Morning
Hands on in modern museums
The 21st century museum is a place where children should be seen and most definitely heard. Hands on at the Harris from the Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a series of craft activities and workshops that invite families not only to learn together but create and most importantly have fun together. Check out our museums pages for the latest listings.
The Museum of Lancashire is just a few minutes walk from the Harris. The museum re-opened at the end of 2011 following a major refurbishment and now offers a new, exciting and family friendly experience that will give you a flavour of everything Lancashire. Journey back through time and discover 2000 years of Lancashire's history. Try your hand at archaeology, become a judge or the accused in our mock court room and experience the sounds and smells of life as a soldier in our WW1 trench. From comedians to criminals, local heroes to revolutionary inventors, find out about the people, industries and traditions that have made Lancashire a great and unique place. Visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums to find out more.
Time for lunch on the square
After creating, schooling, time travel and being bombed all in one morning you may find you have worked up an appetite!
Celebrity Chef Paul Heathcote invites you to join him for lunch on the historic Georgian Square that is ‘Winkley Square’. As you walk into his Preston Olive Press restaurant, the open fire is complimented by exposed brick, distressed plaster, and soft tones of wood, creating warm and cosy rustic surroundings to enjoy great Italian food.
Children are welcome at the Olive Press Preston and will enjoy the opportunity to make their own pizza. The ‘Little Olives’ menu offers a range of healthy, appealing dishes to suit every little taste bud.
Afternoon
Boats, Trains and Fast Karts
With recharged batteries and full tummys head down to the Riversway Marina for a gentle stroll along the waters edge admiring the boats and yachts regularly moored here. Follow the sign posts to Ribble Steam Railway and Museum where you will be rewarded with a traditional 1.5 mile steam train around the dockland area as part of your visit. If you feel the need for a little more speed, TRAX karting can take you through banked turns and chicane bends at speeds of up to 70mph! Situated on the docklands TRAX will give you full equipment hire and safety training before letting you loose around the 1 mile track. Cadet Karting is available for children aged 8 and above.
Later
Music and imagination
More than just theatre-land. You and your family can enter a world of fairy magic, flower tots and sing-a-long! Preston Guild hall and Charter Theatre regularly welcomes friends usually found in an imaginary world far away. Live stage shows of children's favourite TV shows and story books are regularly on the bill. Fifi, Peppa Pig, Bob the Builder, Lazy Town, Georges Marvellous Medicine and Postman Pat often stop by. If you are visiting Preston during the Christmas period, you will always find a traditional family pantomime to entertain even the biggest of kids – the parents!