Take a hike

Walking is the main attraction for many Lake District Visitors. The mountains are the big draw, of course, but there are plenty of lower-level walks that are suitable for children while still giving you a taste of the magnificent Lake District landscapes.

Aira Force is a good example, with a gradual climb alongside a tumbling river to a spectacular, crashing waterfall. Look out for the 'coin tree', a fallen tree jam-packed with hundreds of coins, along the way – and keep little legs motivated with the promise of a post-walk ice cream at the café near the car park.

Another short walk, with wonderful views all the way, heads around the diminutive summit of Hallin Fell, on the south shore of Ullswater. A short detour about half-way around the circuit leads to a secluded lake-side beach – a fantastic spot for a paddle. You can combine this enjoyable walk with a boat trip from Glenridding with Ullswater Steamers.

Families who want to tackle their first real mountain could head for Skiddaw – it's one of the safest and most straightforward of the high peaks. Gently rounded, with none of the dramatic (and a little scary) edges that you'll find en-route to the summits of Blencathra or Helvellyn, it's a steady climb to the top. Once there, you can enjoy the views and revel in the fact that you're the sixth highest person in England.

Wherever you walk in the Lake District, you need to be prepared and respect the mountains. Before you set off, consult this checklist for walkers.

Into the woods

Whinlatter Forest is home to deer, badgers and foxes – and for opportunities to see a large number of different bird species, head for Siskens Café, where an impressive bird feeding station attracts all sorts of feathered visitors.

Red squirrels can be seen in Whinlatter – if you can persuade your children to walk quietly, you may be able to spot them. The forest is a red squirrel reserve, where the species are being actively protected and supported.

There are lots of walking trails and orienteering courses in the forest. Young children will love the Gruffalo Orienteering Trail, a simple introduction to the sport that requires using a map to navigate a 2km trail to find 12 Gruffalo markers. There are longer orienteering courses, too, as well as marked walking routes that criss-cross the forest.

Mess about in a boat

Getting out on the water is an essential part of a classic Lake District holiday. Windermere is the longest and largest lake in the national park, and stunning views can be enjoyed from the water. Windermere Lake Cruises offer a range of boat trips of different lengths, and some can be combined with a visit to an attraction – the Lakes Aquarium, for example – to make an exciting family day out.

Boats of all shapes and sizes can be hired at the Coniston Boating Centre. Sit-on-top kayaks are an excellent choice for families, as they are more stable than traditional kayaks – but be prepared to get a bit wet! Canadian canoes and rowing boats are also available.

Rainy days

The Lake District is known to be one of the wettest places in the UK: if you don't see any rain at all during your stay, you'll be very lucky indeed. While a bit of rain shouldn't necessarily stop you getting out and about to enjoy the landscape, it's nice to have a few indoor attractions to visit if it gets very wet.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, in Bowness-on-Windermere, will delight younger children (and many adults!), with a self-guided tour that winds though scenes from the famous author's tales. Look out for Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and all your favourite characters. Don't miss Peter Rabbit's garden, where you'll find real growing vegetables and Peter's abandoned coat and shoes turned into a scarecrow. Look out, too, for the Peter Rabbit Centenary Clock, near the entrance to the exhibition, which chimes every 30 minutes.

But perhaps the best reason to visit Grasmere is to sample some of its delicious gingerbread. Still made to a secret recipe that was invented in 1854 by Victorian cook, Sarah Nelson, Grasmere Gingerbread is unique. Not quite biscuit, not quite cake, it's a crumbly confection with a sweet and spicy flavour that's just a little addictive. The gingerbread is baked fresh every day in a tiny house – once Sarah Nelson's home – in the centre of the village. If you can't find it, just follow your nose.

If you want to find out more about Beatrix Potter, you should head to Hill Top. This is the house Beatrix bought in 1905 with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit – and the house, garden and surrounding countryside provided inspiration for many of the author's subsequent tales. Now owned by The National Trust, the house looks much as it would have done when Beatrix lived here, with rooms crammed full of the author's possessions and a beautiful cottage garden full of flowers, fruits and vegetables.  

The Brockhole Visitor Centre, near Windermere, has children's activities and events, including building bug hotels and pond dipping, an indoor play area and exhibitions. If the sun comes out, there's also a fantastic range of outdoor activities to try – from archery, cycling and mini golf to a free adventure playground.

Don't miss

Don't leave the Lake District without visiting the small village of Grasmere. You could visit Dove Cottage, once home of William Wordsworth, who famously “wandered, lonely as a cloud”. You could also stroll through the pretty, riverside churchyard of St Oswald's church to find Wordsworth's grave.

For more lakeside wandering, head to beautiful Buttermere. It's possible to walk around the whole lake, a 7km circuit that's relatively easy and level all the way. Allow about three hours if you want plenty of stops for paddling and taking photos.

Catbells, near Keswick, is a popular fell walk and a good option for families. It's a steep climb to the summit – which, at 451m, isn't quite a mountain, but gives you a great sense of achievement nonetheless. The route continues along a ridge, with spectacular views all the way.

Or try Orrest Head, a short, steep climb from the centre of Windermere. This was famously the first fell that Wainwright climbed, sparking his love of the Lakes. The route winds through woodland, and at the top you're rewarded for your efforts with wonderful views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.