Find great ideas for days out with kids in Lancashire and the best family friendly events happening summer 2024. The Lancashire summer holiday activities guide is packed full with big family days out or smaller, local ideas.   From Lancaster to Blackpool and Preston to Burnley there’s something for everyone

Summer Activities & Events for Kids in Lancashire

Summer Outdoor Adventures in Lancashire

Blackpool Tower Circus (Blackpool)

Delivering incredible stunts with belly laughs aplenty, meet legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo as you experience the UK’s biggest and best Circus.

Summer Tedventure at Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm (Ormskirk) 15th July – 3rd September

Lowther’s Ice Cream Festival (Lytham) 20th – 21st July FREE

This free-to-enter festival will bring together over a dozen local, well-loved vendors for a weekend of ice cream and free family entertainment.

Summer Code Breakers at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre (Burscough) 23rd July – 1st September

This summer, Martin Mere Westland Centre are transforming the stunning wetlands into a HUGE puzzle adventure. With the beautiful site as your backdrop and 18 clues hidden amongst the flamingos, cranes, swans and more, you’ll embark on an exciting quest that promises unforgettable memories for the whole family. See if you can crack the code to win a prize.

Festival of Fun at Thornton Country Park (near Skipton) 21st July – 3rd September

Ladybird & Shield Bug Hunt at Brockholes 24th July

Jurassic Adventure at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park (Clayton-le-Dale) 27th July – 1st September

Bringing to life prehistoric creatures with interactive storytelling this summer. Join the explorers, using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to life. Step into the barn restoration where an archaeology dig is underway and and discover immersive storytelling, friendly baby dinosaurs, a huge Stegosaurus, and the menacing T-Rex – plus all the fun of the farm park.

The Lancashire Festival (Preston) 27th July £2.25 – £3.00

Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of local talent, featuring live performances, art exhibitions and delicious culinary delights.

Lancashire Haws & Owls at Barton Grange Garden Centre (Preston) 27th -28th July, 10th – 11th August FREE

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 them for a charge of £2 (cash only).

Alice’s Adventures in Brickburn Lego Trail (Blackburn) 10th – 26th August FREE

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure this summer as the enchanting and magical world of Alice in Wonderland and LEGO® comes to Blackburn Town Centre.

Greenlands Farm Village (Carnforth) tbc

Indoor Events in Lancashire

Get Crafty Arts and Crafts at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery  (Blackburn) Saturdays FREE

These free craft sessions are drop-in and are unsupervised by Museum staff. They are aimed at children from toddler age to 12 years. All children must be supervised by an adult. The crafts will take about 20-30 minutes and the children can take home whatever craft they make.

Fairytale Princesses at Fishergate Shopping Centre (Preston) 27th July FREE

Princess Elsa from Frozen, Ariel from Little Mermaid and Rapunzel from Tangled will be appearing separately in staggered sessions

Summer of Fun at Afinity (Fleetwood) FREE

This Summer there’s a huge range of FREE family events at Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood, helping you to have plenty of fun when school’s out!

Travel to Wonderland at East Lancs Railway (Bury)3rd & 30th August

During this weird and wonderful interactive experience you’ll meet the surreal inhabitants of this bizarre place. Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities

Fun & Games at Fishergate Shopping Centre (Preston) 3rd August FREE

The kids will be kept busy for ages with these carnival games, all with the chance to nab some cracking prizes.

The Dino Adventure at East Lancs Railway (Bury) 15th & 28th August

It’s a perfect adventure for dino fans from ages 5 – 12 but anyone is welcome to join the fun. You’ll get to learn all about these adorable dinosaurs from our expert handlers in this fully interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for all the family.

Family Theatre, Live Music and Puppets in Lancashire

Blackpool Tower Circus (Blackpool)

Delivering incredible stunts with belly laughs aplenty, meet legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo as you experience the UK’s biggest and best Circus.

Sleeping Beauty summer panto at Victoria Hall (Bolton) 24th July – 12th August

Shrek The Musical JR at Blackburn Empire Theatre  (Blackburn) 26th – 27th July

Get ready to be transported to the enchanting world of everyone’s beloved green ogre, Shrek!Join Shrek, Donkey, and a cast of whimsical fairytale characters on an exhilarating adventure as they outsmart the conniving Lord Farquaad. It’s a magical journey filled with laughter, music, and plenty of surprises!

Pinnochio outdoor theatre at Lowther Pavilion Theatre Rose Garden (Lytham) 31st July

This show from “The Storytellers Theatre Company” is bright, colourful and full to the brim with toe tapping action. The hour long performance is sure to captivate all who listen and watch.

The Gondoliers at Lytham Hall (Lytham) 11th August

The comical Duke of Plaza, handsome  twin brothers Marco and Guiseppe and the tragic Inez will all be in the spotlight  in what is regarded by many as the most tuneful of all the G and S comic operas.

The Adventures of Dr Dolittle at Lytham Hall (Lytham) 18th August

Gub-gub the talking pig, Polynesia the Parrot and the Two Headed Pushmi-Pullyu  provide a treat for the eyes and the ears in this year’s show for all the family.

Pop Princesses at The Grand Theatre (Blackpool) 22nd August

This is a children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back with their NEW SHOW for 2024. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.