May half-term activities in Lancashire 2026

May half term is in sight. If you’re looking for May half-term activities in Lancashire 2026 then you’re in the right place. You’ll find loads of ideas below.

This post is part of a series of posts on May half term activities North West. If you are close to one of the borders of the region click through to see what else is on in the surrounding areas.

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Please ensure you click through to the event organisers’ website and check if the event is still running before travelling to your chosen event. Occasionally events do get cancelled due to severe weather etc and I can’t guarantee I will be aware.

I will be continuing to update this post right up until the holidays. If you know of an event I’m not aware of, please email me at info@northwestforkids.co.uk

National Trust properties with May half term events

Blossom at Rufford Old Hall

When – 1st – 31st May 2026.

Follow the Blossom trail through the house and explore how florals were used to decorate Victorian homes. Look out for poetry written by Louise Stockdale, who lived at Rufford Old Hall and whose portrait is hung in the school room. Try your hand at some origami and poetry writing in the Cottage Garden Room and visit our orchard to see the apple blossom in bloom.

Full details here – Blossom at Rufford Old Hall

Make a woven dream catcher, Gawthorpe Hall

When – 27th May 2026.

Get hands on with this woolly half term craft, making your own woven dream catcher. Find the wool colour that you like and then weave it together to make a dream catcher that’s as bright and individual as you.

Drop-in activity 12pm – 4pm, included in admission to the Hall.

Full details here – Make a woven dream catcher

Events on family farms in Lancashire

Lambing live, at Mrs Dowsons

When – 8th March – 31st May 2026.

Step into the heart of Spring and experience the magic of Lambing Live! This is your chance to get up close and personal with our adorable orphan lambs and we need your help to care for them. There is bottle feeding at 30-minute intervals throughout the day between 11am and 3:30pm where you’ll roll up your sleeves and assist in feeding our new born lambs.

Book here – Lambing Live | Mrs Dowsons

Tedventures Assemble, Farmer Ted’s

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

Visit dressed in your favourite superhero or princess costume. Superhero-themed adventures on the farm including dance party, Tedventures Assemble show, word scramble around the farm, meet superheroes and princesses and more.

Book here – Tedventures Assemble

Other outdoor events

Fleetwood beach clean, Fleetwood beach front cafe

When – 30th May 2026

Come and support our monthly community litter pick along Fleetwood beach. These actions all contribute to nature’s recovery along our coastline.

No need to book, turn up on the day.

Equipment is provided, please never pick up items by hand. 

Full details – Fleetwood Beach Care | The Bay

Room on the Broom trail at Gisburn Forest

When – From 27th January 2026.

Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.

These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.

Full details here – Forestry England Room on the Broom

May Explorer at Mere Sands Wood

When – 16th – 31st May 2026

Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!

There are 2 courses available:

• Challenge 1 – The markers you need to find are located on or next to surfaced paths and the route is pram friendly. The markers are in number order and form a circular route and is perfect for those who are new to Mere Sands Wood or to orienteering or visiting with younger children.  
• Challenge 2 – This course represents more of a challenge and you will need to use your navigation skills to track down the markers located across the reserve! Not suitable for prams. 

You can decide on which course you do on the day.

Each map pack contains – One map (either challenge 1 or 2), one answer sheet, a pencil and full instructions. On completion you will receive the answers, a certificate and a sweet treat!

Please ensure that you book the number of packs you require for your group. We advise one pack per child, but adults are welcome to book one too!

Ticket is valid all week – simply purchase your ticket online and turn up on a day convenient for you! Please note, Mere Sands Wood Visitor Centre is closed Mondays & Tuesdays however the reserve is open for you to walk around.

Book here – May Explorer at Mere Sands Wood

Gozzle, Martin Mere WWT

When – 20th March – 31st May 2026.

Follow the interactive trail to discover what it takes for your fuzzy little friend to become a grown-up goose. From her first nibble to her first splash… right up to the day she flies away on her first migration.

Along the way, you’ll strike some funny animal poses. Hop along stepping stones to practice your balance. Seek out a meal using your sense of smell. And keep your eyes peeled for the 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route. Can you spot them all?

For more feathery fun, you’ll find page after page of action-packed games and puzzles, a sheet of Gozzle stickers, and a bear headband in the Gozzle activity pack – available to buy for £4 from the visitor centre or pop one in your basket when buying your entrance tickets.

Full details here – Gozzle

Mere Tun (Viking village), Martin Mere WWT

When – 25th – 29th May 2026.

Step inside our Mere Tun Village Monday to Friday during May half term. From 12 – 3pm, see how wetlands were used throughout the ages. Find out more about how materials were used to create roundhouse villages and defend our village with our weapons training sessions!

Full details here – Mere Tun

May Explorer at Brockholes

When – 16th – 31st May 2026.

Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!

