Making dens under the trees. Cooking chocolate bananas on the firepit with new friends. Clay modelling, superhero cape decorating, or just getting lost in a good book on a comfy beanbag. These are the kinds of memories that stay with children long after the holiday ends – and our Kids’ Zone makes them part of every stay.
Ofsted-registered and run by experienced team members, Kids’ Zone offers indoor and outdoor play for little ones from six months to 12 years – so grown-ups can relax and recharge. Whether you want a Swim Club treatment, a dip in the lake, or just to kick back outside your shepherd hut with a glass of something cold, what you do with your child-free time is up to you.
Whatever the season, we make the most of our natural setting and take children out into the grounds as much as possible. In a landscape like this, being outdoors works its own kind of magic: nature hunts with the wind on their faces, pebbles splashing into the lake, tracking animal prints in the mud. It’s simple, joyful and endlessly rewarding – allowing children to set their own pace, take controlled risks and build resilience through hands-on discovery.
At the heart of everything we do is a forest school approach – which feels entirely at home in the Lake District. From building dens in the woods and cooking pizzas around the campfire, to mud painting, foraging, wildlife tracking and scavenger hunts, our outdoor programme runs all year round, rain or shine. We’ve always got wellies and waterproofs for borrowing, but a bit of Cumbrian drizzle never stops play. And now, with our new Discovery Forest School shelter – built in partnership with our friends at Land Rover Discovery – children can explore in the wildest weather, with a proper base to get muddy, curious and close to nature.
After dark, remarkably low light pollution above Ullswater creates dazzlingly bright night skies. Older children head out with backpacks and head torches, gathering round the fire for hot chocolate, s’mores and stargazing – adding a whole new dimension to their day while you make the most of an evening to yourselves.
“One of the most exciting parts of Kids' Zone is getting outdoors. We make full use of the hotel grounds and our Discovery Forest School area, where children can connect with nature and enjoy unforgettable adventures.”
– Bobbie-Rae McDonald, Kids’ Zone manager
This holistic, child-led approach continues indoors, where it’s all about unleashing creativity. For ages three to seven, there's sensory play, singing, cooking, and crafts; for the big kids – role play, air hockey, movies and games. As well as being a safe, stimulating environment for all ages, Kids’ Zone has a genuinely free and easy spirit. There’s no curriculum to stick to – just a joyful holiday mood, brilliant grounds to roam, and a team that’s passionate about making every child’s stay memorable.
Kids’ Zone is designed with different ages in mind, and each space reflects that.
One of the things that makes Kids' Zone unique is our free-flow approach. We encourage children to make the most of their experience by exploring The Cabin, The Den and our outdoor areas throughout their session. With all areas supervised by our experienced and qualified team, children can follow their interests, move between activities and enjoy a varied and enriching experience in a safe and supportive environment.
For children aged 6 months to 7 years
The Cabin is chilled and cosy, decked out with beanbags, soft rugs, wooden toys, and endless opportunities to learn and develop through play. Sensory experiences, singing, books and toys for the littlest guests (six months to two years), shift to jigsaws, crafts and imaginative play (kitchen, garage, dolls’ houses) for three to seven-year-olds. There’s also a ‘loose parts play’ area, with tubes, boxes, fir cones and string, inviting children to follow their creativity wherever it leads.
For children aged 8 to 12 years
In The Den, older children have their very own space to hang out and do their thing. New friends can challenge each other to a game of darts, pool, or air hockey, or shoot hoops at the indoor basketball net – or chill on the sofas. There’s also a creative area for pre-teens to express their individuality and facilities for cooking up a storm.
On top of our regular sessions, you’ll find special activities, often with guest collaborators, every school holiday – from science workshops to circus skills and meet-and-greets with exotic creatures. And the best part? It’s still all included in your stay.
Whether you’ve got a little chef, a budding artist or an animal lover, themed sessions will light their creative spark, like Junior MasterChef classes, newspaper-outfit catwalks, balloon rocket engineering, crafting DIY boats to set sail on the lake and mocktail making.
“At Kids' Zone, we strive to create an environment that is child-centred, inclusive and focused on learning while having fun.”
– Bobbie-Rae McDonald, Kids’ Zone manager
The best thing about Kids’ Zone is that parents can truly relax knowing their children are in safe, experienced, Ofsted-registered hands. So what will you do with that time? A swim, a treatment, a long lunch, a paddleboard session, or a quiet read with a fell view? Even ten minutes’ peace with a cup of tea is a win. The knock-on effect is real: more energy for family time together, a relaxed dinner in Rampsbeck without anyone clock-watching – a holiday that actually feels like one.
Growing up amongst the beautiful hills and landscapes of Cumbria, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and everything that makes the Lake District such a special place. From an early age, I spent my time exploring fells, woodlands and lakeshores, creating memories in nature that have stayed with me throughout my life. Today, not much has changed – except now I have my energetic cocker spaniel by my side, and we can often be found discovering new walks, hidden trails and breathtaking views across the county.
My passion for supporting children has led me to build a career working with young people spanning Early Years education and care, residential childcare and 18 months in a crisis children's home, supporting children through some of the most challenging periods of their lives. These experiences have shaped my child-centred approach and reinforced my belief that every child deserves to feel valued, included and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Whether your child is joining us in Kids’ Zone for their first session or returning to see familiar faces, our aim is simple: to provide a safe, nurturing and exciting environment where children can learn, grow, explore, make friends and have fun every step of the way.
All Kids’ Zone sessions are included as part of your stay at Another Place.
We ask guests to only book two sessions prior to arrival through the App, then once you get here you can book as many additional sessions as you like.
Explore the Lake District with your family. Our family suites and shepherd huts sleep up to four and our best family suites sleep five. The suites have enough space for a cot and all are dog friendly.
