There are plenty of outdoor activities in and around Carlisle to keep your children entertained. Whether you want to learn more about local history, enjoy nature and wildlife or burn off some steam there is plenty to keep the children busy. Read on to discover our top picks outdoor activities for children in Carlisle for a fun family day out.

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Outdoor Activities for Children in Carlisle

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Birdoswald Roman Fort is a great introduction to Hadrian’s Wall if you’ve not visited before. The Roman Fort and Visitors Centre will help you and the children enjoy the area’s fascinating 2000 year history. With the longest stretch of Hadrian’s Wall visible from Birdoswald, there’s plenty of of scope for a family hike and picnic to soak up the glorious views.

Photo Credit: English Heritage

Book in advance: Yes

Price: Adults £9, Children 5-17 years £5.40, Family Tickets Available

Parking: Charges apply for non-members

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes

Address: Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD

Talkin Tarn Country Park

Talkin Tarn Country Park is an excellent day out for all the family. If your children enjoy water activities, this is definitely the place to go. The 120 acres of woodland is great for exploring nature and the wheelchair accessible path allows access for anyone with mobility needs and pushchairs. There is also a lovely playground at the park.

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Book in advance: No

Price: Free but charges apply for activities

Parking: Charges apply

Toilets: Yes between 9am and 5pm

Cafe: Yes between 11am and 3.30pm

Address: Tarn Road, Brampton CA8 1HN

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Watchtree Nature Reserve

Children will love this 205 nature reserve on the Solway plain. There’s plenty of wildlife and natural habitats to be discovered as well as stunning views of the Solway Firth estuary and the northern hills of the Lake District. For a more active visit to Watchtree Nature Reserve you can hire bikes, or of course take your own. The pathways are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs can easily access the reserve.

Photo Credit: Watchtree Nature Reserve

Book in advance: No

Price: Free but donations encouraged

Parking: Free

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes

Address: Nr, Wiggonby, Carlisle CA5 6NL

Bitts Park

Bitts Park is perfect for families looking for outdoor activities for children near Carlisle city centre. As well as excellent playground facilities, it also has a splash park and skate park promising to keep kids of all ages entertained. There’s also an outdoor gym. In the various areas of the park you’ll find formal gardens, established woodland and large playing fields popular for outdoor sport activities. Bitts Park has 3 circular routes perfect for walking, running and cycling.

Photo Credit: Carlisle City Council

Book in advance: No

Price: Free

Parking: Available, charges may apply

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes

Address: Bitts Park Tennis and Recreation Area Dacre Rd Carlisle CA3 8UZ

Hammond’s Pond

Hammond’s Pond is a popular place to visit not only because it’s a fantastic outdoor space in Carlisle, but because it’s home to a Miniature Railway available on Sunday afternoons. There are children’s play areas and sports pitches, as well as accessible paths around the park.

Photo Credit: Carlisle City Council

Book in advance: No

Price: Free

Parking: Free

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes – Easter to October

Address: Upperby, Carlisle CA2 4SD

Walby Farm Park

Looking for an outdoor activity for the children with a difference, then Walby Farm Park will be right up your street. There’s plenty of opportunity for the kids to meet the animals as well as enjoy mini land rover rides and quad bikes. They will also love the indoor and outdoor play areas.

Photo Credit: Visit Lake District

Book in advance: Yes

Price: Adults £10.95, Children £12.45, Under 1 year Free

Parking: Free

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes – Click and Collect

Address: Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle CA6 4QL

Eden Bridge Gardens & Rickerby Park

Another lovely outdoor space to explore in Carlisle is Eden Bride Gardens and Rickerby Park. It’s a tranquil spot overlooking the city centre and River Eden. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature and birdwatching. Some visitors enjoy the opportunity to go canoeing or go fishing.

Photo Credit: Carlisle City Council

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Book in advance: No

Price: Free to enter

Parking: Free

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: No

Address: Rickerby Park, Carlisle CA3 9AD

Bird of Prey Centre

This outdoor activity is going to be a huge hit with any bird fans in your family. The Bird of Prey Centre offer’s various packages to allow bird lovers to interact with their magnificent birds. A family session is available for 2 adults and up to 3 children, which allows you to experience a variety of their birds including owls and hawks.

Photo Credit: Bird of Prey Centre

Book in advance: Yes

Price: Various depending on the activity

Parking: Free

Toilets: No

Cafe: No

Address: The Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre, Sandhill, Moorhouse Road (B5307), Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 6HB

New Mills Trout Fishing Park

New Mills Trout Fishing Park is a wonderful place for families to enjoy the outdoors. Trout fishing is a popular activity, but there’s lots more to enjoy if fishing isn’t quite your cup of tea. There is a fairy trail and meet and greets with the alpacas available as well as luxury glamping if you fancy booking a stay.

Photo Credit: New Mills Trout Fishing Park

Book in advance: Yes

Price: Various depending on the activity

Parking: Free

Toilets: Yes

Cafe: Yes

Address: Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2QS

Outdoor activities have become more popular than ever since Covid 19, so always check with the attraction for the most up to date information and always follow government guidelines during your visit.

Have you visited any of these outdoor activities with for children in Carlisle? Let us know how you got on in the comments below.

Need more ideas? Read all about things to do in and around Carlisle for more family friendly activities

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