What to do with the kids this Christmas in Lancaster and Morecambe by bus

So Stagecoach have come up with some family-friendly ideas for trips out during the Christmas school holidays – some festive, some fun, and all reachable by Stagecoach bus.

For just £3 for a single journey – children aged five to 15 pay £2, and up to three under-fives can travel free with an adult - or free for older people with a bus pass.

Don’t forget to use the Stagecoach bus journey planner to find the best bus routes to get you there – you can find it at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey

Lancaster on Ice, Dalton Square, Lancaster

Bus service: Multiple services into city centre

It’s back again, and Queen Victoria is surely amused. Skaters will be gliding – and falling – on the rink around her memorial statue in Dalton Square all Christmas holiday until January 4. The rink has made outdoor skating a Lancaster festive tradition, plus there’s the ferris wheel, bar and events that include live music and breakfast with Santa.

Book a session at https://lancasteronice.co.uk/

4k Festive Fun Run, Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Lancaster

Bus service: 6A

Bus stop: Asda supermarket

Need to run off that box of mince pies and Terry’s Chocolate Orange you plan to destroy on Boxing Day? Then sign up for the annual Festive Fun Run on the athletics track at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre at 11am on Saturday, December 27. It’s a 2.5-mile run for everyone… families, fun runners and regular competitors, and there’s a medal for all finishers.

Only 250 runners can take part so book online at https://bookitzone.com/susan_lucas_2/uAjFFX

XHeight and Lancaster Wall

XHeight, Doris Henderson Way, bus route: 6A

Lancaster Climbing Wall, Lune Industrial Estate, bus route: 11, 4, X4

When the kids are climbing the walls, take them somewhere those skills will be appreciated… a climbing wall. XHeight at the council’s Salt Ayre Leisure Centre and Lancaster Wall are both open through the holidays and have options for children. At XHeight, staff are on hand to “show you the ropes”, plus there’s XHeightables sessions that cater for kids as young as two. Meanwhile, competent adults can supervise their youngsters at the Lancaster Wall, or you can book a supervised session.

Greenlands Farm Village, Tewitfield, Carnforth

Bus route: 555

Bus stop: Longlands Hotel

Run out of entertainment ideas for the children? Then why not farm them out? Greenlands Farm Village has a three-storey soft-play barn, laser tag and farm animals and reptiles – some of which can be handled and fed. You could also stock up with festive food and drink from the farm shop while you’re there. You’ll find ice cream, sweets, pies, meat and alcohol for sale.

For details and holiday opening times, visit https://www.greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/

Happy Mount Park, Marine Road East, Morecambe

Bus route: 5, 100 & 755

Bus stop: Marine Road East

If Santa brought scooters or footballs down your chimney, the kids will need somewhere to test them. Happy Mount Park has all your typical park things, such as an adventure playground and space for a kickabout, plus a cafe with indoor play area, adventure golf, swing boats, trampolines and loads more. And if that’s not enough, it’s even opposite the beach.

Visit https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/happy-mount-park to find out more.

Jump Rush, Northumberland Street, Morecambe

Bus route: 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 41, 100 & 755

Bus stop: Morecambe bus station

Why do kids love trampolines? Probably best not to overthink it – just get them booked in and they’ll wear themselves out for an early bedtime. Jump Rush has trampolines big and small, huge crash mats, dodge ball, obstacles, a soccer zone and more. And there’s a timetable like you find at swimming pools so big kids don’t crash into little ones.

Visit https://www.jump-rush.com/ for details

Mini Zoo, Williamson Park, Lancaster

Bus route: 18 (Sunday Only)

Specialising in animals beginning with ‘m’, there are meerkats, marmosets and mini beasts at Lancaster City Council’s Mini Zoo. And the mini beasts live in a cave, where you’ll find hissing cockroaches, blind fish, giant snails and even a ‘pacman’ frog who hides all day. Admission is mini too – £5 for an adult, £3.50 for children and under-threes get in free. It’s open every day over the holidays except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.