If you're visiting the Lake District with teenagers it can be hard to know what they'll enjoy along with the rest of the family. Draw them away from their screens with these activities that will get them out of their shell and ensure you all have a great family holiday.

Canyoning

There's no way for your teens to play on their phone whilst they're abseiling down river gorges, jumping into deep pools, and sliding down waterfalls. This family-friendly activity is perfect for ages 12 upwards, so an ideal adventure for teenagers. Our instructors are great fun, too, and will make sure everyone is fully involved and loving the experience.

We offer canyoning adventures in both Keswick and Coniston.

Go Ape

Way up in the canopies of two Lake District woodlands are hair-raising Go Ape high-ropes courses. At Whinlatter, England's only true mountain forest, Tree Top Adventure Plus is the perfect challenge for teenagers with a head for heights. They'll navigate swaying rope bridges, tricky obstacles, and a speedy zip wire right at the end.

At Grizedale Forest you'll find Go Ape's original Treetop Challenge as well as a Zip Trekking Adventure through the trees.

Mountain Biking

The Lake District has loads of great mountain biking options that teenagers will love whether they've done it before or not. One of the best is at Whinlatter Forest, which has courses that range from moderate to severe for those with some experience.

For an easier ride - or one that the whole family can join in with - Grizedale Forest has a number of easier options alongside the difficult- and severe-rated routes.

Climbing and Abseiling

The Lake District is the birthplace of British climbing and, with the right instruction, this activity works well for both beginners and those who have some experience. You can get out onto the crags with a guided climb or stick to indoor walls - of which there are loads across Cumbria. Some of the best include Kong in Keswick, KendalWall in Kendal, and Eden Rock in Carlisle for bouldering.

Alpaca Walking

There are a surprising number of alpaca walking centres in the Lake District! This quirky activity gives teenagers the chance to get up close and personal with a friendly yet unusual animal, helping to feed, walk and brush them. The best known is Alpacaly Ever After, which has locations across North Cumbria, but there are other experiences too, including at Wasdale, and in the southern peninsulas. 

Rookin House

Near Penrith and Ullswater, Rookin House is a real play area for older kids. It offers a range of unusual and exciting activities from JCB operating and human bowling to go karting and assault courses. You can pick one or two activities or go all in with an activity package.

Honister Slate Mine

An old slate mine doesn't sound like the most exciting place for teenagers to hang out, but Honister Slate Mine is something different. The working mine offers a whole range of interesting activities high up in the mountains. From rock climbing within caves to a cliff-face Via Ferrata that will give anyone an adrenaline rush. There are also more sedate activities, including a mine tour.

Archery

Let your teenagers hone their concentration, aim and skills with an archery session. This great indoor activity is perfect for a little family competition, or for teenagers who like an active activity that won't get them wet. There are several places that offer archery in the Lake District, including ourselves in Keswick and Graythwaite Adventure in the Central Lakes.

Kayaking

It's the number one outdoor activity in the Lake District! Kayaking is a forever favourite for all ages. Its attraction lies in how easy yet enjoyable it is, with a short introduction being all you need to get started. Your teenager might just want to try it once, or they might fall in love and begin a new hobby that will last them for the rest of their life. Whatever the result, nothing quite beats paddling across a Lake District lake surrounded by the craggy mountains!

Paddle Boarding

There's a reason that paddle boarding is so popular: it's a really special experience to float across the water, especially when you're surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery. Not only will it help with any anxiety your teen might be experiencing day-to-day, it'll be a really rewarding experience too because there's more skill to it than you might expect!

Our guided paddle boarding experiences aren't just about floating around on the lake. Our instructors will set challenges like board headstands, assault courses, and even a leap off a bridge. Your teen will be kept guessing and will love the chance to be involved.