Spring is on its way at long last. With the blossoming of trees, bumbling of bees and the noisy return of migratory birds, this time of year brings with it bundles of energy and an opportunity to get the family out and about in the fresh air. Whether you’re visiting a local woodland or exploring from your doorstep, take note of our five family outdoor activities that celebrate spring in all its glory.
Help Stick Man get back to his family tree
Explore the forest with a hop and a twirl as you help Stick Man find his way back home. Our new interactive family trail follows one of Julia Donaldson's most loved characters and features lots of fun activities along the way.
With trails in forests across England, head out on an outdoor adventure with your friends and family this spring.
Go butterfly spotting
There's an amazing 59 different species of butterfly in the UK. How many can you spot on your next forest walk?
Here are a few handy tips to get started:
- mid-morning is the best time to go on a butterfly hunt.
- look for sheltered areas away from the wind.
- try to move slowly and avoid casting a shadow over the butterfly, as it will fly away to find a new sunbathing spot.
Read our woodland butterfly guide before you go.
Take a moment to reflect
With spring comes the sense of new beginnings and an opportunity to reflect.
Our tree of life activity uses trees to help us think about our lives, what makes us who we are, and what we can always rely on.
Play a game of bluebell true or false
A truly iconic part of British springtime, the small but beautiful bluebell creates fantastic carpets of blue in our forests, along verges, in parks and maybe even in your own garden.
Download and print your own 'true or false' activity sheet to test the family’s bluebell knowledge.
Become a spring spotter
Download your free activity sheet to see what signs of spring your children can spot on your next forest walk.
For the older children, why not start a spring spotter diary?
Encourage a connection to our natural surroundings by keeping a weekly nature log. Take note of the different birds, animals, and plants, and try to describe the smells, sounds and how these details make you feel.
