Who Doesn’t Love a Freebie?
Christmas by the Sea is a lovely event on the Tower Headland at Blackpool. However by the time you’ve been on a ride or two and had something to eat and drink you’re not going to get much change from £30-£50. As a parent myself I also like to know if there is anything free to offer the kids. There isn’t much on offer for free, but if you’re on a tight budget there are definitely a couple of things to entertain the kids.
Free Ice Skating
The best free offering is the ice skating. Both the skating and the boot hire are free, making it one of the best freebies available in Blackpool. If you or your little one’s have never skated before then there are free skating aids too (limited numbers so you might not get one at busy times). Click for more info on the free ice skating.
The Light Installations
These are not only free but they are a little way away from the rest of the attractions so it’s a great last place to visit when you’re ready for the temptations to be over! The light installations are very pretty (when working properly) and kids of all ages love running through the tunnel and posing under the illuminated baubles.
The Blackpool Sign
I love the Blackpool sign! It’s slap bang in the middle towards the sea and is hard to miss. The colours are ever changing and mesmerising and look amazing at night. Your kids will love it.
The Comedy Carpet
Even if your kids can’t read it’s a great place for them to run around and work off some of those sweet treats they’ve scoffed! Even though it’s right next to the the main attractions it is a much quieter area if you need a bit of calm time. And if they can read, set a competition to see who can find the funniest joke.
Photo Opportunities
There are photo opportunities everywhere but these are one’s that the kids will particularly enjoy. Even better, get the kids hunting for them all. They are in the form of:
Polar bear seats
Snow White’s dwarves for you to put your head through and be a dwarf
Santa and the elves holding a Merry Christmas sign and you can put your head through to be one of the elves
There is a giant snowman next to the Snow Slide
Simulated Snow Fall
I’m including this one but in my experience it’s hit and miss whether or not you’ll experience the simulated snow fall. If you’re lucky enough for it to feel as though it’s snowing, it’s great free fun for the kids.
Things to do Under £5
While it is possible to visit Blackpool by the Sea and not spend any money, it’s definitely more fun if you have a some cash to splash. And with a few things to do, eat and drink under £5 it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Toast Your own Marshmallows – £3
A lot of the food stalls I think are pretty pricey for what they offer. I don’t blame them – I’m sure it’s not cheap to rent a stall. The stand out stall for me this year in terms of value for money is the toast your own marshmallows. Yes, it’s only 3 (giant) marshmallows but you also get an experience as well. Great for the kids.
Hot Drinks – £2 to £5
There are two chalets selling hot drinks for under £5.
The Froth Me Silly chalet has hot drinks, including babyccino’s for £2 and hot chocolate for £4.50. Both great for the kids and won’t break the bank. Take your drink to one of the benches and watch all the festivities whilst you rest your feet and take a bit of a break. They also offer a whole range of extra extravagant hot chocolates and other hot drinks for £6.50 such as Milky Bat white Hotchoc and Festive “Eggnog” latte (I’m guessing the inverted commas means that it takes like Eggnog but is alcohol free.
The Cadbury’s Hot Chocolate chalet has hot chocolate drinks (surprise, surprise!) for £4-5. The £4 includes cream and a flake which I think is very good value.
Pick and Mix Sweets & Fudge – price per weight
The sweets and fudge stall’s pricing is £3.09 per 100 grams so you can pick up a sweet treat for under a fiver. Everyone knows the perils of pick and mix though and before you know you’ve bought a kilo of sweets and spent £15, so just be careful!