If you’re planning a family trip to Preston this summer, you may be looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained. Preston has plenty to offer, including activities, parks, events, and indoor attractions that cater perfectly to the under‑5s crowd. So what can you do in Preston with under 5s this summer? And how can you have a fun-filled summer break?
So what can you do in Preston with under 5s this summer?
For children under the age of five, there are plenty of fun things to do in Preston this summer, including:
- Family friendly events
- Places to visit
- Outdoor fun
Family friendly events in Preston this summer
August in Preston is bursting with free family-friendly events, including:
- Saturday 16 August: LUF Stock Family Festival- Expect a colourful day of music, craft tents, food stalls, and creative workshops from 11am to 7pm. It’s all about fun, discovery, and getting involved, and it’s perfectly safe for toddlers to potter around with grown-ups.
- Saturday 23 August: Preston City Mela- This vibrant celebration of South Asian culture features traditional music, dance, and hands-on activities. There are usually performances, colourful costumes, and food to sample, giving your little ones a cheerful day full of new sights and sounds.
These outdoor events are ideal for free exploration, and there’s always space nearby to stop for a snack, rest, or run around.
Places to visit with under 5s
There are a number of specific venues across the Preston area that offer plenty of fun for young children and toddlers, including:
- Flip Out Trampoline Park- For high-energy toddlers, Flip Out on the Fishwick Estate is the place to bounce. Their Mini Flippers weekday sessions (10am–3pm) are designed for under 5s, with toddler-safe zones, foam pits, soft play, and obstacle courses. It’s a great way to burn off energy in a bright, colourful environment. Entry for one adult and one child is just £5, making it an affordable treat for a rainy morning.
- Billy Bob’s Myerscough- This American-style diner and soft play combo at Myerscough is a favourite with families. With ball pits, slides, swings, and rope obstacles, the indoor play zone is perfect for adventurous little legs. There’s also a toddler area for safer exploring. You can relax with coffee while kids play, and the retro diner menu is ideal for lunchtime treats.
- Smithy Farm Animal Park- Located on the outskirts of Preston, Smithy Farm offers a hands-on experience for toddlers who love animals. With goats, alpacas, ponies and chickens to feed, it’s a small and friendly setup. There are also toy tractors to ride and an ice cream parlour to keep everyone cool. Admission is free, making it an excellent low-cost option.
- British Commercial Vehicle Museum- If your little one is obsessed with wheels, this museum in nearby Leyland is a fun and educational stop. With bright, vintage lorries, buses and fire engines to marvel at, the museum is spacious and pram-friendly. It’s surprisingly engaging for toddlers who love to point and explore big vehicles up close.
- Ribble Steam Railway & Museum- This working heritage railway runs steam train rides along a short riverside route in Preston’s docklands . The trains themselves are a huge hit with toddlers, and the museum area lets them get close to old engines, carriages and railway tools. It’s an exciting but manageable adventure for small children, with indoor and outdoor space to explore.
Outdoor fun in Preston
If you’re looking to get outdoors while visiting Preston, there are a plenty of toddler safe spaces and places to explore, including:
- Brockholes Nature Reserve- For families looking to spend time outdoors, Brockholes is a floating nature reserve just off the M6. It features a wild play forest, sand pits, and swinging flowers that toddlers love. The flat paths are pram-friendly, and there’s a visitor centre and café for breaks. Parking charges apply, but entry is free. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxed day of nature spotting and gentle walking?
- Beacon Fell Country Park- A short drive from Preston, Beacon Fell offers child friendly walking trails and plenty of open space. It’s a peaceful place to let toddlers run around, spot wildlife, and enjoy a family picnic. There are woodland sculpture trails, panoramic views, and shaded areas to rest. It’s ideal for those sunny summer days when you want some fresh air away from the crowds.
- Moor Park and Avenham/Miller Parks- Preston’s green spaces are beautiful in summer, and Moor Park, Avenham Park and Miller Park all offer toddler-friendly walking paths, large open lawns, shaded benches and play areas. Why not bring a ball, a blanket, and a few snacks for a budget friendly afternoon that’s as laid back or active as you want it to be?
Whether your toddler is an animal lover, explorer, or full-time jumper, Preston has something to offer. From colourful festivals to farmyard cuddles and bouncing bonanzas, it’s a city that’s surprisingly well equipped for under 5s. For luxury and comfort on your family trip to Preston, no matter the weather, choose the No.10 Preston Hotel. With a fantastic city centre location, our hotel boasts top quality apartments for a great night’s sleep, and a relaxing retreat. Why not take a look at our rooms and availability today?