15 best things to do in Blackpool for families (Outdoor and indoor)

Blackpool is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages and interests. From exciting water parks to interactive museums, and scenic beaches to entertaining indoor activities, Blackpool has it all to offer. Here is a guide to 15 of the best outdoor and indoor activities for families in Blackpool.

Zoos and aquariums

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including felines, birds, primates and more. The zoo offers a variety of experiences such as feeding the giraffes, meeting the sea lions, and getting up close and personal with the lemurs. These experiences also include keeper courses for teens aiming to study veterinary sciences and also for younger children who are into animals. There are also plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. Click here to buy tickets online and find out about our latest promotions for groups and special events.

●        Admission prices:   online from £20.99 for adults and £15.99 for children under 16.  Family tickets available
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP.

Sea Life Blackpool

Discover the fascinating underwater world at Sea Life Blackpool. With over 2,500 marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and turtles, it is a must-visit for any animal lover. The aquarium offers interactive displays, feeding demonstrations, and a unique ocean tunnel where visitors can walk through and be surrounded by sea life.

●        Admission prices: from £21850 for adults and £17.00 for children under 15.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA.

Water and theme parks

 Sandcastle Waterpark

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest indoor water park, featuring over 18 slides and attractions suitable for all ages. There is something for everyone, from thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers. The water park also offers private cabanas, a spa area, and a variety of food and drink options.

●        Admission prices: Day tickets cost £24 per adult, £20 for children from 8 to 11 and £15 for children over 3.
●        Recommended age: Although recommended for all ages, height restrictions apply to most attractions, so not everyone can ride them.
●        Location: South Beach, Blackpool, FY4 1BB.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most famous amusement parks, boasting over 125 rides and attractions. Ranging from thrilling roller coasters to gentle rides for younger childen, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the iconic Valhalla and the Nickelodeon Land area for younger children.

●        Admission prices: £38 for adults and £32 for kids 11 and under.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool, FY4 1EZ.

Museums and exhibitions

The World Famous Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations is an annual light festival typically held from August to November, but this year it will run from September to January. The event features over a million lights along the promenade, creating a magical display that attracts visitors from around the world. Additionally, there are also light installations, 3D projection shows, and illuminated trams to enjoy.

●        Admission prices: Free.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: Promenade, Blackpool.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Get up close and personal with your favourite personalities at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. The world-famous wax museum features lifelike wax figures of celebrities from the world of music, sports, film, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a selfie with your favourite star!

●        Admission prices: Tickets range from £14 to £21.15.
●        Recommended age: Although recommended for all ages, it may be best for adults.
●        Location: 87-89 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA.

Hangar 42: Spitfire Visitor Centre

Learn about the history of the iconic Spitfire aircraft at the Spitfire Visitor Centre, located within the Blackpool Airport. The centre features a full-sized replica of the Spitfire, along with various exhibits and memorabilia related to the aircraft and its history.

●        Admission prices: £7 for adults and £4 for kids up to 16.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport, FY4 2QS.

Blackpool Model Village and Gardens

Blackpool's award-winning attraction stretches over two acres of meticulously tended gardens, featuring creative miniature village scenes that have captivated families for decades. Be sure to follow the quiz trail to discover all of them! Relax and enjoy this charming attraction suitable for every member of the family.

●        Admission prices: Range from £7.50 for children aged 3-15 and £10.45 for adults. They also have family packages starting from £29.95 for 2 adults and 2 children.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: E Park Dr, Blackpool FY3 9RB.

Parks and beaches

Stanley Park

Stanley Park, a beautiful 390-acre park nestled in the heart of Blackpool, offers stunning gardens, lakes, woodlands, and a range of facilities, including a cafe, playground, and sports facilities. Awarded the title of  Best Park in the UK, Stanley Park is an ideal spot for a family picnic or a leisurely walk. As it is a public park, you don’t need to pay any fees, but keep in mind it is open from 9 am to dusk.

●        Admission prices: Free.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: West Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 9HU.

Blackpool Beach

Blackpool Beach is a popular destination for families, providing a spacious sandy beach, a bustling promenade, and an array of seaside attractions. Don’t miss the three famous Blackpool Piers, featuring amusement arcades, restaurants, and entertainment venues.  Plan your trip to the beach around the tide times.

●        Admission prices: Free.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: Promenade, Blackpool.

