Looking for some days out with toddlers' ideas? If you live nearby or are happy to travel, the North West of England is home to some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, so we don’t blame you for considering a day out with your family there. The hardest thing will be deciding exactly where to go! To give you a hand, we’ve chosen 15 of our favourite days out in the North West for families
We've got everything from museums to water parks to the chance to get up close to animals - you're bound to find something to suit your family.
Days out in the North West
LEGOLAND, Manchester
There are over nine brilliant attractions inside LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. You can watch movies in 4D where you'll feel the rain, wind and snow, build and race your own LEGO car plus become of Merlin's apprentices and learn to fly. There are also dedicated toddler play areas for little ones under five with extra-large soft bricks to enable your children to safely build their own giant creations.
Price: Online tickets: £17.50 for an adult, £16.95 for children, under 3's go free.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Say hello to the UK’s largest Indoor Waterpark which is home to more than 18 slides and attractions in a tropical 84-degree climate. Who needs Spain, eh? Located on Blackpool's famous Promenade, between the Typhoon Lagoon, Fort Riptide and HMS Thunder Splash, your child won't know what to do with themselves.
Price: Online tickets: £22 for an 11 years+, £18 for 8-10 years, £12 for 3-7 years, under 3's go free.
Chester Zoo, Chester
A trip to the zoo is always popular and Chester's one is believed to be the most visited in the UK. There are over 70 different animals to visit including aardvarks, black rhinos, giraffes, jaguars and much more. You can also stop by the beautiful botanical gardens which play a vital role in helping local wildlife.
Price: Online tickets: £29.08 for an adult, £22.72 for children, under 2's go free.
National Football Museum, Manchester
If you've got a little footie fan, they'll be delighted with a trip to the National Football Museum in Manchester. Throughout the impressive four-floor museum, there are interactive objects, games and displays for all ages.
Price: Online tickets: £10.50 for an adult, £5.50 for children, under 5's go free.
Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire
A fantastic day out in Cheshire, a captivating underwater world awaits at Blue Planet Aquarium. There are more than 100 living displays on offer including one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks. Discover the exotic freshwater fish of South America in the Flooded Forest and wander through the 71m long Underwater Shark Tunnel as a kaleidoscope of sharks and fish swim over your head.
Price: Online tickets: £20.75 for 13 years+, £15.75 for 12 years and under, children under 3 feet go free.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District
Beatrix Potter's books are timeless whatever your age and this attraction brings her popular stories to life with an outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden, theatre, character-themed cafe and more.
Price: Online tickets: £8.20 for an adult, £4.20 for children, under 3's go free.
Imagine That, Liverpool
This science and discovery centre for children offers a three-hour guided journey through four different zones which include the Imagination Village where little ones can get stuck into some serious role-play and the Slime Factory where your child will love creating the gooiest slime and bubbliest bath bombs, ready to take home.
Price: Peak online tickets: £7.95 for an adult, £14.95 for children, £12.95 for under 3's, under 1's go free.
Chill Factore, Manchester
Generally suitable for older children four years and over, Chill Factore is home to the longest real snow slope in the UK. Sledging, sliding, ski lessons and private tuition are all on offer and you can ride the slope in a large single or double inflatable rubber ring or tackle twists and turns of the ice slide.
Price: Online tickets: £20 for a one-hour pass.
Southport Pleasureland, Southport
For thrills and spills, head to Southport Pleasureland which will keep every member of your tribe entertained. Rides include the log fume, Matterhorn and Submarine while there are lots of classic theme park experiences and stalls like hook a duck, firing range and basketball. There's even a miniature railway to hop onto for £4 return per person.
Price: Peak online tickets: £26.50 for a rider, £9 for a non-rider.
BeWILDerwood Cheshire
One of our favourite days out in the North West, go wild in Cheshire at this very cool woodland which is packed full of family fun. Based on the magical books by Tom Blofeld, you'll spend hours exploring wonky treehouses, whizzing down slides, zipping along extra-long zip wires plus the chance to join in with storytelling, den building and crafts.
Price: Online tickets: £13.50 for 65 years+, £21.50 for over 105cm, £19.50 for 92-105cm, children under 92cm go free.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
This iconic amusement park promises a day of thrills and excitement for all. With a wide array of roller coasters, rides, and family-friendly attractions, everyone can find something they love. Nickelodeon Land offers gentle rides and meet-and-greet opportunities with popular characters for little ones, while adrenaline junkies can brave the famous Big One and other high-octane coasters.
Price: Adults from £21, Juniors from £27
Liverpool World Museum, Liverpool
The Liverpool World Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, showcasing exhibits on natural history, ancient civilizations, and cultural artefacts from around the world. You and your family can explore mummies, marvel at dinosaur skeletons, participate in interactive science exhibits and get up close to beetles and flies in the Bug House. There's also the Little Liverpool gallery, a hands-on fantasy world for under-sixes.
Price: General admission is free, donations are welcome.
Gulliver's World, Cheshire
A theme park designed specifically for families with younger children, Gulliver's in Warrington offers thrilling rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and live shows that cater to the little ones' imaginations. Your child will also get to operate their very own digger in Discovery World, explore the walkways of The Lost World and go for a spin on Tree Top Swings.
Price: Online advance tickets: £23 for adults and children, £21 for seniors, free for children under 90cm.
Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot
For an unforgettable safari adventure just outside of Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park is a must. You'll get to drive through the park and observe free-roaming animals like lions, zebras, rhinos, and more. There's also a foot safari that offers close encounters with meerkats, sea lions and giraffes to make things even more exciting.
Price: Online price: £22.50 for adults, £19.50 for children (3-15 years), free for children under 3.
The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire
A dream destination for ice cream enthusiasts, this fun farm offers a wide selection of delicious ice cream flavours and a fun-filled play area, complete with sand and water play, mini golf, and a large indoor play barn for children to burn off energy while you get to indulge in sweet treats.
Price: Adults and children: £2.50, under 12 months go free.
Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent
If you're looking for somewhere a bit more relaxed, Trentham Gardens is a tranquil oasis offering picturesque lakes, beautiful gardens, and ample opportunities for you and your family to take it easy and unwind in nature. Children can explore the Fairy Trail, discover the adventure playground, and take part in a variety of seasonal events and activities that encourage imaginative play.
Price: £13 for adults, £9.50 for children, under 3s go free.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.