We know keeping the kids entertained can be no easy feat! But with nature reserves, animal safaris, plenty of all-weather attractions and great family walks – We think the coastal town of Barrow offers plenty of fun, stunning scenery, and great outdoor activities to keep the kids happy all day long!
SAFARI ZOO
It’s quite a surprise driving on the A590 towards Barrow and seeing Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears roaming in the fields! The Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals and actively plays a key role in breeding programmes for these endangered species.
Kids can get up close during feeding time and learn about the beautiful creatures that live here, or even try ‘becoming a keeper for the day’ with the Zoo’s fun bookable experience.
DOCK MUSEUM
Discover this fascinating heritage of Barrow-in-Furness at the brilliant Dock Museum, with cave finds and Viking treasures.
This unique museum is free to enter and has a wealth of interesting artifacts and changing exhibitions that detail that towns little-known industrial history in shipbuilding. An exciting new interactive research pod is also set to open this summer, which will feature a library archive of fascinating images and videos available for public viewing.
Meanwhile kids will love viewing the model submarines and on sunny days they can run free on the fantastic ‘sea themed’ outdoor adventure playground. The Museum is open 11am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday and is free to visit.
NATURE RESERVES
Barrow-in-Furness is rich in natural assets and the nature reserves of Walney are perfect for a family adventure where you can find a diverse range of wildlife from Natterjack toads to beautiful birdlife, plus miles of beautiful sandy beaches to explore.
While South Walney Nature Reserve, with beautiful views across Morecambe Bay, is home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria – Kids will love spotting the seals frolicking in the sea during high tide.
BARROW PARK
Barrow Park spans 45-acres and is renowned for its stunning grounds, abundance of trees and beautiful flower beds. There are plenty of activities here to keep the kids busy, with a large boating lake, mini railway, skate park and fantastic outdoor playgrounds.
The Pavilion Café is open from Easter to October, meanwhile the display glasshouse has fabulous floral displays to view all year round.
FAMILY WALKING ROUTES
Get the kids outside for a family walk and reap the wellbeing rewards that come with being in nature!
The Abbey Circular Family Walk is a great choice for pushchair-friendly walking in Barrow, this short circular walk takes in the iconic Furness Abbey, which makes a great halfway stop for kids to have a run around and explore the 12th century ruins.
If you are looking to take in Barrow’s scenic coast, then a family walk to Roa island is a great option for a flat walk.
THE FORUM THEATRE
Barrow’s premier arts and theatre centre has a fantastic array of family entertainment for those days when you’d rather sit back and relax indoors.
This family friendly venue has something for everyone and regularly welcomes exciting international acts and local performers – Past acts have included Circus Spectaculars and engaging children’s science shows!
Find a show at: www.theforumbarrow.co.uk
URBAN EXTREME
Burn off some steam at the exhilarating ‘Urban Extreme’ indoor skate park, the first of its kind in Cumbria. This huge indoor park is perfect for scooters, BMX, and skateboards, with equipment available to hire onsite.
The park caters for beginners through to advanced and is the perfect place for kids to test their skills on the mini ramps, quarter pipes, foam pits and huge bowl area.
Book a session at: www.urbanextreme.co.uk
BARROW PARK LEISURE CENTRE
Get active at Barrow Park Leisure Centre, which has a fantastic kids programme to inspire families to have fun with sport and exercise.
There are children’s gym sessions led by fitness professionals, yoga, gymnastics, and racquet sports – plus the popular family roller disco event that happens every Friday and Sunday afternoon.
Or splash about in the fantastic swimming pool, with a wave machine, water slide and fun ‘pirate cove’ water play-zone.
Open 7 days a week – check online for hours and booking.
LITTLE SUBS PLAY AND BOUNCE
Little Subs is another great indoor option for the whole family to enjoy, with a multi-tier soft playground complete with trampolines, tube slides, climbing frames and more! Kids can enjoy football on the sports court and bounce off their energy on one of the many bouncy castles.
Under 2’s can also safely join in the fun, with a special baby zone that is fenced off from the bigger kids. Here your little ones can play with stimulating toys, walkers, baby gyms, soft mats and crawl zones.
Make a booking: www.littlesubs.co.uk
EVENTS
Barrow also has an exciting events programme for the year, with many fun family-friendly activities planned.
Discover Dino Day on Saturday 21 May, where Barrow town centre will be transformed into the Jurassic period with all kinds of dinosaurs, from little babies to the ferocious T-Rex!
Find this event and more with the full calendar of Barrow events here: /visitbarrow-events
Please support our local businesses by following HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. Enjoy your visit and stay safe.
The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
