With the bank holiday weekend just around the corner, it’s a great time to plan some amazing outdoor activities to enjoy with your little one!
Below we’ve listed some of the top spots for walks, fun nature activities and learning opportunities.
These are separated by location and followed by some fun activity guides and additional resources to help you make this bank holiday weekend amazing!
So let’s dive straight into 10 outdoor things to do this bank holiday weekend.
Surrey based places to visit
Bocketts Farm
Leatherhead KT22 9BS
Click here for more information.
Chinthurst Hill
Guildford GU5 0PR
Click here for more information.
Norbury Park
Leatherhead, KT22 9DX
Click here for more information.
Newlands Corner
Guildford, GU4 8SE
Click here for more information.
Or find one in your area! Click here for easy walks around Surrey.
South London based places to visit
Morden Park
Morden, SM4 5DX
Click here for more information.
Horniman Nature Trail
London, SE23 3PQ
Click here for more information.
Green Chain Walk
Divided into 11 sections across South/South East London
Click here for more information.
The Tamsin Trail
Richmond Park
Click here for more information.
Vauxhall City Farm
165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS
Click here for more information.
Deen City Farm
39 Windsor Ave, SW19 2RR
Click here for more information.
And here are some activities for you to try in the park or even your garden!
Digging For Worms
Earthworm digging is a great activity that will introduce your little one to the wonders of the ecosystem that thrives in soil.
It's a fun and educational experience that fosters curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of adventure.
Tools
Small spades or trowels
Buckets or containers for worm collection
Magnifying glass for observation
Book about worms or identification chart
Method
Choose a safe outdoor area like a garden bed or grassy field and gather your materials.
Optionally use the book or identification chart to spark your little one's interest.
Show your little one how to gently dig into the soil, encourage lifting small sections of soil to look for worms. Remind them to be gentle with the worms to avoid harming them.
Once you’ve found some worms place them in the bucket or container.
Use the magnifying glass to observe them up close. Chat with your little one about how they move, their shape and their importance to the ecosystem.
Carefully place the worms back in the soil once you’ve observed them.
If they show an interest continue the activity at home with more books or crafts - click here for inspiration.
Leaf Colour Matching
We love this activity! It’s a perfect way to connect your little one with the vibrant palette of nature.
By collecting and sorting leaves of different colours, children develop their observational skills and gain an appreciation for the diversity in the natural world.
It also offers a great opportunity to introduce concepts around seasons and ecosystems.
Tools
Containers for collecting leaves
Colour chart
Leaf identification guide or book about trees
Method
Choose a safe outdoor area with a variety of trees and plants.
Gather all your tools and begin by chatting about the different colours of leaves and why they change with the seasons.
Encourage your little one to explore the area and collect leaves. Remind them to be respectful of nature and avoid tearing leaves off trees – instead try to collect ones that have fallen. If you’re struggling to find fallen leaves, simply match them with your colour chart without collecting them!
Chat about the different colours and discuss the role of leaves in the life of the tree and their importance in the ecosystem.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
Creating pinecone bird feeders is a fun and educational activity that can help your child connect with nature and learn about wildlife.
By making bird feeders, children can observe birds up close and understand the importance of providing food for animals.
It also offers a great opportunity to discuss the local ecosystem and the changing seasons.
Tools
Pinecones
Peanut butter or alternative (sunflower seed butter is a good alternative for allergies)
Birdseed
String
Spoons
Scissors
Tray or paper plate to contain mess
Method
Begin with a discussion about birds and their dietary needs – especially in wintertime.
Give your little one a pinecone and the string. Help them cut off a bit of string and tie this around the top of the pinecone, creating a loop for hanging.
Have your little one spoon the peanut butter all over the pinecone – covering thoroughly.
Have your little one roll the pinecone in birdseed, ensuring it covers it fully.
Hang your pinecone from a tree branch or hook.
Encourage your child to observe the feeders over the next few days, chatting about the type of wildlife you see enjoying it!
Remember to always take any rubbish with you and be mindful of local wildlife!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these additional resources
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