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Here at Mini Travellers we like finding out what people would recommend that you do in their favourite cities so we asked Jenni from Chilling With Lucas for 10 Things to do in Preston with Kids.
This is what she came up with!
1. Brockholes
Brockholes is set on the site of an old quarry which is now a 250 acre reserve with a network of trails and hides. You can also explore the woods or enjoy the lakes on site, which have all been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife. They have also catered for all ages with their play parks including a climbing forest, a miniature gravel quarry for scooping, digging and transporting fun, a bouncing flower, play hut, swings, balance blocks, chain path, see-saw and zip wire! Entrance is free but you do have to pay for parking. There is a visitor centre with an ice cream parlour, cafe and shop.
2. Smithy Farm
Smithy Farm is a farm shop, camping site, coffee shop, ice cream parlour and animal park. It is free to enter and they have various animal attractions including pigs, alpacas, goats and free range hens which you can feed. There is a seating area to sit and relax and toy tractors for children to play.
3. Harris Museum and Art Gallery
The Harris is free to enter and a treasure trove with something for everyone whether you are interested in arts, ceramics, costume and textiles or history. The Harris also has the Harris library within it. There is a cafe, shop and free WiFi. They also have regular events and classes for families and children between 5 and 12 years.
4. Salmesbury Hall
Salmesbury Hall is free to visit and has an abundance of things to see. There are art exhibitions with work available to buy. They have animals to visit including pigs, bees, rabbits, hens, goats and sheep. Next to the animal area they have a play area including a miniature Salmesbury Hall replica that children can climb through the windows to the rope bridge of the Mayflower ship! There is a wooden trail with bridges, swings and fun obstacles. Various extra family and children’s activities are offered during the school holidays. If you want to stay for something to eat there is a wafflery and restaurant.
5. Avenham and Miller Parks
Avenham and Miller Parks are adjoining parks in Avenham valley close to the city centre. They are close to the shops and businesses but offer a tranquil setting on the banks of the River Ribble. They feature landscaped gardens, plenty of open space to explore, play areas and cafes.
Image Credit to: 70023venus2009
6. Turbary Woods
Turbary Woods rescue and rehabilitation centre offers a unique collection of over 90 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures. The birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting. You can see displays and experience hands on experience and knowledge of these fascinating birds. There is also a garden centre and a cafe.
7. Ribble Steam Railway
Ribble Steam Railway has a 3 mile return trip along marina, swing bridge and River Ribble, giving interesting views over Preston. Surrounded by naturally relaxing landscape you can discover the wildlife and fauna that live and grow along the riverside railway. There is also a hands on museum, complete with an indoor miniature railway. There is a shop and a cafe. Throughout the year they hold special events and activities.
8. Cinema
Vue cinema is on The Capitol Centre and Odeon is at The Docks. Both have nearby shops, fast food and restaurants
9. FlipOut trampoline park
FlipOut indoor trampoline parks boasts the biggest dedicated under 7’s children’s trampoline area in the North West. There is also the main arena of trampolines, an Olympic foam pit, Kids foam pit, basketball, wall runners, trampoline interaction board, stunt boxes, free running zone, tower jump and airbag! For when you have finished jumping around there is a cafe to relax and get some energy back.
10. Soft Play
There are also an abundance of soft play centres!
The Lake District and Blackpool can also be reached from Preston easily by car or train.
NB: Thanks to Frank Pickavant for the Featured Image of the Canal linking Preston and Kendal.
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I grew up not to far from here. Love Brockholes and the steam railway;)
Can I suggest Go Create as a fantastic place to take the children on a rainy day. My two (age 9&5) absolutely love the place. There website is http://www.gocreate-preston.co.uk
thank you