre has something for everyone with a soft play for the little ones, one of the largest Clip n Climbs in the country and then roped climbing walls and bouldering too making it somewhere the whole family can enjoy.
❗️February Half Term Discount valid from 13th to 22nd February 2026: Use Code FEBHALF10 for 10% off all Clip ‘n’ Climb sessions. Book here.
You can read more about visiting Summit Up Oldham here:
Where to go rock climbing in Manchester
Daisy Nook Country Park, Stannybrook Rd, Failsworth, Oldham, Manchester M35 9WJ
Daisy Nook is a country park in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, England, which runs through the Medlock Valley.
There’s plenty to explore with a huge lake which plays host to an array of wild life (we’ve spotted a heron before now!), woodland, two play areas (one of which has recently been refurbished) and waterways – there even used to be a couple of highland cows but they’ve moved on now.
You can read more about visiting Daisy Nook Country Park here:
Daisy Nook Country Park – Walks with Kids
Horse riding lessons at Daisy Nook
Oldham Library, Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL
One of my favourite things about Oldham Library is the tiny theatre which we make a point of visiting each Christmas (you can find our reviews here). Oldham Library itself is huge and as well as being able to borrow books, you’ll find regular story telling sessions, rhyme times and craft activities as well as special events throughout the year.
You can find out what’s going on at Oldham Library and other libraries in the area here.
Oldham Leisure Centre, Cannon St, Oldham OL9 6EJ
There are six leisure centres across Oldham – Royton Leisure Centre, Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Saddleworth Pool & Leisure Centre, Failsworth Sports Centre and The Radclyffe Athletics Centre – all offering a range of activities for children and young people including teen only gyms and swimming pools. The main Oldham Leisure Centre itself is our favourite when it comes to taking the kids swimming in Oldham (though parking can be tricky if it’s busy).
You can find out what’s on at Oldham Leisure Centre here.
Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL
Gallery Oldham is a free-to-view public museum and art gallery in the Cultural Quarter of central Oldham.
You can explore a range of exhibitions, events and activities at Gallery Oldham. Find out more about what’s on at Gallery Oldham here.
Gallery Oldham are usually well involved in Illuminate Oldham too which takes place each February.
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, Middleton Road West, Chadderton, Oldham OL1 2TG
Lancaster Park & Animal Farm is a small family-run farm in Chadderton where you can feed the horses, miniature donkeys and alpacas or get more hands on with the smaller animals in the petting barn.
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm host seasonal events including lamb feeding, Halloween and Christmas.
You can book tickets to visit Lancaster Park and Animal farm here.
Cockfields Farm, Lees Rd, Oldham, OL6 8AR
Cockfields Farm host regular special events throughout the year including bonfire night, Christmas, Easter and Father’s Day to name but a few! Typically tickets for special events are more expensive but personally I prefer to visit the farm when there’s a bit less going on and you can focus on feeding and stroking the animals in the Animal Barn and Cuddle Corner. There’s an outdoor play area, a bouncy pillow and a sizeable cafe.
You can read more about visiting Cockfields Farm here:
Cockfields Farm Park – Review & Tips
Where to see cows in Manchester
Our favourite farms near Manchester
Tandle Hill Country Park, Tandle Hill Rd, Royton, Oldham OL2 5UX
Tandle Hill Country Park is a country park in Royton, Greater Manchester, England. It consists of approximately 110 acres, a combination of beech woodland and open grassland and offers breath-taking views of Greater Manchester. The park contains a countryside centre, picnic areas, children’s play area and numerous trails and paths into the surrounding area.
Parking for Tandle Hill Country Park is limited.
You can read more about Tandle Hill Country Park here:
Tandle Hill Country Park with kids
Dovestone Reservoir
Dovestone Reservoir is an absolutely stunning place for a walk (and maybe even a little paddle in the stream) but it’s also incredibly popular. Parking is extremely limited and Dovestone can get very busy so it’s always worth having a back up plan.
You can read more about visiting Dovestone Reservoir here:
Dovestone Reservoir – Walks with kids
Alexandra Park, 5 Kings Rd, Oldham OL8 2BH
Alexandra Park Oldham (not to be confused with the Alexandra Park Manchester in Whalley Range) is a Victorian town park featuring a boating lake, the busy boathouse café, free to use tennis courts, bowling greens, a children’s play area with sand pit, public toilets and beautifully maintained ornamental gardens.
There is plenty of space in Alexandra Park for riding bikes, exploring and picnics!
Parking at Alexandra Park is free but limited. There is on road parking available too.
