Things to Do with Kids During May Half Term in Preston

May half term is almost here, and if you live in or around Preston, you are in luck. Lancashire schools break up on Friday 22 May 2026, with children returning on Monday 1 June 2026. That gives you a full week to fill, and Preston has plenty going on to keep the kids busy without burning a hole in your pocket.

Here is a breakdown of the best options, starting at home and working outwards.

Hire an Inflatable and Bring the Fun to Your Garden

If you want to skip the queues, the car parks, and the "are we nearly there yet?" routine, there is a very easy answer: bring the fun to you.

Wacky World Hire is a Preston-based inflatable hire company that delivers bouncy castles, inflatable climbing walls, gladiator duels, a Meltdown inflatable, and a whole lot more directly to your door. A small bouncy castle for younger children starts from £60, and an all-ages castle perfect for when the adults want a go too comes in at £120.

If you want something that gets the competitive juices flowing, they also offer a Rock 'N' Roll Gladiator Duel (£225), a Velcro Fly Wall (£195), and a Basketball Hoopla (£90). For bigger garden parties or community events, the inflatable climbing wall and Base Jump are available to hire too.

Wacky World Hire also offers mascot character entertainers. You can book one or two characters for one or two hours, with over 40 characters available from Spider-Man and Peppa Pig to Shrek, Elsa, and even the Chipmunks. One hour costs £75, two hours £120. It is an easy way to turn a garden gathering into something the kids will talk about for weeks.

You can browse everything and book online at hire.wackyworld.co.uk.

Pond Dipping at Brockholes Nature Reserve

For the outdoor-loving family, Brockholes Nature Reserve just off Junction 31 of the M6 near Preston is running pond dipping sessions during May half term. Sessions take place on Wednesday 27 May and Friday 29 May 2026, running from 10:15am to 3:15pm at Pan's Garden on the Visitor Village. Each session lasts 45 minutes, and no previous knowledge is required all pond dipping equipment is provided on the day.

Free crafts and clubs also run from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, including daily activities and the return of the popular LEGO club, all taking place inside the Welcome Centre and Kestrel Kitchen on the floating Visitor Village. These are free, but booking in advance is recommended.

The reserve has walking trails, an adventure play area with a climbing forest, and a zip wire, as well as a unique visitor centre that floats above one of the reserve's lakes. Entry to the reserve itself is free, with car parking charged at £6 all day.

Brockholes is run by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. You can find their full half-term event listings at their website.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Right in the heart of Preston city centre, the Harris Museum and Art Gallery is free and genuinely worth a visit with children. The Harris is family-friendly, with hands-on activities you can do at any time of your visit from drawing challenges in the Fine Art Gallery to the Ceramics and Glass Gallery trail or being a detective in one of the Scent Bottle tours.

The current programme includes an exhibition by best-selling children's book illustrator Martin Brown, titled "The World of Martin Brown: Horrible Histories and Other Dazzling Drawings." That one is a solid choice for children who love reading.

The Harris is free to visit, with a café, shop, and dedicated library spaces all on site. Opening hours are Monday to Tuesday 10am–5pm, Wednesday 10am–8pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am–5pm, and Sunday 10am–2pm.

Avenham and Miller Parks

If the weather plays ball, Avenham and Miller Parks sit side by side in the centre of Preston, sloping down to the River Ribble. They are free to visit, easy to reach on foot from the city centre, and great for a picnic and a run around. The Japanese garden in Avenham Park is a favourite with families, and the steep slopes make for brilliant makeshift sledging (or rolling!) hills in any season.

There are play areas, open green spaces, and the riverside walk connects both parks. Visit Preston lists both parks as top picks for family outings.

Ribble Steam Railway and Museum

Just a short drive from Preston city centre, the Ribble Steam Railway gives kids (and grown-ups) the chance to ride a steam-hauled train along the historic Preston Dock. Volunteers run the operation, and visitors often get to board some of the vehicles and hear detailed explanations of how things like 1920s train signalling worked.

It is not open every day, so check the schedule and book ahead at their website before heading over. The museum is free to enter when no special events are running.

Samlesbury Hall

A short drive east of Preston, Samlesbury Hall is a medieval manor house that runs family-friendly events throughout the school holidays. Previous half-term programmes have included free activities, stories, and quiz trails around the Hall, with no tickets required. Keep an eye on their website for what they have planned this May.

The hall itself is a great backdrop for getting kids curious about history, and there is usually a tearoom on site for the adults.

Plan a Street Art Walk Around Preston City Centre

This one costs nothing and works well for older children and teenagers. Preston has quietly built up a collection of large-scale murals around the city centre, celebrating local history, heritage, and culture. The Preston street art tour lets families explore creative works up close and learn about the stories behind each piece, making it a good way to spark imagination during a day out together.

You can download a self-guided route from the Visit Preston website.

Tips for Making the Most of May Half Term in Preston

Here is a quick checklist to keep things running smoothly:

• Book early. Free events at Brockholes and the Harris fill up quickly. Get your place secured as soon as half-term dates are confirmed.

• Check the Lancashire school calendar. Lancashire schools break for May half term from Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026, though individual schools may vary.

• Mix it up. Combine a garden inflatable day with a couple of outings. One lively day at home and a couple of trips out tend to work better than five consecutive days of packed activity.

• Have a rainy-day backup. The Harris and the Ribble Steam Railway both work well on grey days.

• Call ahead. Opening times and event programmes can change. It is always worth a quick check before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the May half-term dates for Preston schools in 2026? 

Lancashire schools break up for May half term at the end of Friday 22 May 2026 and return on Monday 1 June 2026. Always check with your child's specific school, as INSET days can shift the dates slightly.

Where can I hire a bouncy castle in Preston for half term? 

Wacky World Hire delivers bouncy castles and other inflatables directly to homes and venues across Preston. Prices start from £60 for a small kids' castle, with online booking available at hire.wackyworld.co.uk. Availability during half term books up fast, so it is worth reserving early.

Are there any free things to do with kids in Preston during half term? 

Yes. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is completely free and runs family activities throughout the year. Brockholes Nature Reserve offers free entry to the reserve itself (parking is £6 all day) and free craft sessions during half term. Avenham and Miller Parks are also free and open daily.

Is Brockholes Nature Reserve good for young children during May half term? 

Brockholes is well suited to families with young children. There is an adventure play area, pram-friendly walking paths, a café, and supervised pond dipping sessions that run specifically during May half term. Free LEGO club and craft sessions also take place on the floating Visitor Village throughout the week.

What indoor activities are available for kids in Preston on a rainy day? 

The Harris Museum runs workshops and activities for children of all ages and is free to enter. For a lively, physical option indoors, hiring an inflatable through Wacky World Hire for a garden or hall is a popular choice. The Ribble Steam Railway Museum is also a good option for a sheltered, hands-on visit.