15 Ideas for Summer Activities with Children in The Lake District

It’s not a trip to the Lakes without spending some time exploring its unparalleled natural beauty spots. If you’re planning a staycation with kids this summer, here are a few outdoor activities that can keep everybody satisfied

1. Windermere Lake Cruises

Why not take in the beauty of the Lake District from England’s largest body of water? With ports in Ambleside, Brockhole, Bowness, or Lakeside Pier, you’ll be treated to beautiful mountain views no matter where you start your scenic Windermere Lake cruise.

If you’d rather explore at your own pace, you can also rent your own motorboat and go exploring from the driver’s seat. Accompanied children are more than welcome on board and, if they’re under 16, they go free. Boat and cruise trips are a fantastic thing to do with kids in the Lake District as they provide a sense of adventure without being exhausting.

2. Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite

If your family is full of animal lovers, it’s worth a trip to the only wildlife park in North Cumbria to see over 100 species set against a stunning landscape. You don’t have to worry about the animals’ well-being as conservation is the park’s central mission. Make sure you see the impressive Birds of Prey exhibition – they’re flown daily, in full view of visitors, to keep them fit and healthy all year-round

Their outdoor play area is also a big hit with children of all ages. They can swing and slide to their hearts’ content, burning off any excess excitement whilst you unpack the picnic or grab a well-earned coffee from the park’s cafe. Overall, this is a great way to spend a day in the Lake District with family.

3. Wray Castle Low Wray, Ambleside

Kids can unleash their imagination at this Ambleside castle! complete with turrets, towers, and period costumes waiting to be tried on, it’s a magical experience that blends culture and adventure all into one. You can even get there by boat with Windermere Lake Cruise.

Let the birds and animals be your guide as you explore the National Trust property with a free Springo sheet in hand. You and the kids can tick off the sights and sounds of nature as you explore the grounds of Wray Castle.

You’re more than welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic in view of the mountains or on the lake shore; just be sure to take any litter home with you to preserve the incredible beauty of this historic site and protect the wildlife that lives nearby.

It’s worth noting that the Peter Rabbit Adventure Play Area at Wray Castle is now permanently closed.

4. Treetop Trek, Brockhole on Windermere

This is one for the adventurers. If your children have an abundance of energy or would rather spend their time up in the trees than down on the ground, head to Treetop Trek. Adults and any kids over the age of 7 are welcome to have a go on any of the 35 daring challenges.

Kids big and small can clamber up walkways, crawl through tunnels, slip down slides, and reach for the skies on the giant trampolines. Finish the outing with a bang by getting back to the ground on a 250m zip wire and see stunning views of Lake Windermere on your way down.

Safety is Treetop’s number one priority, which is why the whole canopy is supported by a safety net and every visitor is held securely with a harness and cable.

5. Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Ulverston

There are plenty of open spaces to enjoy at the second National Trust site on our list. Take a ball if you want a friendly football match on the grass, or follow the educational tree trail that shows you around a big part of the park as you learn about the area’s history.

For more adventure in the summer months, why not rent a kayak or family rowing boat? Weather permitting, family rowing boats are available from April to October and kayaks are available from 19 July to 31 August. This could be a great activity to do in the Lake District with kids so long as they are proficient swimmers!

6. Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Sedgwick, Kendal

There’s plenty for the whole family to do at Lakeland Maze Farm Park, no matter the weather. Your kids can see and even feed farmyard animals themselves by grabbing a bag of animal feed from the staff. Afterwards, it’s time for the kids to play on the trampolines, race each other on the go-karts, and enjoy a tractor ride.

If your group wants more of a challenge, head to the Maize Maze (open from July to September) to try and beat the giant, corny puzzle. If you get too lost don’t worry, there are emergency maps available.

Lakeland Maze Farm Park is open from February until late October during weekends, school holidays, bank holidays, and some weekdays. It’s worth checking their opening times before you visit for the most up-to-date information.

The quintessential Lake District experience might include challenging mountain climbs and high-up views, but they’re not always suitable for little legs. These family-friendly walks and trails offer views that are still breathtaking but have more manageable terrain, good spots to take breaks, and shorter climb/walk times.

1. Whinlatter Forest, Keswick

Discover the wonders of Whinlatter on the Wow Trail, taking in the forest’s most breathtaking views while you learn about its history and how it’s cared for to support wildlife. There are a variety of animals to discover on your walk, including deer, foxes, and even the rare red squirrel.

The nature trail follows surfaced paths and is suitable for kids of all ages, but it’s not advisable to bring a pushchair or pram.

