The Ultimate Guide for Mums by MMB Magazine
Table of Contents
I grew up in the North West. Back then, a big treat was a trip to Chester Zoo—I still remember seeing the elephants for the first time, feeling like I was on safari, and the excitement of the monorail. Now, I get to experience those same moments all over again with my own kids. Kimi and Eliza love the penguins and the bat cave and spending time there just as much as I did (and yes, the elephants are still a family favourite).
Even now, I return on the school holidays, as Mum and Dad still live in the area, so it’s packed with nostalgia and new adventures.
So we have worked to bring you the best that’s out there for families in the North, from free days out to special occasions and annual passes that are worth the money.
Whether you’re local or planning a weekend away, the North West offers families an unbeatable mix of coastlines, countryside, culture, and chaos (in the best possible way).
🎡 Top Cities and Towns in the North West
Looking for things to do in the North West with kids? Start here:
✅ With Current Content:
- 👉 Family Days Out On The Wirral
- 👉 Family Days Out in Blackpool
- 👉 Family Days Out in Liverpool
- 👉 Family Days Out in Chester
🏗️ Coming Soon:
- 📍 Manchester – Soft play, museums, toddler-friendly cafés
- 📍 Salford – BBC MediaCity, The Lowry, creative spaces
- 📍 Warrington – Gulliver’s World, adventure parks
- 📍 Lancaster – Canal walks, castles and history
- 📍 Preston – Brilliant parks, hands-on museums
- 📍 Bolton – Urban farms, play centres
- 📍 Wigan – Haigh Woodland Park, free family trails
- 📍 Southport – Seaside fun and arcades
Each hub will soon expand into:
- 🎄 Christmas Events
- 🐣 Easter Activities
- 👻 Halloween & Pumpkin Picking
- ☀️ School Holiday Highlights
- 🍓 Strawberry Picking Farms
- 🛝 Soft Plays & Rainy Day Fun
- And much more!
📅 Seasonal Content Coming Soon
Your go-to guide for what to do in the North West with kids during school holidays, all broken down by location and age range:
- 🎄 Christmas markets, grottos & lights
- 🐣 Easter egg hunts, crafts, farm trails
- ☀️ Summer splash pads, picnics, outdoor play
- 👻 Halloween trails, spooky storytelling & patches
- 🍓 Strawberry & fruit-picking farms
- 🌧️ Indoor soft play & rainy day options
We also highlight FREE events, one-off days out, and local weekend fun all year round.
💭 From My Childhood to My Kids Now
Many of the childhood places I visited are now part of my children’s memories. Chester Zoo, the arcades in Blackpool, ferry trips in Liverpool, to the Manchester Science and Industrial museum—it’s surreal and lovely watching history repeat itself, only this time, I’m holding the snacks and spare socks.
This guide blends trusted favourites with hidden gems, all reviewed and recommended by real mums who have been—no generic lists here.
✍️ Become a Regional Contributor
Are you a mum based in the North West? Do you love sharing your favourite parks, cafés, trails, or family days out?
We’re building a real-time network of local reviewers who share authentic recommendations, not sponsored fluff. Whether you’re a mum of toddlers, tweens or both—we want your voice on the site.
📩 Message us to contribute and get credited as an MMB regional voice
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best family days out in North West England?
Top picks include Chester Zoo, The Sandcastle, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan, and Liverpool’s World Museum.
Q: What’s the best thing to do with kids in the North West on a rainy day?
Soft play centres in Manchester, indoor water parks in Blackpool, and free museums in Liverpool are great wet-weather options. You could always try the museum of illusions in Manchester for lots of fun and giggles.
Q: Where can I go with toddlers in the North West?
Try under-5s play zones in Manchester, baby-friendly cafés in Chester, and toddler-friendly nature walks in the Wirral.
Q: Are there any free things to do with kids in the North West?
Yes—explore canal paths, beaches, splash parks, city trails, and museums with free entry, like Liverpool’s Maritime Museum.
👩💻 About the Author
Written by Abbie Coleman, founder of MMB Magazine and a mum of two. With over 25 years of experience in recruitment and 10+ years running content platforms for working mums, Abbie is passionate about sharing real-life experiences to help other families thrive.
📲 Follow @MMBMagazine for honest reviews, giveaways, and ideas for your next great day out.