Things to do in Lake District summer holidays 2025
Are you lucky enough to live in Cumbria or to be visiting in the summer holidays? If so you need this guide to the best things to do in Lake District Summer holidays 2025. It includes events, fun family days out and family theatre across the Lake District and wider in the Cumbria region. Find more Things to do with kids in the North West summer 2025 here.
National Trust family days out and events
Summer of play at Allan Bank
When – 17th July – 2nd September 2025
Follow the path through the woodland and play traditional games on the lawns. Choose from croquet, quoits, skittles and sports day games. Let your imagination run wild with the loose parts play or try the woodland noughts and crosses in the garden. Make prints inspired by the exhibitions inside or pop into the cute retro caravan. Get active or creative, how will you play today?
All activities are included in the cost of admission with no need to book.
Find out more here – Summer of Play | National Trust
Summer of play at Fell Foot
When – 24th July – 3rd September 2025.
Join the team at Fell Foot to play games on the house lawns. Choose from bats and balls, frisbees and sports day games. Let your imagination run wild with the loose parts play, follow the nature trail or hunt out the orienteering points. How will you play today?
All activities are free with no need to book. Mondays – Fridays during the summer holidays.
Activities will vary according to the weather. See signs or speak to staff onsite to see what’s on offer on the day of your visit.
Find out more here – Summer of play | National Trust
Play trail at Whitehaven coast
When – 22nd – 23rd July 2025.
During the summer holidays, we will be setting up games and sporting equipment on the grassy seaside fields on the Whitehaven Coast for all to enjoy. If you’ve never picked up a badminton racket or played a game of volleyball, we will be on hand to help you and your little ones get going.
With the wildflower meadows putting on a show against the blue seascape, this is the perfect backdrop for a fun filled day with the whole family. Set up a blanket on the grass to relax between games and see how many butterflies you can spot in the tall grass. We look forward to seeing you there!
Find out more here – Play Trail | National Trust
Creative Play Trail at Whitehaven Coast
When – 29th, 30th July, 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th August 2025
Join local artists for an afternoon of creative play in the wildlife meadows near Haig Pit. With a trail to follow and crafts to make, let your imagination run wild and free this summer.
Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the views or take a walk through the wildflower meadows.
All activities are free with no need to book.
Full details here – Creative Play Trail | National Trust
Summer of play at Wray Castle
When – 28th June – 31st August 2025
Get into the competitive spirit with classic lawn games, get into a spin with our range of hoops and other fun outdoor games and activities dotted around the grounds.
Further afield, walk through the woods and paddle on the shingle shores of Windermere.
Let your imagination run wild with natural play at Wray this summer.
This event is free but parking charges apply to non-National Trust members.
Find out more here – Summer of Play at Wray | National Trust
Teddy bears picnic, Wordsworth house
When – 26th July – 31st August 2025
We’ll provide the blanket, basket, tea set and all you need for your teddy, and you bring along any of your own snacks to enjoy.
Children’s picnic sets available to borrow at any time from the welcome area. Weather dependant, you choose when to picnic!
Find out more here – Teddy bears picnic | National Trust
Beetles, bugs and butterflies, Wordsworth house
When – 26th July – 31st August 2025
Help us spot all your favourite bugs in the garden. Did you know we have six types of bumblebee in our garden?
Collect a few things to help your bug hunt, a magnifying glass, bug pot, counters, and then see what you can find buzzing around the flowers and trees.
Let us know what you spot with our daily discovery board, and don’t forget to stop by and say hi to Fletch our perchcrow.
Find out more here – Beetle, bugs and butterflies | National Trust
Garden arts and crafts, Wordsworth house
When – 26th July – 31st August 2025
Come along to Wordsworth House and Garden and get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room. Be inspired by our exhibition on the nature in our gardens and make yourself something to take home.
Find out more here – Garden arts and crafts | National Trust
Summer of play, Acorn Bank
When – 19th July – 31st August 2025
Join us for traditional games, nature-inspired rubbing plaques and try your hand at 50 Things activities in the garden and woodland. Why not relax at a shady picnic spot on the Low Terrace? Put your sun hat on and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer.
Full details here – Summer of Play | National Trust
Festival of Archaeology, Acorn Bank
When – 28th July – 3rd August 2025
Drop in as staff, volunteers and archaeologist Chris Scott see if they can uncover what may remain below the surface on the lawn above the ancient ha-ha.
Full details here – Festival of Archaeology | National Trust
Summer of Play, Sizergh Castle
When – 28th June – 31st August 2025
Be transported back in time with lawn games and dressing up, inspired by archival footage from the family archive – scan the QR code to see footage of games in the garden and a garden party. Or follow the scallop trail in the house to trace 800 years of family history.
