As part of National Parks week, we wanted to share the best things to do in each one with children. Here at WATCHU we want to get children out and exploring and what better place than the Lake District? As the largest English park, it seemed the best place to start. Covering 912 square miles (583,747 acres) a huge 18.41 million people visit the Lake District per year!
There's something for children of all ages but we've picked our top five things to do on your next visit.
1. Treetop Trek! It's as good as it sounds. With 35 tree top challenges, children and parents call all join in to swing, climb, balance and fly between the 250-year-old oak trees. It finished with an incredible 250-metre triple zip from the 14-metre high Treetop tower to the shoreline. Grab your friends and family and race them to the ground.
You don't need any experience, and there are options for all abilities (or just how long you want to be up in the canopy)! Climb and Zip is recommended for five year olds and up, it takes around half an hour to complete so perfect as a quick activity to break up the day. Mini Trek (Green Trek + triple zip) is for 5-year-olds and up and takes around one hour. Finally, the Full Trek (Green Trek + Blue Trek + triple zip) is for 7-year-olds and up, taking around two hours to complete makes it perfect for your little monkeys.
Price depends on your age and which course, but prices start from £18 for children and £22 for adults.
2. On the 30th of July, take part with all the family on the Windermere with a View, a guided family cycle ride. An easy-going pace, partly traffic free and partly quiet minor road. Having proved popular booking is essential and the journey is 5 miles long and takes around five and a half hours. For more information click here. Cycling is a great activity for children and parents alike, take in the stunning surroundings and your journey starts by sailing on the unique bike boat from Brockhole to Windermere's western shore.
3. Ever wanted to try your hand at archery? Well at Greenland Farm Village at Tewitifield you can. Carefully guided at all times by fully qualified "Archery GB" coaches you can learn how to master archery. The 90 minute sessions take place in the woods where you then get to practice your new skills on target faces. Children must be over the age of 8 and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Choccobar. Yes, it is as good as it sounds! After all of this outdoor activity put your feet up and enjoy a sweet treat to give you energy for the rest of your stay in the Lake District. With homemade Belgian waffles and churros being a firm favourite amongst guests, you'll be hard pushed to find a tastier dessert. If you have a more savoury tooth then fret not, there's a wonderful selection of hot paninis and toasties to keep your sugar rush to a minimum. Thick milkshakes will keep the kids happy and speciality teas are available for those with a more refined palette.
5. Take a walk on the real wild side with the Predator Experience. From walking with Wolves to Eagle experiences, this is perfect for any animal lover. Founded by Daniel and Dee Ashman, the duo promotes conservation of birds of prey and other predators through education. Their aim is to inspire the public to protect biodiversity for the future. Take your children and spark their interest in conservation and animal protect for life!
For more information regarding the Lake District, click HERE.