Summer’s here and school’s out – welcome to six weeks of entertaining the kids! Luckily, in the Fylde Coast region there are plenty of free activities to keep the whole family happy – beaches galore, Blackpool Air Show (11th-12th August) and the fabulous Blackpool Illuminations that appear at the end of August.
For a special treat, there are also lots of other other things to enjoy in and around Blackpool for a small charge. So load up the car and try out some of our recommended activities that’ll help keep the boredom at bay and earn you the title of best mum, dad, gran or grandad EVER!
Whatever you get up to, don’t forget to pop into our Fleetwood showroom to let us know how you’re making the most of your family time. Read on to discover how you can make the school holidays even more special with our Summer recommendations…
Animal Magic
Have a roaring time at our local animal hotspot – Blackpool Zoo. There’s over 1,000 animals to see so it’s perfect for a wild day out! Chill with the penguins, hang out with the monkeys or even fall in love with Louis, the new camel calf!
The zoo is open every day until 5.45pm throughout the summer and children pay a reduced rate with under-3s going free. So, buy your tickets online to to beat the queues and save 20% on a Family Combo Ticket when you buy tickets and meals in advance.
Roar Talent
Dinosaur in Jungle
For animals of a different kind, take a look at Dinosaur Invasion at the North Pier Theatre. This interactive family show is perfect for all dinosaur lovers, big or small.
Meet baby dinosaurs and come face to face with a life-sized Triceratops on Sunday afternoons throughout August. Located at the end of Blackpool’s North Pier, it’ll be an adventure just getting there.
White Knuckles
No matter what your age, there’s a ride for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Nickelodeon Land will keep the little ones entertained with all their favourite characters while the thrillseekers can head for the legendary Big One roller coaster and brand new £16.25 million ride Icon!
And if you’d prefer to keep both feet on the ground, there’s Adventure Golf to keep the whole family happy, at a more sedate pace!
Cool Customers
If the excitement gets just too hot, cool down at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach ice show, Mesmerise. This star-studded, visual spectacular sees international ice skating champions show off their talents with high speed jumps and breathtaking choreography.
With two shows daily (except Sunday), this little gem is a perfect evening activity or wet afternoon distraction in Blackpool.
Beach Babes
Children on Water Chute
For all the fun of the beach, without the pesky sand, head to the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, the Sandcastle. There’s 18 rides to keep you happy as well as a wave machine, arcades and snack bars to keep you going.
Check website for opening times. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your swimming togs – there’s a shop there for all your gear!
For the Grown Ups
There’s still plenty to distract you if you want to leave the kids at home. The Grand Theatre has something for most musical tastes throughout the summer. Marvel at the architecture and soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful theatre while enjoying some of the 20th Century’s greatest music – from ABBA and Frankie Valli to the Motown greats.
Make a night of it with discounted food at local restaurants and maybe top it all off with an overnight stay in one of Blackpool’s many fabulous hotels.
Thrills and Spills
Circus Acrobat
Adrenaline doesn’t have to stop after the waterpark. Hilarious antics and death defying stunts come together at the Blackpool Tower Circus. Since 1894, there’s been a circus in Blackpool and more than 120 years later, this show won’t disappoint!
At the base of the town’s world-famous Tower, you’ll be in for an afternoon or evening to remember with clowns, acrobats (but no animals) and entertainment galore.
Showstoppers
Later in the summer, you can tie up a trip to see the Blackpool Illuminations (31st August – 4th November) with a visit to a family friendly show. Oliver the Musical is at Blackpool Grand while you can sing along to Madagascar at the Winter Gardens.
Both shows run the second week of September, which will give everyone something to look forward to to round up a fabulous summer of activities.
Don’t forget, if you need a car to get you around our region this summer, pop in to see us at Fleetwood Car Centre or view all our stock online. We hope you enjoy your family time – rain or shine!