Keswick Adventures Blog
News and information about our activities and the local area
The Lake District’s Best Outdoor Adventures for Children
The school holidays are nearly upon us and we can’t wait to welcome lots of families to the Lake District over the summer! You’re bound to have loads of fun and we’re excited to be a part of that!
Of course, you’ll be looking for plenty of things to do to keep your little ones engaged (and to maybe tire them out!) so we’ve put together a list of our favourite outdoor activities to do with children in the Lake District. If you’re travelling with kids who are a bit older, then look at our recommendations for outdoor adventures for teenagers.
1. Ghyll Scrambling
Minimum age: 7 years old
Ghyll scrambling is an easy and fun activity that’s suitable for almost any age. We’ll kit you out with all the gear to keep you warm and safe, and then our friendly guides will take you down a mountain stream. Kids will adore the opportunity to jump into pools, ride the current downstream, and scramble over rocks galore. They’ll want to get right back in at the end!
2. Kayaking
Minimum age: 10 years old
Our sit-on kayaks are easy to paddle by even the most nervous of children! Because you sit on them rather than in then, capsizing is much safer for little ones, as you simply drop off and bob about in your life vest until you can scramble back on board.
Children will love the opportunity to independently paddle their craft (though it’s also possible to sit two to a boat for smaller or more timid kids), and to peer into the depths below them.
3. Laser Tag
Minimum age: 6 years old
On the shores of Windermere you can play an exciting game of Laser Tag with completely safe laser guns that ‘zap’ the life energy of players on the other team! If you’re in a large group, you can split into teams and pit yourselves against one another. For small families, you might take on another visiting family.
Kids will have a great time zapping mums, dads and older siblings (as long they’re on the other team) and running wild in the woods!
4. Pony Trekking
Minimum age: 8 years old
Animal lovers will jump at the chance to go on a pony ride at Rookin House Activity Centre. Kids can take lessons (minimum age 6 years old), go on a ride, or even take part in a Pony Party. They’ll fall in love with their new four-legged friends and will probably want to head home with a horse!
5. Go Ape High Ropes Course
Minimum age: 10 years old
At both Whinlatter Forest (near Keswick) and Grizedale Forest (near Windermere and Coniston) are Go Ape High Ropes Courses where you and the kids can swing from the trees on a course that will challenge and excite!
If the high ropes course doesn’t float your boat, Go Ape also has lots of other great outdoor activities including a zip trekking adventure and segway tours.
6. Via Ferrata
Minimum age: 10 years old
If your kids have a head for heights and a yearning for adventure, then take them on a Via Ferrata experience at Honister Slate Mine. They’ll clip in with harness and helmet, then step out onto the sheer faces of Fleetwith Pike. This one isn’t for the faint hearted, as you’ll climb steep cliffs and dangle high above the valley bottom. But kids who fear nothing will be in heaven!
7. Mountain Biking
Minimum age: Varies
Head to Whinlatter Forest to take on the mountain bike trails. You’ll find bike hire on-site at Cyclewise, including bikes that are suitable for children (minimum height of 120cm). If your kids have some experience mountain biking, they can enjoy some of the blue trails, or just cycle along the gentle forest paths.
8. Canoeing
Minimum age: 7 years old
Sturdier than kayaks, canoes allow you to explore the water with much less risk of capsizing. So if your family want to go on a boat but don’t particularly like the idea of getting soaked, canoeing is ideal!
Each canoe can take two or three people, so small families can paddle together if they prefer. Or little ones can just peer over the edge while the adults do all the hard work!
Our other adventures
Take a look at our other adventure activities to see if any take your fancy and have an amazing holiday in the Lake District!
