With a heatwave expected to hit the UK over the next few weeks - we hope - now’s the perfect time to get your children excited about the summer days to come.

The increased cost of living has made it tougher for parents to plan activities while balancing budgets.

However, kids still need enrichment and excitement in their summer holidays.

With that in mind, the educational play experts at Playdale Playgrounds have put together a list of the 10 best free activities in and around Cumbria.

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 educational as well as fun.

Among the Lake District’s Roman remains is the Hardknott Roman Fort, an ancient military post established in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian. Because of its remote location, Hardknott has been preserved beautifully. Visitors can freely explore this site, which is under the care of the National Trust and English Heritage. 

In addition to Hardknott, you can also discover a few other fascinating Roman sites, including: 

  • The High Street Roman Road 
  • Ambleside Roman Fort 
  • Barnscar Romano-British Farmstead 
  • Ravenglass Roman Bathhouse 
  • Aughertree Fell Settlement. 
  • Hardknott Pass: Holmrook, CA19 1TH. 

Opening times: open 24 hours

Learn and play at the Dock Museum 

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 – and it’ll cement their school learning, too! 

As well as interesting and informative exhibitions, Dock Museum also features an adventure playground where your kids can tire themselves out physically, quizzes, themed galleries and an onsite café.  

The Dock Museum is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme, but will be back open on July 24th, ready for a summer full of fun!  

Dock Museum: Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PW. 

Opening times: 11am - 4pm, Wednesday – Sunday. (Reopens July 24th). 

Go mouse-hunting on the Keswick Mouse Trail 

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

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

Keswick Cheese Deli: 9 Packhorse Ct, Keswick CA12 5JB. 

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm, Sunday, 10am – 4pm.   

Enjoy outdoor adventuring at Brockhole on Windermere 

Brockhole on Windermere is an exciting and free-to-enter outdoor attraction situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Windermere. There are plenty of physical activities here 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! We also recommend exploring the grounds of Brockhole – plus the gorgeous summer house built for silk merchant William Gaddum and Beatrix Potter’s cousin, Edith Potter. 

Lake District National Park: Visitor Centre, Windermere LA23 1FF. 

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 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. 

Keswick Museum: Station Road, Keswick, CA12 4NF. 

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. 

Recommended reading:

Lake District: Plans lodged to convert Ambleside guest house

Lake District: Plans revealed for 'major redevelopment' of Bowness pub

Lake District: Wild campers in Buttermere dump rubbish and gear

Explore Kendal Castle  

Whether your kids are history buffs or not, 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!  

Kendal Castle: Sunnyside, Kendal LA9 7DJ. 

Opening times: open 24 hours.  

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. 

Here, 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 – and let’s face it, what youngster doesn’t love getting a bit muddy? 

Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve: Cockermouth CA13 9YN. 

Opening times: open 24 hours.  

Feed the ducks at Fell Foot Park 

A family-friendly park with something for everyone, Fell Foot Park is the perfect place to take the little ones for a sunny day picnic. Take a walk around a different part of the vast Lake Windermere, and breathe in the beautiful mountainous views.  

Your kids can paddle in the lake and feed the ducks (though don’t give them bread – you’ll want to give them frozen peas and oats)! There are meadows if you fancy a fun ball game, and equipment hire available for rowboats, paddleboards and kayaks, if you don’t mind spending a little.  

Fell Foot Park: Newby Bridge, Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8NN 

Opening times: Sunday – Friday, 9am – 8pm. Saturday, 8am – 8pm.

Take in the beauty of Aira Force 

In a region of spectacular views, it’s hard to designate one unique spot of beauty – but we’d argue Aira Force takes the crown as a stunningly beautiful waterfall. Even youngsters can appreciate this beauty hotspot – plus there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. 

Take your kids on the Aira Force waterfall trail so they can see this landmark from every vantage point, and let them unleash their wild side by playing in the streams or going rock and tree-climbing. It’s an adventurous kid’s dream! Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for the enigmatic red squirrel, known to frequent the area.

Aira Force: Matterdale, Penrith CA11 0JS 

Opening times: open 24 hours.  

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.  

You can explore the gallery and see some of Thuline’s famous cow paintings, and if you and your kids are lucky, you may witness Thuline creating one of her masterpieces!

Thuline Studio: 22 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DY 

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4:30pm.