Planning a family day out in Wigan? You're in luck. Wigan and the surrounding area punch well above their weight when it comes to family-friendly fun from indoor soft play and trampoline parks to sprawling woodland and go-kart tracks. Whether you're looking for rainy-day backup plans or a full weekend of outdoor adventure, this guide covers the best things to do in Wigan with kids, whatever the weather.

Here are the top picks, starting with the one families keep coming back to.

1. Jungle World Park — Indoor Soft Play for All Ages

When the weather turns grey (and in the North West, it often does), Jungle World Park is one of the best things to do in Wigan with kids. With locations in nearby Leyland and Blackpool, it's a proper full-day destination for families with children aged 0–12.

The park features a multi-level soft play frame, a tall slide, laser tag arena, go-karts, and separate safe zones for toddlers so even if you've got a baby and a 10-year-old in tow, everyone has something to do. Sessions are capacity-limited so it never feels overcrowded, and dedicated staff are stationed throughout the play areas.

If your child has additional needs, Jungle World Park runs ASD-friendly sessions every Monday from 6–7pm, with lower lighting, reduced music, and free carer entry. Birthdays are well catered for too, party packages include an exclusive room, a dedicated host, party food, unlimited juice, karaoke, and a bubble machine.

The on-site Tiki Café holds a 5-star hygiene rating and serves proper meals while you keep an eye on the kids through the viewing areas. Grip socks are required in play areas (you can buy them on-site), and pre-booking is recommended for weekends and school holidays.

Locations: Leyland (PR25 2DY) and Blackpool (FY1 4HU) 

2. Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park is Wigan's crown jewel for outdoor family days out. Spanning 350 acres of mature woodland, it offers a mix of free and paid activities that suit all ages and budgets.

The large adventure playground has slides, zip wires, a roundabout, climbing frames, and a sandpit  great for younger children. Older kids can tackle the high ropes course, which runs up to 10 metres above the ground and includes cargo nets, tightropes, and a 40-metre zip wire. There's also adventure golf, crazy golf, and a miniature railway (open weekends, weather permitting) that children absolutely love.

Entry to the park itself is free. The Kitchen Courtyard houses over seven food and drink outlets, from a bakery and ice cream parlour to a bar serving pizza and pies. Parking costs around £3.50 for all-day stays.

Address: School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE

3. Velocity Trampoline Park

Velocity in Wigan is one of the largest trampoline parks of its kind in Europe. It's a go-to spot for burning energy, with free jump sessions perfect for kids of all ages. The open jump areas are great for flipping and bouncing, and there are dedicated zones for younger children. It's also a popular birthday party venue.

Check opening times and book in advance, especially during school holidays.

4. Three Sisters Race Circuit

For families with older children who love speed, Three Sisters Race Circuit delivers an experience they won't forget. Kids aged 11 and over can get behind the wheel of a go-kart on one of the North West's most challenging outdoor tracks. No experience is needed, and the circuit caters for solo racers or family groups going head to head.

Address: Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8DD

5. Fairy Glen, Appley Bridge

Fairy Glen is a woodland walk that feels genuinely magical for younger children. Tucked away near Appley Bridge, you follow fairy dust trails through the trees, past streams and small waterfalls, looking for hidden fairy doors carved into the roots. It's free, it's beautiful, and most young children find it completely enchanting.

One important note: there is no car park at Fairy Glen, so on-street parking is your only option. Avoid driving unless you've checked the local area for parking first.

6. Kenyon Hall Farm

Located just off the A580, Kenyon Hall Farm is a solid family outing year-round. There's a farm shop, café, and children's play area, plus seasonal activities that change throughout the year. The big draw in October is pumpkin picking genuinely one of the best things to do in Wigan with kids during autumn. Strawberry and soft fruit picking is popular in summer too.

7. Wigan Roller Rink

Wigan Roller Rink is home to the largest wooden-floored roller rink in Europe. Sessions run as roller discos with music and lighting, and it's brilliant fun even if you've never skated before. There's a skate hire service on-site, a café, and a shop selling pads, wheels, and skate gear. Expect a few Bambi-on-ice moments before the kids find their feet then they'll be flying.

8. Museum of Wigan Life

Free entry makes the Museum of Wigan Life a great rainy-day option. The museum tells the story of Wigan and its people, with exhibits covering local history from the town's industrial past to everyday life across different eras. It's engaging for school-age children and comes with interactive elements that hold their attention.