Observation decks

Blackpool Tower Eye

Enjoy breathtaking views of Blackpool and its surroundings from the Blackpool Tower Eye, located at the top of the iconic Blackpool Tower. The observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view, and for the more adventurous visitors, there’s also a glass skywalk.

●        Admission prices: £8 for all ages.
●        Recommended age: From 3 years old and up.
●        Location: 5th Floor of The Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ.

Entertainment centres

Laser Quest Blackpool

Experience an exciting game of laser tag at Laser Quest Blackpool, featuring a large, multi-level arena with special effects, music, and lighting. It is a fun and thrilling activity for the whole family.

●        Admission prices: Prices start at £95.70 for a team of 6, but there are many other options in case of attending with more people or participating in special activities.
●        Recommended age: From 6 years old and up.
●        Location: 66-74 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 1HB.

Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool

Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool is an indoor climbing centre offering a range of climbing challenges suitable for all ages and abilities, from easy climbs for beginners to challenging ones for experienced climbers.

●        Admission prices: Start at £11.95 per hour but you can also access special events and practice days.
●        Recommended age: From 4 years old and up.
●        Location: Unit 3, Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 5LW.

Ascent Trampoline Park

Ascent Trampoline Park is a spacious indoor trampoline park offering a variety of activities, including open jump, dodgeball, and fitness classes. There are also toddler sessions available for younger children.

●        Admission prices: Start at £10.95.
●        Recommended age: From one year old and up.
●        Location: Cornford Road, Blackpool, FY4 4QQ.

Adventure Golf

Within Blackpool Pleasure Beach lies an entire 18-hole golf circuit for both children and adults to spend the day shooting golf balls. Are you new to golf? Don’t worry! There are tracks to cater for experts as well as for beginners.

●        Admission prices: Adults £15, Children £10.
●        Recommended age: All ages.
●        Location: Ocean Boulevard, 525 Promenade, Blackpool FY4 1EZ.

Tips for a fun family trip to Blackpool

Planning a trip to Blackpool with the family? Here are some tips to ensure you have a fun and memorable trip:

Create an itinerary: Plan your trip ahead and create an itinerary that includes a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. This will ensure that you have a variety of options available, regardless of the weather. This will also help you save some money, as most outdoor attractions do not require entry tickets.

Book ahead: Make sure to book your accommodation and tickets for attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons. Some attractions can become overcrowded, and booking tickets in advance ensures you don’t miss out.

Include child-friendly activities: Blackpool offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages, from interactive museums to exciting amusement parks. Make sure to include a variety of child-friendly activities in your itinerary.

Remember, Blackpool offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, from exciting amusement parks to beautiful parks and beaches. Plan ahead, create an itinerary, and enjoy your trip to Blackpool!

FAQS

What are the top attractions to visit in Blackpool?

Blackpool is home to plenty of fun activities for all the family. Parents can take their children to Blackpool Zoo to feed animals and take keeper courses, to gaming spots like Clip n’ Climb or to the scenic Stanley Park for a picnic.

What are the top outdoor attractions in Blackpool?

Blackpool has several indoor and outdoor spots to visit with family. Outdoor attractions include Blackpool Zoo, for a fun day with more than 1,000 animals, Stanley Park for a walk among the woods and lakeside, and the Illuminations, a typical lights festival that takes place along the promenade.

What are the best indoor attractions in Blackpool?

Blackpool is one of the cities where the Madame Tussauds museum is set, together with the Clip n’ Climb climbing park. Depending on the age of your children, both can be great options to visit with your family.

What are good attractions for toddlers in Blackpool?

Blackpool Zoo has to be one of the best options for families with toddlers, as it is a safe environment for a fun day among animals, even participating in adapted interactions with them. If your child is brave, you can take them to the Ascent trampoline park in one of their exclusive Toddler Sessions.

What are the best free attractions in Blackpool?

If you are looking to save some pennies, you can always go to Stanley Park for a day in nature, surrounded by trees and lakes, for a nice picnic. You can also visit Blackpool Beach for a sandy afternoon watching the sunset and then walk along the promenade to observe Blackpool Illuminations, a display of lights that takes place every night.

Is Blackpool child-friendly?

Absolutely! Blackpool offers a variety of activities where families can take their little kids. Some of the best options include Blackpool Zoo, Blackpool Sea Life, the Eye Tower, and Stanley Park.

Why do families visit Blackpool?

Blackpool is a popular destination for families with children because of the many activities they can choose from for a fun day. From watching and feeding animals at Blackpool Zoo to watching the light show at the Blackpool Illuminations, there’s an activity for everyone.