Planning a family day out in Lancashire? Chorley punches well above its weight when it comes to keeping children entertained. Whether you're after rainy-day indoor play, woodland walks, or history brought to life, this town and its surrounding area has the lot. Here is your practical, no-fuss guide to the best things to do in Chorley with kids, whatever the age, budget, or weather.

1. Jungle World Park – The Ultimate Indoor Soft Play Adventure

When the weather lets you down (and in Lancashire, it will), Jungle World Park near Chorley is the go-to for families with children aged 0–12. Based in Leyland, just a short drive from Chorley town centre, this indoor soft play centre pulls off the tricky balance of keeping all ages happy at the same time.

The venue is split into dedicated zones by age group, so toddlers play safely away from bigger kids. Older children get the tall slide, a laser tag arena, and go-karts, while under-fives have their own enclosed area to climb, crawl, and roll around in. There is also a Tiki Café on site with a five-star hygiene rating, which means parents can grab a coffee and actually watch their children play without craning their neck from a different room.

Birthday party packages at Jungle World Park include an exclusive party room, a professional host, party food with unlimited juice, karaoke, and a bubble machine. The venue also runs dedicated ASD-friendly sessions every Monday evening, with reduced music and adjusted lighting – and carers get free entry during those sessions.

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, as sessions are capacity-limited.

Good to know: Children must wear socks. Grip socks can be bought on-site if needed.

2. Astley Park and Astley Hall

Free to enter and open all year, Astley Park is one of Chorley's best kept family secrets. The park spans over 43 hectares and offers a playground, a petting zoo (Pets' Corner), woodland paths, picnic areas, a sensory garden, and a walled garden.

The playground is genuinely worth the visit on its own. Inspired by the Royalists and Roundheads of the English Civil War – Oliver Cromwell reportedly stayed at Astley Hall before the Battle of Preston in 1648 – the play area includes a castle ruin structure, a tower slide, and a 30-metre zip wire.

Pets' Corner houses chipmunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ducks, and is managed as a social enterprise by the Brothers of Charity Services. It is open every day of the week.

Astley Hall itself is a Grade I listed historic house with over 400 years of history. Entry is just £5 for the tour, and children can pick up a quiz sheet at the door – winners get a pencil or sweets.

3. Rivington Pike and Terraced Gardens

A short drive west of Chorley, Rivington Pike is one of the most rewarding family walks in the North West. The Pike Tower at the summit was built in 1733, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Blackpool Tower and the Lake District Fells from 1,191 feet above sea level.

The classic route starts from Rivington Hall Barn – it is about 3 miles to the top, with a fairly steep ascent, so it suits children who are confident on their feet. The reward at the top is well worth the effort.

Below the Pike, the Rivington Terraced Gardens offer a more leisurely wander, with Italian and Japanese-style lakes, lodge house ruins, and stone paths weaving through woodland. There are also adventure playgrounds dotted around the Rivington area, making it easy to mix a good walk with some playtime.

4. Go Ape Rivington

For older kids looking for a proper challenge, Go Ape Rivington sits right on the edge of Lower Rivington Reservoir in the borough of Chorley. The Treetop Challenge is a 2–3 hour self-guided course through the woodland canopy, with high-wire obstacles, platforms, a Tarzan swing, and zip lines reaching heights of 13 metres. It is the only Go Ape in the country with a zip line over water.

The minimum age is 10, with a minimum height of 1.4 metres, so this one is best suited for older children and teenagers. Pre-booking is advisable, especially in school holidays.

5. Yarrow Valley Country Park

Covering around 700 acres of woodlands, meadows, and water, Yarrow Valley Country Park is ideal for a family day out that costs nothing. There are walking and cycling trails throughout, plus birdwatching, fishing spots, and a solid adventure play area for children.

The park is easy to reach from Chorley town centre and offers a proper countryside feel without needing to travel far. Pack a picnic and let the kids loose – there is plenty of space.

6. Duxbury Park Golf Course and Adventure Golf

Duxbury Park is more than an 18-hole golf course. It has a dedicated adventure golf course that works well for families with younger children, plus a Toptracer driving range for anyone who fancies improving their swing. The on-site restaurant is a decent option for lunch before or after play.

It sits in beautiful parkland on the southern edge of Chorley and is a good choice for a relaxed half-day out with mixed age groups.

7. The Bee Centre, Brindle

This one is a genuine hidden gem for curious kids. The Bee Centre in Brindle, just outside Chorley, offers hands-on beekeeping experiences and honey tasting sessions led by knowledgeable staff. Children learn about different bee species, colony behaviour, and how honey is made – and nervous visitors are never pushed to get close to the hives until they are comfortable.

It is a brilliant option for school holiday groups and family visits alike, and particularly good for children aged 7 and up.

8. Anderton Centre Water Activities

Located on the banks of White Coppice reservoir, the Anderton Centre is a residential activity and outdoor education facility offering sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and raft building. It caters for both groups and families and is one of the better places in the Chorley area for children who like getting a bit wet and muddy.