Address: Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU

9. The Old Courts

The Old Courts is a multi-disciplinary arts centre in the heart of Wigan town centre. It hosts regular events for families and children, including theatre productions, music events, art workshops, and kids' activities. The programme changes regularly, so check their website before visiting. It's a great pick for a cultural afternoon out.

10. Scotsman's Flash — Outdoor Watersports

Scotsman's Flash is an outdoor adventure centre and nature reserve in Wigan. Run by Be Well (Wigan Council's leisure arm), it offers watersports and adventure activities for young people, including kayaking. It's an excellent way to get kids outdoors and active in a natural setting. Sessions are available for various age groups and ability levels.

11. Mesnes Park

A beautifully kept Victorian park close to Wigan town centre. Mesnes Park has formal gardens, a bandstand, a waterfall, and a pavilion housing Frederick's ice cream which alone makes it worth the visit on a warm day. There are play areas for children and plenty of green space for a picnic. Entry is free.

12. Worthington Lakes

Worthington Lakes is a pleasant country park with walking trails around three reservoirs. It's a calm, easy walk for families with younger children or prams, and the lakeside scenery is lovely. You might spot a range of birds, and the paths are well-maintained. A straightforward, free afternoon out.

13. Astley Green Colliery Museum

Slightly further out from Wigan town centre, Astley Green Colliery is a fascinating piece of industrial history. The site was an active colliery until 1970 and has since become a heritage attraction where you can visit the engine house, see the machinery in action (check Facebook for engine-running times), explore the miners' cottage, and visit the tea rooms. Fun fact: it was also a filming location for some episodes of Peaky Blinders, which tends to go down well with older kids.

14. Wigan STEAM — Holiday Workshops

Wigan STEAM runs technology, arts, and digital development workshops for children and young people during school holidays. Sessions cover areas like digital art, making, and creative technology. Saturday afternoon digital art sessions run during term time too. It's a brilliant option if your children have an interest in tech or making things.

15. Grange Farm

Grange Farm is a working farm near Wigan that offers a range of seasonal activities for children from ages 1 to 16. There's a tearoom on site and animal experiences throughout the year. Activities shift with the seasons, so what's available varies depending on when you visit worth checking their page ahead of time.

Quick Reference: Best Things to Do in Wigan with Kids

Here's a fast summary to help you plan:

• Best for rainy days: Jungle World Park, Velocity Trampoline Park, Wigan Roller Rink, Museum of Wigan Life
• Best outdoor days: Haigh Woodland Park, Fairy Glen, Worthington Lakes, Mesnes Park
• Best for older kids (10+): Three Sisters Race Circuit, Velocity, High Ropes at Haigh
• Best free activities: Haigh Woodland Park (entry), Fairy Glen, Mesnes Park, Museum of Wigan Life
• Best for toddlers: Jungle World Park, Grange Farm, Kenyon Hall Farm, Mesnes Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best indoor activity in Wigan for kids?

For indoor family fun, Jungle World Park is the top choice for families with children aged 0–12. It has a multi-level soft play frame, laser tag, go-karts, a dedicated toddler zone, and a café for parents. Sessions are capped for comfort, and the park runs ASD-friendly sessions every Monday evening. Pre-booking is recommended, especially at weekends. Visit Jungle World Park website for details.

What can you do in Wigan with kids on a rainy day?

Several good options exist for wet weather in Wigan. Velocity Trampoline Park, Wigan Roller Rink, the Museum of Wigan Life, and Jungle World Park are all fully indoor. The Old Courts also runs family-friendly events and workshops year-round. Booking ahead is worth doing for most of these, especially during school holidays when demand is high.

Is Haigh Woodland Park free for kids?

Entry to Haigh Woodland Park is free, as is the adventure playground and walking the grounds. Some activities carry a charge including the high ropes course, adventure golf, and the miniature railway (£1 per ride). Parking costs around £1.50 for up to 90 minutes or £3.50 for all day. The park is open every day.

Are there any activities in Wigan for children with autism or additional needs?

Yes. Jungle World Park runs weekly ASD-friendly sessions every Monday from 6–7pm at their Leyland location. These sessions feature reduced lighting and lower music levels to create a calmer sensory environment. Carers receive free entry during these sessions. It's worth contacting the venue in advance if you have specific requirements.

What are the best free things to do in Wigan with kids?

Wigan has a solid range of free family activities. Haigh Woodland Park offers free entry to the grounds, woodland trails, and adventure playground. Fairy Glen near Appley Bridge is a magical free woodland walk for young children. Mesnes Park is a lovely Victorian park with a play area, and the Museum of Wigan Life offers free admission. For outdoor walks, Worthington Lakes is another easy, free option.