The May Day bank holiday lands on Monday 4 May 2026, giving families a welcome three-day weekend. Blackpool is one of the best places in the north of England to spend it. The seaside town packs in enough attractions to keep kids of every age entertained, whether the weather plays ball or not. Here is a full guide to making the most of the long weekend with your little ones.

Why Blackpool Is a Great Pick for May Bank Holiday Kids Activities

Blackpool sits right on the Lancashire coast and has been pulling in families for generations. The town has a good mix of outdoor and indoor options, which matters in May when the weather can go either way. <br>

The bank holiday weekend is busy but not as hectic as the peak summer months, so queues at attractions tend to be shorter and prices are often easier on the wallet. Plan a day or two around the town and you will have plenty to fill the time without rushing.

Start Indoors: Jungle World Blackpool

If you want a guaranteed great morning whatever the weather throws at you, Jungle World Blackpool is a strong first stop. The soft play centre sits inside Hounds Hill Shopping Centre on Victoria Street and is purpose-built for children aged 0 to 12.

Here is what makes it worth booking:

• Blackpool's tallest indoor slide at 40 metres long older kids will want to go on this again and again
• A dedicated toddler zone with mini slides and soft play, safely separated from the bigger frames
• Trampolines, a mini zipline, and multi-level climbing frames for children who like to burn energy
• A 5-star hygiene-rated Tiki Café on site, so parents can grab a coffee or a freshly prepared meal without leaving the venue

Sessions are run on a timed basis with limited numbers per slot, which keeps the space comfortable and avoids overcrowding. Weekend and school holiday sessions book up fast, so getting your tickets in advance is the smart move.

Jungle World Blackpool is at Unit N10A, Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, Blackpool, FY1 4HU. You can book sessions and check availability at their website.

Opening hours during school holidays: Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 9am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm.

Head Outside: The Promenade and Blackpool Beach

After an indoor session, the fresh sea air is exactly what tired legs need. Blackpool's beach stretches for around 11 kilometres along the Irish Sea coast. Even in early May, kids enjoy paddling, building sandcastles, and running along the sand.

The promenade is worth a walk too. The Comedy Carpet near the Tower is completely free. It features the words and names of over 1,000 British comedians embedded into the ground. Children love spotting familiar names, and it makes for a good photo stop.

If the sun shows up, this is a no-cost way to keep younger kids happy for a couple of hours before an afternoon activity.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Rides for All Ages

For older children and families who want bigger thrills, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the obvious choice. The resort has rides suited to young children as well as white-knuckle options for teenagers and adults.

Nickelodeon Land at the Pleasure Beach offers themed rides, character encounters and special events, making it well suited for younger visitors. The resort is also launching a new ride in 2026, so there is something fresh to see this year.

Book tickets in advance online to avoid queuing at the gate, especially over a bank holiday weekend.

Sandcastle Waterpark: The UK's Largest Indoor Waterpark

Rain forecast? No problem. Sandcastle Waterpark is one of the best backup plans in Blackpool for families.

The waterpark has a wave pool, lazy river, water chute, and splash area for younger children, while older kids can enjoy Masterblaster, the UK's longest indoor roller coaster water slide. The whole thing runs at a warm indoor temperature, so it works as a family day out regardless of the conditions outside.

Pre-booking is recommended during the bank holiday weekend.

Sea Life Blackpool: Great for Curious Kids

The Sea Life Centre on the promenade gives children a chance to see marine animals up close. There are fun ways to experience the aquarium's inhabitants, including the chance for kids to crawl part-way inside tanks, magnify some of the creatures, and get hands-on feeling a shark's skin or stingray barbs. Staff share more information throughout, and there are family activities that often take place during school holidays.

It runs well as a half-day activity and pairs nicely with a walk on the beach afterwards.

Stanley Park: Free Outdoor Time

If you want to keep costs down for part of the weekend, Stanley Park gives you space to breathe. The park has a boating lake with pedal boats available to hire, open green spaces, a café, and paths suitable for younger children on scooters or bikes.

It is a good option for the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend when the bigger paid attractions are at their busiest.

