Top 10 Fun Days Out in Preston for Families

Preston punches well above its weight when it comes to family days out. There is a real mix here: free green spaces, affordable heritage attractions, wildlife encounters, and proper indoor entertainment for those days when Lancashire weather has other ideas. Whether you live locally or are planning a visit, this list covers ten of the best options for families in and around the city.

Let's get into it.

1. Wacky World Preston: Indoor Inflatable Action

If you want somewhere that guarantees kids will come home tired, this is it. Wacky World Preston is described as the UK's largest adrenalin inflatable play park, spanning 20,000 square feet of obstacles, giant slides, and challenging inflatables. It runs sessions for all ages, from toddler mornings right through to high-energy after-school sessions packed with Wipeout-style challenges.

The setup suits mixed-age groups. There is a dedicated toddler corner with soft, age-appropriate inflatables, while older children take on the bigger obstacles like the Melt Down wrecking ball, the Rodeo Bull, and the Base Jump. It also runs a calm, sensory-friendly session every week with lights on and music off, which is genuinely useful for families with children who find busy environments difficult.

For parties, Wacky World Preston offers private hire packages with dedicated party hosts, photo booths, and catering options. Their hire arm, Wacky World Hire, also brings the fun to you, with inflatable castle and obstacle course hire available for home parties, school events, and community fun days across Preston and South Ribble.

Address: 4 Campbell Street, Preston, PR1 5LX 

Phone: 01772 920 105

2. Brockholes Nature Reserve

Brockholes is one of Preston's stand-out attractions and earns its place on any family day out list. Lancashire Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserve, Brockholes sits just off Junction 31 of the M6 and covers 250 acres of wetland, woodland, and grassland habitats.

A unique feature of the reserve is its floating Visitor Village, a cluster of wooden buildings anchored on a large lake that rises and falls with the water level. Inside you will find a welcome centre, a gift shop, and the Kestrel Kitchen café with views over the lake. It is a genuinely impressive bit of design.

For families, there are walking trails suited to pushchairs, a large adventure play area with a climbing forest and zip wire, family-friendly bird hides, and a packed programme of events during school holidays. Entry to the reserve is free; parking costs £6 for the day.

Brockholes has several walking trails alongside a wider reserve to explore, and regular guided walks are also run throughout the year.

Address: Off Junction 31, M6, Preston (use postcode PR5 0AG for sat nav) 

Parking: £6 all day

3. Ribble Steam Railway and Museum

This one is a winner for younger children especially. Climb aboard a steam-powered, vintage passenger train and travel along Preston's Dock and Riverside Railway Line. The urban journey crosses the Preston Marina entrance via a swing bridge and follows the River Ribble's banks.

A day ticket includes entry to the museum, workshop, and unlimited train rides. Prices are reasonable for a family: adults pay £6, children £4, and under-3s go free. A family ticket covering two adults and two children costs £18.

The railway is run entirely by volunteers and runs special themed events throughout the year, from Easter egg hunts to teddy bear picnics and Santa Specials in December. There is also a café and a shop on site, and the museum's collection of restored locomotives keeps train enthusiasts of all ages occupied between rides.

Address: Chain Caul Road, Riversway Docklands, Preston, PR2 2PD

4. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Turbary Woods does not get the recognition it deserves. Over 90 birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, eagles, owls, and vultures, are housed in beautiful woodland at this rescue and rehabilitation centre.

The highlight is the flying display. Staff are really good at making sure everyone gets a chance to hold most of the birds that are flying. There is only one display per day, so check the timing before you arrive. Admission is £10 for adults and £5 for children and OAPs, and the sanctuary is open all year round from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

A few practical notes: Turbary Woods only accepts cash, so bring notes. It is run entirely by volunteers, and every penny from admission goes directly to feeding and caring for the birds. There is also a children's play area on site and a garden centre next door for a post-visit browse.

Address: 92 Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, PR4 4LB

5. Avenham and Miller Parks

Sometimes the best family day out is the free one. Avenham and Miller Parks sit in the heart of Preston's city centre, yet feel far removed from their urban surroundings. The parks are connected by beautiful scenic paths and are home to a children's play area, vast green space, and a Japanese Rock Garden created in the 1930s.

The parks are just five minutes' walk from Preston train station and ten minutes from the bus station, making them one of the easiest family day-out destinations in the city. There is a café in Avenham Park serving food and drinks with a riverside setting, which is a nice spot for parents while children run around.

The parks hold their Green Flag Award every year and carry English Heritage Grade II* listed status. Throughout the year they host outdoor events, from Easter egg rolling to summer festivals. No admission charge applies.

Address: South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JT

6. Bowland Wild Boar Park

Head about 20 minutes north of Preston towards the Forest of Bowland and you will find one of Lancashire's quirkiest family attractions. Bowland Wild Boar Park is a working farm where families can hand-feed wild boars, meet deer, see pigs, and walk through scenic Lancashire countryside.

