The 12 best things to do with your kids in Rutland
Keeping the kids entertained throughout the year can often be a cumbersome task. So to help parents here is a list of the 12 best things to do with kids in Rutland.
This small but picturesque county is the perfect location for a quiet vacation with the kids.
Considering the greatest length of the county is just 18 miles (north to south) you can imagine that parents may have some trouble finding activities to keep everyone entertained.
To help guests visiting, and locals living in Rutland in the best way we can, InYourArea.co.uk has created a short but sweet list of the best things to do with the family.
So when you visit this idyllic county in the East Midlands try and tick them all of your list.
Think we've missed one? Email us at info@inyourarea.co.uk
Best outdoor activities for your kids in Rutland
Aqua Park Rutland
Where: Bull Brig Lane, Whitwell, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BL
Climb, splash and slide for non-stop fun at this inflatable aqua park!
There will be free-fall slides, rafts and obstacles for all the family to enjoy, there are even specialist children sessions for kids aged six and seven.
Due to being a floating bundle of fun, the attraction is only open during suitable weather, so check the website before you visit!
Don't want to tackle the floating aqua park? You can enjoy a range of other watersports, cycling and high ropes which are also on site.
The adventure is priced per person, split between off peak and peak hours, with pre-booking necessary to avoid disappointment.
During normal sessions/operating hours, children must be over the age of eight and more than 1.2m tall.
Website: aquaparkrutland.co.uk/
Oakham Castle
Where: Castle Grounds, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DR
Dubbed as the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Europe - this is a great place to take your kids to learn and explore.
The Great Hall of Oakham Castle has a unique collection of 230 ceremonial horseshoes - yup, horseshoes!
The venue has a varied programme of events for adults and children, including daily activities for children.
Entry to Castle grounds and Great Hall is free so why not pack a picnic and make it the perfect cheap day out.
Website: oakhamcastle.org/
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Where: Egleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BT
Calling all lovers of nature, this wildlife haven run by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is the perfect place to explore with your family.
Wander through the nature preserve and discover a range of birds throughout, with more than 50 different birds sighted in the past across the 1000 acres.
So why not spend the day exploring or visiting the Lyndon Visitor Centre where there is a fascinating Weather and Wildlife exhibition.
Permits to enter can be bought on the day, with Rutland Wildlife Trust members receiving a discount.
Website: rutlandwater.org.uk/
The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre
Credit: flickr / Steve Higgins
Where: Burley Bushes, Exton Lane, Exton, Oakham LE15 7TA
Discover owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and vultures living in the woodlands of Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre.
But it isn't just birds of prey you should watch out for, as there is a range of animals and plant life to be explored in the 42 acre landscape.
Need more of a reason to visit? The centre also runs various open days for the big cat sanctuary, which is home to Amur and Persian leopards, a puma and a Serval.
Entry is a set price, with special experience packages and big cat open days having different pricing structures.
Website: rutland-falconry.com/
The Rock Blok Adventure Park and Playground
Where: Bull Brig Lane, Oakham LE15 8BL
Thrilling high ropes, climbing walls and more can be found at this fun activity centre on the North Shore of Rutland Water at Whitwell.
Become Tarzan and you swing from the high ropes or try out your luck on the walls, whatever challenge you choose - you won't find a better rush of adrenaline.
The outdoor centre also offers cycle hire, so families get hop on some wheels and make their way around the park.
As activities are outdoors, rock climbing and high ropes is not available all year round. With prices set depending on what activity you choose.
Website: rockblok.com/
Barnsdale Gardens
Where: Barnsdale Avenue, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH
Explore 38 gardens at this site in Exton - yes you read that correctly, 38 gardens spread across eight acres.
Whether you'd like to take a long relaxing walk through them all, or focus on a selection it's the perfect place to kick back and enjoy nature at its finest.
The gardens are opened all year round, offering a great learning experience and the chance to discover a range of plant species.
Entry prices range depending on the season, with both off peak and peak prices available - there are also family saving packages on offer.
Website: barnsdalegardens.co.uk/
Rutland Farm Park
Where: Uppingham Road, Oakham LE15 6JD
Have a bundle of fun at this 18-acre farm in England's smallest county Rutland.
The venue is open all year round, with a range of activities for families to get involved with, including a range of tracks and fields to explore.
Throughout the year there are hands on experiences for children, from making arts and crafts to bird feeding and getting out the rabbits and guinea pigs for cuddles.
Annual memberships are available, with set admission for non-members.
Website: rutlandfarmpark.co.uk/
Bugtopia The Zoo
Where: Sykes Lane, Empingham, Oakham LE15 8QL
Get stuck in learning, interacting and discovering more than 75 different species of animals at Bugtopia The Zoo - a number which keeps on growing.
The family run zoo recognises and appreciates the biodiversity of the range of plant and animal life in the world - some of which just happened to be tucked away in this little corner of the country.
You will find meerkats, armadillos, lizards, ants and frilled dragons among others.
Prices are based on off peak and peak seasons.
Website: bugtopia.co.uk/
Simon Tebbutt Falconry
Credit: Simon Tebbutt Falconry Website
Where: Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7SN
Take flight for a new falconry adventure and watch as the birds fly, swoop and hunt in ways you won't want to miss!
Watch entranced and learn all about magnificence birds of prey at these displays, talks and experience days this venue in Rutland.
There will be plenty of chances to interact with the birds as well as watch a range of demonstrations.
Prices are split between hour or two hour or one hour sessions as well as full day experiences.
Website: falconryservices.com/
Rocks by Rail
Credit: Wikipedia
Where: Cottesmore, Oakham LE15 7FF
Enjoy an outdoor adventure, across 19 acres of reclaimed quarry, railway tracks and nature trails in the perfect journey back in time.
Explore a range of nature trails, take a vintage train trip or drive a classic loco - its all possible at Rocks by Rail.
The venue also offers plenty to keep children entertained with plenty of train and digger related fun!
Prices are based on whether it is train operating or non-operating days at the attraction.
Website: rocks-by-rail.org/
Best indoor activities for your kids in Rutland
Mini Monsters Softplay
Where: Long Row Business Park/Long Row, Oakham LE15 6RR
Get ready for an indoor adventure that you'll love full of slides, tunnels, playing blocks, punching bags and a ball pit - there is plenty of fun to be had!
Your mini monsters can blow off some steam, with the adventure playground also having a special area for toddlers.
It also happens to be Oakham's only soft play centre, so you don't want to miss it!
Prices are based on age, with loyalty cards also available to purchase for return visitors.
Website: minimonsterssoftplay.com/
Rutland County Museum
Credit: Rutland County Museum Website
Where: Catmos Street, Oakham LE15 6HW
Rediscover a slice of history at this museum in Rutland, with a look back at archaeology, rural life and trade as well as crime and punishments of the past.
As well as being a great destination to learn more, the venue also hosts a range of exhibits and events that your young ones will just love!
Arts, crafts, museum trails and old fashioned games are all waiting to be enjoyed.
Admission to this museum is free, with some events and exhibits having a charge.
Website: rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk/
