Blackpool

Posted on: Tuesday 2nd August 2022

You really can’t beat a day out at the seaside with the family, and if you’re looking for a destination that has it all to keep your kids happy, then you must head to Blackpool!

 

One of the UK’s favourite, and one of its most famous seaside towns, Blackpool might be known as a stag and hen do destination, but there’s so much more to it than that, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day or take a short break.

 

Let’s have a look at 15 family and kid-friendly things to do in Blackpool!

 

Stanley Park 

 

Stanley Park is a gorgeous park, voted the best park in the UK in 2019! It opened in 1926 and features an iconic bandstand, Italian-style gardens, and a boating lake. There are nature trails to follow, wildlife to spot, and beautiful gardens.

 

It’s also the perfect place to plan a picnic, nestled under the shade of the trees on a sunny day. Have some quality time with the family, play frisbee, and let the kids have a good run around! It’s open seven days a week, all year round, and there are toilets available and a cafe too.

 

Blackpool Zoo

 

Adjacent to Stanley Park is Blackpool Zoo. The zoo is packed full of information about its conservation work, and kids can even become a Junior Zoo Keeper for the day! There’s lots to do and see, enough to keep the kids busy, and if you have a pram for toddlers or babies, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s all on flat ground

 

SEA LIFE Blackpool

 

If your kids are mad about animals and wildlife, then after the zoo you should consider taking a trip to SEA LIFE Blackpool. Like the zoo, SEA LIFE offers some VIP experiences, and you could even go swimming with sharks!

 

SEA LIFE is on Blackpool Promenade, and home to over 2,000 marine creatures in over 50 different displays. Kids will be thrilled to see a wide variety of species, including tropical sharks, colourful reef fish, sea horses, octopus, and many more. There’s also a cafe and a soft play area.

 

North Pier

 

Grade II-listed North Pier was built in the 1860s and is the oldest and longest of Blackpool’s three piers. North Pier has retained much of its traditional Victoria charm, and you’ll find a theatre, a tearoom, a traditional carousel, and the old seaside favourite, an arcade.

 

Central Pier

 

Central Pier is the most iconic and busiest of the three piers, with its amusement arcades, restaurants, shops, and stalls, and not forgetting the humungous Ferris wheel. Walk out to the end of the 339-metre-long pier for breathtaking views!

 

Pleasure Beach

 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK's most iconic theme parks and a must-visit for anyone travelling to Blackpool. There are rides to suit children and adults of all ages, from high-octane thrills for adrenaline seekers to more sedate rides for younger children. The Pleasure Beach is also home to the world’s first ghost train, built in 1930!

 

Nickelodeon Land

 

Found inside Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land is perfect for the little kids (and maybe some of the older ones too!)

 

Kids will love meeting Spongebob Squarepants, Marshall and Skye from Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and many other favourites, as well as fun rides suitable for toddlers.

 

Blackpool Beach

 

If you’re visiting the seaside, then you must go to the beach! Blackpool has long starches of golden sands, providing a beautiful and massive space to enjoy, whether you want to kick a ball around, play frisbee, build sandcastles, or go see the famous donkeys! You can hire sun loungers and deck chairs if you simply want to sit and enjoy the sun.

 

Sandcastle Waterpark

 

However much fun Blackpool is in the sun, we all know how unreliable the weather can be in the UK, especially in the Northwest of England. If your kids had their heart set on playing on the beach and the surf, but the heavens have opened, then head to Sandcastle Waterpark, with its water slides and lazy rivers in a tropical climate!

 

Coral Island

 

Coral Island is Blackpool’s largest free admission indoor attraction, with all the pirate-themed fun you could ever wish for! There are rides, traditional and the latest arcade machines, bingo and casino games for the adults, and restaurants where kids eat free with every paid adult meal.

 

You can easily spend the afternoon here at Coral Island, whether you’re taking part in the Camel Derby, riding with the Raving Rabbids on the VR machines, or trying your luck with the traditional seaside penny pushers.

 

Coral Island is also home to a Ghost Train - if you’re brave enough to try it! Watch out for Captain Jack though, he’ll be trying to give you a fright!

 

Whether you want fish and chips or want to explore the pirate treasure hidden around The Buccaneer family restaurant, you’ll find delicious food and friendly staff ready to help you.

 

Blackpool Tower

 

Blackpool Tower is far more than just the iconic tower but taking a trip to the top is a must-do to experience the incredible views from 158 metres up. You’ll also find a 4D cinema experience before you go and brave the glass floor with dizzying views of the promenade below you. Don’t forget your medal of bravery afterwards!

 

At the base of the tower, you’ll find Blackpool Tower Circus, Blackpool Dungeons, dinosaur-themed mini golf, and of course, Blackpool Tower Ballroom, for all the Strictly Come Dancing fans in your household - more on these below!

 

Blackpool Tower Ballroom

 

This incredible attraction opened in 1894 and is likely one of the most elegant rooms you will ever experience, rich in history and refined beauty, as well as being a Mecca for professional dancers and fans of BBC’s Strictly TV show.

 

You can watch people grace the dance floor while you enjoy afternoon tea, and children are well catered for too at this family-friendly attraction.

 

Blackpool Tower Circus

 

This must be the most famous circus in the UK. Clowns Mooky and Boo are the stars of the show with their endearing antics, but if they don’t entice you to visit, then go to witness the most jaw-dropping displays of aerial acrobatics!

 

Blackpool Tower Dungeon

 

If your kids are fans of shows such as Horrible Histories, then you should definitely go and visit Blackpool Tower Dungeon. It might be a bit creepy for very young children, and the recommended age is for 8 years and over.

 

It’s a brilliant theatrical experience, as you are guided through the attraction by talented actors and performers who will chill you with creepy tales, aided by amazing special effects and a ride to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Madame Tussauds

 

If you’re trying to cram in as many attractions as you can in one day, then Madame Tussauds is a great way to spend an hour or so. There is something for everyone to see, from Marvel superheroes to I’m A Celebrity… Bushtucker trials, as well as the chance to selfies with your favourite celebrities!

 

So, what are you eating for? Pack a picnic (or take us up on our Kids Eat Free offer), grab your swimming costumes, and get ready for a day of fun at the seaside! We’ll be ready and waiting for you here at Coral Island when you visit Blackpool this summer!

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