A family return to their car after a winter walk in the Lake District. Two children sit in the open boot of the car as they remove their muddy boots with the help of two adults. — A family return to their car after a winter walk in Borrowdale | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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 this winter.

A family walks along a path through an autumn forest

Activity

Aira Force

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

Young boy and father sat together at table doing Christmas craft activities.

Activity

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 indoors to get crafty. Have a go at making your own seed bombs for your garden to attract pollinating insects.

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.

Family walking at Fell Foot in winter, Cumbria

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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.

Snowdrops next to the Crowdundle Beck in the woodland at Acorn Bank

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Snowdrop weekends at Acorn Bank

Each weekend from 1 February - 16 March we will be open for visitors to come and see the spectacular snowdrop display in the woodland.

Family of four - toddler on her father's shoulders, and mother with a baby in a papoose, walking through the woodland at Acorn Bank.

Winter events

Plan your adventures with us this winter, where we've got something for all ages to enjoy whatever the weather has in store. If it's rainy, try the 'Mischief in Miniature' mouse trail at Hill Top or join a family storytelling session at Allan Bank. Outdoors, head to Fell Foot for a spot of stargazing or Acorn Bank to witness snowdrops carpeting the woodland floor.

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.

Activity

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 (from 18 March 2025)

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 at the playground at Cragside, Northumberland

Family-friendly places in the North East

Enjoy loads of great days out with the kids in the North East this autumn with events, activities and lots of fun to be had indoors and outdoors. Discover nature-inspired walks, houses to explore and play areas to let off steam. There's something for younger and older kids, and great ways for the whole family to play together near you.