A summer of smiles with Afrocats at Parktastic 2026

afrocats
2 days ago
1 min read

This summer, we’ve been busy bringing free and creative play sessions to local parks as part of Parktastic (Play in Parks) Summer 2026.

At two selected Manchester parks, we’ve been creating welcoming spaces where children and young people can play, get creative, make friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Parktastic was created in response to what children told Manchester: they want more opportunities to play outside and spend time with their friends.

And last year, the project delivered hundreds of sessions across the city, reaching thousands of participants, and the feedback was clear: we want more sessions!

Our programme is designed to offer something for everyone, and sessions combine free play and structured creative activities, using natural and low-cost materials to encourage imagination, movement and collaboration.

Young people try their hand at circus skills such as hula hooping, skipping and balance activities, get involved in arts and crafts, or join in with inclusive drumming and cultural music-making.

There’s also plenty of time simply to play, and sessions include loose parts and equipment such as balls, frisbees, wheels and tyres, giving children the freedom to choose how they want to get involved.

Parktastic is about bringing people together, whether you’re already connected with Afrocats or simply passing through the park, our sessions are open, welcoming and free to attend - look at all the beaming smiles from the team below!