May half-term activities in Lancashire 2024
May half term is in sight. If you’re looking for May half-term activities in Lancashire 2024 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.
Ad – this post contains affiliate links. These are marked with a *.
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
Bing’s nature explorers at Martin Mere WWT
When – until 2nd June 2024
- Activity trails – Follow Bing’s Nature Explorers trail to discover fun-filled challenges and amazing wildlife facts. Be sure to pick up a map at the start and collect your sticker once you’ve completed the trail.
- Storytelling – Enjoy a Bing story with an interactive storytelling session. 12.30pm
The meet and greets and mini-shows will be non-ticketed. In the instance of bad weather, the mini-show will be moved indoors and tickets will be available to collect at the welcome desk.
- Character appearances – Meet Bing and Flop and snap a photo of your time together. Times: Every day at 10:30-11am, 12:30-1pm, and 3-3:30pm.
- Mini shows – Join Bing, Flop and one of our WWT team for a mini show where you can learn all about wildlife and wetlands. Times: Every day at 11:30-11:50am, 2-2:20pm, and 4:00-4:20 (some are a quieter session, please read below).
- Quieter sessions 26th, 29th and 31st May 4pm
Cost – included in admission costs.
Full details here – Bing’s Nature Explorers | WWT
Gruffalo party trail, Gisburn Forest
When – all year
Cost £4 per activity pack
Find out more here – Gruffalo party trails
The wizarding adventure at East Lancashire Railway
When – 30th May 2024.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station, Bury BL9 0EY
Sign up for the spellbinding school of sorcery and take a wacky whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy as you learn to become a master of magic.
This interactive experience will see you take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potions, receive instruction in incantation and learn to talk like a tawny owl.
Your adventure includes a steam 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
Flashes festival of nature, Pennington flash
When – 25th – 26th May 2024.
Pennington Flash Country Park, St. Helens Road, Leigh, WN7 3PA
visitors to Pennington Flash will be able to learn more about its ecological impact and all the wildlife at this stunning location with a range of FREE family-friendly activities.
You can take part in guided walks with local experts, some as part of Big Wigan Walk Week. There are also workshops, accessible trails, nature stalls, eco-crafts & activities and much more.
It is free to attend, though there may be a small charge on some activities.
Full details here – Flashes Festival of Nature
The play area is amazing! Find out why here – Pennington flash country park
Family fun days, Winstanley park Estate
When – 25th – 27th May 2024.
Expect –
- Face painters
- Funfair
- Character visits
- Live Music
- Food & Drink Stalls
- Small Business Stalls
- Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience
- Donkey Rides
- Inflatables
Book here – Family Fun Day
Summer bird walk for families at Heysham Nature Reserve
When – 25th May 2024.
Meet in the car park at Heysham Nature Reserve. You will head down the landscape strip towards the coast and Red Nab, listening as you go. The incoming tide on Morecambe Bay, will bring in many birds for you to see and identify.
This event is for families, and it is important to wrap up warm and be prepared to walk for around 15 minutes to the shore and then back again. We will do the walk in most weathers but will advise if the forecast is too bad.
Book here – Summer Bird Walk for the family from Heysham Nature Reserve
Fleetwood beach clean, Fleetwood beach front cafe
When – 25th May 2024.
A community litter pick along Fleetwood beach. These actions all contribute to nature’s recovery along our coastline. Equipment is provided, please never pick up items by hand.
Full details – Fleetwood Beach Care | The Bay
Seashore detectives, North Beach car park St Anne’s
When – 29th May 2024.
From the sandy shores and dunes to the intriguing strandline, uncover the hidden treasures and fascinating secrets of the seashore with us. Wander along the beach, dunes, and strandline, equipped with our trays and Coastal Explorer ID guides, as we unravel the mysteries hidden within.
Discover exciting marine species to see if you can identify and learn about them, and collect sea shells to see if you can guess what animal used to live inside.
