The Harris
Preston's museum, gallery and library reopened in September 2025 after a £19m rebuild, and it is still free. A proper children's library, changing exhibitions and a cafe under one Grade I listed roof on the Flag Market.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Preston, Lancashire
The visitor village floats - actually floats - on the lake at this Wildlife Trust reserve, and children clock the strangeness immediately. Around it: flat trails, hides, a proper playground and free crafts through the summer holidays.
Entry is free and you pay for parking, which makes it the cheapest wild day in Lancashire. The LEGO club runs Saturday mornings until late August.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Preston?
Also in Preston
Ribble Steam Railway & Museum
Steam trains along Preston's dockside with a museum shed full of engines, a playground and a tea room all on one ticket that covers all-day travel. A Saturday railway, so check the calendar before you promise anyone a train.
Avenham & Miller Parks
Two Victorian parks joined at the hip beside the Ribble: a Japanese rock garden, a riverside cafe, a playground sited between the two, and the Easter egg rolling hill. Preston's best free afternoon.