Check out the sensory cube, and see what you can see, smell and hear in the orchard – including chocolate mint! Try your hand at some musical instruments. There’ll also be pop up cress growing on selected days.
Join internationally renowned storyteller, Emily Hennessey, on a free guided Story Walk, meandering through ancient woodland and hearing tales of brave children and trickster spiders.
Have a go at playing with the wooden blocks on the grass – an ice cream from the Kiosk is optional but recommended. Or have a wild adventure and explore the new and improved wild play trail.
Full details here – Summer of Play | National Trust
Tales in the orchard, Hill Top
When – Selected dates 17th July – 1st September 2025.
Join our storyteller under a tree in the orchard to listen to one or two of Beatrix Potter’s tales, with Hill Top as a beautiful backdrop.
We’ll provide picnic blankets to sit on, so all you have to do is sit and enjoy. Remember, it’s always best to book your house visit in advance to avoid missing out, and check out our recommendations for alternatives to car travel.
Full details here – Tales in the orchard | National Trust
Beatrix Potter’s Birthday, Hill Top
When – 26th – 28th July 2025.
Celebrate the anniversary of her birth over three days by writing letters to Beatrix in the orchard as part of the ‘My Dear Beatrix…’ event in 2025.
Play games, enjoy a hot drink or some food from Joeys, and take in the garden and surrounding landscapes that inspired illustrations in The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, and more. Try your hand at some art, or grab a picnic blanket and connect with nature.
Inside the house, see the brand new Mischief in Miniature scene in honour of Beatrix’s birthday.
Book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment!
Full details here – Beatrix Potter’s birthday | National Trust
Nature’s story walk, Sizergh Castle
When – 23rd July – 31st August 2025.
Join us on a magical family friendly story walk with storyteller Emily Hennessey as we meander through woodlands and meadows and hear about dragons and trolls, brave children and trickster spiders.
Book here – Nature’s Story Walk | National Trust
Other family events
Summer holiday activities at Abbot Hall
When – 19th July – 30th August 2025
Expanded Landscapes – in the Cafe and Creative space. Decorate the folded template to create your own expanding landscape! Use the materials provided to express each layer of a landscape, from the grass to the sky above.
Land Art Workshops – Every Thursday from 11am-3pm. Meet in the Cafe & Creative Space and explore the galleries. Choose your own materials from the Nature Station to create a piece of land art inspired by our current exhibition Expanding Landscapes. Finished pieces can be photographed by a member of the Lakeland Arts team to be put on display inside the galleries.
Exploring Texture with the Art Cart – in the Cafe and Creative space. Drawing inspiration from the exhibition, use the materials on the art cart to create your own artwork exploring texture.
Express your Creativity – Pick up a sketchbook from reception – available every Wed-Sat. Sketch, doodle and express your creative response to our temporary exhibitions and gallery displays of historic and contemporary artwork in our collective visitor sketchbooks.
-Land Art workshops require a gallery admission ticket.
-Activities in the Cafe and Creative Space do not require gallery admission.
-All children must always be supervised by an adult.
Find out more – Summer Holiday Family Activities – Lakeland Arts
Swallows and amazon activities at Windermere Jetty Museum
When – 19th July – 30th August 2025.
Grab your map, binoculars and sketchbook – we’re going on an adventure this summer! Develop your own stories and see where your imagination takes you, as you follow the scavenger map through the museum, meadow space and lakeshore. Pinpointed on the map you’ll discover stations for imaginative play.
Before or after the trail, head over to the Learning Centre for crafts and creative writing. Design your own Swallows and Amazons inspired flags and conjure up stories in a creative letter which you can post via our pigeon post letterbox.
Full details here – Swallows and Amazons: Summer of Adventure | Windermere Jetty Museum
Summer holiday activities at Blackwell
When – 19th July – 30th August 2025
Explore the world of this pioneering Arts & Crafts designer through a range of self-led activities suitable for all ages and abilities. You can:
Create your own scrapbook page in the Guild Room, inspired by Annie Garnett’s sketchbooks on display.
Have a go at weaving on our community loom and make a beautiful piece of fabric.
Go on an adventure with our Flora Hunt Trail and search for the many plant-inspired designs hidden throughout this historic house.
Perfect for all ages and abilities. No pre-booking required – just drop in and create!
This activity is included with house admission. Free for Lakeland Arts Members and Annual Pass holders.
Full details here – Summer Family Activities at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house – Lakeland Arts
Happy birthday Peter Rabbit show, The World of Beatrix Potter
When – Selected dates from throughout July and August 2025.
It’s Peter Rabbit’s birthday & his friends are planning a secret party, but Peter thinks they have forgotten. Benjamin Bunny is busy organising everyone, Jemima Puddle-duck is practicing her singing & Mrs Rabbit is baking a cake… but grumpy Mr McGregor would rather have a pie full of the rabbit who steals carrots from his garden!
