The Ultimate North West Summer Holiday Activity Guide

The summer holidays are almost here! For foster families in the North West, this means six weeks full of opportunities for fun, adventure, and making incredible memories. At Family Care, we know how important it is to keep everyone engaged and entertained, so we've put together some fantastic ideas for days out and activities right here on your doorstep!

Here are some of our top picks to help you plan your perfect summer:

Theme Parks & Attractions

For those days when you need a burst of excitement:

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire: A classic for a reason! With rollercoasters like The Big One and family-friendly rides, plus Nickelodeon Land for younger ones, there's a full day of thrills for everyone.
• Gulliver's World, Warrington, Cheshire: Designed especially for families with younger children (ages 2-13), Gulliver's World offers a fantastic range of rides, shows, and attractions without the overwhelming crowds of larger parks.
• Camel Gate, Chorley, Lancashire: A popular choice for families, Camel Gate offers a mix of animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, and rides, ensuring fun whatever the weather. It's especially great for younger children.
• Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside: Get up close with magnificent animals on a five-mile safari drive, or explore the Foot Safari with its cheeky meerkats and sea lion displays. It's an educational and exciting day out for all ages.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the great outdoors and discover the stunning natural beauty of the North West.

• Lake District National Park, Cumbria: Just a stone's throw away, the Lake District offers endless possibilities. Enjoy gentle walks around Windermere, take a boat trip, or simply find a beautiful spot for a picnic. Many towns like Bowness-on-Windermere offer family-friendly activities, ice cream parlours, and easy access to the lakes.
• Forestry England Sites: These beautiful forests offer marked walking and cycling trails suitable for various abilities, adventure play areas, and often Go Ape tree-top adventures for older kids and adults.
• Formby Beach, Merseyside: Famous for its vast sandy dunes, unique red squirrel reserve, and striking views. It’s perfect for a day of sandcastle building, picnicking, and exploring nature.
• Peak District National Park: While much of it is in Derbyshire, the western edges of the Peak District extend into Cheshire and Greater Manchester, offering fantastic walking, cycling, and charming villages to explore.

Rainy Day Rescues & Indoor Fun

This July has already brought us some rainy days. We're hoping the summer holidays won't have any of those, but England, being England, you never know. So, just in case, here's some indoor days out!

• Science and Industry Museum, Manchester: Dive into Manchester's rich industrial past and discover amazing scientific innovations. With interactive exhibits for all ages, it's both educational and incredibly fun. Entry is free!
• World Museum, Liverpool: Explore ancient Egypt, natural history, and even an aquarium all under one roof. Another fantastic free museum offering hours of discovery.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Manchester: A LEGO lover's paradise! With rides, 4D cinema, and millions of LEGO bricks to build with, it's a colourful and creative indoor adventure.
• Chill Factore, Manchester: Get a taste of winter sports in the middle of summer! Enjoy indoor skiing, snowboarding, or just play in the snow park. A unique way to cool down!

Budget-Friendly & Local Gems

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a brilliant time!

• Local Parks and Playgrounds: Never underestimate the joy of a local park! Pack a picnic, a ball, and enjoy hours of free fun on the swings and slides.
• Cycling Trails: Many areas have fantastic disused railway lines or canal paths perfect for family bike rides. Search for "family cycling routes [your local area]" online.
• Picnics: Find a scenic spot – a local park, a viewpoint, or even your own back garden – and enjoy an easy, affordable meal outdoors.
• Libraries and Community Centres: Check your local library for free summer reading challenges, story times, and activity sessions. Community centres often host affordable holiday clubs or workshops.
• Camping: Summer is the perfect time to pack up and move into a tent for a few days! Many campsites in the Lake District or Peak District offer excellent facilities and stunning scenery. It’s a fantastic way to bond, tell stories around a campfire, and enjoy nature. Or, if that's not your thing, glamping is also an option too!

A Little Reminder for Our Foster Families

Remember, our support doesn't take a holiday! Your supervising social worker is always available for guidance, and our

 out-of-hours support remains in place throughout the summer. Prioritise self-care, enjoy the slower pace, and remember to capture those precious moments.

We wish you all a truly fantastic summer filled with joy, connection, and countless happy memories.