Blackpool always sets its stall out to offer families an unrivalled selection of half-term holiday fun with no shortage of things to see and do!
Plan a jam-packed winter break filled with family-friendly events, amazing attractions and free activities for all the family. Here’s a short selection of things to do to keep the kids entertained and make the most of half-term. Need some more inspiration? Head to our dedicated shows, events and attractions sections for an extensive list.
1. Experience Odyssey in action
The six-mile display might be switched off until September, but you can still get your Blackpool Illuminations fix this half-term as we re-light Odyssey, the largest 3D installation in the display.
Located on the Tower Festival Headland (opposite The Blackpool Tower), the installation, which stands at almost 10 metres high, comprises six large-scale structures that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on creatures from the deep sea.
Odyssey has been created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University. Jack, who grew up in Blackpool and produced costumes for the Hot Ice show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, has since gone on to specialise in extravagant, wearable art sculptures and has created unique costume designs for the likes of Lady Gaga. Jack and the talented Lancaster University team created the Odyssey concept after winning a competition in 2020 to deliver a new installation for the Illuminations.
Times: Friday 10 February - Sunday 26 February from 6pm - 11pm.
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2. See Rock of Ages at the Winter Gardens
The smash-hit musical is back and the party is going to be bigger than ever. Leave it all behind and lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair and, yes, they can come true. With hit seasons on Broadway, London West's End and Las Vegas, as well as a star-studded Hollywood movie version, this promises to be one of the best nights out around.
20 - 25 February 2023 at Winter Gardens Opera House
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3. Head to Arcade Club for unlimited gaming
Arcade Club opened in Blackpool last year and it's already proved a huge success. Take a nostalgic trip back in time at Blackpool's Arcade Club on Bloomfield Road (near Blackpool Football Club).
It features classics including Pac Man, Space Invaders, Outrun, Time Crisis, and all the favourites from the 80s and 90s, as well as modern gaming such as House of the Dead 5, Luigi's Mansion, Air Hockey Basketball, and Pinball, all set to free-to-play for one exclusive price.
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4. Go for a hole in one
The magic begins as soon as you step through the doors of Blackpool’s latest attraction, Hole in Wand. Get ready for a wizard adventure and take on a nine-hole adventure, featuring a forest full of venomous snakes, an ancient castle with a magical fountain, a trip to a train station and a chance to visit York’s mysterious Shambles.
At the end of your quest, find out if you have the magical powers of a Serpent, Basilisk, Unicorn or Wizard and receive a mystical potion to take away. Extend the enchanting experience and wind down in the Wizard Tavern and enjoy a Wand Dog, Unipop-corn or Cauldron cake and treat yourself to a delicious potion mix. There’s even a few venomous options for grown-up spell makers too!
Need more mini golf inspiration? Take a look at our round-up of crazy golf courses in Blackpool.
5. Belly laughs galore at The Blackpool Tower Circus
Join Mooky and Mr Boo for a brand new season at The Blackpool Tower Circus from 11 February. This is an outstanding celebration, providing a feast for the senses, as double act Mooky and Mr Boo deliver their hilarious slapstick antics and edge-of-your-seat, death-defying stunts. Not to forget the famous water finale will be back to wow guests, filling the ring with 42,000 gallons of water within minutes.
With belly laughs aplenty, this is a fantastic February half-term activity for all the family to enjoy.
Shows every day from 11 – 19 February and selected dates from the 21 February
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6. Say hello to Peter Rabbit
Burrow yourself in the wondrous world of Peter Rabbit in the stand-alone attraction next to Madame Tussauds on the Golden Mile.
Suitable for toddlers and small children, embark on an adventure across five fluffy-tailed themed zones and discover Jeremy Fisher’s sensory pond, Mr McGregor’s garden and Mr Bouncer’s Invention Workshop. Once your little one has collected all the stickers available, you will all be welcomed into the secret treehouse club to meet, greet and high-paw Peter himself.
After your adventure, why not head straight to Madame Tussauds and take selfies with your favourite celebs, musicians and actors?
7. Book a Heritage Tram Tour
When you've exceeded your daily step count walking around town and visiting all the attractions, it's time to take it easy, sit down and explore Blackpool on one of the town's iconic heritage trams.
Opt for a Promenade tour, taking you on a one hour return journey along Blackpool’s finest coastline to Little Bispham and back. Experience the beautiful, scenic views and the famous Golden Mile aboard a piece of moving history.
8. See Around The World In 80 Days
Get your suitcase at the ready! Join a raggle-taggle band of travelling circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race Around the World in 80 Days at Blackpool Grand Theatre!
But wait? Who is this Nellie Bly biting at his heels? We can’t have an actual- real-life woman win this race!
Sit back and enjoy as the skilled performers traverse every country, embrace each character and navigate each mode of transport as fact clashes with fiction in this madcap adventure around the globe.
9. Meet some furry friends at Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo is a must-see attraction in Britain’s favourite seaside resort. With more than 1,000 mesmerising animals in over 37 acres of stunning, spacious parkland you will find a haven of peace and tranquillity and a fun day out for the entire family!
Opening in Spring 2023 is the new and extended Big Cat House. African lion Khari, who was born in the zoo, will be welcomed back along with his new pride of females. Amur Tiger, Alyona, will also return to take up residence in the bigger and better facility.
As well as coming face-to-face with some of the most endangered animals on the planet, you can find out about how the zoo’s conservation and research projects are helping species across the globe. From aardvarks to anteaters, bongos to Bornean orangutans, penguins to pelicans, elephants to emus and marmosets to meerkats (to name just a few), the residents come in all shapes and sizes.
10. Get your skates on at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Did you know that the world famous Ice Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the oldest purpose built ice theatre in the world? Home to the glamorous Hot Ice show, the arena offers several public skating sessions during half-term.
Whether you’re an avid skater practising your pirouettes or a first-timer gripping the outside edges and struggling to stay upright, the rink caters for all ages and skating levels. Get your skates on and enjoy a couple of hours of frosty fun.
£10.00 per session | £3.50 skate hire | £3.50 spectator