2. Orrest Head, Windermere

Orrest Head is a great family walk in the South Lakes. It’s one of the shorter child-friendly walks at just 2 miles and it’s a gradual, accessible incline with the added benefit of a wooden Gruffalo statue halfway up to watch out for.

The views at the top are wonderful on a clear day and the walk is predominantly covered by trees, so you’ll get that all-important shade when it’s sunny.

3. Easedale Tarn, Grasmere

Starting in Grasmere village and taking you through farmland is the gradual walk up to the peaceful Easedale Tarn, where blue water is backed by imposing fells, making it a beautiful place to stop for a picnic. It’s one of the longer walks on the list, at about 6 miles, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Due to the length of the walk and the fact it can be quite rocky or boggy at points, this walk is recommended for children ages 5 and above.

4. Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead

Grizedale Forest is one of the most popular woodland areas in the Lake District National Park, offering views from Lake Windermere to Coniston Water.

There are many marked walking trails for families to enjoy, leading you to the best bits of the forest. Just grab a trail map from the information centre and you’re all set. If your kids love dragons, they can join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a family activity trail and free app.

The forest is also famous for its outdoor sculptures, with no less than 40 for you and the kids to find whilst walking.

5. Catbells, Keswick

Catbells is one of the most popular family walks on this list, primarily because you get views of the lakes, valleys, and surrounding mountains all in one accessible walk. There can be some slightly harder, scrambly parts of the fell, but they’re doable for children and many parents consider it to be a good first mountain for children ages 5 and up.

You and the kids will be rewarded for your efforts with unforgettable views over Derwentwater and Borrowdale.

We hope that the sky is clear for the entire duration of your Lake District holiday, but just in case you encounter some classically-British weather, we’ve included some of the best indoor activities for you and the kids.

1. The world of Beatrix Potter Attraction Bowness-On-Windermere

The World of Beatrix Potter brings together all of the author’s famous stories and beloved characters to create a vibrant family attraction.

Set in a magical recreation of the Lake District, the exhibition features characters like Peter Rabbit and Tom Thumb. The outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden offers visitors a view of Mr McGregor’s vegetable patch, complete with Benjamin Bunny’s Cos lettuce.

If you’re looking for fun things to do with the family this summer, this Beatrix Potter attraction is a firm favourite among parents when it comes to entertaining children.

2. Wordswoth Grasmere and Dove Cottage, Grasmere

Head back in time with a visit to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum. The cottage has barely changed since Wordsworth lived there – you can almost see him sitting at a desk there, quill in hand.

Guided tours will give you a bit more insight into the famous poet’s life. Kids can have a go at their own quill and ink writing, sketching, or dressing up and playing with Georgian toys.

At the Dove Cottage, kids can play in the woodland and gardens, where you’ll find family trails, a bug house, and a mini pond.

3. Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside, Newby Bridge

Lakes Aquarium allows you to see the rich diversity of life in the Lake District up close. Head to the underwater tunnel to experience “a recreated journey below Lake Windermere” – it’ll feel as though you and the kids are walking on the bottom of the famous lake looking up at the marine life.

There are two floors to explore with a fascinating range of creatures including starfish and eels. You can also watch otters running around their specially-designed woodland home, safely come face to face with a British shark in the Morecambe Bay display, and uncover crabs in the rock pool. Don’t miss the gift shop at the end of your visit for a small souvenir!

4. Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith

There’s plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained at the Rheged Centre, no matter the weather. If it’s sunny out, your little ones can explore the fantastic outdoor play area, where they’ll discover a Roman fort and Celtic roundhouse – they can even try to scramble up the mini climbing wall.

If it’s more on the chilly side, there’s an exciting indoor soft play area. Rheged also boasts the biggest 3D cinema in the Northwest, which shows kid-friendly films every day. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a pottery painting area, where you and the kids can create a masterpiece. Simply select a ready-made pot and paint it into a work of art before getting it baked on-site so it’s ready to take home within an hour.

If your family is full of adventure lovers, the Lake District will be the perfect place to spend your summer holiday. You’ll see unparalleled views from the hills, wander around crystal-clear lakes, and even kayak or cruise to hidden natural gems.

If you do encounter any rainy days, the Lake District also has a lot to offer in terms of culture, shopping, and food. Here at the Daffodil Hotel, we offer an indulgent afternoon tea with stunning lake views as well as plenty of family-friendly accommodation options.

We hope you and your kids enjoy everything the incredible Lake District National Park has to offer. All that’s left to do is pack and start exploring!