Summer holidays in Preston 2024 - activities and events kids will love
16 July 2024
Fun family things to do with the kids in Preston this July and August.
With the school holidays fast approaching, finding creative ways to keep the young ones entertained for six weeks can be quite the challenge. However, with plenty of family friendly activities and events taking place across summer, you can be sure to find something they will love.
To help you out, we've pulled together a cracking list of boredom busting activities, which are likely to be a win with the kids without breaking the bank.
Harris summer events (throughout August)
Expect a summer of fun this half-term with the Harris. Starting on the 31 July, with events taking place throughout August, head on over to the Guild Hall and get involved with their exciting programme of activities which are sure to be a hit with the little ones!
For more information, including prices and how to book, see Harris Summer Events.
Free family fun at Preston Markets (throughout August)
Come along to Preston Markets with the little ones this August and enjoy a series of free fun-filled activities. From super science experiments and historical tales, through to a colourful duo act, sure bring plenty of smiles, and a giant periscope inviting you to see the world from a different viewpoint. Also, for the third year running, Paris Bubbles will be returning with their brilliant bubble display.
For more information visit Preston Markets - Summer family events at Preston Markets 2024.
Summer family theatre (throughout August)
Pendle Productions 'The Storytellers Theatre Company' are returning due to popular demand with a season of family theatre starting with 'Pinocchio'.
Taking place at the Circular Fountain in Miller park, Pinocchio is the first performance in a series of five shows that will see the park playing host to The Secret Garden, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz.
For more information, including prices and how to book, see our what's on calendar.
Children's soft play - The MET (event has passed)
Date/time - Tuesday 9 July 2024, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Cost - Free
Head over to The MET, Preston's fresh unique pop up mobile entertainment venue, for a special event for toddlers to come and experience a range of soft play equipment. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and sessions are limited to 15 children per session.
For more information and how to book see The MET 2024.
Movie: Up - The MET (event has passed)
Date/time - Thursday 25 July 2024, 10am-12pm
Cost - free
As part of a selection of films throughout the day for children and adults, The MET will be showing Disney's Up, an animated heart warming feel good adventure film.
For more information and how to book visit Eventbrite - Film Screening - Up (U).
Lancashire Hawks and Owls - Barton Grange (event has passed)
Date/time - Saturday 27 and 28 July 2024, 10:30am - 3:30pm
Cost - free
Meet the people and the birds from Lancashire Hawks and Owls and take a fascinating look at these wonderful creatures.
All the birds of prey in the display are hand reared and totally approachable, which means you can touch them and have your photo taken with them for a charge of £2 (cash only).
For more information see Lancashire Hawks and Owls.
Meet and greet with Fairytale Princesses - Fishergate Shopping Centre (event has passed)
Date/time - Saturday 27 July 2024, 11am - 3pm
Cost - free
Step into a world of wonder and meet your favourite fairytale royalty! The stunning Elsa, the adventurous Ariel, and the spirited Rapunzel will be waiting to greet their fans.
There will also be opportunities for children to have pictures taken with the princesses and share stories of their adventures.
For more information see free meet and greet with fairytale princesses.
Pond dipping - Brockholes Nature Reserve
Date/time - 1, 9, 16, 22 and 29 August 2024 (various times throughout the day)
Cost - £4 (online booking), £5 (if booking onsite on the day)
This is an opportunity for visitors of all ages to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a spot of pond dipping. Discover what lives below the watery depths of the raised ponds.
The sessions are just for fun and no previous knowledge is required.
For more information and how to book visit Brockholes Nature Reserve - events.
School's Out! Fun and games - Fishergate Shopping Centre (event has passed)
Date/time - Saturday 3 August 2024, 11am - 3pm
Cost - free
Head along to Fishergate Shopping Centre for their free Summer Games Event and engage your little ones with a host of great games and activities. From the classic Ball in a Bucket challenge and a giant prize grabber to the Dance Machine, there's plenty to the kids entertained.
For more information see School's Out! Fun and Games.
Stone Age Survival - Brockholes Nature Reserve (event has passed)
Date/time - Thursday 15 August 2024, 1pm - 3pm
Cost - £9.50
Journey back in time to the stone age! Discover how early man lived and survived by learning how to light fires and master stone age crafts.
For more information and how to book see Stone Age Survival at Brockholes.
Fun games with Stitch - Fishergate Shopping Centre (event has passed)
Date/time - Saturday 17 August 2024, 11am - 3pm
Cost - free
Join in on the fun and take part in an epic meet-and-greet with this mischievous little alien (in staggered 30 minute appearances) from the popular Disney film Lilo and Stitch.
There'll be games and activities to keep everyone entertained, plus the chance to grab a photo with Stitch - an opportunity kids are sure to love.
For more information see Fun games with Stitch.
Wildlife Superheroes - Brockholes Nature Reserve (event has passed)
Date/time - Tuesday 20 August 2024, 1pm - 3pm
Cost - £9
Use your super powers to defy the villains and complete your Wildlife Superhero training. Test your skills with our spiders web challenge, make your own superhero cape, create your own secret hideout, learn how to protect wildlife and more! Have you got what it takes to become a Superhero?
For more information and how to book see Wildlife Superheroes at Brockholes.
Angelica Sprockets Pockets - Outdoor Theatre at Brockholes Nature Reserve (event has passed)
Date/time - Sunday 25 August 2024 - 5pm - 6pm
Cost - Adult (16+) - £14.50, Child (Under 16) £10.50, Group (2 adults and 2 children) - £45.00
Prepare to be surprised, thrilled and tickled pink by Angelica Sprocket's never-ending pockets, and the marvellous things she keeps in them. Filled with Folksy's touch of live music, puppetry, audience interaction and madness! This fun-filled show is the perfect treat for the whole family!
For more information and how to book see Outdoor Theatre at Brockholes - Angela Sprockets Pockets.
Family bat walk - Brockholes Nature Reserve
Date/time - Thursday 29 August 2024, 7pm - 9:30pm
Cost - £15 per Adult, £10 per Child
Take an exciting evening visit to Brockholes and embark on a mini adventure with a family bat walk. The session will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures and the equipment used to detect them, before heading out for a walk around the reserve to see if there are any bats out and about!
For more information and how to book visit Brockholes Nature Reserve - family bat walk.
More things to do in the city
For more fun family friendly activities ideas in Preston see family friendly activities. For suggestions of things to do with children under 5 see kids (under 5) activities. And for those dry sunny days, take a look at our outdoor and wildlife section for ways to make the most of the summery weather.
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Map address for summer family events in Preston
The Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT
Preston Markets, 28 Market Street, Preston, PR1 2AR
Avenham and Miller Park, South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JP
The MET, Tesco Car Park, 88-91 Blackpool Road, Ribbleton, PR1 6US
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0AG
Barton Grange Garden Centre, Garstang Road, Preston, PR3 0BT
Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston, PR1 8HJ