Summer Activities & Events
There’s a summer full of family fun ahead at Stanwick Lakes, with lots to see and do!
The playtower and expansive natural play structures await you, alongside water play for little ones (please note, closed Monday mornings for routine checks), and lots of sand, plus the assault course is only a short walk away. Our kiosks are refurbished, ready to keep you refreshed and our café menu will ensure you’re satisfied! Explore more – along our adventure trail – with climbing rocks, rope bridge and zip line, or simply take a walk around our Nature Ramble route, stopping of at the bird hides. You can even hire a bike, with onsite partners, AJ Cycles.
Ranger-led Activities
Our ranger-led nature engagement activities will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays, and you can see a summary of ALL dates at the bottom of this page.
For a summary of each event, and to book each activity, choose from below.
A ranger will lead your group to our den building area and introduce you to the tools and materials available for you to use, and discuss the main properties a shelter should have if it were to be needed in a survival situation. You’ll then be set a challenge to build your den! One of our ranger team will be on hand to visit your shelter and hear about your chosen den-building techniques and vision.
£6 per child, per 60 min session.
Guided by one of our ranger team, you’ll learn about the pond-dwelling creatures you are likely to find, why they are key to the environment, and the importance of handling them carefully. Then you’ll be given pond dipping kits and take it in turns to dip. Identification keys are available and and a ranger will be on hand to share knowledge hear about your discoveries!
£3.50 per child, per 30 min session.
These ranger-led activities are most suitable for children aged 3+, however, we accept parent/guardian discretion.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
To book any of our summer activities in advance, head over to our What’s On page, where all events are listed…
FREE: Explore Nature Through Tech
Join contemporary artist Graham Fudger for a free, family-friendly photography workshop and an exhibition supported by Arts Council England.
On Friday 29th August, explore nature through your smartphone with a hands-on discovery walk, then return on Saturday 30th to experience Not Just Us – a colourful digital exhibition and VR experience revealing how different species see the world.
To reserve your FREE place, visit What’s On.
Pottery Painting - from £8
Create a keepsake at our pop-up pottery painting tables in the Visitor Centre café. Choose from a range of items including mugs, money boxes or coasters, and enjoy decorating them with your own designs.
Your finished piece will be glazed and fired for you, ready to collect at a later date (10 days – 2 weeks depending on demand). Perfect as a gift or personal memento of your visit. No booking required.
Seaside vibes at Stanwick Lakes
The deckchairs are back! Settle in and soak up the sunshine while little ones enjoy the sand play! Bring your own buckets and spades or pick some up from the gift shop.
Just a few steps away, the water play is flowing too – with mini flumes and splash zones perfect for cooling off. With everything you need for a relaxed, beachy day out, summer at Stanwick Lakes is sorted.
For parking and opening hours, see Visit.
We have made the decision not to re-run the summer senses trail this year. We know some of you might miss it, and apologise for any disapointment.
However, we are already busy planning our next trail which will be the October half term. With a shorter, two-week break, we’ll be able to focus on creating a fun-packed experience that your little explorers will love. We hope you’ll join us then for a fantastic adventure!