
Find a wood to explore
We care for 1,000 woods across the UK. They're free to visit and open all year round - ideal for a family adventure this summer.
Find a wood near youContent manager
Get set to explore summer! Discover fun things to do on days out and at home with our children's outdoor activities.
Our outdoor activity guide is bursting with ideas to get kids active in the fresh air while enjoying nature. From woodland walks to scavenger hunts and yoga to tree planting, you'll find plenty of things to do for all ages.
Day trips don't need to involve costly admission fees and long queues. Instead, pack a picnic and head for one of the UK's fabulous forests. They're thrilling natural playgrounds for kids who love to explore and you can plan your own activities to suit your family.
Discover our top tips to help you enjoy your visit while protecting precious wildlife.
Summer is a wonderful time to explore a woodland. Whether you prefer a peaceful stroll and a picnic in the sunshine or an energetic hike with exciting wildlife encounters, our woods provide the ideal setting for a family day out.
We care for 1,000 woods across the UK. They're free to visit and open all year round - ideal for a family adventure this summer.
Find a wood near youScavenger hunts are fun for all ages and they're a playful way for children to develop their observation skills. Before you head out on your adventure, write a short list of items to look for. Think about the area you'll be visiting and what might be there – like trees, plants, textures and colours.
If you're a bit stuck, you can find plenty of ideas in our nature scavenger hunt blog. And for a real challenge, try to find something beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Good luck with x and z!
Woods hum with life in the summer months – trees and plants flourish while animals make the most of the warm weather and abundant food. It’s a fantastic time to take children out for a bit of wildlife spotting. Look out for:
Found a mysterious minibeast, an unusual leaf or a pongy pile of animal poo? Our pocket-sized ID guides are a packed with pictures and facts, so they're a brilliant way to help children investigate their wildlife finds.
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What does fox poo look like? Are those badger paw prints? Learn how to track elusive woodland animals.
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From the tiny goldcrest to the magnificent goshawk. Perfect for budding birders.
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Learn your leaves. You'll find leaves and twigs from 30 common UK trees and shrubs.
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Explore woodland creepy crawlies. From bugs and beetles to snails and spiders.
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The perfect pocket guide to butterfly ID when you're out and about.
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From bluebells and snowdrops to greater stitchwort. All the flowers you're likely to encounter on a woodland walk.
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Know your toadstools from your puffballs. A fascinating little guide to all things fungi.
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Blackberries grow on bramble bushes which are often found in woods. They ripen from late July onwards, so they're a yummy summer treat. Keep your eyes peeled while you're exploring to spot the glossy black fruits. You can use them to make pies, jams and smoothies - delicious!
Remember, only pick them if you're sure you've identified them correctly – you can check with our bramble guide. And please leave plenty for wildlife – blackberries are an important food source for birds and mammals.
Challenge your family to take part in your own Woodland Games. It's a great way to get your blood pumping! Try these events, or make up your own:
Celebrate your overall champion with a glorious crown of leaves, presented to them on a grand tree stump podium.
Beat boredom with these screen-free activities. They'll fire up your kids' imaginations and encourage them to be curious about the natural world.
Is there anything more memorable than planting a tree? This hands-on activity will inspire young nature lovers, helping you and your family share a special moment while supporting wildlife.
Our kids' tree-planting kit has been specially designed for youngsters. It includes a sapling of your choice, a planting guide, fun activities, top tree facts and a certificate, all enclosed in a gorgeous gift box. And once it's in the ground, you can enjoy watching your tree grow up with your children, creating even more memories to cherish.
Even tiny gardens can be home to thousands of creepy crawlies, so go on a bug hunt and see what you can track down. Peer into plant pots, turn over tree leaves and gaze at the grass to find ladybirds, ants, caterpillars and butterflies. Use a magnifying glass or bug pot to get a closer look, and identify them with our minibeast swatch book – a pocket-sized guide to 30 invertebrates.
You can help little ones make a simple chart to count how many they found. Older children could start a nature diary, adding detailed drawings and descriptions to record their discoveries.
Many children love art activities, so take your paints and crayons outdoors and get inspired by nature's colours, textures, sights and sounds.
Your kids can even collect natural items to use in their artwork. But remember, only gather things that have fallen naturally to the ground don't break things off trees and plants.
Yoga is a brilliant way for kids to exercise their body and mind. It can be calming and relaxing, or help them feel full of energy. And it's even more fun outside!
Lots of poses are inspired by nature, have a go at these:
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most memorable. This activity is a lovely way to enjoy quality time with your children while bringing books to life.
Grab a blanket and some pillows, then set up a comfy reading corner in the shade of a tree or hedge. Choose a story set in a forest or garden (our online shop stocks some wonderful nature books for children) and imagine you’re part of the action – you can even use toys and props to help tell the story. The gentle breeze and rustling leaves provide a soothing backdrop that's great for calming excited youngsters before bed too.
Have the ultimate summer adventure without leaving home - just pitch a tent in your garden, or sleep out under the stars! It's a fantastic way to discover nocturnal wildlife - you might encounter moths, bats, or even a snuffly hedgehog.
For more ideas, check out our camping activities for kids.
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Your family can explore nature throughout the seasons with Woodland Trust family membership.
Kids receive activity packs bursting with outdoor ideas, wildlife spotting, crafts, recipes and puzzles. You'll also get a guide to over 1,000 woods to help you plan family days out.
It's a wonderful way to inspire young nature lovers and every membership helps us plant trees and safeguard woods for future generations.
Our family membership helps you enjoy woods all year round with nature crafts, outdoor activities and wildlife facts delivered to your door.
Find out more about family membership