Family Days out in the North West
The North West is packed with family-friendly days out—from theme parks and zoos to lakes and beaches. Here’s a well-rounded list so you can pick something that fits your kids’ ages and the weather…
Big attraction days (high energy, full day out)
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Rollercoasters, rides for all ages
- Nickelodeon Land, perfect for the little ones as well as the big ones.
- Right by the seaside (easy to combine with beach time)
Chester Zoo
- One of the UK’s best zoos
- Huge, so plan a full day
- Play areas & interactive exhibits for children
Gulliver’s World Theme Park
- Designed specifically for younger children
- Smaller queues, lots of themed areas
Seaside & coastal days
Blackpool Beach
- Classic British seaside (arcades, fish & chips, donkey rides)
- Pair with the tower or Pleasure Beach
Formby Beach
- Sand dunes & woodland trails
- Known for red squirrel sightings
St Anne’s Beach
- Quieter and more relaxed than Blackpool
- Good for younger children
Fairhaven Lake
- Great for a more chilled coastal day with boats, play area and space to walk
Nature & outdoor adventures
Lake District National Park
- Easy walks, boat trips, picnic spots
- Try places like Windermere, Ullswater or Derwent
- Great for all ages
Brockholes on Windermere
- Adventure playground, kayaking, mini golf
- One of the most family-friendly Lake District spots
Delamere Forest
- Gruffalo trail, cycling routes, play areas
- Easy, low-cost day out
RHS Bridgewater
- Wind in the willows Adventure
- Workshops for all the family
- Relaxing Gardens to enjoy the outdoors
Beacon Fell Country Park
- ideal for a slightly more outdoorsy day with walks and amazing views, but still family-friendly
Indoor & educational (rainy day heroes)
Science and Industry Museum
- Hands-on science & transport exhibits
- Free entry
SEA LIFE Manchester
- Sharks, rays, and underwater tunnels
- Good for younger kids
Merseyside Maritime Museum
- Ships, history, and interactive displays
- Close to other Liverpool attractions
Animal & Farm parks
Knowsley Safari Park
- Drive-through safari & walk-around zoo
- Kids love seeing animals up close
Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm
- Indoor & outdoor play
- Animal feeding, shows, seasonal events
Easy “stress-free” days
- Family fun day out with special themed days
Ribble Steam Railway
- Something a bit different, especially if they like trains!
Tatton Park
- Deer park, playground, gardens
- Great for picnics and relaxed exploring
Albert Dock
- Open space, museums, food options
- Easy to wander with kids
Whatever you do on your family day out, we wish you a great time!
