The British school summer holidays are looming which means it’s time to start planning what activities you can do to keep the kids entertained this summer.
Whether you’re Cumbrian born and bred or you’ve booked to enjoy a family holiday to the Lake District this summer, there’s plenty of family-fun activities to enjoy throughout the Lake District National Park.
The great news is that the Lake District has whole range of activities that can be enjoyed both indoors or outdoors, so you can keep the family entertained regardless of the weather.
Read on to find out our top picks on things to do with the kids in the Lake District this Summer
Keswick Launch / Ullswater Steamers
Taking a leisurely ride on either the Keswick Launch on Derwentwater or the Ullswater Steamers is an excellent activity for the whole family. Not only is it fun for the kids to take a boat trip across the Lake, but it’s a brilliant opportunity to admire the panoramic scenery.
Both lake cruises also have indoor seating so you can still enjoy one of these lake tours even when the weather is drizzly.
The Ullswater Steamers have a jetty in Glenridding which is a short stroll from the Inn on the Lake hotel, and you can catch the Keswick Launch from the Keswick jetty which is a 5 – 10 minute walk from the Inn on the Square, Skiddaw Hotel and Kings Arms.
Lake District Wildlife Park
Go wild with the kids at the Lake District Wildlife Park this summer. Located near Bassenthwaite only a 10 minute drive from Keswick, the Lake District Wildlife Park is full of exciting creatures the kids will love.
Just some of the animals at the park include:
- Gibbons
- Lemurs
- Meerkats
- Zebras
- Otters
- Red Pandas
- Wildebeest
- Snakes
As well as seeing all the animals, guests can enjoy educational talks or you can purchase an experience where you get up close with the animals. As far as things to do with the kids in the Lake District goes, this is one of the best.
The Puzzling Place
A great one for a rainy day! Take a stroll down Museum Square in Keswick and you will find the The Puzzling Place.
Giggle, smile and be amazed as you enter this wonderful world of illusions that mess with your mind.
The Puzzling Place includes illusionary exhibits, a gallery of holograms and 3D images that will really blow your mind.
Walk up Latrigg
The Lake District is well renowned for its range of excellent walks, but despite being home to some of England’s highest mountains, not all of them are difficult climbs!
If you’re wanting to get out walking with the kids, Keswick is home to Latrigg, one of the Lake District’s smallest fells with one of the most rewarding views.
The gradual walk up Latrigg is suitable for people of any ability, including kids. A circular loop will take up to 2 hours depending on speed and the summit is an excellent place for a picnic.
Whinlatter Forest
If you’re looking for somewhere with lots of activities for children in the Lake District, Whinlatter Forest is the place to go.
Located less than 5 miles away from Keswick, Whinlatter boasts 9 walking trails (including a Gruffalo trail where you can spot famous sculptures from everyone’s favourite children’s book!), play areas, Go Ape, Segway hire plus more.
Alpacaly Ever After
Walking with alpacas! Now that’s an activity you don’t get to do every day!
At Alpacaly Ever After, guided alpaca or llama tours depart daily, which is where you get to explore the region alongside your very own fluffy friend.
Walks with alpacas take place at the Lingholme Estate near Portinscale, or at Whinlatter Forest detailed above. Llama treks leave from Little Town Farm within Newlands Valley and you can book tours that last all day!
Kong Adventure Centre
This is an excellent opportunity for adventurous children who are full of beans!
Kong Adventure Centre based in Keswick town centre is well renowned for having an excellent range of indoor climbing walls for people of all abilities. They also offer private lessons for children and families, as well as having a designated ‘kids hour’ where your children can take to the walls.
Kong Adventure Centre also has an Escape Room, a play area and a whole range of outdoor activities for finer days
Derwent Pencil Museum
An educational day out for all, visit the Derwent Pencil Museum and learn about the exciting history of pencils!
This family-friendly activity is home of the world’s first pencil and you can take a trip back in time as you get to enter through a replica of a Seathwaite graphite mine from the 1550s
The Derwent Pencil Museum is located in Keswick and stocks the full range of Derwent Fine Art Pencils.
Aira Force
Located along the Ullswater Way, this National Trust waterfall is a must-see and is a great Lake District attraction to entertain the kids.
Aira Force is best known for its stunning waterfall, but also boasts brilliant woodland walks where you might even spot a red squirrel or two!
There is also a natural play area on site and plenty of picnic benches so you can enjoy lunch while you’re there.
Book a family holiday to the Lake District this summer
Our 6 family and dog-friendly hotels are ideally situated close to all these wonderful attractions, making them the ideal base for a family holiday. We’re located within or near the lively town of Keswick and on the shores of Ullswater.
To secure one of our remaining rooms for the summer holidays, please give our reservations team a call on 0800 840 1240 and they will get you booked in.
Please note, any family bookings must be made directly with our central reservations team and cannot be booked direct on our website or through third-party online travel agents.
