The Lost Castle, Penrith (Lowther Castle Playground) – hidden away within the woodlands at Lowther Castle is a magical wooden fortress – The Lost Castle. Created from 25,000 metres of sustainable timber this is one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the UK. The kids will love this turreted, monstrous play centre with its tucked away cages, crawl throughs, climb over and slide downers, and there’s a dedicated toddler area with sand pit and climbing rope mesh. Refreshments are available with outdoor seating and toilets. The Lost Castle is included in the admission price to Lowther Castle, with special rates for families but please check the Playground is open before going.

Brockhole On Windermere – this is a free adventure playground which caters for all ages from toddlers to teens. (no dogs). For the younger ones to explore there’s a galleon boat and a newly built Mountain Tower to test the tweens. Brockhole is a 30 acre site with plenty to explore along the lakeside and through the trees and meadows. For the more adventurous (and those over 5) there is the Treetop Trek, a high ropes course, climbing wall and zip wire which carries a cover charge.

honister.com, Borrowdale, Keswick – this is completely different, a day out at a slate mining quarry for families and kids over 8.
At Honister Slate Mine, kids can become real explorers! Deep inside the mountains of the Lake District, you can take a fun and exciting mine tour to learn how slate was made millions of years ago. Brave adventurers (aged 10 and up) can even try climbing on the famous Via Ferrata, a safe mountain route with ladders and ropes. There’s also a cool gift shop and a cozy café for hot chocolate after your adventure. 

Rookery Woods, Keswick – from £5 per child per day this is an excellent treat for the under 8s. With over 10 different activities, including zip-wire, ropes, climbing, mazes and soft archery there’s enough to keep them busy all day. The older kids and adults have access to water sports, climbing and180 m zip wire.

Lake District Wild Life Park, Keswick – with over 100 animals (mainly birds and mammals which include eagles, parrots, lemurs, pandas and zebras), a delightful cafe, gift shop and children’s play areas. 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor so worth a day out.

Winlatter Forest, Keswick – along with stunning views and outdoor activities for older children and adults (think walking, climbing, downhill & mountain biking plus organised events such as bushcraft and foraging). For the young adventurer there’s a Wildplay Trail with 9 different play areas and a Gruffalo!.

Go Ape in The Lake District – Go Ape have two locations in the area – Grizedale and Winlatter Forest.
At Grizedale, which is between the lakes of Coniston and Windermere, there are 3km network of zip wires, which can reach a speed of 45 mph – not for the faint hearted. High rope courses for all abilities and ages and a segway trail. Plus the usual walking and biking trails.
At Winlatter, which is England’s only true mountain forest there are high rope tree top adventures and a guided segway trail.