Preston is one of those cities that surprises a lot of parents. It has green parks, a proper nature reserve, a museum kids actually enjoy, and enough indoor options to save you on a wet Lancashire afternoon. If you're planning a family day out and searching for things to do in Preston with kids, here's a list built around what local families actually rate, not just what shows up first on a map search.

We've put together ten options that cover both indoor and outdoor fun, so you can plan around the weather and your children's ages.

1. Jungle World Park in Leyland

We're starting with Jungle World Park because it's one of the easiest wins for a family day out near Preston, especially when the weather turns. It's based just outside the city in Leyland, about a fifteen minute drive down the A582, and it's built entirely around indoor play.

The site has a multi-level soft play frame, a tall slide, a laser tag arena, football, and Safari Go-Karting, so there's something for both toddlers and older siblings. Younger children get their own enclosed area, which means parents don't have to worry about a two year old getting knocked over by a group of eight year olds tearing round the frame.

Jungle World Park also runs an ASD-friendly session every Monday evening, with the music turned down and the lighting softened, which is worth knowing if your child finds busy play centres overwhelming. If you're planning a birthday, they handle party bookings too, with a private room, food, and a host who runs the games so you don't have to. There's a second site in Blackpool if you're combining a day at the seaside with a play session.

2. Brockholes Nature Reserve

Brockholes sits on the edge of Preston on the site of an old quarry, and it's now a 250 acre reserve with lakes, woodland trails, and a floating visitor centre. Kids get a proper adventure playground here, including a climbing forest, a digging pit, and a zip wire, while parents can relax at the cafe or take a slower walk around the water.

Entry to the reserve itself is free, though you'll pay for parking. It's a solid pick if your children need to burn off energy outdoors and you want a change from the usual local park.

3. Avenham and Miller Parks

These two connected parks sit right in the middle of the city, next to the River Ribble, and they're a good option when you want fresh air without driving anywhere. There are wide open lawns for running around, tree-lined paths for a pram walk, and river views that make it a pleasant spot for a picnic.

The parks also host events through the year, from outdoor cinema screenings to seasonal fairs, so it's worth checking what's on before you go.

4. Harris Museum & Art Gallery

The Harris recently reopened after a major refurbishment, and it's now one of the better free days out in the city centre. Kids can get involved with hands-on exhibits, and the museum runs regular sessions and classes for families with children aged five to twelve. There's a cafe on site too, so you can turn a quick visit into a longer stop.

It's an easy one to combine with a wander round the city centre or a stop at Winckley Square Gardens nearby.

5. Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

For kids who love trains, this is one of the best things to do in Preston, full stop. The Ribble Steam Railway runs heritage steam and diesel trains along the old dockland line, and the attached museum has a collection of restored engines and rolling stock to look at up close.

Check the railway's website before visiting, as it doesn't run every day. Special themed rides pop up around school holidays and Christmas, so those are worth booking ahead if your children are keen train spotters.

6. Flip Out Preston

Flip Out is a large trampoline park with a dedicated area for children under seven, which makes it a good pick if you have a mix of ages in the family. Alongside the trampolines, there's a foam pit, wall runners, and an obstacle course setup for older kids who want more of a challenge.

They also run autism-friendly sessions, so it's worth checking their timetable if that matters for your family.

7. Wacky World Inflatable Park

If your kids have endless energy, Wacky World is built to absorb it. The inflatable park covers around 20,000 square feet and includes giant slides, obstacle courses, mini golf, and laser tag under one roof. It's a good rainy day fallback when the outdoor parks aren't an option.

8. Haslam Park and Nature Reserve

Haslam Park is a quieter choice than some of the bigger attractions on this list, but it's well loved by local families. There's a lake with ducks to feed, a play area, sensory gardens, and access to the Lancaster Canal for a longer walk if the kids are up for it. The paths are flat and pram-friendly, which makes it an easy one for parents with younger children.

9. Preston Markets

Preston's markets are worth a visit if you want to show kids something a bit different from a shopping centre. Stalls sell fresh produce, street food, and local crafts, and there's usually enough going on to hold a child's attention for half an hour or so, especially around food stalls with samples to try.

It pairs well with a walk through the city centre afterwards.

10. St George's Shopping Centre

When the weather really doesn't cooperate, St George's Shopping Centre covers the basics. There's an indoor play area for younger children, an arcade for older ones, and a cinema if you want to turn the whole afternoon into one outing. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip, but it's a reliable backup.

Planning Your Day Out in Preston

A few quick tips before you head out:

• Check opening times and any advance booking requirements before you travel, especially for Ribble Steam Railway and Jungle World Park, since sessions can be capped or seasonal.
• Mix an indoor and an outdoor stop if the forecast looks changeable. Brockholes or Avenham Park in the morning, then somewhere under cover like Jungle World Park or Wacky World in the afternoon, works well.
• If you're travelling with a toddler and an older child, look for venues with separate age zones, such as Jungle World Park or Flip Out, so both can play safely without one overwhelming the other.

Preston isn't short on options for a family day out. Whether you're after fresh air, a bit of history, or somewhere to let the kids climb, slide, and bounce for a few hours, there's enough here to fill a whole half term without repeating yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best indoor activity for kids in Preston? 

Jungle World Park in nearby Leyland is one of the most popular indoor options, with soft play, a slide, laser tag, and go-karting under one roof. It suits a wide age range and has a separate area for younger toddlers.

Is Brockholes Nature Reserve free to visit? 

Yes, entry to Brockholes is free. You only pay for parking, which makes it a budget-friendly option for a full day outdoors with the children.

Are there things to do in Preston with kids on a rainy day? 

Yes. Jungle World Park, Flip Out Preston, Wacky World Inflatable Park, and the Harris Museum all offer indoor activities, so a wet forecast doesn't have to ruin your plans.

Does the Ribble Steam Railway run every day? 

No, it operates on a set schedule rather than daily, with extra themed rides during school holidays. Check the railway's website before you travel to avoid a wasted trip.

Where can toddlers and older siblings play safely at the same time? 

Venues with separate age zones work best for mixed-age families. Jungle World Park has an enclosed toddler area alongside the main play frame, so younger children aren't sharing space with more boisterous older kids.

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