Ribby Hall

[newnameallround]

Hi Everyone,
We are going to Ribby Hall in August for a week. Has anyone got any hints and tips of things to do with a 4.5 and 2.5 year old whilst there.
Kids are pretty outdoorsy and like aquariums, zoos, etc but equally are happy in soft play and swimming pools so all in all quite flexible with requirements!
Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[RubySlippers77]

There is a lovely pool, a few playgrounds and a small soft play on site (all free), plus the Discovery animal park which is about £5 each. A couple of miles down the road there's a horse sanctuary too: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Farm/Penny-Farm

Blackpool is about 20 minutes' drive away and great for things to do - Sea Life/ zoo/ soft play in the Tower etc - it's worth deciding what you'd like to do and having a look at the Resort Pass (www.visitblackpool.com/resort-pass/) to see if buying one works out cheaper. Under 3's are free in many places though!

If you think you might spend a day at the beach, have a look at www.stannesbeachhuts.co.uk/beach-hut-rental/. Very handy for trampolines and crazy golf as well as the beach!

[RubySlippers77]

Oh and if your DC like trams, you could time it so you could see the old fashioned ones: www.blackpoolheritage.com/httours/

[ErrolTheDragon]

Blackpool zoo is pretty good and not overwhelmingly large for little ones.

If you want to go to the beach, St Anne's is much nicer than Blackpool itself. Lytham is pleasant but not for the beach, it's more the end of the Ribble estuary than proper seaside. It's got a boating lake if that appeals.

[newnameallround]

Thank you very much!

[donquixotedelamancha]

Another vote for Blackpool zoo and Penny farm. Lytham boating lake is indeed lovely for kids. Also:

Brockholes is a nice nature reserve with playground (free but expensive parking) goo.gl/maps/EzZs6fFkDts

On a Saturdays in summer Worden park goo.gl/maps/YcAfoNDQSjz has a free mini steam train run by an amature club. It also has nice gardens and a huge playpark. Might be a bit far, but it's fab.

Free petting farm (e.g. handle chicks, feed cows) goo.gl/maps/QejKDBzcngt attached to a soft play and cafe at old holly farm.

[somewhereovertherain]

Bowland wild boar park is ace. As is Blackpool zoo.
Ribble steam railway in Preston also good

Stanley park in Blackpool

[somewhereovertherain]

Brockholes excellent as is old holly farm.

Samlesbury hall and the bee centre.

Hesketh farm park not far away either.