A beach and funfair in one of Manchester’s most popular parks is proving a big hit with families this summer. As parents feel the effects of the school holidays, they flock to the entertainment programme at Heaton Park.
In addition to the “largest sandbox in the Northwest,” which is free to enter, the “Come To The Beach” event features a fairground with nearly two dozen rides.
And every Tuesday and Wednesday, visitors can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99, for either a two-and-a-half hour session from 12pm to 2.30pm, or a three-and-a-half hour session from 2pm to 5.30pm.
READ MORE: 50 things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school holiday
Responding to an article about how much one of our reporters spent on taking her son to the funfair at the Trafford Centre last month, one mother commented: “Heaton Park Come To The Beach is much more worthwhile.”
Another said: “If you’re looking for a funfair, Heaton Park Fair is a better option. They offer 2.5 hour rides at £12.99 per wristband. That’s a lot cheaper than Trafford Centre Fair.”
However, she said that even without the fair, she had a great day at the Bright Lights, Big Fun event at the Trafford Centre, which gives you access to the splash zone and beach for £2.75 per person (including booking fees). The children also queued up for free face painting.
Entry to the event at Heaton Park is free. On other days when the offer is not valid, it costs 25 tokens worth £25 or you can buy individual tokens.
Characters and dinosaurs make regular appearances, and there are other children’s entertainment options, with smaller family rides and giant rides for children of all ages. There are also bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, game stalls, street food and more.
The characters’ appearances are scheduled every Saturday in August between 2 and 4 p.m., except August 31.
The fair is open daily from 12pm. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. For more information visit the Carousel Fair Facebook page here. You can also purchase tickets via the Eventbrite page here.
Here is the list of rides and how many tokens are required for them
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Waltz 3
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Cliffhanger 3
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Twister3
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Bumper cars 4 per car
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Inflatable items 3
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Monster Trucks 2
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Toy Set 2
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Cups 2
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Apple Rollercoaster 3
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Amusement Park 3
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Paratrooper 2
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Dumbo’s 3
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Bumper Cars 3
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Super Bob 3
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Mini Chairs 2
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Dragon Rollercoaster 3
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Trampoline 2
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Oxygen 3
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Rubber ropes 4
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Fire engines 2
