February half-term 2020: what to do with the kids in Preston and around as the bad weather continues

As storm Dennis continues to bring heavy wind and rain, here are some bad weather ideas for how to keep the kids entertained.

Surround yourself with dogs

Barton Grange Garden Centre, Garstang Rd, Brock PR3 0BT

(16 February, 11am to 3.30pm)

The charity Pets as Therapy has dedicated itself to improving people’s lives through canine companionship.

On 16 February, they’ll be hosting a family fun day at the Grange Garden Centre, with tonnes of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

It’s an ideal opportunity to meet some great dogs, have a lot of fun and contribute to an excellent cause.

Entry is free but donations are welcome; for more details visit the Barton Grange Garden Centre website.

Try out a dance classHarris Museum Art Gallery and Library, Market Square PR1 2PP

If you’re looking for something interactive to help your kids burn off some energy, The Harris has fun-filled kids activities lined up for the February break.

There’s a traditional Chinese dance class on 17 February, 1.30pm to 2.15pm or if you’ve got yourself a regular karate kid, there’s a martial arts lesson on 18 February from 1.30pm to 2.15pm.

Free entry but tickets are required; for more details and to book tickets, visit the Harris’ Facebook page.

Get out of an Escape Room

Timed Trap, 56 Manchester Rd PR1 3YH

Escape Reality, Aqueduct Mill Industrial Park, 1, Aqueduct St PR1 7JN

Escape Rooms are all the rage these days and Preston is no stranger to the craze - Timed Trap offers a variety of challenges for visitors to try and best.

Players will need to solve puzzles and crack codes in a series of different themed rooms - including “jewel thief” and “the great escape” - to find their way out.

For even more variety, check out Escape Reality - it boasts another set of themed rooms, including one based on the infamous prison, Alcatraz.

Try crazy golf

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre, Garstang Rd PR3 0BTLeVel, Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT

If you want to get the kids up, moving and having lots of fun, crazy golf is always a success.

Fortunately, Preston boasts two impressive entertainment centres which both feature crazy golf courses - LeVel and Flower Bowl.

After a long day dodging windmill blades and trying to sink that perfect shot, you’ll be surrounded by places to pick up some well-earned food.

Reach great heights at a climbing wall

Clip N Climb, 1b Wyder Court, Millennium City Park PR2 5BW

Clip N Climb aims to deliver action-packed fun for people of all ages with its vast array of climbing-based activities.

With over 20 challenges to choose from, there’s something suitable for every ability level - from the awesome Stairway to Heaven to the hair-raising Vertical Drop Slide.

The 90-minute sessions include comprehensive safety briefings and all the kit is included in the cost so you don’t need to bring any equipment.

It’s a great way to get the kids moving on a rainy day by offering them something way more exciting than even the most violent videogame.

Best of all - they’re offering 10% off during the half-term break!

Standard sessions are £10.50 per person; for more details and to book visit the Clip N Climb website.

Join in the activities at Salmesbury Hall

Salmesbury Hall, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury PR5 0UP

The hall has a variety of events set up to keep the kids entertained over the holiday.

Between 17 February and 20 February, beloved children’s entertainer Betsy Bumblebee will be there with plenty of stories to tell between 11am and 12am.

If the weather does brighten up at all, kids will also be able to explore the Mayflower playground.

They can also visit the hall’s menagerie to pay a visit to some of their favourite furry friends and learn more about the critter Betsy takes her name from at the always-buzzing Bee Centre.

When they’re in need of a re-fuel, just head down to the restaurant or grab a sweet treat from Dottie’s Wafflery.

Free entry but tickets are required for some events; for more details and to book tickets, visit the Salmesbury Hall website.