Free but booking required.
Book here – Seashore Detectives
Wonder walk – Superhero spider hunt, Morecambe
When – 29th May 2024.
Dressing us as a superhero is not mandatory but is welcome.
We will be searching for spiders and other interesting insects at our allotment site at Half Moon Bay.
You will learn a thing or two about invertebrate identification, how you can find these fascinating critters and why these creatures are so much fun!
Our wonder walks are designed for individuals and families who might benefit from a small and friendly group learning about the wonders of Morecambe and trying new outdoor activities.
All ages are welcome.
Free but booking required
Book here – Wonder Walk – Superhero Spider Hunt | The Bay
Family geology walk from Half moon bay, Heysham
When – 29th May 2024.
Meeting on the beach at Half Moon Bay we will head out a little into Morecambe Bay and around to a smaller adjoining beach. This exciting short walk will transport you back in time to see how the last ice age formed the rocks before you. Geologist Trevor Lund will transport you back in time with some amazing facts about the landscapes composition and we will take a closer look at the sand beneath your feet.
Book here – Family Geology Walk from Half Moon Bay
Jurassic musical adventure, Blackpool Grand theatre
When – 30th May – 1st June 2024.
Jurassic Musical Adventure takes you on a musical journey as you join little Amber, Ranger Joe, Ranger Nora & the rest of the Jurassic Live rangers to help save the day from an evil man who is trying to shut down the Jurassic facility.
With lots of audience participation and fun with your favourite comedic rangers on stage alongside dinosaur favourites such as Trixie the Triceratops, Herbie the Stegosaurus, Nessie the Apatosaurus, Rocky the Velociraptor, Bash the Stigimoloch and Suzie.. the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex and many more!
Book here – Jurassic Musical Adventure
Mud dipping, Lytham St Annes
When – 30th May 2024.
We’ll be delving into the muddy depths to uncover a myriad of hidden animals, including worms, shrimps, snails, and captivating shells that employ a unique burying technique with their giant foot!
Our expert guides will be on hand to assist you in searching, identifying, and learning about your fascinating discoveries.
Free but booking required – Mud Dipping
Medieval revival, Hoghton Tower
When – 25th-26th May 2024.
Visit this authentic encampment, with Sir John Savile’s Household and take a glimpse back into medieval times.
Activities will be taking place throughout the day, from weapons talks, archery, guns, bill drill and a mummers play.
Living history displays and demonstrations will include weapons, tiler, glazier, dyer, silkwoman, cooking and a lady doing opus anglicanum (Medieval English embroidery).
Venture inside to the Old Chapel area of the house and the infamous Banqueting Hall to discover more about medieval graffiti and superstitious beliefs.
Find out more here – 25th & 26th May – Medieval Revival
Stained glass style Gawthorpe Hall events
When – 29th May 2024
Gawthorpe Hall has many windows, you can craft your own colourful window, just like the ones at the Hall. Bring the family along to find their creative side using paper and recycled materials.
Drop-in, no booking needed. Free event but admission applies to those who aren’t National Trust members.
Full details here – Stained Glass Style Crafts | National Trust
Totally Jurassic, Walkden
When – 18th May – 30th June 2024.
A museum-style exhibition of colossal dinosaur models, perfect for every little Dinosaur fan.
Walk amongst our huge static models all safely under one roof, with loads of fun facts to learn and even more awesome photo opportunities.
Book here – Totally Jurassic – Walkden
Blast in the grass, Albany Academy, Chorley
When – 25th – 26th May 2024.
A family festival with live music, entertainment, fairground rides, carnival games and more.
Book here – Blast in the grass
Bluey and Bingo at Mrs Dowsons farm park
When – 30th May – 2nd June 2024.
Meet Bluey and Bingo at intervals throughout the day as well as all the usual farm fun and the fantastic indoor playground.
Book here – Bluey & Bingo | Mrs Dowsons Farm
Never been to Mrs Dowsons? Find our review here – Mrs Dowsons farm park review.
