All posts filed under: The Great Outdoors

Summer Holiday Fun for an Active Childhood

Published by Jen

I’m so confused as to how it’s almost July, and feeling a little sad as my babies prepare to leave their reception and year 2 classes respectively. However, I am quite excited about our summer holidays – spending six weeks with the children always sounds like such a lovely idea in June! At the beginning of August, we are flying to Mykonos and then heading to Paros for a few days with Nanny Bee, but other than that have no concrete plans. I have lots of things that I would like to do this summer, from camping trips and days out to science experiments and reading challenges – the overall theme being one of simple, outdoor fun and, hopefully, plenty of time spent with family and friends. Forest school and beach education ideas always appeal to me and I would love to spend some days exploring these; building dens, making campfires, searching for bugs and sea creatures… One of our favourite things to do last summer was to visit art galleries with a sketchbook. Miss …

Muddy Boots

Published by Jen

We are a family that likes to get out and about, we really are. We don’t mind wind or drizzle, mud or seawater, puddles or trees. They all add to our fun. Puddle suits and wellies are essential to our plans, as are changes of clothes and towels, for those extra messy adventures. As long as they go home warm and snug eventually, my children are happy to get wet and muddy and cold. Muddy boots are, to me, the sign of a day well spent. I would far rather my children play outside throughout winter than get too used to being occupied by screens indoors. As such, I look for wet weather gear that will last a season. With boots and waterproofs being used almost daily, they need to be strong and made well. I am happy to pay a little extra for products that tick my boxes as apposed to buying cheaply only to have to replace regularly. Our favourite boots at the moment are the PuddleStompers from Muddy Puddles. Strong, …

The Outdoors Project

Published by Jen

I always feel that there is something so magical about being outdoors with children. Of course, I cannot speak for all children, but mine certainly come alive. Their movements are bigger and bolder, their language becomes richer, they are coworkers like never before, loyal, trusting and fearless, they dash up trees and build forts; above all, their smiles are broader. You really do get a sense that they are fulfilled and enriched by such experiences, whether they be by the sea, in the woods, up a hill, or just at the local park. One of our favourite places to play is in a forest or woods. We took a trip to the Forest of Dean last summer and it remains one of our very favourite holidays. There is always something to do when surrounded by trees and wood and nature; and if you’re ever stuck for ideas, just ask a child! Their imaginative play is packed full of more creativity than ever before when captivated by nature. They explore new sensory and messy play …

Arundel Castle

Published by Jen

It’s fair to say we live in a rather beautiful part of the country, bordered by coastline and countryside, with historic gardens, stately homes and castles all on our doorstep. One such gem is Arundel Castle, a few miles north of Littlehampton, situated close to the banks of the River Arun. We were invited to visit for a day during the Easter break and were blessed with mostly good weather. Warm, dry and sunny for several hours before turning grey and drizzly, we enjoyed our first picnic of the year upon arrival. Once the children were full and a little bouncy, we snuck indoors and headed for the castle keep, which is the oldest part of the castle. Full of concrete steps, winding spiral staircases and narrow walkways, it is a charming piece of history though admittedly not the most accessible part of the castle. Thankfully, we no longer require a pushchair so were fully able to appreciate the keep in all its historic glory, with views and learning opportunities aplenty. The …

An Easter Break Well Spent

Published by Jen

This Easter break has been one our of busiest school holidays to date. The children are now both of an age where they have the stamina to enjoy full days out without tiring too easily and both enjoy being outdoors, which we have fully exploited. The weather has been typical of English springtime – grey, chilly and wet at times, but bright, sunny and warm when it mattered. We have been to the zoo, walked up 153 steps to the top of a lighthouse, practised a new skill at a roller disco, had an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of a stately home, toured a castle, enjoyed a mini break, eaten breakfast with the Easter bunny, cuddled lambs at the farm, been to the cinema, eaten waffles bigger than our heads, climbed a “mountain”, scaled endless trees, run around gardens and parks, splashed in puddles, survived the hell of soft play, had a sleepover with a friend, thrown pebbles into the sea, been thrilled by funfair rides, played crazy golf with family and even …