We know that the summer holidays can sometimes be a challenge when trying to come up with new, interesting and imaginative ways to keep your kids entertained! That’s why at Abbot Hall and Windermere Jetty Museum we have a great lineup of family friendly activities starting from 19 July – 30 August to keep you and the kids busy and brimming with creativity.
With Lakeland Arts Members and annual pass holders going free, it’s a no brainer to come and join us. Family and individual tickets are available to book online at lakelandarts.org.uk.
Abbot Hall
Kids creative activities at Abbot Hall this summer
At Abbot Hall, our Collections Galleries have a lot to be inspired by – connect with nature in the Art Herbarium, learn about the environment in our Ecology Gallery, and discover fascinating stories in our Portrait Galleries. We also have a brand-new exhibition, Expanding Landscapes: Painting After Land Art. Why not pick up a sketchbook from reception and respond creatively to what you see?
We also have creative self-led activities based on our Expanding Landscapes exhibit, held in the Cafe and Creative Space. Decorate a folded template to create your very own expanding landscape or create an artwork exploring texture using the materials in the Art Cart.
Land Art workshops are being held every Thursday from 11am-3pm, where you can choose your materials from the Nature Station to create a piece of art inspired by Expanding Landscapes – you can even get it photographed to be put on display inside the galleries by the Lakeland Arts team. Please note, this workshop requires a gallery admission ticket.
Whilst you’re in the Cafe you can grab a coffee and a delicious bite to eat too!
Windermere Jetty Museum
Swallows and Amazons Adventure at Windermere Jetty Museum
Windermere Jetty Museum has a great offer for families this summer, including our brand-new Swallows and Amazons adventure trail! Using your scavenger map, binoculars and sketchbook, see what you can discover. The trail spans the museum, meadow space and lakeshore meaning it’s perfect for curious young explorers. We also have activities in our Learning Centre for before or after your adventure, where you can make Swallows and Amazons inspired flags or write a creative story to post via our pigeon post letterbox.
The Blue Space play area is also available to visit throughout the summer in our temporary exhibition space. Let your imagination run wild with regularly changing activities to try out and challenges to conquer. The large-scale loose parts play system is a great way to let off some steam and let your imagination run wild!
As part of the Lake District Music – Summer Festival 2025, we have Leo the Lion visiting us on 3 August! Join us for a delightful performance blending storytelling, live music and illustration to bring Leo’s journey to life. We have performances at 11:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm and each performance last around 45 minutes, perfect for children aged 3-5. This event is ticketed, £7 for adults and £2 for children. Book your tickets here.
Additionally, explore the museum galleries and put your codebreaking skills to the test with our refreshed Raise Dolly interactive adventure! Answer the questions and complete challenges to collect the clues from around the museum to rescue Dolly the steamboat from the water of Windermere.
As well as this, discover the wonders of the natural world both indoors and out. Learn about Windermere’s fascinating wildlife and keep an eye out for hidden animals tucked around the museum. Head outdoors with an explorer pack in hand and see what plants and creatures you can spot along the lakeshore. Trail guides and explorer packs are available from the front desk, ready to help you start your adventure!
Blackwell
Creative activities for kids at Blackwell this summer
At Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, we have a range of creative self-facilitated activities available, all themed around our current Annie Garnett exhibition. In the Guild room you can find all the materials needed to create your very own scrapbooking page – just like Annie Garnett’s! There is a loom where you can try your hand at weaving to create a beautiful piece of fabric. We also have a flora hunt trail to test out your spotting abilities, can you find all the plants featured within the design of the house?
Family and individual tickets are available to book online at lakelandarts.org.uk.
