Looking for a cheap family day out to keep the children entertained in the school holidays?
Here's our guide to the best attractions, beauty spots and events to try in Staffordshire, with Part 1 focussing on Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
All of these will cost a family of four (two adults, two children) no more than £30 - and many of them are free!
1. World of Wedgwood
There are cheap family days out at World of Wedgwood throughout the summer holidays.
Get your hands dirty in the Decorating Studio, which is open every day (blanks from £4.50 each), or drop-in for the free Wedgwood Wednesday crafts sessions or Fun Fridays nature activities, in partnership with animal charity Hoglets.
And on 31st August, Future Fest is a free family-friendly event with face painting, balloon modelling, live music & DJs, theatre and dance, and much more.
2. Biddulph Grange Garden
Go on an adventure around the world at Biddulph Grange Garden, where you'll find a collection of plants from Italy, Egypt, China, and The Himalayas, as well as a unique gallery of fossils.
There's a woodland play area, a lake full of wildlife, and a variety of fun activities and games as part of the National Trust's Summer of Play.
Why not take a picnic?
Admission is £30 for a family (two adults and up to three children), or free for National Trust members. Find out more at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/biddulph-grange-garden
3. Churnet Valley Railway
Until the end of July, you can get half price tickets on public trains at Churnet Valley Railway (Tuesdays and Saturdays only).
Use the offer code JulySaver when you book at bit.ly/CVRPublicTrains.
4. Brampton Museum
Newcastle-under-Lyme's Brampton Museum is a free-to-enter gem which was named Staffordshire's best small visitor attraction at our awards in March.
There's plenty to enjoy here including story-telling sessions (free, 24th July), arts & crafts workshops (£5 per child, 7th & 21st August), and outdoor fun with Wild About Brampton (£5 each, 28th August).
There are fascinating collections and exhibitions to explore, and a beautiful park with aviary, play area, sandpit, and miniature railway.
Visit https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/museum for more info.
5. Adventure Mini Village
Imagine yourself as a doctor, vet, potter or performer at the Adventure Mini Village at Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent.
The immersive role play village has a post office, oatcake shop, kiln and other settings, making it a perfect rainy day activity for the whole family.
Two-hour sessions are £9.50 per child and £3.50 per adult.
BRAND NEW FOR 2024: the Summer of Fun Pass gives unlimited visits to the Adventure Mini Village for one adult and one child for just £30! Valid until 4th September 2024.
Find out more and book at https://adventureminivillage.co.uk/
6. The Philip Astley Centre
Discover the amazing story of the founder of the modern circus, learn circus skills, and enjoy circus-themed crafts at The Philip Astley Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
7. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
There are more than 100 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust events across Staffordshire this summer, including free Aiming High sessions for SEND families.
Palm Brook Nature Reserve, Cheadle, hosts a Wildfamilies Birds & Bugs Drop-in (30th July, free).
There's a free Bat Walk at Hem Heath Woods, Stoke-on-Trent (28th August)
And in Newcastle-under-Lyme, there are free Wildchild Activities at Our Lady & St Werburgh's (21st & 28th August).
Find out more at https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events.
Image: Peter Thomas (Hem Heath Woods)
8. Staffordshire Libraries
Learn a new skill with one of the free child-friendly craft activities at Staffordshire Libraries this summer.
Make a bottle kiln print at Leek Library (14th August), have a go at hat-making at Newcastle Library (20th August), and create your own clay book character at Kidsgrove Library (23rd August).
And on 31st July, and 14th & 28th August, there are free Nature Craft sessions at Biddulph Library and Leek Library too!
Full details are available at https://www.facebook.com/staffordshirelibraries/events
9. Dorothy Clive Garden
It's £28 for a family of four (£12 for adults and £2 for children aged 5-17) at the Dorothy Clive Garden, where you can breathe in the fresh air, admire dazzling floral displays, and take in amazing views of three counties.
10. Art Jam
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre will be transformed on 27th July at the very first art festival, Art Jam.
Artists from Staffordshire and beyond will bring a huge hoarding to life with new murals, while there will be DJs, children's art activities, and the launch of a brand new city centre artwork trail.
Download the trail map at www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk from 27th July.
More cheap family days out in Staffordshire
There are more great ideas for cheap family days out in Staffordshire, including Apedale Railway, Middleport Pottery, and RSPB Coombes Valley, on our 30 Under £30 page: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/30-family-days-out-under-30-pounds
And for free places to visit, such as the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and the Peak District National Park, check out this blog: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2022/05/free-things-to-do-in-staffordshire-b759