Which Blackpool pier is best for kids?

North Pier is not best suited to big groups or children, unless you’re miniature train fanatics or desperate for a go on the vintage carousel. Central Pier is ideal for families and tourists, but visitors should be prepared for its busy peak hours, especially during school holidays. Central Pier is a good pier, it’s a place where you can kill loads of time, partly just by trying to walk through the crowds, but it also offers some of the more traditional pastimes Blackpool has to offer. South Pier’s main pro is its space, it feels huge in comparison to its sister piers and that creates a more calming experience overall for its visitors. It also has both of Central and North piers’ best qualities, all in one space, it has a gin bar, funfair rides and an arcade. The pier also hosts an adrenaline zone which includes the SkyCoaster and a Reverse Bungee jump, even if being accelerated suddenly into the sky isn’t for you, it still makes great entertainment to watch strangers get catapulted into the air and returned back to earth.

The South Pier is the smallest of Blackpool’s Piers, and also the youngest, being opened in 1893 and at first known as the Victoria Pier, after the Queen. Designed to be more ‘upmarket’ than the first two piers, it eventually settled into its reputation as the family pier, and the ideal place for an afternoon out with the kids. It has rides ranging from terrifying white-knuckle rollercoasters in the pier’s Adrenaline Zone to the more sedate dodgems and waltzers, and the Beachcomber Amusement Arcade – perfect for those inevitable rainy days. The South Pier is aimed very much at families with children with more in the way of rides and amusements. Each pier has its own unique charm and each has plenty to offer.

The very youngest to the very oldest members of the family will all find something to do on the three Blackpool piers. Central Pier is also home to Pirates Bay Family Bar, here you can enjoy FREE family entertainment, at weekends during the season and daily throughout the holidays. Central is packed with family rides and entertainment, while South is where the thrill seekers head to. Each one has amusements, music, atmosphere and those amazing views. The decks of Blackpool’s three piers are OPEN DAILY during February half term, then weekends until Easter, each one is OPEN DAILY from Easter until November. Central Pier is where you’ll find the huge Big Wheel, take a ride around its circle and take in the stunning views. Amusement arcades at the front of each pier are open daily throughout the year. Ride tickets are only valid on the pier where they are bought.

Blackpool North Pier is the longest and oldest pier of the three, dating back to 1863. The North Pier is the only Blackpool pier to hold Grade II listed status and is often classed as a family favourite for visitors. This charming pier is the epitome of seaside simplicity. Blackpool's South Pier is an action-packed fun-filled treat for all the family. Originally known as the Victoria Pier, it opened in 1893 and was renamed South Pier in 1930. The youngest of our piers, now developed as a mini theme park high above the sea. Central Pier’s Big Wheel was installed in 1990 has become an iconic part of our Blackpool skyline, so don’t miss out on the unmissable views from the top. There is also a mix of fairground rides on Central Pier suitable for all of the family to enjoy throughout the season. Pirate’s Bay Family Bar is located at the end of Central Pier and there’s something for everyone. With free live entertainment during the summer holidays, this friendly venue is the ideal place to keep your children entertained while you relax after a busy day in the resort.