Great Activities for Kids in and around the Cotswold Water Park

For Water Lovers

You could take on a new water based challenge, like learning to sail or paddle board, try out kayaking or canoeing, hire a rowing boat. For the adventurous, explore the shoreline and any islands or inlets there may be.

For those who love adrenaline learn waterskiing or wakeboarding then there are various locations that offer inflatable rides and a guaranteed to getting wet.

There are a many locations offering various watersports and waterfun across the Cotswold Water Park:

• Rox (formerly South Cerney Outdoor), Lake 12 - Sailing, katakanus, paddleboarding, canoe and kayak hire - 'pay and play' options, lifejackets provided.
• 4 Lakes Watersports, Manorbrook Lake - Inflatable rides, water skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and more
• Lakeside Ski & Wake, Spring Lake - Wakeboarding, ringo rides and waterskiing - www.lakeside-ski.co.uk
• Cotswold Water Park Hire, Lake 86 - Stand-up paddle boards (SUP), kayaks, canoes and rowing boats
• Cotswold Canoe Hire, Lechlade-on-Thames - Canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and traditional rowing boats our famous Swan and flamingo pedalos on the River Thames

Take on the AquaVenture Obstacle Course

Also on the water and a venue that has something for every member of the family to enjoy it's the Cotswold Country Park and Beach with its inflatable AquaVenture assault and obstacle course, where kids can bounce, splash, jump, climb and slide.

Enjoy a BBQ at the Beach

There is also a sandy beach and swimming lagoon that will make you think you are by the sea, with a lifeguard on duty. Four legged members of the family will enjoy the lovely walks around the lake. Enjoy a picnic or a BBQ lunch, pizza or burger at the Beach Shack and then hit the Grand Tour Pedal Go Karts and mini golf. You could take to the water on a swan pedalo or mini electric boat or perfect your paddle boarding.

Land-lover favourites!

The Cotswold Water Park is not all about being on or in the water. There are many wonderful activities that can be enjoyed without getting wet whilst enjoying the countryside. Here are a few land based activities ideas that can be experienced by children of all ages whilst in the Cotswold Water Park area.

Target and Shooting Practice

The Cotswold Range offers archery, air rifle and crossbow experiences and lessons with unique selection of games, challenges and safe fun.

Become the next Robin Hood and test your aim on a wooded archery range. Try clay target shooting or telescopic air rifles at Old Down Pursuits.

Paintballing for the over 10s is a great favourite and is available at Combat Splat near South Cerney. More information and booking options at https://www.combatsplat.com

Cycling, Rally Driving and Horse Riding

• Head off on a bike ride to explore the lakes with a picnic. There are many different well marked cycle trails to explore and most are flat. Far from the beaten track a cycle safari is a great thing to enjoy. Bike hire and local route maps are available if you don't want to bring your own, at Discover Bikes
• For all those kids who love horses, they will be welcomed at Rein and Shine for a trot out or for Pony Days or even a horse riding experience package. https://www.reinandshine.co.uk/
• Love excitement behind the wheel? Become a budding rally driver or take on the 4x4 off road challenge at Cotswolds Driving Experiences.

Fun for the Youngsters

• Fans of BBC's Countryfile will not want to miss the chance to visit Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park. The Farm Park is about half an hour away. Enjoy a magical day bottle feeding the new-borns in the animal barn, then try the Adventure Barn, bouncy castle and the 'Muddy Kitchen' experience. This is a great day out for the whole family. https://www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/
• For that odd rainy day, there is a soft play area in Cirencester with a range of activities available. The centre is open every day and there is an onsite café. Check out their website - Rugrats and Half Pints

Enjoy Nature in these Wonderful Natural Surroundings

All year round the lakes, woodland and meadows are home to many species of fascinating animals, reptiles, insects and birdlife. From dancing butterflies, colourful dragonflies, water voles, otters, variety of wading and water birds, geese and cute gosling chicks, elegant swans to circling bats and hooting barn owls.

There are a number of enjoyable circular walks around the Cotswold Water Park will give you plenty of opportunity to explore and experience the abundant nature living in the area. Walk the varied terrain and paths, from winding trails along the River Thames, canal tow paths, natures reserves, old railway lines, woodland walks, and flower rich wetland meadows and reedbeds. See what delights you can find.

Create long lasting memories

There is lots to see and do for children, big, small in the Cotswold Water Park, all year round. Whatever you decide to do, you will have a wonderful time and a holiday that will give you great memories that will last a lifetime. You will definitely want to come back.

Orion Holidays

Orion Holidays is an independent and a family business with expert knowledge of the area. We offer over 60 lakeside holiday homes on 9 different lakes with wide ranging on-site facilities and onsite activities. These include lake views, spa access, swimming pools, hot tubs and pet friendly cottages, so there's something for everyone. We have helped many guests create wonderful memories in the area for 25 years.