There are plenty of things to do in Cleethorpes with the family. I grew up here and I still live nearby, so my kids get plenty of Cleethorpes fun time. I think I must have exhausted every single attraction so I feel like a great authority on things to do in Cleethorpes.
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Things to Do in Cleethorpes with the Family
There are genuinely tonnes of great attractions in Cleethorpes, so if you’re coming for a visit (or you’re a local) bookmark this page to refer back to every time you’re at a loose end. Kick back and behold all the things to do in Cleethorpes.
If you ever find yourself wondering what to do with kids in Derbyshire – check out Ey Up for all the best ideas.
Cleethorpes Boating Lake
Kingsway, Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes Boating Lake is a popular place to visit in Cleethorpes as it has a fantastic mix of free and paid for activities. Feed the ducks, paddle in the paddling pool and build sand castles in the sandpit. Take a picnic or eat at Cleethorpes TapHouse and Kitchen. You can even hire a boat or visit The Jungle Zoo! There’s such a lot to do, you’ll probably want to read about Cleethorpes Boating Lake here.
Cleethorpes Beach
The beach is one of the staple things to do in Cleethorpes – an obvious (and probably the main) attraction. It’s free to visit (providing you distract your kids from the spendy end) and you can easily while away the full day there building sandcastles and playing games. The other end of the beach boasts a few rides on the sand itself, as well as amusement arcades.
Related: Family Beach Day Packing List
The Pier Gardens
Between the seafront and the main road lie The Pier Gardens. When in bloom they show a beautiful burst of colour in lots of lovely patterns. They’re really nice to admire, but there’s not much else to do in them. Definitely worth a visit for the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ the colours will bring, but I doubt you could spend more than half an hour there. Also, don’t eat there, the pigeons will eat your food (even if it’s gross – they’re not picky).
Cleethorpes Seafront Amusement Arcades
Cleethorpes Seafront
I’m a sucker for the arcades. I loved visiting them with my dad when I was a kid and I love taking my own kids now. They’re bright, they’re loud and they’re loads of fun. Arcades aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you can get a lot of mileage out of turning a fiver into 2ps and letting your child go wild. Some of the arcades have rides, a couple of pay-as-you-go dodgems and some bowling lanes, which admittedly do cost a little more. Of all the things to do in Cleethorpes, this one is by far the most retro-seasidey and I love it.
Fantasy World
Above the arcades near the train station, Cleethorpes Seafront
I’m pretty certain that Fantasy World was the first soft play in Cleethorpes. It was the only soft play when I was growing up, and my sister even met her husband there (a magical tale). It’s not quite as big as the other soft play venues in the town, but if you’re looking to kill a few hours at the beach (or it suddenly starts raining) it’ll definitely entertain your little ones.
Crazy Golf
There are a couple of crazy golf places in Cleethorpes, one near the pier, and one closer to the main road, right near the pier gardens. Crazy golf is loads of fun and a great laugh.
Shopping in Cleethorpes
One of the great things about Cleethorpes is all the indie businesses. There are gift shops, jewellers, antiques houses and much more. It’s probably not ideal if you have tiny kids who might break things, but you and your older children will love exploring the shopping in Cleethorpes.
The Meridian Line
Apparently if you didn’t grow up in the area, you might not know about the meridian line. The meridian line separates the eastern hemisphere from the western hemisphere. It’s essentially an invisible line that divides the world and part of it passes through Cleethorpes. Admittedly, this is just what it sounds like – a line, but it’s nice place to visit and definitely worth a photo. The line is marked on the ground and there’s a little plaque with information on it and some benches. It’s not a day out, but the walk to get there is a nice activity and the backdrop of the beach over the sand dunes makes for pleasant viewing.
Cleethorpes Leisure Centre
Kings Road, Cleethorpes
If you’re after splash in the pool – or maybe some rainy day fun – Cleethorpes Leisure Centre is a great place to visit. It has a huge pool that uses a wave machine and has a water slide, and a baby area off to one side. During the summer holidays, the pool puts on regular inflatables sessions, as well as aqua discos and roller discos at the weekend.
