Family-Friendly Activities in Lancaster and Morecambe
The summer holidays are right around the corner, and keeping the kids entertained can definitely be a challenge. From outdoor adventures to animal encounters, there are so many activities around Lancaster and Morecambe to keep the whole family occupied this summer! There are also plenty of activities for those rainy days we know too well!
Family-Friendly Activities in Lancaster:
Williamson Park:
Home to the stunning Ashton Memorial and 54 acres of parkland, Williamson Park is the perfect place for a family day out. Explore wonderful woodland areas, sample tasty treats in the cafe or simply sit back and enjoy breathtaking views over the city and Morecambe Bay.
You can also find the tropical Butterfly House at the top of the park, home to a variety of insects and reptiles and the ideal place to take a moment to relax. As well as the butterfly house, the park also houses a Mini Zoo, where you can say hello to a range of animals including guinea pigs, meerkats and marmosets and mini-beasts.
Lancaster Castle:
With over 1,000 years of history hidden inside, no trip to Lancaster is complete without a visit to the Castle. From Romans to witches, you’ll discover plenty about Lancaster’s history, including the story of the city’s most famous trial - that of the Pendle Witches.
Tours run daily in the spring/summer (Easter-October) at regular intervals between 10am and 3.45pm.
Police Museum (Inside Lancaster Castle):
Until 2011, Lancaster Castle was a fully-functioning HM Prison and was Europe’s longest-serving prison. Now, you can take a trip through time, learning more about Lancashire Constabulary’s history and delving into some of the most famous historical cases.
Admission to the museum is free and there is no need to book, so it’s perfect for an unexpected rainy day! (Open Thursdays and Fridays plus selected weekends in summer)
The Dukes Theatre:
The Dukes is one of Lancaster’s independent theatres, dedicated to telling wonderful stories that challenge, enthral and delight audiences through live performances and great cinema. They have a diverse programme with shows and films suitable for all ages and interests, so you’re sure to find something the whole family will enjoy whether that be comedy, drama or something else entirely!
If you’re visiting the area this summer, be sure to catch one of their showings of Alice in Wonderland, performed in the stunning surroundings of Williamson’s Park.
Giggles Play & Adventure:
With ball pools, tunnels, slides, rope climbs, indoor go-karting and much more, Giggles is a paradise for children up to 12-years-old. Parents and carers can sit back and relax in the cafe area, enjoying freshly made tea and coffee and a bite to eat from their tasty menu.
With something to appease everyone, Giggles is a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Family-Friendly Activities in Morecambe:
Happy Mount Park:
Situated on Morecambe’s Promenade, Happy Mount Park is your one-stop destination for a fantastic family day out. Explore the park and discover fabulous activities such as adventure golf, swing boats, trampolines and train rides.
In the park, you will also find the popular splash park, where children can enjoy a session cooling off with interactive sprinklers, water jets and sprays. There is also a soft play area to keep kids entertained even on rainy days!
Jump Rush Trampoline Park:
Situated behind the Winter Gardens and home to over 100 trampolines, Jump Rush is the place to be for those looking for a thrill. There are several different jump sessions for you to join, from a Family Bounce to Lit Fridays and disability-friendly jumps, so there’s something to suit everyone!
With 10 zones to enjoy, Jump Rush is the perfect activity for a family outing.
Soul Bowl:
Home to 10 bowling lanes, a luxury play bar area and a heap of heavenly dishes, Soul Bowl makes the ideal outing for the whole family! You’ll enjoy a thrilling game of bowling before sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal in the adjoining restaurant. There is even a lane menu, so you can enjoy a bite to eat without having to pause the fun!
Whether you’re a bowling pro or a newbie, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time at Soul Bowl.
Morecambe Bay Promenade/Beach:
Ideal for a day of sunshine, there is so much fun to be had on Morecambe Prom! From perusing the quirky shorefront shops to enjoying the fantastic playgrounds or heading down to the beach, you’ll have a glorious day by the sea.
Don’t forget to grab yourself an ice cream!
Salt Ayre Leisure Centre:
With so many fabulous facilities, Salt Ayre is so much more than just a leisure centre. Children can enjoy Open Ayre, an outdoor playground comprising of 3 areas to allow kids to have fun to the max. For rainy days, Energy Soft Play can be found inside the leisure centre, giving kids the opportunity to jum, swing, slide and climb to their heart’s content.
Adults can enjoy relaxing in the Refuel Cafe, where there is a range of tasty refreshments available.
Morecambe Land Train:
Running along Morecambe Promenade between the Winter Gardens and Happy Mount Park, this little train is a fun and fantastic way to enjoy glorious views over the bay.
Trains run every weekend, or every day during the summer holidays. The route takes around 10 minutes and you can catch a train approximately every 30 minutes at each end.
Morecambe Arcades:
What trip to the seaside would be complete without a visit to the arcades? Featuring a range of amusements from traditional 2p machines to basketball hoops, the arcades on Morecambe’s seafront are a fabulous way to spend an afternoon.
Heysham Nature Reserve:
Step into glorious nature and discover the area’s hotspot for a variety of bird species. From greenfinches to sedge warblers, there are so many wonderful feathered-friends to observe while enjoying being out in the fresh air.
How many different birds will you spot?
Family-Friendly Activities Further Afield:
Greenlands Farm Village:
From fun and farming to shopping and relaxing, there’s something for all at Greenlands Farm VIllage! Not only can you enjoy petting the adorable animals around the open farm, you can also enjoy a variety of activities such as mini golf, indoor soft play, the splash pool (summer only) and browsing the farm shop.
With so much to occupy every family member, Greenlands Farm is the ideal spot for a fantastic family day out!
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis:
Only a short distance from Lancaster, you’ll find the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, home to a wonderful collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Explore the Butterfly Hall, Tropical Hall and outdoor area, discovering a variety of species from the free-roaming ant colony and fruit bats to the larger mammals like lemurs, fossas and gorgeous snow leopards.
With plenty of friendly residents to say hello to, the Wildlife Oasis is the perfect day out for any animal-lover!
Wallings Farm:
A beautifully converted barn with a stunning rural Lancashire location, just a short drive from Lancaster’s city centre, and the perfect spot for a sunny day. Their hugely-popular ice cream parlour features a range of flavours from classics like Mint Choc Chip to delights like Jammy D. You can either enjoy ice cream in their outdoor area or treat yourself to freshly made waffles, pancakes, or savoury bites in the eatery.
Free parking is available. Be sure to say hello to the friendly farm animals on your way to the parlour!
Scenic Walks:
Being such a beautiful part of the country, there’s no shortage of walks around Lancaster and Morecambe! Whether you fancy a stroll along the prom, a longer loop or something steeped in history, you’re sure to find the perfect route.
There are plenty of walking routes available on our website, ranging in difficulty and distance. If you’re planning to enjoy some fresh air during your trip, be sure to check them out!
