Summer in Oldham opens up a range of family-friendly activities perfect for parents with children aged 0 to 5. Whether your little one is toddling through a park, meeting their first farm animal, or enjoying soft play on a rainy day, Oldham and the surrounding area have no shortage of age-appropriate options. This guide highlights the very best places to explore, chosen specifically for their suitability for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. With indoor and outdoor options, plus both free and paid experiences, this list offers something for every kind of family and every kind of summer day.
Alexandra Park
Arguably the jewel in Oldham’s outdoor crown, Alexandra Park offers everything you could want for a summer day out with a young child. The park is beautifully landscaped with wide, buggy-friendly paths, large grassed areas for picnics, and a boating lake filled with ducks. There’s a dedicated play area with toddler-friendly equipment, including slides, climbing frames, and swings at the right height for little legs. What sets Alexandra Park apart is its variety: you can let your child run freely on the lawns, explore the flowers and wildlife, or just sit under a tree with a snack and watch the world go by. It’s free to enter and open all day, with cafés and toilets on site to make your visit easier.
Location: Google Maps
Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
Just a short drive from Oldham town centre, Lancaster Park & Animal Farm is a superb day out for young children. It strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment, offering direct contact with animals including donkeys, goats, rabbits, and Shetland ponies. Children can feed some of the animals, and there are regular petting sessions led by staff. Beyond the animals, the site also features outdoor and indoor play areas, picnic spots, and seasonal extras like tractor rides. There’s enough variety here to spend a full half day, and everything is geared towards being safe and accessible for under-fives. Entry is paid, but the value for what you get is excellent, and it rarely feels overcrowded.
Location:Google Maps
Playhouse 2 Soft Play, Shaw
On the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, Playhouse 2 in Shaw is a top choice for indoor play. It’s one of the best soft play centres in the area for young children, with a separate under-4s zone filled with safe, padded equipment for climbing, crawling, and sliding. The venue is clean and well laid out, with a café area that overlooks the entire play space so you can enjoy a drink while still keeping your eyes on your child. Staff are friendly and attentive, and the overall atmosphere is calmer than many larger soft play venues. Sessions are reasonably priced and there’s no need to book ahead on weekdays, making it a handy option for spontaneous trips.
Location:Google Maps
Daisy Nook Country Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing nature walk that still offers enough to entertain a toddler, Daisy Nook Country Park is a strong contender. This large green space features canal paths, woodland trails, wildflower meadows, and a small playground, all set in a quiet valley between Oldham and Ashton. The main walking routes are mostly flat and pram-accessible, with plenty of natural features like bridges, streams, and wide-open spaces for imaginative play. There are ducks to spot, sticks to collect, and hills to roll down, making it a gentle but engaging destination. It’s particularly good for families looking to unwind while still offering their child something to explore. There’s also a visitor centre with toilets and a small café for refreshments.
Location: Google Maps
Gallery Oldham & Oldham Library Children’s Section
For something quieter but still stimulating, the combined Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library complex offers a great indoor option. The library has a large and colourful children’s section that regularly hosts storytime sessions, baby rhyme classes, and craft mornings, many of which are completely free and don’t require pre-booking. The gallery side often includes exhibits designed to be visually stimulating and accessible to children, with interactive displays and seasonal workshops. Everything is pushchair-friendly, and staff are usually more than happy to help first-time visitors. For families looking to mix a bit of quiet culture into their week—or just escape the rain—it’s a smart and easy option.
Location: Google Maps
Summary
Oldham might not always shout the loudest when it comes to summer family activities, but it quietly delivers some of the best child-friendly experiences in Greater Manchester. Alexandra Park provides a reliable and scenic open-air option for play and relaxation, while Lancaster Park & Animal Farm gives children a hands-on connection to animals and nature. Playhouse 2 is your rainy-day hero, and Daisy Nook brings together walking, wildlife, and sensory experiences in one serene package. If you’re in the mood for something cultural or educational, Gallery Oldham and the central library offer engaging indoor sessions, while Little Owl Farm keeps things simple, calm, and authentically local.
Whether your child wants to run, climb, stroke a goat, or listen to a story, Oldham offers it all—without the stress of long car journeys or overcrowded venues.
Newbank Nursery, Oldham – Where Local Adventures Begin
At Newbank Nursery in Oldham, we believe that childhood should be rooted in curiosity, exploration, and connection with the world around us. That’s why our early years programme draws inspiration from local parks, farms, and community hubs just like those featured here. Whether it’s recreating sensory experiences or incorporating animal themes, we help children build strong, confident foundations through play that reflects their everyday world. If you’re looking for childcare that goes beyond the basics and embraces everything Oldham has to offer, come and visit Newbank Nursery to see how we support children from their very first steps into learning.