Another vote for Oldham. It has it's problems - just like every other town around Manchester, but there's some real gems in there.
Gallery Oldham is brilliant and there's always something on. It's really good for the kids as well and the staff are really helpful. The Library is great as well, big area for the younger kids to explore too. If you like the theatre, the Coliseum is superb.
We went to Summit Up, the climbing centre and that is absolutely brilliant for kids and adults alike. Anyone can try the "Clip n Climb" sessions and it's just brilliant fun. Our son absolutely loves it up there! The sports centre is in the centre of the town as well and is new and is great for swimming as it's got a huge pool.
The chippy near the market is great and the Cob O Coal bar in the market is really good as is that Fox & Pine. If you're into live music, Whittles is brilliant as well.
Keep an eye out for the "Festival Oldham" events as well as they are always really good, and free. We managed to see that Earth artwork (
https://themanc.com/sponsored/the-b...-installation-is-coming-to-oldham-this-month/) a couple of months ago which was spectacular. They really do put on a great show and if you've got kids they are brilliant.
Places like Oldham, Ashton etc get a bad press and some people like to really talk places down. However if you look, there's some real gems in there.