Things to do in Lancashire with toddlers
Lancashire offers various activities and attractions that are suitable for toddlers. There are so many options that you can do on a sunny or rainy day. So here are some ideas for things to do in Lancashire with toddlers. Find more Toddler days out North West here.
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Sea Life Blackpool
An aquarium is a fantastic place to take toddlers as well as preschoolers and even older babies due to the sensory stimulation of all the tanks.
Toddlers will love looking for the sharks and other sea creatures in the tanks. There’s even a small indoor play area and they run regular events for children.
This is a great place to go with toddlers in term time as is a lot less busy.
Book here – SEA LIFE Blackpool
Visit a Farm Park or wildlife park
Visiting a farm is such a great thing to do with your toddler. It’s always a great day out for wildlife lovers, something the whole family can enjoy. Looking at all the animals and being outside is a great way to spend a couple of hours or a full day with your little ones.
Places like farm parks provide opportunities for children to interact with animals, enjoy tractor rides, play areas, and engage in farm-themed activities. Many have different events that take place throughout the year. Here are some of the ones to check out in Lancashire is you are looking for family fun.
Farmer Ted’s Farm Park
There are plenty of things going on at Farmer Ted’s including the uk’s only Shaun of the Sheep attraction. There’s also all the usual farm fun you’d expect including a large indoor play area.
The also run regular tots sessions specifically for toddlers. A great place to take your toddlers in Lancashire.
Check out the website for more details – Farmer Teds
Bowland wild boar park
They have loads of different animals here including wild boar, water buffalo, sheep, goats and so many more. There is indoor and outdoor play areas with equipment for all ages.
They also have barrel and tractor rides that your toddler might enjoy.
Find out more here – Bowland Wild Boar and Animal Park
Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park
This farm has loads of animals, an amazing indoor play area, regular family events and they serve their own farm made ice cream!
They also some times run Farm tots sessions which are perfect for this age group.
Find out full review here – Mrs Dowsons farm park review – North West for kids
Greenlands farm village
This is another great farm for family fun. There is a hands-on farm experience (mini mammals handling barn), play barn with dedicated area for young toddlers and babies.
Find out more and book here – Greenlands Farm Village
Blackpool zoo
If you want to see some wild animals like elephants and giraffes then head to Blackpool zoo where they have lots of animals and attractions for you to enjoy. There is also a play barn with regular toddler sessions in term time.
Full details and book tickets here – Blackpool Zoo
Thornton Hall Country Park
This is a great farm park to head to when it comes to your little ones. You can enjoy animal encounters as well as outdoor and indoor play areas. The perfect option for your little ones.
Check out the website for more details – Thornton Hall Country Park
Explore Nature
Take your toddler to parks, gardens, or nature reserves in Lancashire. These locations often offer walking trails, wildlife spotting, and play areas. This is a great thing to do with your toddler as it gives you the chance to get outside but also many of them are free to enter so you can enjoy a cheap day out. Pack up a picnic and spend the whole day enjoying the surroundings. Here are some of the best options in Lancashire.
Fairhaven Lake, Lytham
We love Fairhaven lake, it’s a great place to take toddlers. There is a fantastic play area for under 5s. The walk around the lake is less than a mile and is flat so it’s perfect for prams or little legs.
If you have older kids with you too there is a larger play area and crazy golf as well as a cafe
Find more here – Fairhaven Lake, Lytham
Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston
You can enjoy this nature reserve with your little ones and have the chance to see some incredible wildlife and nature. You can enjoy the different walks (around the lakes or woodland walks) and also take some time out to enjoy a drink and a snack. There are nature tots sessions to attend and pushchair walking events too.
Check out the website for more details.
Mere Sands Wood nature reserve
This is a true wildlife haven located in Ormskirk. The paths are pushchair friendly and they run nature tots sessions in term time.
Find out more here – Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve
Pennington flash nature reserve
Pennington flash has an amazing play area with plenty of options for toddlers. It was added a couple of years back and it is large and wildlife themed. There are loads of different equipment for different age groups including toddlers.
The paths around the reserve are also perfect for toddler walks or pushing a pushchair around too.
Find out more here –Pennington flash country park
Martin Mere WWT
Martin mere is great for children of all ages. It’s a great place to take toddlers as the paths are almost all flat and pram-friendly. There are loads of different birds to see including lots of ducks and flamingos, one of our favourites.
There are also lots of bird hides and children are welcome in them. They even have viewing windows and child height in some of the ones we visited. They often run special children’s trails such as Bing in 2024.
There is a playground just beside the visitor centre which does have some great play equipment for toddlers.
Find out more here – Martin Mere WWT
Take a ride on a steam train
East Lancashire Railway
The transport museum is based in Bury and has loads of full-size vehicles and hands-on exhibits. The railway spans 12 miles with 7 different stops. They run regular theme days including the ever popular Day out with Thomas.
