Free and affordable summer days out

Even in challenging times, everyone deserves to enjoy a day out.

Spending some quality time with family and friends can boost your mental health and wellbeing. Take a look at what west Cheshire has to offer.

Parks and green spaces
There are a variety of country parks, woodlands, and nature reserves across the borough for everyone to explore and enjoy. From Marbury Country Park in Northwich to Rivacre Valley local nature reserve in Ellesmere Port there are plenty of opportunities to get out in the great outdoors, enjoy a picnic and be marvelled by the nature around you.

Plus, for the younger members of the family there are over 100 play areas across the borough, including Winsford Town Park and Frodsham’s Castle Park where children can have hours of fun.

To find your nearest park and green spaces, visit:
Parks and open spaces | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Love Parks week is from 28 July to 6 August. This annual campaign celebrates parks and green spaces, and the team of dedicated staff and volunteers that look after them all year round. Keep an eye out on social media for more information about what’s planned for the week.

Summer activities for everyone

Jurassic extravaganza brought to the streets of Chester, by Chester BID
Families and dinosaur fans are invited to take part in a trail to find 25 dinosaurs hidden in businesses across Chester city centre. Trail sheets are available from the Visitor Information Centre or can be downloaded via the link below. Plus, there is a chance to meet dinosaurs up close every day until Sunday 30 July. The main dinosaur walkabouts will happen on the final weekend (Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July). Pre-historic fans are also invited to get into the spirit of the extravaganza and dress up too.
Find out more

Summer reading challenge - Ready, Set, Read!
This year’s summer reading challenge is all about games and sports. Children can join a team of characters (and their animal mascots) using their skills to weave through a summer obstacle course. The aim of the challenge is for children to read at least six books over the summer by visiting libraries across the borough. As well as books from the library, there are also eBooks and eAudiobooks available from our digital collection.
Find out more

Re-Living the Rows
On Sunday 30 July, a group of performers are taking on the roles of historic characters bringing Chester’s historic Rows to life in a fun and exciting way. Chester Young Producers, a group of Chester teenagers supported by The Grosvenor Museum will use objects, sights, and smells in this atmospheric performance.
For more info

Soldier School – DEVA Roman Experience, Chester
March through the streets of Chester visiting the old bath house and Amphitheatre. Learn how Romans kept clean and how they entertained themselves watching Gladiators battle it out for victory. Running every Saturday until the last one in October, Soldier School starts promptly at 1pm and finishes at approximately 2pm. It costs £3 per child with accompanying adults free of charge.
Find out more

Summer Splash Pass
Brio Leisure are offering a Junior Summer Splash Pass for just £20. The pass available to anyone under 18 years of age allows the holder to swim every day throughout the summer holidays from now until 3 September. It can be used at any of the six Brio pools across the borough during casual swimming and lane swimming, family fun sessions, wet and wild sessions and fun and floats sessions. You can buy a Pass online or at any Brio Leisure Centre.

Visit the Brio Leisure Summer Splash Pass page for terms and conditions or to buy a Pass.
Summer Splash Pass

Cycle the Whitegate Way
Get on your bike and cycle 10 kilometres (6 miles) along the traffic-free Whitegate Way from the heart of Winsford through to Cuddington, and don’t forget to look out for butterflies and dragonflies along the route. There’s even a place to stop and have a picnic at the old Whitegate station.
Find out more

Walking in Cheshire
Explore the stunning scenery and wildlife on foot, with hundreds of walks to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re up for a short stroll or prefer a more challenging hike, check out the many walking trails available using the link below.
Find out more

More information about events across Chester and Cheshire

And don’t forget… several restaurants and cafes are offering free, or £1, meals for kids during the summer holidays. Make sure you check out whether your local restaurant or supermarket is offering this deal.