Family activities in the Peak District, perfect for school holidays
Looking for things to do with kids in the Peak District during the school holidays? You’re in the right place. The Peak District is packed with family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures and easy days out that work for toddlers, tweens and teenagers alike. From traffic-free cycling trails and animal parks to caves, castles and rainy-day back-ups, it’s a brilliant UK destination for families who want space, fresh air and plenty to keep everyone entertained. Many activities are low-cost or free. Expect muddy shoes, rosy cheeks and kids who sleep very well indeed.
1. Monsal Trail
One of the best family-friendly things to do in the Peak District, the Monsal Trail is flat, traffic-free and ideal for bikes, scooters and prams. Kids love riding through the old railway tunnels – bring a torch if they’re unsure about the dark (it’s more exciting than scary). You can rent bikes locally if you haven’t brought your own, then finish with lunch or cake at Hassop Station Café.
2. Heights of Abraham and Matlock Bath
A Peak District classic for families. The cable car ride is an instant hit, and at the top you’ll find woodland walks, a brilliant adventure playground and guided tours through historic mines. It’s educational enough to feel worthwhile, but fun enough that no one complains. Always a win when planning things to do with kids in the Peak District! When you’re finished, head over to Matlock Bath (also known as Derbyshire-on-sea) for your fill of amusement arcades, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.
Monsal Trail, Heights of Abraham, and Matlock Bath © Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
3. Chatsworth Farmyard & Adventure Playground
Chatsworth isn’t just for grown-ups. The farmyard is fantastic for kids, with friendly animals, hands-on activities and one of the best playgrounds in the area. There’s loads of space to explore, making it a great half-day family attraction in the Peak District, especially during school holidays. The house and gardens are definitely worth having a look at it (particularly at Christmas)!
4. Peak Wildlife Park
Get surprisingly close to animals like penguins, lemurs, wallabies and polar bears, then let kids loose in the large outdoor play area (or the bouncy castle, available on sunnier days). There’s also a big indoor soft play – ideal if the skies don’t co-operate.
Chatsworth House and Peak District © Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
5. Thornbridge Hall & Gardens
Thornbridge Hall is a real hidden gem for families. Alongside the beautiful gardens and cafe, kids can fish for rubber ducks in the fountain, zoom around on trikes, explore willow tunnels and the goblin woods, play lawn games and in the sandpit, and meet goats and piglets. There’s also a nature trail and seasonal craft activities, making it a relaxed but brilliant family day out in the Peak District.
6. Matlock Farm Park
Perfect for younger children, Matlock Farm Park combines animal encounters with outdoor play areas and hands-on activities throughout the day. It’s friendly, manageable and great if you’re after a simple, no-stress thing to do with kids in the Peak District where everything is in one place. Aside from a great outdoor playground, it also features an indoor soft play for those rainier days.
© Matlock Farm Park, © Thornbridge Estate and Gardens
7. Alton Towers Theme Park
If you’ve got thrill-seekers in tow, Alton Towers is just outside the Peak District and makes for a big day out during school holidays. From CBeebies Land for little ones to white-knuckle rides for older kids and teens, it’s a great option if you want to balance countryside calm with full-on fun.
8. Castleton and Peak District Caves
A trip to Castleton is a must when visiting the Peaks with kids. Exploring one of the show caves feels like a real adventure – dark, echoey and exciting without being too intense. It’s a great way to mix learning with fun and one of the most popular Peak District attractions for families. The drive down Winnats Pass is an absolute must, as is the view from up Mam Tor.
© Peak Cavern, © Alton Towers
9. Village Playground Tour (with proper coffee stops)
Turn it into a relaxed day out by combining playgrounds with village exploring. Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Eyam and Baslow all have great parks for kids, and plenty to keep grown-ups happy too, from independent shops and cafés to cosy pubs. Ideal for mixing playtime with browsing, lunch or a well-earned coffee.
10. Steam Trains, Trams and Transport Fun
Watching steam trains arrive at Peak Rail or the Ecclesbourne Railway is pure magic for younger kids, even if you don’t hop on board. For something a bit different, head to Crich Tramway Village, where you can ride vintage trams, explore a recreated village street and enjoy play areas and open space. A lovely, slower-paced family activity in the Peak District.
Bakewell © Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, © Crich Tramway Village
Bonus: Easy, Free Family Walks
The Peak District is brilliant for family-friendly walks, with lots of routes suitable for little legs. Popular options include:
- Padley Gorge: short, scenic and perfect for exploring
- Lumsdale Valley: waterfalls, ruins and plenty to discover
- Dovedale Stepping Stones: a a famous series of limestone steps crossing the River Dove
- Longshaw Estate walks: easy paths with space to roam
For more walk ideas and local inspiration, check out our full Peak District area guide on the Birch Stays blog.
Our favourite family holiday homes in the Peak District
Want more inspiration for things to do with kids?
Checkout our other area guides below, perfect for family holidays in the UK.
