Rain Or Shine Places To Keep The Kids Occupied This Weekend

Steam train

From lighthouses to art galleries to farm villages and gardens, we've rounded up the very best North West England has to offer for a great family day out whatever the weather. So whether the kids are head-to-toe in rain wear or smothered in sun tan lotion you're all sure to have an interesting time.

Whatever the weather, you can journey into the deep at one of Blackpool's key attractions. With over 50 dazzling displays and 1,000 creatures, you can explore the wonders of the underwater world without getting wet. You can also join them on a monthly beach clean or be one of the first to experience the new Stingray Adventure.

Bolton Central Library, museum & art gallery
http://www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/Centrallibrary.aspx
Le Mans Crescent, Bolton (map)

Head to Bolton Central Library and Museum for regular events to keep the kids entertained. For budding authors, there's writing workshops or head to their regular themed Super Saturday events (held on the last Saturday of each month) to learn about crafts, storytelling, creepy crawlies and more. This month the theme is Museum Celebrations.

Photo by dangerous55019 (instagram.com)

Ramsbottom and Peel Monument Tour
http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Railway Street, Lancashire (map)

@rammystation

Take a self-guided circular tour of the West Pennines to discover dramatic landscapes, heritage tea rooms, modern art, cosy pubs, steam trains and the Victorian legacy of the area by downloading the new Ramsbottom and Peel Monument Tour app. With content, photography, points of interest and zoomable map, it's the perfect way to discover the region that links to the 19th-century Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. For more information, http://www.handheldtours.co.uk/walk/ramsbottom/

Photo by jackgundryy (instagram.com)

World Museum
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/
William Brown St, Liverpool (map)

@world_museum

From dinosaurs and live creepy crawlies to daily journeys through space, explore the wonders of the World Museum in Liverpool. Make sure you book a free ticket to their events, which currently include Sunshine show, We are Aliens and the chance to get your hands messy and learn all about plant DNA.
 
 
Photo by chefnimmo (instagram.com)

Rufford Old Hall (National Trust) http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall/things-to-see-and-do/for-families/
200 Liverpool Road, Rufford (map)

Go wild in the grounds of Rufford Old Hall and explore one of Lancashire's finest Tudor buildings. From den building to mud pie making, there are plenty of events on offer to get your play clothes dirty. Challenge your family to a game of chess or croquet on the lawn or relax with a cuppa while the kids get crafty. Check the website for details.

Photo by fayerosehillen (instagram.com)

Greenlands Farm Village
http://greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/
Tewitfield, Lancashire (map)

On the open farm, you can bottle feed pet lambs, enjoy a donkey ride, play on mini tractors, race around the barn and host your own picnic down by the paddocks.  It's a hands-on experience for adults and children alike. And if there's a downpour, you can take cover in the cafe while the children explore the soft play barn.  

Photo by quirkytraveller (instagram.com)

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
http://www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/queen-street-mill-textile-museum-p7837
Vikings Mill, Lancashire (map)

Spend the day getting crafty at the last surviving steam powered mill in the country. With live demonstrations and activities throughout the month, including workshops for kids, you can learn about the period in history when cotton was king.

 Photo by britgirl61 (instagram.com)

Walton Hall & Gardens
http://www.warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens
Walton Lea Road, Warrington (map)

With a children's zoo, regular events, exhibitions in the heritage yard and outdoor play area, Walton Hall and Gardens is a fun day out for all the family. Once you've had a picnic in the park, you could always challenge your family to a spot of crazy golf. With open air theatre held throughout summer and big band concerts on Sunday afternoons, it's worth a visit. 

Photo by rev_marky (instagram.com)

Legoland Discovery Centre
http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester/
The Trafford Centre, Manchester (map)

Love lego? Head to the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester for top secret Lego building tips, experience rides and watch the Lego characters come to life in the 4D cinema. With events held throughout the year, it's a must-visit for Lego fans of all ages.

Photo by sezzyevilmuffin (instagram.com)

New Brighton Promenade
http://www.visitnewbrighton.com/
New Brighton Rd., Wallasey (map)

There's nothing like a day out on the beach when the sun is shining. With a sandy beach and plenty of classic amusements including laser quest, arcades, a lighthouse, tenpin bowling and museums nearby. And if the skies take a turn for the worst, you could head to Adventureland in the arcade, which is one of the largest indoor play areas for kids in the country. 

Do you know an amazing place in the North West that you really enjoyed as a family whatever the weather? Recommend it here.