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The Ultimate Family Guide to Blackpool
Family Days Out, Honest Reviews & Real Mum Tips
Looking for the best things to do in Blackpool with kids? Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or teens in tow, this family guide shares real reviews and top tips to make your Blackpool break brilliant.
We’ve done it all—with our own children—so everything here is mum-tested, family-approved, and packed with the kind of practical info you actually need. From where to stay and what to eat to the best attractions for rainy days, here’s your complete family guide to Blackpool.
Travelling with a toddler then read our is there much to do with a toddler at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
🚆 Travelling to Blackpool with Kids
Getting to Blackpool is super easy by train, with direct services from major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds. Blackpool North is the main station and is well-connected by buses and trams.
💡 Don’t forget to grab a Family & Friends Railcard—you’ll save up to 1/3 on adult fares and 60% on kids’ fares. A must for any UK-based family travel!
🎢 Blackpool Pleasure Beach Review
📍 Address: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ
🌐 Website
Find out what it’s really like to visit with kids—our top tips for family rides, managing queues, and saving money on tickets.
🌊 Sandcastle Waterpark with Kids
📍 Address: Promenade, South Beach, Blackpool FY4 1BB
🌐 Website
Is it worth the hype with young children? We break down what to expect, what to pack, and how to make the most of your splash-filled day.
🐠 Sea Life Blackpool: Honest Review
📍 Address: Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA
🌐 Website
A calm but engaging stop on your Blackpool break. Here’s our guide to getting the best value from your visit.
🔗 Coming soon on our next trip
🦁 Blackpool Zoo – A Wild Day Just Outside the Centre
📍 Address: East Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 8PP
🌐 Website
Just a short drive from the seafront, Blackpool Zoo is packed with big animals and interactive fun for kids.
🔗 Our Blackpool Zoo visit coming soon
🧸 Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse
📍 Address: The Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA (next to Sea Life Centre)
🌐 Website
This indoor play attraction brings your favourite Julia Donaldson stories to life! Perfect for younger kids under 10.
🔗 Our Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse review coming on our next trip
🎮 Arcade Adventures in Blackpool
🏴☠️ Coral Island
📍 Address: Central Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5BD
Blackpool’s biggest free-entry arcade with family rides, pirate games, and kids-eat free deals.
🕹️ Arcade Club Blackpool
📍 Address: 1st Floor, Bloomfield Road Stadium, Seasiders Way, Blackpool FY1 6JJ
Over 200 retro and modern games, all free to play after entry. Great for older kids and nostalgic parents!
🕴️ Madame Tussauds Blackpool
📍 Address: 87–89 Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA
🌐 Website:
Step into the world of fame and celebrity at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Pose with lifelike wax figures of your favourite stars, from Marvel superheroes to music icons like KSI. The interactive zones and photo opportunities make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Combine your visit with other attractions like SEA LIFE or The Blackpool Tower Dungeon for added savings.
🌳 Stanley Park
📍 Address: West Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9HQ
🌐 Website:
Escape the hustle and bustle at Stanley Park, Blackpool’s award-winning green space. Spanning 390 acres, the park features beautiful Italian gardens, a boating lake, children’s play areas, and sports facilities. The Art Deco café is perfect for a family lunch, and the park’s events calendar offers concerts and activities throughout the year.
🗼 Blackpool Tower
📍 Address: The Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ
🌐 Website
An iconic part of the Blackpool skyline! Take the lift up to the Tower Eye and enjoy sweeping views across the North West coastline through the skywalk’s glass floor. There’s also a 4D cinema experience that’s a hit with younger children.
Don’t miss the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a stunning historic venue where you can watch dancers glide across the floor as the famous Wurlitzer organ plays. It’s peaceful, nostalgic and a lovely place to enjoy afternoon tea as a family.
For thrill-seekers, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon is a spooky, theatrical journey through the darker side of Lancashire’s history—great for older kids and teens.
🌐 Blackpool Tower Dungeon
💡 Blackpool Illuminations
📍 Location: Along the entire Promenade, Blackpool
Running from late August to early January, the Blackpool Illuminations are a magical light display stretching over six miles of the seafront. From giant illuminated scenes to glowing sculptures, it’s one of the best free family events in the UK.
✨ Best way to view:
- Drive the full length of the Promenade in the evening.
- Walk part of it if the weather’s mild.
- Or take a ride on the Illuminated Heritage Trams—a must-do for little ones and a perfect way to rest tired legs.
🔗 See illumination dates and events
🏰 The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
📍 Address: The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ
🌐 Website:
Delve into Lancashire’s murky past at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon. This interactive experience combines live actors, special effects, and thrilling rides to bring history to life. It’s a spooky adventure that’s best suited for older children and teens. For a full day of fun, consider combo tickets with Madame Tussauds or SEA LIFE.
Places To Stay In Blackpool
🏨 Family Stay: Hilton Blackpool Hotel Review
📍 Address: North Promenade, Blackpool FY1 2JQ
A family-friendly hotel in a great location—see what we thought of the room size, breakfast, and facilities for families. Gave me peace of mind while travelling on my own with the two kids. Great food, so clean and perfect for the kids at the end of the day to recharge.
🌴 Top Things To Do Near Blackpool
Looking to explore outside the town? Here are our favourite easy day trips and attractions near Blackpool.
🔗 Top family days out North West.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best age for Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
Ages 5+ tend to get the most out of it, but there are toddler-friendly rides, too.
Is Blackpool good for rainy days with kids?
Yes! Sea Life, Sandcastle Waterpark, Gruffalo Clubhouse, and the arcades are all excellent wet-weather options.
Are there free things to do in Blackpool with children?
Yes—beach walks, arcades like Coral Island, and the Tower Festival Headland often have seasonal free events.
Where can you park for free in Blackpool?
Some hotels offer free parking. South Shore and residential areas may have free on-street parking—always check signage.
🙌 Final Tips for Families
- Use a tram pass to save your legs and entertain tired kids
- Pack layers—Blackpool weather can switch fast
- Pre-book attractions online to save money and time
Written by Abbie Coleman
Editor of MMB Magazine, mum of two, and passionate about creating real, helpful content for working mums and families.
Follow us on Instagram for more: @mmbmagazine