Activities suit children from around age 8 upwards, and sessions can be booked in advance through the centre directly.

9. Reel Cinema Chorley

Sometimes a film is exactly what a family needs – especially when it is raining and the children have too much energy for a park. Reel Cinema Chorley is an independent cinema in the town centre with competitive ticket prices and a solid programme of family films throughout the year. Worth bookmarking for a spontaneous afternoon out.

10. Battlefield Live

If your kids are into laser combat and outdoor adventure, Battlefield Live near Chorley delivers a proper outdoor laser tag experience in a woodland setting. Teams are given mission briefings and then sent out to complete objectives – it combines physical activity with strategy and works well for children aged around 8 and up.

Groups book sessions in advance, and it is popular for birthday parties as well as general family days out.

11. Cuerden Valley Park

A few miles south of Chorley, Cuerden Valley Park covers over 700 acres of countryside with woodland walks, meadows, and a large lake. It is completely free to visit, has good accessible paths throughout, and is one of the most peaceful green spaces in the area.

The park is particularly well set up for younger children and families who want a gentle day outdoors without any planning required. Just turn up and walk.

12. Cedar Farm, Mawdesley

A short drive from Chorley, Cedar Farm in Mawdesley is a creative hub housed in restored farm buildings, with over 30 independent businesses trading on site. There are arts and crafts, galleries, a café, and regular events throughout the year.

It is a great option for children who enjoy creative activities, and a welcome change of pace from the usual soft play or park visit. Check their events calendar before you go, as weekends often have workshops or seasonal activities on.

13. Ellerbeck Narrowboat Hire

For something genuinely different, Ellerbeck Narrowboats offers self-steer canal boat hire along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Chorley. No licence or experience is needed – you get a proper safety and navigation briefing, and then you are off at your own pace through the Lancashire countryside.

It works well for families with children who are past the age of needing constant supervision, and it is a lovely, unhurried way to spend a few hours. Booking in advance is required.

14. Worden Park, Leyland

Worden Park in Leyland, right next door to Chorley, deserves a spot on this list for the miniature railway alone. The park also has a hedge maze, play areas, and the Worden Arts & Crafts Centre, where local artisans sell handmade goods.

The miniature railway runs on weekends and school holidays and is a reliable crowd-pleaser for younger children. Entry to the park is free, and the railway tickets are very reasonably priced.

15. Chorley Market

One of the oldest markets in Lancashire (dating back to 1498), Chorley Market runs several days a week with Tuesday being the most popular. Children are surprisingly engaged by markets when there is food involved – think fresh baked goods, local produce, and the occasional treat stall.

It is a free and easy activity that works well as part of a wider day out in the town centre, especially combined with a visit to a café or the cinema afterwards.

Quick Reference: Best Things to Do in Chorley With Kids by Category

Best for rainy days:

• Jungle World Park (indoor soft play, ages 0–12)
• Reel Cinema Chorley
• The Bee Centre

Best free days out:

• Astley Park and Pets' Corner
• Yarrow Valley Country Park
• Cuerden Valley Park
• Chorley Market

Best for older kids (8+):

• Go Ape Rivington (ages 10+)
• Battlefield Live
• Anderton Centre water activities

Best for toddlers and under-5s:

• Jungle World Park (dedicated toddler zone)
• Worden Park miniature railway
• Astley Park playground

FAQs: Things to Do in Chorley With Kids

Q: What is the best indoor activity in Chorley for kids on a rainy day?

Jungle World Park near Chorley is one of the top choices for wet weather. It has a multi-level soft play area, laser tag, go-karts, and separate zones for different age groups, all under one roof. The on-site café means parents can stay comfortable while children play. Booking ahead is recommended, especially at weekends.

Q: Are there any free things to do in Chorley with kids?

Yes, several. Astley Park offers free entry to the grounds, a playground, and Pets' Corner. Yarrow Valley Country Park and Cuerden Valley Park are both free and have great walking trails and play areas. Rivington Pike and the Terraced Gardens are also free to access, though parking charges may apply.

Q: What age is Go Ape Rivington suitable for?

The Treetop Challenge at Go Ape Rivington is for children aged 10 and over, with a minimum height requirement of 1.4 metres. It is a 2–3 hour high ropes course with zip lines and high-wire obstacles. Younger children can visit Go Ape Blackburn instead, which has options for under-10s.

Q: Does Jungle World Park cater for children with additional needs?

Yes. Jungle World Park runs dedicated ASD-friendly sessions every Monday from 6–7pm. During these sessions, the music is turned down and the lighting is adjusted to create a calmer environment. Carers receive free entry. It is worth contacting the venue in advance if you have specific requirements.

Q: What are the best things to do in Chorley with kids during school holidays?

School holidays are a good time to visit Go Ape Rivington, Jungle World Park, and Battlefield Live – though all three get busy, so book ahead. Astley Park runs seasonal events throughout the year. The Anderton Centre offers water activity sessions that suit older children particularly well. Cedar Farm also tends to have workshops and events scheduled during holiday periods.