Delight your Kids with a Day Out in the Forest

If you want to take your children out and about in the fresh air, how about exploring the countryside in Hainault and Epping forest? Both are perfect for a day out in the open air.

Hainault Forest

Hainault forest has plenty to offer for a family day out. With over 300 acres you won’t run out of things to see and do. It’s great for a day in the country.

The Lake

The lake is filled with a variety of fish, see what you can spot, can you see Carp, Bream or Pike? How about seeing the wildlife from the water? You can hire a rowing boat and explore the lake and feed the greedy ducks!

Foxborough’s Farm Zoo (Temporarily Closed)

Take the little ones to see the animals in the farm zoo. Let them see the animals up close. Which ones do they like best? How many animals can they see today? Are they all farm animals or are there any other types in the Zoo? Don’t forget your camera.

The Foxborough Express

If the little ones are a bit tired hop on to the train on wheels and take a short ride around the lake. See what you can spot on the journey. Can you see any animals or birds on the way round?

Adventure Play Trail

Now here’s something for energetic children. There’s a climbing wall, a bouncy bridge, climbing ropes and balancing posts. It has been designed for younger children, who will love being able to practice their balancing skills. Can they make it from the beginning to the end of the circuit? Or maybe they are happy swinging and climbing on one rope.

Adventure Play Towers

If you’ve got children between the ages of 8 and 13, these play towers have been designed for them in mind. Kids need to climb and balance to access the towers, which are linked by bridges.  There’s also a circular swing which is ideal for kids who can’t manage the physical challenge of the towers. They can let their imaginations run away with them as they play.

Adventure Woodland Trail

Teenagers, young people and adults can attempt to climb up and through the trees to complete the circuit of balancing ropes and bridges. Can you complete it? It’s a real test of skill and judgement.

Hainault also has a number of nature trails for both adults and children, guided works and interactive trails. You can download an app for your smartphone which has information and games. You can read more about it here.

EPPING FOREST

Epping forest is London’s largest open space and if you like walking and cycling and enjoy nature, then you will love exploring this vast area.

Epping Forest has three main visitor areas which are:

Epping Forest Visitors Centre, High Beach

If you want to visit the High Beech Visitor’s Centre and stop for a picnic, you’ll find you’re in the perfect spot.

Afterwards, take the Beech Trail, remember what you see and get the kids to collect leaves and twigs to make a memory card later. What can you see on the walk? Maybe you’ll stop some animals or see birds and butterflies. How many different types of trees are there? It’s a two hour walk through the forest in a circular route and it’s a great way to learn about nature.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and the View are jam packed full of information and facts about Epping Forest and the surrounding area. You can explore both houses and learn all about the forest. Ask questions, get the answers from the exhibitions. Who lived in this house? When was it built?

Afterwards, take a walk along Holly Trail, which is about an hour’s walk through the woodland. What can see? Have you picked up any knowledge from your visit to the Hunting Lodge? There’s also another walk called the Willow Trail, which is a circular route that will take you to Connaught Water. Here you can see the ducks and other wild fowl in their natural habitat.

The Temple, Wanstead Park

The Temple isn’t just a visitor’s centre, it’s also the venue for many organised events and activities which take place throughout the year. It includes many family days out, crafts and the popular yearly event, Music in Wanstead Park. If you want to find out about events, just take a look here.

Wanstead Park is a beautiful place to take a walk and admire the bluebells when they are in bloom. There are many water features, so plenty of ducks to feed. It is a great open space to enjoy a picnic.

So there you are, two great ideas to get you and the kids off the sofa and into the fresh air for a great day out.

Recommendations

• Suitable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Bottle of water

Group booking(s) available

DATE: July – September

TIME: 10.00am – 2.00pm

MEETING POINT: Global Café

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