5 things to do with the kids in Cumbria before schools open

Since then, only vulnerable and key worker children have been allowed to attend schools for face-to-face learning.

However, that’s all about to change as schools will reopen in Monday (8 March)- which is the first major move in Boris Johnson’s plan to gradually lift restrictions.

While some parents and children will be eager for the month, others might feel saddened about leaving homeschooling behind.

Parents working from home might miss seeing their children all day and they might not get another chance to share that amount of time together.

Similarly, pupils might be apprehensive about the return.

However, we still have the weekend ahead of us and there are plenty of things to do in Cumbria- even in lockdown.  

Here are just five unique ideas to consider doing this weekend:

Go for a walk in the park

Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve

(Photo: Geograph/Ian Taylor)

In the current climate, a walk in the park is the closest thing to a day out.

Soft play centers and local zoos will be able to open in the future, but until then we will have to make the most of our natural surroundings.

Luckily for the people of Barrow, there are plenty of great walking routes right on our doorstep.

We have already outlined three Barrow walking routes that you can enjoy with a takeaway coffee.

Take part in an interactive fairy tale

(Facebook/Theatre by The Lake)

Theatre by the Lake may have been forced to close its doors for good in lockdown- but they are still providing content for the community and keeping families entertained at every turn.

Starting from today (6 March) you can take part in their interactive fairytale game ‘The Chronicles of  Atom and Luna’.

Here is a synopsis of the story: Our heroes Atom and Luna must seek out the mysterious Old Mother Redbeard, to save their larger-than-life childminder Iffly Sney. To do so they will journey deep into a magical forest.

In Chronicle One Murray Lachlan Young shares his six beautifully crafted audio tales exploring the forest’s past and the origins of its magic. Listen to or watch these audio tales in any order at home or maybe even on a woodland walk! 

However, this isn’t any ordinary dramatic reading. It uses augmented reality to allow children and families to explore the forest themselves

The audio tale is 70 minutes and is guaranteed to be much better than any Netflix movie.

The event is suitable for children age five and up. Buy your ticket online.

Have an indoor picnic

Even if we could go for a picnic, it’s not the best weather for it at the minute.

However, you can still bring the picnic indoors.

Plenty of local businesses are selling food, platters and afternoon teas that you can tuck into at home.

(Facebook/Smilers Café)

For instance, Smilers Café on Dalton Road are selling a variety of afternoon teas right now.

Their sweet afternoon tea for two is £34.98 while their savoury version is £39.98.

You can order your through the Barrow Eats app.

For extra comfort, make a den or set up an overhead projector to make the family experience that extra bit special.

Go to a virtual tour

We may be stuck inside, unable to travel and explore the furthest corners of the earth… at least in person.

Various companies got creative during lockdown, creating virtual tours of the world’s most impressive places.

You can even watch a live stream of the African plains, courtesy of Tau Game Lodge in South Africa.

(YouTube/Africam-Tau)

However, many people in Cumbria might have also struggled to visit the beautiful places right on our doorstep.

If you are missing the Lake District and haven’t been able to visit in lockdown, you can embark on a virtual tour of the National Park.

Windermere is the first stop on the tour but you will also pass over Haweswater and Coniston Water to name a few- all from the comfort of your own sofa.

Escape from a room

(Facebook/ @Cliffhangerrooms)

Have you ever played an escape the room game?

If not, the premise is simple. You get locked in a room and you have to solve a series of puzzles and tasks in order to escape.

Like every other business, escape the room games have been unable to open in lockdown .

However, some businesses have shifted their focus and offer escape rooms which you can play at home.

This is a great little Saturday night activity to try with the family, with both kids and parents able to join in on the fun.

Cliff Hanger Rooms, based in Backbarrow, have a selection of online games to purchase and play at home.

The Bank Vault heist is £29.95 and allows two households to play.

The description reads as this: You are a member of a successful crime syndicate and today you’ll be facing your greatest challenge yet, as you and your team attempt a heist at the Hatton Garden safe.

Your inside man “Basil” has just completed phase one of the heist – he has ensured the building is empty and gained access to the manager’s office, where the door to the vault awaits. Basil has discreetly hidden clues, tools and hints around the office which you will need to complete your job as safe cracker.

 Alternatively, can always choose The Wezell Trilogy. Prices range from £19.95-£23.95 depending on how many players there are.

The game description reads: The Wezell Corporation has a problem right now. There’s a mole in the company, we need YOU to find out who it is!

Go solo or gather your closest confidants to uncover what is happening within the Wezell Corporation. Some of the puzzles are challenging and some you will be able to get the children involved, you may even need their help!!

The Wezell Trilogy is an adventurous, play-at-home escape room spanning across multiple days, with 3 ‘episodes’ of approximately 2 hours each. Story-heavy, immersive, with lots of challenging content, designed to keep you hooked !

What are you planning to do before the kids go back to school?