Wondering what’s on over the summer holidays for families? Check out our What’s On guide.
The Lake District is one of the UK’s best and most beautiful destinations for outdoor-loving families. From cruising across lakes and exploring castles to meeting alpacas, riding steam trains and tackling adventure playgrounds, there are endless ways to keep children entertained. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or a longer family holiday, you’ll find no shortage of days out and family adventures!
The Lake District Kids team has spent countless days exploring the national park with our own children and know that planning a family trip can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of options. That’s why we’ve brought together our favourite family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, rainy-day activities, and hidden gems from across the Lake District. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, this guide will help you discover some of the very best things to do with kids in the Lake District.
And let’s be realistic, a wet-weather day is very likely, so make sure you check out our Lake District rainy day suggestions. Or looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to free activities in the Lake District for families.
Please check the attraction websites for up to date information if you plan on visiting. With regards to hiking and cycling, please arrive early in the day to avoid crowds if visiting at weekends and school holidays, and only park in designated car parks and spaces. Also, take all litter home with you, and keep dogs on a lead around livestock.
Free Outdoor Adventures
1. Hiking
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The Lake District is made for walking, and you don’t need to tackle a mountain peak to enjoy it with children. There are plenty of gentle, rewarding routes that combine stunning scenery with manageable distances. Family favourites include Catbells for older children, Tarn Hows for an easy circular pram-friendly stroll, or Orrest Head for a short climb with big views. Aira Force also offers a magical woodland walk with a dramatic waterfall at its heart. These routes give families a real taste of the fells without the need for serious hiking experience.
2. Cycling
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the quieter corners of the Lake District with children, especially on traffic-free or low-traffic routes. One of the most popular options is the Keswick Railway Path, a gentle, mostly flat trail ideal for families. Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest both offer waymarked cycling trails for different abilities, while Coniston and the surrounding valleys have scenic road routes for confident riders. Many locations also offer bike hire, making it easy to travel light.
3. Hit the Beach
Few visitors realise that the Lake District has a coastline, but its beaches offer a brilliant change of pace from the lakes and fells. Drigg Sand Dunes and Tarn Bay are excellent options for those wanting a wilder beach day, although neither has facilities. Just outside the national park boundary, Haverigg Beach offers an easier family day out, with parking, nearby food options, and plenty of space for children to run around. Alternatively, on the fringe of the southern national park boundary, Grange-over-Sands offers a long and wide promenade with plenty of space for scooters, play, and sea views across Morecambe Bay (although no sand or water to paddle in).
4. Wild Swimming and Paddling Spots
The Lake District is full of safe, shallow shoreline areas that are perfect for paddling, splashing, and dipping toes in the water. Fell Foot Park on Windermere is one of the best family-friendly spots, with easy lake access and open grassy areas for picnics. Derwentwater also has several gentle entry points near Keswick, while Buttermere offers calm, scenic paddling surrounded by mountains. Tarn Hows is another favourite for younger children, with easy access to shallow water edges. While wild swimming should always be done with care, these spots are ideal for relaxed water play in beautiful surroundings.
5. Paddleboarding and kayaking
If you’ve got your own gear, easy launch spots include Miller Ground and Fell Foot Park on Lake Windermere, plus Brown Howe on Coniston Water.
If you need to hire, there are plenty of family-friendly options. On Windermere, try Stoked Watersports or Low Wood Watersports Centre for SUPs and sit-on-top kayaks in sheltered water. On Derwentwater, Nichol End Marine offers kayak, canoe and SUP hire with easy lake access. On Coniston Water, Coniston Boating Centre is a popular choice for family-friendly paddle hire in a quieter setting.
Boat Trips
6. Windermere Lake Cruises
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A cruise on England’s largest lake is a must during any family trip to the Lake District. Windermere Lake Cruises connect popular destinations including Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Brockhole and Lakeside, making it easy to combine a boat trip with other attractions. Flexible hop-on-hop-off tickets allow you to create your own itinerary, and shorter cruises are ideal for younger children who may not want to spend too long on the water.
7. Ullswater Steamers
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Operating one of the world’s largest heritage boat fleets, Ullswater Steamers offer a wonderful way to explore the northern Lake District. Families can enjoy open-air decks, indoor seating and spectacular views of the surrounding fells. The boats stop at several locations around the lake, including the starting point for walks to Aira Force waterfall.
8. Steam Yacht Gondola
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Step back in time aboard the beautifully restored Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water. Originally launched in 1859, this historic vessel offers scenic cruises accompanied by fascinating commentary about the area and its history. Children enjoy the novelty of travelling on a steam-powered boat, while adults appreciate the peaceful pace and stunning scenery. National Trust members receive a discount, and shorter one-way sailings are available if you want to combine the cruise with lakeside walks or visits to nearby attractions.
