Blackpool is one of the most, if not THE most, famous seaside resorts in the UK. It can be the perfect break away for families, couples and even stag and hen parties as there is so much to do whatever the weather. If you are planning your first trip to Blackpool as a family and are currently looking for things to do in Blackpool with kids then hopefully this post will help you as it is full of family friendly ideas as well as tips and tricks on how to save money, starting with 5 free attraction in Blackpool.
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Stanley Park
Stanley Park is situated across the road from Blackpool Zoo. It is set out across a large area of land and has a number of free things to do for the whole family including two parks, one for those aged 2-8 and one for the 8-14’s, a skate park, and several tennis courts. Stanley Park also has a number of paved paths running through it’s grounds which are perfect for those that want to take a stroll through the gardens. These paths also mean it is wheelchair and pram friendly too, plus great for bikes and scooters to avoid tired legs. Whilst exploring the grounds you will find several historic buildings, a pond with a large water feature and a boating lake. There are also activities going on throughout Stanley Park that you can pay for if you wish including eating in the care, hiring boats and going on small rides, with other events popping up during the warmer months too.
Beach
The beaches in Blackpool span across 7 miles from Star Gate to Anchors Holme with three piers jutting out at various places, all of which are also free to visit. Across these beaches you will find places to sun bathe, go fishing in rock pools and even swim in the sea, just remember to read all the notices and look out for the lifeguards.
Brooks Collectables museum
You can find Brooks Collectables and Museum on Waterloo Road, it is free to enter and is home to one of the largest automobiles and toy collections. You are free to go in and have a look around and there is also a shop on site should you wish to add to your own collections.
Grundy Art Gallery
The Grundy art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays and is free to enter. You will be able to see a number of different art style on display by a selection of artists, many who are from Blackpool. As well as looking at the art you and your children will have the opportunity to get involved in some of the interactive sessions they run too.
Comedy Carpet
One of the most popular free things to do in Blackpool is to visit the the Comedy Carpet opposite Blackpool Tower. This fascinating piece of artwork contains the work of over 1000 comedians with a number of jokes, hilarious one liners and famous catchphrases cemented into the floor.
Blackpool Illuminations
If you visit Blackpool in the winter then be sure to take a trip down the prom to see the famous Blackpool Illuminations. You can drive through in your own car, walk or even hop on a tram. They are free to enjoy although you will see donation stations at either end asking for contribution if you can.
Things to do in Blackpool with kids
If you are looking for things to do in Blackpool with kids and are happy to pay for entry then the below are some of the most popular days out in Blackpool.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is situated on the sea front in the centre of Blackpool. It is, for those that don’t already know, a wax works museum. However, don’t be put of by thinking it will be a boring attraction as there are so many interactive areas the whole family can enjoy. You can walk round and see life size models of famous people from all walks of life including football players, the Royal Family and comedians with so many amazing photo opportunities along the way.
As well as “meeting” the wax works you can also have a go on the climbing wall, play music at the festival, learn to dance, and have a real drink and a bag of crisps in the Rovers Return!
You will need at least an hour to fully enjoy Madame Tussauds but ideally you could do with 2-3 hours.
Standard tickets cost from £17.50 but if you are planning to visit more than one Blackpool attraction during your stay then be sure to check out the multi attraction tickets offers as it will save you money and time. Madame Tussauds should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Blackpool with kids over the age of 5. Younger children can go but I do not feel they will get as much from it and would probably prefer a visit to the Sea Life centre.
Sea Life centre
On the same stretch of promenade, just a few doors up from Madame Tussauds, is the Sea Life Centre which is perfect for families. You can follow the path from start to finish and see some awesome sea creatures, including sharks and turtles. You even have the chance to get up close and personal with some favourites like the star fish. For the younger children there is also a trail where you hunt for clues and mark them off on your map making it educational and fun for little ones. You can read our full review of the Sea life centre Blackpool here for more information and how to get the most out of your visit and money.
Tower Circus
If you love a good circus then you need to head to the Tower for the most famous UK circus. It is a family friendly show with a traditional cheeky clown and entertaining ring master. It lasts 2 hours with a 15 minute interval and is packed full of dancers, jokes and breath taking, gravity- defying acts that will have you sat on the edge of your seats.
Tickets start at £17.50 but can also be included in the multi ticket offer along side Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life Centre.
Top of the Tower
If heights are your thing then the Tower Eye is an absolute must. Here you will watch a panoramic 4D show before traveling by lift to the top of the Tower. Once at the top, if you are brave enough, you can walk across the glass floor where you can see the promenade below. If this isn’t high enough for you, you can also take the stairs and go even higher. After the initial uneasy feeling that comes with being 401 feet in the air you can start to appreciate the views which are spectacular and so worth it. Just don’t look down!
Blackpool Dungeons
At the bottom of the tower are the dungeons. These are not for the faint hearted and only accessible to those aged 12 and over. In the dungeons you can expect the unexpected, the scary, the creepy and the stuff nightmares waiting for you around each corner.
Coral Island
On of the best things to do in Blackpool with kids is to pay a visit to the arcades and Blackpool sea front is lined with them but the best one of them all is Coral Island. It is so much more than just an arcade, they have rides, interactive games, bingo, a bar, a fish and chip shop and restaurants. You can read our full review of Coral Island here.
Blackpool Zoo
One of the most obvious things to do in Blackpool, apart from go to the sea front, is to visit the zoo. Blackpool Zoo is a little further out from the centre of town and you will either need to drive or get a bus as it isn’t in walking distance, however it is a full day out and very worth it. There are loads of animals to see and parks to play on. It is perfect for the whole family and is both educational and fun. For more information this full review of Blackpool Zoo by Suzie from Where to go with kids is sure to answer your questions.
Adult tickets start from £22.90 but you can buy family tickets that make it a bit cheaper.
If you have been looking for things to do in Blackpool with kids then I hope you have found this article helpful and are now planning your itinerary for your next visit. Just remember to book those multi attraction tickets and family passes as they will save you a lot of money.
If you are looking for more ideas of things to do with the kids in the North West then have a look at our guide to the Lake District.