Peak District summer holidays: what’s on guide for families

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If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained over the long summer break, we’ve rounded up the best events happening in and around the National Park. From outdoor theatre and nature trails to hands-on workshops and summer festivals, there’s something for every kind of family adventure.

So grab your diary, pick your favourites, and make this summer one to remember.

For general days out, rather than specific events, please check out our guide to Family Days Out in the Peak District, which provides lots of inspiration. Although not much beats a long family walk in the Peak District or family bike ride, and perhaps a stop at a Peak District ice cream parlour afterwards to reward everyone’s efforts.  

As always, we keep this page updated as much as possible with news from these Peak District summer holiday events. But also keep an eye on the Peak District Kids Facebook Group and also our Instagram. Feel free to email us if you are an event organiser and your event is not listed.

Paid advertising may affect placement on this page

1. Family Adventure Experience with Dolomite Training

Various dates available over the Summer holidays
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our review of a Family Adventure Experience with Dolomite Training

Looking for an active and memorable way to spend summer in the Peak District? Private Family Adventure Days with Dolomite Training are fully bespoke and designed around your group.

Join in abseiling, caving, climbing and weaselling, with both half-day and full-day adventure options available. A half day typically focuses on one activity, while a full day can be dedicated to an extended single activity or a combination of two. Although at this time of year, our most popular choice is a multi-activity day featuring climbing, abseiling and weaselling.

No previous experience needed, just a sense of adventure. Activities and timings are tailored to suit ages, experience levels and the type of adventure you’d like.

• Half days: 9:00–12:00 or 13:00–16:00 (email to book)
• Full days: 9:00/9:30–16:00/16:30

2. Family Day Rock Climbing with Peak Lines

Sessions running throughout the summer holidays
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review

SSpend quality time with your family, discover stunning locations in the Peak District, and create memories to last a lifetime with the family rock climbing sessions over the Easter holidays.

Peak Lines offer private half-day and full-day climbing experiences in the Peak District. 

• The sessions are friendly, encouraging, and aimed to get you working together as a family
• You will have a go at climbing and abseiling, learn how to hold each other’s ropes and even learn some of the techniques essential to climbing independently
• The session will be tailored to you and your family based on experience, age, and fitness level
• Top-of-the-range safety equipment is provided

Half Day (3 Hours) £210 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £55.

Full Day (6 hours) £299 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £80.

3. Summer of Play at Ilam Park National Trust

18th July to 6th September (10am-5pm)
Click here for more information

For festival feels, fresh air and family fun, head to Ilam Park for Summer of Play 2026. Firm favourites including Frisbee Golf, the Mud Kitchen and the colourful Ribbon Maze will be back this year alongside brand-new activities to mark the 200^th anniversary of Ilam Hall.

Weekly drop-in sessions in the Tea Room Garden offer even more ways to play. With games, creativity and a festival atmosphere throughout the holidays, there are endless ways to play for all ages, all summer long. 

Free to take part, although a small charge may apply for some workshops/guided activities. Free parking for National Trust members or £6 for 4 hours / £8 all day.

4. Summer at Longshaw Estate

18th July to 6th September (9am-4.30pm)
Click here for more information

Have lots of fun at Ilam Park’s action-packed Summer of Play. From 18th July to 6th September, families will be spoilt for choice with games, crafts, sports and so much more. Challenge friends to a game of leaf bingo, have a go at gully racing or follow the barefoot path in the Kitchen Garden.

Each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer holidays, the Moorland Discovery Centre will host games, activities or crafting sessions.   

It’s free to take part. A small charge may apply for some workshops/guided activities. Free parking for National Trust members or £6 for 4 hours / £8 all day.

5. Family activities at White Hall Outdoor Activity Centre

Various dates available over the Easter holidays
Check this Eventbrite page for dates and to book online
Click here for our review of White Hall Outdoor Centre

Use code PEAKKIDS15 to get 15% off when booking White Hall activities

Looking for something different for the kids during the holidays? Why not book one of the activity days at White Hall Outdoor Centre running throughout the Easter holidays?

Courses range from one-day to five-day adventures filled with fun and challenge. Children aged 6–18 years old are welcome.

There are also family activity days where parents can join in activities with their children, as well as SEND family activity days specifically designed for families and children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Activities on offer include:

• High and low ropes
• Zip wires
• Climbing walls
• Mountain biking
• Orienteering
• Artificial cave
• Problem solving
• Shelter building
• Canoeing
• SUP
• Caving
• Abseiling
• Stream Scrambling

Prices start at £39.40 per person. Each day begins at 9:30 a.m. at White Hall Centre. With pick-up at 4:30 p.m.

