We know that for lots of you, National Parks Week will be a big family affair. So we've come up with a list of the top 15 family friendly adventures for everyone to enjoy together!
Make your own unique noticeboard using reclaimed and recycled materials. You will also get a chance to learn how to create paper furniture.
This is Norwich’s gateway to the Broads. There are walks through tranquil meadows and ancient woodlands, and there’s a wheelchair accessible path around Whitlingham Great Broad (about 2 miles / 3km). The park, which is open daily, is great for cycling too, or you can take a trip on Ra, Britain's first solar-powered passenger boat. The trip offers excellent views and the chance to see Broads wildlife close to the city. Ra is accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp.
The Outdoor Education Centre, based at the country park, has a programme of adventurous outdoor activities including canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, climbing and archery. You can also hire canoes to explore the broad independently.
Looking for summer fun? Glenmore is the place to be with many fun activities & challenges with Glenmore Summer Challenges from 1 July through til 3 September. Selfie challenge; Mini beast hunt; Activities score card; Tree bingo; Wild art; Glenmore Top 20 challenge. Challenge packs available from Glenmore Visitor Centre, Glenmore Forest Park.
The Thursday weekly craft market features a whole host of creative and amazing things to view, buy and play with. Expect to come across fun wooden animals, weekly guest crafters, honey & bee products and jewellery. The vast array of things going on every week means that it's hard not to find something that everyone can enjoy.
A free, fun family adventure day for all ages around Simonsbath and Blackpitts, Exmoor National Park.
This ‘drop in’ event will feature the Bogstacle course, stream dipping, live bats, the opportunity to visit one of the South West’s last remaining operational water powered sawmills, and lots more all-weather and undercover activities. There is something for everyone! Entrance is free, although some activities may request a small charge. There are toilet facilities and food available on site - parking at Simonsbath, follow the Bogtastic signs.
Held during UK National Park’s Week and in the month of International Bog Day, Bogtastic is the South West’s biggest and best bog festival celebrating the special qualities of Exmoor’s bogs, heritage and wildlife. Over 400 people attended last year!
Discover one of the many attractions on at Brockhole this National Parks Week.
Archery, Mini Golf and Pony Hire are just some of the amazing things on offer here throughout the week. There's a cafe and shop for adults to relax in whilst the children can enjoy the Adventure Park. For any 'big kids' visiting there are also the Treetop Nets and Treetop Trek which have no age limit on.
Drive to Trossachs Pier and hire bikes from Katrine Wheelz. Then either cycle to Stronachlachar along the quiet yet still hilly Loch Katrine north shore road, lunch at the Pier Café before sailing back either at 2.30pm or 5.15pm.
The New Forest boasts hundreds of miles of all-terrain gravel tracks that are perfect for families to enjoy an easy walk or cycle. With over 40 routes to choose from you are sure to be able to find somewhere for all the family to enjoy!
Uncover the hidden history of Northumberland National Park, with an exciting outdoor adventure offering hours of fun for treasure hunters of all ages. Learn about history and heritage of the magical county of Northumberland and see how many of our caches you can find.
The Wild Woodsmen and Trailblazer Wildcraft
If you ran out of coffee, do you know what plant root to grind up to make a substitute? Could you build a waterproof shelter in the woods? Understanding our wild places helps us appreciate nature and build self-confidence, and bush craft sessions in the North York Moors National Park are a great way to gain new skills whilst enjoying a family day out. Contact local activity operators such as The Wild Woodsmen and Trailblazer Wild craft for more information. Be sure to watch out for nature-related activities and skills courses at National Park visitor centres. (By the way, the answer is dandelion!).
Take to the trails for a family adventure on foot or two wheels – explore the national park along historic former railway lines. Choose from the scenic High Peak Trail 17 miles, picturesque Tissington Trail 13 miles, or the magnificent Monsal Trail and tunnels (8.5 miles).
The Age of Adventure & Tales of Adventure
Travel back with us to ancient times to hear stories of strange adventures. Be the hero or heroine of these tales. Would-be warriors, hunters and princesses are welcome! £1 per activity + admission
Sit around the fire and listen to tales of adventure from the distant past. Local storytellers will keep you spellbound as they weave their stories of myth and legend.
This trail is located in the south of Snowdonia National Park and is considered to be one of the best trails in Britain, for cyclists as well as walkers.
It follows the beautiful Mawddach estuary, giving visitors the chance to experience some of Snowdonia’s splendour, striking scenery and beautiful wildlife. The trail stretches for nine miles between Dolgellau and Barmouth and can be joined at several points, including Morfa Mawddach and Penmaenpool.
The trail follows the river Mawddach which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation because of the salt marsh and lowland peat.
There are accessible toilets along the trail, as well as benches and picnic tables. The wide gates along the path make it accessible for wheelchairs, pushbikes and pushchairs.
There are lots of different tales about how old the yew trees of Kingley Vale really are. Some say they were planted to make longbows in the Middle Ages. Others that they commemorate dead Vikings from the 9th Century.
Whatever their age, they are some of the oldest living things in England and a great make spot for a picnic and a game of hide and seek. The eerie atmosphere beneath these trees offers a cool respite on a hot summer day, making it the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a packed lunch.
Walking around the 160 hectares of chalk grassland, scrub, mixed woodland and ancient yew forest that makes up this nature reserve offers the chance to encounter wildlife. You might hear the song of the nightingale or the rat-a-tat of the green woodpecker. Spot some of the 11 different orchids or 39 species of butterfly. Or find evidence of badgers, weasels, stoats, and roe or fallow deer.
There are all sorts of adventures to have at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale. Have a go at archery, watch the birds of prey demonstration or the wild boar being fed or dress up in medieval costumes and play medieval games. Bolton Castle is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles; originally built as one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land, the castle bears the scars of over 600 years of fascinating history.
