Keeping children entertained over the summer holidays can be expensive, but there are still plenty of free activities to enjoy across Oldham before the break ends. Here are 20 options that will not cost a penny.

At Gallery Oldham on Greaves Street, the new Our Beautiful Oldham gallery explores the wildlife and nature found across the borough. Visitors can see fish, read a book inside a tree and try virtual pond dipping. While there, you can also see Waterfall of Kites, a display of 100 colourful kites running until Saturday 29th August.

Families can follow the 12-stop Oldham Time Trek around the town centre, meeting animated characters, solving puzzles and learning the stories behind some of Oldham's best-known buildings.

Oldham Archives, based in the Spindles shopping centre, offers free access to old photographs, maps and newspapers. It is a good place to start tracing family history, and you might spot your school, your street or someone you know.

Children can join the summer reading challenge at libraries across Oldham, setting their own reading goal, collecting stickers and earning a medal and certificate. Under-fives can take part in the Mini Challenge. The challenge runs until Saturday 12th September.

Free summer craft sessions are also taking place at libraries across Oldham until Friday 28th August. Check what is happening at your local library before visiting.

Bounce and Rhyme sessions bring stories to life through songs, music and movement at libraries across the borough. There is also a Little Reads session at Oldham Library on Friday 28th August at 10am.

Children aged five and over can build, create and play at free drop-in Lego clubs at Northmoor and Limehurst libraries. Children under eight need to attend with an adult.

Younger children can enjoy free toys, games and activities at Best Start Family Hubs across Oldham, though some sessions need to be booked in advance.

For help with phones, tablets or getting online, free Inclusive Bytes drop-ins are available at Lees Library on Mondays, Oldham Library on Wednesdays and Failsworth Library on Thursdays.

Free park tennis courts are available across the borough, including at Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, Dunwood Park, Foxdenton Park, High Crompton Park, Lower Memorial Park, Royton Park, Waterhead Park and Werneth Park.

Outdoor gym equipment, including strength, balance and cardio machines, can be found at parks including Bullcote Park, Foxdenton Park, High Crompton Park, Waterhead Park and Werneth Park.

A free family trail around Alexandra Park starts at Emma the Flower Girl and takes in 12 landmarks, including the Lion's Den, bandstand and Observatory. The full trail takes up to two hours.

Walkers, joggers and runners can join a free weekly 5k at Alexandra Park or Chadderton Hall Park every Saturday at 9am. Junior parkruns for children aged four to 14 take place at Alexandra Park and Uppermill every Sunday at 9am. Registration is free before your first visit.

You can also walk through woodland to the monument at the top of Oldham's oldest country park and enjoy views across Greater Manchester, or follow the river at Chadderton Hall Park, walking through woodland beside the River Irk and visiting the gardens and play area.

In Saddleworth, you can walk beside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, starting in Uppermill or Greenfield, and watch boats pass through the locks. A short walk around the lower reservoir at Daisy Nook, or a longer route through woodland and alongside the River Medlock, is also possible.

Other options include a short woodland walking route with a play area and three tennis courts, a park with ducks on the pond, a sensory garden and woodland, and Brownhill Nature Garden in Dobcross and Uppermill, a quiet spot beside the canal with a ramped walkway, tactile path markers and raised planters.

Whether you want to explore a park, discover Oldham's history, get creative or simply find somewhere new for a walk, there is plenty to do without spending a penny.