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Keep Your Kids Happy with These 10 Family-friendly February Half Term Activities in the Lake District

12 February 2019 09:37

Come rain or shine, this range of activities will keep you and your family entertained over the February half term.

February half term is now only days away, but it's not too late to plan a quality family break when the kids are off. The Lake District is always a popular choice, because although the weather can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year, there are loads of activities to keep everyone happy.

We’ve put together a list of some great indoor and outdoor attractions and events for you that will bring smiles to all faces, even on a rainy day.

And if you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay, have a look at Absolute Escapes’ last minute availabilities and offers on Lake District holiday cottages and Eden Valley cottages.

PS. Don't forget, now is also an eggcellent time to plan your getaway for Easter. Find self- catering cottages to suit all tastes and budgets right here.

Get in! Our Top 5 Lake District Indoor Activities:

The Puzzling Place, Keswick

The Puzzling Place in the heart of Keswick is a fascinating and mind-boggling attraction based on optical illusions. Whether it's the anti-gravity room, the hologram gallery or the “Eyelusions“ exhibition, prepare to be puzzled!

Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside

"IMG_0166" by Sem Shnaider is licensed under CC BY2.0

The aquarium, based on the Southern tip of Lake Windermere, exhibits the diversity of life from the lakes of the world and mammals such as otters and marmoset monkeys in over 30 spectacular displays, including an incredible underwater tunnel. Extra tip: You can save money when you buy the tickets online.

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

"Keswick Jetty" by Jason Parrish is licensed under CC BY2.0

Check out the fantastic half term family shows in, according to The Independent, "the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain", and enjoy not only great performances, but also the spectacular views of the fells right outside.

Family Concert: Giddy Goat

A wonderful interactive family concert with Ensemble 360. Narrator Polly Ives tells the story of mountain goat Giddy, who is scared of heights. Children go free.

Showing on 17th February 2019.

The Gingerbread Man

The classic tale in a brilliant mix of puppetry, live action, great music, humour and a stunning staging. Suitable for 3+

Showing from 20th February 2019 until 21st February 2019.

Sourpuss

This brand new production features string and shadow puppets and tells the story of Sourpuss, a very grumpy cat learning the secrets of the great outdoors. Suitable for 3+

Showing from 21st February 2019 until 22nd February 2019.

Brainiac Live!

This exciting, educational and sometimes volatile live show is back in Keswick to take you on an exploding ride through the wonderful world of science.

Suitable for ages 6+

Showing on 23rd February 2019.

Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass

"Honister Pass" by Kosala Bandara is licensed under CC BY2.0

Who wants to discover the Lake District from the inside and go deep underground? With a slate mine tour suitable for all ages, you can learn about the 450-million-year-old volcanic green slate and how slate mining at Honister progressed through the ages.

Extra tip: Please come prepared with warm clothing, sensible footwear and book your spaces in advance!

Rheged Centre, Penrith

"Rheged" by Peter Priday is licensed under CC BY2.0

Rheged is a place like no other. It's THE destination for imaginative children's' events, theatre and workshops throughout the school holidays, family activities, 3D cinema, fresh food, shopping, arts and culture. And all that under one roof. Extra tip: Book your spaces online for the half term activities so you don't miss out.

Out of This World! Our Top 5 Outdoor Lake District Activities:

Treetop Nets, Windermere

Swing, climb, balance and fly your way through 250-year-old oak trees. Sounds like something out of Peter Pan, but it's actually reality. Over 1500m2 of giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels, surrounded by 3m high walls of netting make it a safe and amazing way for both children and adults to have fun high in the trees.

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite

The wildlife park near Bassenthwaite Lake offers you 24 acres of parkland with stunning Lakeland views and over 100 species of amazing animals from anacondas to zebras. For an even wilder experience, you can book one-hour long animal experiences and encounters to get up close and personal with your favourite furry friends.

Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre, Braithwaite

"Sunlit Uplands" by Paul Albertella is licensed under CC BY2.0

Did you know that Whinlatter is England's only true mountain forest? It is also a fantastic place for walks with spectacular views, mountain biking, wildlife and adventure play. Families with younger children can enjoy the Zog Activity Trail. Based on the famous Julia Donaldson story, you have to follow panels and complete activities along the way. During half-term, there's also the Whinlatter Adventure Holiday Club for children aged 7-12. Extra tip: Also check Grizedale Forest, Ambleside for a similar offer.

Mirehouse & Gardens, Bassenthwaite Lake

This beautiful family-run historic house with gardens is set along the shores of Bassenthwaite and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You can find hidden gardens and natural play areas for hours of imaginative fun for both young and old. It fully deserves its Cumbria Tourism Award for 2017 attraction of the year.

Treasure Trail, Bowness on Windermere

Explore all the sights of Bowness on Windermere with this 2.3 mile long self-guided treasure hunt. You can purchase and download the treasure map beforehand and have hours of fun exploring the stunning lakeside, bustling town and woodlands by finding answers to the clues on plaques, signs, statues and other interesting or historical features around the town. Can you solve it?

About the author

Shirley Thomson is the owner and director of Absolute Escapes Lettings and has been for over ten years. Her passion is for the Lake District, so she established Absolute Escapes to offer a personal service to those wanting to stay in the Lakes. She deals with every part of the business herself from finding cottages and managing bookings. If you’re looking for a Lake District cottage or an Eden Valley cottage, Shirley’s the woman for you.

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