Whether you’ve got a theatre kid, gamer, budding artist or mini chef on your hands — or you’re simply looking for something a little more creative than soft play this half term — Blackpool Social Club has you covered this May Half Term.
From street dance and theatre workshops to miniature painting, comedy and nature-inspired crafts, here are some of the best creative and cultural activities for families this half term week.
Tabletop Gaming at The Kobold’s Kettle
This small tabletop gaming café in St Anne’s has something to keep kids and teens busy throughout half term. Regular weekly events include a Warhammer Social Club, Pokémon Club and Chess Club, while the games library is always open for casual play. On 24 May there are limited spaces for a group session of award-winning social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower, and on 31 May there’s a jigsaw competition.
Various dates, The Kobold’s Kettle (Market Square, St Annes). More info here.
Garstang Children’s Festival
A long-running Lancashire tradition filled with imaginative costumes, music, handmade displays and family entertainment. Throughout the day, children can enjoy performances, activities and entertainment designed to spark curiosity and inspire play. The colourful procession is the highlight of a day packed with creativity and community spirit.
25 May, 11am–6.30pm. More info here.
1-2-1 Pottery Throwing Workshops at Shaker Maker
Ready to get your hands dirty and craft something cool? Young people can join Studio Dot ceramics at Blackpool’s newest creative venue, Shaker Maker, for in-person 1-2-1 pottery throwing sessions where you’ll learn the art of shaping clay on the wheel. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed, creative day out.
25th May, sessions between 10am-5pm, Shaker Maker (Church St). Book here.
Half Term Club at House of Wingz
Street dance, rap workshops, graffiti art and skateboarding all come together in this energetic creative programme for young people. Sessions focus on confidence, self-expression and performance, ending with a live street dance jam in Blackpool town centre. This is a HAF provision and free for children entitled to free school meals.
25–29 May, House of Wingz (Back Reads Road). Book here.
Wildly Creative Children’s Theatre Days at Lowther Pavilion
Young imaginations are invited into three days of inventive theatre and visual storytelling workshops inspired by literature, nature and the art of performance. Led by professional artists and makers, each day blends drama, design, craft and creative play in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Children can attend individual workshops or the full three days.
26–28 May, Lowther Pavilion (West Beach, Lytham). Book here.
Bee Awareness Day at Lytham Hall
Lytham Hall hosts a Bee Awareness Day with honey tasting, beeswax candle making, an observation hive and craft sessions. Families can also explore the grounds while searching for handcrafted woodland sculptures hidden throughout the parkland, tour the Georgian house and visit the ice cream parlour.
27 May, 10am–3pm. More info.
Showtown Museum
Blackpool’s interactive museum of entertainment is always a brilliant family day out, but half term brings extra activities celebrating the town’s rich history of comedy, performance and showbiz. Families can take part in the hilariously messy Fake Poo Factory workshop on 27 May, where children can make their own clay poo inspired by Blackpool’s long tradition of novelty jokes. Then on 29 May, Open Up The Mic Live Showcase brings together young local performers for an evening of bold and brilliant comedy following a series of creative workshops.
27 & 29 May, Showtown (Bank Hey Street). More info.
Pick & Paint at Red Wizard Gaming
Red Wizard Gaming in St Anne’s is hosting a relaxing creative session where children and families can paint fantasy and gaming miniatures to take home. Ideal for crafty kids, board game fans and budding artists. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned painter, all materials are provided.
28 May, Red Wizard Gaming (Back North Crescent), between 12pm–8pm. Book here.
Half Term Family Cook Activity Session
Families can get hands-on in the kitchen with this interactive cooking workshop, encouraging children to learn practical creative skills while making food together. The session includes cooking and craft activities, with Active Blackpool also providing fun inclusive games and activities.
28 May, 9.30am, Layton Methodist Church (Westcliffe Drive). Book here.
Nature Print Arts Activity at Wyre Estuary Country Park
A hands-on creative session blending art and the outdoors, where children can collect natural treasures before turning them into beautiful artworks to take home. Perfect for budding artists aged five and up.
28 May, sessions at 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm, Wyre Estuary Country Park (River Road, Thornton). Book here.
Mindful Makers: Flower Terrarium Workshop at Central Library
Suitable for ages 11–17, this free calming craft workshop gives young people the chance to create their own miniature flower terrariums at Blackpool Central Library. A mindful afternoon activity for creative teens.
28 May, 2pm–3pm. Call 01253 478080 or email [email protected] to book.
Games Jam at Aunty Social
Enjoy board games and working creatively with others? Table top gamers of all ages can dive into a collaborative Games Jam – creating new game concepts, and then bring them to life in a fun, hands-on workshop.
30 May, 11am-4pm, Aunty Social (28 Topping St). Book here.
