Ormskirk is a small Lancashire market town, but don't let its size fool you. There's a good spread of parks, farms, markets, and play centres within a short drive, so a weekend or half-term with the family doesn't have to mean a long trip to the coast. Here's our list of the best things to do in Ormskirk with kids, starting with a favourite for rainy days: Jungle World Park.

1. Start with Jungle World Park in Leyland

If the weather turns or you just want a few hours where the kids can burn off energy safely, Jungle World Park is worth the short drive from Ormskirk. It's an indoor soft play and party centre built for children aged 0 to 12, with multi-level play frames, slides, laser tag, football, and Safari Go-Karting all under one roof.

There's a dedicated toddler zone for your youngest, so older and younger siblings can both find something to do without getting in each other's way. Parents can grab a coffee at the Tiki Café and keep an eye on the action from a seat, rather than chasing kids around a muddy park.

A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Jungle World Park runs ASD-friendly sessions every Monday from 6pm to 7pm, with the music turned down and the lighting softened.
• Socks are required in the play area, and grip socks are available to buy on site if you forget your own.
• Free parking is available, and booking ahead is recommended for weekends and school holidays since sessions have limited numbers.

You'll find Jungle World Park at 2 Tomlinson Road, Leyland, roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Ormskirk by car, with a second site in Blackpool if you're heading that way instead.

2. Get close to wildlife at WWT Martin Mere

Just outside Ormskirk, in Burscough, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre gives kids the chance to feed ducks and geese, spot wild birds, and run around a splash pad in warmer months. It's run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, so there's a genuine conservation angle behind the visit, not just a play area with animals attached. Bring wellies if it's been raining, since parts of the site can get muddy underfoot.

3. Meet the animals at Windmill Animal Farm

Windmill Animal Farm, on the edge of Burscough, packs a lot into one visit. Kids can feed and pet a range of farm animals, watch sheepdog demonstrations, ride the light railway, and still have energy left for the indoor soft play area if the weather doesn't cooperate. There's an on-site café for a coffee and cake break while the little ones tire themselves out.

4. Spend a day at Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm

Also based in Burscough, Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm is built around a full day out rather than a quick stop. Expect a working farm setting with hands-on animal encounters alongside play equipment and activities aimed at different age groups, so it works whether you've got toddlers or older primary-age kids in tow.

5. Say hello to Natterjack Alpacas

For something a bit different, Natterjack Alpacas on High Lane offers guided walks and encounters with alpacas in the Lancashire countryside. Kids get to interact directly with the animals and learn a bit about how they're cared for, which makes it a nice change from the usual farm visit. Booking ahead is a good idea since sessions are limited.

6. Let off steam at Coronation Park

Coronation Park sits just beyond the town centre and is one of the easiest options if you want a free, low-effort afternoon out. There's a playground, landscaped gardens, and a bandstand, plus a calendar of seasonal events through the year. It's a solid choice for a picnic followed by playground time without needing to plan much in advance.

7. Browse Ormskirk Market with the kids

Ormskirk Market runs twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, right in the town centre. It's a traditional outdoor market with local produce and handmade goods, and kids tend to enjoy the buzz of stalls and the chance to pick out a treat. It's a good one to pair with lunch in town, since you're already in the centre.

8. Take a walk through Ruff Wood

Ruff Wood is a 19-acre patch of countryside on the edge of Ormskirk, near Edge Hill University. The trails are easy enough for younger legs, and there's a decent chance of spotting woodpeckers, owls, or grey squirrels along the way. It's free, dog-friendly, and a good option when you just want fresh air rather than a full-blown attraction.

9. Try the food stalls at Ormskirk Food & Drink Market

Housed in a former tractor factory, Ormskirk Food & Drink Market brings together a rotating line-up of street food vendors, from burgers and pizza to gyros and pan-Asian dishes. Orders go through a mobile app, and the open layout gives kids room to move around while adults grab something to eat. It's a good stop if you're spending a full day in town and want a break that isn't a sit-down restaurant.

10. Get competitive at Karting UK

For families with older kids or teenagers who want a bit more adrenaline, Karting UK offers an outdoor karting track near Ormskirk. It's better suited to confident older children rather than toddlers, so it's worth checking age and height requirements before you book a session.

Tips for Planning Your Day Out in Ormskirk

A few things to keep in mind whichever attractions you choose:

1. Check opening times before you set off, since several venues reduce their hours outside school holidays.
2. Book indoor attractions like Jungle World Park in advance for weekends, as sessions are capped to keep things comfortable.
3. Pack spare clothes for anything involving the splash pad at Martin Mere or muddy trails at Ruff Wood.
4. Combine a market visit with a nearby park or café so you're not doing too much driving in one day.
5. Ask about ASD-friendly or quieter sessions if your child finds busy, loud environments overwhelming. Jungle World Park's Monday evening session is one example worth knowing about.

Final Thoughts

Ormskirk works well as a base for a family day out, whether you're after animals, open space, or somewhere to let the kids run around indoors. Starting with Jungle World Park for a rainy morning and finishing with a walk through Ruff Wood or a browse round Ormskirk Market covers most bases without a long drive in between. Whatever the weather, there are enough things to do in Ormskirk with kids to fill a weekend without repeating yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free thing to do in Ormskirk with kids? 

Coronation Park and Ruff Wood are both free and easy to reach. Coronation Park suits a picnic and playground visit, while Ruff Wood is better if you want a countryside walk with a decent chance of spotting wildlife along the way.

Is Ormskirk good for a family day out? 

Yes. Between the market, farms, wetland centre, and nearby play centres like Jungle World Park, there's enough variety for toddlers through to teenagers, and most attractions sit within a short drive of the town centre.

What can you do in Ormskirk with kids when it rains? 

Head indoors. Jungle World Park in nearby Leyland covers soft play, slides, and laser tag, while Windmill Animal Farm also has an indoor play area if the weather turns while you're out on the farm.

How far is Jungle World Park from Ormskirk? 

Jungle World Park's Leyland site is roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Ormskirk by car, making it a realistic option for a half-day trip, especially when outdoor plans get rained off.

Is Ormskirk Market suitable for families? 

Yes. It runs on Thursdays and Saturdays in the town centre and is easy to combine with lunch or a walk in Coronation Park. It's a low-cost, low-effort outing that works well with younger kids in a pushchair.

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