THE summer holidays are upon us and many parents will be cramming their days with family activities and days out.

Lockdown restrictions also eased on Monday (19 July), meaning we have more freedom to explore the locations on our doorstep.

However, some people might be planning their holidays on a budget eager to fit in some free family activities into their schedule.

Lancashire Telegraph: Blackpool Beach cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gerald Massey - geograph.org.uk/p/1519100Blackpool Beach cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gerald Massey - geograph.org.uk/p/1519100

New research by Clarks reveals the best free days out for kids that Lancashire has to offer, and there's something for everyone on the list. 

Clarks analysed over 5* TripAdvisor reviews across five categories: educational, cultural, historical, and nature or animal related activities. 

Preston and Blackpool attractions feature heavily on the list- but there are also some top-rated Blackburn additions too.

Here are the top 17 free days out for kids in Lancashire according to their findings:

Stanley Park in Blackpool, with 919 5* reviews has been crowned the best place in Lancashire for a family day out and takes advantage of the beautiful weather we are having at the moment. 

Lancashire Telegraph: The Lake at Stanley Park cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/6251403The Lake at Stanley Park cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/6251403

In second place is Blackpool Beach, where you can soak up the sun happy in the knowledge you’re at a beach which 724 people have given a 5* review to. 

Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston come in third with 460 5* reviews for those who want to make the most of the weather. 

Lancashire Telegraph: The Harris Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Preston cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4314260The Harris Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Preston cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4314260

In fourth place, with 246 5* reviews is Blackpool Tourist Information Centre. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Blackburn, Witton Country Park cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4415810Blackburn, Witton Country Park cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4415810

Some Blackburn attractions also made the top 17 list including Witton Country Park, the iconic Blackburn Cathedral and also St Alban’s Roman Catholic Church.

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form