Reptile workshop at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park
When – 26th May 2024
Meet and greet the North West Reptile Club and visit animals from all around the world!
Included in General Admission tickets and also enjoy farm park access and indoor play.
Book here – Reptile Workshop
Family open day at Woodlands Animal Sanctuary
When – 25th May 2024.
Activities include:
- Tombola, Teddy bear tombola, & fun kids games.
- Refreshments & bbq.
- Goat cuddling – with our loveable baby goats.
- Pony grooming sessions.
Book early and get discounted rates. £3 per adult, and £2.50 per child.
Full details here – May Open Day 2024
Family bee awareness day, Lytham Hall
When – 29th May 2024
Come along and learn all about bees. Craft sessions, honey tasting, observation hive, beeswax candle making (small charge for craft activities). Organized by the Blackpool & Fylde Beekeepers Association.
No need to book. Just turn up on the day.
Admission: Free, parking fee applies
Full details – Family bee awareness day
Carried by the wind, craft and show. Horse and Bamboo
When – 30th May 2024
Suitable for children aged 4+. 20 minute show plus a chance to meet the puppets.
Book here – Horse + Bamboo
Cuerden wildlife week, Cuerden valley park
When – 27th – 31st May 2024
£7 per child. A series of interactive sessions to get children hands on with nature.
Full details here – Cuerden Wildlife Week – 27th – 31st May 2024 – Cuerden Valley Park
Spring fun at Ridgeway farm, Blackpool
When – 25th, 26th May, 1st & 2nd June 2024
Come meet our adorable spring arrivals, including fluffy lambs and happy chicks. Here’s what you can expect:
Meet & Greet the Farm Animals Explore our tranquil traditional orchard brimming with flora and fauna, and see our friendly farm animals up close.
Activities for All Ages: Keep the little ones entertained with our Stick Man Trail and a selection of toys. You can even create your own Stick Man!
Animal Feeding: Purchase a bag of feed (£1.50) or a multi-bag deal (4 for £5) to feed the animals.
Limited Spots Available: Bottle Feed the Lambs for just £2.50 per person (payable on the day).
Book here – Ridgeway farm
Down in the jungle, Affinity Lancashire
When – 25th May – 1st June 2024
There are different free events on different days including crafts, meet the jungle critters, face painting, bounce and assault course as well as a jungle adventure trail.
Full details of what’s on each day here – Come ‘Down in the Jungle’ with Affinity Lancashire! – Affinity Lancashire
Bubble & bounce at Guy’s thatched hamlet
When – 26th May – 2nd June 2024
Find a gigantic outdoor inflatable play hamlet plus crazy golf and so much more.
Full details here – Bubble & Bounce
Pond dipping at Brockholes nature reserve
When – 29th May 2024
This is an opportunity for 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.
Pond dipping sessions are 45 minutes long and start from 10.15am.
Book here – Pond Dipping at Brockholes Nature Reserve
Woodland fairy adventures at Brockholes
When – 30th May 2024
A magical fairy tale themed activities for all the family in our woodland at Brockholes. From castles and dungeons to potions, wands, crowns, swords and dragons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our enchanted woodland!!
Tickets are £9 per child. Accompanying adults and children over 12 enter free, but please still book a ticket then we can keep track of numbers. Any children over 12 who wish to take part in activities must have a child’s ticket purchased.
Book here – Woodland Fairytale Adventure at Brockholes
Tedventures assemble at Farmer Teds
When – 27th – 31st May 2024
Calling all heroes, big and small! Come dressed as your favourite caped crusader or princess and join us for a day filled with thrilling activities, heroic challenges, and super-sized fun for the whole family!
Experience the new Tedventures Assemble Show where you can meet your favourite heroes, rub shoulders with our super-powered team, snap some epic selfies, and unleash your inner hero!
Book here – Superhero Event Ormskirk
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
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.
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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