As a parent, it can be difficult to keep the kids entertained, especially as everything seems to cost so much money these days! That’s why we have compiled a list of our top 5 free things to do with kids in Cheshire (and nearby!).  

1 – The Grosvenor Museum

This museum in West Chester is completely free for children and adults and covers a wide range of topics such as vikings,  habitats, transport and art. The museum has two Roman galleries, two exibition galleries and a period house with different rooms dedicated to different periods. Show your children what bathrooms looked like in Edwardian times and how the Stuart’s dining rooms were set out. The Grosvenor museum also runs events in the half term holidays and at weekends. You can find out more by visiting their website //grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/  

2 – Chester Cathedral

There is plenty to see and do at Chester Cathedral with stained glass windows, mosaics and amazing architecture. You could even encourage your children to take some pens and paper and draw a picture of the amazing artwork inside the Cathedral. The Cathedral is free to enter but guided tours do come at a small optional extra cost.    

3 – Phoenix Park, Runcorn

Phoenix park has lots of things to do for children big and small (and adults too)! There are two play parks for different ages, a skate park, a climbing boulder with lots of different levels of climbing challenges and plenty of local wildlife too. It’s a great place to go for a bit of scientific education to due to the diverse range of habitats to see including lakes, woodland, rivers, canal, pasture and meadows.  

4 – Congleton museum

This is another free to enter museum which tells the history of Congleton, starting all the way back in prehistoric times – great for dinosaur mad kids! Plus, this museum is perfect for children with an interest in technology as there are plenty of interactive exhibits, talking heads and touch screens.  

5 – Anderton boat lift near Northwich

This hydraulic boat lift was re-opened in 2002 after being closed in 1983. Before that, the lift had been in use since 1875 – more than 100 years! Now restored to it’s former glory, the boat lift is well worth a visit, particularly if you have kids that love machines! There is a free to enter visitor centre as well as a coffee shop and a maze made out of the weights which were once used as part of the lift. It’s worth checking the lift’s website to check the lift is open on the day you are hoping to visit. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/Anderton-boat-lift