Things to do in the Lake District with kids
The Lake District’s scenic lakes and charming villages offer a magical family escape. If you’re staying at Haven’s Lakeland Leisure Park, explore these exciting activities.
- Things to do with babies and toddlers in the Lake District
- Best soft plays for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
- Best cafes for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
- Best places to visit for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
- Things to do with kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
- Best activity centres for kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
- Best places to eat with kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
- Best places to visit for kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
Things to do with babies and toddlers in the Lake District
The Lake District’s tranquil landscapes and friendly attractions make it ideal for babies and toddlers. Here, we feature the top soft plays, cafes and scenic places to visit with your little ones.
Best soft plays for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
1. Jungle Jacks, Penrith
www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/westmorland-and-furness/penrithlc/soft-play-penrith-leisure-centre
With bouncy castles, slides and tunnels, there’s plenty to tire out the toddlers in this historic Lakeland village.
2. The Fun Factory, Bowness-on-Windermere
www.facebook.com/funfactorybowness
An indoor play area with slides, ball pits, and gentle zones for little ones. Plus, a pristine lakeside view.
3. Wee Rascalz Adventure World, Carlisle
www.weerascalzadventureworld.co.uk
This play centre offers a toddler area and play frame for older kids, as well as stimulating soft building blocks and other surprises.
Best cafes for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
1. The Lingholm Kitchen, Keswick
A cozy cafe with an outside terrace, child-friendly menu options and a beautiful Skiddaw view. Make time to explore the walled garden nearby.
2. Mission Cafe, Windermere
With a large park nearby so kids can run about, this is a welcoming and highly rated local eatery, with excellent home-made cakes.
3. Bluebird Cafe, Coniston
Located right by Coniston Water, this cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and a kid-friendly menu. A beautiful place to watch the swans drift by.
Best places to visit for babies and toddlers in the Lake District
1. World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere
Toddlers will love meeting their favourite characters from Beatrix Potter’s stories. There are regular craft sessions and family shows too.
2. Brockhole on Windermere
This family-friendly site offers gentle walking trails, an adventure playground, lots of activities and lovely views.
3. The Lakes Aquarium, Newby Bridge
An aquarium featuring interactive displays and a variety of fascinating marine life. A glass-walled tunnel puts you amongst the aquatic creatures.
Things to do with kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
The Lake District offers incredible experiences for kids aged 4-11. We’ve highlighted the best activity centres, family-friendly eateries and exciting places to visit for families.
Best activity centres for kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
1. Paddleboard Hire, Graythwaite Adventure
www.graythwaiteadventure.co.uk
Spend an hour gliding across Windermere with expert instructors, for an idyllic way to enjoy the lakes.
2. Go Ape Grizedale
An adventure park with high ropes, swing and zip lines for energetic kids. There are spooky, illuminated evening sessions too.
3. Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal
A climbing centre offering fun climbing walls and activities for kids aged five and up. Try roped climbs or take a bouldering taster.
Best places to eat with kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
1. The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside
A cozy, dog-friendly pub with a welcoming atmosphere and a kids’ menu for the whole family to enjoy.
2. The Boathouse Cafe, Windermere
www.theboathouse-windermere.co.uk
A family-friendly cafe with a beautiful lakeside setting and a Sunday roast. Open Thursday to Mondays.
3. The Mortal Man, Troutbeck
Known for its family-friendly vibe and beautiful garden seating and cosy interior, with a real log fire for chilly days.
Best places to visit for kids aged 4-11 in the Lake District
1. Castlerigg Stone Circle
A historical stone circle with panoramic views, perfect for outdoor exploration.
2. Muncaster Castle and Gardens
A scenic castle with an owl experience, a dramatic weapons hall and stunning woodland walks.
3. Grizedale Forest
www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale
With bike trails, hiking paths and sculpture walks, it’s ideal for young nature enthusiasts.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
Dog-friendly beaches near the Lake District
9 of the best beaches near the Lake District
Waterfalls in the Lake District
Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.