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Family walking at Fell Foot in winter, Cumbria
Family walking at Fell Foot in winter, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Family-friendly places in the Lake District

Plan your next family day out in the Lake District. From natural outdoor play areas to indoor themed house trails, wildlife spotting to dressing up, there's something for all ages to enjoy.

Family days out in the Lake District

Whether you're here in the Lakes for a day or the full week, there's plenty to entertain the little ones both indoors and out.

Aira Force 

There’s plenty of space for wild play at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park and to see the waterfall in full force. Pick up a nature spotter sheet and explore the woodland pathways. Stroll by the lakeshore or venture up Gowbarrow Fell for amazing lake views of Ullswater.

A woman and two children looking over the bridge towards the waterfall at Aira Force in the Lake District

Wray 

Explore the castle's lakeshore grounds, with shingle beach and woodland wanders galore. Challenge yourself to a range of traditional games on the lawn, skim a stone across the lake and tuck into a treat in Joey's café.

A family walking through the grounds of Wray Castle, Cumbria, in autumn

Allan Bank 

Spend a few hours at Allan Bank enjoying the views over Grasmere. Explore the rugged woodland trail, complete with viewing points and tunnel. Enjoy traditional games on the lawn or head inside to discover the exhibition spaces.

Children looking out at the autumn view from Allan Bank in Grasmere

Tarn Hows 

The 1 3/4 mile circular route around Tarn Hows offers a pushchair friendly walk with cracking fell views, perfect picnic spots, easy parking, café and toilets. A great Lake District adventure without the altitude.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
View of walkers on the path around Tarn Hows

Fell Foot 

Fell Foot’s lakeshore park is a great place to begin your Lake District adventure. There's a friendly welcome team and everything to make your day comfortable – a large car park, toilets, café, lakeshore access, changing rooms and showers. Adventure seekers can get out onto the lake, and there's plenty of space to run around on land too, plus a small playground, nature trail and balance bikes to borrow.

A family walking their dog along the lake front at Fell Foot Park

Family adventures further afield

Discover more family days out in the North of England with plenty of places to play, explore, and create memories.

Adventure awaits: family fun in the North East 

Embrace the wonder of winter with unforgettable family adventures across the North East - come frost, flurries, or festive sparkle. From brisk woodland strolls and frosty treasure hunts to snug indoor trails and historic houses glowing with seasonal warmth, there’s something for every kind of day. Whether you're crunching through snow or warming up after a chilly breeze, discover playful ways to explore, learn, and make lasting memories together.

A couple with their young child walk across an iron bridge, with the large house at Cragside visible behind them in the background surrounded by evergreen trees.

Family-friendly places in Liverpool and Lancashire 

Plan your family day out in Liverpool and Lancashire. From the beauty of the great outdoors and amazing histories to play areas, balance bikes and even a maze, there's something for the whole family to enjoy rain or shine.

A family of two adults and two children in the garden at Rufford Old Hall. They are dressed for winter and the woman is pointing at something out of frame.

Family-friendly places in Cheshire and Manchester 

Plan your a family day out in Cheshire and Manchester. We've got play areas, activities for kids, wildlife to spot and plenty of things to do when it rains.

A woman and toddler lay playing in the snow next to a frozen pond.

Family-friendly places in Yorkshire 

Plan an adventure in Yorkshire. With play areas, activities for kids, wildlife to spot and plenty of things to do when it rains. Bring the whole family to make memories during your time together.

Visitors enjoying craft activities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
View over Watendlath Tarn in autumn, surrounded by mountains, Borrowdale, the Lake District

Discover more in the Lake District

Home of Beatrix Potter, dramatic landscapes and fascinating history.

Explore the Lake District

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