Playful Escapes & Family Fun in Cumbria this August

2025-07-21

This August, one event stands out across the UK and holds special meaning in communities like Alston and throughout Cumbria: Playday 2025 UK. Whether you’re planning a midweek break or a full family holiday, Cumbria is calling, with scenic trails, unplugged activities, and hotel deals for families that make your adventure both memorable and affordable.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this region so perfect for a playful escape, and how to make the most of Playday with your little ones this August.

What is Playday?

Playday is the UK’s national day for play, celebrated every year on the first Wednesday of August, in 2025, that’s Wednesday 6 August. It’s not just a fun event; it’s a nationwide movement that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

Since it began in 1986, Playday has grown into a much-loved tradition, supported by thousands of schools, councils, families, and communities across the country. The day aims to:

Celebrate children's right to play
Encourage outdoor and active lifestyles
Raise awareness of the benefits of play for learning, development, and well-being
Inspire communities to provide more play opportunities in everyday life

In short, Playday is about letting children be children, encouraging them to laugh, run, jump, explore, build, and create, without limits, without rules, and without screens.

What’s Happening on Playday in Cumbria?

Cumbria fully embraces Playday with events and community-led celebrations that bring people together in the spirit of fun and exploration. Whether you’re in Alston, Penrith, Kendal, or Keswick, you’ll likely find something joyful happening nearby.

Playday 2025 Events to Watch for:

Alston’s Play in the Park (2025 – TBC)
In past years, Alston Moor has hosted Play in the Park events, complete with nature-themed games, storytelling, den-building, and family crafts. Local green spaces become hubs of activity, often with help from volunteers and community groups.
Eden Playday in Penrith
A popular annual gathering, Eden Playday usually takes place in a local park or field with water play, obstacle courses, giant games, face painting, and creative workshops. It’s great for families with toddlers and school-age children alike.
Free Forest School Taster Sessions
Several groups across Cumbria offer free Forest School experiences on Playday. Think bug-hunting, mud kitchens, and open fire cooking, all supervised and wonderfully messy.
Pop-Up Nature Trails and Treasure Hunts
Expect community groups and councils to set up low-key but fun trails and hunts in safe public areas. Look for posters at local libraries, cafes, and tourism offices in late July to find your nearest event.

Keep an eye on local Facebook groups, council websites, and tourist info boards; many events are announced closer to the date, but are completely free and open to visitors.

Best Things to Do with Children This August in Cumbria

Even if you’re not attending an official Playday event, Cumbria is a natural playground. With its lakes, hills, woodlands, and parks, it invites unplugged travel in the best sense. Here are some family favourites for a fun and educational summer break:

1. Build a Den in the Woods

Pick a spot in Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter Forest Park, or a quiet corner near your stay. Collect branches, leaves, and logs, and let kids lead the design. Den-building develops creativity, teamwork, and resilience… plus, it’s just pure fun.

2. Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Before you set out on a trail, hand your children a checklist, find a pinecone, spot a squirrel, listen for birdsong, touch tree bark, jump in a puddle. Offer small rewards at the end or simply celebrate with a picnic.

3. Lake Dipping & Stone Skimming

Head to Derwentwater, Coniston, or Buttermere for some waterside fun. Paddle with supervision, skim stones, or go pond dipping (many nature reserves sell kits). Don’t forget towels and spare socks!

4. Outdoor Games in Open Fields

Pack a frisbee, cricket set, or a kite. Open spaces like Talkin Tarn Country Park or Fell Foot Park are ideal for big family games. Encourage teams of grown-ups vs. kids for double the fun.

5. Make Art in Nature

Collect natural materials like feathers, leaves, petals, and sticks to make a wild art collage. Snap a photo of the finished piece, leave it behind for others to admire, and start again tomorrow.

Best Outdoor Activities for Friends and Families

August in Cumbria isn’t just for the little ones; grown-ups and teens can dive into their own versions of unplugged fun.

Try These With Family or Friends:

Family cycling routes like the Keswick Railway Path, traffic-free and scenic
Guided canoeing or kayaking on Windermere or Ullswater
Horse-riding sessions suitable for beginners near Penrith or the Eden Valley
Evening BBQ & marshmallow roasting at self-catering cottages
Sunset hikes with older kids, try Catbells for a short but rewarding route

These activities not only encourage movement and mindfulness but also help families reconnect through shared challenges and laughter.

Family-Friendly Hotels & Stays in Cumbria

After a full day of frolics, you’ll want somewhere warm and welcoming to relax. The good news is that Cumbria is full of family-friendly accommodation, from cosy B&Bs to hotels with playgrounds and on-site meals.

What to Look For:

Midweek Offers: Take advantage of "stay 3 nights, pay for 2" deals in July and August 2025. Many family hotels and inns offer these during Sunday–Thursday stays.
Pet-Friendly Options: Planning to bring the dog along? Check listings for pet-welcoming properties that include dog beds and treats.
On-Site Activities: Properties near nature reserves or with outdoor spaces offer added value — think garden games, picnic areas, and even kid-focused welcome packs.
Family Dining & Kitchen Access: If you have fussy eaters or young children, opt for hotels with flexible meal times or small kitchenettes.

By choosing the right base, you can make your entire trip smooth, enjoyable, and budget-friendly.

Planning Tips for the Perfect Playful Escape

Here’s how to make your family's summer holiday in Cumbria as relaxing and enriching as possible:

Top Tips:

Pack Light but Smart: Bring clothes that can get muddy, reusable water bottles, sun hats, waterproofs, and walking shoes. Leave the iPads at home, you won’t need them!
Download Local Event Apps: Apps like “GoLakes” or “Cumbria Live” help you stay updated on local events and weather.
Mix Fun with Learning: Visit local museums like Tullie House in Carlisle or The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness to balance outdoor play with storytelling.
Bring a Scrapbook: Let the kids document their holiday with drawings, leaves, photos, and funny quotes. It’s a lovely way to relive the trip.
Book Early: August is peak time. Reserve hotels and activities as early as possible, especially those with family deals.

Final Word: Unplug, Explore, and Laugh Together

This August, don’t just plan a holiday, plan a playful escape. Whether you’re jumping in puddles, spotting frogs, building dens, or cheering your kids up a fell, Cumbria is where your family will thrive.

With Playday 2025 UK shining a light on outdoor play and the joys of real-world exploration, now’s the perfect time to embrace unplugged travel, make memories, and rediscover the power of fun.

So gather your family, pack the wellies, and head to Cumbria, where play is not only encouraged, it’s celebrated.

Tags:activities