Blackpool family attractions: a guide

For families who love the freedom of the open road, there is nothing quite like packing up the caravan, motorhome, campervan, or roof tent and heading towards the coast. If you are looking for a destination that effortlessly balances high-energy indoor entertainment with classic, fresh-air outdoor fun, Blackpool is calling.

Blackpool is a brilliant mix of nostalgic seaside charm and modern thrill-seeking. It caters perfectly to families with kids of all ages, whether you have toddlers who love splash zones or teenagers craving white-knuckle rollercoasters. Even better, it’s a destination where you can easily switch between a lively afternoon on a bustling pier and a peaceful evening back at a quiet, green campsite.

Top six things to do in Blackpool

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort

The ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and young children alike. This legendary amusement park blends historic wooden coasters like the Grand National with modern, high-speed giants like ICON and The Big One. For the younger kids, Nickelodeon Land offers 12 family-friendly rides and the chance to meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.

• Accessibility: Pleasure Beach partners with the Nimbus ID / Access Card scheme to provide an EasyPass (queue bypass) for guests who struggle to stand in long queues. They also offer discounted 'Essential Companion' tickets, adult changing facilities in Nickelodeon Land and a dedicated sensory space.

2. The Blackpool Tower

No trip is complete without visiting this 1894 landmark. Inside, you can take a lift to the Tower Eye and walk across the thrilling glass SkyWalk floor, marvel at the elegant Tower Ballroom, or book tickets for the incredible Blackpool Tower Circus, a brilliant, animal-free show filled with jaw-dropping acrobatics and classic comedy that appeals to all ages.

• Accessibility: The Tower is largely accessible for standard wheelchairs, with lifts to the Tower Eye and dedicated spaces in the Circus. However, due to the historic nature of the building, some areas (like the vertical lifts to the very top platform) have size restrictions, and mobility scooters are generally not permitted in the high-level attractions.

3. Blackpool Zoo

Set across 32 acres of spacious, mature parkland just a short distance from the seafront, the zoo is a great way to enjoy a calmer, outdoor day. It's home to over 1,000 animals, including magnificent lions, tigers, gorillas and penguins. The standout feature is Project Elephant Base Camp, one of the UK’s best state-of-the-art habitats for a breeding herd of Asian elephants.

• Accessibility: The zoo is located on flat, level ground with tarmac pathways throughout, making it highly accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. Disabled parking is available right by the main entrance, and manual wheelchairs are available to hire (with a pre-booking system).

4. Sandcastle waterpark

When the British weather takes a turn, head to the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. Maintained at a tropical 29°C, it features over 18 slides and attractions. Teenagers will love the vertical drops of the Master Blaster water coaster, while younger children can splash safely in the Shimmering Shallows and tiki splash zones.

• Accessibility: Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accessible attractions. It features an award-winning Changing Places poolside wet room with an H-track hoist, specialised water-accessible wheelchairs for pool entry, a quiet/sensory room and quiet hours during the first hour of opening.

5. Coral Island

Located right on the promenade, Coral Island is Blackpool’s largest indoor pirate-themed amusement arcade. It’s loud, vibrant, and packed with classic penny slots, prize grabbers, virtual reality rides, and indoor family rides like the Pirate Quest ghost train. It’s a great rainy-day option where kids can burn off steam, and it operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.

• Accessibility: The main arcade floor is level and flat with wide aisles, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair or pushchair. There is ramped access into the main prize bingo areas and family restaurants.

6. The Golden Mile and The Three Piers

For a classic, budget-friendly day outdoors, simply stroll down the Golden Mile promenade. You can walk along The Three Piers (North, Central and South), each offering a different vibe - from traditional end-of-the-pier theatre and arcades on North Pier to family fairground rides and the giant Ferris wheel on Central and South Piers. Don't forget to stop outside the Tower to read the hilarious catchphrases embedded into the giant Comedy Carpet on the floor!

• Accessibility: The Blackpool Promenade is a wide, completely flat and step-free walkway stretching for miles. The piers are generally wheelchair accessible, though they feature traditional wooden decking planks which can make for a slightly bumpy ride.

Your questions answered: Visiting Blackpool as a Family

Is Blackpool good for families?

Absolutely. Blackpool is practically built for families. While it has a reputation for lively nightlife, its daytime appeal is packed with multi-generational attractions. There are very few places in the UK where you can visit a world-class zoo, ride a historic wooden rollercoaster, walk through an underwater shark tunnel and build sandcastles on the beach all within a couple of miles.

What is Blackpool known for?

Blackpool is world-famous for its historic Blackpool Tower, its iconic Three Piers, tramways, donkey rides on the beach, traditional seaside rock, and of course, the thrilling Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It’s the historic capital of British seaside entertainment.

When are the Blackpool Illuminations?

The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations turn the promenade into a glowing six-mile festival of lights. They run annually from September to January. It' the perfect time of year for an autumn campervan or motorhome trip, allowing you to park up and watch the lights shimmer across the Irish Sea.

Where can I stay near Blackpool?

After a busy day enjoying the lively entertainment, there is nothing better than retreating to a peaceful campsite to fire up the BBQ or relax under your awning.

Stay at Blackpool South Club Campsite (Only 3 miles away): This site is level, open, beautifully screened from the main roads, and features an on-site children's playground. It offers the perfect quiet retreat just a short drive or bus ride away from the non-stop action of the seafront.

• Nearest alternative Club campsites: 
  • Southport Club Campsite: Located further down the coast, set in a vibrant seaside town nestled beneath a canopy of trees.
  • Meathop Fell Club Campsite: Positioned to the north towards Cumbria and the Lake District, offering an idyllic, peaceful, and rural setting away from the seaside bustle.

Please note: While the Caravan and Motorhome Club proudly runs the UK Club campsites listed above, we're not affiliated with the attractions mentioned in this guide. Please ensure you check the individual attraction websites directly for up-to-date entry prices, opening times, and booking requirements before setting off.