FREE Maternity Leave activities near Levenshulme
Walking Mums Club meet at Station South every Thursday come rain or shine!
We know how important it is to get out and about on maternity leave, and also how much of a financial strain it can be. We’ve put together a few free activities you can do with your baby. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, and you want to meet a friend or do a solo activity - we have you covered!
The Whitworth
The Whitworth Art Gallery is a fabulous place to visit with a baby all year round. You can wander round the exhibitions which are free, and there’s a buggy park with carriers available to hire if preferred. If your baby is slightly older and needs to crawl or run around, there’s the Everyday Art School space where you can let your little one roam free (supervised of course!). The gallery is situated in Whitworth Park, for some fresh air or a play on the swings. There’s also a stunning cafe surrounded by glass walls where you can grab a coffee or lunch, and let your baby admire the view. The first Friday of every month they also run Art Baby, a free, art inspired baby sensory class (no ticket required just drop in). It’s only a 15 minute drive, with plenty of parking nearby, or half an hour on the bus from Levenshulme. A great place to go for mum and baby. Visit their website for more details https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/
2. Station South - Levenshulme
Station South is a popular place to go for that first coffee and cake trip when you’re ready for it. With an emphasis on community, you’re guaranteed to bump into another mother and baby on maternity leave. It is also the meeting point for the free, weekly Walking Mum’s Club.They have delicious food (plenty of things you can eat with one hand!), a lovely baby changing space, friendly staff, plenty of highchairs and indoor or outdoor seating. They also run various events and a bike workshop. Check out their Instagram for upcoming events @stationsouth @walking_mums_club
3. Stockroom - Stockport
Stockroom is the brand new library and cultural centre based in the heart of Stockport. Easily accessible via car, train or the 192 bus from Levenshulme, it has a library, children’s creative learning space, a cafe bar and Stockports historical archives. Not to mention a photobooth where you can get some fun snaps of you and your baby! The children’s area is great for any age, with plenty of books to read and space to play. There’s also a free sensory room (currently under maintenance when writing this but hopefully open again soon!). They also run a free, weekly storytime, but booking is essential as it’s a hot ticket! https://www.stockrm.org/
4. Cringle Park - Levenshulme
Great for a sunny day, Cringle Park is a favourite for locals to go for that afternoon nap walk. It has a fantastic kids play area for the older ones, and even a zip wire if you dare. Now home to community cafe Grounded Coffee, it’s a great place to grab a hot drink or snack out of the house on mat leave without breaking the bank - you can get a cup of tea for £1! They have a partnership with Fairshare where they sell food that would otherwise go to waste, and offer delicious home cooked food as well. They are also currently (April 2026) fundraising for an SEN den. A great community hub.
5. Baby sensory room - Burnage
One for a rainy day, Burnage Sure Start Centre has a free baby sensory room for Manchester residents where you can take your baby for some sensory play. There’s limited spaces, so book ahead by calling 0161 219 2932. Go for some one-on-one time with your little one or with a friend and their baby too.