Cleethorpes Bowling Alley
Kings Road, Cleethorpes
Bowling is always a fun activity and our bowling alley lives up to the hype. It boasts free parking, a bar, a snack bar, wheelchair access and lots of joy (unless you lose). I’d definitely recommend phoning to book during the holidays (especially if it’s raining) and you can either hire by the hour, or by the game per person. Depending on how old your kids are, you might find an hour is enough!
Magical Castle
Meridian Point, Kings Road, Cleethorpes
If you’re in the mood for a spot of soft play, Magical Castle is a massive soft play area situated opposite the boating lake. With a sectioned off baby and toddler area for little legs, and a super duper high up slide for the daring big ones. There is also a tasty snackbar on site that does a few hot and cold dishes as well as coffees and slushes – yum!
Parkway Cinema
Kings Road, Cleethorpes
Showing all the latest blockbusters and a a few ‘live on stage’ events, our local indie cinema is great place for family entertainment. They even run a special showing called Little Penguins where every Saturday and Sunday during term time they show family favourites and it’s only £3.00 per person to get in!
Laser Adventure Cleethorpes
Alexandra Road above Fairworld, Cleethorpes
Laser tag is one of those things that never loses its shine. It was popular when I was growing up, and kids love it just as much now. It’s probably best to book in advance so give them a ring before you go.
Escapologist Cleethorpes Escape Room
459 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes
With a variety of themed escape rooms, Escapologist Cleethorpes is a great place to go if you love a challenge. It’s not ideal for super young children, but if you’ve got an inquisitive family who love solving puzzles, it’s well worth a visit. Definitely book, as I think it can get busy during the holidays.
The Lollipop Land Train
Cleethorpes Seafront, Cleethorpes
The Lollipop train is a train that runs on the path instead of tracks. I believe it picks up outside the pier, and the line ends near Cleethorpes Leisure centre. I’m not sure if it’s still the case, but you used to get a lollipop for riding it, and I think that’s how it got it’s name (but I could just be passing on rumours of the locals, so don’t trust me).
Cleethorpes Coastal Light Railway
Lakeside Station, Cleethorpes Boating Lake
Cleethorpes Coastal Light Railway is a gorgeous little steam train that travels from its stop near Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, to the other end of the boating lake. It’s really cute and the kids love the ride it. If you’ve already ridden the Lollipop Train, then why not extend your journey on this mini steam train? Passers by love to see it and wave at the passengers too.
Paint Box
Cambridge Road, Cleethorpes
If you love a souvenir, then why not pop down to the Paint Box and paint your own? This lovely little pottery painting studio is love by kids and parents alike. Create keepsakes, paint your own designs and take away the finished product to use forever. If you’re visiting, it might be worth enquiring whether your item will be ready to be collected before you have to leave.
Cleethorpes Country Park (& Buck Beck)
Slightly off- the-beaten track lies Cleethorpes Country park. It’s free to enter, and is an area of greenery between housing estates. My husband claims he once saw a free range cow there, but I’m not sure if he was having me on. There’s a large body of water that can be fished and with lots of nature to observe. The country park leads onto Buck Beck which is a small stream that runs for a few miles across Cleethorpes and Humberston. If you like nature and fancy extending your walk, it’s definitely worth looking it up.
Cleethorpes Funpark
Funpark near Meridian Showground
Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, there’s often a visiting funfair set up at the Funpark. In most of the school holidays and some of the bank holidays, a travelling Funfair (usually Tuckers Funfair) sets up in that spot and offers a £10 deal where you can ride everything. Double check on Facebook, or drive past to see if it’s on, but if it’s school holidays, you’re more than likely to be lucky.
SUP Lessons at Ebb & Flo
North Promenade, Cleethorpes
If you love the sea and you’re desperate to try SUP (stand up paddle boarding) then Ebb & Flo have got you covered. Book lessons for you and the kids to enjoy a tranquil time on the water. It’s definitely one of the more expensive things to do in Cleethorpes, but is a lovely activity for those who love the beach.