Carlisle is one of Cumbria’s most family-friendly cities, with historic attractions like Carlisle Castle, entertainment venues, and stunning riverside parks that cost nothing to explore.
But how do you narrow down your options? And what are the best things to do in Carlisle with kids of different ages?
To save you precious time trawling the internet, here’s what we recommend.
Best things to do in Carlisle with kids, by age group
There are plenty of things to do in Carlisle for families, whatever your kids’ ages. Little ones will love Walby Farm Park, while adventurous teens can scale the climbing wall at Eden Rock.
Here’s what we’d recommend:
- Toddlers and under 5s. Walby Farm Park is great for all ages, but little ones will enjoy feeding rabbits, grooming ponies, and riding tractors. There’s also an indoor play area and a three-level Roman fort, with a dedicated under 3s section. You can book online and kids’ tickets cost £16.45*.
- Kids 5-11. For those a bit older, Carlisle Castle is a real treat. Through the eyes of children, the castle easily transforms into an instant adventure playground. Follow the castle with a trip to Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, where you’ll find interactive displays about natural science, history, and wildlife. The best bit: kids go completely free.
- Teens. We have to mention Tullie House again! The gallery offers Studio Saturdays (a monthly creative drop-in) and the Young Producers Group (for kids over 16). For adrenaline-chasing teens, Eden Rock’s indoor climbing walls and Fusion Trampoline Park are nearby.
*Prices accurate at the time of publishing. 
What are the top free things to do in Carlisle for families?
Fancy a family day out without spending a penny? Make the most of Carlisle’s outdoor spaces, visit Carlisle Cathedral, or explore Hadrian’s Wall. Take a look at these recommendations (and others) in more detail:
- Bitts Park sits right below the castle, boasting immaculately kept lawns, a playground, and a riverside path along the River Eden.
- Talkin Tarn Country Park is a short drive away. It’s about a mile’s walk around the tarn, but there’s also a lovely café, a play area, and carved wooden animals to keep an eye out for.
- Rickerby Park’s three-mile loop is ideal for stretching the legs, cycling, or scootering. Stop for a picnic along the river bank, where you might even spot an otter or kingfisher.
- Watchtree Nature Reserve is the place to go for wildlife-lovers. Along the woodland trails, you’ll often spot deer, hares, and even skylarks. For a small fee, you can rent a bike to explore the area.
- Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built to guard the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. You can walk the National Path and view the wall without paying the admission fee.
- Carlisle Cathedral offers a packed calendar of events, but it’s also home to the monthly farmers’ market (first Saturday of the month).
6 of the best indoor family activities in Carlisle, Cumbria
If the weather takes a turn for the worse: not to worry! Here are the best things to do in Carlisle UK when it rains:
- Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery. We’ve already mentioned it, but Tullie is one of the best Carlisle attractions for children when it rains, with a play zone, craft sessions, community events, and immersive exhibitions.
- Aztec Adventure Play. This premier soft play environment is ideal for burning off energy. Kids under 2 years go free. Entry prices after that start at £5.50.
- Fusion Trampoline Park. There are tons of activities to get stuck into at this indoor adventure park. Trampolines may be the biggest draw, but there’s also a climbing wall, ninja course, and Jurassic golf! Tickets start at £6.50.
- The Sands Centre. You could spend the whole day at this entertainment and leisure venue: swim in the pool, watch a film, attend a workshop, and grab a bite to eat.
- Hollywood Bowl. When the adults want to get in on the fun, a game of bowling is the answer. Prices start at £7.50 per person per game, and there’s also an arcade, pool tables, and a diner.
- Carlisle Castle. Once a medieval fortress, Carlisle’s well-loved landmark now offers guided tours and exhibitions that give you a glimpse into military life. Kids’ tickets start at £6.12 but booking in advance saves you 15%.
Top places to visit near Carlisle with kids
If you want to branch out from Carlisle, you’re in luck. The Lake District is under an hour away, the Solway Coast sits opposite the city, and Glasgow is within easy reach too. That means fells, coasts, and bigger cities are just a stone’s throw away. Here’s why each of these areas are worth visiting with your family:
- Keswick is a great place for a family fell walk or a paddle in Derwentwater. It’s approximately 37 miles from Carlisle, about 45 minutes via the A66, or just over an hour on the 553 bus route.
- The Solway Coast is a fun place for a blustery walk along the beach, collecting sea glass and feeding the ducks! The area is about 14 miles from Carlisle, about a 30-minute drive via B5307, or about an hour on the 93 bus route.
- Glasgow has a lot to offer families, but we recommend the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a brilliant, family day out, as well as Glasgow Science Centre (with a planetarium and IMAX cinema inside). The city is a little further from Carlisle, at around 1 hour 40 minutes by car, but you can get a direct train from Carlisle which takes just over an hour.
Is Carlisle a good place to raise a family?
Carlisle is a fun day out, but it’s also an affordable place to live, offering a mix of city amenities, green spaces, good schools, and easy access to the Lake District and Scottish borders. Here’s why families choose to settle in Carlisle:
- Schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, plus a University of Cumbria campus in the city
- City life and culture with shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants on your doorstep
- Outdoor spaces like parks, nature reserves, and close links to the Lake District
- Property prices are below the national average (£135,000 cheaper)
For families weighing up moving, Genesis Homes has new housing developments in Carlisle that are worth a look. Here’s why:
- Our new build homes have practical, modern layouts compared with older homes, so you can go about your busy family life with ease.
- All of our homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, which can make a real difference to your energy bills.
- We choose areas near Carlisle that have a strong sense of community, making them a great place to raise a family.
- Our developments are close to Carlisle, but also have all the family-focused amenities you need right on your doorstep.
Find your new home in Carlisle with Genesis Homes
Can you see yourself settling in this vibrant hub of a city? Our Sandsfield Way development is on the western edge of the centre, offering convenient access to city amenities while keeping you close to open countryside. Reach out to our friendly team today to find out more about our new build homes in Carlisle.