February Half Term 2024 - kids activities and events in Preston
February Half Term 2024 - kids activities and events in Preston
29 January 2024
Awesome things to do with the kids this school holiday.
With February half term just around the corner, if you're looking for fun things to do with the kids, then here is a great place to start!
Layer up and head outside
It's the start of the year and chance would be a fine thing when it comes to enjoying this half term outdoors. However, if the weather gods are in our favour and we're blessed with some much needed winter sun, then why not wrap up warm, catch some fresh air and pay a visit to one of the city's fantastic family outdoor attractions.
Watch an incredible flying display
Recently named one of England's top 25 'hidden gem' attractions, Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is certainly a place to visit with the family. With over 90 birds of prey and impressive flying displays taking place throughout the week, it's sure to be a win with the kids.
Complete a spy themed treasure trail
Finding creative ways to motivate the kids outside during the winter months can be tough. However, add a spy mission treasure trail into the mix and you could be on to a winner. It gets the whole family outside and makes a fun alternative way of exploring Avenham and Miller Parks.
Get closer to nature
If you're looking to get closer to nature with the kids, Brockholes makes a great day out for all the family. The reserve acts as an oasis for wildlife, inviting children of all ages to come and get closer to native creatures. With plenty going on throughout the year, you could team the outing with one of their half term events.
Rainy day activities
With the likelihood of rainy days being pretty high, Preston has some fantastic indoor attractions to escape the elements and enjoy some inside fun with the kids.
Hop on board a vintage train
Experience the outdoors from the comfort of your carriage with a memorable ride aboard a vintage steam train at Ribble Steam Railway and Museum. Kids will love the adventure and when you're done make sure to take a wander over to the museum to see their working and static exhibits. And for those budding princesses and pirates, why not visit on Ribble Steam Half Term Pirates and Princess Wednesday.
Get creative
Unleash your child's inner Picasso with a creative arts and craft session. Go Create! provides children aged 0-12 with fun and creative play like no other. With an array of creative equipment to inspire young minds, children can be let loose to see what masterpieces they can create.
The Harris also have a host of art and craft sessions taking place over half term. For more details visit The Harris - February half term.
Enjoy a sweet treat
Treat the kids to a sweet treat at one of Preston's dedicated dessert houses. With a choice of mouth-watering sundaes, waffles, crepes, cakes, milkshakes, and more, the city centre's dessert only dining experiences are sure to be a hit.
What's on over half term
For those looking for family-friendly events this holiday, there's plenty going on across the city to keep everyone entertained.
Brockholes Winter Wonderland Adventure
Date: 8 January - 29 February
Head over to Brockholes this winter for an action packed day at the reserve searching for different types of wildlife. If you are lucky you might even spot a Roe Deer.
Each pack contains an activity sheet, kids hot chocolate voucher, pencil and a magnifying glass or set of binoculars to take home with you.
Date: Saturday 10 February 2024 - Friday 16 February 2024
Price: £20
Embrace your imagination in Hoghton Tower's new immersive story telling adventure. This half term, enrol your little monsters in the Hoghton Tower School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The magical professors will teach you how to cast spells, brew exploding potions and even practice broomstick racing.
A spellbinding session full of mystery, magic and mischief awaits you!
Love Wildlife at Brockholes Nature Reserve - Brockholes
Date: 14 February 2024
Price: Tickets are £9 per child. Accompanying adults and children over 12 enter free.
Have a go at making homemade gifts from the heart for the animals in your garden; a brand-new hotel for your minibeast friends, or a tasty feeder for the birds! Take the opportunity to meet trees, learn more about how you can help wildlife with a quiz trail and make a Valentines pledge to take action for nature!
Ribble Steam Half Term Pirates and Princess Wednesday
Date: Wednesday 14 February 2024
Price: £6.50 - £28
Come and join Ribble Steam Railway for a half term train ride. They will be running their Top and Tail trains throughout the day with a steam engine on the front and a diesel engine at the back.
Come dressed as your favourite pirate or princess - there might even be some prizes for the best dressed.
Tickets include entrance to the wonderful museum and all day travel on the trains. Ribble Steam also have a gift shop and a café serving drinks and light refreshments.
There will also be Face Painting available from the lovely Gina, at an extra cost.
Vehicle Craft Session - The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
Date: Saturday 17 February 2024
Price: Free activities (included in the price of admission)
Following on from their popularity over the Summer Holidays, BCVM will once again be hosting several vehicle craft sessions.
These sessions are free activities, included in the price of admission, and will be held in their Conference Room, led by some of the wonderful volunteers at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum.
Date/time: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February 2024 (10:30am - 3:30pm)
Head over to Barton Grange and meet the people and the birds from Lancashire Hawks and Owls, a private organisation that rescues and looks after birds of prey which cannot be returned to the wild.
All of the birds in the display are hand reared and totally approachable, which means you can touch them and have your photo taken with these fascinating creatures.
