With summer looming, take your toddlers outside to burn off some energy or to have an al fresco picnic lunch. Here's our pick of fun-filled places from around the UK that are perfect for the whole family.
1 of 9Starry Skies Family Camp, Monnow Valley
Nestled between the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, the beautiful Monnow Valley on the Welsh Borders will again provide the setting for Starry Skies Family Camp from July 23rd to July 27th. With a working farm, miles of rolling meadows, rivers and streams, ancient woodland, mountains and hills to explore, it's the perfect place for a Famous Five style adventure! Tickets are priced at £129 for adults and from £29 for children.www.starry-skies.net.
2 of 9Hampstead Heath, London
Free
When the sun starts shining, Hampstead Heath is the perfect place to set up camp for the day. Head to parliament hill for the huge playground or let the kids splash around in the paddling pool. Weekend visitors can also check out the model boat pond.
hampsteadheath.net
3 of 9Wellington Country Park, Berkshire
Free
Wellington features an incredible array of activities to entertain the most hard-to-please youngster. Get lost in the nature trail maze or get the family involved in a game of crazy golf. Animal-lovers can pet sheep and goats, while the toddler area includes a sandpit and play area. End your day with a BBQ or picnic by the lake.
wellington-country-park.co.uk
4 of 9Wellington Country Park, Berkshire
Free
Wellington features an incredible array of activities to entertain the most hard-to-please youngster. Get lost in the nature trail maze or get the family involved in a game of crazy golf. Animal-lovers can pet sheep and goats, while the toddler area includes a sandpit and play area. End your day with a BBQ or picnic by the lake.
wellington-country-park.co.uk
5 of 9Ragley Hall, Warwickshire
Free
Set in 400 acres of woodland, Ragley Hall has an incredible 3D maze along with an aerial slide and plenty of climbing frames. The whole family will enjoy the woodland trail – including pets, as they’re welcome too.
ragley.co.uk
6 of 9Hop Farm Family Park, Kent
Free entry, animal demonstrations from £2pp
There’s almost too much to do at Hop Farm. Little ones will love the enormous outdoor adventure play area while parents will like huge picnic area. They can also learn how to care for horses and birds of prey during the animal world demonstrations, plus there are bouncy castles, shops and a diner in case you get hungry.
thehopfarm.co.uk
7 of 9Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Free
The Strawberry castle at Gibside is the place to take energetic kids. They’ll love the huge adventure castle, including a zip wire, slides and swings. The family can all take part in the naturescape, a woodland play trail with log bridges to climb over.
nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
8 of 9Brownsea Island, Dorset
Free
Take an adventure to Brownsea Island, just off the Dorset coast. Jump on one of the half-hourly ferries from Poole Harbour and once you arrive, explore the nature reserve and take part in the smugglers trail to find the hidden treasure chest! The cliff top is the perfect place for picnics with a view.
nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
9 of 9Arlington Court, Devon
Free
The whole family will enjoy Monkey Puzzle Mania. Explore the woodland and take a walk along the rope bridge, defend the fort and pitch up for a picnic amongst fallen trees and giant games of noughts and crosses.
nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court