Anderton Boat Lift
A Victorian lift that hoists whole canal boats fifty feet in the air, and you can ride it. Genuinely impressive to a small child, with a visitor centre and café on site.
Lion Salt Works
Northwich, Cheshire
Britain's last open-pan salt works, preserved mid-shift: brine pans, coal fires, the lot, with interactive galleries explaining why Cheshire towns keep falling into holes. Genuinely fascinating, modestly priced.
It runs a good line in family activities and sits next to Marbury Country Park - industry then trees, the correct order.
Looking for more museums & science near Northwich?
Also in Northwich
Marbury Country Park
An arboretum running down to Budworth Mere with flat paths, a community orchard and swimming swans. Quietly lovely, and minutes from the Anderton Boat Lift for a combined afternoon.
Blakemere Village
A shopping village in the Delamere woods with free entry, free parking and a genuinely good free adventure playground, plus a long menu of pay-as-you-go extras from crazy golf to falconry.
Arley Hall & Gardens
Proper grand gardens 20 minutes from Warrington, with a woodland Grove to explore, sculptures to find and an adventure play zone with a zip wire and den building. Adults £13, kids £6.50, and booking online is cheaper.