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. Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
You’re cordially invited to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June.
There are plenty of celebrations in the mix, including a spectacular tram parade, firework bursts from the top of The Blackpool Tower, free entertainment on the Tower Festival Headland, Jubilee-themed activities at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and a royal appearance from Her Majesty The Queen’s waxwork figure in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom during its regal afternoon tea session.
2. Experience one of the largest tram parades Blackpool has ever staged
On the afternoon of 2 June, join the spectacle as 12 trams from the heritage fleet travel in convoy from the Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham, creating one of the largest tram parades the resort has seen. The convoy, which sets off at 2.30pm, will pause at the Tower Festival Headland for a unique photo opportunity.
The trams will be carrying hundreds of passengers with some very special guests including mascots from venues attractions including Spongebob and Peter Rabbit. Take your place along the Promenade to watch the spectacular parade.
3. Go for a hole in one at Blackpool’s newest attraction
The magic begins as soon as you step through the doors of Blackpool’s latest attraction, Hole in Wand, set to open on the 4 June.
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!
Prices start £6.99 | Book tickets here
4. Enjoy Blackpool's award-winning beaches
In May, it was announced that all of Blackpool’s beaches had been granted Seaside Awards from national environment charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
Blackpool South, Blackpool Central, Blackpool North and Bispham were all rewarded for their high standards of beach management, as well as their nearby facilities and water quality. With six miles of golden sands, you’re spoilt for choice in the UK’s favourite seaside destination.
Delight in the fresh sea air, panoramic views and unlimited space while the tide is out, all whilst knowing our beaches are safe for your family to enjoy. Please keep in mind that Blackpool is a tidal resort and the tide comes all the way up to the promenade steps, cutting off beach access at certain times of the day. Make yourself aware of our tide times.
Our dedicated Streetscene and Beach Patrol teams and many volunteers work hard to keep our beaches clean. When you visit, please do the right thing and bin your litter or take it home with you.
5. Treat yourself to a British ritual
Raise a cup and saucer to honour Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years of service and enjoy one of Blackpool's regal hotspots for afternoon tea.
Meet The Queen’s royally realistic waxwork figure in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Sunday 5 June, opt for a Little Missy Afternoon Tea for children under 15 at the Art Deco café in Stanley Park or escape into a world of nostalgia with a traditional afternoon tea at the Imperial Hotel.
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 SEA LIFE Blackpool and experience the secrets of the deep sea with over 1,000 aquatic creatures over 50 dazzling displays?
7. It’s off with a bang at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be turning red, white and blue over the four-day Bank Holiday weekend as it celebrates Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.
The family celebrations include crown-making workshops, cookie-decorating sessions, live entertainment and selected areas will be patriotically transformed with bunting, banners and themed decorations.
Wind down from the high-octane thrills and head to the HUB. Take a seat at their street party benches to watch the Jubilation Stage where you can expect a range of exciting entertainment.
Visiting on Saturday 3 June? Enjoy all of the activities above and take advantage of the 10am – 10pm park opening hours and enjoy 12 hours of thrills and a spectacular fireworks show to close the celebrations.
8. Get your skates on at Stanley Park’s brand new Skate Park
A brand new £220,000 skate park has officially opened in the heart of Stanley Park. Suitable for all abilities, the huge 4000m2 purpose-built park is packed full of stairs, ledges, rails, curbs, quarter pipes and a mini ramp. Why not give it a go?
Twice voted the UK’s best park in recent years, Stanley Park is open every day from dawn to dusk and is free to enter. Release some extra energy in the adventure playground, relax in the stunning Art Deco café, hire a pedal boat to explore the beautiful boating lake, or choose from pitch and putt or crazy golf to test out your putting skills.
9. Viva Voulez Vous! A celebration of the music of ABBA
A tribute to one of the world’s most successful pop bands is taking centre stage at VIVA throughout the season starting from 26 May. Say thank you for the music with all the hit songs you love to sing along to from their impressive chart-topping career.
The shows lasts for approximately two and a half hours with an interval, guaranteeing a full night of entertainment. With hi-tech lighting, state-of-the-art sound and production visuals, and hit after hit tributes to the Swedish pop quartet, you’ll be the winner that takes it all.
Adult tickets from £19.50 | Junior tickets from £14 | Under 5s – free
10. Enjoy a spectacular fiesta celebration at The Blackpool Tower Circus
Join Mooky and Mr Boo for The Blackpool Tower Circus Fiesta! 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 half-term activity for all the family to enjoy.