Kids' (Under 5) Preston Itinerary

Rain or Shine, Preston delivers a wide range of activities and things to do to entertain kids under five. Enjoy some quality time together and keep their young minds engaged with the city's variety of child-friendly places.

For more ideas of things to do in Preston see our kids (under 5) activities section and the Visit Preston Blog.

Soft play

Fun and lively, Preston's array of soft play centres are the perfect entertainment choice for kids under five. The city is home to a wide range of soft play centres, catering to all kinds of children's needs and provide a space for grown ups to relax with a cup of tea, a safe environment to play in, and facilities for children's parties.

For a list of centres see Soft play centres.

Energetic activities

There are plenty activities in and around the city centre for those little ones full of juice. Let them burn off some energy at one of these many places offering kid-friendly sessions:

Jump Maniax - unique indoor inflatable fun. For under 5s, Jump Maniax have their own dedicated toddler area with an inflatable slide, as well as a soft play area and toys.
Flip Out Trampoline Park - A large trampoline park offering special "Mini Flippers" sessions for children under 5.
Wacky World - fun inflatable adventure arena. For children under 5 there are the Jungle-themed 'Little Monsters' sessions where they can run wild.

Creative activities

For hands-on kids there are many chances to fire up their creativity. Get stuck into some arts and crafts at one of the following places:

Fired 4 U - A fun day out with craft sessions and pottery painting, all mixed with story time and songs.
Go Create! - A fantastic art studio where children can unleash their creativity with all kinds of media...it gets messy!

Young girl painting a smiley face on a paper plate.

Animals and Wildlife

If you're looking to get up close and personal with all kinds of animals and exotic creatures, there are many opportunities in and around Preston, including:

Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey - A bird of prey sanctuary with over 90 birds of prey and flying displays.
Bowland Wild Boar Park - A wildlife park full of a fun variety of animals to hand feed and get close to.
Ribby Hall's Wild Discovery - An interactive animal experience with creatures of all kinds.
Smithy Farm Shop - An animal park and farm shop where kids can get close to some fascinating animals and play on toy tractors.
Samlesbury Hall - This medieval home has animals to meet, seasonal children's entertainers, and a fantastic children's play area; not to mention a wafflery for a sweet treat at the end of the day!

Outdoor play

There are many fantastic places in Preston where kids can burn off some energy, whilst enjoying some fresh air and discovering nature.

Children using magnifying glasses to look for bugs on the floor.

Nature reserves

Preston's choice of nature reserves make a great stomp around for the whole family. Enjoy some quality outdoor time together at one of the following:

Brockholes Nature Reserve - A large nature reserve and visitor centre with a variety of fun walks, trails, and activities to enjoy as well as kid-friendly events and workshops.
Haslam Park Nature Reserve - This reserve features wildflower meadows, ponds to feed the ducks, and an outdoor play area nearby.
Fishwick Local Nature Reserve and Recreation Ground - An ideal reserve for spotting lots of wildlife and exploring habitats. There are also regular events at the reserve where children can spot some critters and learn all about them.
Grange Valley Nature Reserve - A reserve sitting by Grange Park, offering lots of space to run wild and lots of nature and wildlife to discover.
Hills and Hollows Nature Reserve - Hills and Hollows forms part of a linear park, making it a peaceful area to play and spot wildlife.
Boilton Wood - Found near Brockholes Nature Reserve, Boilton Wood makes a great addition for young explorers. Visit in spring to witness the carpet of Bluebells on the woodland floor.
Pope Lane Field - Making up a section of the Guild Wheel, Pope Lane Field provides an area to spot insects, birds, and mammals.

Parks and gardens

Preston's many beautiful parks and gardens house nature and play areas to be discovered. Kids have all the space and fresh air they need at the following:

Avenham and Miller Parks - Two joined parks with outdoor play areas, large open spaces for games, multiple picturesque walks, the perfect picnic spots, and a lovely café with kid's lunches.
Moor Park - Moor Park lends itself to a great day out, with an outdoor children's play area, large open greenspace, and many paths to explore.
Haslam Park - As well as a nature reserve for spotting wildlife, Haslam Park also includes a children's play area and lots of fantastic greenspace for running around.
Ashton Park - Ashton Park boasts large amounts of greenspace and a peace garden for a more relaxed day out.
Grange Park - Grange Park is home to gardens for exploring and a children's play area for burning off more energy.
Ribbleton Park - This large park sees lots of greenspace for games and exploring as well as a children's play area.

City trails

For curious minds that like to explore, there is the Preston Spy Mission Treasure Trail, fun and engaging for both little and big brains.

You'll also find regular navigational challenges, suitable for kids under 5, held by Xplorer. These events are a great way to have fun as a family and get their minds racing. For the latest Xplorer events in Preston see our What's on.

Further exploring

Equally good for a stomp is Beacon Fell, where there are lots of sculptures to discover and many adventures to be had. With many different paths and dense woodland, Beacon Fell Country Park is the perfect place to let kids' imaginations run wild.

Indoor activities

Whether it's a rainy day or you just fancy some indoor entertainment, see our kids (under 5) indoor activities section.

Children completing colouring and activities inside the Harris library.

Multi-sensory play

Preston's Space Centre provides multi-sensory experiences for children with special needs. Their three multi-sensory rooms and flexible environments can cater for children with a wide range of disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and brain injuries.

The Space Centre helps children and their families, carers, or therapists connect and enjoy the fantastic range of facilities available to them.