If you live in or around Staining, you're sitting in one of the most convenient spots on the Fylde coast for a cracking family day out. The village sits just a few miles from Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, and Lytham St Annes, which means you're never far from something the kids will love whether that's wildlife, soft play, open parkland, or seaside adventures.

This guide covers the best options for fun family days out near Staining, with something for every age group and every kind of weather.

Why Staining Is the Perfect Base for Family Outings

Staining is a small, quiet village in the Fylde district of Lancashire. It sits right on the borders of the Fylde, Wyre, and Blackpool areas, which puts families within easy reach of a wide range of attractions. Blackpool town centre is about three miles away. The M55 motorway is two miles to the south, making day trips to Preston, Lytham, or further afield perfectly manageable.

The village itself has a peaceful, rural feel, but the surrounding area packs in an impressive mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Let's break it down.

Best Fun Family Days Out Near Staining: Top Picks

1. Jungle World Blackpool — Indoor Soft Play That Kids Absolutely Love

When the weather turns (and on the Fylde coast, it will), Jungle World Blackpool is one of the best options going. It's an indoor soft play centre based at Hounds Hill Shopping Centre in Blackpool town centre about a 10-minute drive from Staining.

What makes it stand out from a standard soft play? The facilities are genuinely impressive for the age range. Jungle World Blackpool has Blackpool's tallest indoor slide, a 40-metre run along with a multi-level play frame that includes trampolines, a mini zipline, and climbing frames. There's also a dedicated toddler zone with its own soft play area and mini slides, which means younger siblings aren't lost in a sea of older, boisterous kids.

The centre covers children aged 0–12, and sessions are timed and capped, so it never feels overcrowded. Safety is taken seriously here: staff are stationed throughout the play areas, and entry is controlled to keep numbers manageable.

Parents can relax at the Tiki Café on site, which has a 5-star hygiene rating and serves freshly made food including pizzas, paninis, jacket potatoes, and hot drinks. You can keep an eye on the kids from the seating area while you eat a detail parents genuinely appreciate.

Jungle World Blackpool is also a popular spot for birthday parties. The party packages include an exclusive room, a host, party food with unlimited juice, games, prizes, and even a free karaoke and bubble machine. If you've got a birthday coming up, it's worth looking at their packages early weekends sell out fast.

Address: Unit N10A, Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, Victoria Street, Blackpool, FY1 4HU
Opening hours (term time): Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm | Sat 9am–6pm | Sun 10am–5pm

2. Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve — Right on Staining's Doorstep

You don't always need to travel far. Marton Mere is a local nature reserve right on the southern edge of Staining literally a few minutes from the village. It's recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its bird population and is free to visit.

The reserve covers a mix of habitats: open water, reed beds, grassland, pockets of woodland, and scrub. Over 260 species of birds have been recorded here, making it a favourite with birdwatchers. Families can walk the designated footpaths, spot dragonflies, butterflies, bats, and orchids, and use the bird hides dotted around the site.

It's a calm, unhurried experience exactly the kind of thing that balances out a more action-packed day. There are picnic spots available, so you could easily pack a lunch and make a morning of it before heading somewhere else in the afternoon.

The reserve is free and open year-round. Parking is available on Lawson Road or East Park Drive from April to September.

3. Blackpool Zoo — A Full Day Out in 37 Acres of Parkland

Blackpool Zoo sits about two miles from Staining, making it one of the most accessible major attractions for local families. It's set in 37 acres of parkland near Stanley Park and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.

Here's why it works well for families: the layout is relaxed, the paths are flat and easy to navigate with buggies, and you're not constantly queuing. Kids can see lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and sea lions the North of England's only family of gorillas is here. There's also a Dinosaur Safari with life-size fibreglass dinosaurs, a miniature railway, a children's farm where younger kids can meet goats and sheep, and a large indoor Playbarn.

The zoo regularly earns Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice recognition, and it's easy to see why: it offers a genuine full-day experience without feeling overwhelming. Arrive when it opens at 10am to see the animals at their most active.

Booking online in advance saves money. Families can also bring their own picnic to designated areas, which keeps costs down if you're watching your budget.

Address: East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 9RB

4. Stanley Park — Free, Beautiful, and Full of Things to Do

Right next to Blackpool Zoo is Stanley Park, a 390-acre Grade II* listed park that has been voted the UK's best park multiple times. Entry is free, and it has enough to fill several hours easily.

The park includes ornamental gardens (the Italian Gardens are particularly popular), a boating lake, woodland walks, a café in a beautiful Art Deco building, and a range of sports facilities including tennis, bowling, and a BMX area. There are also children's playgrounds scattered throughout.