Celebrate with Peter Rabbit & his friends in this magical, musical adventure.
Ticket also includes admission to the attraction after the show.
Book here – Peter Rabbit Theatre
Summer of fun at Walby Farm Park
When – 19th July – 3rd September 2025.
Various events including National Festival Circus (23rd – 27th July), Meet Paddington (30th & 31st July), Dinosaur week (4th – 10th August), Maize maze, flower fields, footgolf & football darts, daily foam parties & candy cannon, panning for gold and more.
Book here – Walby Farm Park
Bouncefest events
Bouncefest is so much fun for kids. It’s an entire field or hall of bouncy fun!
The hub, Barrow in Furness. 22nd July 2025. outdoor event
Penrith Leisure Centre. 25th July 2025. Outdoor event
Trimpell Sports Club. 29th July 2025. Outdoor event
Book here – BounceFest
Maize Maze at Lakeland Maze Farm Park – book now for 2025
When – 12th July – 5th October 2025
There is a mini maze (takes 15-20 minutes to complete) and the full maze which takes around 1.5 hours to complete!
Find out more here – Maize Maze – Lakeland Maze Farm Park
Kendal summer trail 2025
When – 5th July – 31st August 2025
Follow the trail map to complete five themed tasks each inspired by the sights, tastes, and traditions of Cumbria. Discover the foods, fells, colours, and modes of transport that define our region, and uncover 36 fascinating facts along the way.
As always, many of Kendal’s brilliant local businesses are joining the adventure. Look out for the round Trail Treat symbol in shop windows. If you spot one, pop inside to claim a free treat, just for taking part.
Once you’ve completed the trail, simply fill in your details on the map and drop it off at the Booths kiosk desk in Wainwright’s Yard to be entered into our weekly prize draw. You could win a £20 voucher to spend locally!
Full details here – Summer Trail 2025
SeaFest, Beach front St Bees
When – 2nd August 2025.
SeaFest is a celebration of the sea and the amazing variety of creatures that live there. Activities will include Sustainable seafood tasters, Live rockpool creatures from Maryport Aquarium, Sea shanties, Watersports tasters, Creating a marine litter mosaic, Making sea glass necklaces, A fossil sandpit, A beach clean, A scavenger hunt, Sand art by the fantastic Simon Wheatley, Performances by the La’al Collective and Guided rockpooling.
Book here – SeaFest | The Bay
Stick Man meet and greet at Whinlatter Forest
When – 6 &14th August 2025.
Meet Stick Man at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
All other meet-and-greets are on a first-come, first-served basis and may get busy, so arrive early to avoid missing out.
Please note that appearance times may be subject to change.
There’ll also be soft archery, face painting, drawing competition and arts and crafts.
You can also complete the Stick Man trail as well as the play trail.
Full details here – 6th – Gruffalo meet and greet at Whinlatter | Forestry England
14th – Gruffalo meet and greet at Whinlatter | Forestry England
Stick Man meet and greet at Grizedale Forest
When – 7th & 15th August 2025.
Come along to meet Stick Man at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
All other meet-and-greets are on a first-come, first-served basis and may get busy, so arrive early to avoid missing out.
Please note that appearance times may be subject to change.
There’ll also be face painting, arts and crafts and Stick Man screening in the Visitor Centre.
Full details here – 7th – Gruffalo meet and greet at Grizedale | Forestry England
15th – Stick Man meet and greet at Grizedale | Forestry England
Ambleside traditional sports, Rydal park, Ambleside
When – 31st July 2025.
Expect lots of traditional sports and children’s races.
Book here – Ambleside Sports | Lakeland Traditional Sports
Wild in nature family sessions, Brockhole
When – 22nd July – 28th August 2025.
There are lots of different activities to choose from including creative sessions, pond dipping and fun and games sessions.
Book here – Wild in Nature family sessions | Brockhole
Family days out
There are plenty more Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District for you to enjoy this summer.
Family theatre in the Lake District
There is quite a few family theatre shows to choose from in the Lake this summer.
Rude Science. The Coro
When – 20th July 2025.
Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science.
Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascinating bodily science essential to life. The show transforms complex biology, physics and chemistry into educational hilarity using Stef’s signature stunts and encyclopaedic science knowledge.
Book here – Rude Science – The Coro
The Big Jurassic Storm, The Coro
When – 2nd August 2025.
Step back in time to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs in this brand-new ROAR-some adventure! Taking you on an unforgettable journey through the Jurassic era, experience the thrill of getting up close with Dinosaurs and feel the thunderous roar of a T-Rex, learn about their history and even feed them but be careful – you might end up on the menu!
