5 Fun things to do in Tameside for kids!

It’s important for kids to use their time effectively and get out of the house to explore new things to do and ways to keep active.

We know our borough has so much to offer kids of all ages. So if you’re stuck when it comes to things to do with the kids, here are 5 fun things to do in Tameside for kids:

Portland Basin Museum

Situated on the banks of the Ashton Canal, Portland Basin Museum has been delighting history-hungry visitors for years.

Re-opened and renamed after a major refurbishment project back in 1999, the museum lies within the nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse, which has thankfully been restored since those days!

Its tranquil canal-side setting offers an ideal location to take a step back into decades and centuries gone by.

With plenty of engaging pieces of genuine history to see, the museum offers kids in Tameside the chance to truly appreciate the processes of daily life in previous generations. Everything from the industrial side of history, including the mining industry and farm life, to home-life in the 1920’s is covered in the impressive exhibitions.

There’s fun for the whole family, not just the kids. Plus, the ‘Nuts n Bolts’ play area is perfect for keeping the youngest visitors (children under 5) occupied and entertained.

It’s the top-reviewed attraction in Ashton on Trip Advisor for a reason!

The museum is free-to-enter and is fully accessible by all modes of transport including car, bus and train. The car park is also free with disabled spaces available, but extra caution should be taken for those with mobility issues as the car park is laden with traditional cobblestone.

You can find out more about Portland Basin Museum, including any relevant contact details, on the Tameside Gov website here.

Stamford Park

If you’re looking for the things to do in Tameside that will get your kids playing out in the sun and keeping active like they should be, then Stamford Park is definitely an option you should consider.

Located on Astley Road in Stalybridge (just further down from Ashton Sixth Form College), the history of Stamford Park dates back hundreds of years and was formerly a deer park owned by the Earl of Stamford in 1668. It was transformed into a park for the public when the local population began to campaign for an area to relax and enjoy good weather on their days off, way back in 1856.

As a result, the money was successfully raised and the park officially opened on 12^th July 1873.

The grounds are exceptionally well-kept, with beautifully placed flower beds of a variety of colours on display throughout the year.

Open grass areas are popular in the summer months for picnics and games and The Dingle woodland area of the park is perfect for budding adventurers and those looking to take a stroll in the trees.

All this is tied together with the elegant water fountain feature, perfect for cooling off on the hotter days.

A must-visit for families looking to get the kids out in the sun! You can find out more about Stamford Park here.

Sky High Adventure

From one form of exercise to one on the exact opposite end of the spectrum!

Sky High Adventure in Droylsden is a specially-designed indoor climbing centre for kids of all ages.

Sat opposite Droylsden Cricket Club, the centre is based at Active Medlock (part of Active Tameide) so you can’t miss it!

It has climbing sections and challenges suitable for all physical and skill levels, including Clip ‘n Climb, Caving, Bouldering, High Ropes and others.

A great way to help the kids gain both strength and confidence, it’s tremendously popular and regularly hosts kid’s parties at a range of affordable prices, dependent on party size and selected climbing experiences.

But don’t worry, while the kids enjoy mimicking Tarzan, the adults can relax and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat in the on-site catering café.

With a level of variety few other local climbing centres can offer, Sky High Adventure is an adrenaline-pumping ride for kids to challenge themselves, swing around and take fun to new heights!

Check out the details for Sky High Adventure here.

Cockfields Farm

If like many other children your kids are obsessed with Peppa Pig and similar shows, then a trip to Cockfields Farm is well and truly in order!

Filled to the brim with farmyard animals and antics, including baby goats, reindeer, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, pygmy goats, baby chicks, snakes and even a tortoise, you can guarantee your kids will be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting up close and personal with their new favourite animal.

Smaller animals are available for kids to get to grips with… literally! Ducklings, hedgehogs and others can be held in the hand, giving kids the chance to learn not only about the animal in question, but also the work of animal handlers and the importance of a gentler touch.

The staff regularly holds seasonal and themed events to keep things fresh, so you’ll never run out of potential new farmyard adventures for your little ones.

Based just a short drive from Ashton town centre, there’s absolutely no reason you and the kids can’t enjoy your own farmyard adventure this summer.

To find out more about Cockfields Farm, click here.

The Skate Station

If your kids always need to be on the move, then why not head down to The Skate Station?

A funky roller skating rink with real personality, the smooth 2200+ square foot surface is the perfect size for a party of kids to slip on some skates and roll the night away.

With roller skate sizes ranging from Junior 8 to an Adult 12, the venue caters to a wide range of skaters, beginner or pro!

And, at these kinds of prices (£4 entry, £2 skate rental) you really can’t argue! If you’d like to upgrade to a party package, with food and other awesome extras included, prices start from £9.95 a head.

You’ll find The Skate Station on Boodle Street, not far from Ashton train station, making it an easy trip if you’re travelling in.

If you’d like to see what else The Skate Station has to offer, click the link here.