Things to do with kids in Ambleside

Ambleside is one of my favourite towns in the Lake District and is usually my preferred area to stay in when we are visiting the Lake District. Read on to find loads of things to do with kids in Ambleside which will make you realise why you need to visit this Lakeland town. Find loads more great Family days out North West England here.

Explore Ambleside town centre with kids

Ambleside is a lovely place to visit or even stay. There are lots of B&Bs and hotels in the centre as well as self-catering accommodation around the edges.

The centre itself includes lots of shops including many outdoor clothing shops (Gaynors is one of my favourite places to buy affordable outdoor clothing and walking boots), high street shops like Boots, Fat Face and Joules, and lots of independent cafes, bars and restaurants.

Below I have listed the best things to do with kids in the centre (or a short walk from it) of Ambleside and a few ideas towards the end that are classed as being in Ambleside but they are in the outlying areas where you will need to drive to.

Ambleside climbing wall

Did you know there is an indoor climbing wall and bouldering area in Ambleside? Perfect for children aged 6+, particularly on a wet day! Find out more and book here – Ambleside Climbing Wall.

Visit the Rock shop

The rock shop is more than just a shop. It has 3 different kids activities for you to book and enjoy at £5 per child per activity.

The three activities are:

• Gem pit – Jump into the Gem Pit and wade through a pool of polished gemstones. Choose which you want to take home, and then the staff will help you learn about each one.

• Dinosaur den – Armed with a torch and explorer hat find real fossils and crystal clues, to lead you to the hidden treasure – but look out for the scary dinosaurs lurking in the shadows. The treasure hunt takes an average of 10 – 15 minutes to complete. Parental supervision is required at all times and is suitable for ages 6 years and over.

• Pipkits bead bar – Choose your beads from the extensive bead bar and make your own bracelet

Find out more in our full review here – Rockshop Ambleside

Visit Hayes garden world

Hayes garden world is a large garden centre not far from the centre of Ambleside. They run regular events for kids and their Christmas displays are very impressive!

White Platts recreation ground

White Platts is a small recreation ground in the centre of Ambleside, just before you get to the shops, bars and restaurants. Here you can play crazy golf, and tennis, enjoy an ice cream and there is a small play area for young children. If you have older children then Rothay park is a great place for them to play as there are a lot more play equipment aimed at all ages.

Rothay park

This is a really fantastic outdoor play area in the centre of Ambleside. There are loads of different play equipment for children of all ages. It’s a little bit hidden away and we had no idea it was there on our first visit to the town. You can find the entrance after you pass St Mary’s church on Vicarage road.

Go to the cinema at Zeffirellis

A trip to the cinema is perfect for rainy days or evenings. They usually have some family-friendly films on during the school holidays too. You could even pair it with eating pizza in their restaurant before or after your film. Pizza and a film are a great way to keep the whole family happy.

Walk up to stock ghyll force

Stock Ghyll Force is a stunning waterfall. This waterfall is only a short walk from the centre of Ambleside but it is all uphill so I wouldn’t recommend it with a pushchair. It’s definitely worth the walk through. The walk starts by following Stockghyll lane up the hill from behind the Salutation hotel. You will soon find a gate into Stockghyll woods which you need to walk through.

You will now follow a woodland path up through the woods with the river on your left. The last time we did this walk there were red arrows marking the way to the waterfall. It’s a bit less than a mile so a very short walk that can be combined with other activities whilst you are in Ambleside

See the bridge house

Bridge houses a small, 17th-century building standing over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside.

It is owned by the National Trust and you used to be able to go inside. The rooms are really very tiny. It is currently still closed to the public (June 2022). It’s still worth seeking it out and viewing it from the outside.

You’ll find it at the top of the town, heading out along Rydal road before you get to the Rydal road car park.

Take a boat trip

You can enjoy a trip on Windermere, England’s largest lake as the shores of Lake Windermere are only a short walk from the centre of Ambleside. There are loads of Things to do in Windermere with kids. You can enjoy Windermere lake cruises by joining a boat cruise from Ambleside pier (Water head) which is within walking distance of Ambleside centre.

From here you can choose from several different boat cruises of different durations and routes. You could choose to visit Wray Castle which is ideal as the car park is very small.

You can also take a boat to Brockhole, the Lake District visitor centre which is a great day out for families with a large adventure playground. Find out more about Brockhole, The Lake District here. This is a post I have written all about the walks around Brockhole and the playground. There is also a small soft play area.

There is also a TreeTop nets and treks franchise on-site in Brockholes. We reviewed the treetop nets a few years back and I can highly recommend them for kids. Find out more here – Treetop Nets Windermere review.

Visit Wray Castle, National Trust

Wray castle used to be one of my favourite places to recommend for kids in the Lakes, especially on a rainy day. However, the playrooms like Mr Mcgregor’s garden and Peter Rabbit’s house are all currently closed. The National Trust website doesn’t give any ideas as to when these rooms may reopen. It simply says the playrooms are shut for the foreseeable future.

There is a nice outdoor play area too but this is also currently shut due to storm damage. Again there is currently no indication of if and when this may reopen (June 2022).

Explore Rydal mount house and gardens

Rydal Mount is the family home of William Wordsworth. You can book tickets to explore both the house and gardens here – Rydal Mount.

Visit Ambleside Roman fort

If you walk through Boran’s park, you’ll find the well-marked remains of a Roman Fort. Find out more here – Ambleside Roman Fort.

Explore Grizedale forest

Grizedale Forest is classed as Ambleside but it is a short drive away from Ambleside town. I’ve included it though as it is a fantastic place for family walks. You can currently enjoy the Zog trail which the kids will love. There is also a large play area in the centre by the cafe and visitor information. There are lots of trails to enjoy with sculptures dotted all over the forest. You’ll also find go ape here too. Find out more here – Grizedale.

So there you have my suggestions for things to do with kids in Ambleside. I’d love to hear what your favourite is.

More ideas for your Lake District trip

• If you are specifically visiting with little ones then you might find my post on things to do in Lake District with toddlers.
• We love this family walk – Elterwater to Skelwith bridge walk
• Find the best things to do in the Lake District when it rains here.
• Ready to head a bit further and try a family walk? I have two useful guides for you. Find the best Child-friendly walks in the lake district here.
• and the best Pram-friendly walks lake district here.
• Find more Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District here.

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