Cumbria and the Lake District is so much more than fells and lakes, however there is no doubting that the combination of both give holidaymakers an adventurous holiday, perfect for making memories. Head into the fells and search for that elusive ice cream van at the summit (my son has still yet to find it) or cool down in the lakes learning to canoe, paddle board or catching tiddlers in the rivers.
But what else is there to do to entertain the children away from the fells? Read on for our top 10 days out with the kids in Cumbria this summer.
1. Walby Farm Park, Crosby on Eden
An award winning, all weather, family attraction. Set over 30 acres the farm park has animals to meet, indoor play barn with climbing frames and slides, pedal go-karts, maze, barrel rides, medieval castle and so much more. Regular themed events are planned throughout the school holidays.
2. Lowther Castle and Gardens, Penrith 
This 19th century castle has gardens within gardens to explore, dramatic ruins and an adventure playground. The café serves delicious refreshments or take a picnic and enjoy al fresco dining overlooking the lush Eden Valley.
3. Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite
Set over 24 acres and only 10 minutes from Keswick animal lovers will enjoy meeting over 100 species of animals at the Wildlife Park. With experience packages including Walking Alpacas and Hawk Walk. The park has a café, picnic areas and a gift shop.
4. Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale
An adventurous day out for the whole family. Explore the original slate mine or take on the various activities aimed to get the heart racing including Infinity Bridge (the longest infinity bridge in Britain), Via Ferrata, Canyoning and so much more.
5. Whinlatter Forrest, Whinlatter
Home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the Lake District, Whinlatter Forrest is also home to Go Ape, a treetop adventure, segways. Younger adventurers will enjoy the WildPlay Trail and taking on the Zog Activity Trail, who will you find on the way?
6. South Lakes Safari Zoo, Dalton in Furness
Home to over 1000 of the rarest and most endangered species of the animal kingdom, visitors can be a zoo keeper for the day or hand feed the giraffes, lemurs and penguins, get up close to the animals with an animal encounter.
7. Muncaster Castle and Gardens, Muncaster
Explore the historic castle which is said to be haunted (maybe best not to tell the kids) and 77 acres of woodland and gardens. The castle is also home to the Hawk and Owl centre, visitors can watch regular flying display. There is also the Yeti Adventure Quarry, a Giant Swing and Meadowvole Maze to keep the kids amused.
8. Brockhole on Windermere, Windermere
With activities on and off the water, visitors can hire a boat, go kayaking, take on the Treetop adventure, brave the cave, ride the krazy carts, shoot an arrow at archery or lazer clay shooting, let off steam in the adventure playground or have a giggle at crazy golf.
9. Lakes Aquarium and Haverthwaite Steam Train, Lakeside
Located at Lakeside on the shores of Lake Windermere, meet all your favorite water creatures, head below the shores of Windermere where you can watch the ducks diving for their dinner. Jump aboard the Lakeside to Haverthwaite Steam Train and take a 20 minute scenic journey to Haverthwaite or enjoy a lake cruise around Windermere.
10. Solway Coast
Bordered by the Irish Sea to the West, the Solway Coast offers miles of sand and stone beaches for days out by the sea. Explore the rock pools, collect shells, build sand castles or paddle in the sea. Whilst at the beach visit Twentymans at Allonby for a delicious ice cream treat.
