Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
5 Fun and Eco-Friendly Activities for Families with Young Children
Finding activities you can enjoy as a family has always been a challenge. There is so much work involved, from trying to get the kids organised and ready, to getting in the car and making sure everyone is happy for a whole day - it takes a lot out of you.
And despite all of the positive things that the recent focus on sustainability and eco-awareness has achieved, it has also added yet another thing to think about for many parents.
If you’re trying to be more environmentally minded, then you may have struggled to find something that keeps the kids entertained, and doesn’t have a major environmental impact at the same time.
Here we reach an important question. Is there such a thing as a fun, eco-friendly and sustainable day out in the UK?
Well thankfully, the answer is yes.
Let’s take a look at some of the best things you can do in the UK that will impress the kids, and maybe even improve the health of our planet at the same time.
Things You Can Do From Home
This may seem a bit obvious to some people, but there are plenty of scenarios that mean many people can’t just get out into nature and enjoy it.
Inner city living, lack of a vehicle, or simply not having enough time during the day can have a huge impact on the amount of time that people and their kids spend outdoors.
So here are a few things you can try as a family that will keep everyone as happy as possible- including mother nature.
Head Out For A Nature Walk
This is a great way to break free from the glow of screens, the inside of buildings and even the day to day routine.
Everyone feels better after having immersed themselves in nature- in fact there are strong links between reducing the effects of mental illness with nature immersion. And for kids the effect that spending time in nature can have is incredible.
A nature walk is not just simply heading out the door for a walk, but instead it’s about being present in nature; breathing deep breaths, taking notice of the wildlife, and truly enjoying your surroundings.
For kids nature walks are all about getting hands on. Let them pick up sticks, stones and piles of leaves; let them get their hands grubby and dirty, don’t stop them from splashing in puddles and wading into streams.
What they are actually doing in these moments is learning and developing, physically and mentally.
If you are in a city environment then heading to a local park or nearby greenspace is a great start- or if that’s not an option then finding a new and fun way to experience a city such as a London Treasure Hunt can be a great way to go.
Being in the great outdoors and appreciating your surroundings is the key.
Organise A Beach Clean Up
This one is a great way to achieve two things; first, it gets you and the kids down to the beach. And second, you’ll literally be helping the natural world, the local community, and everyone else who is enjoying the beach.
All you need to do is grab some rubbish bags, some litter pickers, and get your shoes on.
Everyone loves being at the beach- especially kids- so why not give something back and have fun at the same time?
If you’re looking to organise your own beach cleanup then check out some of the tips on offer from the Marine Conservation Society.
If you’re not near the beach then organising or attending a similar event in a nearby park or woodland is a great substitute.
Just make sure the kids are using their litter pickers instead of their hands!
Get Planting
If you’re looking for something to do at home with the kids, then look no further.
Starting a veggie garden is a great way to help kids learn about responsibility and understand the outdoors by experiencing textures and learning new skills.
Not only that but it will give you a family project that can be enjoyed together, and at the end of it all you’ll quite literally be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour with your children.
Seeing them taste their own strawberries for the first time is a magical moment.
Sustainable Attractions
Now that we’ve discovered some of the things you and the kids can enjoy in the natural world, it’s time to take a look at the places that can offer you action, adventure and pure fun- all without increasing your impact on the earth, and maybe whilst doing a little extra good too!
Greenwood Country Park
Greenwood Country Park has to be one of the UK’ premier destinations when it comes to family days out.
There is a truly incredible amount on offer, and kids will enjoy pretty much every part of it.
Your kids can try out their very own miniature 4x4 adventure, ride the green dragon roller coaster, tackle the maze, ride the 70 metre great green run, try their hand at archery, climb in the treetops- the list is really quite long!
There is a crazy amount of adventure to be had, but perhaps the best thing of all is the sustainability pledge that the park has made, to ensure this place can be enjoyed by families for years to come.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is probably one of the most famous botanical gardens in Europe, maybe even the world.
There are now two large domes here that house a stunning array of plant life gathered from all over the world.
You can explore the dense and humid rainforest, walk in the canopy of the giant trees and even zip-wire above the jungle floor.
Discover the scents and colours of the Mediterranean before discovering the hidden secrets in the outdoor garden for all seasons.
The Eden Project is an educational charity with the sole aim of getting as many people as possible into, and educated about, our natural world.
It will come as no surprise that the Eden Project places a huge emphasis on sustainability and tries to ensure that its impact is minimal with the use of solar panels, water recovery and many more techniques.
There is likely nowhere better in the UK for education and exploration- so what are you waiting for?
Sustainable Family Fun
So there we have just a few ways that your family can enjoy each other's company, learn some new skills, and maybe even save the planet at the same time.
What could be more rewarding than engaging your kids in an activity, improving the impact we have on this earth, and ensuring that future families will be able to do exactly the same thing for years to come?
The best way to create a better future for our children is by teaching them to care for, and enjoy the natural world.