Written by Mike Newman (Exciting Science), the story is set in an over-grown lab on dinosaur island. When a satellite tasked with controlling the island’s weather systems malfunctions, chaos erupts. The island’s tropical climate spirals leading to one big JURASSIC STORM. If not stopped, it will erase all existence of the island… forever!
The mission: find the code hidden deep within the island, reboot the satellite and save the Dinosaurs before it’s too late. Children are encouraged to participate and at times it’s hard to tell who is having more fun, the kids or their adults? The show has educational and comic elements throughout.
Book here – The Big Jurassic Storm – The Coro
Leo the lion, Windermere Jetty Museum
When – 3rd August.
It’s nighttime on Jungle Island but Leo the Lion can’t sleep. He is distracted by the amazing night sky and his favourite star! But wait a minute… his favourite star has gone missing! Stars don’t just disappear. What has happened to Leo’s favourite star? How can Leo get to space to find her?
Join Leo the Lion on his adventure across Jungle Island and beyond, asking for help from his jungle friends.
Perfect for ages 3-5 (and their grown-ups!).
Duration: 45 mins (approx.) | Tickets: £7 adults, £2 children
Book here – Family Event: Leo the Lion
Found in the forest, Grizedale forest
When – 5th August 2025.
The forest is big. The forest is wild. All of the animals and trees that live here rely on the mysterious powers of nature to be happy and healthy.
Discover the secrets of the forest. Why do we need the sun’s fire? What makes the trees shake and quake? What makes the rivers roar?
Join us on our interactive story, exploring how the elements sustain the beautiful forest around us.
Perfect for children aged 3-5 (and their grown ups!).
Duration: 45 mins (approx.) | Tickets: £7 adults, £2 children
Book here – Family Event: Found in the Forest
The Miss Rachel Experience, The Coro
When – 20th August 2025.
Step into a world of fun, learning, and music with The Miss Rachel Experience. This interactive show will have your child singing, dancing and laughing from the start.
Get ready to hop like a bunny and dance to your favourite songs!
This show is a tribute to the much loved YouTube sensation who has amassed over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on the platform and encourages the same positive, fun learning experience seen on screen.
Book here – The Miss Rachel Experience – The Coro
Claytime, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
When – 30th August 2025.
Claytime, a play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate.
Come to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters.
Each Claytime is totally unique – creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging.
How it works: After exploring the medium of clay through clowning, two artists ask the young audience for ideas for characters, settings and stories which are then developed immediately. Based on this input, the company then improvises a play. Each play is unique to that specific audience. The piece culminates with a short on-stage workshop where the children have their own opportunity for some hands-on clay time.
Book here – Claytime – Theatre by the Lake
Aardman Model Making Workshop, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
When – 11th August 2025.
Watch a Wallace and Gromit classic before joining the expert team from Aardman to learn the unique art of model making at these fun, interactive clay modelling workshops.
You’ll receive a step-by-step demonstration by an expert model maker from the Aardman studio, and discover how to craft your own model.
Choose to make Gromit (11am) Feathers (1pm) or Shaun the Sheep (3pm).
Book here – Aardman Model Making Workshop – Theatre by the Lake
Go to the park
There are loads of great parks in the Lake District but one of the best playgrounds is at Brockhole on Windermere. There are also treetop nets and adventure, water sports and loads more activities.
Go for a walk
You’re spoilt for choice for family-friendly walks in the Lake District.
There is a stickman trail at Whinlatter and Grizedale forest this year. Find out more here – Forestry England Stick Man Trail.
Find out more about Whinlatter forest walks in our guide here, the play trail is amazing!
Grizedale forest is another great forest for families to visit – Grizedale forest walks
In the south Lakes, right as you get off the M6 is the Low Sizergh Barn farm trail. This family walk is great as you are coming and going from Cumbria.
Another walk in the south Lake District is to this Sir John Barrow Monument walk.
Lowther castle doesn’t have any events on but it has beautiful gardens to walk around and an amazing adventure playground. Find our guide here – Lowther Castle Adventure playground.
Find more pram-friendly walks lake district here.
Find more Family walks Lake District here.
Find loads of Easy walks near Keswick here.
Visit your local library and join the summer reading challenge
The reading agency’s Summer reading challenge is back. Find out more about this great initiative here.
Find your nearest library here – cumbria libraries.
Visit an ice cream parlour
Find loads of ideas for places to get an ice cream in Cumbria and the Lake District here – ice cream parlours Cumbria
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.
More things to do with kids in the North West summer 2025
Lancashire is not too far away from the south Lake District and they have some great events this summer. Find out more here – Summer holiday activities Lancashire.
Find more great Family days out North West England here.
Where to next?
If you specifically want to know which Lake District attractions are best for toddlers? Find out here – Things to do in Lake District with toddlers
Find out what to do when it rains here – Things to do in the lake district when it rains