St Annes Splash Park: Worth the Short Drive

Just a short drive down the Fylde Coast, the St Annes Splash Park opened for the 2026 season right at the start of the bank holiday weekend. Children can enjoy water sprays, spray loops, bucket drops, water domes, and a dedicated paddling area, perfect for cooling off and having fun in the sun.

Entry is free, so it is one of the best-value options for families visiting the area. Check Fylde Council's website for opening times before you go.

Blackpool Tower Circus: A Classic Family Experience

The Blackpool Tower Circus has been running since 1894 and still puts on a spectacular show. The circus runs afternoon shows as well as evening performances, making it fantastic for families. There are regularly new shows, and the performances include feats of skill, daring and athleticism alongside clown entertainment and audience participation.

Tickets sell out during bank holidays, so book ahead. The afternoon shows work well for families with younger children who can't manage a late evening out.

Planning Your May Bank Holiday Weekend in Blackpool: A Simple Schedule

Here is a rough way to spread things out across the three days:

Saturday 2 May

• Morning: Blackpool Pleasure Beach (before the afternoon rush)
• Afternoon: Walk along the promenade and Comedy Carpet
• Evening: Fish and chips by the sea

Sunday 3 May

• Morning: Jungle World Blackpool book your session time slot in advance
• Afternoon: Stanley Park or a drive to St Annes Splash Park

Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday)

• Morning: Sea Life Blackpool
• Afternoon: Sandcastle Waterpark or Blackpool Tower Circus

This is a guide, not a fixed plan. Mix and match based on the weather forecast and your children's ages. Having one or two indoor options booked gives you a fallback if the weather turns.

Tips for Visiting Blackpool with Kids on a Bank Holiday

Book in advance. Most popular attractions release bank holiday tickets weeks ahead. Popular attractions often release bank holiday tickets four to six weeks ahead, and the best-value family accommodation usually goes first. This is true of Jungle World Blackpool too, where sessions are capped to keep the venue comfortable.

Pack for mixed weather. Met Office averages put May highs in the low to mid-teens across most of the UK, with longer dry spells than April. Layers and a waterproof are your friends on the Fylde Coast in early May.

Wear socks for soft play. Children must wear socks at Jungle World Blackpool at all times in the play areas. Grip socks are a good idea for the climbing frames. You can bring your own or buy them on arrival.

Arrive early at popular spots. The Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark both get busy by late morning on bank holiday weekends. Getting there when they open means shorter waits and more energy in the kids' legs.

Use the Hounds Hill car park. If you are visiting Jungle World Blackpool, paid parking is available at Hounds Hill Shopping Centre nearby.

FAQs: May Bank Holiday in Blackpool with Kids

Is Jungle World Blackpool open on the May bank holiday?

Yes. During school holidays, Jungle World Blackpool opens Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and on Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The May bank holiday falls within the school holiday schedule. Sessions are timed and numbers are limited, so booking your spot at their website before you visit is the best approach.

What age groups does Jungle World Blackpool cater for?

Jungle World Blackpool is designed for children aged 0 to 12. There is a separate enclosed toddler zone for the youngest children and a multi-level play frame with trampolines, a mini zipline, and Blackpool's tallest indoor slide for older kids. Adults need tickets too, to help manage venue capacity safely.

What are the best free things to do in Blackpool with kids over the bank holiday?

The promenade walk and the Comedy Carpet near the Tower are completely free. Stanley Park is open to all with no entry charge, and the beach costs nothing. St Annes Splash Park, a short drive from Blackpool town centre, also has free entry and is open for the 2026 season from the bank holiday weekend.

How far in advance should I book Blackpool attractions for the May bank holiday?

For most popular indoor venues, booking two to four weeks ahead is a safe window. Jungle World Blackpool sessions sell out on weekends and school holidays, so securing your slot as early as possible avoids disappointment. The Blackpool Tower Circus and Pleasure Beach also benefit from advance booking.

Can I eat at Jungle World Blackpool without bringing my own food?

Yes. The venue has an on-site Tiki Café with a 5-star hygiene rating. The menu includes pizzas, paninis, jacket potatoes, and kid-friendly meals, plus coffees for parents. Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the venue, except for baby food and formula.