It is open at weekends and during school holidays, and the feeding element genuinely delights children who have never been close to a wild boar before. There is also a café on site. Check the park's website for current opening times and admission prices before you visit, as these are updated seasonally.

Location: Near Chipping, Preston, Lancashire

7. Flip Out Preston

Flip Out Preston Trampoline and Adventure Park is a fantastic destination for families, especially those with young children. The park offers wall-to-wall trampolines alongside dodgeball courts, an air bag, and toddler sessions designed for younger children.

It is a good wet-weather option and works well for birthday parties as well as casual visits. Book sessions in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays, as it gets busy. Flip Out Preston is located in Ashton-on-Ribble, just a short drive from the city centre.

Address: Caul Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 2PD

8. Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

The Harris is Preston's cultural centrepiece and well worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. The building itself is an impressive Grade I listed neoclassical structure in the heart of the city, and entry is free.

Inside, families will find art collections, local history exhibitions, and regular family-friendly activities and workshops. The museum runs holiday activity sessions for children throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost. It is a good one to have in your back pocket for an educational morning that does not feel like hard work.

Address: Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP

9. Laserforce Preston

For older children, laser tag is always a reliable choice. Laserforce Preston offers adrenaline-packed entertainment in the heart of the city. It suits children aged around seven and up and works well for groups, whether it is a birthday party or a spontaneous family outing.

Sessions are typically 20 minutes long and the arena is well set up for mixed-ability groups. Younger children can join in as long as they are old enough to handle the equipment. Book sessions in advance at weekends.

Location: Preston city centre

10. Wacky World Hire: Bring the Fun to Your Own Event

If you are looking for fun days out in Preston for families that come to you rather than the other way around, Wacky World Hire is worth bookmarking. Based in Preston, they deliver and set up inflatable castles, obstacle courses, and party equipment across Preston and South Ribble.

Their mascot entertainer service adds a character meet-and-greet element to any party or event. The mascot package includes interactive dancing and games, photo opportunities with guests, and a special birthday celebration moment with the cake presented in style. All entertainers are fully DBS checked.

Based at Unit 4, Campbell Street, Wacky World Hire offers professional setup and exciting experiences for all ages and covers UK-wide delivery. Book online or by phone on 01772 920 105.

This makes Wacky World Hire a practical option for school fun days, community events, and garden parties across the Preston area, particularly during the summer months when outdoor inflatables are in high demand.

Tips for Planning a Family Day Out in Preston

Here are a few things that make a difference when planning a day out.

Check for school holiday events. Many Preston attractions run extended programmes during half term and summer holidays. Brockholes, Ribble Steam Railway, and the Harris Museum all put on additional activities for families during these periods.

Book in advance for popular venues. Wacky World Preston sessions sell out, especially the weekend toddler sessions and after-school slots. Flip Out and Laserforce also get busy at weekends. Book early to avoid turning up and being turned away.

Mix indoor and outdoor. Preston's weather can change quickly. A good family day out often pairs an outdoor attraction like Avenham Park or Brockholes with an indoor fallback like Wacky World or the Harris Museum.

Bring cash to Turbary Woods. It is the only attraction on this list that does not accept card payments, so plan ahead.

Ask about accessibility. Most Preston attractions are well set up for families with pushchairs or children with additional needs. Brockholes has pushchair-friendly paths, Wacky World runs dedicated sensory sessions, and Ribble Steam Railway has a wheelchair coach on certain services.

FAQs: Fun Days Out in Preston for Families

What are the best free family days out in Preston? 

Avenham and Miller Parks and the Harris Museum are both completely free to visit. Brockholes Nature Reserve has free entry but charges £6 for parking. These three give you a solid range of outdoor, cultural, and nature-based experiences without spending anything significant.

What is the best indoor family activity in Preston on a rainy day? 

Wacky World Preston is the go-to option for active families on wet days, with its large indoor inflatable arena suitable for all ages. The Harris Museum is also free and offers regular indoor family activities, making it a calmer alternative for younger children or when you want a quieter day.

Are there family days out in Preston suitable for toddlers? 

Yes. Wacky World Preston has dedicated toddler sessions with soft inflatables and age-appropriate activities for under-fives. Brockholes has pushchair-friendly walking trails and an adventure play area that suits young children. Avenham and Miller Parks also have a children's play area that works well for toddlers.

How far in advance should I book Wacky World Preston? 

Sessions can sell out, particularly at weekends and during school holidays. Booking a week or two in advance is sensible for weekend visits. For peak periods like summer half term, book as early as possible to secure your preferred session time.

Can Wacky World Hire bring inflatables to my home in Preston? 

Yes. Wacky World Hire delivers bouncy castles, obstacle courses, and party inflatables to homes, gardens, village halls, and event venues across Preston and South Ribble. Delivery runs from 7am with collections from 4:30pm. Contact them on 01772 920 105 or through hire.wackyworld.co.uk to check availability for your date.