Heaton Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Heaton Park?
What makes it 91% Kids-Friendly: Two large playgrounds, free farm animals, boating and paid high-ropes courses keep 3- to 12-year-olds busy all day, with toilets, cafés and wardens close by.
Positives:
- Free play areas: Two playgrounds and the animal centre are free, keeping costs low and fun high.
- Pram-friendly paths: Wide, tarmacked routes around the lake and gardens work well with pushchairs.
Challenges:
- Activity hours vary: Boat hire and tram rides run seasonally—check times online before you arrive.
- Weather impact: Paths can get muddy in rain and seating areas may be wet; pack spare clothes.
What is Heaton Park?
- A 600-acre municipal park in north Manchester encompassing woodlands, lakes and open grasslands
- Home to Heaton Hall, an 18th-century neoclassical country house listed at Grade I
- Features formal gardens, a championship golf course and a restored heritage tramway
What is so special about Heaton Park for with kids?
- Free playgrounds and farm animal encounters
- Budget-friendly heritage tram and boat rides
- Wide lawns ideal for family picnics and games
- Pram-accessible paths around lake and gardens
- Seasonal activities—plan for boat and tram availability
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the playground, animal centre, boat or tram ride and a picnic without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Heaton Park
Lakeside Adventure Playground:
Free play area with slides, tree-house huts and climbing frames for ages 3–14.
Tip: Visit early to secure a spot on the swings and avoid crowds.
Heaton Park Animal Centre:
Meet alpacas, goats, pigs, chickens and rabbits in a calm farm setting.
Tip: Go mid-morning when animals are most active and feeding times may be on display.
Heritage Tram Ride:
Take a short vintage tram loop around the park.
Tip: Buy the £5 family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) on-site and check running days (Sundays & bank holidays).
Boat Hire on the Lake:
Choose between pedal or rowing boats for up to four people.
Tip: Book in advance April–September; wear waterproof shoes and lifejackets are provided.
Picnic on the South Lawn:
Open grassy area near Heaton Hall perfect for family games and snacks.
Tip: Bring a blanket and simple games like a ball or frisbee; bins are nearby for easy clean-up.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Heaton Park
- Arrive early: Get to the playground and parking area before 10 am to find easy parking and quieter play areas.
- Pre-book boat hire: Reserve your boat slot online during peak season to avoid disappointment.
Reviews of Heaton Park
Laila Khan
Love this place. Good for walks and bike rides. Lovely scenery. The fun fair was on when we went. There's a boat lake too and animals. From place to place there are ice cream vans. Will definitely be back here
ZC* M-R
Plenty of parking at a reasonable cost. Great fun for adults, teenagers, children and toddlers! Scenic views, a small farm with helpful animals handlers who are happy to answer questions, well-kept grounds, boat rides, decent-sized play areas for children of all ages, a cafe, a resident ice cream van and charcoal pizza options. A good place to enjoy the great outdoors - especially on a sunny da...
Nuts
This is a wonderful park where there's something for all ages and you can spend many hours enjoying all there is to offer. Unfortunately so much of it is closed to the public. Heaton Hall and the Orangery are impressive but closed. There's also the restored tramway and old shelter, now a museum, also closed with no trams running. Even the colonnade of the former Manchester Town Hall is fenced off....
Natalie O`reilly
Heaton Park is one of my absolute favourite places, and we’re lucky to live so close by. It’s somewhere we visit regularly—whether we’re out walking the dog or just enjoying a peaceful evening summer stroll. The park is absolutely beautiful, with wide open green spaces, woodland walks, and scenic views. The boating lake adds a lovely, peaceful touch, and there are two great cafés—one by the stable...
Y Gotsan
Great park plenty of playground areas for the kids, lots of open space to wonder around, has a small farm, shops, cafe etc... Lake has rentable boats, we took out a peddle Swan with the kids which they loved. Good for a family day out or larger gathering
When is the best time to visit Heaton Park (Manchester, United Kingdom)?
Boat hire runs April–September; tram rides run March–November. In colder months focus on the playground and animal centre as water and tram activities may pause.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Heritage tram family ticket | GBP 5 |
| Boat hire (45 min) | GBP 8.5 |
| Snacks at Lakeside Café (4 people) | GBP 10 |
| Parking (2–3 hours) | GBP 2.5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 26 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Heaton Park
Address: Bury Old Rd, Manchester M25 0EQ, UK
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About Heaton Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 161 773 108510 BEST nearby Activities
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