What to do with the kids - Half Term Ideas - Blog

Half Term Ideas!

With children off school, and the added pressure to ‘do something fun’, sometimes the half term holidays can feel a little overwhelming. Here at The Hiking Household we know only too well how difficult it can be to fill the days with your children so below we have listed a few ideas to try and take that pressure off. We have added walks, beach trips, tourist attractions and of course some emergency ideas if the weather decides to turn wet!

To access the full description of each walk, or activity, then please click on the title where you will be redirected to The Hiking Household’s full review.

5 Pram Friendly Walks:

These walks are fantastic with the pram, most of them are a few miles long (if not longer) so you are able to feel like you really succeeded in getting your daily steps in!

Friars Crag: Found in Keswick, this two mile pram walk is a fantastic route for those wanting to coincide their walk with a bite to eat, trip to the Theatre by the Lake or even a boat trip on Derwentwater.
Ennerdale Water: This westerly lake often hides from the crowds and can be relatively quiet, even in the school holidays. With plenty of different tracks to explore this is a great one for the whole family. If you are keen walkers, and only have a pram with you, then you could walk the full loop of Ennerdale Water.
Tarn Hows: This is always our go to walk when we are going out with our pushchair. An easy to navigate, two mile loop with the village of Grasmere not too far away to enjoy a spot of lunch.
Loweswater: This three mile walk follows the shoreline of Loweswater and is a beautiful, often quieter, Lake District route. You are able to extend the walk further and walk the full loop of Loweswater if you are happy to do some road walking.
Force Crag Mine: This is a wonderful walk if you are hoping to get your steps in and walk that little bit further. An easy to navigate, five mile, pram walk set within the heart of the Lakes. This walk is close to Whinlatter Forest where you can enjoy a spot of lunch.

5 Toddler Friendly Walks:

We have picked five walks that we think are perfect for those little legs of the family, with lots to explore and things to see and do.

Castle Loch: This 2.7 mile walk can be made much shorter if needed. Heading through the trees you soon come to many outdoor activities that your little ones can explore – keep your eyes peeled for the outdoor games!
The Superworm, Whinlatter: This is a family favourite of ours, with so many things to explore at Whinlatter your little ones will never be stuck for things to do. Water Play, forest hunts and the fantastic Superworm Trail are just a few of the things you can find here this summer.
Dubwath Silver Meadows: A short route set in stunning surroundings this is an easy walk for toddlers. The boardwalk makes this a perfect walk if you have little ones who enjoy going on their scooters.
Jenkins Field, Glenridding: This 0.5 mile walk is ideal for your little ones, at such a short distance they cannot complain of tired legs! Walking alongside the shore of Ullswater your toddlers will find plenty of stones to throw in the water whilst enjoying a paddle.
Thacka Beck Nature Reserve: Found in Penrith this is an easy and exciting walk for youngsters. With lots of animals to look out for, and trains passing close by, there is plenty for them to see!

5 Big Kid Friendly Walks:

The five walks mentioned below are ideally for slightly stronger walkers, or for those with older children who sometimes need a little extra challenge/persuasion to get outside!

Barf: One of the 214 Wainwright walks this is a fantastic route for those who like a challenge. The steep, rocky sections certainly get the adrenaline going. A wonderful 4 mile walk with some spectacular views at the top.
Dodd Wood, including Dodd Summit: With many routes on offer at Dodd Wood this is a great option for those with children of all ages. Dodd summit is one of the 214 Wainwright walks and is quite a tough climb to the top. The highlight here is that there is a lovely cafe situated in Dodd Wood car park.
Fleswick Bay: One of our more recent walks this is a new found favourite for my family. The three mile walk offers breathtaking views and a fabulous hidden bay. The option to search for gem stones, play in the water or explore the hidden caves might be enough to entice your older children to enjoy this walk with you!
Cathedral Cave: This two mile walk offers a relatively easy route down to the caves. When you reach Cathedral Cave we are sure your children will love what they find, with many different places to explore it really gets the imagination going.
Buckstones Jump: This was my eldest child’s favourite walk of last summer. The 2.5 mile hike isn’t too strenuous and the hidden wild swimming area that you find at the top makes all of the walking worth it. One for the warmer days, Buckstones Jump really will certainly get your older children excited to explore the great outdoors.

The Superworm Trail, Whinlatter

Cathedral Cave

Caerlaverock Castle

Family Attractions:

Sometimes a walk is not what your little ones have in mind, and that is ok too! Below are a few attractions that we love and think would be a great option to fill your family days!

5 Family Outdoor Attractions:

Lake District Wildlife Park: Found ten miles from Keswick this has been an enjoyable family attraction since Laura, the founder of the Hiking Household, was a little girl. With a great play park, cafe and animal encounters this is a lovely family day out. The highlight is often the owl display!
Lakeside to Haverthwaite Railway, including the Lakes Aquarium: For those with little ones who enjoy train rides this is for you. A short train ride from Lakeside brings you to Haverthwaite where you will find a lovely play park and a truly fantastic cafe. Having returned to Lakeside on the train you could then enjoy some time in the Lakes Aquarium, my children never let us visit the railway without taking a look at the fish too!
Lowther Castle: A perfect family day out for the whole family. With a lovely cafe in the woods and an unbelievable outdoor playground Lowther Castle will have children, and adults, excited!
Caerlaverock Castle: If you are after a day trip then this moated castle in Dumfries & Galloway will be a huge hit with primary aged children. With lots to explore, and a great interactive map to follow, there is plenty to keep little ones entertained.
Mirehouse: Found opposite Dodd Wood the natural playground that Mirehouse offers is sure to entertain the whole family for hours. With the option to walk down to the shoreline, and to also explore the extensive gardens, there is plenty to entertain all ages. Watch out for the outdoor maze, and the stepping stones!

5 Family Indoor Attractions (great for wet weather!):

The Hancock Museum: Found in Newcastle Upon Tyne this museum is perfect for those with younger children. You could also pair this day out with a trip to the nearby Exhibition Park where you will find toilets, a cafe and a play park.
Kong Adventures: Our children adore visiting here!! Located in Keswick town centre this is an ideal place to explore before, or after, a walk. There is something inside for all ages 3 and above, including a smaller climbing section for younger ones and a caving experience for older children. It really is not to be missed!
Tullie House: As ever this half term Tullie House is offering an abundance of activities for children of all ages. Whether you would like to train as a Roman Soilder or make a Roman helmet there is something for everyone. A full itinerary can be found on their website by clicking here.
Rheged: A lovely family orientated centre in North Lakes, near Penrith. Here you will find a cafe, cinema, family craft sessions and much more. This half term they are showing Bad Guys, Sonic the Hedgehog and lots more! Don’t forget there is also a soft play suitable for ages 7 and under.
Seven Stories: Another wonderful museum in Newcastle Upon Tyne that is well worth a trip to visit is Seven Stories. This National Centre for Children’s Books is every child’s dream. With different books on each level, story telling, interactive exhibitions and more this is a day out that never fails to excite my little ones. To find out what’s on this half term click here.