All the events on at The Harris in the summer holidays featuring plenty of free fun
The summer holidays have arrived and if you’re looking for ways to entertrain the kids then the Harris
Families looking for affordable ways to keep children entertained during the summer holidays need look no further than The Harris says the Preston venue.
A packed programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances and family activities are taking place at the museum throughout the school break.
With free entry to the museum, gallery and library, The Harris is offering visitors the chance to enjoy everything from internationally acclaimed art and illustration to hands-on creative activities and family-friendly events.
Many of the activities are completely free, and they all offer opportunities to discover, create, learn and be inspired during the school holidays.
Take a look at the full what’s on guide next...
What's on at The Harris this Summer
The World of Martin Brown: Horrible Histories and Other Dazzling Drawings
- When: Until Monday, August 31
- What: One of the summer's headline attractions, this colourful exhibition celebrates the work of bestselling illustrator Martin Brown, best known for bringing the hugely popular Horrible Histories books to life. Packed with original artwork, cartoons and behind-the-scenes insights, it is a must-see for children and nostalgic adults alike.
- Price: free
.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The Birley Exhibition – Artist Led
- When: Until January 2017
- What: This thought-provoking exhibition sees six contemporary artists respond to works by regional artists from The Harris collection. The result is a fascinating dialogue between historic and contemporary creativity, showcasing fresh perspectives on familiar works.
- Price: free
The Big Picture – The pARTnership
- When: Saturday, July 18– Sunday, October 4 2026
- What: Bringing together painting, sculpture and mixed-media works, this vibrant exhibition celebrates the talents of learning-disabled artists from Blackpool's pARTnership project. Inspired by The Harris collection, the exhibition highlights creativity, inclusion and artistic ambition.
- Price: free
Temporary Displays
- When: Running throughout the summer.
- What: The Harris' temporary displays showcase internationally acclaimed artists, local talent and community-led stories across art, culture and history. Located across the first and second floors, the displays offer something new to discover on every visit and are free to enjoy.
- Price: free
Little Zoo to You
- When: Tuesday, July 28
- What: Children can get up close to a variety of fascinating animals when Little Zoo to You brings its mini mobile zoo to The Harris. The interactive experience offers a fun and educational introduction to wildlife and includes a complimentary juice box.
- Price: £3 but its sold out
Wonky Olympics
- When: Wednesday, July 29
- What: Forget traditional sporting contests. Wonky Olympics puts a humorous twist on athletic competition, inviting families to take part in quirky challenges inspired by the Ancient Greeks, with plenty of laughs guaranteed.
- Price: £2
Grow Your Potential with Youth Futures
- When: Weekly from Thursday, July 30
- What: Designed for young people aged 16 to 18, these informal drop-in sessions provide advice and support on education, employment, apprenticeships and future opportunities in a welcoming environment.
- Price: free
Storytelling with Rogan Mills
- When: Thursday, July 30
- What: Renowned storyteller Rogan Mills brings stories to life through energetic, interactive performances that encourage children to become part of the adventure and unleash their imaginations.
- Price: free
Creative Workshops with Jonny Cosmo
- When: Saturday, August 1
- What: Young people aged 14 to 19 can explore poetry, spoken word and digital creativity in this hands-on workshop, learning how to create engaging visual content and social media reels.
- Price: free
YOU ARE HISTORY with Greg Jenner and Jenny Taylor
- When: Monday, August 3
- What: Discover some delightful, daft and downright deadly facts with historian and podcaster Greg Jenner as he shares the fascinating history behind ordinary objects you see every day.
- Price: £7 for children, £10 for adults
Footy Fairy Tales
Vinyl Revival
- When: Thursday, August 6
- What: Music lovers are invited to bring their favourite albums and share memories, opinions and discoveries in this relaxed discussion group that celebrates the enduring appeal of vinyl records.
- Price: free
Mini Scarf Weaving and Colouring
1938 FA Cup Final Crafts
- When: Tuesday, August 18
- What: Families can relive Preston North End's famous 1938 FA Cup triumph through a series of themed craft activities celebrating one of the city's greatest sporting achievements.
- Price: free
Curator-Led Tour: A Horrible History of Preston
- When: Wednesday, August 19
- What: From failed stone age hunts to stinky streets, discover the gruesome history of Preston in this exclusive curator-led tour of The Harris, with all the nasty bits left in.
- Price: free
The Birley Exhibition: In Conversation with Artists Roberta Cialfi and Sarah Grant -
- When: Thursday, August 20
- What: Learn about their practice, their works on display in The Birley exhibition and their pairings with works from The Harris collection.
- Price: free
Battle of Preston 1715 Guided Walk
Don’t miss a story. Follow us on Facebook for the latest from Preston and across Lancashire as it happens.
Escape 2 Make Mini Heritage Festival
- When: Tuesday, August 25
- What: A day packed with creative heritage-inspired activities including lino printing, clay carving and weaving. The festival is designed to inspire young people while welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.
- Price: free
Horrible Histories: The Movie Screening
- When: Wednesday, August 26
- What: Families can round off the summer with a free screening of Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans. The fun-filled film complements the Martin Brown exhibition and brings history to life through comedy and adventure.
- Price: free but sold out
For full event details and booking information, visit theharris.org.uk