The summer of 2019 is nearly upon us!

The weather might be undecided as to what season it is but the kids will certainly let us know they’re off school for the summer. We all know how hard it is to keep them entertained for weeks on end. Here’s hoping this guide makes it a little easier…

The Harris Museum and Art gallery
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is showcasing Fearsome Craftsman.A touring exhibition from the JORVIK Viking Centre in York it shows how more than 1,000 years ago simple materials were turned into complex objects.

Fearsome Craftsmen runs until 26 August and is free to attend. As well as Fearsome Craftsmen the Vikings are also due to visit the Flag Market on Saturday 13 July and set up camp.
All events at the Harris can be booked via the Eventbrite link.

Read more: Vikings to take over the Harris throughout the summer

Brockholes Nature Reserve
As they do every school holiday, Brockholes Nature Reserve has a fantastic range of events taking place over the summer.

Pond Dipping will be available on selected dates throughout the summer for children and adults to enjoy.
Pond Dipping sessions are £2 per person and 30 minutes long and take place at 11.00am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 2.45pm.

Craft activities include a Magic Wand Masterclass, Beach Keepsake Jars, Beautiful Butterfly Crafts and making Fairy Houses.
There is no need to book for the craft activities, just drop in between 10.00am – 12.00 and 1.00pm – 4.00pm.

The Xplorer Challenge starts on the 20^th of July and continues throughout the summer until the 1^st of September. Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity explore Brockholes, find the themed markers, complete the challenge, have fun together!
There is a £3 charge per map pack.

One off events include a Bat Walk taking place on Friday 23 August 2019 and an Outdoor Theatre production of Gangsta Granny on Saturday 17 August.
To find out more information including dates, times and how to book tickets see below:
https://www.brockholes.org/seasonal-events

Ribble Steam Railway
Ribble Steam Railway are open every weekend in July and August for their Standard Steam Weekends. These include hourly steam services running from 11:00 till 16:00. Visit the museum, workshop & playground, with unlimited train rides all day.

In August they will also open every Wednesday.
Day tickets include entry to the museum, workshop and unlimited train rides and cost adults £8.00 and children £5.00.
Under 3’s go in for free and there is also a family ticket available for (2 adults, 2 children) for £23.00.
For more information visit the Ribble Steam Railwaywebsite: https://ribblesteam.org.uk/

Guys Thatched Hamlet
Bubble & Bounce Inflatable Hamlet is a field of over 20 giant inflatables: giant slides, ball ponds, moon walk, farmyard adventures etc including children’s rides.
Sessions start on the hour every hour. Open from 10am with the last entry at 5pm.
Admission is £5 per child and is aimed at toddlers to 14 years. Taking place at Guys Thatched Hamlet from 8^th until the 26^th of August, 10am – 5pm.

Huntleys
Huntleys Maze will be opened daily from 26 July until 14 September, 10am – 4pm last entry 3.30pm. Suitable clothing and footwear is advised. No need to book payable at the shed.
They also have the Samlesbury Artisan Market taking place on 14 July and Tractor Ted bounces into Huntleys on the 29th of July.

Samlesbury Hall
Betsy Bumblebee is back again for more FREE family fun in August, with her very own stories! Enjoy her treasure hunts and original stories in a 14th Century Hall.
Tickets are not required but please be aware that places can’t be guaranteed.
From 5th August until 28th of August. For times and dates see: https://www.samlesburyhall.co.uk/things-to-do/events/summer-holiday-fun-with-betsy-bumblebee-05-Aug-2019

Old Holly Farm
This Summer Old Holly Farm will be running a weekly fun farm quiz, where you will need to explore the farm to find the answers to 10 questions.
The farm is free to enter and the quiz is just 50p.

Cuerden Valley Park
Cuerden Valley Park will host bat detective days which include guided walks detecting the bats that frequent the Park.
They also have Farmer’s markets on this summer.

Bookings are now being taken for the popular Forest Schools and they also have an Adventurous Day for over 10’s. Activities include playing games, making dens and shelters, having a camp fire with tasty treats, exploring the wonderful nature in the Park and making things from natural materials.
Book tickets for their events via buytickets.at/CuerdenValley

Barton Grange Garden Centre
Get creative at Barton Grange Garden Centre this August. They have a number of workshops that children and families can take part in, including: Summer Biscuit Decorating, decorate a Mini Bird Feeder Give a Gnome a Home, Sun Catcher Wind Chimes, Grass Caterpillar and Mask Making.
For more info on dates, times and prices see: https://www.bartongrange.co.uk/events/

Preston Flag Market
Summer Saturdays are back for 2019! Each Saturday will see a new and exciting free event around the city centre.

Read more: Here’s everything on the Flag Market for this year’s Summer Saturdays

Hoghton Tower
Outdoor theatre in the form of The Handlebards – The Tempest and Treasure Island take place at Hoghton Tower this summer.
Tudor Festival Day is fun for all ages and is on Sunday 14 July.
Book tickets for all their events via the website below:
https://hoghtontower.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

The Royal Lancashire Show -19/07/19. 20/07/19. 21/07/19
With over 250 years of heritage, The Royal Lancashire Show is packed full of fun things to do for all the Family.
Find out more:
http://www.royallancashireshow.co.uk/

The Lancashire Festival – 20/07/19
Avenham & Miller Parks will host The Lancashire Festival again this year.
There will be live music, children’s entertainers, street food, circus acts, workshops and market stalls.
More details can be found on their website:
https://thelancashirefestival.co.uk/

Garstang Ice Cream Festival – 21/07/19
The Garstang Ice Cream Festival takes place in Garstang Town Centre. A family day out full of ice cream, food and live entertainment.
Find out more:
https://www.garstangicecreamfestival.co.uk/

The Garstang Show – 03/08/19
A family day out with entertainment, agricultural and horticultural displays, a food hall, craft stalls, children’s entertainment, trade stands and music.
https://www.garstangshow.org/

Moor Park Get Together – 04/08/19
A FREE fun event for all the family including face painting, circus skills, arts and crafts and sports activities. You can pre-book your ticket through skiddle.com which will provide you with fast track entry to the event:
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/-Moor-Park/Moor-Park-Get-Together/13564919/

What are your plans for the summer months? Let us know if we’ve missed off your event by adding it to the comments below…