You can read more about visiting Alexandra Park here:
Autumnal sunshine at Alexandra Park
The best parks for bike rides in Manchester
The best parks and playgrounds in Manchester
Treasure Trail Spy Mission in Uppermill
I did this one with the boys a few years ago when everyone else was back in school and they had a cheeky inset. It made for a lovely way to explore Uppermill, showing us bits of the town we might not otherwise have seen!
There’s no need to pre-book – simply choose your trail (Treasure Trails cost £9.99), print it out and you’re ready to go explore! Use code RaF-5233635590189Ra to earn 10 footsteps on your Treasure Trail account if you’re a new customer.
I definitely recommend popping down to Greene’s Bistro for some lunch or an ice cream when you’ve finished your trail too!
Saddleworth Museum and Gallery, High St, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6HS
Saddleworth Museum is an independent museum in the village of Uppermill – you can learn about the history of Saddleworth and Oldham. The canal-side gallery provides additional space for the local community and is regularly used for exhibitions, presentations and fund raising events.
The Saddleworth Museum and Gallery is open from 1 – 4pm every afternoon and costs £3 for adults or £6 for a family.
Grandpa Greene’s, Ward Ln, Diggle, Oldham OL3 5JT
Grandpa Greene’s ice cream parlour and cafe in Diggle is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. If you want to sit down for breakfast or lunch at Grandpa Greene’s then I highly recommended booking – if you just want an ice cream then be ready to queue!
(They’ve recently opened Greene’s Bistro in Uppermill which is situated near the park so is perfect for an ice cream or a hot drink if you’re in the area)
You can read more about visiting Grandpa Greene’s here:
Huddersfield Canal Path to Grandpa Greene’s – Walks with kids
Grandpa Greene’s Ice Cream Parlour
Castleshaw Centre for Outdoor Education, Waterworks Rd, Delph OL3 5LZ
If your children go to school in Oldham and the surrounding area you’ll have probably heard of Castleshaw as it’s a popular destination for school trips and residentials but did you know that they also do activity days during the school holidays? These are great for developing social skills and making new friends! Last year Amy and Erin spent a day at Castleshaw kayaking – I think it cost us about £45 and they had a great time!
You can find out more about what’s on at Castleshaw by keeping an eye on their facebook page.
Bounce Central Oldham, Alexandra Retail Park, Park Rd, Oldham OL4 1SA
Recently refurbished, Bounce Central boasts over 65 trampolines creating a giant bounce area and a jungle themed soft play. They offer open jump sessions, Toddler Time for little kids, and birthday parties.
You can read more about visiting Bounce Central here:
Trampoline parks in and around Manchester
Oldham Family Firework Evening – November 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated asap
There will be no Big Bang Bonfire night event again on Oldham Edge this year, instead Oldham Council are planning a “Family Firework Evening”.
The event will feature entertainment and crafts from 4pm to 6pm, followed by a firework display.
Parking will be free in all council-owned town centre car parks and on-street pay and display parking bays from 3pm on the day however it is expected there will be a high demand for spaces and you are advised to use public transport where possible.
Keep an eye on the Oldham Council website for more details!
Tales of the Toymender, Oldham Library – Christmas 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated asap
Oldham Theatre Workshop are back this festive season with a new magical family musical at the super intimate Oldham Library Performance Space.
You can book tickets for Tales of the Toymender online now priced at £8 per person which is incredible value!
You can read more about Tales of the Toymender here:
Tales of the Toymender – Review
Free Bunny Hunt, Oldham Town Centre – April 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated asap
From Monday 7th to Monday 21st April this year, bunnies will be hiding around Oldham town centre waiting for you to hunt them out! Grab an entry from from Spindles (near Next) or the Market (near the Market Office), write down the bunnies’ names and locations and then put your completed form into the special post box for the chance to win a prize!
Oldham Christmas lights Switch on Spectacular – November 2026 TBC
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated asap
Manchester City Council might have scrapped their big light switch on event again last year and be keeping tight lipped about any plans for 2025, but Oldham Council are determined to start Christmas in style with a spectacular outdoor show and firework finale to celebrate switching on the Oldham Christmas lights this year.
The event will take place on Saturday 15th November 2025 from 5.30pm at Old Town Hall, Greaves Street, OL1 1RA and is completely free to attend.
Family friendly things to do in Oldham
Hopefully I’ve given you some good suggestions of things to do in Oldham with kids – I think it’s easy to forget what’s on our own doorsteps sometimes isn’t it? If you know of family friendly things to do in Oldham that should be on this list, let me know!
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