It’s Easter weekend in Preston and the area is buzzing with egg hunts and special family fun! From steam trains to dragon quests, check out the best activities happening on Saturday, April 4th, and Sunday, April 5th, 2026.
See our top picks
Face painters and Easter Bunny - Preston Markets
Preston Markets
Free chocolate eggs and face painting for little visitors on Saturday morning.
Easter Magic Show at Brockholes
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Indoor magic shows and balloon fun available on both Saturday and Sunday.
Meet the goat kids.
Cockerham Goats
A lovely Sunday morning opportunity to interact with baby goats.
· April 4
5: Ride the magnificent trains and hunt for Easter eggs at the Railway Museum. They are featuring Furness Railway No.20, which is the oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive in the UK! Don't forget to check out the café and playground too.A genuinely local attraction celebrating the holiday with an egg hunt and special steam operations.
FREE : Pop down to the city markets for some free Easter fun! Toffee the Easter Bunny will be handing out free chocolate eggs to children. There will also be two face painters creating fun designs.It’s completely free entertainment right in the city centre on Saturday morning.
: Brockholes has an exciting live magic show running this weekend as part of their Easter offerings. Expect balloon fun and interactive games, all hosted indoors so you are safe from any April showers.Indoor entertainment at a major local nature reserve, perfect if the weather turns.
: Head slightly further afield to Liverpool for a fun, hands-on Easter workshop where you get to make your own bathbombs. This is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.A fun, sensory, hands-on experience that results in a take-home item.
: Get crafty on Saturday morning with this dedicated spring-themed workshop at Morning Star. Book ahead to secure your spot for this timed session.A specific, timed craft session on Saturday morning, perfect for an early start.
· April 5
4: Head to Hoghton Tower to help the Dragon Riders find missing dragon eggs scattered around the grounds. It’s a great mix of exploration and creative storytelling for little ones.A themed quest at a historic tower, perfect for an active Sunday afternoon adventure.
: Get out into nature at Brockholes, following markers to complete a challenge as a family. It's a great way to encourage kids to explore the reserve on Sunday.A simple, open-ended outdoor activity perfect for burning off some Easter chocolate energy.
: If your little one loves teddy bears, head to Liverpool on Sunday morning for this picnic event hosted by Lush. Check ticket availability ASAP.A themed picnic is a lovely way to structure a Sunday morning outing.
: A dedicated family event happening on Easter Sunday afternoon at Feast At The Mills. Tickets are available from free, so check the booking link!It is explicitly branded as a Family Event happening right on Easter Sunday afternoon.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: Catch a specially selected family film at a bargain price during the Kids Club screening, usually the first showing on a Saturday morning. It's ideal affordable fun for younger children.The price of £2.95 per ticket is excellent value for a weekend cinema trip.
: Enjoy meeting baby goats on Sunday morning at Cockerham Goats. Although the description mentioned a craft, the title focuses on meeting the kids, which is always a winner.A fantastic animal interaction opportunity specifically listed for Sunday morning.
: See what egg-citing family films are showing on Sunday morning for just £5.95! This is a great fallback if the weather is poor or you need a relaxing hour or two.Affordable entertainment available for the Sunday morning slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Preston this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is the Face painters and Easter Bunny event at Preston Markets on Saturday, April 4th, between 11 am and 3 pm, where you can also pick up a free chocolate egg.
Are there any Easter egg hunts happening on Saturday, April 4th?
Yes, the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is running its Easter Egg Hunt all day Saturday, April 4th, alongside special steam train rides.
What can we do if the weather is bad on Sunday?
If it rains on Sunday, April 5th, you can head indoors to Brockholes Nature Reserve for the Easter Magic Show, or check out the low-cost family films at Arc Cinema - Animate.
