There’s something for all the family this summer in Blackpool.

Blackpool Council’s latest information guide to events around the town this summer has been released, with over 200 different events, activities and offers.



The Family Information Guide can be downloaded from www.blackpool.gov.uk/fis or by calling 0800 092 2332.

Events range from messy play for young children to dolphin spotting from the Solaris Centre, with a range of sports camps, mums sessions and family walks taking place over the summer holidays.

As part of the plans to get children into the outdoors this summer, the popular Love Parks Week events are also returning to Stanley Park, with family sports days, treasure hunts, arts and crafts and even archery available for people to try out.

All the events over the course of the Love Parks Week are free to take part in but some require booking in advance by calling 478358.

At the same time, the popular week-long sports camps are returning to Blackpool Sports Centre and Palatine Leisure Centre from 25 July to 2 September, along with an extra outdoor adventure camp taking place in August.

The camps are aimed at children between 5 and 12 years old and offer them the chance to learn new skills, make friends and have fun throughout the day, while parents can be safe in the knowledge that they are being looked after and kept entertained while they are at work.

Prices for the sports camps vary with parents able to book half days, full days or the entire week. To find out more or to book, contact 478474 or go to www.blackpool.gov.uk/sport

Also during the summer holidays, all children under 16 can swim at Palatine Leisure Centre and Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre if accompanied by a paying adult.

Chances to get in touch with nature will also take place during the National Whale and Dolphin Watch between 23-31 July. Dolphins have already been spotted in Blackpool’s excellent sea water this summer and watches will take place from North Pier, Gynn Square and the Mirrorball every day – remember your binoculars!

Cllr Graham Cain, Cabinet Secretary for Blackpool Council, said: “Summer is the perfect time to get the whole family out of the house and spending some quality time together.

“Whatever the weather, there is always something for you to do, whether that is exploring Stanley Park, searching for nature or going for a swim.

“Even better, a lot of the activities in the family guide are free to attend, including the Love Parks Week and the nature watching. Of course, families can also enjoy walks on our award winning beaches and through the improved Marton Mere nature reserve completely free of charge.

“Whichever of the many activities people choose to do doesn’t really matter, they all offer something slightly different and are a great way of getting children off the sofa and doing something active.”



Top free activities for the family this summer

Love Parks Week
From 22 – 30 July, there are a huge range of free activities for the family at Stanley Park. From sports days to bug hunts, hat making to archery practice, there is something for all the family. Most activities start from the visitor centre or the sports centre. To find out more, download the Family Information Guide and call 478358 to book.



Whale and Dolphin watching
Yes, really. Dolphins, porpoises and seals are regularly spotted off Blackpool’s coast now the water is cleaner, with a number already spotted in July. Join in with the free watching sessions from various parts of the coastline between 23-31 July – just remember to bring your binoculars! To find out more, download the Family Information Guide.



Switch-On
Get partying at this year’s switch-on festival. This year’s illuminations will be switched-on on Friday 2 September, with popular boy band The Vamps set to perform at the show, as well as a special set from dance group Diversity. Although the switch-on star is still set to be unveiled, it’s certain to be a great evening. Even better, it’s free to attend and you can apply for wristbands up to 1 August at www.visitblackpool.com/switchon



Free swimming
Splash about at our leisure centres with the free swimming offer. All under 16s can swim for free at Moor Park and Palatine leisure centres throughout the school holidays, so long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.



Get walking
The Steps to Health scheme organises a number of family walks around the town, aiming to get people up off the sofa and carrying out 30 minutes of moderate activity. The walks set off from a variety of locations around town every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. For a list of locations, search for Steps to Health on our website or call 478007.



Marton Mere
Huge renovations at Marton Mere have made it a haven for wildlife spotters. The new visitor centre is open between 10 and 3 on weekdays, while new habitats have been created for nesting birds and amphibians. A world away from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool Promenade, Marton Mere is the perfect place for a nature walk with the family.



On yer bike!
Saddle up this summer and pedal across a number of routes through Blackpool. Sky Rides are taking place all summer, with various routes from along the Promenade to around Stanley Park. To find your nearest Sky Ride, go to www.goskyride.com and enter your postcode. On 30 August, the popular Ride the Lights event will also return to Blackpool Promenade, where cyclists of all ages and abilities can preview this year’s Illuminations before they’re switched on.



All things Roald Dahl
If your children are excited about the release of the new BFG blockbuster, then let them learn about the magical world of Roald Dahl. Aimed at 4-11 year olds, events are taking place at libraries across the town to get children involved in reading around the children’s author’s collection of stories. To find out more, call 478080.



Pop Up Farm
We’ll bring the countryside to you this summer with a number of pop up farms at Blackpool children’s centres. On 25 July at Thames Children’s Centre, 28 July at Mereside Children’s Centre, and 19 August at Grange Park Children’s Centre, you and the children can pet pigs, goats sheep, chickens and rabbits. For more details, download the Summer Information Guide.



Picnic in the park
As part of the improvements to George Bancroft Park, delivered by the Better Start partnership, a picnic in the park will take place between 12 and 2 on 30 July. To find out more call 476789 or visit www.blackpoolbetterstart.org.uk



Street games
Fancy getting sporty? Free football and basketball sessions are taking place for 13-17 years old every Friday during the summer at Blackpool Sports Centre. Just call 478471 to book.



Bat watching
Eagle eyed nature spotters should head down to Kincraig Lake on Saturday 3 September, for a chance to get a spot of bats that live around the park. They come out in the evening so be there for 8.30pm and bring a torch and some warm clothing.



Air Show
Watch the world famous Red Arrows soar over Blackpool again this summer. The Blackpool Air Show takes place on 7 and 8 August on the Promenade and is completely free for everybody to attend. As well as the Red Arrows, the Typhoon, Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster Bomber will also take to the skies. Get a good spot for 1.30pm on both days to make sure you don’t miss out.