1 / 6Staffordshire is one of the best counties in the UK for a family day out, packing big-thrill theme parks, free-roaming wildlife, heritage steam railways and wide-open forests into easy driving distance of each other. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers (or both), here are eight confirmed family days out worth planning a trip around.
🎟️See things to do in Staffordshire on GetYourGuide →Alton Towers Resort
Alton Towers Resort near Alton is the UK's largest theme park, with 40+ rides and attractions plus CBeebies Land, a waterpark, gardens and on-site hotels. It covers every age in a single day — big-thrill coasters keep teens happy while the toddler-friendly CBeebies Land is made for little ones. Located in Alton (near Farley), Staffordshire.
Drayton Manor Resort
Drayton Manor Resort in Tamworth is a family theme park with 50+ rides, a 15-acre zoo and Europe's only Thomas Land. Thomas Land is a magnet for pre-schoolers while older kids get proper coasters, and the on-site zoo adds real animals to the same ticket. Found in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Monkey Forest is a 60-acre woodland walk-through where 140 Barbary macaques roam free along a three-quarter-mile path. Kids walk among wild, free-roaming monkeys up close, with keeper talks along the way that make it feel like a real safari adventure. Located in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent.
Trentham Estate (Gardens & Shopping Village)
Trentham Estate offers Italian gardens, a mile-long lakeside walk, a Barefoot Walk, a fairy trail, adventure play and a shopping village. The fairy trail, adventure playground and Barefoot Walk keep children busy outdoors, and it pairs perfectly with Monkey Forest right next door. Found in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent.
Waterworld
Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent is the UK's No.1 indoor tropical aqua park, with 30+ rides including the Thunderbolt trap-door drop slide. It delivers warm indoor water fun whatever the weather, with gentle areas for small children and adrenaline slides for older kids. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas is a 150-acre living memorial site with 400+ memorials, trails, a land train, buggy tours and a sensory play garden, with free entry (a parking charge applies). It makes a free outdoor day with a Stick Man trail, a land train ride and a children's play garden alongside plenty of space to run around. Found in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Churnet Valley Railway
The Churnet Valley Railway runs scenic 1950s/60s-style heritage steam journeys through the Churnet Valley on the edge of the Peak District. Up to four children travel free with each adult on many days, and the vintage steam trains and themed events thrill young train fans. Located at Froghall / Cheddleton in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Go Ape Cannock Chase
Go Ape Cannock Chase offers treetop high-ropes and zip-wire adventure courses plus Forest Segways, set in Cannock Chase Forest, which also has free walking and cycling trails and a play area. Treetop Adventure is designed for younger families while big kids tackle a 260m zip line, all inside a free-to-roam forest with a play area. Found near Rugeley in Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire.
Tips for a family day out
- Book big theme parks like Alton Towers and Drayton Manor online in advance — tickets are usually cheaper than at the gate and busy days can sell out.
- Pair up nearby attractions: Trentham Monkey Forest and Trentham Estate sit side by side, making an easy full day.
- Keep a wet-weather backup in mind — Waterworld is fully indoors and a great rainy-day rescue.
- Check age and height requirements before you travel, especially for high-ropes and thrill rides.
- Look out for kids-go-free offers, like the Churnet Valley Railway's children-travel-free deals on many days.
FAQs
What is the best family day out in Staffordshire for all ages?
Alton Towers Resort is the strongest all-ages option, with big coasters for teens and the toddler-friendly CBeebies Land for little ones, plus a waterpark and gardens on the same site.
Are there any free family days out in Staffordshire?
Yes. The National Memorial Arboretum has free entry (parking charge applies) with trails and a children's play garden, and Cannock Chase Forest offers free walking and cycling trails and a play area around Go Ape.
What can we do in Staffordshire on a rainy day?
Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent is the UK's No.1 indoor tropical aqua park, so it's warm and fun whatever the weather, with gentle areas for younger children and bigger slides for older kids.
🎟️ Top things to do in Staffordshire
Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
#ad — we earn a small commission at no cost to you when you book through our links.
