Nature’s ultimate playground awaits at Westonbirt

We're never done playing! This summer, bring family and friends to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, and dive into a world of thrilling adventure in a breathtaking setting.

Playing outdoors in a park or woodland gives children a rare sense of freedom. Here, they can tackle activities that indoor spaces just can't match. How about balancing across a tree trunk? Climbing a tree? They can run wild, roll in the grass and even get gloriously muddy—all the things they're usually told not to do!

Head to Westonbirt with the kids for an unforgettable day out. Watch their imagination run wild as they explore and connect with the wonders of nature around them.

There is a big programme of summer play activity and discovery days lined up, all free after paying admission to the arboretum.

‘Green Games’ from now until 4 September, head out to find our family summer trail.

As you explore, look out for eight games that invite you to play together by testing your imagination and your memory. Try to beat your opponents and improve your aim!

‘Escape Time at the Arboretum’ – brand-new trail, coming soon. Will you be able to escape from the Silk Wood time warp? Pit your wits against each other solving each clue to crack the final puzzle and get you back home to reality. Ideal for older children and adults.

‘Music in Nature’, Saturday 20 July, 10:30am – 3:30pm, a family activity day at Silk Wood Barn to discover more about the sounds in nature. Get musical and make some instruments using natural materials. Why not give it a try!

‘Earth - The Art of Mud’, 6 - 8 August, 10:30am – 3:30pm, family activity days led by artist and children’s author Pippa Pixley inviting you and your children to delve into the art of mud. Pippa is an author and artist based in the Peak District National Park, an experienced storyteller, illustrator, designer and writer.

‘Wind – Blown Away’, 13 –15 August, 10:30am – 3:30pm, in this series of family activity days you can learn about seeds that disperse in the wind. Roll your sleeves up to look closely at different grasses using microscopes and hand lenses and test how far different seeds can disperse.

‘Fun with Sticks’, 17 August, 10:30am – 3:30pm. A discovery day exploring the variety of life living on sticks, including mosses, lichens, algae and fungi - looking closely with hand lenses. Create a willow butterfly and have fun whittling sticks to make a wand.

‘Sunshine & Shadows’, 20 - 22 August, 10:30am-3:30pm, come and join in with activities led by expert Justin Quinell. He is considered to be one of the world experts in pinhole photography, camera obscuras and experimental photography. Print out your own images using turmeric and sunlight and get creative at making your own shadow puppets!

‘Water – Amazing Journeys’, 27 - 29 August, 10:30am-3:30pm. Have fun playing with water, try designing your own wooden raft and take part in a challenge to see if yours will be the fastest to race down the water! Learn how to use marbling inks, try some leaf chromatography, and discover how trees transport their water up and down the trunk.

The much-loved Gruffalo turns 25 this year, and until late summer at Westonbirt what better way to celebrate than a big party trail? As part of the adventure, families will be encouraged to work together to search for missing party items while enjoying fun and games along the trail. For even more fun to forget to grab your trail pack for just £4 at the Welcome building when you arrive or from Westonbirt Shop.

To ensure that you see some of the arboretum’s most beautiful places and wonderful trees, why not choose one of Westonbirt’s four guided walks to make the most of your visit.

All these summer activities will fill you and your children with joy as you explore one of the world’s most stunning natural playgrounds.

For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/summer