The best: Family days out across the North West this Autumn

There’s plenty for all the family to see and do at Tatton Park and the kids will love spotting the Red and Fallow deer roaming freely around the deer park. Imagine life inside the 18th century mansion then stroll through stunning gardens before visiting the working farm where kids can become better acquainted with donkeys, pigs and horses. Children can drive pedal tractors around a covered play barn and there is an adventure area complete with woodland play trail and den building zone. A variety of events, from wildlife courses to workshops, take place throughout the year.

This is a bit of a hidden gem and also a doggy friendly day out. An old railway line has been transformed into a spectacular nature trail and wildlife sanctuary. The whole family will enjoy a walk around this nature reserve with its stunning scenery, delightful waterfalls and magnificent views from the 100 foot high viaduct. Learn about the history of Healey Dell at the Heritage Centre and finish the day off with a traditional afternoon tea at the delightful Victorian themed tea rooms.

Here’s an aerial adventure that will delight cheeky monkeys of all ages. Nestled amid the treetops of Heaton Park is this 15 metre high Zip Trek where you can weave through a canopy of trees whilst crossing obstacles such as balance bars and swinging logs. Younger kids can enjoy similar thrills on the not quite as high Mini Trek as they overcome 8 fun challenges including 3 zip lines. End your family day out on a high at Treetop Nets with its bouncy nets, ball parks, slides and aerial walkways.

After marvelling at the Lego model city; constructed from over 1.5 million bricks, pop along to the Lego factory where Professor Brick-a-Brack will help your children make their very own Lego brick. The fun doesn’t end there as there is also a Ninja themed adventure play area, rides, a virtual reality experience and a 4D cinema. Thursday afternoons are autism friendly; with trained staff, less noise and standard lighting

This year round winter wonderland houses the UK’s longest real snow slope and boasts a Snow Park offering an exhilarating range of snow filled adventures. Your kids will sparkle with delight as they sledge, ride downhill donuts and glide down the twisting ice and snow slide. Tiny tots can hide in igloos and clamber through tunnels at Mini Moose Land; a safe snow haven where parents can supervise toddlers as they wrestle with soft toys, ride on mini donuts and are guaranteed a soft landing from the mini slides.

An introduction to science, education and entertainment is on offer to kids of all ages at this free to enter and family friendly museum. Kids can learn about the history of computers, railways, aircraft and textile machinery and there are plenty of ‘hands on’ experiences. The whole family will delight in the interactive kids show Engineer Eric’s Difficult Day. Smaller tots are well catered for too with a monthly Friday session of Experitots featuring a creative activity session, storytelling and a pop-up play space.

P.S: Families with babies and teeny tots should check out our best Manchester events for Babies and Toddlers.