If you are looking for family friendly days out in the North West then look no further as we have a whole list of great places for you to explore. Each suggested place comes with a review written by a parent blogger based on their own experience, just follow the links for more information. We hope you find some inspiration here for your next family day out in the North West.

Apple Jacks adventure park in Warrington

A fun day out for families with children up to the age of 12. Lots of outdoor activities including a maze, theatre shows and archery, so best to visit on a dry day although some indoor activities are also on offer. You can easily spend a full day here so remember to pack your picnic or take some money for lunch from the cafe.

Blackpool sea life centre

An aquarium situated on the sea front in Blackpool, suitable for all ages. The highlights include the sharks that swim over your head in the tunnel. To save money you can buy a multi attraction ticket if you are wanting to see various places in Blackpool including the circus, tower top and Madame Tussauds. This attraction will fill approximately 1-2 hours.

Chester Zoo

Chester zoo is arguably the best zoo in the whole of the North West. A great day out for the whole family no matter their age. You can easily spend the whole day here vising the animals, riding the boat and playing in the parks. You are welcome to take a picnic or use the onsite cafes. With numerous indoor and outdoor facilities Chester zoo is the perfect family day out in the North West whatever the weather.

Cholmondeley Castle

A hidden gem set within breath taking Cheshire gardens. There are animals to admire and parks and buildings to explore as well as a cafe where you can stop for lunch. You can stay all day if the weather is nice as there are loads of gardens to visit and open space for children to run free.

Coral Island

A Blackpool arcade with so much more than just slot machines on offer. It has rides, restaurants and games to enjoy. It would make for a fun addition to any family day out in Blackpool.

Crocky Trial

Outdoor fun for the whole family. Crocky trail in based in Cheshire just on the outskirts of Chester. It is an outdoor trial full of rope swings and mud and is bound to leave everyone laughing. As well as the trail there are also lots of rides, slides and games to enjoy too. Everything is outside so make sure you go on a dry day and take a picnice with you too.

Dunham Massey

A lovely National trust venue in Cheshire. The highlights include the free roaming dear and beautiful gardens. There are also cafes and ice cream stalls on site. They also do a spectacular Christmas light show, this is an extra charge even for National Trust members.

Flip Out Chester

Trampolining fun in Chester with various events throughout the week. They have loads of special offers including specialist toddler sessions for the little ones. The perfect way to tire out the children when the weather is bad.

Go Ape at Delamere Forest

A tree top experience with zip wires and high ropes. One of the best days out in the North West for adrenaline junkies of all ages. The activity takes 1-2 hours but can be combined with a lovely forest walk and trip to the cafe or a sedgway session.

Hare Hill

A national trust owned walled garden and woodland in Cheshire. Perfect for a family walk on a nice day. Take a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.

Inflata nation

An indoor inflatable theme park suitable for children age 3 and over. You book one hour sessions and car parking is free. There is a cafe on site that serves both food and drink. This is a brilliant way to tire out the children when the weather isn’t very good. Take plenty of drinks!

Jurrel Centre

The home of the Lovell telescope in Cheshire. Perfect for an educational day out.

Knowsley Safari Park

A safari park with both indoor and outdoor attractions for the whole family. The highlights include the drive through monkey area and the sea lion show. You can easily spend a full day here. There is a cafe but you are also able to take a picnic too.

Legoland discovery centre

All the lego, 3D movies, rides and more. You can spend 2-3 hours here. Discounted tickets can be bought if paired with the sea life centre next door. Situated at the Trafford centre it can also be combined with shopping, restaurants or a cinema trip. Book tickets in advance to get the best deal.

Mattel Play

An indoor play area in Liverpool. Great for children up to 5 to explore imaginative play. More expensive than your average play area but it does offer so many extras.

Ordsall Hall

A FREE family day out in the North West. This beautiful Hall is based in Salford, Manchester and has lots of hands on activities for children as well as numerous educational areas too.

Pencil Museum

An interesting museum with lots of hands on activities in the lake district. This is a 2-3 hour attraction and parking is available on site for free.

Quarry Bank Mill

A national trust venue surrounded by natural beauty in Cheshire. Remember to take a picnic.

Rice Lane Farm

A FREE farm in Liverpool. You can see the animals, play on the park and explore the surrounding grounds.

Although Rice Lane is free they do welcome donations that are used to help them care for the animals, so if you can please do take some change with you.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery

A brilliant museum for children with a whole area that is dedicated to years gone by with lots of opportunities for children to get involved, including the chance to dress up.

Sealife Manchester

Situated just outside f the Trafford centre this is the perfect day out to team with shopping or a trip to Lego Land next door, just remember to buy your dual ticket in advance to save money. This Sea life centre is smaller than the one in Blackpool and would take about 1-2 hours to complete.

St.Helens theater Royal

St. Helen’s host a variety of shows including regular pantomimes for the whole family. It is a small theatre compared to some but this works in its favour as all the shows feel intimate and every seat has a good view.

Tam O’Shanters Farm

Tam O’Shanters farm is based on the Wirral and it is totally FREE. It even has a free car park too. You can spend 1-2 hours here looking at the animals and playing on the park. You can buy animal feed from the cafe for £1 if you wish to feed the animals too. There are numerous picnic benches so feel free to take a picnic or you can use the cafe if you prefer.

The Climbing Hangar in Liverpool

A bouldering centre suitable for everyone over the age of 7. Lessons are also available for those that want them. You can book sessions in 1 hour blocks, there is a cafe on site and car parking is free.

Treetop Adventure Golf

An inside crazy golf in Manchester that is suitable for the whole family. There are two courses to chose from, or do both, as well as a cafe for food and drinks when your finished. It is walking distance from the city centre so perfect for combining with other attractions or a shopping trip.

Ullswater steamers

A boat trip in the lake district. The perfect way to relax on the water.

VPX

Free summer sporting activities during the school holidays, offering great days out for children weekly. There are always lots of new sporting activates to try including boxing, basketball and cycling as well as some non sporting fun such as farm animal face painting and bouncy castles.