Description
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Cumbria? Lakes Aquarium is a popular, family-friendly indoor aquarium attraction situated at Lakeside on the southern shore of Lake Windermere, making it one of the top choices for a family day out.
Prices start from around £5.95 for child day passes, with discounted tickets and multi-person family bundles available for visitors exploring the Lake District. Operating as an immersive aquatic and wildlife hub, it lets visitors explore native British freshwater habitats, exotic species displays, and themed zones filled with fascinating animals.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this all-weather coastal and freshwater attraction brings underwater discovery, playful otters, and close-up wildlife encounters to life. Children and teenagers can walk beneath underwater viewing windows, watch Asian short-clawed otters play, and explore vibrant marine and freshwater displays.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
What makes Lakes Aquarium unique?
- Immersive underwater views featuring a unique walkthrough freshwater tunnel that recreates the aquatic depths of Windermere right beneath your feet.
- Diverse global habitats blending native British freshwater species with exotic animals like Asian short-clawed otters, marmosets, and reptiles.
- All-weather entertainment providing a completely indoor, educational day out that shields families from traditional Cumbrian rainy weather.
- Scenic transport links allowing visitors to arrive via a historic steam railway or scenic lake steamer cruise.
What are the top 5 highlights to see?
- What can you see in the Recreated Lake Windermere? This signature underwater tunnel exhibit lets visitors walk beneath the surface of England's longest lake. Children love watching massive pike, sturgeon, perch, and diving ducks swim lazily overhead.
- How does the Otter Kingdom bring nature to life? This popular enclosure is home to playful Asian short-clawed otters. Kids can watch these energetic mammals splash, tumble, and interact closely with their environment during daily routines.
- What is special about the At the Seaside Exhibit? This immersive coastal zone features native marine life found locally in Morecambe Bay. Visitors are treated to close-up views of thornback rays, British sharks, and fascinating seashore creatures.
- What can families discover in the Rainforest zone? This humid, tropical environment introduces children to exotic freshwater species and dart frogs. Young explorers enjoy spotting colourful inhabitants and leafcutter ants darting through dense, planted displays.
- Where can you find the Global Freshwater and Reptile displays? This vibrant section highlights creatures from across the globe, pairing aquatic tanks with piranhas, seahorses, and clownfish. Visitors can look closely at specialized species adapted to diverse international river systems.
52.15 miles