For families with older children, the Blackpool Countryside Experience runs a series of nature walks that link Stanley Park through the Woodland Gardens, around Heron's Reach, and all the way to Marton Mere a lovely way to stitch together a longer outdoor adventure.

Address: West Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 9HU
Entry: Free | Open 9am until dusk

5. Blackpool Pleasure Beach — For Bigger Thrills

If your children are old enough for rides, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a natural choice. It's about six miles from Staining and is one of the UK's most famous amusement parks, with everything from gentle rides for younger children to full-on roller coasters for teens and adults.

The park hosts the UK's oldest still-operating ride Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machines, which has been running since 1904. There's a dedicated Nickelodeon Land section for younger visitors, and the park regularly extends its hours during summer with late-night rides and fireworks on selected evenings.

Tickets are best bought online in advance, and it's worth checking the website for seasonal promotions before you go.

6. Blackpool Seafront and the Beach — Classic Seaside Fun

You can't live this close to the coast and not factor in a beach day. Blackpool has three piers, miles of sandy beach, and a promenade packed with amusements, fish and chip shops, and ice cream stalls. From Staining, you're about 15–20 minutes from the seafront by car.

The Blackpool Illuminations run every autumn along the promenade six miles of light displays that are free to watch and genuinely spectacular for kids. The 2024 display ran from late August through to January, and a similar schedule is expected each year.

For something more structured, the Blackpool Tower Eye and its glass-floored SKYWALK platform offers views across the whole North West coast, and the SEA LIFE Blackpool centre on the promenade is a good indoor option if the weather turns.

Quick-Reference Guide: Family Days Out Near Staining

Here's a summary to help you plan:

• Jungle World Blackpool — Indoor soft play, ages 0–12, 10 mins from Staining, paid entry, pre-booking recommended
• Marton Mere Nature Reserve — Free, outdoor wildlife walks, all ages, 5 mins from Staining
• Blackpool Zoo — 37 acres of wildlife, all ages, 10 mins from Staining, paid entry, book online
• Stanley Park — Free outdoor park, playgrounds, lake, all ages, 10 mins from Staining
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach — Rides and roller coasters, best for ages 4+, 15 mins from Staining, paid entry
• Blackpool Seafront — Free beach, illuminations, piers, all ages, 15–20 mins from Staining

Tips for Planning Your Day Out from Staining

A bit of planning goes a long way, especially during school holidays when the area gets busy. Here's what to keep in mind:

Book ahead where possible. Jungle World Blackpool caps sessions and weekends sell out regularly. Blackpool Zoo tickets are cheaper online. Blackpool Pleasure Beach often has advance booking deals.

Layer up for the coast. The Fylde coast can be breezy even in summer. Pack an extra layer, especially if you're planning time on the beach or in Stanley Park.

Mix indoor and outdoor. A common approach for local families is combining something like Marton Mere in the morning (free, calm, outdoors) with Jungle World Blackpool in the afternoon (indoor, active, weather-proof). It keeps costs manageable and means you've got a backup if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Avoid peak weekend afternoons at the zoo. Blackpool Zoo and the Pleasure Beach are at their busiest between noon and 3pm on weekends and in school holidays. Arriving at opening time or later in the afternoon gives you a better experience.

FAQs: Fun Family Days Out Near Staining

How far is Staining from Blackpool town centre?

Staining is approximately three miles east of Blackpool town centre. By car, that's around 10 minutes depending on traffic. Regular bus routes connect the village to Blackpool, making it easy to get there without driving.

What's the best indoor activity for young children near Staining?

Jungle World Blackpool is one of the top choices for families with children aged 0–12. It has a dedicated toddler zone, a 40-metre indoor slide, trampolines, a mini zipline, and a café on site. Sessions are capped for safety, so pre-booking is recommended, especially at weekends.

Are there free family activities near Staining?

Yes Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is right on the edge of Staining and is completely free to visit. Stanley Park in Blackpool is also free, offering playgrounds, gardens, a lake, and woodland walks. The Blackpool beach and promenade are free to enjoy year-round.

Is Jungle World Blackpool suitable for birthday parties?

Absolutely. Jungle World Blackpool offers several party packages, including options for weekdays, weekends, and private hire. All packages include a party room, food, unlimited juice, a host, games, prizes, karaoke, and a bubble machine. The birthday child also gets a return voucher with most packages.

What should families know before visiting Blackpool Zoo from Staining?

Blackpool Zoo is about 10 minutes from Staining by car. It opens at 10am and is best visited earlier in the day when animals are most active. Tickets are cheaper online. Families can bring their own picnic to save on food costs. Allow at least four hours for a full visit, and check the zoo's website for seasonal events and keeper talks before you go.