9. Hire your own boat
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Boat hire is available at several locations across the Lake District, including Windermere Aquatic and Coniston Boating Centre, offering a fun and flexible way for families to explore the water. No boating licence is required, although drivers must be 18 or over.
Options range from rowing boats and motorboats to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Exploring at your own pace is a great way to discover quieter corners of the lakes, with older children and teens often enjoying paddleboarding or kayaking, while younger children can join family boat trips.
Outdoor Pursuits
10. Brockhole on Windermere
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Brockhole on Windermere is one of the Lake District’s top family attractions, set in beautiful lakeside grounds with plenty to keep all ages entertained. Activities include an adventure playground, mini golf, archery, boat hire, woodland trails, and seasonal events. It’s free to enter and walk around the ground, but you need to pay for the activities (although the superb adventure playground is free).
It is also home to Zip World, where families can take on treetop nets suspended high in the trees, rope courses, and zip lines. The treetop nets are suitable for ages 2+, while older kids can tackle more challenging aerial adventures.
With cafés, picnic areas, and wide open spaces, Brockhole works well as a full-day destination. It is also a stop on some lake cruises, making it easy to combine with time on the water.
11. Go Ape Grizedale
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Set within Grizedale Forest, Go Ape offers treetop adventures for children, teenagers and adults. Rope bridges, swinging obstacles, zip wires and elevated walkways create a thrilling day out among the trees. Different courses cater for varying confidence levels and ages, making it suitable for a wide range of families.
12. Honister Slate Mine
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Honister offers some of the most adventurous family activities in the Lake District. Older children and teenagers can tackle the famous Via Ferrata routes, crossing high mountain bridges and climbing exposed rock faces under expert supervision. Younger visitors may prefer a guided mine tour, exploring the fascinating history of slate mining beneath the fells. The dramatic mountain scenery alone makes a visit worthwhile, and there are activities suitable for a wide range of ages and confidence levels.
Castles, Historic Houses & Heritage Sites
13. Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s House)
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Hill Top in Near Sawrey is one of the most atmospheric and authentic Beatrix Potter experiences in the Lake District. This 17th-century farmhouse was once home to Beatrix Potter herself and inspired many of her famous stories. Families can explore the house, gardens, and surrounding countryside, spotting familiar scenes from the Peter Rabbit books. It feels more personal and rural than the World of Beatrix Potter attraction, giving children a real sense of the landscape that shaped the stories. Pre-booking is essential, and combining a visit with a ferry across Windermere makes it even more memorable.
14. Wray Castle
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Overlooking Windermere, Wray Castle looks like something from a fairy tale. Managed by the National Trust, the Victorian neo-Gothic building is surrounded by woodland, lakeshore paths and family-friendly trails. Kids will love exploring the grounds, completing seasonal activities and enjoying the freedom of the open space. Arriving by boat adds an extra sense of adventure. The castle’s unusual history and spectacular setting make it one of the most popular family attractions around Windermere.
15. Lowther Castle
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Lowther Castle is home to one of the UK’s most impressive adventure playgrounds. The enormous Lost Castle play area features towers, slides, zip wires, climbing structures and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. Beyond the playground, families can explore extensive gardens, woodland walks and the atmospheric ruins of the castle itself. It is easy to spend a full day here, particularly with younger children who may struggle to leave the playground behind.
16. Muncaster Castle
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Combining history, gardens and outdoor play, Muncaster Castle offers a fantastic family day out in the western Lake District. The historic castle is packed with stories and character, while the extensive grounds include adventure play areas and woodland walks. Many families visit specifically for the Hawk & Owl Centre, where impressive birds of prey displays take place throughout the day. The mix of heritage, wildlife and outdoor fun appeals to visitors of all ages.
17. Sizergh Castle
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Sizergh Castle is a National Trust property south of Kendal offering beautiful gardens, extensive grounds and plenty of family-friendly walks. Children can follow nature trails, explore woodland and spot wildlife while adults admire the historic house and centuries of family history. Seasonal activities often add extra interest for younger visitors. However, families should make a beeline for the Wild Trail, which is separate from the castle and gardens, and one of the best free activities in the Lake District for kids! Follow the woodland trail with clues and natural play areas.
18. Allan Bank
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Overlooking Grasmere, Allan Bank was once home to William Wordsworth, making it one of the Lake District’s most historically interesting National Trust properties. The focus here is firmly on families, nature, and hands-on exploration rather than formal rooms. Children are encouraged to play, explore, and join in with creative activities inside the house. Outside, kids can borrow explorer backpacks to investigate nature in the gardens and woodland trails. There’s red squirrel spotting, hidden corners, and plenty of space for unstructured play. Plus the views over Grasmere are incredible.
