The Best Family Days Out in Lancashire (2026 Guide)

Best Family Days Out in Lancashire (2026 Guide)

If you’re searching for the best family days out in Lancashire, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a school holiday trip or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, Lancashire has something for every family. From animal parks and beautiful beaches to theme parks and country walks, these are some of the best family days out in Lancashire that we’ve enjoyed as a family.

As a mum of three living in Lancashire, we’re always looking for affordable family adventures. Whether it’s a quick afternoon trip, a full day out during the school holidays or somewhere new to explore at the weekend, we’ve discovered some brilliant places that the whole family enjoys.

Here’s my guide to the best family days out in Lancashire for 2026.

1. Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is one of our favourite family attractions. Home to hundreds of animals including elephants, giraffes, lions and orangutans, there’s plenty to keep children entertained for an entire day.

The zoo is easy to walk around with a pushchair, offers plenty of picnic areas and has several playgrounds for younger children.

Perfect for:

• Toddlers
• Primary school children
• Animal lovers

2. Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm

Farmer Ted’s is packed with activities including tractor rides, indoor soft play, outdoor play areas and friendly farm animals.

It’s particularly good during school holidays when they run themed events.

Highlights include:

• Animal encounters
• Jumping pillows
• Sand play
• Indoor play barn
• Seasonal events

3. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

If your family loves rides, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a must-visit.

There are attractions suitable for toddlers through to thrill seekers, making it ideal for families with children of different ages.

Don’t forget to explore the seafront afterwards for fish and chips or an ice cream.

4. Brockholes Nature Reserve

For a slower-paced family day out, Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston is beautiful.

Children love spotting wildlife, walking the woodland trails and feeding the ducks.

It’s also one of the best free family days out in Lancashire.

5. Williamson Park, Lancaster

Williamson Park offers stunning views across Morecambe Bay together with beautiful gardens, woodland walks and the famous Ashton Memorial.

Children enjoy exploring the grounds while parents can relax with a coffee from the café.

6. Bowland Wild Boar Park

This hidden gem is ideal for younger children.

Alongside seeing wild boar, you’ll also find deer, goats, ponies and play areas.

Seasonal activities and tractor rides make it a great value family day out.

7. Mrs Dowsons Farm Park

Mrs Dowsons is perfect for toddlers and younger children.

Activities include:

• Animal feeding
• Outdoor play
• Indoor play
• Tractor rides
• Ice cream made using milk from the farm

It’s a lovely relaxed day out and ideal for preschoolers.

8. RSPB Leighton Moss

If your family enjoys nature, Leighton Moss is well worth visiting.

Boardwalks make it easy to explore with children and you might spot otters, birds of prey and beautiful wildlife throughout the year.

9. Beacon Fell Country Park

Beacon Fell is one of our favourite places for family walks.

With woodland trails, picnic areas and incredible countryside views, it’s a brilliant place to let children burn off some energy without spending a fortune.

Pack a picnic and make a full day of it.

10. Blackpool Beach

Sometimes the simplest family days out are the best.

Building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and walking along Blackpool Promenade never gets old.

There are also plenty of nearby attractions including:

• Blackpool Tower
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
• Madame Tussauds
• Blackpool Central Pier

Why Lancashire is Perfect for Family Adventures

One of the reasons I love living here is the huge variety of attractions available. Some of the best family days out in Lancashire are less than an hour’s drive from us, making spontaneous adventures really easy. Whether you’re looking for a free day out, an exciting theme park or somewhere to enjoy nature, you’ll always find one of the best family days out in Lancashire nearby.

Money-Saving Tips for Family Days Out

Family adventures don’t have to be expensive.

Here are a few ways we save money:

• Take a picnic instead of buying lunch.
• Book tickets online in advance.
• Visit during off-peak times where possible.
• Use annual passes if you visit attractions regularly.
• Look out for school holiday offers.

These little savings soon add up across the year.

What to Pack for a Family Day Out

I always keep a few essentials ready to grab before leaving the house.

My family day out bag usually includes:

• Drinks bottles
• Snacks
• Baby wipes
• Nappies (for Charlie)
• Sun cream
• Waterproofs
• Portable charger
• First aid essentials
• Spare clothes
• Picnic blanket

Being prepared makes the day much more enjoyable.

Family Days Out in Lancashire Throughout the Seasons

One of the things I love about living in Lancashire is that there’s always somewhere to explore, whatever the time of year. Spring is perfect for visiting farms to see newborn lambs and enjoying woodland walks as everything starts to bloom. During the summer holidays, we love making the most of the beaches, country parks and outdoor attractions, often taking a picnic to keep costs down.

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons for family days out. Many attractions host Halloween events, pumpkin trails and seasonal activities, making every weekend feel a little bit magical. Then, as Christmas approaches, Lancashire comes alive with festive markets, illuminated trails and Santa experiences that create memories the children will remember for years to come.

Even rainy days don’t have to stop the fun. Lancashire has plenty of indoor attractions, soft play centres, museums and aquariums that are perfect when the British weather isn’t on your side.

Planning the Perfect Family Day Out

A little planning can make a huge difference to your day. Before we leave the house, I always check opening times, book tickets online if needed and pack plenty of snacks and drinks, especially when we’re taking Charlie. Taking a picnic not only saves money but also gives us the flexibility to stop whenever the children are hungry.

If you’re visiting during the school holidays, I’d also recommend arriving early. Car parks tend to fill up quickly, and getting there before the crowds means you can make the most of your day.

Over the next year we’ll be exploring even more family attractions across Lancashire and the North West, so I’ll keep updating this guide with our latest adventures, honest reviews and money-saving tips to help other families plan unforgettable days out.

Our Favourite Family Days Out in Lancashire

As we continue exploring the county, I’ll keep updating this guide with new attractions and honest reviews. My aim is to make this one of the most helpful resources for anyone searching for the best family days out in Lancashire, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local family looking for fresh ideas.

Final Thoughts

There are so many fantastic family days out in Lancashire that it’s impossible to fit them all into one list.

Whether you’re visiting animals, heading to the beach, exploring beautiful countryside or enjoying thrilling rides, Lancashire has something for every family and every budget.

As we continue exploring more attractions throughout 2026, I’ll keep updating this guide with new places we’ve visited and honest reviews from our family adventures.

Lancashire has so much to offer families, whatever the season. I hope this guide to the best family days out in Lancashire helps you discover somewhere new to explore and create special memories with your own family.

Have a favourite family day out in Lancashire? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!

Check Out  Mrs Dowsons

If you’re looking for even more ways to save money as a family, don’t miss my guide to How We Feed Our Family of Four on a £400 Family Food Budget, where I share our meal planning, freezer meals and shopping strategy.

If you’re already planning ahead for the festive season, you might also enjoy my guide to the Lush Advent Calendar 2026, where I compare this year’s beautiful Christmas advent calendars.