6. Woodland Ways Family Survival Course

6th-7th August & 20th-21st August (10am to 10am)
Haddon Hall
Click here for more information and to book

To support families attending together, a group booking saving is available. When booking four places and paying in full, families receive a £50 reduction using the code MAKEMEMORIES.

A 24-Hour Woodland Experience for Parents and Children. The Family Survival Course is a carefully designed overnight woodland experience designed for families who want more than a day out and less than a long immersion. Set over 24 hours, it offers a measured introduction to living outdoors together, combining practical bushcraft skills with shared challenge, comfort, and reflection.

This is not a high-adrenaline survival challenge, nor a children’s activity session adapted for adults. It is a composed, confidence-building experience in which parents and children learn side by side, guided by highly experienced instructors and supported by a calm, well-structured environment.

The emphasis throughout is on capability rather than endurance, and on creating an experience that feels purposeful, reassuring, and quietly memorable.

Suitable for families with children aged 8 and above. Younger children may be considered on a case-by-case basis following discussion with the instructional team so simply give us a call to discuss. Parents are fully involved throughout the experience. This is not a drop-off course, nor one where adults observe from the edges. The learning, responsibility, and achievement are shared.

7. Peaks and Paddles Kayak Hire / Family Canoe trips / Abseiling

Running sessions throughout the summer holidays
Click here for further information and to book
Minimum age of 5yrs for all activities

Kayak hire

Paddle a tandem kayak , meandering at a leisurely slow pace along the Cromford Canal and return. Enjoying the wildlife along the way in a lovely location. 1hr approx.

Teens can paddle together provided a parent is supervising.

This is a no swimming / falling in allowed.

Family canoe trip

Just your group plus the instructor, take control of your canoe and cruise along the canal, with help from the instructor you will be in control in no time! Enjoy a few games and challenges along the way.

2hrs approx.

Millers Dale Bridge Abseil

With a head for heights descend 90ft into the valley below! Safety rope attached at all times with full instruction to get the most out of your experience. Min 4 goes each more if your quick!

2hrs approx.

8. Go Ape in Buxton

Visit the Go Ape website for more information.
Click here for our review

Looking for unique things to do this summer? How about 30ft up a tree? Whether you’re looking for things to do with family or friends Go Ape have adventure covered. Head to Buxton Country Park, Poole’s Cavern, for 2-3 hours of action-packed fun and tackle the Treetop Challenge. Climb up rope ladders, tackle tricky crossings, leap off Tarzan Swings and experience high-speed ziplines in the great outdoors. Our forest doors are open daily. Come rain or shine. Whatever the weather.

Please note that as this is one of the bigger and more challenging Go Ape courses, there is a minimum age restriction of 10 years and a minimum height restriction of 1.4 metres. One adult (18+) can supervise up to two children aged between 10-15 while on the course with them. 16 and 17-year-olds can supervise themselves (but not younger children).

The parking for Go Ape is shared with Poole’s Cavern, so you can combine your visit to the cavern, and/or venture up to Solomon’s Temple.

9. Outdoor Opera House

Friday 31sy July to Monday 3rd August
Grin Low Country Park
Click here for more information and to book

Outdoor Opera House is returning for a second year of fun, creativity, and nature over one exciting long weekend! Buxton Opera House have teamed up with Buxton Civic Association and Poole’s Cavern to bring you a brilliant outdoor arts festival packed with fantastic workshops and performances for all ages. Book your activities today and join the community fun! Generously supported by Arts Council England.

Free (or pay what you can).

10. Summer craft workshops at Thornbridge Estate

Various dates throughout the summer holidays

Thins are getting crafty at Thornbridge this summer holidays:

11. Summer of Punch and Judy and Wombles at Heights of Abraham

Saturday 18th July to Tuesday 1st September
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review for Heights of Abraham

The hilarious Punch and Judy show returns for another summer of laughter at the Heights. Enjoy three shows a day throughout the school summer holidays.

And The Wombles are back again this year! Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 24th July to 30th August you will find Orinoco and Great Uncle Bulgaria at the Meet & Greet area near the WOMBLE MANIA exhibition.

Both free with entry ticket.

12. Summer fun Matlock Farm Park

Special events throughout the school summer holidays
Click here for more information
Click here for the Peak District Kids review for Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park is open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout the summer holidays, and as always, there are some fantastic events laid on. These events are included with your entry ticket where you can enjoy all the usual farm park favourites, including sheep racing, wallaby encounters, reptile meet-and-greets, ferret racing, meerkat talks and plenty more playtime fun throughout the day.