Animal Encounters and Wildlife Experiences
19. Lake District Wildlife Park
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Located a 15 minute drive north of Keswick, Lake District Wildlife Park is home to more than 100 species from around the world. Families can meet red pandas, lemurs, birds of prey, reptiles and farm animals while learning about conservation. Daily keeper talks and animal encounters add to the experience, while indoor and outdoor play areas ensure children stay entertained throughout the day. The manageable size makes it particularly suitable when visiting with younger children.
20. Alpacaly Ever After
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One of the Lake District’s most unique experiences, Alpacaly Ever After allows families to meet, feed and walk rescued alpacas and llamas. Guided walks take place in some spectacular locations around Keswick and Derwentwater, offering stunning scenery alongside plenty of animal encounters. Children particularly enjoy getting to know the alpacas’ individual personalities. Children under 10 can join the walks, although an adult will need to lead their alpaca.
21. Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
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For another alpaca experience, families can head to the western Lake District where alpaca walks take place against the backdrop of Wastwater and the surrounding fells. The combination of adorable animals and dramatic scenery creates a unique family adventure that children often remember long after their holiday ends.
Farms and Family Attractions
22. Lakeland Maze Farm Park
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Open seasonally, Lakeland Maze Farm Park combines animal encounters with giant mazes and family activities. The summer maize maze is the star attraction, challenging families to navigate their way through ever-changing routes. Add in farm animals, soft play, trampolines and climbing activities, and there’s plenty to fill a family day out.
Trains and Transport
23. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
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Known locally as La’al Ratty, this narrow-gauge railway journeys through some of the Lake District’s most beautiful scenery. The seven-mile route travels between Ravenglass and Dalegarth, offering fantastic views of mountains, rivers and countryside. Children love riding the miniature trains, while museums and play areas at the stations help extend the adventure.
24. Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
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This heritage railway connects Haverthwaite with Lakeside at the southern tip of Windermere. Steam trains and vintage carriages create a nostalgic experience for families, while connections with Windermere Lake Cruises make it easy to combine a railway journey with a lake cruise. The route is relatively short, making it ideal for younger children.
Museums and Indoor Attractions
25. The World of Beatrix Potter
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One of the Lake District’s best-loved family attractions, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction brings Peter Rabbit and friends to life through immersive displays and interactive exhibits. It’s a must-visit for families familiar with the books, TV adaptations, or recent Peter Rabbit films, with beautifully recreated scenes from the much-loved stories and plenty to discover about Beatrix Potter’s connection to the Lake District. Located in the heart of Bowness, it also makes an excellent indoor option on a rainy day. Allow around an hour for your visit, or longer if stopping at the café afterwards.
26. Lakes Aquarium
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Situated at Lakeside, the compact Lakes Aquarium showcases both local freshwater species and creatures from around the world. Highlights include the underwater tunnel, otters, piranhas and interactive displays. Family trails help keep children engaged, and its lakeside location makes it easy to combine with other attractions nearby.
27. The Puzzling Place
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Packed with optical illusions, holograms and mind-bending exhibits, The Puzzling Place in Keswick is a fun rainy day activity. Children will love posing for impossible photographs and exploring rooms that appear to defy gravity. It’s not a huge attraction, but it provides a memorable and entertaining hour or two.
28. Derwent Pencil Museum
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Keswick’s quirky Pencil Museum tells the story of pencil-making in the Lake District through interactive displays and unusual exhibits. Highlights include one of the world’s largest coloured pencils and fascinating stories about secret wartime pencils. It is surprisingly engaging for children and provides an excellent rainy-day option.
29. Rheged Centre
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Part gallery, part cinema and part family attraction, Rheged offers exhibitions, children’s events, craft activities and indoor play. Its giant cinema screen regularly shows family-friendly films, while the shops and cafés make it a pleasant place to spend a few hours. Rheged is particularly handy on a wet day and often hosts seasonal events for families.
Forests and woodlands
30. Grizedale Forest
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Grizedale combines family walks, mountain biking, outdoor sculptures and woodland adventures. A network of trails caters for different ages and abilities, while sculpture hunts help keep children engaged. With bike hire, a café and Go Ape on site, it is easy to spend an entire day exploring.
31. Whinlatter Forest
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Whinlatter Forest offers spectacular views, family walking trails, mountain biking routes and a popular Room on the Broom trail. Children enjoy spotting characters hidden among the trees, while older adventurers can tackle Go Ape or explore the cycling trails. The visitor centre and café provide a welcome break after exploring the forest.
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