5 Fun Ways to Explore National Parks with Your Kids
updated on Jul 28, 2017
Getting the kids to put down the tech and go outside can be a bit of a struggle. National Parks Week is here to remind us of everything beautiful, unique, and wonderful about nature.
Ease them back into nature with a podcast walk
Going tech cold turkey can be a bit of a shock to the system, so why not try one of the Brecon Beacons National Park podcast walk. Ranging from 15-20 minutes each, these trails help you discover the waterfalls of the western section of the park. With a number of walks to choose from, remember to download the podcast before you set out, as mobile signals can be patchy.
Discover new skills and hidden clues
Go on a treature hunt
Before we had satellite navigation to help us uncover carefully hidden caches around the world, we had letterboxing. Using a combination of treasure-hunting and orienteering, follow clues to locate boxes hidden across Dartmoor National Park by others.
If modern day treasure hunting is more their thing, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Malham area has a great geocaching trail. Starting at Malham Cove, learn about the limestone geology of the area as you begin your adventure around the Dales.
Take to the trees
What better way to get back to nature than with a tree top adventure? Brockhole, the National Park Visitor Centre in Windermere offers a range of tree top treks for explorers aged 5 and up. Adults and kids can climb, balance, swing, and fly through the Lake District National Park’s 250-year-old oak trees. Particularly adventurous over 7s can even take a thrilling treetop zip-wire ride from the top of a 14-metre high tree in Windermere, while over 10s can experience Go Ape’s tarzan swings, zip wires, obstacle and role courses in Alice Holt Forest, South Downs National Park.
Discover history
Home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park, start your journey at the Once Brewed National Park Visitor Centre for family-friendly ideas, events, and more. Visit sites along the wall, or walk a section of it and catch the return bus during summer months.
Learn more about local wildlife together
Get in touch with nature
From Scottish wildlife to endangered animals in the Highland Wildlife Park, Cairngorms National Park, to scuttling beach creatures in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park rock pools, there are countless species to keep them interested in parks across the country this summer. Looking for something a little less wild, but just as fun? A pony ride at the Lake District National Park is guaranteed to make them smile.
To find out more about National Parks Week, as well as upcoming events, family fun days, and more, visit the official National Parks website.
