Built precisely for the under-nines: jumping pillows, go-karts, animal encounters, tractor rides, and an indoor play barn scaled generously enough to swallow a wet afternoon whole.
Older siblings will find it beneath their dignity and then be discovered enjoying it. Book ahead in the holidays; it knows its market and its market turns up.
What it costs: General admission from £15.50 a person, under 1s free, with cheaper rates for 1 to 3 year olds. Family ticket (two adults and two children) from £57, online only. Afternoon Saver from £11.50 after 2pm. Booking online ahead saves £1.50 a ticket. Proof of age needed for 65+, 12 to 24 month and under 1s tickets.
The whole farm, indoors and out, plus a new Pumpkin Village this year: pumpkin mountains, archways and displays of gourds you did not know existed, and a Sorcery School twice a day. Pumpkins are not in the ticket, so agree a budget before the wheelbarrow comes out. Under 1s free.
The big one for West Lancashire: Santa's reindeer and reindeer feed to mix and take home, a carnival of daft games worked by a magic bell, a private visit with Father Christmas, then Candy Cane Lane and a toy shop where each child picks a present. All the indoor and outdoor play areas are open, so do not book a late session and lose the afternoon. Most of the animals are indoors for their winter break, and there is no photographer: the elves take the Santa photo on your own phone.
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Over 300 acres of woodland, meadow and proper hills on the slopes of Ashurst Beacon, with inclusive play areas and a cafe by the car park. Free in, free parking, and enough path network to tire out anyone.
A private hour with a herd of more than 60 female alpacas on a farm off High Lane: a short walk, hand feeding, cuddling and a lot of alpaca facts. Capped at eight people. Book the Experience, because the Trek is over 16s only.
Ninety five per cent of the paths take a buggy or a wheelchair, which is rare for a nature reserve. Old sand quarry lakes outside Rufford, run by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, with six hides and a viewing platform.
Twenty acres in the centre of Ormskirk, Green Flag since 2008: two play areas split by age, a teen skatepark, duck pond, bandstand and a free outdoor gym. Printable phonics and maths trails as well.
A Tudor hall with armour, a giant squirrel topiary and a canal alongside, where the National Trust lends out balance bikes and has built a nature play area in the woods. A good one for mixed ages, and free if you are members.
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