Blackpool unveils a feast of family entertainment for the school holidays

A fabulous array of family attractions and entertainment has been lined up in Blackpool as schools break up for the late May half-term holidays.

Attractions include a brand new water adventure park; a huge IMAX cinema; an interactive museum of showbiz and entertainment; a free art trail featuring a spectacular parade of elephants and some awesome dinosaurs in a thrilling Jurassic adventure.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “With all of the resort’s attractions open for business, there is a multitude of things to see and do this half-term.

“We pride ourselves on having the biggest range of family attractions outside London and with several new openings over the past few weeks, there is even more on offer.”

Half-term highlights include:

Wild Shore Blackpool

Blackpool’s newest attraction opens in time for May half-term. The brand new water-based adventure park offers a range of dynamic, unique, and adrenaline-charged activities. Located at Reams Hill Holiday Park on the outskirts of the resort, take your pick from wakeboarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming and the all-new Aqua Park, a giant floating playground with Ninja warrior-style adventures.

Elmer’s Big Parade

There is still time to discover Elmer and more than 30 of his uniquely decorated friends in Blackpool’s biggest-ever public art trail.  You have until Sunday 9 June to chart your discoveries in the special Elmer app, take photos and upload them, collect rewards and vote for your favourite.
 
The sculptures, sponsored by businesses and organisations, are placed around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces across Blackpool. The free walking trail is open to everyone and has already been viewed by tens of thousands of visitors.

Showtown Museum

Blackpool’s new museum of fun and entertainment celebrates the seaside, circus, magic, dance shows and the world-famous Illuminations.

It's not your run-of-the-mill museum; it's a front-row ticket to Blackpool's unique entertainment legacy with a whole host of interactive fun for all the family. Situated just off the Golden Mile, it features six family-friendly galleries with some extraordinary exhibits from past and present.

The Backlot Cinema

Get the popcorn ready!  The much-anticipated Backlot Cinema & Diner has now opened.
Located in the new extension of the Houndshill Shopping Centre, the cinema features one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, measuring a massive 10.85m high and 19.87m wide.

Take the opportunity to check out The Backlot Diner, serving a delicious range of food from burgers, hotdogs and wings, along with a range of desserts, including American-style pancakes, sundaes and milkshakes.

Twilight Thrills at Pleasure Beach Resort

On Saturday 25 May, Pleasure Beach Resort will be bringing back its Twilight Thrills, offering 11 hours of adrenaline-fuelled fun, live entertainment, spectacular shows and feel-good music.

Choose high-octane thrills from the iconic Big One, the double launch roller coaster, ICON, the recently re-imagined Valhalla, or take a nostalgic ride on everyone's favourite woodies, the Big Dipper and the Grand National.

If white knuckle experiences aren’t for you, check out the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, featuring 12 amazing rides and a whole host of Nickelodeon characters.

Marco Pierre’s New York Italian

Looking for somewhere new to try? Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian restaurant has opened inside Blackpool’s new Holiday Inn.

The 90-cover restaurant serves a mixture of Italian-inspired dishes and American classics including fresh pasta, handmade pizza, steaks and some classic Italian and New York inspired desserts.

Afternoon Tea and Sunday Roast options are also available.

Jurassic Musical Adventure

Embark on a prehistoric adventure as Jurassic Musical Adventure arrives at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Thursday 30 May to Saturday 1 June. It's your chance to see one of the UK's most interactive theatre shows filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of dino-sized fun.

Merlin Magic

Merlin's magic awaits and there are more attractions in resort than you can shake a stick of rock at.
Choose your adventure from The Blackpool Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Peter Rabbit Explore & Play, and Madame Tussauds Blackpool or buy a money-saving Pick ‘n Mix pass to experience them all!

The Hole In Wand Blackpool

Visit The Hole in Wand this half-term and take on the Witches’ Hex challenge. Lancashire’s most notorious witch has placed a hex on Hole 3 and it’s up to you to try to break the curse.

Make your way round the nine-hole crazy golf course and receive a free potion drink at the end of the game.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Check out a few new celebrity faces at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Get up close to David Attenborough, pose with Beyoncé and take your selfie with Lady Gaga.

TV personality Alison Hammond’s figure will also be heading to the attraction from Saturday 25 May after she came face-to-face, live on air, with her new Madame Tussauds Blackpool wax figure as she presented an episode of This Morning alongside co-host Dermot O’Leary. 

Putt Above

Mini-golf lovers, this one's for you. Putt Above (situated close to The Blackpool Tower) is a new, high-tech mini golf experience and cocktail bar with a twist. Visuals for each game are projected on to the lanes with players going head-to-head in a variety of mini-games. Each lane can accommodate groups of up to eight and all ages are welcome.

The Blackpool Tower Circus

Roll up, roll up! Delivering incredible stunts with belly laughs aplenty, meet legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo as they present their brand new show for 2024 in the magical setting of one of the world’s most iconic circus rings.

Enjoy the great outdoors

If it is that fresh air feeling you are seeking, just head to Blackpool's six-mile stretch of beaches! Whether you're building sandcastles or strolling along the shore with fish and chips and an ice cream, the great outdoors is your playground for creating seaside memories this May half-term.