Guest Blog: 10 family-friendly Staffordshire days out

This blog was written by Staffordshire-based family Otis and Us. Read more blogs on things to do with the kids at https://otisandus.co.uk/, or follow them on Twitter @Otisandus_blog

There are so many great family friendly attractions in Staffordshire, you really don’t need to go far to enjoy a fun day out.

As a family with three young children, we are always on the search for local days out for all ages to enjoy, and there are many great attractions across Staffordshire that are family focused.

We have a few firm favourites that we love to visit and often return time and time again.

Here are ten of our favourite family days out in Staffordshire.

Trentham Gardens

The Trentham Estate is home to Trentham Gardens, Trentham Shopping Village and Trentham Monkey Forest Tree-Top Adventures.

As annual pass holders, we are regular visitors to Trentham Gardens.

What can you do at Trentham Gardens?  

Wander around the beautiful, landscaped gardens, take a leisurely stroll around the lake, discover the Trentham fairies, or hit the adventure playground.

It is a jam-packed day out with something for all generations and one that I recommend time and time again.

The lakeside walk takes about an hour (maybe a little longer with little feet). Keep your eyes peeled for the Trentham fairies along the walk before hitting the adventure playground to let off some energy.

Here you will find a zip wire, climbing wall, assault course, swings, slide and sandpits. For children aged 5 and under there is a young drivers zone with little cars to test their driving skills.

National Forest Adventure Farm

The National Forest Adventure Farm is based in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire and offers farm animals in abundance, indoor and outdoor activities and is one of our firm favourites.

Keep your eyes peeled for the events and activities over the year including the maize maze that is due to reopen in Summer 2021.

There are so many activities here you will struggle to do it all in a day, which can only mean a great opportunity to return.

With map in hand, you can work your way around the bouncy pillow, Jurassic Canyon fossil dig and sand play, farmyard tractor and trailer ride, go karts, JCB digger zone and barrel stampede ride.

There is ample parking and it is free.

Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake is a two and a half mile reservoir in Rudyard, Staffordshire.

It is a really popular day out for families and offers beautiful walks, boating, cycling, sailing, steam train rides and fishing.

The walk around the lake is around 5 miles. You can hire a rowing boat out (per half an hour) and also launch your own kayak, SUP, canoe or dinghy for a small fee.

Parking is convenient. It is a lovely place to take a picnic and enjoy some fresh air in Staffordshire.

Image: Martin Sykes

World of Wedgwood

World of Wedgwood is based in Barlaston and welcomes families.

Our children absolutely love a visit to the Master craft studio where they can pop on an apron, roll up their sleeves and try their hand at the potter’s wheel under the guidance of skilled workers.

The decorating studio is the next stop, where you can get creative and have your designs transferred onto a piece of Wedgwood, usually a plate, mug or cup and saucer.

The museum is also great for all ages – younger visitors can try out the Pottery spotters museum trail and discover treasures and stories about the history of Wedgwood.

Parking is free.  

Drayton Manor Park

Talking about family friendly attractions in Staffordshire, we have to mention Drayton Manor Park, which is home to Thomas Land.

There is something here for all ages, from a fun filled family ride to an adrenaline thrill seeking favourite.

You can also wander around the 15-acre zoo to meet a variety of species from across the world.

Kids will love being transported to the Island of Sodor, where they can ride on Thomas, Rosie Cranky the crane and Harold the helicopter.

Worth a mention is the park also has a hotel.

Keep your eyes peeled for various events over the year.

Amerton Farm

Amerton Farm, Stafford, Staffordshire is a lovely farm set in beautiful surroundings.

There is an abundance of things to do for all ages. You can meet the farm animals including the cows, pigs, horses, sheep and alpacas and there are a range of activities (dependant on seasons) including lamb bottle feeding, horse grooming and meeting the bunnies.

There is also indoor and outdoor adventure play. We love the Amerton pottery painting which is great on a rainy day and the tea room and ice cream is also a must!

Another thing to add – parking is free.

Peak Wildlife Park

Peak Wildlife Park is near to Leek in Staffordshire and a visit to this wonderful wildlife park will leave you wanting a meerkat as a pet. Or a Lemur. Or maybe a wallaby?

We love that you can enter some of the enclosures and wander along the winding paths amongst the animals.

The park itself is not too big in size making it a perfect day out for little walkers. Paths are pushchair friendly and there are plenty of areas for a picnic.

There is a lovely little shop just in case you want to take a souvenir home (we always end up with a fluffy penguin of some sort!) and another great thing is parking is free, too.

SnowDome

If you fancy something a little cooler….. (excuse the pun) head to the SnowDome in Tamworth.

There is an abundance of activities on offer including real snow all year round for tobogganing, skiing. and snowboarding.

You will also find an ice-skating rink, a snow fun park for tubing, a climbing wall, fitness suite and a swimming pool.

There is plenty to do for all ages, including lessons and birthday parties on offer.

Our kids are huge climbing fans and you will find 15 different climb lines across both 6 and 10 metre climbing walls.

Always good to know when you are planning your visit is you can grab some food whilst you are visiting the Snowdome.

Don’t forget to plan your visit beforehand to take adventure of any offers online!

Trentham Monkey Forest

Part of the Trentham Estate and another wonderful family friendly day out is Trentham Monkey Forest.

Home to 140 free-ranging Barbary macaques living freely, this unique day out offers you the opportunity to walk alongside the monkeys as they roam freely.

You can take a woodland walk (which is around a mile long) and you will find that the monkeys are free to roam with no cages or bars.

There are a number of information boards along the way along with knowledgeable guides who will help to answer your questions and encourage you to learn more about the conservation of the Barbary macaques.

We also love the feeding talks that take place at quarter past each hour.

The woodland walk is pushchair friendly and there are places outside the monkey enclosure to have a bite to eat and a cuppa.

The Wolseley Centre

A little gem of a place - The Wolseley Centre is situated in 26 acres of beautiful grounds for you to explore with accessible and pushchair friendly paths, a raised walkway (the Boardwalk), a welly bridge, and a sensory garden.

Children can feed the ducks, and you can pack a picnic to enjoy beside their three lakes.

Keep your eyes out for various events from guided bat walks to den building.

There is a café too.

Other family-friendly days out in Staffordshire

If you're looking for things to do with the kids in Staffordshire, check out our Things to Do section, which is full to the brim with theme parks, zoos, castles, and places to run free.