There are 2 courses available:

• Challenge 1 – The markers you need to find are located on or next to surfaced paths and the route is pram friendly. The markers are in number order and form a circular route and is perfect for those who are new to Brockholes or to orienteering or visiting with younger children.  
• Challenge 2 – This course represents more of a challenge and you will need to use your navigation skills to track down the markers located across the reserve! Not suitable for prams. 

You can decide on which course you do on the day.

Each map pack contains – One map (either challenge 1 or 2), one answer sheet, a Brockholes Pencil and full instructions. On completion you will receive the answers, a certificate and a sweet treat!

Please ensure that you book the number of packs you require for your group. We advise one pack per child, but adults are welcome to book one too!

Ticket is valid all week – simply purchase your ticket online and turn up on a day convenient for you!

Book here – May Explorer at Brockholes

Free Crafts and Clubs at Brockholes

When – 23rd – 31st May 2026.

These free crafts and clubs will take place inside the Welcome Centre and Kestrel Kitchen on our floating visitor village. Whilst these events are free, they are very popular so we recommend booking your place in advance to avoid disappointment!

Saturday 23rd May:

• 10:30am to 12:00pm – Wildlife Themed Bookmark Making – FREE
• 1:30pm to 3:00pm – LEGO® club – FREE

Sunday 24th May:

• 10:30am to 12:00pm – Paper Tube Frogs – FREE
• 1:30pm to 3:00pm – The Big Spring Draw – FREE

Monday 25th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – No Sew Sock Worms – FREE

Tuesday 26th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – Blossom Tree Painting – FREE

Wednesday 27th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – Pipe Cleaner Snails – FREE

Thursday 28th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – Cardboard Tube Animals – FREE

Friday 29th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – Egg Cup Bees – FREE

Saturday 30th May:

• 10:30am to 3:00pm – Hand Print Bunnies – FREE
• 1:30pm to 3:00pm – LEGO® club – FREE

Sunday 31st May:

• 10:30am to 12:00pm – Flower Paper Plate Wreaths – FREE
• 1:30pm to 3:00pm – Board Game Club – FREE

Full details here – Free Crafts and Clubs at Brockholes

Pond dipping, Brockholes

When – 27th – 29th May 2026.

Pond dipping sessions are 45 minutes long and start from 10.15am. This is an opportunity for all visitors of all ages to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a spot of pond dipping! Discover what lives below the watery depths of the raised ponds.

The sessions are just for fun and no previous knowledge is required.

Full details here – Pond dipping

Magic shows at Brockholes

When – 23rd -24th & 30th – 31st May 2026.

Watch the magician delights and entertains your little ones with a fantastical magic show! With refreshments available and adults are free, why not come along, what magic will you see?

Magic shows are hourly, please ensure your ticket has the correct time slot on. 11am – 12pm, 12.30pm – 1.30pm and 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

Book here – Magic shows

Make and Take Activities at Brockholes

When – 23rd & 24th May 2026.

Our make and take kits come with a space to carry out your activity and get as messy as you like with squash and biscuits whilst you create!

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment as we have a limited number of kits each day.

Saturday 23rd May – Unicorn Slime Making

Sunday 24th May – Rock Painting

Monday 25th May – Pom Pom Animals

Tuesday 26th May – Build a Rocket

Wednesday 27th May – Moon Excavation

Thursday 28th May – Squishy Dino Painting

Friday 29th May – Marble Painting

Saturday 30th May – Rock Pour Painting

Sunday 31st May – Pom Pom Animals

Book here – Make and take

Bee awareness day, Lytham Hall

When – 27th May 2026.

Learn all about honeybees – and have fun at the same time. It will include candle rolling – honey tasting – and more fun for all the family. 

Full details here – Blackpool & Fylde Beekeepers

Wild Wire Workshop at Heysham Nature Reserve

When – 28th May 2026.

This workshop led by Helen Yates from ‘Burning Light Arts’ will begin by helping you create your own drawn design and then Helen will guide you through the process of creating your own sculpture. Your 3D wire creations will grow using various mediums and with no previous experience required this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. We recommend that those taking part wear old clothing and parental participation/help is encouraged. 

£4 per family

Book here – Wild Wire Workshop at Heysham Nature Reserve

Free Minibeast and Nature Walk at Heysham Nature Reserve

When – 29th May 2026.

Join us on a walk around Heysham Nature Reserve where there are various types of habitats for us to explore. These habitats are home to many flying creatures such as ladybirds, shield bugs and bumblebees along with those that crawl such as woodlouse, snails and millipedes. As a group we will look for as many as we can find. Participant/families will be provided with all the equipment needed and all you will have to do is come prepared for all weathers.

Book here – Minibeast and Nature Walk at Heysham Nature Reserve

Cuerden Wildlife Weeks – River Fun Days

When – 26th May 2026

£8 per child, recommended age 5 – 11. The session will run from 10:00 till 12:00.

