We’re on a mission to make sure our year is filled with adventure, so here’s a brilliant list of 10 things you have to do with your children while they’re still young. We’ve tried most of them, while some are on the to do list! Do let us know your recommendations, too. Either leave a comment below or pop over to our Facebook page.
Go fossil hunting
Massive thumbs up from team BG, we did this last summer and the kids LOVED it. The Jurassic Coast is stunning or you could try Norfolk’s Blakeney Point and Birling Gap in Sussex. Find a campsite near the beach and let the kids explore for hours.
Party at a festival
Hundreds of festivals n the UK for kids of all ages (and big kids, too!). This year Team BG will be visiting Into the Wild Gathering, Camp Bestival and a host of smaller and local festivals. Look out for our 2017 family festival calendar, coming soon – sign up to our newsletter so you don’t miss it.
Go underground
The caves at Cheddar Gorge are an unforgettable adventure. I remember doing this as a kid and thought it was awesome! Also check out White Scar Cave in Yorkshire and Chislehurst Caves in London.
See a show in the open air
The Minack Theatre is the most famous open-air theatre in Britain, carved into the granite cliffs of Porthcurno in Cornwall, you can’t fail to be impressed. Shows are for all ages and include story telling. Magical. See also Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe in London and Brighton’s BOAT.
Visit a museum
Located in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Eureka! is the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK. They have 100s of hands-on exhibits in six galleries, plus outdoor spaces and activity areas… London’s Transport, Science and Natural History museums can easily keep children entertained for a day, plus you can head east to the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.
Cultivate green fingers
Along with some of the rarest plants in the world, there is pond dipping, the adventure zone, land train, bee garden, mini farm, discovery centre, gift shop, fountains, fun and frolics in more than 500 acres at the National Botanic Garden of Wales! Other great gardens include Kew and its Sussex outpost Wakehurst Place and the Eden Project.
Pretend you’re a king or queen
Visit one of the UK’s amazing castles and palaces. Hampton Court is a favourite of ours because of the fabulous Magic Garden, Arundel Castle is just stunning and Alnwick Castle will be loved by all the Harry Potter fans as it’s the location for Hogwarts!
Get on a train
There are many train adventures to be had, like the Caledonian Sleeper– this night service runs six nights a week between London Euston and a host of Scottish stations, via Watford Junction, Crewe and Preston. Kids get to stay up late and sleep in bunk beds on a train! Also have a look at the Bluebell Railway, steam-hauled trains between Sheffield Park & East Grinstead.
Go down to the woods today
Den building is a super-fun activity. Kids love being in the woods anyway, but if you’re going with a purpose it’s double the fun! Build from what you find in the forest or grab an adventure kit. One of our favourite things to do. Check out The Woodland Trust.
The National Trust’s 50 Things
While I’m thinking about den building, for more mostly-free activities, work your way through the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. It’s a brilliant list and a great go to when they’re having one of those “I’m bored…” moments.
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