Family Chatsworth Selfie

Family Friendly

The best family-friendly things to do and places to stay.

There's a huge variety of family-friendly things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire. With attractions of all sorts, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy, especially the younger members of the family!

From cable car rides to hands-on activities, family-friendly attractions to kids’ playgrounds and hire-wire treetop adventures, here are some of the best family days out in the Peak District and Derbyshire

Animal-lovers can find some great animal-based attractions and activities in the Peak District and Derbyshire, where you can take a walk on the wild side with lemurs, wallabies, penguins and more. For a taste of life down on the farm, check out our great farm parks in the Peak District and Derbyshire packed with extras to keep the kids happy.

Thrill-seekers will love our theme parks, whilst you’ll find plenty of family-friendly places to stay because we know you’ll need longer than a day.

The Peak District and Derbyshire is full of fun family friendly activities to entertain your little ones so use the list below to find your next adventure in the Peak District and Derbyshire - making memories that you can treasure forever.

Search

Padley Gorge

You'd be hard pushed to find a more magical spot than Padley Gorge. With gently flowing streams and tumbling waterfalls in a woodland setting


Business

Cromford Wharf

The wharf is a haven for wildlife and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Little grebes and water voles can be seen throughout the year. In summer…


Featured

Business

The Bareca at Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels

The Bareca (Bar-restaurant-café) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner to both residents and non-residents serving a Mediterranean style menu,…


Business

Derby Market Hall

Derby Market Hall is a treasure trove of unique finds and delicious treats, perfect for a day of shopping, dining and entertainment in the hustle and…


Family Friendly Events

Search

Featured

Events

Autumn Footprints Walking Festival

The Autumn Footprints Festival offers a great choice of 16 days of enjoyable walks & informative talks with something for everybody of all abilities.


Featured

Events

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent.


Featured

Events

Heritage Open Days

From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities will host free events this…


Events

Wirksworth Festival

The Wirksworth Festival is a leading rural arts festival that has been around for nearly three decades.


Family Friendly Offers

Search

Featured

Special Offer

SAVE 15% off at Go Ape Buxton

15% off Treetop Challenge at Go Ape Buxton


Special Offer

10% off entry prices when travelling to us on the…

Leave the car at home and hop aboard your trusty X17 bus to get 10% off ‘on the door’ full priced adult, child and concession general day entry…


Special Offer

Pay once and visit The National Tramway Museum…

Explore tramway history and ride vintage trams where history comes to life.


Special Offer

Midweek Special Offer at Old Station House B&B

Stay 3 Nights Midweek (Tues-Thurs) in 2026 For £249 Per Room Including Breakfast


Family Friendly Trails

Search

Longshaw Estate & Padley Gorge Walk

This beautiful walk starts and ends in the peaceful Longshaw Estate, owned and managed by the National Trust.


A Stroll along Cromford Canal

A walk along the old canal tow path on the five mile stretch through the Derwent Valley between Ambergate and Cromford passing through the village of…


Walk through the Derwent Valley Mills World…

A delightful 6 mile or 8 mile walk through some of the key places within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.


Heights of Abraham to Matlock Walk

Take this short walk from the Peak District Mining Museum at Matlock Bath to Matlock via the Heights of Abraham and Masson Hill.


Family Friendly Itineraries

Search

Car-free guide: 48 hours in the Derwent Valley

Connecting charming towns and villages with an amazing industrial past, the Derwent Valley Line runs from Derby to Matlock.


Car-free guide: Things to do in Chesterfield

There's so much to see and do near this iconic Derbyshire market town, famed for its crooked spire.


Day trip from Sheffield: Exploring the Hope…

Offering some of the best views and most picturesque villages in the country, Derbyshire's iconic Hope Valley is one of the best-loved parts of the…


Sign up to our newsletter

Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.

18074061679080232