Wellies required as kids will be standing in the river!

Book here – Cuerden Wildlife Weeks – River Fun Days

Family events on trains across Lancashire

Vintage Vibes, The East Lancashire Railway

When – 23rd & 24th May 2026.

Travel through time one vibe at a time with the return of Vintage Vibes. It’s a celebration of the iconic and timeless tunes that have shaped countless generations, from Northern Soul to 1970s pop. The largest live music event held at the ELR!

The main stage will be located at Bury Station, and you’ll find other stages dotted around the railway, so there will always be something going on. You can keep your groove on with the numerous mini bars and stalls that will also be readily available.

Our partners at So Retro are also chipping in with a fantastic vintage fair, perfect if you’re hunting for some vintage vinyl or a classic band T-Shirt.

Book here – Vintage vibes

Wonderland Adventure, The East Lancashire railway

When – 27th May 2026.

It’s time to take a tumble down the Rabbit Hole for a curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends.

Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Wonderland experience with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.

Book here – Wonderland Adventure

The Wizarding Adventure, The East Lancashire Railway

When – 28th May 2026.

It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic.

Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour wizard experience with our madcap magicians, wizard themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities.

Book here – The Wizarding Adventure

The Dino Adventure, The East Lancashire railway

When – 29th May 2026.

Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin?

Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour dino experience with our professional dinosaur handlers, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities. 

Book here – The Dino Adventure.

Bagnall Bank Holiday, West Lancashire railway

When – 23rd – 25th May 2026.

A new event for 2026! Buy a combined ticket to see our Sybil, the Apedale Valley Light Railway’s Woto and the Amerton Railway’s Isabel, each at their home base.

The ticket is valid for all three days at all three railways, so you can ride behind each of these Bagnall locomotives.

Tickets are a special price of £10 (child £3), available on the day at each location or in advance

Full details here – Special events | West Lancs Railway

Family theatre in Lancashire

Fireman Sam, The Grand Theatre Blackpool

When – 24th May 2026.

Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves.

It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure.

With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates!

Book here – Fireman Sam

Hickory Hickory Dock, Horse + Bamboo

When – 24th May 2026.

The show is a funny and original take on a well beloved and catchy poem.
Children will be caught up in the glove puppet slapstick adventure and the adults will
enjoy the manipulation of the puppets and the clowning. With sets that transform and
enchanting music, adults and older children will be mesmerised by the puppets and
the mechanism of the fantastic Mouse Clock.

Full details here – Horse + Bamboo

The Sooty Show, The Muni

When – 25th May 2026.

Join Sooty, Sweep, Soo and friends in their spectacular new show. There’s guaranteed giggles for the whole family! 

Joining the fun will be the Greatest Showman – Michael Jordan, Singer – Miss Kazia and Mr Brown the Magical Caretaker. Expect jaw dropping juggling, singalong favourites and amazing magic. Plus the return of international blacklight speciality act “Fantasie De La Nuit”.

All tickets include a free meet and greet with our Sooty mascot after the show. Unmissable! 

Book here – The Sooty Show

The magic of science “high voltage”, Blackburn Empire

When – 25th May 2026.

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats and experience a non-stop, action-packed, interactive magical science show with experiments and magic that will capture the imagination.

Book here – The magic of science “high voltage”

The Ultimate Bubble Show, Darwen Library Theatre

When – 28th May 2026.

This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays.
Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!

Book here – The Ultimate Bubble Show

Pinocchio, Outdoor theatre at Cuerden Valley

When – 30th May 2026.

A wooden puppet runs away yearning for adventure, but instead finds cruel bosses, con-artists and exciting attractions which always contain hidden dangers. How can he ever become a real boy when even the lies he tells to cover up awkward truths are as plain as the nose on his face?

Book here – Pinocchio

Other May half term events

Bouncefest, Morecambe

When – 25th May 2026.

Get ready for a spectacular inflatable extravaganza! We’re bringing at least 20 incredible inflatables—a thrilling mix of bouncy castles, giant slides, epic obstacle courses, disco bounce zones, and fun-packed inflatable games.

Book here – BounceFest

Outdoor paddling pools

Fancy a trip to an outdoor paddling pool or splash pad this May half-term? We have lots in Lancashire and many are free. Some of them do require pre-booking though.

Full details of them all here – Outdoor paddling pools and splash parks in the North West

More things to do in Lancashire

• If you’re happy to drive a little bit might you might like to see my post on May half-term activities Manchester.
• You might also like this post – May half-term activities Liverpool
• You might also like this one May half-term activities Lake District
• If you want a lovely family walk, I can recommend – Pendle sculpture trail. We love all the sculptures.
• Find lots of ideas for pram-friendly walks in Lancashire here.

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