Head to the forest for some half-term fun!

21 May 2025

Head to the forest for some half-term fun!

Looking for the perfect half-term activity? Why not explore the natural wonders of your local Forestry England forest with the children for a budget-friendly family day out?

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to the nation’s forests, with lots of fun activities guaranteed to entertain your family and friends. And with the ongoing cost of living crisis still affecting us all, the good news is children can have a good time without breaking the bank. 

To make the most of the late spring weather, here is Forestry England’s list of low-cost, family-friendly activities and fun things to do!

Stick Man family adventure trails  

This half-term, families can have a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man, the beloved character from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's popular book. The specially designed activity trails, running across 26 forests in England, invite young explorers to help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree. 

Along the route, children can enjoy nine interactive activity stations and six spotter panels, where they'll build with sticks, learn about forest wildlife, and discover the wonders of woodland birds and their nests. For just £4, families can buy an activity pack including materials to create their own Stick Man and a special passport to collect stamps during their forest adventure. The activity pack provides hours of entertainment, making it excellent value for money.

Cost: £4 per activity pack. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies

Crack crossword clues with Wallace and Gromit this half-term and be in with the chance of winning an amazing dog-friendly holiday. Available at 22 forests, the Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit trail is packed with games and challenges designed for your family and your dog to tackle. Simply use the free OS Maps app to follow the route and discover a series of panels, each featuring a different dog-tastic activity and a crossword clue to solve.

Download the route on OS Maps before you leave and pick up your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack before you set off. It’s filled with tips, activities, and more ideas to make your adventure unforgettable!

Cost: App: Free. £5 per Forest Walkies pack plus parking charges. Free parking for members.

Go on a family bike ride

With over 2,500km of cycling trails and family-friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family cycle this half-term. Discover green spaces, dedicated cycling trails, skills areas and beginner mountain bike trails perfect for starting your children on their cycling journey. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful cycle ride.

Cost: Free, bike hire charges and parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

4. Camp under the stars

With warmer weather, it’s time to gather your family, snuggle up in your sleeping bag, and enjoy the night sky at one of Forestry England’s campsites. With 14 locations across England, these campsites provide the perfect spot for an immersive holiday. Explore miles of paths and unique experiences right outside your tent.

Cost: From £16 per night (based on 2 adults and 2 children).Members receive a 10% discount.

Disc golf

Disc golf offers a fantastic way to get your teens and tweens away from screens and into the forest this half-term. Players take aim and throw frisbee-style discs at fixed targets throughout the woodland course. Just like traditional golf, the player who completes the course with the fewest goes wins! It's cheap, fun, and lets you enjoy the outdoors while playing against friends and family.

Cost: £3.50 per disc or £12 for 4 discs. Parking charges may apply. Members pay £3 per disc or £10 for 4 discs.  

Gruffalo sculptures 

Enjoy a fun family day out this half-term as you search for the characters from Julia Donaldson's classic story, The Gruffalo, in the deep dark wood.

Your children will love meeting Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake and Squirrel as well as the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child! 

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Find a walking trail 

The nation’s forests have hundreds of walking trails for you and your family to explore. From spectacular mountain hikes for keen adventurers to quiet streamside paths and short play trails for younger family members, you're never far from a great walk.

Why not pack a picnic? Picnicking is a fantastic way to enjoy the nation’s forests, and no matter where you are in the country, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy your food while taking in the spectacular landscape. From babbling brooks to open heathland and lofty crags, you’re sure to find an outdoor dining spot unlike any other.

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Wildlife spotting adventure

Turn your family walk into an exciting wildlife hunt! The nation's forests are home to amazing creatures from tiny mini-beasts to majestic roe deer. Download Forestry England's free spotter sheet to help children track and record their discoveries. This easy, cost-free activity brings nature to life and creates lasting memories for the whole family.

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Play in the forest 

Get the whole family involved this half term as you scramble, slide and swing your way around forests and woodlands! From adventure play zones to natural equipment, our amazing play areas are great for kids and adults alike to burn off some steam. 

Forestry England believes every child should be able to play their way, which is why our new play areas are thoughtfully designed to welcome and integrate all abilities and needs. The nation's forests are being transformed with our most inclusive play spaces yet. 

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Gruffalo orienteering 

Challenge your family with Gruffalo orienteering in your local forest this half-term! Available at 11 sites, this low-cost navigational activity lets children and adults work together to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden throughout the woodland. Armed with a simple map, you'll explore the deep dark wood while developing valuable skills in map reading and decision making. Answer fun questions at each marker and race to see who can complete the trail first. Perfect for families with children of all ages - no previous experience needed!

Cost: £1.50 per Gruffalo orienteering leaflet, including map and certificate. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

With adventurous play areas, safe off-road family cycling, activity trails and beautiful picnic areas, the nation’s forests offer a fantastic family day out. Visit www.forestryengland.uk for further information.