Family Days out in Carlisle?

[randomsasha]

Been looking online for idea on things to do in Carlisle but I'm not having much luck!

My partner and I, plus kids (2 x 6 year olds, 3 year old & 1 year old) are going on holiday to Southerness near Dumfries for a week in October. We have been for the weekend before and wanted to venture a bit further this time. All I can find is information on museums that don't look very child friendly.

I'm looking for some informations on family days out in Carlisle or very close to the borders as it will be 1 1/2 hours to travel to Carlisle.

Things like, wildlife parks, large soft play areas, child friendly museums, maybe roman museums (most hadrian's wall ones are too far to travel.)

Thanks in advance.

[Buenchico]

I'm on a dial-up connection so I've not checked out what's in this 7Mb download (which would take about � an hour for me to view) but you might find something useful here:
http://www.historic-carlisle.org.uk/historicca rlisle/PDF/Places_to_Visit_2008.pdf

This link looks at family friendly attractions throughout Cumbria; you'll need to filter it to find the ones near to Carlisle:
http://www.visitcumbria.com/fam.htm

I don't know how up to date this list is but a few quick phone calls should quickly confirm the information:
http://www.kidsplaycentres.co.uk/cumbriaindoor playcentres.html

This is well-reviewed:
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/345031-Magic-Castl e-Adventure-Playground-Carlisle

Chris