The summer holidays are here! Playdale Playgrounds have put together a list of eight free activities around Cumbria to ensure you can keep your children entertained without breaking the bank this summer.

Visit some Roman remains

The Lake District is rich in Roman history, with plenty of remnants ripe for exploration. It’s another way to make your free trips out educational as well as fun!

Hardknott Roman Fort is an ancient military post established in the second century under Emperor Hadrian. Its remote location, has preserved Hardknott beautifully. Visitors can freely explore this site, which is under the care of the National Trust and English Heritage.

Other fascinating Roman sites, including:

•            The High Street Roman Road

•            Ambleside Roman Fort

•            Barnscar Romano-British Farmstead

•            Ravenglass Roman Bathhouse

•            Aughertree Fell Settlement.

 

Learn and play at the Dock Museum in Barrow

For an activity that’s educational as well as fun, take your kids to the Dock Museum.

With exhibitions on the First and Second World Wars, Cumbria’s rich history in iron and steelworks and the Roman Empire, there’s plenty for your kid to learn and engage with.

There’s also an adventure playground where your kids can tire themselves out physically, quizzes, themed galleries and an onsite café.

Open between 11am and 4pm,  from Wednesday to Sunday.

 

Go mouse-hunting on the Keswick Mouse Trail

Keswick has lots to offer in terms of quaint cafes, independent pubs and stunning surrounding scenery. One free activity that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours is the Keswick Mouse Trail.

Pick up a map from the famous Keswick Cheese Deli, or download one from the website, and set off on your adventure! Once you’ve completed the trail, you’ll get your map stamped – so your kids will have a memento of their adventure.

Open between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm om Sunday.

 

Enjoy outdoor adventuring at Brockhole on Windermere

This exciting outdoor attraction on the shores of the beautiful Lake Windermere, has plenty of physical activities to keep your kids entertained – from a huge adventure playground to the Brockhole Pirate Experience.

Some of the experiences require paid tickets, but if you have little ones under two years old, you can enjoy the Brockhole Pirate Experience for free!

You can explore the grounds of Brockhole – plus the gorgeous summer house built for silk merchant William Gaddum and Beatrix Potter’s cousin, Edith Potter.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

 

Learn about the Lakes poets at Keswick Museum

Keswick Museum is home to many ongoing and temporary exhibitions that both kids and parents can enjoy for free. It regularly features exhibitions on the many poets associated with the Lake District; one special exhibition showing until March 2025 features the famed Robert Southey and a reimagining of Goldilocks. Southey is currently being celebrated in the ongoing literature exhibit, too.

Kids can learn about their county’s great history, from how humans shaped the landscape of the Lake District over thousands of years to the region’s rich arts and crafts heritage.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

 

Explore Kendal Castle

Nothing fires up the imagination more than a ruined medieval castle. Standing proud over the market town of Kendal in south Cumbria, these ruins date back to the 13th century! 

These imposing stonework ruins are sure to fire up the imagination – and although you’ll have to tackle a steep walk to reach the castle, your little ones are sure to be tired out after this day trip!

 

Spot some wildlife at Dubwath Silver Meadows

The Lake District, with its stunning rolling hills and acres of natural beauty, is a hotspot for UK wildlife. One area designated for wildlife conservation is Dubwath Silver Meadows, so it’s perfect if your kids are big animal lovers.

You can find all sorts of wonderful local wildlife including bats, mice, roe deer, red squirrels, badgers and voles, plus a range of bird species. Be aware that it’s a designated wetland, so bring your wellies.

 

Be inspired at Thuline Studio

If you have artsy kids, inspire their creativity with a free visit to Thuline Studio. Thuline is a renowned artist who has owned studios in various Lake District locations including Kendal and Windermere.

Explore the gallery and see some of Thuline’s famous cow paintings, and if you’re lucky, witness Thuline creating one of her masterpieces!

Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.