Published: 4 April 2024 / Reviewed: 15 January 2025
Spring has sprung and what better time of the year to get outdoors with the kids
It's been a long wet winter with, lets face it, little opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. However, now that the clocks have changed and longer milder days are officially here, why not head outside and enjoy some much needed fresh air and quality family time in some of Preston's beautiful parks and open spaces.
Five outdoor activity ideas
1. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids engaging with nature and learning about the natural environment around them. Before heading out, recce a nature rich outdoor space - nature reserves would be ideal for this or a feature rich green space such as Avenham and Miller Parks. As you wander around, write a list of nature items to spot (e.g. bunch of daffodils, patch of bluebells, ladybird, new green leaves, blossom). Afterwards, create an activity sheet for the kids to tick off their finds and have fun outdoors with your mini explorers!
2. Take a walk in a bluebell wood
From late March to early May (varying year to year), you can find beautiful patches of bluebells in woodland areas across the country. To enjoy the seasonal spectacle locally, why not take a trip to Boilton Wood, which can be accessed through Brockholes Nature Reserve. The reserve itself hosts regular events and has excellent amenities, including the UKs first floating visitor centre (complete with shop and café), making it a great destination to round off a day of exploring.
3. Build a den
Brilliant fun for kids (and kids at heart!) creating a den is a great creative activity which gets the whole family involved. Woodland areas make ideal places to build dens with plenty of fallen branches and leaves lying around which can be used as natural building materials.
4. Fly a kite
For those dry breezy Spring days, why not take the kids out to fly a kite. Large green open spaces, such as Moor Park, make a great place to visit. And, if you fancy a rest and recharge in between, then why not pop over to Rosemary on the Park - perfect for lunch, cakes, and refreshments. The cafe even welcomes well behaved four-legged friends.
5. Go on a bike ride
With the warmer weather approaching, if you haven't felt like getting the bikes out during winter then now would be a great time to dust them off and head out for a family bike ride. Although there are plenty of cycle routes in and around Preston, the Guild Wheel makes a great choice for families. Whether you're keen to challenge yourself to the full circuit or would prefer to join at one of the main entry points for a quick ride, the route is super versatile and caters for all abilities. You will also find many places to stop off along the way, including places to eat and drink which can be spotted on the Guild Wheel Google map. Or, for those bluebird days, why not pack a picnic to enjoy in the sun.
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Map address for Spring locations
Avenham and Miller Parks, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JT Boilton Wood, Grizedale Crescent, Preston, PR2 6HD Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, PR5 0AG Moor Park, Preston, PR1 6AS Guild wheel official starting point, The Pavilion Cafe, Avenham and Miller Parks, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JP The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol, Preston, PR2 3YP Ashton Walled Garden, Ashton Park, Pedders Lane, Preston, PR2 1HL