Book a general ticket or find the next Thomas, Peter Rabbit or Peppa pig event here – East Lancashire railway
Ribble steam railway and museum
This is another steam railway in Lancashire, starting in Preston. This one is a 3 mile return trip including crossing the dock swing bridge.
Full details and book here – Ribble Steam Railway
Visit Museums and Discovery Centers
You might be thinking that museums would be more suited for older children, and in some cases, you are right. But there are some museums and galleries that provide interactive exhibits and activities suitable for young children. They offer opportunities for learning, exploration, and play. Here are some of the best ones to consider in Lancashire.
Lancashire Infantry Museum
This is the perfect way to get imaginations running wild and also help to teach little ones all about military life. Many of which will be something they may be aware of throughout cartoons and TV programmes.
Check out the website for more details.
Lancaster City Museum
Another local museum is perfect to look at and witness some incredible items from the past. Children can start to learn about different things and use their imaginations.
Check out the website for more details.
Indoor Play Centers
Rainy days are perfect for visiting indoor play centers. These centers typically have soft play areas, ball pits, slides, and other age-appropriate activities. They are the perfect spot for your toddlers and with so many options, it is often nice to try a new location. Here is a little inspiration for some of the best indoor and soft play centres in Lancashire.
Mini’s Party and Play Place in Preston
A great option to consider when it comes to finding a soft play centre in Preston. A large area and a dedicated spot for little ones. Perfect for toddlers, especially when the older kids are in school.
Check out the website for more details.
Funtazia in Blackburn
This is the perfect place for little ones. With so many different areas for them to explore it really is a great option.
Check out the website for more details.
Billy Bobs, Preston
This is more than an indoor play centre but there is an indoor play area. This is less of a soft play barn though and more natural with lots of hay bales. I’d say the indoor area is more for older kids but there a few bits for toddlers. However the outdoor play area is fantastic for toddlers especially if the love vehicles!
There is also an American diner and ice cream parlour which is delicious!
Find our review here – Billy Bob’s Preston
Gruffalo clubhouse, Blackpool
This is a really fun attraction for toddlers in Blackpool that is more than a soft play centre. It’s a really unique experience as I’m not aware of another place quite like it. This is the best place to take a Gruffalo mad toddler especially if you are looking for indoor activities for them.
There are multiple play areas themed around Julia Donaldson books. There is of course the Gruffalo but also the Snail and the Whale, room on the broom and Zog.
Find out more here – The Gruffalo and friends clubhouse
Beaches and Promenades
Lancashire has several beautiful coastal areas such as Blackpool, Morecambe, and Lytham St. Annes. Take your toddler for a walk along the promenade, build sandcastles on the beach, or enjoy the amusement parks and attractions in these areas. Lytham St. Annes is also the perfect place for a warm day as it has an outside splash pool to enjoy. A morning at the beach is perfect for your toddlers as they get fresh air and open space to enjoy.
Playgrounds and Parks
Lancashire has many parks and playgrounds equipped with toddler-friendly play areas, swings, slides, and sandpits. A day out at the park can be so much fun. You can pack a picnic or some snacks and enjoy the walks and open spaces. Here are a couple of parks to try:
Williamson Park in Lancaster
There are wooded areas to enjoy, outdoor play areas, and plenty of ways to enjoy and explore nature and wildlife. There are also some incredible views of the coast.
Full details here – Williamson Park
Park view 4u
This is a fantastic playground with something for all ages. There is a large play area suitable for toddlers and in the summer holidays there is a water splash park area which is so much fun especially on a hot day.
Find out more here – Park view 4u, Lytham
More parks to try
- Worden Park in Leyland
- Witton Country Park in Blackburn
- Avenham Park in Preston
- Happy mount park in Morecambe
Find more details of the all Best parks in Lancashire here.
Take them swimming
Swimming is a great activity for toddlers. There are of course plenty of leisure centres across Lancashire and then there are couple of more exciting places to go as a treat.
Sandcastle waterpark, Blackpool
This is the UK’s largest indoor water park with loads to do for kids of all ages. Under 3s are free to enter too. If you visit in term time it will be less busy too.
Full details and book here – Sandcastle Waterpark
Ribby Hall swimming pool
This pool is more exciting that your local leisure centre but smaller than Sandcastle. There is a lovely children’s splash lagoon which is perfect for toddlers.
Book here – Family Swimming
Remember to check opening hours and also look to book online for some attractions as that can save you money and offer the best value. Additionally, pack necessary supplies like snacks, drinks, and extra clothes to ensure a comfortable outing with your toddler. I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best things to do in Lancashire with toddlers.
Where to next?
Find things to do in Lake District with toddlers here.
Find Things to do in Manchester with a toddler here.
