When it comes to holidays and weekends, finding fun activities to do with kids can be a challenge, especially if your children have different interests or are different ages. To help, we’ve created a list of ten fun-packed days out with kids in the North of England featuring the best children’s activities and things to do! The best part? All are easily accessible by train, making your travel cheaper and kinder to the planet. Whether it's a family day trip by train or an activity over the half term break, look no further – our list has something for everyone.
Check out our top 10 child-friendly boredom breakers below!
1. Things to do with kids at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Nearest station: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Sunny days at Blackpool Pleasure Beach are a joy – with plenty of things to do for both children and adults that will keep you entertained all day! Did you know it’s the most ride-intensive amusement in the UK? It even has a Nickelodeon Land where children can meet their favourite characters and enjoy themed rides. The Backyardigans ride is ideal for younger children while older kids will love SpongeBob’s Splash Bash!
Plus, lunch is never far away – stop in at Tesco and grab some meal deals for a picnic on the beach or enjoy burgers and ice cream from one of the fast-food chains along the Blackpool Promenade. When travelling to Blackpool, our family ticket offers great value for the whole gang and can help you save on travel.
2. Kids activities at Go Ape, Delamere Forest
Nearest station: Delamere
For children aged 4+ with bundles of energy, Go Ape in Delamere Forest is perfect! Kids can climb, walk, swing, bounce and crawl around the outdoor assault courses.
Enjoy climbing among the trees on Treetop Adventure and ziplining from post to post with the safety of a harness or explore the forest on GoApe’s all-terrain segways. Within the forest you’ll see a rare ‘quaking bog’ where you could even witness some of the UK’s rarest wildlife. Sound like the day out for you? Book your travel with Northern today.
3. Kids activities at Leeds City Museum
Nearest station: Leeds
Not all museums are made the same and Leeds City Museum certainly stands out with over four floors of things to do and see for children and families!
Each floor presents its own world to discover, from rainbows of pinned butterflies to prehistoric artefacts – it’s certainly the place to go for kids who love their bugs and dinos. When hunger calls, simply pop into the museum’s café to enjoy a selection of drinks, cakes, sandwiches and snacks. Planning day out with the kids in Leeds? Travel for less with our family ticket!
4. Kids days out at Carlisle Castle
Nearest station: Carlisle
Bring kids’ fairy tales to life with a visit to the Medieval Carlisle Castle where kids can learn about its interesting history. Full of displays, kids’ interests will be piqued by the stone carvings left by prisoners that once stayed here, depicting a knight, mermaid and interpretations of animals. Enjoy lunch in the on-site café located in Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life which is housed within the castle offering a variety of coffees, cakes and snacks for all the family.
Did you know that visitors who travel to Carlisle Castle by train, bus or bicycle get 20% off walk-in tickets? Simply show your receipt on arrival. Save on travel too by booking our family train ticket!
5. Kids activities & events at Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Nearest station: Newcastle
Another great day out that kids can enjoy in the North of England is Exhibition Park, located in the heart of Newcastle! A popular tourist destination, it hosts a range of events throughout the year including festivals, concerts and sports occasions. It even has a play area where kids can spend hours in the fresh air making friends. Plus, there’s a stunning lake home to families of swans and ducks.
The park’s green and grassy terrain is also great for picnicking on sunny days, so be sure to pack some lunch for your trip too. Plus, parents will love the park’s on-site brewery which has a tap house and terrace open in the afternoon and evenings. The Urban Café, also located within the park, has plenty of foods to keep tummies full!
6. Explore sea life at The Deep Aquarium, Hull
Nearest station: Hull
If your kids love animals, then they’ll love The Deep Aquarium in Hull where they can get up close and personal with marine animals. Home to over 5,000 undersea creatures you’ll witness stingrays, starfish, sharks, turtles, axolotls and even penguins. For kids who prefer quiet surroundings, visit during Tranquil Tuesdays, where the lights are brighter, and the audio is turned down.
Did you know that you can even book a group sleepover at The Deep? Enjoy a relaxed evening and bunker down with a view of the majestic animals that reside there. Save when you book travel for your visit by train with our family ticket!
7. Days out with kids at Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Nearest station: York
Experience an unforgettable day out with the kids at the award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre in York! Its famous ride with Viking-themed animatronics helps to illustrate their history and bring the past to life. Engaging and educational, it’s a fun trip through time that the whole family will always look back on.
At the attraction, you can also explore fascinating artefacts and real weapons from the time of the Vikings. Plan your trip now with Northern trains!
8. Explore the Time Trap Museum, Grimsby
Nearest station: Grimsby Town
While on the topic of history, another great historic day out is the Time Trap Museum in Grimsby where you can discover the town’s dark history!
See painted figures dressed in clothing from the time as well as rooms decorated to reflect how homes looked during this period. Kids will love exploring every nook and cranny of this underground museum, including the prison cells and their mannequins. This hidden gem is great for all ages! Start planning your visit by train and save with our family ticket.
9. Kids exhibits at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Nearest station: Manchester Oxford Road station
The Science and Industry Museum is full of wonders and has lots of colourful interactive exhibits kids will adore! The Experiments Gallery is full of puzzles, games and floating balls that will capture the attention of curious minds.
Engaging all five senses across the museum’s five main areas, together you’ll explore space, time, galleries of artefacts and musical exhibits. Don’t forget to stop for a spot of lunch at the museum’s café too! Get there for less by train with Northern.
10. Visit Reptile Rendezvous, Doncaster
Nearest station: Doncaster
If your kids love animals and dinosaurs, they’ll be delighted by the Reptile Rendezvous collection of exotic animals! After all, reptiles are just smaller versions of dinosaurs, right?
However, reptiles aren’t all that make up their collection of creatures, you’ll be greeted by some furry friends too such as meerkats, skunks and rabbits. Overall, it’s a great way for kids to learn more about some of their favourite animals. Book your day out now and get a great deal with our family ticket.
Ready to embark on your next day out with kids? There are plenty of children’s activities and things to do in the North of England. Travel for less by purchasing a family ticket through our app and keep everything in one handy place, stored safely on your mobile phone. The app can also be used to check train times quickly and for travel delays, which can be a lifesaver when you're on the go!
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.