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 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. Step into Blackpool’s magical new attraction
Looking for somewhere to entertain the kids? Check out the all-new Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse located right next to SEA LIFE Blackpool. Bringing together six of the best loved stories to create an indoor play adventure like no other, kids can crawl, climb and slide their way through the £2.3m attraction.
In the new Blackpool experience, guests will burst through the pages of some of their favourite stories and into a magical 3D world. From The Gruffalo’s deep dark wood, to Princess Pearl’s castle in Zog, guests will embark on an adventure of imagination, discovery and play as they join their favourite characters.
Open from Friday 19 May | Book tickets
2. Check out the all-new Abingdon Street Market
The newly renovated Abingdon Street Market has set an opening date for foodies across the Fylde Coast - opening its doors in time for the summer season.
The market, which has recently been given a slick and extensive facelift to align with modern 'food hall’-style venues such as those seen in Manchester or Liverpool, will open to the public for the first time on Saturday 27 May.
The venue opening will be marked with a live DJ playing from 12pm – 6pm, with local musicians Daisy Atkinson and Chris Wilde also in attendance. Visitors to the market will be able to try food samples from the six local independent food vendors from a juicy burger joint to authentic Punjabi soul food, there’s something for everyone at Abingdon Street Market.
.png.aspx)
3. Have a roarsome time at Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo is a must-see attraction in Britain’s favourite seaside resort made even better now that the £1.5million new cats facility has opened.
The state-of-the-art facility, designed around the specific needs of the zoo’s big cats, has been adapted to increase the indoor space and a larger off-show management area, complemented by extended external paddocks and improved keeper facilities.
Very recently, the zoo welcomed back African lion, Khari, and is settling in ahead of the arrival of three lionesses, who will form his new pride, later in the month.
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!
4. 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.
Book tickets
.png.aspx)
5. Brave the adventure at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Following a £4m investment, the UK’s wettest rollercoaster, Valhalla, has officially reopened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
It’s time to grab your ponchos and get ready to be immersed in more than four minutes of high-speed action through a jaw-dropping adventure of unforgiving elements including fire, water, snow and thunder and lightning. Step into a Viking longboat and head into a parallel world to reach Valhalla, experiencing plunging temperatures of -20°C and highs of more than 43°C.
The ride, whose famous tagline reminds riders “You will get wet, you may get soaked”, includes a reservoir holding over one and a half million gallons of water – enough to fill more than two Olympic sized swimming pools!
Will you brave the adventure this half-term?
.png.aspx)
6. It's a floral wonderland at the top of the Tower
The top of the famous Blackpool Tower has been transformed into one of the country’s highest indoor gardens, as it launches its floral wonderland for the second year.
The Tower Top Garden features more than 50,000 blooms, creating a series of floral displays and picture-perfect spots.
In place until November, the garden has been installed by a team of floristry experts who have spent hundreds of hours gathering blossoms and plants ensuring every single petal is in place.
Not only will you get the thrills of being 380ft-high in the sky but you’ll have all the Instagrammable shots to go with it. It’s an experience not to be missed this May half-term in Blackpool.
7. 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!
8. Belly laughs galore at The Blackpool Tower Circus
Join Mooky and Mr Boo for a brand new season at The Blackpool Tower Circus. Get set for 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 is back to wow guests, filling the ring with 42,000 gallons of water within minutes.
With belly laughs aplenty, this is a fantastic May half-term activity for all the family to enjoy.
9. Follow the Yellow Brick Road at Blackpool Grand Theatre
Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold.
To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. Don't miss this amatuer production of Wizard of Oz at Blackpool Grand Theatre from May 31- June 3.
10. Enjoy the great outdoors
With warmer weather kicking in, there’s no better time to enjoy all the open spaces Blackpool has to offer. From six miles of sandy beaches, three piers, and an expansive promenade space, grab yourself an ice cream or some sugar-coated donuts, hire a classic striped deckchair and feel the sand between your toes.
In the evening, have a leisurely stroll along the promenade and head to Blackpool’s iconic Mirror Ball – reputed to be the largest in the world. Using 75% less power than before, a new lighting system with six new projectors has been installed, allowing spectators to see the twinkling landmark lit up at night in a colour-changing light show extravaganza. The revolving artwork by Michael Trainor features 47,000 mirrors and is a permanent fixture on the resort's South Promenade opposite the Solaris Centre.