Whatever the weather, most families love a trip outdoors to blow away those cobwebs.
Finding the best parks and places for a family walk can sometimes be tricky though, especially for time-poor parents.
But stumble across a good one, especially those with decent play areas, and it'll keep the kids happy for hours.
So whether it's a climbing frame, a cosy cafe, or an adventurous walk that you're looking for, we've been asking parents to recommend their favourite parks and walks in Bury - and there are some great ones to choose from.
And if you know of somewhere that should be added to the list then don't forget to let us know in the comments, on our Manchester Family Facebook page, or email the details to emma.gill@trinitymirror.com.
Heaton Park
One of the largest parks in Europe, there's loads for families to see and do at Heaton Park.
There are 600 acres to explore, including the picturesque ornamental gardens, woodlands and boating lake, and plenty of activities for all ages, including an animal farm, tramway and golf course.
There are plenty of play opportunities too, including a play area close to the animal centre and the new Lakeside Adventure Playground, which has proved a particular hit, and is near the Lakeside Cafe and boating lake.
The animal centre is based inside the old stables and you can see a variety of animals including alpacas, chickens, cows, goats, guinea pigs, peacocks and sheep.
If you do fancy getting out on the lake then rowing boats can be hired from noon to 4pm between April and September.
They cost £8.50 for up to four people for 45 minutes.
The park is also home to the Grade I listed Heaton Hall as well as other architectural gems including an ornamental temple, papal monument and colonnade.
You could combine a trip to the park with a visit to Treetop Trek and Nets, which offers nets high in the trees, as well as a zip trek and mini trek.
And The Place To Potter, based at Heaton Park Garden Centre, is a regular haunt for families offering everything from slime making and pottery painting to bear building and birthday parties. Themed workshops are held throughout the school holidays.
Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, M25 2SW.
Burrs Country Park
Whether walking or bird watching there are plenty of reasons for families to take a trip to Burrs Country Park.
Situated on the River Irwell, the beauty spot on the outskirts of Bury is spread over 36 hectares of scenic countryside, with wildlife habitats ranging from woodland and wetland to ponds and waterways.
The park has different trails to walk around near the River Irwell, you can feed the ducks and there's an exercise trail for kids.
It also has a station for the East Lancashire Railway, so you can hop on or off, or just stand there to watch the steam train.
There are plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic or you could try out the park's café The Lamppost, which opens daily from 9am to 5pm.
It bills itself as 'a café for wet wellies, soggy shorts and muddy paws... with the best coffee and cake in town'.
In fact, four-legged friends are so welcome there, that as well as serving coffee, cakes and sandwiches to grown-ups, it also sells Woofins, special muffins that they bake for dogs.
The park forms part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, with three sculptures for art-lovers to admire - Waterwheel by David Kemp, Stone Cycle by Julie Edwards and Picnic Area by David Fryer.
For the more adventurous, Burrs Activity Centre offers all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from canoeing and kayaking to abseiling and archery.
Burrs Country Park, Woodhill Road, Bury, BL8 1DA.
Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom
Nuttall Park has an impressive play area, with a variety of play equipment including swings and climbing frames.
It's also a great place for exploring with your little ones - paddling in the river, or hiding in the wooded area - and there's lots of open space for football and running.
It has an active Friends of Nuttall Park group, who orchestrated a mammoth clean-up recently when the park was flooded in the midst of Storm Ciara.
The Base regularly hosts events at the park including children's craft sessions and there's a tea room for families to stop off for a brew and a snack.
Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom, BL0 9LU.
Clowes Park
On the border of Bury and Salford, the lesser known Clowes Park - also known as Broughton Park - is a real hidden gem.
Featuring a large duck pond and a play area with a section for older kids too, it's a popular one for families with children of different ages.
It’s not a huge park - it doesn’t have toilets or a cafe - but it's still well visited.
Clowes Park, New Hall Road, M7 4HS.
Hurst Wood
Families told us they love having a walk around Hurst Wood, for its views as much as anything else.
Used for walking, cycling and running, it's also a popular spot for dog walkers.
It's mostly flat so relatively easy to navigate, with clear footpaths to follow. The Hurst Wood Circular route is described as 'easy' and covers 2.2 miles.
If you want to stop off along your route there are picnic tables dotted about to have a picnic or a brew.
Hurst Wood, Radcliffe, M45 7TQ.
St Mary's Park and Prestwich Clough
A favourite for families is the popular St Mary's Park and adjoining Prestwich Clough.
There's a play area with a decent range of equipment, a multi-play ball zone, tennis courts, a large playing fields and more.
The park is divided by Bury New Road into the flower park and the playing field.
Bordered by Prestwich Clough, the flower park is a good place to watch wildlife, or as a starting point to head off into the clough.
The clough itself has its own play area and the woodland offers families the chance to get up close to wildlife and stroll along the paths alongside the stream.
You can spend hours there as the paths lead off to Drinkwater Park and Philips Park.
St Mary's Park, St Anns Rd, Prestwich, M25 9LU.
Clarence Park
Just over a mile from Bury town centre, Clarence Park is the largest urban local community public park in the borough.
There's a play area featuring swings, climbing frames and more and the picturesque bandstand is a focal point.
Its lido is a popular spot to see ducks and other wildlife. It's surrounded by formal seating and is home to the model boat club.
The Green community café is based in the middle of the park, just next to the bowling green and hosts regular activities, including Kids Rock music sessions and Wheels For All inclusive cycling sessions.
It opens Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 3pm and Friday 9.30am to 2pm.
Clarence Park, Royal Ave, Bury, BL9 6LL.
