Disclaimer: We were previously provided free entry to The World of Beatrix Potter. All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

Whether you're in the Lake District and Cumbria for a weekend away - or even a week-long family holiday - it's likely you'll want something to do! If you explore my blog, you'll notice we love to discover places to go and enjoy family days out. Here are a few places we've visited that I think are great days out for children. For ease I have listed them in alphabetical order.

N.B. These days out will all require you to pay for entry.

For more child-friendly days out in the Lake District and Cumbria, check out the following blog posts:

Aquariums

Depending on which end of the county you're visiting, you have a couple of options when it comes to aquariums. None are quite The London Sea Life Centre, but they do offer a lovely indoor day out if the weather is a bit touch and go. Which let's be honest, it can be up here!

Lakes Aquarium

If you're in the South, this will be your closest aquarium to visit. We haven't been for a number of years, but it is still holds some amazing memories for us. Squidgy's favourite part was the “fish tunnel” as she called it.

For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Lakes Aquarium website.

Squidgy is facing away from the camera looking at piranha in a tank at Lakes Aquarium

The Lake District Coast Aquarium

If you're in the North, why not check out the aquarium in Maryport? All the children loved exploring here. They provided a little checklist to find different fish inside, and allow you to see the “nursery” and more here too. You can check out the Instagram reel I created here.

For more details, including ticket prices, check out The Lake District Coast Aquarium website.

Squidgy and Pickle are smiling and facing the camera. They are stood to the right of a large tank of fish at Maryport Aquarium with signs behind them showing which fish are inside.

Greenlands Farm Village

This is one of the smaller (and cheaper!) places to visit, but it’s well worth it. It's been a number of years since we visited but there was plenty to do there. From the sheep racing to the donkey rides the farm may be small but it still has plenty to offer. Plus, it's not just a farm. Why not check out the play barn, farm shop and more while you're here?

For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Greenlands Farm Village website.

Squidgy is on a metal fence at Greenlands Farm Village, watching white lambs with black faces run towards her in the field.

Honister Slate Mine

Whether it's a trip to see Santa in his secret underground grotto, or exploring the mines on a tour, or even traversing the Via Ferrata, there are so many options for children and adults of all ages. Be sure to book in advance and take care when travelling up Honister Pass.

For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Honister Slate Mine website.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

If you're looking for a smaller, quieter spot to enjoy over 100 species of animal from tiny ants to large mammals, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a great choice! Located just 5 minutes from the M6 junction 35, this hidden gem is a wonderful family day out.

For more details, including ticket prices, opening times, and more, check out The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis website.

Lake District Wildlife Park

With mid-range priced tickets, you get a lot of bang for you buck at this little wildlife park in my opinion. When we lived in Wigton and were just up the road we would go once every couple of weeks or more! Sadly we're a bit further away now and don't visit as much. However, no matter how often we visit the children love seeing the animals, and of course using the outdoor play area never gets old.

For more details, including ticket prices and to book animal experiences, check out the Lake District Wildlife Park website.

John is holding hands with Squidgy who is holding hands with Pickle. They are walking along a gravel path facing away from the camera at The Lake District Wildlife Park.

Lakeland Motor Museum

This one is not one that a lot of people wold expect to be child friendly, but Squidgy had an amazing time. She was so excited by everything there, from the hot air balloon suspended from the ceiling to the old school racing car games which cost a whole 20p to have a go on (and were over fifty years old!) Apparently this one doesn't just appeal to adults who are into old vehicles!

For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Lakeland Motor Museum website.

3yo Squidgy and Pickle just a few months old are sat inside a vintage toy car at The Lakeland Motor Museum. Naomi is bending down next to them looking at them.

Mirehouse and gardens

Whether you love old, historic houses, or simply want to wander through the beautiful gardens, Mirehouse is a must if you can travel to Keswick during your stay in the Lake District. Whatever the weather, from April to October, this is the perfect destination for a family day out. Walled gardens, woodland walks, and of course plenty of adventure playground make this an ideal place for children and adults alike to enjoy.

For more details, including opening times, parking and accessibility, and other handy information, check out the Mirehouse and Gardens by Bassenthwaite Lake website.

Safari Zoo Cumbria

a.k.a South Lakes Safari Zoo

Unfortunately after controversy through the years and attempts to make improvements, Safari Zoo had to close its doors to the public at the end of 2024. Other wildlife parks are open to visit in Cumbria, so feel free to scroll through this post to plan your visits.

Penguin selfie at South Lakes Safari Zoo

Walby Farm Park

This working farm has a lot to do and see and the children had the best day ever with their grandparents here (check out the reel I made for Instagram!) With an indoor barn full of lambing sheep, an epic indoor wooden castle, soft play, huge sand pit area, trampolines, of course animals to see and so much more Walby Farm Park has a lot to offer. The children spent hours playing and exploring - so I think it was worth every penny of the mid-range ticket prices.

For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit (which is essential), check out the Walby Farm Park website.

The World of Beatrix Potter *

Although this is one of the more expensive days out available in Cumbria, it is a great place to visit for any Beatrix Potter fan. It was really well done, with so much to see and interact with. They also run events, host shows and have a cute little shop for all your Peter Rabbit and friends gifts and more. You can read my full review here.

For more details, including ticket prices, check out The World of Beatrix Potter website.

Squidgy is stood to the right of the image pointing at the display at The World of Beatrix Potter. In front of her to the left of the image is a display of a pond with Jeremy Fisher.

There are so many wonderful days out for children in the Lake District, to suit all different budgets. Whatever your plans, you're sure to have a wonderful time here thanks to the quiet lifestyle and beautiful scenery found in the Cumbrian county we call home.

For more posts about our family adventures, from UK staycations to days out for kids visit my Travel blog. If you have any questions about places to visit in the Lake District, feel free to ask in the comments section below.

Child-friendly Days Out in the Lake District & Cumbria