If you are visiting Burnley, Lancashire, as a family, you will need some activities to keep your children entertained during your stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in Burnley and the surrounding area that will appeal to younger visitors. To help you plan your visit, here are some kid’s activities in Burnley to enjoy when you next visit East Lancashire town.

Kid’s Activities in Burnley

Visit Towneley Hall: One of Burnley’s Best Attractions Overall

Towneley Hall- one of the best things to do in Burnley and educational kid's activities in Burnley
Image credit: robert wade, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the overall best things to do in Burnley, Lancashire, is to visit Towneley Hall. The historic hall is now an art gallery and museum with exhibits covering a wide range of subjects. It is set in more than 400 acres of parkland that you can also explore with your kids during your visit. The grounds of Towneley Hall also include 24 acres of woodland, golf courses, children’s playgrounds, a working farm, and multiple walks. You take the kids for a bite to eat at the on-site café or enjoy a family picnic within the park.

Explore the Parks: Outdoor Kid’s Activities in Burnley to Let Off Steam

There are some excellent parks to visit in Burnley that offer plenty of open space for the kids to let off some steam. Some have playgrounds for younger children, and others have sports fields and courts for people of all ages. Burnley’s best parks include Thompson Park, Scott Park, Marsden Park, and Ightenhill Park.

Learn About the Pendle Witches at the Pendle Heritage Centre: Educational Kid’s Activities in Burnley

Pendle Hill- an iconic landmark of East Lancashire
Image credit: Dr Greg, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pendle Hill is one of Lancashire’s most iconic landmarks and an important part of the county’s history. The hill lies outside Burnley in Pendle, although it is visible from the town. If your kids enjoy outdoor activities, then take them to climb the hill. However, if climbing the hill is too much or you have younger children, there are still ways to enjoy the landmark. The infamous Pendle Witches and the Lancashire Witches Trial are linked to the hill, and witches are a subject that fascinates many children. To learn more about the Pendle Witches and their trial, visit the Pendle Heritage Centre or take the Pendle Witch Experience Tour.

Have Fun at Air Unlimited Burnley

A brilliant attraction in Burnley for younger children is Air Unlimited Burnley. It is a children’s amusement centre with ball pools, inflatable equipment, and slides. The attraction also has an on-site café where parents can enjoy a hot drink and something to eat while the kids play.

Go Bowling at the MFA Bowl Burnley: Indoor Kids Activities in Burnley

MFA Bowl Burnley- one of the best things to do in burnley
Image credit: Liz Flynn

We visited MFA Bowl Burnley during a recent visit to the town. Traditional bowling lanes run the full length of the venue, and visitors can also have fun in the amusement arcade or eat at the café, which sells fast food and snacks.

Splash Around at Pendle Wavelengths

A fun activity for people of all ages, especially water lovers, is Pendle Wavelengths, which is in nearby Nelson. There are pools, slides, a wave machine, and inflatables. The attraction also has a gym, fitness classes, an exercise studio, a thermal suite, and a café.

Watch a Film at Reel Cinemas Burnley

A great option for a rainy day in Burnley, or if you need an evening activity during your visit, is the Reel Cinemas Burnley. The movie schedule usually includes various films of different genres, with options for both adults and children.

Enjoy the Adrenaline Rush at Go Karting Colne: An Ideal Activity for Teens in Burnley

If you visit Burnley with teens and want a fun activity you can all enjoy, consider Prestige Go Karting Colne. As its name suggests, the attraction is in the nearby town of Colne. You can have hours of fun together racing around the track.

Ski Rossendale: One of the Top Outdoor Kid’s Activities in Burnley

Ski Rossendale- one of the best outdoor kid's activities in Burnley
Image credit: robert wade / Ski Rossendale/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

You will find Ski Rossendale in Rossendale, which is just eight miles outside Burnley. The year-round ski slope claims it is the UK’s premier ski and snowboarding centre. Courses are made along the hillsides’ natural slopes, where visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Go to HAPPA: Kid’s Activities in Burnley for Animal Lovers

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) is a top attraction for families in Burnley. Families can spend time with the horses, and children can go for pony rides. Other features include horse racing, exciting events, and an award-winning café.

Watch a Match at Turf Moor

Turf Moor in Burnley- one of the best kid's activities in Burnley for sports fans
Image credit: Paul s, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Check whether Burnley Football Club are playing any home games during your visit, as watching a football match is one of the best kid’s activities in Burnley for sports enthusiasts. Their stadium and home ground is Turf Moor, which has an amazing atmosphere when it is filled with passionate supporters.

Where are the Best Places for Families to Stay in Burnley?

A family room at The Oaks in Burnley
Image credit: Liz Flynn

There are plenty of options when it comes to finding suitable accommodation for families visiting Burnley, Lancashire. Each of the hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area has its own features that will appeal to different groups. We stayed at The Oaks, and many other families were staying at the hotel. To help you find a family-friendly place to stay in Burnley, you might like to check out our guide to the best hotels in Burnley, Lancashire.

Dining Out in Burnley with Kids

Pizza at the Palazzo- one of the best Italian restaurants in Burnley
Image credit: Liz Flynn

There are some excellent places to eat in Burnley that are suitable for people of all ages. We ate at The Palazzo Italian Restaurant, which we found very family-friendly despite the glamorous décor. It had an accessible menu of pizza, pasta, and other appetizers and mains, with plenty of things suitable for children. You should also check out our other lists of restaurants in Burnley to help you make your decision, so you can refuel after enjoying the best kid’s activities in Burnley.