February half term 2025 - Things to do with the kids in and around Preston
30 January 2025
Find out about fantastic family friendly activities and events taking place across the city
Wanting some fun days out with the kids this February half term in and around Preston? Whether you're after outdoor things to do in the fresh air or on the hunt for rainy day activities, there's plenty going on in the heart of Lancashire to keep the kids occupied.
Go outdoors
Wrap up warm and grab the dry days when you can for a breath of fresh air and some quality family time in the great outdoors.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Location: Chipping
Having closed for the winter period, Bowland Wild Boar Park is keen to welcome visitors back from Saturday 15 February. Located in the heart of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), this fabulous family run business makes for a great day out. See the many animals the park has to offer, such as meerkats, llamas, donkeys, owls, peacocks and, of course, wild boars. Plus, explore their habitats and take a wander around scenic walking trails.
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Location: Lostock Hall
Open all year round, Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is great a choice for getting out with the family. Offering a unique collection of over 90 birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, along with the opportunity to gain hands on experience and knowledge about the birds, you can be sure to have a fascinating and educational experience.
Wild Discovery
Location: Kirkham
Situated in Ribby Hall Village on the edge of Preston, Wild Discovery makes a fantastic day trip for little (and big!) animal lovers. With a host of wild animals to discover from a Giant Anteater, Capybara and Arctic Foxes, through to Turkey Vultures and Crocodiles, there's plenty to see. They also have a daily timetable packed with interesting wildlife talks and the chance to get up close and personal with their animal encounter sessions, making your visit truly one to remember.
Brockholes
Location: Samlesbury
If you're looking to mix up a wintry walk with seeing and learning about native wildlife, then Brockholes is for you. Set amongst ancient woodland, the unique nature reserves is a haven for nature with an actioned packed kids programme over half term such as a bird feeder workshop and pirate adventure. The award winning reserve is also home to the architecturally eye catching 'floating village', which makes the perfect peaceful pitstop for a bite to eat and refreshments.
Rainy day ideas
Don't let the rain spoil your fun. Head on down to some of these awesome places that will guarantee a fun filled family day out.
Flipout Trampoline Park
Location: Preston
Located on the outskirts of the city centre, Flip Out Trampoline Park is a fun way for your kids to burn off some energy for a few hours. Not only does Flip Out have the biggest trampolines in the North West, they also have a fantastic kids arena with a great toddler soft play area for under 5s.
Inflatable Parks
Location: Preston
Another high energy activity located just on the edge of the city are inflatable parks. Offering light-hearted fun for little and big kids a like, they bring plenty of enjoyment for all the family with their unique inflatable activities allowing you to take on numerous challenges and games with each other.
Laser Tag
Great for older kids and teens, this adrenaline-pumping game lets you battle it out with friends and family in either a sci-fi or a post apocalyptic Preston setting.
Billy Bobs
Looking for somewhere a little different from the ordinary to take the kids? Then why not take a trip to Billy Bobs. With their unique American style diner and ice cream parlour, kids will love tucking into some of their yummy food classics and fabulous choice of scrumptious ice cream flavours. For those dull rainy days, they certainly have it covered inside their adventure barn, which is packed with fun. From daring big kid rope swings, racing slides and zip lines to little kid rope swings and a leap of faith foam pit - it's a great way for tots and teens to burn off some energy. And, if the weather decides to dry up whilst you're there, there's a fantastic outdoor play are for under 9s.
Activity ideas for under 5s
For ideas and inspiration on what to do with younger kids this half term check out our Kids (under 5) activities in Preston section.
What's on this half term?
If family events are what you're after, then this half term packs in a punch with plenty to keep the kids entertained!
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Hoghton Tower
Date/time -18, 21, 22, 23 February (various times)
Cost - various
Calling all eager witches and wizards! Embrace your imagination in Hoghton Tower's brand new immersive story telling adventure. This half term, enrol your little monsters in the Hoghton Tower School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin a new adventure. Their magical professors will teach you how to cast spells, brew exploding potions and practice broomstick racing. A spellbinding session full of mystery, magic and mischief awaits you!
For more information see Hoghton Tower - School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Live Dinosaur show in Preston - Fishergate Shopping Centre
Date/time - Saturday 15 February 2025 (11 - 3pm)
Cost - Free
Witness the awe-inspiring power of a T-Rex, marvel at a fearsome riding dinosaur, and soar with a majestic Flying Pterosaur. The adorable Dino Babies will also be making their debut, ready for cuddles and playtime.
But that's not all! Join the interactive live shows and learn all about dinosaurs, fossils, and even how to train a dinosaur! The expert guides will make learning fun and engaging for all ages.
For more information see Live Dinosaur show in Preston.
Half Term Pirates and Princess - Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Date/time - Wednesday 19 February and Saturday 22 February (10am - 5pm)
Cost - £7.50 (3-15 years), Free (under 3 years), Adult (16 plus years) £12.50
Come and join Ribble Steam Railway and Museum for a Pirates and Princesses themed half term train ride. They will be running their Top and Tail trains throughout the day with a steam engine on the front and a diesel engine at the back. Come dressed as your favourite pirate or princess - there might even be some prizes for the best dressed.
For more information see Ribble Steam Railway and Museum - Half Term Pirates and Princess Wednesday and Ribble Steam Railway and Museum - Half Term Pirates and Princess Saturday.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt - Catterall
Date/time - Friday 21 February (11am-12noon, 1pm-2pm, 3pm-4pm)
Cost - Free
Wyre Council and Gambolling Arena Theatre Company are delivering fabulous free theatre performances of We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Winmarleigh and Catterall.
Join Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max and the baby as they embark on a bear hunt and hike through water, mud and other obstales to search for a real bear.
For more information see Visit Lancashire - We're Going on a Bear Hunt.
Pirate Adventure - Brockholes
Date/time - Friday 21 February 2025 (1pm - 3pm)
Cost - £9 per child
Yo ho me hearties! Join Captain Flint and the Brockholes Pirates this half term for a mighty good adventure! Make your own sword and become part of the scurvy crew hunting for the hidden treasure. Help to build the Jolly Roger and get ready for battle with Long John Silver.
For more information visit Brockholes - pirate adventure.
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Map address of Feburary half term activities and events
Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QT
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Turbary Woods, 92 Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, PR4 4LB
Wild Discovery, Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PR
Brockholes, Preston New Road, Preston PR5 0AG
Flip Out Preston Trampoline & Adventure Park, 1B, Mercer Street, Preston, PR1 4LQ
Wacky World Inflatable Park, 4 Campbell Street, Preston, PR1 5LX
Jump Maniax, Unit E, Fishwick Park, Mercer Street, Preston, PR1 4LQ
Laserforce Preston, Unit 1b, Aqueduct Mill Industrial Park, Aqueduct Street, Preston, PR1 7JN
End of Days Laser Tag, Level, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT
Billy Bobs, North Planks Farm, Garstang Road, Barton, Myerscough, Preston, PR3 5AD
Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston, PR1 8HJ
Ribble Steam Railway, Chain Caul Road, Preston, Lancashire. PR2 2PD
Catterall Village Hall, Garstang Road, Catterall, Preston, Wyre, PR3 1XN
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Lancashire, PR5 0SH