13. TrYumph in Life CIC

Monday 27th July to Friday 4th September (8:30am–4pm, with optional extra time until 5pm)
Price: From £29.75 per day
Multi-activity Camp: Pilsley CofE Primary
Sports Academy: Baslow Sports Field
Click here for more information and to book

Use code PDK10 to get 10% off, or get 16 free half-days and 50% off top ups with code FSM if you qualify for free school meals based on benefits.

The TrYumphant Holiday Camps run from Mon 27th July to Fri 4th Sept and are open to all kids, whether they live locally or are visiting the Peak District on holiday. Rated 5 stars on Google, they pride themselves on low staff-child ratios (average 1:6) to give each and every child a memorable, confidence-building, and fun experience! Book for as many or as few days as you like. Half days also available.

This year, you can choose between two distinct camp experiences to perfectly match your child’s interests:

The Multi-Activity Adventure Camp at Pilsley C of E Primary School

Ages: 4–11yrs (plus half-price Mini-leaders aged 11–13 yrs)

A beautifully varied programme that offers a great mix of creativity, sportiness, and silliness to suit all tastes and talents. Activities include a bit of everything: fun sports, creative arts and crafts, healthy baking, and outdoor adventures!

The Sports Academy at Baslow Sports Field 

Ages: 7-14 yrs (plus Apprentice programme for 15-16 yrs)

Perfect for high-energy kids who want a full day dedicated to sports, team games, and physical fun. They’ll get to burn off energy, learn new skills, and play a fantastic variety of games using top-tier facilities.

14. Summer at Chatsworth

Saturday 18th July Monday 31st August
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids guide to visiting Chatsworth

Chatsworth House is hosting a packed programme of family-friendly activities throughout the summer holidays, with many experiences included in standard entry tickets.

Families can explore the House of Stories exhibition inside the house, showcasing treasured books and literary history from the Devonshire family collection, alongside a family trail with interactive challenges for children. There’s also a Naturally Curious Trail, encouraging young explorers to spot wildlife and plants throughout the estate.

Out in the 105-acre gardens, children can enjoy the secret tree swing, climb through the Rock Garden, cool off near the famous Emperor Fountain, and tackle the natural balance course in the Pinetum.

The ever-popular Farmyard and Adventure Playground offers plenty of hands-on fun, with opportunities to meet pigs, goats, horses, guinea pigs, and other friendly animals. Daily farm activities include guinea pig handling, horse meet-and-greets, chicken talks, plus goat and cow milking demonstrations. The Oak Barn also hosts self-guided crafts throughout the day.

Special summer events include an Outdoor Cinema Weekend (24–26 July) in the parkland, featuring family favourites including Wicked Sing-a-Long, Sing, and The Gruffalo & Stickman (separate tickets required).

During Wild Words Week (27 July – 2 August), families can join nature-inspired activities in the gardens, including Lost Words Explorer Walks inspired by The Lost Words and The Tiger Who Came to Tea craft sessions.

Older children aged 7–16 can also book onto the Young Farmers experience (29 July), where they can help with real farmyard jobs including collecting eggs and animal care (separate ticket required).

Most activities are included with admission, though some special events require separate booking. Free parking is available when booking online in advance.

15. Go for a family walk

A family walk in the Peak District is really number one reason to visit the National Park, and no doubt you’ll be enjoying a fair few this summer holidays. With hundreds of public footpaths criss-crossing the National Park and gentle rolling hills that aren’t too taxing on little legs, it’s the perfect free activity.

On this website we have over 90 family walks, including pram friendly walks and toddler walks, to more challenging walks such as Stanage Edge or Win Hill. Or you may even want to take on our Kinder Scout walk from Edale.

16. Get out on the bikes

The summer holidays is an excellent time to head out on one of our Peak District cycle routes.

There are lots of old railway tracks that have been transformed into traffic free routes for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales.  As these are traffic free and relatively flat, they’re a great place to go for a family bike ride.

Plus, there are also some lovely routes around the reservoirs (including Ladybower cycle route and Carsington cycle route), although kids will need bikes with gears for these ones.

Below are our top tried and tested Peak District family bike routes. Though remember, you don’t have to do the whole route, you can always cut it short for tired legs.

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You may also like to read:
Things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District
Short and easy family walks in the Peak District
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath