Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Places to Go
Lakes Aquarium
See things that swim, things that fly and things that bite! Lakes Aquarium allows you to visit the lakes of the world, along with those a little closer to home- making it a captivating centrepiece to the Lake District. Walk through our incredible underwater tunnel, home of the breath taking diving ducks.For more information call 015395 30153 or visit www.lakesaquarium.co.uk.
Bitts Park, Carlisle
Bitts Park is situated in the centre of Carlisle, at the foot of Carlisle Castle with the River Eden forming its northern boundary and the River Caldew to the west. Pay and display parking is available & facilities include tennis courts, open air and under cover - open all year round. Putting green and crazy golf. Bowling green, kiddies sit on rides. Refreshment kiosk.
FunSplash water splash park (from Easter to October).
Children's play areas for children of all abilities, and pirate ship sand play area.
Picnic area, formal flower beds, ornamental lawns, Japanese garden and maze. For courts and general enquiries call 01228 591628.
Cumbria‘s Museum of Military Life, Carlisle Castle
Cumbria‘s Museum of Military Life was founded in 1932 and tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments through books, documents, photographs and artefacts. Open 10am to 4pm daily during Feb & Mar. Tickets Adults £4, Concessions £3,
Children £2 and Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £10. For more information visit www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org.
Keswick Museum and Art GalleryKeswick Museum and Art Gallery
The collection at Keswick Museum was founded by the local Literary and Scientific Society in 1873, with a particular focus on Natural Sciences. The museum is open daily all year from 10am to 4pm (closed on 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1, 2 Jan.) Almost £2m has been spent on stunning architectural improvements to the building providing new visitor facilities, permanent and changing displays and a learning centre with a beautiful large room to hire. Special activities every school holiday for families are included in the admission price. Please call 017687 73263 for details or email info@keswickmuseum.co.uk.
Llama Karma Kafe
If you want a Fascinating, interactive and educational experience for the kids this year look no further than the FAB Llama Karma Kafe in Penrith! Not just a cool Kafe with lots of homemade goodies on offer…Llama Karma offers a wealth of activities for the young and not so young at heart. Interactive animal and reptile tours are on offer daily or why not take one of our friendly llamas on a country walk right from the door. All activities are suitable from 3 years upwards and children should accompanied by parents. For more information visit www.llamakarmakafe.co.uk or call 01768 866776.
Pencil Museum
Come and discover the colourful world that is home to a giant, an escape artist’s pencil, art adventures and the world’s longest colour pencil! Find out exactly how we get colour into a pencil today and let the kids imaginations run free in the Kids Art Studio. Relax and have a cuppa and a sticky bun at our riverside location with views of Catbells. For more information visit www.pencilmuseum.co.uk or call 01768 773626.
Penrith and Eden Museum
Admission to the museum is free and it is open all year, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday, April to October, 11am to 4pm. The museum has full accredited status and is housed in a listed building established in 1670 for the education of poor girls. The Museum collects, preserves and displays material reflecting the history and culture of Penrith and the Eden area. For more information visit www.eden.gov.uk.
South Walney Nature Reserve
Great for a family day out with historical interest, overwintering and spring migrant birds, stunning views and wildflowers. The reserve is open daily 10am to 5pm (4pm in winter). The reserve gate is closed and locked shortly after closing time. For more information call 01539 816300.
Talkin Tarn, Brampton
Based at the picturesque, rural setting of Talkin Tarn. Located in Brampton, just off the A69 east of Carlisle, Cumbria. We offer a wide range of outdoor adventure for families, groups and individuals of all ages and abilities. So why not come and have a go. Hire a row boat, paddle a canoe or kayak, learn to sail or have a blast in the water roller. Visit www.talkintarnactivities.co.uk for more information.
Abbott Lodge, Penrith
A working dairy farm set in spectacular scenery midway between the Eden Valley and the Northern Lake District. The farm produces over 40 flavours of high quality homemade Jersey ice cream. The farm was restocked with Jersey cattle in February 2002 following foot and mouth in 2001.
The farm has now diversified and offers:
• A Tea Room with a range of Jersey Ice Cream, teas, coffees, soft drinks and cakes
• Indoor and Outdoor safe play areas for children
• Spacious function room for group education, visits, meetings and parties.
• See our gorgeous Jersey Cows in the nearby fields.
• Watch the adorable calves at their computerised feeding station. Open 11.00am – 5.00pm daily. For more information visit www.abbottlodgejerseyicecream.co.uk.
Lakeland Miniature Village, Flookburgh
A fascinating insight to the buildings of lakeland`s yesteryear. Over 100 buildings made from local Coniston slate. Houses, farms and barns create the Lakeland landscape. There are water features throughout the miniature village. The Oriental Building, which is our display area, overlooks the Oriental Garden. For more information call 015395 58500.