Manchesterโs largest-ever Parktastic programme gets underway this week, delivering 14 weeks of free activities for children and young people in parks across every ward of the city.
Supported by additional funding from Manchester City Council, the popular initiative has been significantly expanded. As well as running throughout the summer holidays, the programme will now include after-school sessions before the end of term and continue with activities into September, giving families even more opportunities to get involved.
Aimed at children aged 6โ12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play. Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Running in 32 parks across Manchester, the programme launches as the city celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, reinforcing Manchesterโs commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to play, thrive and enjoy their local community.
โThanks to additional funding, Parktastic is bigger than ever this year, with 14 weeks of free activities for children across Manchester. Every child deserves the opportunity to play, make friends and enjoy being active outdoors. Parktastic helps make that possible, and weโre proud to be expanding the programme as Manchester celebrates becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City.โ
Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council
Sessions take place rain or shine, are free to attend and require no booking.ย It is suggested that younger children are accompanied by a parent/carer.
โWeโre really lucky in Manchester to have lots of beautiful parks and open spaces and want our children to be able to get outside and enjoy them. Our expanded Parktastic programme this year is even bigger and better and means even more opportunities for youngsters in the city to go along to their local park, maybe try something new, have fun, meet friends and even make new ones.ย ย
โSessions are taking place in every part of the city, so that as many children as possible can join in. Thereโs no booking required, just turn up, get involved, and have some fun!โ
Councillor Basat Sheikh, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Manchester City Council
Sessions take place rain or shine, are free to attend and require no booking.ย It is suggested that younger children are accompanied by a parent/carer.
Families can find details of their nearest Parktastic session atย loadstodo.co.uk/events/parktastic
