Family enjoying a picnic on the lawn at Allan Bank, Grasmere | © National Trust Images/Rob Grange

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 including croquet and tug of war, or head inside to discover a new exhibition space.

Trail

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.

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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.

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Acorn Bank

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Acorn Bank in Cumbria, from geocaching around the parkland to newt spotting in the Sunken Garden. Try a self-guided nature trail and use rubbing plaques to discover the flora and fauna of Acorn Bank's walled garden and woodland.

Family kayaking on Windermere at Fell Foot, Lake District, Cumbria

Summer holiday activities

Get involved in Summer of Play, where outdoor activities are taking place throughout the school holidays at Fell Foot, Allan Bank, Wray, Sizergh and Acorn Bank. Try a canoeing taster session for the whole family on Derwent Water, or step out on a nature trail at Sizergh. Try family yoga at Hill Top or head to Tarn Hows for an easy walk with Lake District views. Here are some events happening throughout July and August to get you started.

We all know we get our fair share of rain in the Lake District but don't let it put a dampener on your day out. If you'd prefer to leave the waterproofs at home then here are a few ideas for indoor adventures.

Two children looking at the mouse hole in Beatrix Potter's Hill Top, Lake District

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New things to see inside Hill Top house

Step inside the inspiration for some of Beatrix Potter's most famous little white books. Discover the newly renovated doll's house and search for Beatrix's pet mice Hunca Munca and Tom Thumb throughout the house.

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Arts and crafts at Allan Bank

Budding artists can get their creative fix in the craft room at Allan Bank. Pick up a free craft bag and while away the time with picture-perfect views over Grasmere.

Young bird watcher and NT ranger sitting in the bird hide at Park End Moss wetland. They each have a pair of binoculars.

Trail

Wildlife spotting at Sizergh

Bring your binoculars and a picnic and hunker down in a bird hide for a spot of wildlife watching. Oystercatchers, lapwings and a number of duck species make their home at the wetland at Sizergh.

Father holding a toddler, with a small boy standing next to him. They are looking upwards at the elaborate wooden carvings in the house at Sizergh.

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Sizergh's children's trail

Head indoors to immerse yourself in history at one of the Lake District's oldest homes. Follow the scallop trail around Sizergh's medieval manor to discover why these seemingly insignificant shells hold so much meaning to the family who have lived here for almost 800 years.

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

Visitors on the beach at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

Adventure awaits: family fun in the North East

Make the most of summer with fun-filled family adventures across the North East—whatever the weather. From sunny nature trails and garden games to indoor trails, and historic houses to explore, there’s something for every kind of day. Whether you're chasing butterflies or dodging rain showers, discover exciting ways to play, learn, and make memories together.