If you need some help finding cheap family days out for the summer holidays, you've come to the right place!
We've put together this round-up of the best attractions, beauty spots and events to try in Staffordshire, which will cost a family of four no more than £30.
Part 2 focusses on Stafford, Cannock and South Staffordshire, following on from Part 1, which covered Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
You can find Part 1 at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2024/07/cheap-family-days-out-in-staffordshire-part-1-b873
1. Cannock Chase Forest
Keep the kids entertained and breathe in the fresh air at Cannock Chase Forest, home of The Gruffalo's 25th Birthday Trail (£4 per trail pack - optional), Olympic-sized entertainment at The Gruffalo Games (free), and the brand new disc golf course (£3.50 per disc/£12 for four).
Go on a family bike ride - it's a great place to explore on two wheels, with the beginners' mountain bike Pedal n Play Trail, and the moderate, circular Fairoak Trail past the beautiful pools.
And it's hard to beat the Chase if you fancy a picnic! Pingle Slade is a large open space within the pine forest, and ideal for picnics and ball games.
Parking charges apply. Visit https://www.forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest for details.
2. Canalside Farm
Pick your own strawberries at Canalside Farm, near Stafford, where it is £1 to enter and you just pay at the end for what you've picked (£6.99 per kilo).
Afterwards, treat yourselves in the cafe - the cakes are to-die-for - or head for a relaxing stroll alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal.
There are also craft workshops for the kids - Eat the Colours of the Rainbow (7th August, £8 per child), and Summer Block Printing (20th August, £15 per child).
See https://www.canalsidefarm.co.uk/events for details.
Image: Chloe Ridgway
3. Essington Farm
Another wonderful spot for fruit-picking in Staffordshire is Essington Farm, near Wolverhampton.
Strawberries, blueberries and plums are all in season, and damsons will be coming soon.
Tickets are £2.50pp and you pay for what you pick, for example £7.95 per kilo of strawberries.
Here's everything you need to know: https://www.essingtonfarm.co.uk/pick-your-own-pyo/
4. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Get back to nature this summer at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's events across the county.
At The Wolseley Centre, the trust's HQ, there are activities like Wildlings, the play group with a twist, Wildfamilies for woodland adventures, and grass sledgling, bat walks and more - including exclusive Aiming High activities for SEND children.
There are also Get Wild sessions at Doxey Marshes on 6th, 13th and 20th August.
Many events are free, but some will incur an entry fee. Visit https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events for information.
Image: T. Ellis
5. Amerton Farm
Enjoy wild adventures, inside and out, at Amerton Farm, near Stone.
The indoor play area, Billy's Farm Barn, is a great rainy day activity, and you can meet cows, pigs, horses, sheep and more at Billy's Animal Farm Barn.
It's £4.99-£6.99 for adults, £6.99-£12.99 for children, or £21-£35 for a family ticket. Find out more at https://www.amertonfarm.co.uk/
There is also a steam railway next door, which has events all year round. Additional charges apply. Details: https://amertonrailway.co.uk/
6. Rodbaston Animal Zone
Meet over 140 species from around the world at Rodbaston Animal Zone, Penkridge, such as meerkats, monkeys, rabbits and alpacas.
There's an outdoor picnic area, tea room, and daily activities like lemur and otter talks.
Tickets are £9 adults and £6 children/concessions. Click here to find out more: https://www.southstaffs.ac.uk/rodbaston-animal-zone/
7. Staffordshire Libraries
Children can enjoy craft activities and story-telling at Staffordshire Libraries this summer.
You can Make Your Own Dream Story Book at Perton Library (2nd August), Make Your Own Book Illustration at Stone Library (14th August), and Explore Making Mechanical Parts & Toy Making at Stafford Library (27th August).
And at Hednesford Library (31st July, 11am) and Cannock Library (31st July, 2pm), there are The Explorers Sensory Story Adventures.
All events are free and full details are here: https://www.facebook.com/staffordshirelibraries
8. Lower Drayton Farm
There's fun for all the family at Lower Drayton Farm, where the Summer Pass is just £33pp for six visits.
Let off some steam in the huge indoor and outdoor play areas, and meet animals small and large - you'll find everything from cute newborn chicks to terrifying giant dinosaurs in the Dino Maize Maze!
Plus trailer rides, sunflower walk, reptile shows, meet the machines, bubble shows, and foam parties.
Full details of the summer programme are available at https://playatthefarm.co.uk/summer-holidays/
9. Baggeridge Country Park
Tackle the family mountain bike trail, the play area with sandpit, swings and slides, or a spot of fishing at Island Pool (£5 adults, £3.50 child/concessions) at Baggeridge Country Park, South Staffordshire.
Parking charges apply. Find out more at https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/baggeridge-country-park
10. Museum of Cannock Chase
Bring the past to life at the Museum of Cannock Chase, where there's plenty to explore including galleries on the Chase's military and mining history, exhibitions from local artists, and activity packs and walks in the forest.
It's free-to-enter and open every day except Monday. Find out more at https://inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/centres/museum-of-cannock-chase/
Other ideas for cheap family days out in Staffordshire
Our 30 Under £30 page is packed with ideas for cheap family days out in Staffordshire, from the Snowdome in Tamworth to the Dorothy Clive Garden in Newcastle. Find out more at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/30-family-days-out-under-30-pounds
And this blog is all about free days out in Staffordshire, such as the National Memorial Arboretum, The National Forest and World of Wedgwood: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2022/05/free-things-to-do-in-staffordshire-b759