Description
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Keswick? The Lake District Wildlife Park offers an engaging family day out across open parkland near Bassenthwaite Lake. This established zoo and wildlife sanctuary lets families encounter over 100 species of animals, ranging from domestic farm animals to exotic mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles.
Standard general admission prices start from £16.72 for adults, with child tickets priced at £14.62. Family tickets covering two adults and two children are available from £58.69, while infants under the age of 3 enter free of charge.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational animal talks, daily flying displays, and outdoor play areas in a scenic setting, this Cumbria attraction delivers a brilliant experience. Its hands-on keeper sessions and relaxed walking routes make it a top choice for families visiting the Lake District.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Bassenthwaite Lake: Scenic shoreline walks situated just minutes away from the park.
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station: A unique local heritage railway attraction featuring dining and restored rolling stock.
- Keswick Town Centre: Bustling market town offering local shops, cafes, and family amenities a short drive south.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents praise the manageable, compact size of the park, which allows young children to explore comfortably without getting overly exhausted.
- The daily keeper talks are frequently highlighted as engaging, educational, and genuinely funny, keeping kids hooked throughout.
- Visitors love the combination of wide-open spaces, stunning mountain backdrops, and close encounters with exotic animals.
- The mix of outdoor play equipment and the indoor soft play area provides reliable backup entertainment when weather turns damp.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some visitors mention that certain gravel paths can become slightly muddy or uneven after heavy rainfall.
- Catering queues can build up during peak lunchtime hours in summer, prompting recommendations to bring packed lunches.
- Parking areas can get busy during peak holiday weekends, requiring early arrival to secure a space close to the entrance.
Attractions and Experiences:
- The Reptile and Amphibian House: Enclosures housing snakes, lizards, and frogs.
- Gibbon and Mandrill Islands: Specialized open-air enclosures for primate conservation groups.
- Asian Fishing Cat Habitat: Viewing areas dedicated to these rare, water-loving felines.
- The Aviary Section: Showcasing macaws, parrots, and native bird species.
- Outdoor Adventure Playground: Multi-play wooden climbing structures and swings.
- Heated Indoor Soft Play Area: Soft play frames designed for toddlers and younger children.
- Covered Outdoor Picnic Area: Sheltered seating tables for families bringing their own food.
- Park Café: Serving hot meals, home-baked cakes, and drinks throughout the day.
- Entrance Gift Shop: Stocking nature souvenirs, toys, and pocket-money items.
- Electric Quad Bikes: Small coin-operated ride-on tracks located near the entrance.
New for 2026:
- Expanded Bush Dog Habitats: Upgraded enclosures designed to accommodate the park's new arrivals and support breeding programs.
- Refreshed Visitor Pathways: Enhanced gravel walking routes to ensure smooth pushchair and wheelchair access across all main animal viewing loops.
- Updated Conservation Signage: New interactive educational panels detailing global endangered species programs.
47.35 miles
