10 Family Days Out This May Half Term
Are you looking for ideas for family days out to keep your explorers entertained this May half term?
Wherever you are in the UK, there's plenty of adventures to be had and we've put together some top family days out for the May half term holiday.
1) Go Ape, various locations
With over 34 stunning locations across the UK, GoApe is a brilliant day out for the whole family. Little adventurers can swing through the trees on zip lines or explore the forest on two wheels with the all-terrain Segways. There's also the chance to try axe throwing and driving mini land rovers at a number of locations.
2) Join a National Trust event
The National Trust has organised plenty of family-friendly outdoor events for the May half-term at their sites across the UK. Wherever you are, you’ll find an event near you to enjoy. There's a minibeasts hunt at Hatchlands Park, a nature detective trail at Lyveden, an alphabet nature scavenger hunt at Erddig and lots more going on. View all the events here.
3) BeWILDerwood, Norfolk and Cheshire
Explore a magical woodland, based on the magical series of children's books written by Tom Blofeld. Let your little explorers brave the broken bridge or slide down the slippery slopes, get lost in the mish mash maze or whizz down the wobbly wires. If that isn't enough, there's also storytelling and creative crafts for little ones to get involved in to top off a magical day out.
4) Rockpooling, various locations
Planning a trip to the seaside over the half term holiday? Choose one with rockpools and see what creatures your little explorers can discover in the nooks and crevices of the rocks. Some of the best beaches with rockpools in the UK include Wembury Bay (South Devon), Saltburn (North Yorkshire), Sheringham Park (Norfolk) and Caswell Bay (Wales). Don't forget a good pair of wellies for exploring the pools!
Photo by Kate Joyce on Unsplash
5) Fairy Tale May Half Term at Audley End Miniature Railway
Following a train ride, children can unleash their creativity by crafting a nature crown by using natural materials sourced from the forest – regal headdresses with leaves, twigs and grasses! And what’s a crown without a wand? Each little magician can craft their very own wand to cast spells and add a touch of magic to their day. Families can explore the Fairy and Elf Walk, which winds through the enchanted woods where children can spot tiny fairies living happily and in harmony with nature. These magical creatures also tend to our sensory nature corner, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife.
6) Join a Wildlife Trust event and take part in 30 Days Wild
With various locations across the UK, The Wildlife Trusts have a number of events running over half term, perfect for the whole family to get involved in. A few of our favourites include an insect spotter trail at Whisby Nature Park and pond dipping and mini safari at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve but check out their website for a full list of events near you. Why not take part in 30 Days Wild - The Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June. Sign up to receive a free pack full of inspiration and start planning your activities for the month!
7) Wookey Hole, Somerset
Adventure into these stunning lit up caves including the Witch's Parlour which is 200ft below ground and is the largest, natural underground dome in the UK. Once you are done exploring the caves, there's plenty to keep the family entertained from animatronic dinosaurs, pirate adventure golf, a mystic Fairy Garden and plenty of woodland walks to explore. You can even enjoy a roarsome picnic next to the dinosaurs!
8) Visit a farm park, various locations
What could be more fun than visiting a farm park to feed an array of animals and be at one with nature? There are some fabulous farm parks across the country with plenty of activities to keep your little farmers entertained. There's sheep dog demonstrations, shearing and bottle feeding at Cotswolds Farm Park and follow the Fairy Trail at Piglets Adventure Farm.
9) The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire
Explore the maze of passages and paths and look out for the sleepy giant, the floating griffin and the giant woodsman at the 'strangest place in the world'. There's plenty to keep little explorers occupied including a herb garden featuring over 100 different herbs - be sure to keep a close eye on the Froggy Fountain during the Hour!
10) Bluebell forests, various locations
There's no denying that seeing bluebells is one of the most familiar sights of Spring and there are plenty of places across the UK where you can still catch a glimpse of these gorgeous purple flowers on a lovely family walk. The National Trust have a great list of the best places to see bluebells.
